My outlook for the Cowboys (pt1)

[LatinMind]

It's clear Jerry Jones doesnt want to move on from Garrett. I think he really is tired of going thru coaches. Seems like he wants his own Tom Landry type. Boring, and demanding. He wants to have that coach who stayed at the same job and became a staple. Fail or succeed this is what we are going to have in Dallas. Hate it or love it its here, and Garrett isnt going anywhere.

IMO it all starts with coaching. Dallas for the first time in Garretts HC career has 2 coordinators who are aggressive in their game planning, and have made a career on adjusting to game situations. Linehan has always had bigtime offenses. He spreads the ball around and isnt predictable with his plays.

Then on the other side of the ball you have a DC who players just love playing for because they believe in him. While the numbers wont show anything other then a disaster last yr, i think the players who were on this team last yr learned to trust Marinelli. I actually think you can persuade a player to do something different if they trust that coach.

Then you have McClay. People who have for years said Jerry will not give up control, sorry to burst your bubble but its already happened. McClay is the guy who is bringing in these players. He's getting info from coaches and scouts and putting it all together. And quietly this team has had a very good offseason. Say hello to Dallas' new GM, even if he doesnt have the title.

FAs brought in
Henry Melton
Terrell McClain
Jeremy Mincey
Rolando McClain
Uche Nwaneri
Laron Byrd
Anthony Spencer
Brandon Weeden

I think fans in general view any signing as a bad signing if they dont know who the player is themselves. Thats the basis of fans being GMs today. If that particular fan dont know who you are then it obviously has to be a bad signing.

From whats being said by people at VR on Dc.com is that Spencer is coming along now, as he's upped his workout output. Maybe a renewed enthusiasm in what this team is trying to do. Maybe he wants to be that leader on the DL. Who knows but they say he's looking alot better.

Weeden, Mincey, Nwaneri are backups, depth this team needed. 3 players with exp in the NFL. I think thats what was missing when this team started piling up the injuries. Guys who didnt have exp started having to play, and werent ready to play in the NFL yet.

Melton and McClain IMO i think Dallas knew they were going to be starting this yr. I think the biggest difference this yr will be McClain. Melton IMO will give you the production that Hatcher did. But McClain will give you the power Hayden had but will also get up field, something that Hayden couldnt do. I think thats why Ware was so ineffective. Dallas rarely forced the QB outside to the weakside. If they did get pressure up the middle with Hatcher the QB was usually rolling out the strong side. Or hitting them quick in routes. You disrupt them inside lanes with a guy like McClain and the QB has to hold the ball and find a throwing lane and thats where the DEs job is made easier. Then you have guys Crawford, Bishop, Coleman, Okoye who can come in and the starters fresher. Last yr by the time the 4th quarter was around Hatcher was pretty much gassed.

Dallas biggest need IMO this TC is to find that passrusher. They drafted Lawrence to be the guy, we will find out if he is that guy.If he's not ready i think they need to not sugar coat it and just go out and sign a passrusher. A guy like Andre Carter could help bring Lawrence along. Mincey didnt show anything to show he will make much noise this yr.

Rolando McClain, if he's ready to play football again this guy could be the player they've been waiting for. He's physical, big and can drop back in coverage in the middle. His number his first 3 yrs are great and that was with an attitude problem and demons in his head. He was still able to put up big numbers. That says alot. There is obviously alot of talent there, but is there self control? Dallas can help him there as they've done with players before. But its up to him to want to change. They cant make him change.

Bruce Carter needs to improve his mental part of the game plain and simple. Guy is probably the most athletic LBer in the NFL. But if he doesnt know his job 100% then that breaks down his ability in half. For one simple reason and thats because his reaction is slow because of not knowing what to do. He learns his job and he earns hiis job.

The secondary is young and dumb. They have 3 starter caliber CBs, but were stucking playing a defense that kept them in their weakness last yr but a old man stuck in his ways and too stubborn to adjust it to his players strengths. Men his age have that problem, just look at Tom Landry.

Carr, Claiborne and Scandrick are going to have to play some zone, thats just the way it is. But Marinelli has said he recognizes their strengths are playing man. So you will see more man defense this yr. They just need Wilcox to step up and be that deep safety. Because Church is going to do his job. He quickly becoming one of the better up front safeties in the NFL. Guy comes up and covers the flat and middle with the best in the NFL. And doesnt miss tackle. If he has you, 99% of the time its a tackle. Just have to see if Wilcox is ready, if not i could see Hamilton coming in and being that guy.

