Okay so who will be Dallas' one BIG FA signing?

[CF74]

OK I Googled it...

On top of the $16.7 million in guaranteed money, Peppers could earn another $1.5 million if he makes the Pro Bowl and $250,000 for each playoff win, giving him one of the highest single-season contracts in NFL history.

Man it sounds to me like he had every reason in the world not to dog it...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4284304

 

[sonnyboy]

I just can't understand all the negativity toward free agency. It's a tool to improve your team the same as the draft.

Can you build a winner through FA only? Of course not. But guess what, you can't do it through the draft only either.

Successful teams, final eight teams(like we've been 2 of the last 3 years) use both effectively.

That's the key. It still comes down to player evaluation. Doesn't matter if it's a 21 yr old rookie or a 27+ yr old FA.

 

[daschoo]

I just can't understand all the negativity toward free agency. It's a tool to improve your team the same as the draft.

Can you build a winner through FA only? Of course not. But guess what, you can't do it through the draft only either.

Successful teams, final eight teams(like we've been 2 of the last 3 years) use both effectively.

That's the key. It still comes down to player evaluation. Doesn't matter if it's a 21 yr old rookie or a 27+ yr old FA.

wait thats far too sensible. you must only draft! either that or ignore the draft and rely on free agency. you must pick one and decry the other as evil, there is no middle ground!

 

[STSINAZ]

would love to have seymour but we need to replace at least one lineman with a free agent....i would say that would be kosier...gotta get a strong solid player there to make up for some deficiency's we showed and or gurode's lack of intelligence...also need free in there for columbo

 

[jobberone]

I don't think the "system" has anything to do with Spears' sack totals. I just dont think he's very good at it.

Ratliff has put up numerous sacks in our "system"

Seymour would be a difference maker no matter what system he's in. He balled in New Englands 3-4. He balled in Oaklands 4-3. He's just a really good player.

Ratliff gets to shoot the gaps while the DEs cover their guy. They are totally different and one reason why Ratliff excels. If Ratliff played a traditional NT he would be an average to below starter. Likely subpar due to his size. Seymour would be stuck with just bull rushing for the most part except obvious passing downs. What are you going to do with Bowen and Hatcher if you obtain Seymour? You think Seymour is that much better of a pass rusher than Bowen? I think he is better but not so much as to be worth the cap money (and yes this year is uncapped. It won't stay that way). So no I don't see the upside being worth the contract and loss of Bowen's and Hatcher's contribution.

 

[jobberone]

No matter how many times you repeat this, it does not make it true. Wade plays a one gapping 3-4 and his DEs have great opportunities to rush the passer. Luis Castillo is not nearly the talent that Richard Seymour is, and Castillo averaged 5.5 sacks in his two seasons under Wade. Playing DE.

Other DE averages under Wade:

Patrick Kearney 8.5 sacks
Bruce Smith 10.8 sacks
Shane Dronett 6.25 sacks
Reggie White 19 sacks
Jumpy Geathers 6.25 sacks


If a player has ANY talent to rush the passer, Wade will bring it out_in spades, no matter the position. Your argument is entirely specious.

The DEs do not play a gap but cover their man. Ratliff shoots the gaps. You're wrong about that.

 

[EPL0c0]

I wouldn't call THomas Howard a "BIG" FA signing, but he's a guy that I think Dallas could have/should have drafted instead of Carpenter. I think he could do ok at ILB in Dallas.

The only other guy on the list worth considering is Bathea at S. The rest (like Ryans) are longshots

 

[jobberone]

I wouldn't call THomas Howard a "BIG" FA signing, but he's a guy that I think Dallas could have/should have drafted instead of Carpenter. I think he could do ok at ILB in Dallas.

The only other guy on the list worth considering is Bathea at S. The rest (like Ryans) are longshots

Is Howard really that good? How's his cover skills?

 

[cowboyjoe]

Reread what Hos said. He did not say you were wrong. He simply said he disagreed. Don't get so defensive.

