Mickey Spagnola on The Fan

[cowboyblue22]

weeden has to make plays for this team to win he has to make pass plays Atlanta will load up to stop the run so he has to pass them off of that

 

[jazzcat22]

This is quickly becoming a tired argument. It's obvious the running game is struggling relative to expections and that Dallas has no "lead back" in any true sense of the term, but we're going to sit here and suggest that each of these guys is so invaluable that it's impossible for one of them to be inactive for a week?

Draw from a hat, or maybe the guy with the least amount of playing time sits. In this case it would be McFadden. Is the team really going to be any worse off without his 4 snaps/quarter?

I think it is a matter of knowing the playbook. I want to see what Michael can do to, and there will be a time for that, but maybe not right now. But with 2 new WR's, in Butler and Whitehead, then needing Williams to step up, and Street also. With a different QB. They need RB's that are more familiar on what to do, where to line up at.
Do we need Whitehead in there more than 4 RB's, I don't know that, nor do most. We need McFadden for pass protection, picking up blitzes now more than before. We do know that. So if his 4 plays per quarter results in Weeden completing 4 more passes per quarter , then he is worth having in there.

This is about surviving the next 7 games, not about who fans want to see, or what we think is best.

 

[jazzcat22]

And I answered that. None of the three active backs are indispensable and Whitehead is doing nothing.

He was asked a question and instead of answering it, asked one instead. It's a common refrain from a staunch defender like him.

He responded to the question asked, which was how many questions he gets asked about Michael, not if he thought Michael should play. They discussion went on from there, and he made the comments he did. He said he has not seen any evidence for Michael to play over one of the other RB's. That was the answer, then he made the comment, which RB would you sit. It wasn't about what player would you sit.
They need a 5th WR in the game before a 4th RB. Need to spread out the defenses at times.

 

[Wood]

They have to bracket Jones. I think I put Mo on White and Carr on Jones and bracket him with a safety.

I would put Mo on him, but I think we need Carr's strength to jam Jones and then the safety to keep him from blowing right by Carr on the jam.

Then just hope Mo can keep White from having a big day. White is slowing down as he gets older. Hopefully what we've seen from Mo this season is true growth and not just the rest of the defense making his job easier to do. (though I want that too)

I was thinking of bracketing him with LB since he likes that quick slant.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I was thinking of bracketing him with LB since he likes that quick slant.

No way I ask a linebacker to cover Julio Jones! Not even Lee.

 

[Stash]

He responded to the question asked, which was how many questions he gets asked about Michael, not if he thought Michael should play. They discussion went on from there, and he made the comments he did. He said he has not seen any evidence for Michael to play over one of the other RB's. That was the answer, then he made the comment, which RB would you sit. It wasn't about what player would you sit.
They need a 5th WR in the game before a 4th RB. Need to spread out the defenses at times.

Maybe in your opinion. Lucky Whitehead is doing exactly zero. In no way does he need to be active, especially for the current team and its challenges at quarterback.

 

[Doomsday101]

Some stuff from Mickey. I know he is not popular on here. But he still knows more than most that think they know more...LOL...
On his normal 9:30 CST time slot.

On coverage of Julio Jones. Carr or Mo. Depends on how they want to cover him. If press coverage, then Carr as he is more physical. If going to give him some space, then Mo, as the has the speed to close that gap and keep up with him. However, they still should roll a s over the top either way.
They both been playing very well, but this is the first time they go against multiple WR sets, actyally 3 WR's. Jones, White and Hankerson been playing well also.

So DL needs to apply pressure. They have been doing that, just haven't got the sacks. Said Bradford had a lot of pressure and was probably seeing ghosts out there. as to getting hit and sacked. If ryan has time in pocket he will pick you apart.

Better WR, Julio or Dez. Can be argued as 1/2 or 2/1either way as top. Dez more physical after the catch. Jones can get by you in the blink of an eye, runs great routes and gets open quick.

Michael coming in at RB, how many questions he gets when. Fisher gets a lot, so does Mickey. He said well, who would you sit, and from what he has seen so far, he has not seen evidence Michael could make that big of a difference. Said most of the questions about Michael coming from Aggie fans over and over. LOL.

