Let's discuss Jermey Parnell

[Crown Royal]

Let's discuss.

I don't have access to the all 22, nor the time to review it if I did, but I do make it a point to watch the offensive line during the game. I seldom look directly at the QB at the snap and instead focus on what's going on, if there is pressure, etc. So I don't think I'm talking from a vacuum.

It's also important to point out that the OL as a whole was schooled. Tyron and Parnell both got fooled on that double a blitz look that brought to Ends onto Romo (to the point that I almost think Fred made the wrong line call), Leary could not run block against this line at all and was a big reason they held up DeMarco, and Fred and Martin were adequate at best. The whole unit struggled.

BUT - I want to focus on this mystery, because it is going to be a big decision this offseason. There were certainly times where Parnell did really well. When he gets it, he gets it - he is powerful, drives, and really wants to play well. His pass protection though....woeful. I thought he was beat over and over far too many times when he wasn't given help, and I still don't know how he wasn't called for some obvious holds. HOnestly, if I'm a Detroit fan, I'd be FAR more upset about the holds they let go a few times than the DPI pickup. He was quite literally clotheslining guys from behind on the play in the fourth where Randle got held out of the backfield.

I almost feel like he is the Anti-Free. He seems to be crazy powerful and just a true brute, far more than Free has ever even pretended to be. But technique wise it is like watching Torrin Tucker in my opinion. I don't know what's going on - and I know that Free took a long time after 2012 to improve as well, but I am getting to the point where I have little comfort in this guy next season. It isn't like he's new to this system, coach, players, etc.

Perhaps someone who can review the film more can provide some commentary. I'd be interested in Smith and Leary too, as I felt those guys struggled mightily as well. I was shocked, though, to see that Pro Football Focus gave Parnell a great grade this game - I thought he struggled a ton.

 

[NoLuv4Jerry]

I think we have seen enough to determine who he is....he is a backup

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I would say half of those sacks on Romo were on Tony. There was another sack where you could probably put 75% of the blame on Tony and 25% of the blame on the O-Line. And Detroit's defense is very good. Lots of excellent athletes and a very good D-Coordinator. Put it this way, I hope he gets a HC gig in the AFC.

Parnell's main problem is that he struggles to get waist bend. He has world class power. His technique is nothing to brag about. I prefer Free because I think Free's technique allows him to be a better run blocker and Parnell's lack of waist bend makes him a bit too inconsistent in pass protection. He's so powerful and long that he can flatten out just about any DE. But, with his lack of waist bend and inconsistent hand placement, I could see a lower level DE that gets a low center of gravity end up having a field day.

I can't say that I blame the Cowboys for re-signing Parnell and letting Free go (especially with Free having bone spurs and turning 31 next year). But, I'm not overly thrilled with Parnell as a starting RT, now or in the future.





YR

 

[Crown Royal]

I would say half of those sacks on Romo were on Tony. There was another sack where you could probably put 75% of the blame on Tony and 25% of the blame on the O-Line. And Detroit's defense is very good. Lots of excellent athletes and a very good D-Coordinator. Put it this way, I hope he gets a HC gig in the AFC.

Oh absolutely. Especially in the second half, Romo earned most if not all his sacks (to be fair, the coverage was fantastic for Detroit, but for God's sakes throw the ball away). I'm not too mad at Tony because that's often how he makes a great play. I'd rather he gamble and be wrong on a sack than gamble and be wrong on an INT though. Oh well.

THe first half I think it was a combination of bad line play, well timed blitzes, and Romo really not being prepared for it. WE adjusted well and they backed off though, so that's nice. That said, my problems with Parnell had less to do with sacks and more to do with pressures and holding. I am utterly perplexed he didn't get called for it, and I would bet several of @BrAinPaiNt's dollars that he will be against Green Bay.

Parnell's main problem is that he struggles to get waist bend. He has world class power. His technique is nothing to brag about. I prefer Free because I think Free's technique allows him to be a better run blocker and Parnell's lack of waist bend makes him a bit too inconsistent in pass protection. He's so powerful and long that he can flatten out just about any DE. But, with his lack of waist bend and inconsistent hand placement, I could see a lower level DE that gets a low center of gravity end up having a field day.