I wasnt getting defensive, was just disagreeing with Hostile, and picking at him alittle, while trying a little huimor in what i posted to what hostile said.

 

[cowboyjoe]

What in the blue hell does you making a good guess have to do with the team needing to sign one more big name free agent or someone you know thinking Brooking was too old?

No, you don't have one damned clue what you're talking about on this IMO.

Well first, you know there was a blue moon this year. :laugh2:

Next, you dont remember saying that Brooking was too old or washed up to play for the cowboys when they signed him last year, something along those lines?

I do have a clue, all you have to do is read between the lines, listen to the players like Romo who said each year you hope to getting better and improving, while some other players need to work their butts off more than others last year. Whereas Aikman demaded perfection from his teammates, and charles haley helped him. Romo is getting there by becoming the leader and holding players accountable. Now he has to take the next step. Just needs alittle help from other players now.

Just like Troy Aikman saying, we had no clue to what it took to winning the big championship game till Charles Haley got there. Same thing happened when Herb Adderly told the dallas cowboys players after showing them his 2 superbowl rings. I will show you what it takes to win.

Then, back to Romo, I tried to tell most of you, after Qbs hit their stride with experience after their 50th game to their 61st, then most of the time, those qbs came elite after their 50th start. I said the same thing about jason garrett, garrett is learning too as a offensive coordinator, just takes time, after 3 years like Tom Landry said, you should see something from the player, same thing goes for coaches too.

Same thing, when I posted my mock draft last year, with 11 to 13 players the cowboys would take, most of you told me, again i was wrong and all wet behind the ears, didnt know what i was talking about. How many cowboys did the cowboys draft last year, 12. :laugh2:

I have watched this game since the early 60's and I have listened to veteran players, and know what i hear and see. So, yes I do know what I am talking about.

 

[EPL0c0]

Is Howard really that good? How's his cover skills?

better than Carpenter's. He might be able to push Bradie James for a starting spot, but more likely, he'd be (very) quality depth at the ILB position. Why take a drop from starter to backup? He's a Texas guy (from Lubbock, played at UTEP), plus, playing for Oakland vs playing for Dallas could be enough to lure him (or a guy like him) here w/ the possibility of winning more games.

In coverage, he's actually ok. Has decent speed, good overall player, the stats are a little decieving b/c he has been in Oakland. I think he's better than his stats indicate.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Because Dallas has certain restrictions on who and how many players we can sign in free agency, we have an opportunity to sign one player with a base salary of $5.5 million or more I believe. So here are a list of players I'm hoping we're interested in, and you guys can list anyone you want:

CAR LB Thomas Davis

CLE LB D'Qwell Jackson

DEN WR Brandon Marshall

HOU LB DeMeco Ryans

IND S Antoine Bethea

KC LB Derrick Johnson

NE K Stephen Gostkowski

NO G Jahri Evans- Here's my pick. He's actually a very solid player. Having Kosier as the backup, swing guard isn't a bad situation at all. Having Evans would allow us to trade and release Colombo, keep Flozell for another year or two, move Free to RT and draft an OT in the 1st round to eventually replace Flozell. Even Free could move to LT eventually and if our 1st round OT doesn't pan out at LT, we can always move him to RT.

OAK LB Thomas Howard

SD OT Marcus McNeil

TB OT Donald Penn

EDIT: I understand some if not all of these players are restricted free agents. I'm almost positive Jahri Evans is, so it depends on the tender NO places on him.

if I had to choose I take McNeil over Evanss, simply because McNeil would be playing a critical position and is much better improvement from Adams compared to going from Kosier to Evans. Although I like Kosier as a back up since he can play all of the inside position, which would allow us to bolster another position on the roster.

 

[CF74]

Well first, you know there was a blue moon this year. :laugh2:

Next, you dont remember saying that Brooking was too old or washed up to play for the cowboys when they signed him last year, something along those lines?