They brought up some Vegas odds. Eagles & Cowboys at 3/2 to win the East, Cowboys at 20/1 and Eagles at 22/1 odds to win SB. Seattle at 10/1. Cowboys now at over / under wins at 8. Mickey said probably about right, as many think 9 or 10 wins still possible, but the pessimists will go the under.

Weeden at over / under for 250 yards and 1-1/2 TD's this week. Mickey said if he gets over 250 yards, Cowboys win, if he throws 2 TD's, Cowboys win.
Need to remember, last year against a great Arizona D. 12 of his 33 passes were in the last 6 minutes when behind. The D could just go after him. Leary was out that game, and Free was out half of the game. Murray had 79 yards. And it's easy for fans to say, just run the ball, and control the game. well that is bogus, because defensive coordinators would just say, they will run, so gear up for that. so need to throw the ball down the field. Can't just run and throw short.

Also, said look to the D. In Sean lee you trust.

I will go with both he will get 250 and have 2 TD passes.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Some stuff from Mickey. I know he is not popular on here. But he still knows more than most that think they know more...LOL...
On his normal 9:30 CST time slot.

On coverage of Julio Jones. Carr or Mo. Depends on how they want to cover him. If press coverage, then Carr as he is more physical. If going to give him some space, then Mo, as the has the speed to close that gap and keep up with him. However, they still should roll a s over the top either way.
They both been playing very well, but this is the first time they go against multiple WR sets, actyally 3 WR's. Jones, White and Hankerson been playing well also.

So DL needs to apply pressure. They have been doing that, just haven't got the sacks. Said Bradford had a lot of pressure and was probably seeing ghosts out there. as to getting hit and sacked. If ryan has time in pocket he will pick you apart.

Better WR, Julio or Dez. Can be argued as 1/2 or 2/1either way as top. Dez more physical after the catch. Jones can get by you in the blink of an eye, runs great routes and gets open quick.

Michael coming in at RB, how many questions he gets when. Fisher gets a lot, so does Mickey. He said well, who would you sit, and from what he has seen so far, he has not seen evidence Michael could make that big of a difference. Said most of the questions about Michael coming from Aggie fans over and over. LOL.

They brought up some Vegas odds. Eagles & Cowboys at 3/2 to win the East, Cowboys at 20/1 and Eagles at 22/1 odds to win SB. Seattle at 10/1. Cowboys now at over / under wins at 8. Mickey said probably about right, as many think 9 or 10 wins still possible, but the pessimists will go the under.

Weeden at over / under for 250 yards and 1-1/2 TD's this week. Mickey said if he gets over 250 yards, Cowboys win, if he throws 2 TD's, Cowboys win.
Need to remember, last year against a great Arizona D. 12 of his 33 passes were in the last 6 minutes when behind. The D could just go after him. Leary was out that game, and Free was out half of the game. Murray had 79 yards. And it's easy for fans to say, just run the ball, and control the game. well that is bogus, because defensive coordinators would just say, they will run, so gear up for that. so need to throw the ball down the field. Can't just run and throw short.

Also, said look to the D. In Sean lee you trust.

Julio Jones is completely uncoverable. The thing about Julio, however is that he is always dinged up and not practicing. And they have to give him plays off during drives at times. Not a very tough guy.

When perfectly healthy, I would take Julio 10 out of 10 times. But I do like the passion of Dez and his toughness. Tough call.

 

[CowboyRoy]

It would have been interesting to see Romo play against that AZ defense last season. I bet it would have been one of those frustrating grind-it-out games with him, too, though maybe we wouldn't have been as far behind at the end of the game. There is just no way you're putting a game like that on Weeden's shoulders and getting a result you can live with. I do think he's got a chance to be productive if the team can make it easy on him, though. Protect him well, and catch the balls that hit you in the hands. Don't turn it over trying to do too much downfield. Run hard like we did against a good front in PHI.

Pick up Bailey in your fantasy leagues. He is going to have a field day.

