I hope it doesn't get ugly around here if we lose...

[Doomsday101]

I know I'm really optimistic about our team, but knowing how it was in the preseason, and in past regular seasons here...It could get really ugly here even if we lose the first game.

There will be so much overreaction to the first game in particular...it's usually why I go in hiding during the season, because I'm such a Cowboy's homer, that I can't stand to read all the negative stuff...

Anyway, maybe we will win the first game and we can all bask in the glory. Otherwise...I'll see you guys around draft time lol...But I've got my fingers crossed that we come through and play up to all the good vibes that have been around here the last couple of weeks....We shall see.

Heck it can get ugly when we win. LOL

 

[LaTunaNostra]

However, if the offense looks horrible...can't run, can't protect, Bledsoe can't get it done....or if the defense can't stop LT and the running game, or if suddenly the safeties are a step slow and the CB's not in position to make plays and SD runs us over--->yeah, you'll hear doom and gloom..and rightfully so.

If we lose ugly, there will be kool-aide drinkers trying to argue that it was to be expected, that we're young, that BP was learning about his team and is happy, that we'll still go 10-6 and end the season on a huge winning streak...blah blah blah. The bottom line is that if we lose BIG or UGLY, it will indeed be a very very bad sign for a young team with a new QB...and all the chicken littles, including me, will be back hoping this team can go 8-8 and give one of the young QB's some playing time this year.

I expect a LOT of mistakes on D, especially because of the numbers of rookies will be playing.

So I will still be drinking the Kool-Aid if Ware overruns, Burnett plays a bad angle, Dat drops a pass run-key, LaRoi is less than a Pro Bowl two gapper.

We've all seen new defensive schemes implemented, and know what it looks like.

I'll be livid if LT runs on us, and we don't adjust, tho. There is too much run-stop savvy here in a 4-3 look to allow that. If Brees carves the short-inter zones up because we had to over commit to the run, well, I will expect that considering the backers have a considerable learning curve. The secondary better be solid in run support, tho.

And I will definitely pass on any Kool Aid if we see a stagnant offense - stalled drives, threes and outs, ball patting and happy feet leading to sacks while SD buries us with a first half lead.

There are too many veterans on offense, too much running back talent, and Bill has had too many years to get that oline straightened out, Bledsoe has been provided with enough weapons, and the one of his choosing at that ....ZERO excuses on the O.

I expect Bledsoe and Company not just to do their part but to CARRY the D while it struggles.

Can live with a loss, can even live with an ugly 3-4 front 7 performance, but not with lack of defensive adjustment and decrepit offense.

 

[Doomsday101]

I expect a LOT of mistakes on D, especially because of the numbers of rookies will be playing.

So I will still be drinking the Kool-Aid if Ware overruns, Burnett plays a bad angle, Dat drops a pass run-key, LaRoi is less than a Pro Bowl two gapper.

We've all seen new defensive schemes implemented, and know what it looks like.

I'll be livid if LT runs on us, and we don't adjust, tho. There is too much run-stop savvy here in a 4-3 look to allow that. If Brees carves the short-inter zones up because we had to over commit to the run, well, I will expect that considering the backers have a considerable learning curve. The secondary better be solid in run support, tho.

And I will definitely pass on any Kool Aid if we see a stagnant offense - stalled drives, threes and outs, ball patting and happy feet leading to sacks while SD buries us with a first half lead.

There are too many veterans on offense, too much running back talent, and Bill has had too many years to get that oline straightened out, Bledsoe has been provided with enough weapons, and the one of his choosing at that ....ZERO excuses on the O.

I expect Bledsoe and Company not just to do their part but to CARRY the D while it struggles.

Can live with a loss, can even live with an ugly 3-4 front 7 performance, but not with lack of defensive adjustment and decrepit offense.

I think the D will make mistake but I also think this is a defense that can create turnovers and make big plays.

 

[Thunderstruck]

How big is LaRoi? Is he playing nose, or end? I'd check myself but I can't seem to pull up the Cowboys site.

 

[Doomsday101]

How big is LaRoi? Is he playing nose, or end? I'd check myself but I can't seem to pull up the Cowboys site.

Glover will play the nose 6'2" 290.

 

[LaTunaNostra]

I think the D will make mistake but I also think this is a defense that can create turnovers and make big plays.

Well that's the flipside of the ugly......youthful energy and exuberance leading to some killer hits and maybe a few turnovers. The Brian Billick way - he manages to exploit it well.

