jday
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In a previous thread I read one person's response suggesting there was no reason to be excited about 2009. I disagree. This team is an attitude adjustment away from being Super Bowl contenders, from reclaiming their America's Team title. In 2008, they were just a few plays away from being in the Play Offs. And since a 9 and 7 team ended up representing the NFC in the Super Bowl, had those few plays gone the Cowboys way, I think no one on this board would be stripping the Cowboys of their "America's Team" title, no one would have a complaint, and no one would be attacking the Cowboys team and coaching staff from every possible angle left exposed. But back to the point of this thread: We have much to be excited about, and that all starts with the draft.
Many of you might be dissappointed by our prospects, since our 1st round, a 3rd round and 5th round pick went to the Lions for Roy Williams. I admit, that trade has yet to prove itself. Spilt milk or not, we, as fans, have to move on. And since Scandrick and Choice were picked up in rounds where conventional wisdom dictates you don't find starting quality players, I reserve a degree of hope that the Cowboys can repeat on the success they experienced in last years draft with 11 picks overall (I think). Every player save one contributed in one way or another - that's a pretty good draft turn out.
Free Agency - When you have the worst back up in the history of the game, in terms of drop off from production of your starting QB, it shouldn't be too hard to upgrade the position. It's a shame Michael Irvin reality show doesn't include the QB position as up for grabs, since just about any joe with an arm and decent legs would be an upgrade to Bad "I mean Brad" Johnson. Other possible spots that may need to be filled is NT, MLB, and SS. These spots traditionally do not get filled with the best possible option from the draft so hopefully we either tie down what we have or look to the Free Agency to fill the void. Either way, I trust the Cowboys management won't trust the load of any of these positions to just any player.
One name: Felix Jones. He makes things happen. He scares defenses. And he's surrounded by talent in his position with Barber and Choice, which makes him even more dangerous when used sparingly. That means, if used correctly, throughout the game he loses nothing on his right or left hook (e.g. speed). And the fact that he scares defenses, along with T.O., who despite his production last year, will still scare defenses, the defense can be effectively spread out with these two sharing the field. Obviously his durability now is a concern, but I would like to think that Felix learned a valuable lesson in his rookie year. He went from "savior with an infectious smile" to "whose that guy on crutches watching the game." It's no fun being the latter. Hopefully from this he adopts a similar stretch routine to what Zach Thomas uses throughout the week, to ensure his limbs are prepared for the rigors of NFL play.
Tashard Choice: His role, at this point, is unknown. What we do know is he deserves to have a role. In fact, many would argue he earned a role even moreso than what Barber did in 2008. Further, we know that Choice is a cross between Jones and Barber, being a little faster than Barber, and a little more of a plodder than Jones. He's an idea WCO back, who is decent in pass protection, and great in check down situations (e.g. the short screen pass after the QB finds nothing deeper). He finds the defenses weakness and exploits it. He's not a home run threat, in terms of speed, but he always seems to get, at least, the yards needed.
Marion Barber: When used sparing in 2007, he had a way of firing up the team with his physical running style. He was one of the most feared running backs in the league, which said alot considering his back up role. In 2008, he lost something. Rather or not he was listening to Emmitt Smith when he commented on how long players like Barber last in the league, is unknown. But one key part of his running style I know he discontinued: Remember when upon impact he would perform a half spin and drive backwards for extra yards? He stopped doing that. Now, I could see that could be a very dangerous move in a RB's arsenal, but it was a very key part of his style. Hopefully he brings a little of that back in 2009.
Martellus Bennett: Let's forget for a moment that he's a goofy nerd with suddenly a whole bunch of money. If I had his money, I might end up on the news a few times, and I'm not even a member of the Cowboys. The guy has talent. He reminds me of Kellen Winslow, to a certain degree, as he has more speed than your average TE, which means he will burn many LB's and out leap most safety's with his 6'6" height. When this guy is your 2nd option at TE, you can't help but be happy with the prospects in the situation.
Which brings me to Tony Romo. Last year, he tried to learn how to emulate Tom Brady. A move that I think Tony realized a little too late in the year, was a bad idea. What I think we have all talked about to death on this forum is that what makes Romo great is his ability to create after the play is dead; for that matter, in 2007, that's what make our Offensive Line and Offensive Coordinator look great, but I digress. This year in the off-season, with Jessica giving him too much to look at (I know, I'm horrible), I think Romo might be looking at some 2007 game footage in an attempt to return to that player. Because let's face it, if he can't be that player, he won't be the Cowboys QB for very much longer. Of all the positions on the Cowboys team, that position is the most flimsy. Regardless of what your stats say, your play has to remind everyone on a regular basis that you belong. I don't see Tony shying from this challenge. If there is anything that we know about Tony it's that he is a competitor. He may try from time to time to assuage the pain away with psycho-babble to the press, but I know, as well as you should, he feels losses, like buildings feel wrecking balls. The point: I see Romo exercising the offense strength in 2009. I see him spreading it around, which he has the cast of stars to do that with.