 

[Wood]

No way I ask a linebacker to cover Julio Jones! Not even Lee.

he wouldn't be covering him but more of taking away the inside area on slants. He would still have CB covering him.

 

[BAT]

Julio Jones is completely uncoverable. The thing about Julio, however is that he is always dinged up and not practicing. And they have to give him plays off during drives at times. Not a very tough guy.

When perfectly healthy, I would take Julio 10 out of 10 times. But I do like the passion of Dez and his toughness. Tough call.

JJ is going to tattoo his name on Julio's chest on those crossing routes.

 

[Doomsday101]

No way I ask a linebacker to cover Julio Jones! Not even Lee.

No but Lee may introduce himself when Alt runs one of those bubble screens they like throwing to Jones.

 

[Common Sense]

Maybe in your opinion. Lucky Whitehead is doing exactly zero. In no way does he need to be active, especially for the current team and its challenges at quarterback.

You're overthinking this. "Who would you sit?" is a kind way for Dallas media insiders to say that Michael hasn't shown himself to be any better than the other guys in practice without coming out and bashing him. It has nothing to do with Whitehead. It has everything to do with the fact that there's no reason to take four average running backs to the game and that coaches consider him the fourth-best option right now. No doubt he can run, but he didn't learn Seattle's pass protection in three offseasons. What makes you think he's learned ours in three weeks?

 

[CowboyRoy]

JJ is going to tattoo his name on Julio's chest on those crossing routes.

LOL...........Wilcox? More likely that he will be getting burnt and playing catch up all day.

 

[BAT]

LOL...........Wilcox? More likely that he will be getting burnt and playing catch up all day.

That's the old JJ. He's been playing well the last 2 games.

 

[Stash]

You're overthinking this. "Who would you sit?" is a kind way for Dallas media insiders to say that Michael hasn't shown himself to be any better than the other guys in practice without coming out and bashing him.

Then they should probably just dump Michael and take a look at Montee Ball or Trent Richardson with no strings attached. If Michael isn't any better than any of the three here, he shouldn't be.

It has nothing to do with Whitehead. It has everything to do with the fact that there's no reason to take four average running backs to the game and that coaches consider him the fourth-best option right now. No doubt he can run, but he didn't learn Seattle's pass protection in three offseasons. What makes you think he's learned ours in three weeks?

It has everything to do with Whitehead. He's been a total non-factor and if someone like Mickey is whining about who you would dare to deactivate, he's at the top of the list. He's contributing nothing.

 

[Common Sense]

It has everything to do with Whitehead. He's been a total non-factor and if someone like Mickey is whining about who you would dare to deactivate, he's at the top of the list. He's contributing nothing.

Yeah, but you're missing the point. This is like saying they should deactivate Whitehead for Bishop because Hayden isn't that good. It's a wash. There's no point. Especially if there's a chance of getting your quarterback killed.

 

[Stash]

Yeah, but you're missing the point. This is like saying they should deactivate Whitehead for Bishop because Hayden isn't that good. It's a wash. There's no point. Especially if there's a chance of getting your quarterback killed.

If Michael has any of the ability that people are claiming, there's plenty of point to having him active over Whitehead. I think it is YOU who are missing that point.

 

[Zman5]

Dunbar is a RB in name only. He had 1 carry in the EaGirls game. He played more WR in that game.

Because of this it's not a question of 4th RB or 5th WR, but who do you think can help the team the most right now. Whitehead or Michael.

Since we need to run more and better, I would like to see Michael active over Whitehead.

 

[dallasdave]

Mickey is fond of flipping questions back at those asking, so I'll give him a taste of his own medicine regarding his Christine Michael comment of "who would you sit?":

Who is so valuable that you couldn't sit them? Are any of the other running backs lighting it up so well that they couldn't be inactive? Are they so invaluable or untouchable? Not based on the early results.

And consider this, what have Lucky Whitehead's contributions been over these first two weeks? Would they miss those contributions vs a possible improvement from the running game?

What about Jeff Heath's contributions? If it makes the running game of a now quarterback-challenged team better, isn't it worth it?

If you're so hesitant to play this guy, maybe the real mistake was in trading for him at all?

Yeah, Smackdown