I'm really worried about our offense next season

[The30YardSlant]

Don't get me wrong, we have the potential to be really good on that side of the ball, but I just have a very uneasy feeling about this unit.

Our most talented offensive player, TO, will be 34 this season, is just coming off surgery on his hand, and has clearly lost a little something from his days in SF and Philly.

Glenn will also be in his mid-30s and I'm not sure I feel confident about his production with BP gone. For some reason, Parcells seemed to always bring out the best in Glenn, whether it be here or in NE 10 years ago. Without Parcells, Gelnn has been very hit or miss in his career.

Our depth at WR has to come into question, Crayton had his ups and downs last year, and Hurd/Austin have yet to show much outside of the preseason (though Austin looks to be a formittable return man).

We still don't have a defined runningback position. Julius Jones is the definition of unpredictable, and Marion Barber has never proven that he could be a consistant #1 in this league if given a chance. Granted, both SB teams last year used RB rotations, but both had backs who performed more consistantly than our's.

Our offensive line still makes me restless. Will Leonard Davis finally decide to show up every week? And will he adapt to the RG position? Will Columbo be just a one eyar wonder? Will Gurode keep it up after getting his big payday? Can Flo somehow manage to not get Romo killed from the blindside? Can Kosier learn to block anyone over 250 pounds one on one without getting bulldozed?

I'm not too worried about Romo, though I do wonder from time to time if he was legit or just a flash in the pan. I think he'll bounce back from the horrible ending to last season very well, but with a young QB there's always that shred of doubt.

Basically, the only position I'm confident about on offense is TE, where Witten and Fasano will do just fine.

If everything falls into place and most of these questions are answered the way I want them to be, we'll be just fine. However, over the last 11 years I've grown to doubt things will fall out way consistently.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

You make a good point about Glenn without Parcells. He played his heart out for Bill, but I'd like to think that with the the bonus money we just shelled out for him, he will continue to be the hard working, tough unsung hero he has been the last four seasons.

 

[theogt]

I can definitely see why you're worried about the WR position. I don't think for a minute that Glenn and Owens will make it through 16 games in 2007. That's why I'm pretty confident we'll be drafting a WR in the first. A guy like Bowe, Meachem, or Jarrett should be able to step in by mid-season and contribute just fine. So, all in all, I wouldn't say the WR position is really a concern.

Beyond that, I'm really excited to see this O-line. Flo will be completely healty and Davis will be a tremendous upgrade over Rivera. That should also help out Marion and Julius who weren't too bad last year. I think we'll see a reversal in their roles as well, which should be interesting to see.

I'm actually more worried about this defense. I don't know what the heck is going to happen with Greg Ellis, and despite the claims that Carpenter "came on" at the end of 2006, he never "came on" as a pass-rusher. He made some nice plays here and there, but none of them were while he was attacking the QB. Then, of course, there's Bradie James. What else can really be said about James that hasn't already been said?

The secondary should be okay, but I wouldn't expect anything spetacular. Phillips and Stewart didn't have too great of a record regarding their secondary in San Diego. Sure their players were pretty poor, but hey, they're the guys they specifically brought in. A lot of people are excited about the added pressure that Phillips will bring, but I'm hesistant. Wade's going to have do some excellent coaching, because James and Ayodele couldn't blitz to save their lives in 2006, and I've already expressed my skepticism re: Carpenter's pass-rush skills.

I guess when you really examine the team, there are a lot more question marks and shaky spots than people care to notice. Then again, that is usually the case with every team.

 

[Crown Royal]

When were Crayton's 'downs?' Seems to me that whenever he gets an opportunity, he uses it.

As for the thread, I agree, but I felt we overrated our offense last season anyway, and have taken all kinds of crap for that.

 

[Rampage]

didn't we have the 4th or 5th best offense? that was also playing very conservative

 

[Crown Royal]

didn't we have the 4th or 5th best offense? that was also playing very conservative

Dot.

I think we have plenty of talent, but I thought the play calling/system were crap. I'm excited to see what they tweak this year.

 

[Big Dakota]

Personally, i think our OL is gonna be better, our WRs and TEs are great, our run game is hitting it's stride and Romo will blossom. I'm as high on this O as i've been in 10 years. THE D has to prove something to me. They went down hill Bill's first year. Had a chance to turn it on but lost to New O and got owned by Carolina. Then in 05 and 06 they puked in December. The D is what i want to see under Wade. The O i believe in, but that's just me.

 

[theogt]

didn't we have the 4th or 5th best offense? that was also playing very conservative

Dot.

I think we have plenty of talent, but I thought the play calling/system were crap. I'm excited to see what they tweak this year.

The offense throughout the year was anything but conservative or bland. That is, until the playoff game. I'm not so sure that was a result of playcalling, though. It may have been more the result of a shell shocked Romo.

