Let's face it - with 1 injury to Roy our WR position

[Stash]

Actually what the deal is this solemn commentary shakes your rosy outlook.

Look at any sports columnist who proffers any opinion opposite of the fans and suddenly he is labeled on boards like this as a know-nothing and a moron.

I don't recall seeing anyone on any board go back and say, "Man that guy nailed us last year. He saw the truth and we refused to see it."

My opinion is this receiver corp is thin. We have unproven commodities throughout except for Witten and perhaps RW11. We all hope they will stand up to the test, but we don't know.

Any other commentary is speculation, and that is not based in fact yet. To articulate that this may go south for us if we have an injury or some of these guys can't tote their end of the deal is just telling the truth.

Label it as you like.

I agree with you 100%. And everyone wants to talk up Witten and Crayton's past accomplishments, or Austin's big game in Green Bay, all while minimizing the impact of 'the player', which is rubbish.

Anyone who doesn't realize the impact Owens had on the entire offense should give up watching football.

Terrell Owens was the focus of every opposing defense this team faced, and he made life easier for every other offensive player on the team. He was a whiner, complainer, team-splitter, whatever else you want to call him. But he was one of the league's most-feared players and a playmaker too.

He and Jason Witten helped Austin and Crayton be more productive by helping them be afterthoughts to opposing defenses. And now that threat is gone. Now opponents can play honest against this Cowboys offense.

Roy Williams won't see double-team coverage until he can prove that he can beat single coverage, a feat he didn't show last season. Therefore, guys like Crayton and Austin suddenly get more attention that they did before. I think Crayton is as good as his physical limitations will allow, but hopefully Miles Autin steps up to become the receiver we all hope. But, given his injury history - along with the poor injury history of most of the others - how much can, or should, this team depend on him?

Whenever anyone brings up receiver quality, someone inevitably brings up the Patriots. Well, guess what? The Patriots are the exception to the rule, and this team ain't the Patriots. You look at the vast majority of Super Bowl winners and they did have quality receiving corps.

I find it surprising that a team with such a poor track record of developing in-house receivers suddenly feels that they have several candidates, much less one.

I find it more surprising that this many people are comfortable with that.

 

[DallasEast]

I agree with you 100%. And everyone wants to talk up Witten and Crayton's past accomplishments, or Austin's big game in Green Bay, all while minimizing the impact of 'the player', which is rubbish.

Anyone who doesn't realize the impact Owens had on the entire offense should give up watching football.

Terrell Owens was the focus of every opposing defense this team faced, and he made life easier for every other offensive player on the team. He was a whiner, complainer, team-splitter, whatever else you want to call him. But he was one of the league's most-feared players and a playmaker too.

He and Jason Witten helped Austin and Crayton be more productive by helping them be afterthoughts to opposing defenses. And now that threat is gone. Now opponents can play honest against this Cowboys offense.

Roy Williams won't see double-team coverage until he can prove that he can beat single coverage, a feat he didn't show last season. Therefore, guys like Crayton and Austin suddenly get more attention that they did before. I think Crayton is as good as his physical limitations will allow, but hopefully Miles Autin steps up to become the receiver we all hope. But, given his injury history - along with the poor injury history of most of the others - how much can, or should, this team depend on him?

Whenever anyone brings up receiver quality, someone inevitably brings up the Patriots. Well, guess what? The Patriots are the exception to the rule, and this team ain't the Patriots. You look at the vast majority of Super Bowl winners and they did have quality receiving corps.

I find it surprising that a team with such a poor track record of developing in-house receivers suddenly feels that they have several candidates, much less one.

I find it more surprising that this many people are comfortable with that.

The final results of wide receivers and tight end production on Super Bowl winning teams over the past ten seasons:

http://i356.***BLOCKED***/albums/oo4/DallasEast1701/SB_WRs.jpg

http://i356.***BLOCKED***/albums/oo4/DallasEast1701/SB_TEs.jpg

Were the receiving cores for the '00 Ravens and '02 Buccaneers that much better over that which we're going to field this season?

 

[Stash]

Were the receiving cores for the '00 Ravens and '02 Buccaneers that much better over that which we're going to field this season?

No, their defenses were.

 

[DallasEast]

No, their defenses were.