Jason Garrett: To many's lament, he is still here. But he's also still smart. And like Romo, I think he too will give that 2007 season a second look. No, he won't be looking at the play's that were ran. He will study when they were ran and how they were used to keep the opposing defenses uncomfortable. He's going to look at how they used T.O. in various route combinations to make him successful. He's going to look at how run plays were used to make opposing defenses recognize that as a threat. And since in 2009 he has more weapons to deal with than he did in 2007, Jason should realize that a Head Coach position is only one season away if he seizes the oppotunity standing right in front of him.
T.O. Like him or not, he can be a great receiver. I would argue that he needs to lose a little of the bulk so he can be faster off the line, since he hasn't seemed to learn how to use that bulk to thwart CB's jamming him. I mean, you would think with his size, buck-eighty CB's wouldn't be able to do that, but they have. But he's still dangerous. And despite all the criticism, defensive coordinators still game plan against him, which in this game says alot about an offensive player. I don't expect that to change in 2009. He will still be on radar, which means other players will be able to excel.
Which brings me back to Roy Williams. We know he can make the acrobatic catch. We know he can use his body and long arms to wall off defenders while he get's to the pass. Once Tony and Roy know each other's rhythm, I think they can be a dangerous combination, if defenses leave him in single coverage. This teamed with the fact that teams will want to keep the front heavy with the Cowboy's dynamic trio of RB's, will make our passing game extremely dangerous once again.
The offensive line: Okay, so they haven't given us a whole lot to be excited about. Except for maybe two things: One Kyle Kosier - say what you want about him being overrated, the Cowboys team, as a whole, played a lot better when he was there. To me, his presence meant several things, but most importantly, it meant a confident Romo. A QB who is confident in his line is 10 time better than himself with one he has no confidence in. That makes a huge difference in the offense. Just ask David Carr. Secondly, continuity. An Offensive Line that plays together year in and out over a long period of time, typically only gets better. Now, rather or not that will be true of the Cowboys offensive line in 2009 remains to be seen. But I hardly can see them digressing, at this point.
Witten: It's not like there aren't many good TE's out there. There are names a plenty who garner accolades from sport's analyst. But somehow, every year, regardless of the year the Cowboy's have, Witten goes to the Pro Bowl. By the end of his career he will be considered a legend. He will be in the Hall of Fame. He has already proven to be a vocal leader. Most teams would kill to have a player like this on their team, and yet, I'm reading that the Cowboy's have no hope in 2009. Seriously?
I'm not done, though. Let's talk defense, which was the highlight of this team in many of the games late in the season.
Of course, any talk's about the Cowboy's defense has to start with Demarcus Ware. He's a beast. His production improves every year. And in 2009, he will be considered a veteran, which means he can be more outspoken than is usual self. And I know he's capable of putting a foot in people's *****; he's just been reluctant to do so not quite knowing his place as a vocal leader. But with Ware's input, I can see Anthony Spencer working harder to becoming more dominant, as well. Bradie James is proving, as well, to be a fierce hard-hitting MLB. And since the LB crew is the most important aspect of a 3-4 defense, us fans have hope to see that Dooms Day Defense again.
Terence Newman has much to prove in 2009, the most important being rather or not he can stay healthy. To me, hamstring and groins injuries falls on the player. Break a bone, I understand, though you might consider upping your milk intake. But, to me, there is no excuse for pulling a hamstring or groin. This suggest poor stretching and conditioning on the players part. And if you are getting paid millions to perform every week throughout the season, doing everything possible to stay healthy should be a part of a players daily regime, regardless of what time of year it is. With new talent emerging beneath him, I think Newman just might get that, especially since he's beginning to age. He's losing a step, which means he has to upgrade his awareness a little more to make up for his lack in speed. He has to study the opposing defense more to develop his instincts so that he'll know when to cut instead of being left behind at the cut. This is what seperates legends at the CB position from the marginally talented. And if Newman has any pride left, which I'm fairly certain does, he will do all that he can to preserve what reputation he has left. Let's face it, reputation is the most important thing to a CB. That's what keeps a QB from wanting to throw to his side. And many times that slight reluctance to throw is what leads to a sack or a pick.