I do have a clue, all you have to do is read between the lines, listen to the players like Romo who said each year you hope to getting better and improving, while some other players need to work their butts off more than others last year. Whereas Aikman demaded perfection from his teammates, and charles haley helped him. Romo is getting there by becoming the leader and holding players accountable. Now he has to take the next step. Just needs alittle help from other players now.

Just like Troy Aikman saying, we had no clue to what it took to winning the big championship game till Charles Haley got there. Same thing happened when Herb Adderly told the dallas cowboys players after showing them his 2 superbowl rings. I will show you what it takes to win.

Then, back to Romo, I tried to tell most of you, after Qbs hit their stride with experience after their 50th game to their 61st, then most of the time, those qbs came elite after their 50th start. I said the same thing about jason garrett, garrett is learning too as a offensive coordinator, just takes time, after 3 years like Tom Landry said, you should see something from the player, same thing goes for coaches too.

Same thing, when I posted my mock draft last year, with 11 to 13 players the cowboys would take, most of you told me, again i was wrong and all wet behind the ears, didnt know what i was talking about. How many cowboys did the cowboys draft last year, 12. :laugh2:

I have watched this game since the early 60's and I have listened to veteran players, and know what i hear and see. So, yes I do know what I am talking about.

So what would ole Tom Landry say right now if he was sitting on Jerry's shoulder, whispering in his ear? From what I recall Tom didn't go after FA's all the time, I may be wrong but it seems to me he hardly got any at all. What do you recall?

 

[Cover 2]

So what would ole Tom Landry say right now if he was sitting on Jerry's shoulder, whispering in his ear? From what I recall Tom didn't go after FA's all the time, I may be wrong but it seems to me he hardly got any at all. What do you recall?

If a free agent is good and will improve the team then you should go after him. I'm not saying to get a free agent just because he has a big name, but if he fits into the system well and represents an upgrade there is no reason to not go after him.

 

[CF74]

If a free agent is good and will improve the team then you should go after him. I'm not saying to get a free agent just because he has a big name, but if he fits into the system well and represents an upgrade there is no reason to not go after him.

There's more to it than that but if everything falls into place I'm not against it.

 

[cowboyjoe]

So what would ole Tom Landry say right now if he was sitting on Jerry's shoulder, whispering in his ear? From what I recall Tom didn't go after FA's all the time, I may be wrong but it seems to me he hardly got any at all. What do you recall?

You keep good team players on your team, but overall always remember you have to keep talent on the team, even if those players are troublesome sometimes like Thomas Henderson was.

Landry did get some key players on the team early 70''s like herb adderly, mike dikta, and lance alworth. remember lance alworth caught a key touchdown in 71 superbowl. Remember how preston helped us in 75, and 77, etc. Then, what key player did Landry get in 78, in fact the cowboys said if wasnt for this player calling a team meeting and told the players, reason why your losing, is because your not playing like champions, but playing like the star on your helmet is winning games for you. Remember that key person TE that dropped a key pass in 78 superbowl?

Then, remember in 77 after Too Tall Jones retired one year for boxing, what key player did we trade for that kept the cowboys with a dominant defensive line for 7 years or so, John Dutton.

Remember John Dutton would have been in the championship game against the 49ers, but a blood vessel popped in his leg due to conrad dobbler leg whipping in the cowboys cardinals game and our defense pass rush was somewhat weak against the 49ers in the championship game, remember that?

 

[CF74]

You keep good team players on your team, but overall always remember you have to keep talent on the team, even if those players are troublesome sometimes like Thomas Henderson was.

Landry did get some key players on the team early 70''s like herb adderly, mike dikta, and lance alworth. remember lance alworth caught a key touchdown in 71 superbowl. Remember how preston helped us in 75, and 77, etc. Then, what key player did Landry get in 78, in fact the cowboys said if wasnt for this player calling a team meeting and told the players, reason why your losing, is because your not playing like champions, but playing like the star on your helmet is winning games for you. Remember that key person TE that dropped a key pass in 78 superbowl?

