Qwickdraw
Benched
- Messages
- 5,451
- Reaction score
- 0
Just some positive and negative observations on my part.
Everyone else is doing it...
Why can't I?
NEGATIVES:
1. Bledsoe's short passing IS poor:
He throws behind receivers alot. Keyshawn has had to reach back to catch the ball behind him too many times. Likewise for Witten and others. He seems to throw it almost sidearmed often.
2. Julius is NOT a good receiver:
I made this statement months ago and got reamed for it. I still see it as true. He made a great grab last game but he never looks comfortable receiving and seems to jump to catch the ball in his chest because he is not confident in his hands. Therefor, he never catches in stride and ends up going nowhere when he does make the grab.
3. Newman is an EXCELLENT CB but his hands are suspect as well:
This one is sure to ruffle some feathers but I speaking based upon watching him closely his entire career, NOT just last game. He drops some very catchable picks on a regular basis. It's not all bad because he may have this tendency as a direct result of being such a good cover guy. Meaning, he watches his WR so closely and moves so quickly to keep pace that when an interceptable ball is there, he doesn't become aware of it until too late. I just wish he were a little more of a ballhawk because he is BLAZING fast and a threat to return it house when he does catch it.
4. Our LBers are the defensive weakness:
The real passrush should be coming from this position and either the scheme or lack of ability at this position is hindering it. Maybe a little of both. By and large, teams have not been successful shooting downfield on us but they seem to be able to move the ball very well when throwing underneath to TEs and WRs on short routes.
5. Our O-Line is the offensive weakness:
It's not the scheme. It's not the RBs. It's not the receivers. It's the O-line. I think our O-line is better than it has been in recent years and would be sufficient for some teams but with a heavy running load and a big pocket passer at the helm, this team needs an exceptional line to be successful. Bledsoe is deadly when he has time and JJ is extremely dangerous when given an initial hole.
6. Tyson Thompson has ONE move:
Full speed ahead.
Thankfully, it's a very, very speedy full speed but it's so damn fast that it inhibits his abilty to make any lateral movement whatsoever. He is a good returner and will always ensure good field position but he will never make a play on his own. This isn't so negative because I am pleased with his play and will continue to be until we have a better option. But man does he hit a wall. Everytime.
POSITIVES:
1. Roy Williams is the REAL deal:
Coverage skills or not, this guy is a missle everywhere on the field. What he lacks in pass coverage he more than makes up for with tackles, forced fumbles, punishing hits, threatening presence, pursuit ability and backfield charging. I wonder how many guys' jobs he has saved on this team by coming up to make the hit when someone is out of position or just plain beat.
2. Our Secondary is EXCELLENT:
Possibly the biggest weakness on our team last season has become one of our biggest strengths. When Henry, Newman, Glenn, Williams, and Davis are on the field I think you'd be hardpressed to find a better Secondary in the league. Henry was money very well spent. Davis may be considered the weakest link by many but I think he is improving every game and will become an excellent FS if given the opportunity to continue playing. He has yet to become comfortable enough to showcase his ballhawking ability, which I know he has. It will surface if given time.
3. We may have the BEST hands in the league:
Keyshawn, Glenn, Crayton and Witten have some of the best hands in the league. Together, I think they form the most able group of hands on any team in the league.
4. Bill Parcells:
Many disagree but BP has shown me the ability to change with the times, learn from his mistakes, squeeze life out of dying vets and an incredible ability at scouting talent. Not to mention a relentless passion for the game and winning as well as amazing leadership. Last and most importantly, his emphasis on character. And that, more than anything IMO, is what builds championship teams.
5. Youth, youth, youth:
And talent as well. This team is very young, very hungry, and very fresh. It can only go up from here. While many teams have hit their peak, we are still climbing. The only question is... how high is our peak? The sky is the limit.
6. Character:
By far the most positive aspect of our team IMO. Character is what gets you through the tough losses and back into winning without missing a beat. I am proud to be a Dallas Cowboys fan because of this reason more so than anything else. Regardless of the record or the stats, this team seems to be comprised predominantly with genuinely good guys who posess intelligence and positivity. That is something you can't coach or buy. And that is something I think will ultimately place this team on top.