Scandrick and Jenkins. Scandrick is probably the more popular name, despite where he was drafted, but I haven't given up hope on Jenkins. The immediate and swift criticism he received in the few games he wiffed on tackles, should have taught him a valuable difference between college play and pro ball. If the coach doesn't let you have it, the fans will, and if the fans don't, the media will. And it will receive national attention, if you play for the Cowboy's. Can you imagine being Jenkins having to answer for every folly everywhere he went? No, being a rookie, he is still moldable. I have a feeling he will make sure his name doesn't get too much negative press in 2009. Scandrick on the other hand, will still be looking to prove he should have been drafted higher than what he was. That's the beautiful thing about players like him, Ratliff and Bradie James. Despite their previous years output, they will still always have something to prove. And if you are a coach or a fan, you definitely want those types of players on your team.
Ken Hamlin is like that, too. And let's face it, 2008 wasn't his best year. Which means in 2009, much like in 2007, once again, he will have something to prove. In 2007, he did. So why doubt that he will in 2009? At the moment, he's the best option at Safety the Cowboys have. So for the moment, I am granting him the benefit of the doubt. There are far too many other pressing needs within the Cowboy's ranks to be showering him with negativity.
The defensive line. This has been the subject of many an argument; in particular rather or not the Cowboys should keep Canty and who they should draft at NT. Personally, I hope they can keep everyone, including Tank Johnson, regardless of what he said out of frustration ending the year. Much like the Offensive Line, continuity is extremely important in the line on the other side of the ball. In the 3-4 defense they are blocker eaters, so that the linebackers can makes plays on the ball. That having been said, they are unsung hero's. Which is why what Ratliff accomplished in 2009 is pretty amazing if you considering the NT typically must take on double teams. I personally think Spears and Canty finally accepted their role late in the season. From there, the Cowboys can build. But if we have to start fresh with a guy from college or a player originally from a 4-3 defense, then comes the issue of starting over making that player accept his quiet role, which is not an easy thing to do in this game filled with players hungry for attention.
Okay, that's it. Hopefully you click away from this thread feeling a little hope for the coming year. Granted, there were many names left out, but that's because I don't want to be too homerestic with my assessments (e.g. Wade will be a great hard*** coach - lol). But even still, I find it hard to lose faith in the Cowboy's. Perhaps it's because when I when started understanding the game of football, Jimmy Johnson had just become head coach. And I watched as a team slowly blossomed from the worst to the best the world had ever seen. So, I know what a difference an offseason can make. Just look at Miami and Phoenix. Hope is not tangible, it's not this over-priced item that only the world's elite can afford to have. Hope is a feeling that is out there for anyone to grab if they choose to look for it. It all depends on your perspective. And personally, I don't think I had to look too hard to find it for the Cowboys in 2009. Hopefully, they don't make a liar out of me...
Many of you might be dissappointed by our prospects, since our 1st round, a 3rd round and 5th round pick went to the Lions for Roy Williams. I admit, that trade has yet to prove itself. Spilt milk or not, we, as fans, have to move on. And since Scandrick and Choice were picked up in rounds where conventional wisdom dictates you don't find starting quality players, I reserve a degree of hope that the Cowboys can repeat on the success they experienced in last years draft with 11 picks overall (I think). Every player save one contributed in one way or another - that's a pretty good draft turn out.
Free Agency - When you have the worst back up in the history of the game, in terms of drop off from production of your starting QB, it shouldn't be too hard to upgrade the position. It's a shame Michael Irvin reality show doesn't include the QB position as up for grabs, since just about any joe with an arm and decent legs would be an upgrade to Bad "I mean Brad" Johnson. Other possible spots that may need to be filled is NT, MLB, and SS. These spots traditionally do not get filled with the best possible option from the draft so hopefully we either tie down what we have or look to the Free Agency to fill the void. Either way, I trust the Cowboys management won't trust the load of any of these positions to just any player.
One name: Felix Jones. He makes things happen. He scares defenses. And he's surrounded by talent in his position with Barber and Choice, which makes him even more dangerous when used sparingly. That means, if used correctly, throughout the game he loses nothing on his right or left hook (e.g. speed). And the fact that he scares defenses, along with T.O., who despite his production last year, will still scare defenses, the defense can be effectively spread out with these two sharing the field. Obviously his durability now is a concern, but I would like to think that Felix learned a valuable lesson in his rookie year. He went from "savior with an infectious smile" to "whose that guy on crutches watching the game." It's no fun being the latter. Hopefully from this he adopts a similar stretch routine to what Zach Thomas uses throughout the week, to ensure his limbs are prepared for the rigors of NFL play.
Tashard Choice: His role, at this point, is unknown. What we do know is he deserves to have a role. In fact, many would argue he earned a role even moreso than what Barber did in 2008. Further, we know that Choice is a cross between Jones and Barber, being a little faster than Barber, and a little more of a plodder than Jones. He's an idea WCO back, who is decent in pass protection, and great in check down situations (e.g. the short screen pass after the QB finds nothing deeper). He finds the defenses weakness and exploits it. He's not a home run threat, in terms of speed, but he always seems to get, at least, the yards needed.