Are we going to automatically rule out the effectiveness of our defense to grade out as being Super Bowl quality before this season begins?

 

[Stash]

Are we going to automatically rule out the effectiveness of our defense to grade out as being Super Bowl quality before this season begins?

No, but I'm not going to assume they are either when recent history shows an underachieving unit.

And I'm certainly not basing decisions at other positions on the hope that I have a great defense.

A lot of people are on the 'addition by subtraction' bandwagon regarding Owens.

That's easy to do during the offseason where all you miss are the foolish quotes to the media.

It's a different story week one.

I remember last season when a lot of people (self included) were ready to send Miles Austin packing because he couldn't catch a cold.

Now, with Owens gone, this team is heavily relying on him to be the next big thing, with little fall-back plan if it doesn't happen.

I'm not comfortable with that.

 

[Doomsday101]

If Dallas can show they can run the ball and play great defense then you are not so screwed

 

[Stash]

If Dallas can show they can run the ball and play great defense then you are not so screwed

Very true.

But are you comfortable betting your season on both of those claims being true?

Personally, I see the 2009 wide receiver position as being this season's version of 2008's backup quarterback issue.

An achilles' heel inadequately addressed which ultimately costs you a season.

 

[Doomsday101]

Very true.

But are you comfortable betting your season on both of those claims being true?

Personally, I see the 2009 wide receiver position as being this season's version of 2008's backup quarterback issue.

An achilles' heel inadequately addressed which ultimately costs you a season.

1st off I think we will be able to run the ball if the coaches are willing to be more committed to the run, as far as WR should RW go down a miss a few games I think we could overcome it as long as you can control the clock in the running game and play great defense I also think the WR are not as bad as some feel, not saying a bunch of Super stars but guys that can make some plays for you. Sorry I think this team has more all around talent than some of the other fans around here. As I have said before I think this team underachived and I don't look for them to underachive this season. My biggest fear is the OL and it's ability to overcome injury

 

[Apollo Creed]

This is exactly why I'm furiuos we didn't pick up a bargain vet in FA or a burner in the draft.

Roy, Austin, Hurd, and Stanback all miss time annually. Like clockwork.

I understand we're going to be a more balanced offense this year but I don't have faith in our guys to stay healthy.

 

[zrinkill]

Did I say a name vet. No. Maybe someone with alittle more experience that can actually stay healthy.

Like who? Who do you suggest?

 

[Four]

Actually what the deal is this solemn commentary shakes your rosy outlook.

Look at any sports columnist who proffers any opinion opposite of the fans and suddenly he is labeled on boards like this as a know-nothing and a moron.

I don't recall seeing anyone on any board go back and say, "Man that guy nailed us last year. He saw the truth and we refused to see it."

My opinion is this receiver corp is thin. We have unproven commodities throughout except for Witten and perhaps RW11. We all hope they will stand up to the test, but we don't know.

Any other commentary is speculation, and that is not based in fact yet. To articulate that this may go south for us if we have an injury or some of these guys can't tote their end of the deal is just telling the truth.

Label it as you like.

crayton is proven, he made a couple bonehead plays and you wrote him off as unproven.

Williams is proven, only anti-jerry folks seem to be the ones pretending he isn't.

you writing off crayton is indicative of where you stand, no I don't know you, or who you are, lol.

Your opinion of crayton was formed out of emotion and not rational thought.

 

[TNCowboy]

Anyways, nice post by the OP and it's something I have been sweating all off season myself for the various reasons. It's good to be positive but realistic gets more results. I appreciate the realistic questions the OP expressed.

But the reality is you could say that about any number of teams. And players.

If Romo goes down, the Cowboys have no hope of contending with Kitna. Maybe they sneak through with a wild card, but that's probably best they'll do. If Ratliff gets hurt, we may very well have no one to play NT but guys off the street. And perhaps most obviously, if Ware gets hurt, our D goes from potentially very good to probably average at best.

That's just the way it goes in the NFL. Frankly, I have more "hope" if we were to lost RW than any of those guys. Teams have been contenders without great WRs before. The Pats used to do it regularly. And I do have hope that Austin will be become a good player. On the other hand, I have little to no hope for much of anything if Romo or Ware goes down. And neither should anyone else, no matter on which side of the Romo debate they stand.