 

[5mics]

I'm worried about global warming but...... I'm not worried, our o-line will be better, Romo finally has game experience, TO keeps himself in great shape; we have as good of a chance as anyone to have an explosive offense.....

 

[JaiRiid]

Of course I don't know the opinions of all the players on the team, but from post-game interviews, Terry Glenn seems to have a very, very high opinion of Tony Romo. He'll play his heart out for him...

 

[tunahelper]

Personally, i think our OL is gonna be better, our WRs and TEs are great, our run game is hitting it's stride and Romo will blossom. I'm as high on this O as i've been in 10 years. THE D has to prove something to me. They went down hill Bill's first year. Had a chance to turn it on but lost to New O and got owned by Carolina. Then in 05 and 06 they puked in December. The D is what i want to see under Wade. The O i believe in, but that's just me.

Agree 100%

Wade you need to bring improvement on D, or you are out of here!

 

[big dog cowboy]

QB - better than last year
WR - TO's hand fixed better than last year, Glenn is very steady, no sure when Crayton had his "down" time
RB - no definned RB? JJ ran for over 100 yards, great backup in MBIII
OL - better than last year with Davis finally playing the right pposition for him replacing Rivera at RG, Colombo with a full season under his belt as a starter same for Kosier
TE - no problemo

Not sure what you are pushing the panic button over HH. The problem on our team isn't on that side of the ball. Our success this year (or lack thereof) will be determinded by the D.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

QB - better than last year
WR - TO's hand fixed better than last year, Glenn is very steady, no sure when Crayton had his "down" time
RB - no definned RB? JJ ran for over 100 yards, great backup in MBIII
OL - better than last year with Davis finally playing the right pposition for him replacing Rivera at RG, Colombo with a full season under his belt as a starter same for Kosier
TE - no problemo

Not sure what you are pushing the panic button over HH. The problem on our team isn't on that side of the ball. Our success this year (or lack thereof) will be determinded by the D.

Exactly.

I don't understand the "weakness in the knees" that some are exhibiting about the offense. Other than age at WR it looks like a pretty good group to me.

And I still can't get over the knocks on Kosier -- completely uncalled for. The guy gave us the best LG play we've had in several years.

 

[STSINAZ]

lookit, we are going receiver in the 1st round or O line..then receiver in the 2nd round...we will pick a good receiver in the either the first or 2nd round...third at the worst...Jerry knows we need one

 

[big dog cowboy]

And I still can't get over the knocks on Kosier -- completely uncalled for. The guy gave us the best LG play we've had in several years.

Despite what the LA apologists claim, I agree about Kosier.

 

[CCBoy]

The old addage, offense wins you games, and defense wins you Championships....must be brought to mind.

Looking at the offense, the only pressing starting position that I see needs an upgrade, is the fullback position. Hoyte may be around another season, but if history proves itself similar...this will about be the last season as a Cowboy fullback for him. How long did Bedrock last? Converted fullbacks are just not that plentiful on a longterm basis, and I think it has something to do about the blocking aspect, and offensive punch dynamics...When was the last time that you heard anything resembling a comparison to our beloved Johnson? This is the one thing, going into this season, that I see a definite need to improve goal line as well as redzone production in the running game....

With Rivera hanging in on the overall picture, I also see, going into the draft, a soundness in the offensive line...the offensive tackle position is pretty stable, with the likes of Flozell Adams, Marc Colombo, Leonard Davis, and Pat McQuistan being available. As to the offensive line's interior, Dallas still has Marc Rivera, Kyle Kosier, Leonard Davis, and Andre Gurode...the worrisome position here is center, but with both Joe Berger and Cory Procter still in the mix, that may already be covered...as both have been worked in the past, with center being the consideration....

The three things that could see some activity during the draft, is the securing of depth and future starters at quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line...these, although, do not dominate the draft process for this season....

On the defensive side of the ball, I think that there already is a very solid defensive group, that has some major question marks. Myself, I don't think anyone within the Dallas organization is looking at Anthony Henry as being someone's 'step-child', deserving second class citizenship at cornerback. I think that he and Terrence Newman provide a more than adequate set of cornerbacks, that can challenge any pair of receivers in the NFL...and this unit still has the very capable Aaron Glenn upon which to rely. Glenn is very, very long of tooth, but he is still able to provide very strong coverage, when he is brought into package situations. Here, he compares to any #3 corner in the NFL....still. I am not as anxious for a top level cornerback for this season, as the Cowboys still have a very capable Nate Jones and Jacques Reeves to rely upon...and a lot of teams don't approach that depth and level of play.

