*** Official non-Cowboys player cuts thread *** merged ***

[Plankton]

Fred Jackson has been a good player, but he's 34 years old, and has played 16 games once in the last four seasons. He's not any more reliable than what is already on the roster.

 

[Sydla]

This is my thinking as well. I wouldn't hate it if we picked up Jackson, but I think there will be more players with greater upside after the final round of cuts. I can understand why so many would want Jackson or Jennings, but I think it has more to do with the fact that they're recognizable names more than anything else. I'm personally keeping an eye on the Bengals, Broncos and 49ers cuts....

In the case of Jackson, it's more than just a recognizable name. He can be a productive back in this offense with this OL. Moreso than Dunbar IMO. Jackson can run a bit still, can catch balls out of the backfield and pass block.

The Cowboys made a decision to forgo the bell cow back who could do everything to instead go with a RBBC approach. Well in using that approach, you'd be wise to find 2-3 TBs that can excel in multiple areas. McFadden, if healthy, can run, catch and block. Randle can run and catch. Dunbar? Not much other than a few catches. A guy like Jackson, while long in the tooth, that can be competent in all areas is the perfect fit here.

I doubt they'll find a RB from another team that would be a better fit unless someone shocking gets cut.

 

[BAZ]

Fred Jackson has been a good player, but he's 34 years old, and has played 16 games once in the last four seasons. He's not any more reliable than what is already on the roster.

He's considerably more reliable than Dunbar.

 

[Plankton]

He's considerably more reliable than Dunbar.

Jackson won't be playing special teams. Dunbar will. This, amongst other things, would make him less desirable.

Has Jackson been healthier than Dunbar? Yes. Has Jackson been healthy? No. He's also older and costs more.

 

[dogberry]

Mommie, MOMMIE, the mean clown man yelled at me.

 

[Hailmary]

In the case of Jackson, it's more than just a recognizable name. He can be a productive back in this offense with this OL. Moreso than Dunbar IMO. Jackson can run a bit still, can catch balls out of the backfield and pass block.

The Cowboys made a decision to forgo the bell cow back who could do everything to instead go with a RBBC approach. Well in using that approach, you'd be wise to find 2-3 TBs that can excel in multiple areas. McFadden, if healthy, can run, catch and block. Randle can run and catch. Dunbar? Not much other than a few catches. A guy like Jackson, while long in the tooth, that can be competent in all areas is the perfect fit here.

I doubt they'll find a RB from another team that would be a better fit unless someone shocking gets cut.

I just don't see a whole lot of point carrying both Jackson and McFadden seeing as how they are both similar (except Jackson being older and slower and just as injury prone). I'd rather pick up a bigger, younger back who could help out with coverage on what's shaping up to be an atrocious ST unit.

 

[Stash]

Wow, have you checked the injury history of Fred Jackson?

Have you checked the absolute nothing that Lance Dunbar has accomplished in the NFL?

http://www.nfl.com/player/lancedunbar/2535708/profile

What do end zone mean?

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Thank goodness the Cowboys don't have any interest in the antique known as Fred Jackson. Being here in western NY I watch a lot of Bills' games and he hasn't been good in a while... plus he's been quite often hurt.

If the Cowboys want another back, better choices will be available prior to the start of the season.

 

[Cowboy4ever]

Pierre Thomas.

There will be a list of guys at any time that can come in and do the job.

We're talking about the easiest position in football to find a replacement. It's not a big deal.

I don't know about Thomas. He worked out for the Texans and they didn't sign him. They may have a worst situation at RB than we do and they passed on him. I will admit I don't know why they passed, maybe it was money. But if I remember right, he is not a 3 down back, he is most effective on 3rd down as a pass catcher. Don't see an up grade over McFadden in that case.

 

[John813]

Jackson won't be playing special teams. Dunbar will. This, amongst other things, would make him less desirable.

Has Jackson been healthier than Dunbar? Yes. Has Jackson been healthy? No. He's also older and costs more.