 

[TwoDeep3]

crayton is proven, he made a couple bonehead plays and you wrote him off as unproven.

Williams is proven, only anti-jerry folks seem to be the ones pretending he isn't.

you writing off crayton is indicative of where you stand, no I don't know you, or who you are, lol.

Your opinion of crayton was formed out of emotion and not rational thought.

Oh please allow me to get on board.

Bobby Carpenter...I can insult him as I like.
Pat Watkins....He's another that no one will rescue or defend.

Crayton....he's in the fold and untouchable. No matter what he says or does.

Romo...better not ever bring up his penchant for turnovers. Untouchable.

Barber....I agree here. The kid busts his butt and delivers.

Felix....We saw amazing things from him. But I suppose asking for year two to be in the bag before we annoint him is pushing the chicken little thing a bit much, huh?

Brady James....Now if you need to stop a run in a critical game in December, and he whiffs on a 75-yarder, that's OK....He's cool.

Newman...Maybe we shouldn't look under the health hood too closely because we might have to ask those CL questions.

Hamlin...is he the first year Hamlin or the second year Hamlin...no matter...protected.

See I think I've got this now.

Flo...Who cares if he is a penalty machine?

Gurode....Late season snaps from Texas Stadium to Holcolm, Kansas...still the best thing since Smokey Stepnoski...another protected guy.

Surely Ball is on the block for ridicule...Opps, sorry, I just read his conversion to another position and he has now been annotated as a guy we like.

Thought I had it. I guess it slipped out of my hands. You know how greasy chicken can be.

Maybe there are people that look at the team and judge them for their merits yet still look at their shortcomings. Of course I mean people other than coaches.

Then there are people who look and see the STAR and allow the twinkle to blind them to the fact that even DeMarcus Ware has a hole in his game.

But who the heck needs the spin move after setting up a tackle with the outside speed rush, huh?

Five championships in fifty years should tell you that somewhere this team fell down and someone didn't execute.

Crayton is fine with me. But he is what he is. A complementary slot receiver that isn't a blazer.

If this team has to rely on him as a #2 receiver for any length of time, we may be in real trouble.

But since he is on the list, that discussion just won't fly around most boards.

And I wonder why?

 

[DFWJC]

If Reggie Wayne gets injured, the Colts are screwed. If Santonio Holmes gets injured the Steelers are screwed. If Andre Johnson gets injured the Texans are screwed. If Marques Colston gets injured the Saints are screwed..

See a pattern....?

It is kind of true.

I would say until our guys have proved it the drop off is greater if we lose our #1---that is giving Roy credit that he will deliver WR1 numbers.

The Saints rolled pretty well w/o Colston. The Steelers would have Hines Ward and Limas Sweed. The Colts would be a bit dicey with Gonzalas and their #3. I think they would be similar to us with a 1000 yard receiver at TE. The Texans would be hurt bad in part because AJ is so freaking amazing, but Kevin Walter and Andre Davis are very good.

Anyway, point taken. Any team that loses their number one will be hurt--just some more than others.

 

[Stash]

Oh please allow me to get on board.

Bobby Carpenter...I can insult him as I like.
Pat Watkins....He's another that no one will rescue or defend.

Crayton....he's in the fold and untouchable. No matter what he says or does.

Romo...better not ever bring up his penchant for turnovers. Untouchable.

Barber....I agree here. The kid busts his butt and delivers.

Felix....We saw amazing things from him. But I suppose asking for year two to be in the bag before we annoint him is pushing the chicken little thing a bit much, huh?

Brady James....Now if you need to stop a run in a critical game in December, and he whiffs on a 75-yarder, that's OK....He's cool.

Newman...Maybe we shouldn't look under the health hood too closely because we might have to ask those CL questions.

Hamlin...is he the first year Hamlin or the second year Hamlin...no matter...protected.

See I think I've got this now.

Flo...Who cares if he is a penalty machine?

Gurode....Late season snaps from Texas Stadium to Holcolm, Kansas...still the best thing since Smokey Stepnoski...another protected guy.

Surely Ball is on the block for ridicule...Opps, sorry, I just read his conversion to another position and he has now been annotated as a guy we like.

Thought I had it. I guess it slipped out of my hands. You know how greasy chicken can be.