Worse scenario imo is robotic, over cautious, non instinctual play and still getting carved up/run on. But I can take the overshooting that I know is coming or the 'mistrust' because one player is trying to cover for another (that's where the vet mistakes will kick in) if Davis is back there honing in on the ball, Roy an effective human missile, and Ware around Bree's neck like a Christmas wreath.

In other words, Bill, let them PLAY.

 

[Doomsday101]

Well that's the flipside of the ugly......youthful energy and exuberance leading to some killer hits and maybe a few turnovers. The Brian Billick way - he manages to exploit it well.

Worse scenario imo is robotic, over cautious, non instinctual play and still getting carved up/run on. But I can take the overshooting that I know is coming or the 'mistrust' because one player is trying to cover for another (that's where the vet mistakes will kick in) if Davis is back there honing in on the ball, Roy an effective human missile, and Ware around Bree's neck like a Christmas wreath.

In other words, Bill, let them PLAY.

I agree. I want these guys to stay aggressive. I understand they will make mistakes but they can offset that by coming up with the big plays. I'm looking forward to seeing these guys for 4 qrts something we have yet to see

 

[Thunderstruck]

Glover will play the nose 6'2" 290.

That's generally considered pretty light for a nose. I'm sure you've already heard that about a billion times. It's more of an ideal DE size in the 3-4, at least from what I keep hearing the "experts" say. Why not Ferguson at nose and Glover at end?

When we converted to the 3-4, a lot of people questioned whether Jamal Williams was big enough for nose at 6'3" 310, so he bulked up to almost 350, and by the end of the year a lot of people were saying he might be the best nose in the NFL. I wonder if Glover has been spending some extra time at the desert bar...

 

[Doomsday101]

That's generally considered pretty light for a nose. I'm sure you've already heard that about a billion times. It's more of an ideal DE size in the 3-4, at least from what I keep hearing the "experts" say. Why not Ferguson at nose and Glover at end?

When we converted to the 3-4, a lot of people questioned whether Jamal Williams was big enough for nose at 6'3" 310, so he bulked up to almost 350, and by the end of the year a lot of people were saying he might be the best nose in the NFL. I wonder if Glover has been spending some extra time at the desert bar...

Glover has played it before in New Orleans and went to the Pro Bowl that year. I would agree if you just looked at size Glover does not seem like a great fit but the guy plays with a lot of intensity and heart and finds a way to get the job done. Glover is the least of my worries

 

[LaTunaNostra]

Fergy missed most of preseason with an ankle sprain, and in the meantime La'Roi earned the start, Thunderstruck.

But Ferguson will be in the rotation at nose.

 

[Thunderstruck]

Fergy missed most of preseason with an ankle sprain, and in the meantime La'Roi earned the start, Thunderstruck.

But Ferguson will be in the rotation at nose.

Ferguson's tough. He gave our center, Hardwick, a bit of trouble in the playoffs last year. When Hardwick got hurt and had to come out of the game, Fergy was all over the place.

Hardwick's a real agile center...it seems like he'd be better suited to go against Glover, especially since the only weakness I've seen in Hardwick is when he has to block the huge bull-rushers. If Glover can't draw double-teams, you will have problems.

 

[Vinnie2u]

I won't over react if we lose if...... the team plays a good game. No turnovers, few penalties, stout defense,and the offense puts up some points. If the team shows no improvement from last year then I will be pissed.

 

[LaTunaNostra]

Ferguson's tough. He gave our center, Hardwick, a bit of trouble in the playoffs last year. When Hardwick got hurt and had to come out of the game, Fergy was all over the place.

Hardwick's a real agile center...it seems like he'd be better suited to go against Glover, especially since the only weakness I've seen in Hardwick is when he has to block the huge bull-rushers. If Glover can't draw double-teams, you will have problems.

Hardwick sounds VERY similar to Dallas center Al Johnson..a pulling C in the Kevin Mawae mode.

We expect Tuna will rotate in Andre Gurode, who has a lower center of gravity to try to stave off Williams.

As far as La'Roi is concerned, he is no Sam Adams, Ted Washington, Keith Traylor monster, but he is technique savvy in the extreme.

How much he actually plays straight up 3-4 nose this week is anyone's guess, tho.

 

[Thunderstruck]

Hardwick sounds VERY similar to Dallas center Al Johnson..a pulling C in the Kevin Mawae mode.

We expect Tuna will rotate in Andre Gurode, who has a lower center of gravity to try to stave off Williams.

As far as La'Roi is concerned, he is no Sam Adams, Ted Washington, Keith Traylor monster, but he is technique savvy in the extreme.