Everyone else is doing it...
Why can't I?
NEGATIVES:
1. Bledsoe's short passing IS poor:
He throws behind receivers alot. Keyshawn has had to reach back to catch the ball behind him too many times. Likewise for Witten and others. He seems to throw it almost sidearmed often.
2. Julius is NOT a good receiver:
I made this statement months ago and got reamed for it. I still see it as true. He made a great grab last game but he never looks comfortable receiving and seems to jump to catch the ball in his chest because he is not confident in his hands. Therefor, he never catches in stride and ends up going nowhere when he does make the grab.
3. Newman is an EXCELLENT CB but his hands are suspect as well:
This one is sure to ruffle some feathers but I speaking based upon watching him closely his entire career, NOT just last game. He drops some very catchable picks on a regular basis. It's not all bad because he may have this tendency as a direct result of being such a good cover guy. Meaning, he watches his WR so closely and moves so quickly to keep pace that when an interceptable ball is there, he doesn't become aware of it until too late. I just wish he were a little more of a ballhawk because he is BLAZING fast and a threat to return it house when he does catch it.
4. Our LBers are the defensive weakness:
The real passrush should be coming from this position and either the scheme or lack of ability at this position is hindering it. Maybe a little of both. By and large, teams have not been successful shooting downfield on us but they seem to be able to move the ball very well when throwing underneath to TEs and WRs on short routes.
5. Our O-Line is the offensive weakness:
It's not the scheme. It's not the RBs. It's not the receivers. It's the O-line. I think our O-line is better than it has been in recent years and would be sufficient for some teams but with a heavy running load and a big pocket passer at the helm, this team needs an exceptional line to be successful. Bledsoe is deadly when he has time and JJ is extremely dangerous when given an initial hole.
6. Tyson Thompson has ONE move:
Full speed ahead.
Thankfully, it's a very, very speedy full speed but it's so damn fast that it inhibits his abilty to make any lateral movement whatsoever. He is a good returner and will always ensure good field position but he will never make a play on his own. This isn't so negative because I am pleased with his play and will continue to be until we have a better option. But man does he hit a wall. Everytime.
POSITIVES:
1. Roy Williams is the REAL deal:
Coverage skills or not, this guy is a missle everywhere on the field. What he lacks in pass coverage he more than makes up for with tackles, forced fumbles, punishing hits, threatening presence, pursuit ability and backfield charging. I wonder how many guys' jobs he has saved on this team by coming up to make the hit when someone is out of position or just plain beat.
2. Our Secondary is EXCELLENT:
Possibly the biggest weakness on our team last season has become one of our biggest strengths. When Henry, Newman, Glenn, Williams, and Davis are on the field I think you'd be hardpressed to find a better Secondary in the league. Henry was money very well spent. Davis may be considered the weakest link by many but I think he is improving every game and will become an excellent FS if given the opportunity to continue playing. He has yet to become comfortable enough to showcase his ballhawking ability, which I know he has. It will surface if given time.
3. We may have the BEST hands in the league:
Keyshawn, Glenn, Crayton and Witten have some of the best hands in the league. Together, I think they form the most able group of hands on any team in the league.
4. Bill Parcells:
Many disagree but BP has shown me the ability to change with the times, learn from his mistakes, squeeze life out of dying vets and an incredible ability at scouting talent. Not to mention a relentless passion for the game and winning as well as amazing leadership. Last and most importantly, his emphasis on character. And that, more than anything IMO, is what builds championship teams.
5. Youth, youth, youth:
And talent as well. This team is very young, very hungry, and very fresh. It can only go up from here. While many teams have hit their peak, we are still climbing. The only question is... how high is our peak? The sky is the limit.
6. Character:
By far the most positive aspect of our team IMO. Character is what gets you through the tough losses and back into winning without missing a beat. I am proud to be a Dallas Cowboys fan because of this reason more so than anything else. Regardless of the record or the stats, this team seems to be comprised predominantly with genuinely good guys who posess intelligence and positivity. That is something you can't coach or buy. And that is something I think will ultimately place this team on top.