My take on the preseason so far

[Galian Beast]

First I would have to say while I was as adamant as anyone in regards to the offensive line, I think we actually might be okay here. I rewatched the Chargers game, and Romo had quite a bit of time. There were some penalties from Arkin that really made my scratch my head, Dockery is terrible, and the tackles don't seem to be 100% comfortable, but I think much of that will change in the regular season. Dockery shouldn't be on the team, let alone starting, Smith and Free should get better by the day, and I really hope we do something at center, but I think Costa will be better (this year) than Arkin would be.

I think a veteran center is still our top priority, or should be at least.

I was really impressed with Dez, I think he is going to be difficult to contain this year, especially playing opposite of Miles. 2 man under is going to be the death of teams playing against us this year, it's just not going to work. DeMarco Murray is just too much of a beast.

I know people are high on Arkin, and that the fan in me wanted to cut Olawale after the first game, but this guy definitely gives us something different. A lot of people are comparing him to Jerome Bettis, and I can see why. We scored 4 rushing touchdowns last year, and 3 by running backs. I think when this kid hits the pile, the pile moves. We need that in short yardage, and we need it on the goal line. Waive Tanner, and bring him back to the practice squad if he is eligible. I would love to have a bruiser back, it worked really well in Cleveland. I think a guy like Olawale could really set the tone for our team in terms of physicality.

Beasley and Harris are locks in my mind. They need to make this team based on their potential alone. I mixed on Ogletree because I don't know whether we've seen the best he can give. I'm excited to see what he can do on Saturday. I think we should take six receivers, and bring Coale along for the season.

On defense, I hope we see some more push from the defensive line with the return of Ratliff and Hatcher. What really worries me, even more than the center position is our ability to cover players in the flat. Scheme or players, I don't care what it is, that is killing us, and killed us last year. Other than that I think our defense is going to be a top 5 unit next year. Cant wait til Mike Jenkins is healthy, and Scandrick is relegated to 4th corner. That is what you call some serious depth. With all the guys we have, i'd be STUNNED if we don't have the best pass rush in the NFL. STUNNED!

 

[Galian Beast]

By the way, Barry Church looks like a COMPLETE beast. Looks like Roy Williams with coverage skills.

 

[CCBoy]

On the veteran status on the offensive line...what, Jerry is now Quicken Loans?

I think the offensive front adapts and the task master of Callahan will bring the unit together, and sustain it through December this year.

I think you see correctly, the opening window to the top of the shelf for Dallas in sacks this season.

Start to hit both Vick and Eli, and things in the East will swing to the way of Dallas.

 

[Rynie]

Nice write-up. I will add that today, at the practice, I saw vickers getting a few passes out of the backfield. That's something I haven't seen too much of so far. Really looking forward to that element as well.

 

[Galian Beast]

Nice write-up. I will add that today, at the practice, I saw vickers getting a few passes out of the backfield. That's something I haven't seen too much of so far. Really looking forward to that element as well.

When this offense fires on all cylinders, it'll be tough to stop.

Play the safeties in deep to cut off Romo's access to Austin and Bryant, and Vickers and Murray will have a field day running on 7 instead of 8.

At the end of the day it's really up to the offensive line. They block well, and this offense can't be stopped. I liked what I saw in the Chargers game, and hope that improves with the rest of the starters joining the ranks of the offensive line, and Austin and Bryant playing. I also really like Beasley in the slot. Think he could have a surprise impact in our offense.

 

[maxdallasfan]

Will Beasleys lack of ST contribution affect his roster spot?

 

[BourbonBalz]

Will Beasleys lack of ST contribution affect his roster spot?

As thin as we are at the WR spot, I'd doubt it. If you can contribute this year as a WR, you should make the team, special teams be damned.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

Enjoyable post!

Concerning Olawale, however, I'm going to disagree. The guy can move the pile -- there is no disagreement there -- but he has to prove himself a complete back before I'm sold on him.

Given the apprehension most of us have concerning the dependability of the o-line, do you really want a guy that has not proven he can pick up the free defender if he's required to block? Say what you want about Tanner's chances but he, along with Jones, has proven he can block. If the o-line is as bad as some think, the RBs have to be able to block.

And, like it or not, the guy has to play STs. No STs means he is a good PS candidate. If he makes the final roster I'll be pleased but surprised.

 

[RS12]

I still think the OL is a huge problem. Seven sacks given up at the Chargers scrimmage the next day is particularly troubling. I think they grab an OL off waivers but I wouldnt count on it to save the season.