How much he actually plays straight up 3-4 nose this week is anyone's guess, tho.

That's a very good description for Hardwick. He is very strong and quick, fast for a lineman, but he looks skinny next to the giants. He was a champion wrestler in high school and walked on at Purdue. He knows how to use leverage, but when he gives up 60 or 70 pounds on a guy, he can have trouble.

Regarding Glover, I guess I'm just kinda surprised, because when we were discussing 3-4 ends we might acquire for the Chargers in the offseason, Glover was a guy I wanted. I thought he would be perfect as a 3-4 end. I wonder if he might move to the outside if Spears struggles.

 

[kingwhicker]

I fully expect us to lose, so big deal.

 

[dbair1967]

Imagine the horror if Merriman goes off

wont happen...I'll be surprised if he makes two tackles to be honest...let alone "go off"

David

 

[followthestar]

That's a very good description for Hardwick. He is very strong and quick, fast for a lineman, but he looks skinny next to the giants. He was a champion wrestler in high school and walked on at Purdue. He knows how to use leverage, but when he gives up 60 or 70 pounds on a guy, he can have trouble.

Regarding Glover, I guess I'm just kinda surprised, because when we were discussing 3-4 ends we might acquire for the Chargers in the offseason, Glover was a guy I wanted. I thought he would be perfect as a 3-4 end. I wonder if he might move to the outside if Spears struggles.

Glover was thought to be in the same boat as Ellis - a guy not suited to the new 3-4 despite his great talent. But Glover was so impressive - his technique so refined - that he is able to cause a lot of disruption and get penetration. Fergy on the other hand is more the immovable object. According to the situation and the success each is having, they will be liberally substituted. it looks to be a great 1-2 punch.
depending on the alignment, we can have Fergy, Glover, Ellis, Spears, Ware, Canty, Johnson, Ratliffe on the line. these guys are all disruptive and you better be ready for a long game, cause even into the 4th quarter we can put fresh faces in to keep the pressure on.

 

[WoodysGirl]

For me, it's all about "HOW WE LOSE" if we do.

Play a good game offensively and defensively...lose a close game...some costly mental mistakes...a fumble or int...or SD makes a nice drive at the end to win---> I can live with all of that and will walk away with a very positive outlook on the season.

However, if the offense looks horrible...can't run, can't protect, Bledsoe can't get it done....or if the defense can't stop LT and the running game, or if suddenly the safeties are a step slow and the CB's not in position to make plays and SD runs us over--->yeah, you'll hear doom and gloom..and rightfully so.

If we lose ugly, there will be kool-aide drinkers trying to argue that it was to be expected, that we're young, that BP was learning about his team and is happy, that we'll still go 10-6 and end the season on a huge winning streak...blah blah blah. The bottom line is that if we lose BIG or UGLY, it will indeed be a very very bad sign for a young team with a new QB...and all the chicken littles, including me, will be back hoping this team can go 8-8 and give one of the young QB's some playing time this year.

My thoughts, exactly.

 

[LaTunaNostra]

That's a very good description for Hardwick. He is very strong and quick, fast for a lineman, but he looks skinny next to the giants. He was a champion wrestler in high school and walked on at Purdue. He knows how to use leverage, but when he gives up 60 or 70 pounds on a guy, he can have trouble.

Regarding Glover, I guess I'm just kinda surprised, because when we were discussing 3-4 ends we might acquire for the Chargers in the offseason, Glover was a guy I wanted. I thought he would be perfect as a 3-4 end. I wonder if he might move to the outside if Spears struggles.

La'Roi hasn't really been in the mix at end in the 3-4...but the top secret way things are being conducted at Valley Ranch, nothing will surprise me on Sunday. If Bill hauls out Glover at end and Larry Allen at NT, I won't bat an eyelash.

It's interesting different coaches' responses to NT size. Marty and Wade asking Williams to beef up, Bill always on Fergy to slim down...and that was from the time he drafted him in NY - a weight clause in his contract. Jason Ferguson showing up weighting 350 (which he's capable of) would be the opening salvo of World War III.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Thunderstruck, there were a million posts saying exactly what you are about Glover: That he was far too small to play 34 NT. But he's extremely strong for his size, he's got a great first step that makes up for his lack of size, and you can't underestimate his heart. He's one tough customer both mentally and physically.

But as to Rezz' point, I can't blame you for "hiding" during the season. If we lose, there's no question that people WILL be wanting to kill half our players and probably some coaches too. It does get a little depressing seeing posters who seem to get pleasure out of running down our guys... But maybe we'll win enough to not see as much of that this year.