Not sure if
@ClappingCarrot is available today and I love these threads so I thought I’d give it a go for y’all who look out for it. Here we go:
1. Dak, in JJT’s opinion, has put out the most powerful statement on the current events. JJT asked around the star to see how they felt about it. They all said “it speaks to Daks ability to be a leader. When he finally had something to say, it was as powerful as anyone else’s.” The power and specificity was highlighted. Regardless of what the public thinks, his teammates ride or die for Prescott because of his leadership. He brings everyone together regardless of cultural differences. JJT goes on to say that even though Dak is not yet a better player than Romo, he’s a much better leader.
In addition to the statement, sources identified Dak’s propensity to deflect praise to others while accepting criticism for himself. Seems like regardless of what you think of him as a player, there’s a unanimous adoration for Prescott in the locker room. JJT pointed at New Orleans and how Brees will have his work cut out for him to secure the locker room; Dak will have no such issues. Not new info for most of us, but some here still have questions for some reason.
2. Mike McCarthy and his return to coaching in the facility. JJT wants to offer a disclaimer, Mike hasn’t lost yet so all the reviews coming from those sources in the building are glowing, but here's why they are impressed. The biggest thing his sources have noticed that they love how McCarthy hasn’t bent at all for the Joneses. He tells them what he wants and they do everything they can to get it for him. He’s brought an authority and clear power structure to the Star. JJT adds (paraphrasing), if you aren’t just happy to have the job and are willing to work and demand standards are met, the Joneses are willing to give you all the support you need to be successful. Sounds like the opposite of Garrett.
An insistence on BPA (Ceedee mentioned here) and Fassel as ST coordinator amongst other hires are specifics JJT mentioned. Sources added that McCarthy doesn’t overthink things and trusts his football people and his knowledge. He takes the time to make sure his players are taken care of and doesn’t like physical practices throughout the year. He prefers keeping guys ready to go for Sundays physically while stressing mental prep during the week. JJT mentioned Garrett’s propensity to pound it with physical practices mid-week and how that might have been detrimental. Source added “he seems committed to a well-balanced plan of getting the work in without killing the players.” Haven’t lost yet so hard to say with finality, but first impression in the building is great so far.
3. JJT dug some on Amari Cooper and where he lines up during the season. Coop is a beast in the slot (numbers REALLY support this despite his lack of snaps there). Only ran 74 snaps from the slot, one of the lowest for starting WR’s. But only Michael Thomas averaged more yards per route and Coop was top 8 in ‘15 & ‘17 from the slot as well. JJT thinks Coop will have plenty of opportunities to make plays from the slot. His quickness and size give him an advantage in the slot. When JJT asked the source about why Coop didn’t play more in the slot, source replied “We had Randall Cobb so we didn’t really need to shift him inside.” (Talk about predictable lol). Scout also added that won’t be the case this year as Amari’s foot quickness, strength, size, and release ability make him virtually unguardable in there. Outside WR’s are limited by the boundaries and face the best corners, JJT seems to think Coop as the primary slot option is perfect, as the Hopkins mold Ceedee Lamb has the optimal traits for an outside WR. Doesn’t mean he won’t get snaps inside, but keep an eye on Coop as the main recipient on slot opportunities. Our slot WR’s period are “going to eat this year”.
4. Randy Gregory update. JJT speculated that the reason his is taking a bit more time is because the league wants to see if a player is in a position to succeed in their after care program before they reinstate. Randy especially has failed many more tests than Aldon did for example. So his look into after care programs is requiring more scrutiny than Aldon’s who has a pretty well-connected network of after care support. Since Randy’s use has been documented as medicinal and he’s never been in trouble with the law, he should be fine.
JJT also adds that some questions popped up a little while ago about Randy’s desire to play ball. After his most recent suspension, JJT hears that his love for the game waned a bit. Though it’s somewhat understandable due to the constant cycle of suspensions he’s been in, people around him wondered if he had that same love for the game. While he’s always been verbal about his desire to play, his actions had to match that. Recently though, he’s been doing what he needs to do to get back in and people around him seem at ease with those concerns. Source feels like he’s doing everything he needs to do physically and mentally to get back in the league, but his delay with the league may have something to do with him taking his foot off the gas for a bit as well as the looks into the after-care program Randy is in.
Enjoy!