Next part will be offense

 

[Setackin]

Good post thx!

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

It's clear Jerry Jones doesnt want to move on from Garrett. I think he really is tired of going thru coaches. Seems like he wants his own Tom Landry type. Boring, and demanding. He wants to have that coach who stayed at the same job and became a staple. Fail or succeed this is what we are going to have in Dallas. Hate it or love it its here, and Garrett isnt going anywhere.

IMO it all starts with coaching. Dallas for the first time in Garretts HC career has 2 coordinators who are aggressive in their game planning, and have made a career on adjusting to game situations. Linehan has always had bigtime offenses. He spreads the ball around and isnt predictable with his plays.

Then on the other side of the ball you have a DC who players just love playing for because they believe in him. While the numbers wont show anything other then a disaster last yr, i think the players who were on this team last yr learned to trust Marinelli. I actually think you can persuade a player to do something different if they trust that coach.

Then you have McClay. People who have for years said Jerry will not give up control, sorry to burst your bubble but its already happened. McClay is the guy who is bringing in these players. He's getting info from coaches and scouts and putting it all together. And quietly this team has had a very good offseason. Say hello to Dallas' new GM, even if he doesnt have the title.

FAs brought in
Henry Melton
Terrell McClain
Jeremy Mincey
Rolando McClain
Uche Nwaneri
Laron Byrd
Anthony Spencer
Brandon Weeden

I think fans in general view any signing as a bad signing if they dont know who the player is themselves. Thats the basis of fans being GMs today. If that particular fan dont know who you are then it obviously has to be a bad signing.

From whats being said by people at VR on Dc.com is that Spencer is coming along now, as he's upped his workout output. Maybe a renewed enthusiasm in what this team is trying to do. Maybe he wants to be that leader on the DL. Who knows but they say he's looking alot better.

Weeden, Mincey, Nwaneri are backups, depth this team needed. 3 players with exp in the NFL. I think thats what was missing when this team started piling up the injuries. Guys who didnt have exp started having to play, and werent ready to play in the NFL yet.

Melton and McClain IMO i think Dallas knew they were going to be starting this yr. I think the biggest difference this yr will be McClain. Melton IMO will give you the production that Hatcher did. But McClain will give you the power Hayden had but will also get up field, something that Hayden couldnt do. I think thats why Ware was so ineffective. Dallas rarely forced the QB outside to the weakside. If they did get pressure up the middle with Hatcher the QB was usually rolling out the strong side. Or hitting them quick in routes. You disrupt them inside lanes with a guy like McClain and the QB has to hold the ball and find a throwing lane and thats where the DEs job is made easier. Then you have guys Crawford, Bishop, Coleman, Okoye who can come in and the starters fresher. Last yr by the time the 4th quarter was around Hatcher was pretty much gassed.

Dallas biggest need IMO this TC is to find that passrusher. They drafted Lawrence to be the guy, we will find out if he is that guy.If he's not ready i think they need to not sugar coat it and just go out and sign a passrusher. A guy like Andre Carter could help bring Lawrence along. Mincey didnt show anything to show he will make much noise this yr.

Rolando McClain, if he's ready to play football again this guy could be the player they've been waiting for. He's physical, big and can drop back in coverage in the middle. His number his first 3 yrs are great and that was with an attitude problem and demons in his head. He was still able to put up big numbers. That says alot. There is obviously alot of talent there, but is there self control? Dallas can help him there as they've done with players before. But its up to him to want to change. They cant make him change.

Bruce Carter needs to improve his mental part of the game plain and simple. Guy is probably the most athletic LBer in the NFL. But if he doesnt know his job 100% then that breaks down his ability in half. For one simple reason and thats because his reaction is slow because of not knowing what to do. He learns his job and he earns hiis job.

The secondary is young and dumb. They have 3 starter caliber CBs, but were stucking playing a defense that kept them in their weakness last yr but a old man stuck in his ways and too stubborn to adjust it to his players strengths. Men his age have that problem, just look at Tom Landry.

Carr, Claiborne and Scandrick are going to have to play some zone, thats just the way it is. But Marinelli has said he recognizes their strengths are playing man. So you will see more man defense this yr. They just need Wilcox to step up and be that deep safety. Because Church is going to do his job. He quickly becoming one of the better up front safeties in the NFL. Guy comes up and covers the flat and middle with the best in the NFL. And doesnt miss tackle. If he has you, 99% of the time its a tackle. Just have to see if Wilcox is ready, if not i could see Hamilton coming in and being that guy.

Next part will be offense

I appreciate the time that go in your post.