Then, remember in 77 after Too Tall Jones retired one year for boxing, what key player did we trade for that kept the cowboys with a dominant defensive line for 7 years or so, John Dutton.

Remember John Dutton would have been in the championship game against the 49ers, but a blood vessel popped in his leg due to conrad dobbler leg whipping in the cowboys cardinals game and our defense pass rush was somewhat weak against the 49ers in the championship game, remember that?

No, because I was born in 74 but I remember hearing my father talk about most of what you just mentioned. That's why I asked to be honest, I want good ole Joe to take me back down memory lane and share some history with me. I think you are another key poster on this forum that is under appreciated. Fools that ignore history are doomed to repeat failures of the past. Keep preaching CowboyJoe, we're listening...

And it's time for you to ask Hos to give you a custom user title, might I suggest, "Tom Landry's Shadow?" Without the question mark of course...:lombardi:

 

[cowboyjoe]

No, because I was born in 74 but I remember hearing my father talk about most of what you just mentioned. That's why I asked to be honest, I want good ole Joe to take me back down memory lane and share some history with me. I think you are another key poster on this forum that is under appreciated. Fools that ignore history are doomed to repeat failures of the past. Keep preaching CowboyJoe, we're listening...

And it's time for you to ask Hos to give you a custom user title, might I suggest, "Tom Landry's Shadow?" Without the question mark of course...:lombardi:

Thanks, and i totally agree with you on history, you need to learn or ask veteran players what they went through are you will repeat their mistakes too. I might ask Hostile about that title, but I dont think he is too happy with me right now, blue moon and all, but I love Hostile and DC, and some others on this board.

Another player you might not recognize except for your dad maybe was Billy Truax, he helped us too, was a real good TE, with hands like gloves, once you threw him the ball, he caught it.

Another key addition to our team was a former head coach, Red Hickey, who started the shotgun formation with the 49ers in the 60's. Landry reinvented the shotgun formation so to speak in 75. I even took a page out of a football book that red hickey wrote and gave it to all pro ex clevelands browns offensive linemen john wooten in february at cowboys headquarters that year. In march the cowboys installed the shotgun formation, landry called hickey into this office and told him i want you to work with staubach and install the shotgun formation, the rest is history.

 

[CF74]

Thanks, and i totally agree with you on history, you need to learn or ask veteran players what they went through are you will repeat their mistakes too. I might ask Hostile about that title, but I dont think he is too happy with me right now, blue moon and all, but I love Hostile and DC, and some others on this board.

Another player you might not recognize except for your dad maybe was Billy Truax, he helped us too, was a real good TE, with hands like gloves, once you threw him the ball, he caught it.

Another key addition to our team was a former head coach, Red Hickey, who started the shotgun formation with the 49ers in the 60's. Landry reinvented the shotgun formation so to speak in 75. I even took a page out of a football book that red hickey wrote and gave it to all pro ex clevelands browns offensive linemen john wooten in february at cowboys headquarters that year. In march the cowboys installed the shotgun formation, landry called hickey into this office and told him i want you to work with staubach and install the shotgun formation, the rest is history.

Hos ain't mad at cha, just send him a pm. I seem to recall the name (Truax) but obviously didn't see him play. I also recall you mentioning something about the shotgun in previous posts.

 

[BAT]

The DEs do not play a gap but cover their man. Ratliff shoots the gaps. You're wrong about that.

I'm wrong? You've never played organized ball have you? Are you saying Wade's DEs are primarily supposed to drop into coverage?? Or are you saying that Wade's DEs have TWO GAP responsibilities, instead of ONE?

EVERY scheme has their DL responsible for AT LEAST one gap. "Shooting the gap" means one gap responsibility. Wade employs a one-gap 3-4 which is very similar to a traditional 4-3. The old Fairbanks 3-4 (which Parcells' favors), which had all their DL 2 gapping, is nearly extinct in today's NFL. Most teams use a hybrid, with a lot of emphasis on one gap responsiblity_it is a passing league now.

"Cover their man???"