Maybe there are people that look at the team and judge them for their merits yet still look at their shortcomings. Of course I mean people other than coaches.

Then there are people who look and see the STAR and allow the twinkle to blind them to the fact that even DeMarcus Ware has a hole in his game.

But who the heck needs the spin move after setting up a tackle with the outside speed rush, huh?

Five championships in fifty years should tell you that somewhere this team fell down and someone didn't execute.

Crayton is fine with me. But he is what he is. A complementary slot receiver that isn't a blazer.

If this team has to rely on him as a #2 receiver for any length of time, we may be in real trouble.

But since he is on the list, that discussion just won't fly around most boards.

And I wonder why?

Curse you and your rationality Chicken Little!

:yousuck:

 

[Four]

blah blah blah rhetoric to suit your views

tell me how many bad shotgun snaps gurode had last year?

you let emotion drive your "rational" thoughts.

we don't need a blazer, Roy willy is fast enough, austin is fast enough, but I guess we can't count on them because you said so.

It's not about being untouchable, but your opinions aren't based on logical thought, they are emotionally driven.

and anyone who points it out is a homer.

Both ends of the spectrum are really pointless.

I hate ken hamlin, so you are way off base there.

Flo is better than anyone who would replace him, but you want him benched? because he false starts? what about when he consistantly shuts down opposing teams best pass rusher? ohh screw that he has false starts.

You want to be contrary for some stupid reason that I don't understand.

half your post was just chest thumping, and I am not here to stroke your ego.

you got stasharoo saying you are a genius, that is indictment enough for me.

have a good day.

 

[Stash]

tell me how many bad shotgun snaps gurode had last year?

you let emotion drive your "rational" thoughts.

we don't need a blazer, Roy willy is fast enough, austin is fast enough, but I guess we can't count on them because you said so.

It's not about being untouchable, but your opinions aren't based on logical thought, they are emotionally driven.

and anyone who points it out is a homer.

Both ends of the spectrum are really pointless.

I hate ken hamlin, so you are way off base there.

Flo is better than anyone who would replace him, but you want him benched? because he false starts? what about when he consistantly shuts down opposing teams best pass rusher? ohh screw that he has false starts.

You want to be contrary for some stupid reason that I don't understand.

half your post was just chest thumping, and I am not here to stroke your ego.

you got stasharoo saying you are a genius, that is indictment enough for me.

have a good day.

Thanks for the compliment!

Coming from someone with your recent track record, I'd say that's a real plus for me.

I was a 'Chicken Little' last year too.

It's not something new.

Everything's always 'great' in Cowboys land - until it isn't.

 

[Four]

Thanks for the compliment!

Coming from someone with your recent track record, I'd say that's a real plus for me.

I was a 'Chicken Little' last year too.

It's not something new.

Everything's always 'great' in Cowboys land - until it isn't.

you guys really don't get it, no one is saying anything is great.

But it's not all over, which is what your ilk keep trying to say.

Half the guys you all whine about can't be replaced with anything better, that's the whole point.

recent track record? lmao, why cause I don't agree with you I must be wrong?

you guys are a trip.

 

[ThePlaymaker14]

Which will make it easier for Austin to burn them...



You'd have to pay a quality veteran; are you willing to risk losing Ware so that you can be more comfortable with the WR corps??

This ain't Madden... there's only so much money to go around... which means that ALL teams go long in one position only by going short at another...

I promise signing a vet near the minimum would not cost us Ware....

 

[ThePlaymaker14]

Jusy my two cents...

I have 0 trust in Crayton, remember that huge drop he had in the playoffs? And he was not very productive even being the third target(TO-Witten) and always single covered

Hurd, Austin, and Stanback... we've been riding these guys nuts for years based off their 'potential'.. We've seen maybe one or two good in-game plays from these injury-prone guys.

RW has yet to prove himself as a legitimate #1 and questions still are around whether or not he can get on the same page with Romo...

Bringing in a guy like Amani Toomer or someone can only help imo... Every single WR is unproven in their role, or have failed at it in recent history... Im sick of the word potential.. You hear it thrown around so much, it lost its meaning--it almost means 'well hes not good now but maybe in 5 years he can be decent'

I dont think it will make a huge effect if RW goes down, but I think we would be better off if something were to happen to RW and even if something didnt happen to RW..