What role does Dunbar have on ST? Serious question, as my cold is making my memory really fuzzy today.
Don't recall him much on the return team

 

[Alexander]

What role does Dunbar have on ST? Serious question, as my cold is making my memory really fuzzy today.
Don't recall him much on the return team

He returned kicks the other night and plays on the coverage units.

 

[John813]

He returned kicks the other night and plays on the coverage units.

Thank you.

Missed the past two games.

 

[erod]

Have you checked the absolute nothing that Lance Dunbar has accomplished in the NFL?

http://www.nfl.com/player/lancedunbar/2535708/profile

What do end zone mean?

He's gotten almost no chance. I was really frustrated last year the way they gave Randle and Dunbar nothing, and Murray was pretty beat up at the end. That was my lone complaint against the Cowboys coaching staff last year.

The key is to not just use Dunbar on 3rd down. Give him the opening couple of plays on a series here and there. In space, he can fly, and he can take a draw or a handoff from the spread and be effective. He just needs a chance.

He looked fantastic against the Raiders a couple of years ago, and he's had some nice plays along the way. But it's just been so limited.

Garrett and Romo love the guy.

 

[Pessimist_cowboy]

I've been over Dunbar for 3 years. He offers nothing and has done nothing .

 

[Sydla]

I just don't see a whole lot of point carrying both Jackson and McFadden seeing as how they are both similar (except Jackson being older and slower and just as injury prone). I'd rather pick up a bigger, younger back who could help out with coverage on what's shaping up to be an atrocious ST unit.

What's the point of carrying Dunbar who can't pass block and isn't a great running threat at this point?

Sure, I'd love to pick up a bigger, younger back. Now name me that player that's going to be available.

Fred Jackson is likely going to be the best TB option out there. He's better than Dunbar. This isnt rocket science IMO.

 

[Stash]

He's gotten almost no chance. I was really frustrated last year the way they gave Randle and Dunbar nothing, and Murray was pretty beat up at the end. That was my lone complaint against the Cowboys coaching staff last year.

The key is to not just use Dunbar on 3rd down. Give him the opening couple of plays on a series here and there. In space, he can fly, and he can take a draw or a handoff from the spread and be effective. He just needs a chance.

He looked fantastic against the Raiders a couple of years ago, and he's had some nice plays along the way. But it's just been so limited.

Garrett and Romo love the guy.

I think any "love" is misplaced. I remember that 'one game' against the Raiders. Quickly followed by a lengthy period of unavailability.

I also saw him in a cameo appearance on Sunday. One carry was it?

This isn't about some great talent being denied opportunity, it's about a niche player that actually doesn't have a niche in the NFL.

 

[sureletsrace]

I have a feeling that the Cowboys have a list of 3-4 RBs that have a good chance of getting cut that they'll swoop down on if they get cut.

I don't think Fred is on that list.

 

[Stash]

What's the point of carrying Dunbar who can't pass block and isn't a great running threat at this point?

Sure, I'd love to pick up a bigger, younger back. Now name me that player that's going to be available.

Fred Jackson is likely going to be the best TB option out there. He's better than Dunbar. This isnt rocket science IMO.

You're absolutely right. Dunbar is a supposed third down back who can't run, but can't pass block either. If you want to just give him a wide receiver role, just do that and don't keep Whitehead, but this team needs a running back that can actually play running back.

 

[Sydla]

I have a feeling that the Cowboys have a list of 3-4 RBs that have a good chance of getting cut that they'll swoop down on if they get cut.

I don't think Fred is on that list.

Let's hope so.

 

[erod]

I think any "love" is misplaced. I remember that 'one game' against the Raiders. Quickly followed by a lengthy period of unavailability.

I also saw him in a cameo appearance on Sunday. One carry was it?

This isn't about some great talent being denied opportunity, it's about a niche player that actually doesn't have a niche in the NFL.

Well, Garrett, Romo, Linehan, and McClay vehemently disagree with you.