 

[Galian Beast]

Enjoyable post!

Concerning Olawale, however, I'm going to disagree. The guy can move the pile -- there is no disagreement there -- but he has to prove himself a complete back before I'm sold on him.

Given the apprehension most of us have concerning the dependability of the o-line, do you really want a guy that has not proven he can pick up the free defender if he's required to block? Say what you want about Tanner's chances but he, along with Jones, has proven he can block. If the o-line is as bad as some think, the RBs have to be able to block.

And, like it or not, the guy has to play STs. No STs means he is a good PS candidate. If he makes the final roster I'll be pleased but surprised.

I don't have him in there pass blocking. I have him primarily in there as a backup fullback and a short yardage guy.

He is basically a clean up hitter. I think using him will strengthen our redzone convergence rate.

 

[Denim Chicken]

With all the guys we have, i'd be STUNNED if we don't have the best pass rush in the NFL. STUNNED!

This cant be right.

 

[jazzcat22]

Nice post...

I don't expect miracles from the OL. but I do expect an improvement...and a noticable one too.

If you look across the board as a team and coaches....this team has been upfraded a lot. What we didn't get in players, we got in coaches to make the players here better...individually and as a team.

OL...People don't think so, but the OL was upgraded for what they can be.
First Callahan was the biggest acqusition so to speak. Costa should be better despite all the hate toward him. Let's see ho Bernandaeu & Livings can actually play with a game plan before you send the executioner. Same with costa.

WR....not so much of an improvement...maybe. But Ogletree and Harris looked good in the SD game. If together they can be near what robinson was...this is a plus. Remember Robinson shined more because Austin was out.

QB..Orton big plus.

TE...Witten will be fine, even if he msses game 1. Phillips is healthy, Hanna looked good in SD game.

CB / S....need I really say anything here...Henderson was just as big of a pick up as Church emerging, Carr, Claiborne.

LB....same...we have a few young players looking decent. Upgraded here too. Just need that opposite side pass rush of Ware to be consistent.

DL....I think we have a few young promising players here too.

 

[Fletch]

First I would have to say while I was as adamant as anyone in regards to the offensive line, I think we actually might be okay here. I rewatched the Chargers game, and Romo had quite a bit of time. There were some penalties from Arkin that really made my scratch my head, Dockery is terrible, and the tackles don't seem to be 100% comfortable, but I think much of that will change in the regular season. Dockery shouldn't be on the team, let alone starting, Smith and Free should get better by the day, and I really hope we do something at center, but I think Costa will be better (this year) than Arkin would be.

I think a veteran center is still our top priority, or should be at least.

I was really impressed with Dez, I think he is going to be difficult to contain this year, especially playing opposite of Miles. 2 man under is going to be the death of teams playing against us this year, it's just not going to work. DeMarco Murray is just too much of a beast.

I know people are high on Arkin, and that the fan in me wanted to cut Olawale after the first game, but this guy definitely gives us something different. A lot of people are comparing him to Jerome Bettis, and I can see why. We scored 4 rushing touchdowns last year, and 3 by running backs. I think when this kid hits the pile, the pile moves. We need that in short yardage, and we need it on the goal line. Waive Tanner, and bring him back to the practice squad if he is eligible. I would love to have a bruiser back, it worked really well in Cleveland. I think a guy like Olawale could really set the tone for our team in terms of physicality.

Beasley and Harris are locks in my mind. They need to make this team based on their potential alone. I mixed on Ogletree because I don't know whether we've seen the best he can give. I'm excited to see what he can do on Saturday. I think we should take six receivers, and bring Coale along for the season.

On defense, I hope we see some more push from the defensive line with the return of Ratliff and Hatcher. What really worries me, even more than the center position is our ability to cover players in the flat. Scheme or players, I don't care what it is, that is killing us, and killed us last year. Other than that I think our defense is going to be a top 5 unit next year. Cant wait til Mike Jenkins is healthy, and Scandrick is relegated to 4th corner. That is what you call some serious depth. With all the guys we have, i'd be STUNNED if we don't have the best pass rush in the NFL. STUNNED!

By the way, Barry Church looks like a COMPLETE beast. Looks like Roy Williams with coverage skills.

Yeah. Can't help but notice #42 out there. I think he has won the job hands down. He's lights out from what I'm seeing.

 

[Galian Beast]

This cant be right.

We had one of the best pass rushes in 2009. Scheme, players, coverage...

I think we can be just as good as 2009, if not better.