possible dallas free agents after 2008 season

[superpunk]

San Diego and Miami both let Wes Welker go because he had nothing to offer but special teams. We better be careful for what we wish for with Carpenter.

I don't disagree with your thoughts on Bobby, but Welker was doing alot more than special teams in Miami. He was one of their few offensive bright spots. And because they are such a brilliant organization, they decided that their only consistent threat on offense was worth only a second round pick, and let him escape to their division rival.

I think we'll see some stuff from Bobby this year. The ILB position is a difficult one to learn. Doesn't help being moved around. It's put up or shut up time, for sure.

 

[hairic]

San Diego and Miami both let Wes Welker go because he had nothing to offer but special teams. We better be careful for what we wish for with Carpenter.

Miami got a 2nd and a 7th for Welker. If Carpenter is worth a 2nd and a 7th, it means he's been playing and played well.

 

[theogt]

Or their flirtations with taking ILB prospects like Beau Bell, Keith Rivers or Jerod Mayo told us that we weren't completely sold either.

I agree that theoretically, he should play a larger role because of Thomas' limitations.

But the trade of Ayodele doesn't give him a seal of approval and is at the most a cautious and half-hearted endorsement.

Eventually, Carpenter himself has to step up and become a player. The excuses are gone.

Yes, all endorsements are "half-hearted" and all indications of even minimal interest in linebackers in the draft tell us we're not sold on him.

Yet we got rid of the only linebacker ahead of him long-term and didn't draft any linebackers to replace or groom behind him.

This is a clear case of half-full vs. half-empty. But we're looking at the same glass.

 

[Alexander]

Yes, all endorsements are "half-hearted" and all indications of even minimal interest in linebackers in the draft tell us we're not sold on him.

Yet we got rid of the only linebacker ahead of him long-term and didn't draft any linebackers to replace or groom behind him.

This is a clear case of half-full vs. half-empty. But we're looking at the same glass.

No, it could also be a clear case of the opportunity not being present.

For example, only the most optimistic could rationalize why we passed on the WR position.

Yet, we emerged from the draft without one.

Just because we never drafted an inside linebacker doesn't mean it was not a concern. It clearly was or we were just sitting back laughing at our elaborate smokescreen.

Had this been an offseason replete with gushing endorsements for Carpenter since the Ayodele trade, you might have a point. I have yet to see it.

So either we are being sly and just waiting to unleash the fury, or we simply don't know what we have with this player, who is somewhat of a flake and far from a warrior. I am certain his status as a first round pick and his pricetag is buying him more of an opportunity than it normally would if all things were equal.

 

[theogt]

No, it could also be a clear case of the opportunity not being present.

For example, only the most optimistic could rationalize why we passed on the WR position.

Yet, we emerged from the draft without one.

Just because we never drafted an inside linebacker doesn't mean it was not a concern. It clearly was or we were just sitting back laughing at our elaborate smokescreen.

And just because we brought in a linebacker to look at pre-draft doesn't mean we think it is a concern.

Had this been an offseason replete with gushing endorsements for Carpenter since the Ayodele trade, you might have a point. I have yet to see it.

So it's only when the answer is obvious and strikes you in the forehead that you think it's a possibility, or even a probability?

So either we are being sly and just waiting to unleash the fury, or we simply don't know what we have with this player, who is somewhat of a flake and far from a warrior. I am certain his status as a first round pick and his pricetag is buying him more of an opportunity than it normally would if all things were equal.

Yes, I'm sure it will be quite the surprise that a 1st rounder with loads of athleticism turns out to be a good or even decent player. SURPRISE!

 

[Alexander]

And just because we brought in a linebacker to look at pre-draft doesn't mean we think it is a concern.

True, but we also brought in a concussed aging veteran who is a medical risk because we weren't. And all of that because we have complete confidence in Bobby Carpenter's potential. Strange how that all works out.

Yes, I'm sure it will be quite the surprise that a 1st rounder with loads of athleticism turns out to be a good or even decent player. SURPRISE!

That's been said about practically every first round bust since the dawn of time. Most get drafted where they did because they had "loads of athleticism" and there was the hope they could be at least a "decent" player.

I do like the adjustment in expectation. I'd hope our first round pick would eventually be "good" or "decent". Nothing like aiming high.

 

[theogt]

True, but we also brought in a concussed aging veteran who is a medical risk because we weren't. And all of that because we have complete confidence in Bobby Carpenter's potential. Strange how that all works out.

Once again, bringing in a one year player as the only player ahead of him, who'll likely share times with him this year, tells me exactly what they they think of Carpenter long-term.

They don't know if he'll "get it" but they suspect he will and for all intents and purposes, all but one of their eggs are in his basket right now.

That's been said about practically every first round bust since the dawn of time. Most get drafted where they did because they had "loads of athleticism" and there was the hope they could be at least a "decent" player.

I do like the adjustment in expectation. I'd hope our first round pick would eventually be "good" or "decent". Nothing like aiming high.

Ya know, I was actually pointing out that it's ridiculous that you'd be surprised if turns out to be at least decent. I'm glad that you recognize it's pretty silly to be surprised at that.