At safety now, I think that with the signing of Ken Hamlin, that Dallas has really moved into a region, previously reserved for a Philadelphia team, in league awareness of talent...I dare teams to consistently attempt to take advantage of this pair-this season. Receivers in the secondary, are going to KNOW that a lick is coming their direction, and it won't be long in coming...
Some are saying that Hamlin is a strong safety, bolderdash, as he has very good coverage skills AND delivers a hit, backed by his 6'2" frame. Not only does he add leadership, and much needed vocal direction and motivation to a secondary, but he, along with Herny, and Watkins, gives Dallas the ability to match-up well with a possession dominated passing team, with large receivers. This additionally provides good advantage in goal line as well as short yardage situations. The size that Dallas now has in it's secondary, is not a minor aspect, and believe me, along with the size of the Cowboy's offensive line, teams will take note here also....

Me, I can live with a safety, that finally, comes to the table, with a similar set of abilities that Darren Woodson had in his earlier years with Dallas...time will tell if he measures up, but he definitely came into the league with the abilities of say, a Griffin or a Merriweather, possibly a Nelson additionally. I'm not going to strain the gnats and compare to Landry, as Landry is really special, at least at this point in the NFL storyline....

My focus is still the linebacker's group...and for Dallas to have a Championship level of a defensive side of the ball, the linebackers will have to come to the forefront as to activity and bearing on the field...which is NOT the case at present. I see an interior linebacker group, that going into the season, is a little thin as well as slow....I won't, at this point, in the developing of directions, stick my head in the sand and state that there is just a need to move personnel around...as Burnett has been groomed on the outside for a variety of reasons...and is the first backup for DeMarcus Ware. I don't know that I change that role and relationship, as Burnett is very useful, additionally, in a role with the packages. Bill Parcells stated that Bobby Carpenter could excell both on the outside and additionally in the interior. Here, is the time, if he wants to step up and be a regular starter, his fortunes for this year, at the onset, is on the inside of the linebacker group...that is, unless he just flat beats Greg Ellis out for the starter's job on the outside. With all indicators, I seriously doubt this scenario playing itself out. I feel that a combination of adding Bobby Carpenter to the interior, and attacking with these linebackers-Akin Ayodele and Bradie James, Dallas could be upgraded enough to support an improved unit as a whole....

This brings us to the outside group of linebackers, the pass rusher group. I'm not afraid of this group being exploited in the running game, except occassionally, through over pursuit and wrong angles....but, the status of Greg Ellis will be attacked often and early on, this next season. I hope that all will proceed well here.

Here, is my first, real position of team need on my running list-either a true rush outside 'tweener', and Carpenter inside, or Carpenter outside and a much stronger and mobile linebacker in the interior of the defensive unit. One or the other will need to be addressed early on in the draft...either first round, or high second round....to be a real influence, this season, beyond a rotational basis...which could then be developed somewhat, and with a lower initial selection level...position one-linebacker/DE hybrid....

This 'need' will be influenced, due quality of all starters on the team already, by value of player at the selection pick, there will be a one to two round option for each position that is seen as beneficial to the present depth, or a stronger projection in future ability at a positional group. Therefore, my other positions of scrutiny, would thus expand to wide receiver, and cornerback....to project into the future. I then would adjust somewhat, for quarterback and offensive line interior....

 

[The30YardSlant]

QB - better than last year

You really don't know that

WR - TO's hand fixed better than last year, Glenn is very steady, no sure when Crayton had his "down" time

The fact that TO is getting older may offset the fixed hand

RB - no definned RB? JJ ran for over 100 yards, great backup in MBIII

Yes, no defined player at the position. Julius is very streaky (1000 yards is hardly a measurinf stick anymore. Talk to me when he starts hitting 1,300-1,400 yards).

OL - better than last year with Davis finally playing the right pposition for him replacing Rivera at RG, Colombo with a full season under his belt as a starter same for Kosier

That isnt saying much

 

[burmafrd]

First off this offense scored 425 points and will have a healthy TO, and a better RG in Davis. COlombo should be better with more time to get stronger. The Hotel should be at full strength. Romo should be better as well. This offense should be even better this year. No reason at all for any slide.

 

[big dog cowboy]

HH - the QB play will be better this year. Or did you forget how awful Bledslow was? You know Romo will be better that goes without saying. TO is one of the best conditioned professional athletes there is regardless of sport. Now that his hand is fixed he will be better. The RB's will be better just because of Davis. He will be light years better than Rivera, Additionally Kosier and Colombo will have a full year under their belt and will be better. That is really saying a lot. Another full off season of camps and working out and these guys will be better. Especially Colombo. As I mentioned before, it's the D we should be worried about. Especially the pass rush. Our offense was a top 5 unit last year and will be better this year.

 

[CF74]

Not sure what you are pushing the panic button over HH. The problem on our team isn't on that side of the ball. Our success this year (or lack thereof) will be determinded by the D.

I think he's just bored. But seriously I hope I'm not over confident in our offense this year. We just upgraded our o-line, TO will have a clean slate as far as injuries are concerned and I'm expecting a break-out year with him. He's got at least 2-3 years left in the tank and despite his popularity, will end up in Canton...Ducks:laugh2:

It's all riding on the D:starspin