PFW: TWWHI: Thomas could be difference between good and great defense

[Rampage]

2 questions

#1 did they ever decide on his jersey #?

#2 where can i get one?

 

[Pick6TerenceNewman]

2 questions

#1 did they ever decide on his jersey #?

#2 where can i get one?

#55 and go to www.dallascowboys.com/proshop

 

[AbeBeta]

True, but that doesn't make either of them a Parcells 'prototype'. They're exceptions to the rule. Just nitpicking.

i was really just speaking to attitude and approach.

 

[AbeBeta]

I also think Bill regretted that decision since Dat couldn't hold up to the punishment and had his career end prematurely.

Dat had the kind of injury that any player at that position might have - MLBs take a pounding in any D.

 

[AbeBeta]

Bill released Thomas after a month on the job. I know his salary had something to do with that, but if Bill was so high on him, with a young team in need of direction, you'd think he'd at least try to give him a chance to hang around.

Different situation. In a rebuild mode, given his age, best to cut bait.

 

[speedkilz88]

Dat had the kind of injury that any player at that position might have - MLBs take a pounding in any D.

Bill's defense leaves the MLB unprotected, they have to take on guards every play and that is what his body couldn't take. Most defenses protect the MLB so that they can run to the ball.

 

[TwoCentPlain]

One concussion and he sits 4+ games, possibly retires. I'm really not expecting much from Zack. I hope he surprises and plays well, though.

 

[peplaw06]

Different situation. In a rebuild mode, given his age, best to cut bait.

We were in a rebuild mode as well. If his only quip is with his age, then he must not be too high on him. He didn't have a problem bringing Keyshawn, Richie Anderson, Vinny, etc, etc in here when we were rebuilding.

 

[burmafrd]

The difference with Thomas is that A) he was a lot more expensive; and B) realistically you can maybe expect one or two years at the most from him.
With the exception of Vinny ( who is STILL AROUND) the guys BP brought in early were ones that he expected to be able to last 3-4 years (which was all he was expecting to be there himself).

BP did love Dat and felt a little guilty that the new D broke him down so fast- but Dat let him know he had no regrets. I also heard that BP put out a feeler to Dat about coming to Miami but Dat wants to stay for the time being.

 

[Disturbed]

One concussion and he sits 4+ games, possibly retires. I'm really not expecting much from Zack. I hope he surprises and plays well, though.

The biggest thing Zach could do for us -- tranfer technique and knowledge to Bobby Carpenter. He earns his paycheck by being a personal coach to the young guys that need direction and leadership, something that is lacking on this team.

 

[lspain1]

The Cowboys were fortunate with injuries last season and still could not close the deal. I'm hoping Thomas' leadership and drive will make a difference in December. We have depth so he doesn't have to play every down to be successful. We'll see.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Hope he stays healthy

 

[SDogo]

The biggest thing Zach could do for us -- tranfer technique and knowledge to Bobby Carpenter. He earns his paycheck by being a personal coach to the young guys that need direction and leadership, something that is lacking on this team.

Exactly, I really want to see Carpenter get it right. I think having Thomas for a year can't hurt.

 

[dueyhemlock]

Exactly, I really want to see Carpenter get it right. I think having Thomas for a year can't hurt.

Also the other inside backers. I think with Zach's intensity and flying around everywhere that Brady won't have to worry about the other backer spot. He will be able to pick his game up a knotch.

Didn't Zach have as many or more tackles than Akin last year?

Zach played 5 games, Akin played 17 games.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

THe cowboys wasn't disapointed in Akins play?

iN phillips scheme he is supposed to lead the team in tackles he wasn't close to that last year and was very suspect in coverage. So IDK where they are getting that they weren't disapointed in him

 

[dueyhemlock]

I think they viewed him (Akin) as surviceable. At that position, you should be lead dog.

Just up grade if possible, no need for the team to flame the guy.

Just look at Roy, the fans (not all), hang him out to dry but not the coaches. I'm sure they would upgrade if it were available/feasible.

 

[BoysFanInAustin]

The biggest thing Zach could do for us -- tranfer technique and knowledge to Bobby Carpenter. He earns his paycheck by being a personal coach to the young guys that need direction and leadership, something that is lacking on this team.

That's exactly what I thought he was brought here for as well. To be a good mentor to Bobby Carpenter and hopefully Carpenter could show his worth as a former #1 pick. But at the same time, I hope Zach Thomas comes in here and plays all 16 games and have that same fire that Junior Seau was having in New england the last couple of years being surrounded by a lot of great defensive players, and make a lot of tackles. I think if he stays healthy all 16 games, whatever he gives us is gravy.

 

[AbeBeta]

We were in a rebuild mode as well. If his only quip is with his age, then he must not be too high on him. He didn't have a problem bringing Keyshawn, Richie Anderson, Vinny, etc, etc in here when we were rebuilding.

Thomas was going to count, what, like 7 mill on the cap with nearly 6 mill of that base.

 

[coach316]

He's a "Mo," although I think if I was Thomas I'd prefer to be called a "Jack."

No they got it right, Bradie is the Mo LB in the defense.

Not sure if anybody got this figured out, but "Mo" and "Jack" linebacker is the same position, weak inside backer. Thomas is the Mo or Jack and James is the Mike.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Exactly... This isn't Parcells' D anymore.

Thank heaven for that.