I can't say that I blame the Cowboys for re-signing Parnell and letting Free go (especially with Free having bone spurs and turning 31 next year). But, I'm not overly thrilled with Parnell as a starting RT, now or in the future.
YR

Couldn't put this any better. I was excited for Parnell last year, but the truth of the matter is that he's been here for too long to be this poor at his technique. I want to tell myself that Free had that terrible year too, but I really don't think even that was as bad as Parnell's technique. At some point the guy isn't going to get it.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

I would say half of those sacks on Romo were on Tony. There was another sack where you could probably put 75% of the blame on Tony and 25% of the blame on the O-Line. And Detroit's defense is very good. Lots of excellent athletes and a very good D-Coordinator. Put it this way, I hope he gets a HC gig in the AFC.

Parnell's main problem is that he struggles to get waist bend. He has world class power. His technique is nothing to brag about. I prefer Free because I think Free's technique allows him to be a better run blocker and Parnell's lack of waist bend makes him a bit too inconsistent in pass protection. He's so powerful and long that he can flatten out just about any DE. But, with his lack of waist bend and inconsistent hand placement, I could see a lower level DE that gets a low center of gravity end up having a field day.

I can't say that I blame the Cowboys for re-signing Parnell and letting Free go (especially with Free having bone spurs and turning 31 next year). But, I'm not overly thrilled with Parnell as a starting RT, now or in the future. YR

Parnell may not be as bad (as a starting RT) as Rob Petitti or Torrin Tucker but he would be right there with Phil Pozderac.

 

[Crown Royal]

At this point I wouldn't hesitate to re-sign Free...except that bone spur problem.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

There is a reason that He can not beat out Free with all the chances he has had to do so.

But he is a back up and you will have that with most backups.

Hopefully Free stays on for a decent price or we look elsewhere for another OT to groom. Or if they find a good to great OG they could move Martin over in the future but frankly I would rather martin stay where he is at.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

Couldn't put this any better. I was excited for Parnell last year, but the truth of the matter is that he's been here for too long to be this poor at his technique. I want to tell myself that Free had that terrible year too, but I really don't think even that was as bad as Parnell's technique. At some point the guy isn't going to get it.

It's really more of an athleticism problem for Parnell. He doesn't get enough waist bend and then he has to compensate for it. I blame his lack of football experience and coaching in high school/college for that.

I don't know why anybody would think Free had a terrible year. All in all he's a pretty darn good RT.





YR

 

[DBOY3141]

There is a reason that He can not beat out Free with all the chances he has had to do so.

But he is a back up and you will have that with most backups.

Hopefully Free stays on for a decent price or we look elsewhere for another OT to groom. Or if they find a good to great OG they could move Martin over in the future but frankly I would rather martin stay where he is at.

Good point, Brain. I still wonder what the long term plan was after the draft, when Stephen said they were trying to get back into the 3rd to draft Trai Turner. Were they looking at him to replace Leary or after year 1, move Martin to RT and have Turner at RG.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

Good point, Brain. I still wonder what the long term plan was after the draft, when Stephen said they were trying to get back into the 3rd to draft Trai Turner. Were they looking at him to replace Leary or after year 1, move Martin to RT and have Turner at RG.

Yes that is what makes you wonder...The whole wanting to trade back up for Turner. I think they like Leary and think they believe he will last long enough that they would not worry too much about him for the immediate future so maybe they do have plans of moving Z if they feel they can get a good OG in the draft opposed to another good OT.

Things that make you go hmmmm.

 

[JBell]

Tyron and Parnell both got fooled on the first sack, but at least Tyron got out of his stance and blocked someone. Parnell literally didn't move at the snap.

I don't fault him for the Ansah sack in the 3rd quarter since that was the play Dez fell down causing Romo to hold the ball longer than usual.

But he missed a block on Witten's shovel pass (would've been a TD) and I saw the same thing you did - he could've easily been called for a few holdings.

Hopefully he redeems himself vs. GB. Or at least receives a red score from PFF.

 

[Crown Royal]

It's really more of an athleticism problem for Parnell. He doesn't get enough waist bend and then he has to compensate for it. I blame his lack of football experience and coaching in high school/college for that.

I don't know why anybody would think Free had a terrible year. All in all he's a pretty darn good RT.

YR

He didn't. I was referencing 2-3 years ago where he was pretty rough and had to take the pay cut.