I do have some nits, both in my hair and in my response.

Jerra IS tired of the coaching carousel. But he will get rid of Garrett if say, a Cowher or Harbaugh became available to him and go along with Jerra's style of operation. I don't mean specifically they but coaches with similar records of achiefment and hard-nosed coaching.

Our defense is junk.
Get used to it.
Yes, a McClain or Lawrence might become a star. But this group of mutts won't do better than last year's assortment of journneymans and couch potatoes called up for duty. Even then, this group half not played with each other. It would take a whole year to develop coheshan and unity and stuff.

As I half said before and will say ever time: Romo and company will half to score at least (the very least) 30 points per game to rise above the horrible defense that we will half this coming season. Anybody who say different is watching to Jason Beaver/Johnny Manzel music videos and is clueless.

But overall, I like your post. I read ever word despite my adh . . . whatever they call it. You can eat free anytime in Farmers Branch if you don't look like you will cause trouble or will speak your mind or resist authority.

 

[Hostile]

LM, nice post. I appreciate you taking the time. I hope all will.

 

[boysfanindc]

There is no way IMO that this D is not better then last years, the questions for me is by how much and will it be enough to have a impact on the W/L's.

But that is what makes it interesting to follow, to see how this group progresses.

 

[CyberB0b]

I appreciate the time that go in your post.

I do have some nits, both in my hair and in my response.

Jerra IS tired of the coaching carousel. But he will get rid of Garrett if say, a Cowher or Harbaugh became available to him and go along with Jerra's style of operation. I don't mean specifically they but coaches with similar records of achiefment and hard-nosed coaching.

Our defense is junk.
Get used to it.
Yes, a McClain or Lawrence might become a star. But this group of mutts won't do better than last year's assortment of journneymans and couch potatoes called up for duty. Even then, this group half not played with each other. It would take a whole year to develop coheshan and unity and stuff.

As I half said before and will say ever time: Romo and company will half to score at least (the very least) 30 points per game to rise above the horrible defense that we will half this coming season. Anybody who say different is watching to Jason Beaver/Johnny Manzel music videos and is clueless.

But overall, I like your post. I read ever word despite my adh . . . whatever they call it. You can eat free anytime in Farmers Branch if you don't look like you will cause trouble or will speak your mind or resist authority.

Agreed.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I And quietly this team has had a very good offseason.

I agree but you might catch some grief for that comment. Good post!

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

And quietly this team has had a very good offseason.

OK, as much as i liked your total post, this is, as you and I and the Free World knows, subjective.

It has certainly been a BUSY offseason as far as defense.
But time will tell. Quantity is not the same as quality.
Mein hope is that from the sheer numbers the coaches half brought in they will find a diamond or two (like Emmett) in the rough to hep rebuild this team.

 

[LatinMind]

LM, nice post. I appreciate you taking the time. I hope all will.

I just like what im seeing. And its been awhile since i have felt this way. I was pumped when Ware and the likes got drafted but as the years went on they grew stale on me. None of them were leaders.

I love the fact this team has a bunch of no name young hungry guys. Dallas is easily one of the youngest teams in the NFL when just 2 yrs ago they were one of the oldest.

 

[LatinMind]

OK, as much as i liked your total post, this is, as you and I and the Free World knows, subjective.

It has certainly been a BUSY offseason as far as defense.
But time will tell. Quantity is not the same as quality.
Mein hope is that from the sheer numbers the coaches half brought in they will find a diamond or two (like Emmett) in the rough to hep rebuild this team.

llI clarify as it being a offseason that i find very good. They got a bunch of young guys who have NFL exp. Who are hungry. Dallas had too many rookies forced to play. And i think they learned their lesson this offseason with these signings.

 

[casmith07]

Too optimistic, 5-11 season incoming, I h8 Jerruh, Romo sux, etc. etc.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

llI clarify as it being a offseason that i find very good. They got a bunch of young guys who have NFL exp. Who are hungry. Dallas had too many rookies forced to play. And i think they learned their lesson this offseason with these signings.

When you put it that way one can only say "boy howdy!"
Let's hope (as you rightfully says) that the veteran/experience aspact will help this year.
Come to think of it, remember in ancient times when Jimma wold bring in people seemingly ever week? He beliefed in quantity and then he would find the few stars so maybe history will repeat itself and we will find substance in all this . . . chaff. Lawrence, maybe McClain can hep. Small steps. Yet forward movement.

hey, again, thx for the original post. it enlighted me and gave me some optimism and probably others.