 

[Crown Royal]

Just saw this on @Sturm1310 blog:

Jermey Parnell has been fantastic. What If I told you that the Cowboys would have to go with a backup right tackle for 6 starts this season? How many sacks would he be responsible for would you predict? 0 is the answer. What about his run blocking? He might actually be better there. I appreciate Doug Free’s 2013 and 2014, but the Parnell performance as the one place on this offense that has been really affected by injury has been very impressive (even though it hardly is mentioned anywhere). As far as I am concerned, you can consider that a place where either guy (perhaps the one with the lesser contract requirement) could be your RT in 2015 as both are free agents.

Bob, I read your blog religiously, and you're right, he hasn't allowed a sack, but I don't think that tells the whole story. Romo doesn't get sacked often from the right side, especially when the middle and the left side are secure. The problem with Parnell is that I just feel like it's going ot happen sooner rather than later, or those holds are going to start getting called.

 

[gimmesix]

I would say half of those sacks on Romo were on Tony. There was another sack where you could probably put 75% of the blame on Tony and 25% of the blame on the O-Line. And Detroit's defense is very good. Lots of excellent athletes and a very good D-Coordinator. Put it this way, I hope he gets a HC gig in the AFC.

Parnell's main problem is that he struggles to get waist bend. He has world class power. His technique is nothing to brag about. I prefer Free because I think Free's technique allows him to be a better run blocker and Parnell's lack of waist bend makes him a bit too inconsistent in pass protection. He's so powerful and long that he can flatten out just about any DE. But, with his lack of waist bend and inconsistent hand placement, I could see a lower level DE that gets a low center of gravity end up having a field day.

I can't say that I blame the Cowboys for re-signing Parnell and letting Free go (especially with Free having bone spurs and turning 31 next year). But, I'm not overly thrilled with Parnell as a starting RT, now or in the future.





YR

At this point, I think Parnell is adequate with room to grow. His run blocking needs to improve, and I think you addressed that with his bending issues. His failure to get low allows DEs and linebackers to get under him and either get a push or stand him up, which clogs up the play. This is where Free has him beat.

As a pass blocker, he's about equal to Free. Parnell can better overcome his technique mistakes than Free can, which allows Parnell to recover some and stay on the block, while Free's use of better technique allows him to make fewer initial mistakes. The result of all that is that both are going to give up some pressure and sacks, but neither is a poor pass protector.

I think if we re-sign Free, we get the better player at this point from a run-blocking standpoint.

I think if we re-sign Parnell, we could get the better player if playing time and the coaching staff can continue to shape his game. As you said, it really might come down to an issue of age and health. We faced that once in having to revamp the line, so hopefully we carefully consider reinvesting in Free.

 

[MRV52]

Like I mentioned in another thread, I re-watched the 1st half of the game again and focused on Parnell. Other than the two sacks in the first half which were Parnell's fault he was terrific.

 

[Crown Royal]

Like I mentioned in another thread, I re-watched the 1st half of the game again and focused on Parnell. Other than the two sacks in the first half which were Parnell's fault he was terrific.

Thanks - totally possible I saw 2-3 issues and am making a big deal out of it. I just hate holds!

 

[Eskimo]

A lot will depend on Free's health and the cost for him to come back.

We can't get back in the game of giving big paycheques with guaranteed money to guys 29 and older. Most players will fall off a cliff somewhere around 31 which is the exact age Free will be next year. It is a strategy that pays for past performance and creates lots of dead money. We are still paying for such decisions in the past with $27M dead money on the books this past year apparently.

If we can get Free for $3M guaranteed, 3 years $7.5M he may be worth bringing back. Even if he can't start full-time we wouldn't be getting screwed as a backup swing tackle at that rate.

However, I think the better strategy if the cards fall right is to pay Parnell and then draft a RT in the 2nd round if a suitable candidate is available. If push comes to shove you could always move Martin to RT in a pinch and this was one of the reasons he was worth a 1st rounder since he has that kind of pass blocking ability.

In a hard cap league you sometimes have to go with the player who is just good enough so you can go after the guys you really need to secure (i.e. Dez, ?DE pass rusher).

 

[Word Mofo]

Torrin Tucker... I can't believe I heard that name again. I remember when he was the answer to our problems!

 

[DogFace]

Thanks - totally possible I saw 2-3 issues and am making a big deal out of it. I just hate holds!

I thought he personally allowed 3 sacks. But in my defense beer was beating my brain.

So maybe I'm off one or two

 

[tm1119]

xwalker is going to have a heart attack over this. In before his 4 paragraph response....