 

[CCBoy]

Nice write up Latin Mind.

Some good thoughts put together there.

I'm looking for the starting linebackers to be Carter, McCain, and Durant. If they win the starting roles, I think this defense comes together.

I feel the secondary is finally coming to work with their lunch pales and some talent to boot.

I like what is shaping up along the defensive line. If Spencer and Okoye make it onto the field at least by mid-season, this unit got get a lot tougher, fast. I think that your suggestion of acquiring a first week veteran at defensive line has a lot of merit.

Good job, man. I enjoyed the read.

 

[CCBoy]

Too optimistic, 5-11 season incoming, I h8 Jerruh, Romo sux, etc. etc.

I hope your duty day is at unwind now, Sir...good to see you in here this early.

 

[casmith07]

In all seriousness LM, that was a good post. This is an optimistic season.

 

[LatinMind]

Nice write up Latin Mind.

Some good thoughts put together there.

I'm looking for the starting linebackers to be Carter, McCain, and Durant. If they win the starting roles, I think this defense comes together.

I feel the secondary is finally coming to work with their lunch pales and some talent to boot.

I like what is shaping up along the defensive line. If Spencer and Okoye make it onto the field at least by mid-season, this unit got get a lot tougher, fast. I think that your suggestion of acquiring a first week veteran at defensive line has a lot of merit.

Good job, man. I enjoyed the read.

Im wondering if Okoye illness might be diabetes. They say physically he can go but are waiting on a few things. Add into it they say he had lost alot of weight last yr. But has gained it back.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

If they are going to platoon guys and rotate then the success of the defense depends on the success of the rotation.

We are replacing Ware with Lawrence and Crawford. I think that pair should at least replicate what Ware did over the course of the season. i would even go so far as to say that they should thoroughly outplay Ware as he played from when he got hurt in the Denver game and onwards.

Melton is the closest to a tit for tat replacement and by himself I do not see him producing like Hatcher especially before he mailed it in. OTOH, McClain or any other stump serves to be an improvement over what we got out of Hayden. Any show of quickness on line stunts or a friggin double team from time to time would be marked improvement.

To make this work we need the younger late round guys or guys trying to come back to step up. We need a couple or few of Coleman, Bishop, Gardner, Bass, Brent, Spencer, and Okoye to win battles on the field. I have zero idea how any of those guys will do.

 

[LatinMind]

If they are going to platoon guys and rotate then the success of the defense depends on the success of the rotation.

We are replacing Ware with Lawrence and Crawford. I think that pair should at least replicate what Ware did over the course of the season. i would even go so far as to say that they should thoroughly outplay Ware as he played from when he got hurt in the Denver game and onwards.

Melton is the closest to a tit for tat replacement and by himself I do not see him producing like Hatcher especially before he mailed it in. OTOH, McClain or any other stump serves to be an improvement over what we got out of Hayden. Any show of quickness on line stunts or a friggin double team from time to time would be marked improvement.

To make this work we need the younger late round guys or guys trying to come back to step up. We need a couple or few of Coleman, Bishop, Gardner, Bass, Brent, Spencer, and Okoye to win battles on the field. I have zero idea how any of those guys will do.

No They are replacing Ware with Lawrence and Mincey/Wilson. Crawford is going to be the backup 3tech if he doesnt win the starting 1tech

I agree this rotation needs to be successful for this defense to improve. Im not expecting alot of sacks. I would be happy with alot of disruption. Get some 3 and outs and get turnovers the def got early on.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

No They are replacing Ware with Lawrence and Mincey/Wilson. Crawford is going to be the backup 3tech if he doesnt win the starting 1tech

I agree this rotation needs to be successful for this defense to improve. Im not expecting alot of sacks. I would be happy with alot of disruption. Get some 3 and outs and get turnovers the def got early on.

Nothing is sure. i think when you look back at the games and figure where Ware's 50 snaps a game went I think you will see those two with similar numbers. If Mincey is getting 30 snaps a game then we are in trouble.

 

[CyberB0b]

Nice write up Latin Mind.

Some good thoughts put together there.

I'm looking for the starting linebackers to be Carter, McCain, and Durant. If they win the starting roles, I think this defense comes together.

I feel the secondary is finally coming to work with their lunch pales and some talent to boot.

I like what is shaping up along the defensive line. If Spencer and Okoye make it onto the field at least by mid-season, this unit got get a lot tougher, fast. I think that your suggestion of acquiring a first week veteran at defensive line has a lot of merit.

Good job, man. I enjoyed the read.

Who is McCain?