Marion Barber: When used sparing in 2007, he had a way of firing up the team with his physical running style. He was one of the most feared running backs in the league, which said alot considering his back up role. In 2008, he lost something. Rather or not he was listening to Emmitt Smith when he commented on how long players like Barber last in the league, is unknown. But one key part of his running style I know he discontinued: Remember when upon impact he would perform a half spin and drive backwards for extra yards? He stopped doing that. Now, I could see that could be a very dangerous move in a RB's arsenal, but it was a very key part of his style. Hopefully he brings a little of that back in 2009.
Martellus Bennett: Let's forget for a moment that he's a goofy nerd with suddenly a whole bunch of money. If I had his money, I might end up on the news a few times, and I'm not even a member of the Cowboys. The guy has talent. He reminds me of Kellen Winslow, to a certain degree, as he has more speed than your average TE, which means he will burn many LB's and out leap most safety's with his 6'6" height. When this guy is your 2nd option at TE, you can't help but be happy with the prospects in the situation.
Which brings me to Tony Romo. Last year, he tried to learn how to emulate Tom Brady. A move that I think Tony realized a little too late in the year, was a bad idea. What I think we have all talked about to death on this forum is that what makes Romo great is his ability to create after the play is dead; for that matter, in 2007, that's what make our Offensive Line and Offensive Coordinator look great, but I digress. This year in the off-season, with Jessica giving him too much to look at (I know, I'm horrible), I think Romo might be looking at some 2007 game footage in an attempt to return to that player. Because let's face it, if he can't be that player, he won't be the Cowboys QB for very much longer. Of all the positions on the Cowboys team, that position is the most flimsy. Regardless of what your stats say, your play has to remind everyone on a regular basis that you belong. I don't see Tony shying from this challenge. If there is anything that we know about Tony it's that he is a competitor. He may try from time to time to assuage the pain away with psycho-babble to the press, but I know, as well as you should, he feels losses, like buildings feel wrecking balls. The point: I see Romo exercising the offense strength in 2009. I see him spreading it around, which he has the cast of stars to do that with.
Jason Garrett: To many's lament, he is still here. But he's also still smart. And like Romo, I think he too will give that 2007 season a second look. No, he won't be looking at the play's that were ran. He will study when they were ran and how they were used to keep the opposing defenses uncomfortable. He's going to look at how they used T.O. in various route combinations to make him successful. He's going to look at how run plays were used to make opposing defenses recognize that as a threat. And since in 2009 he has more weapons to deal with than he did in 2007, Jason should realize that a Head Coach position is only one season away if he seizes the oppotunity standing right in front of him.
T.O. Like him or not, he can be a great receiver. I would argue that he needs to lose a little of the bulk so he can be faster off the line, since he hasn't seemed to learn how to use that bulk to thwart CB's jamming him. I mean, you would think with his size, buck-eighty CB's wouldn't be able to do that, but they have. But he's still dangerous. And despite all the criticism, defensive coordinators still game plan against him, which in this game says alot about an offensive player. I don't expect that to change in 2009. He will still be on radar, which means other players will be able to excel.
Which brings me back to Roy Williams. We know he can make the acrobatic catch. We know he can use his body and long arms to wall off defenders while he get's to the pass. Once Tony and Roy know each other's rhythm, I think they can be a dangerous combination, if defenses leave him in single coverage. This teamed with the fact that teams will want to keep the front heavy with the Cowboy's dynamic trio of RB's, will make our passing game extremely dangerous once again.
The offensive line: Okay, so they haven't given us a whole lot to be excited about. Except for maybe two things: One Kyle Kosier - say what you want about him being overrated, the Cowboys team, as a whole, played a lot better when he was there. To me, his presence meant several things, but most importantly, it meant a confident Romo. A QB who is confident in his line is 10 time better than himself with one he has no confidence in. That makes a huge difference in the offense. Just ask David Carr. Secondly, continuity. An Offensive Line that plays together year in and out over a long period of time, typically only gets better. Now, rather or not that will be true of the Cowboys offensive line in 2009 remains to be seen. But I hardly can see them digressing, at this point.
Witten: It's not like there aren't many good TE's out there. There are names a plenty who garner accolades from sport's analyst. But somehow, every year, regardless of the year the Cowboy's have, Witten goes to the Pro Bowl. By the end of his career he will be considered a legend. He will be in the Hall of Fame. He has already proven to be a vocal leader. Most teams would kill to have a player like this on their team, and yet, I'm reading that the Cowboy's have no hope in 2009. Seriously?
I'm not done, though. Let's talk defense, which was the highlight of this team in many of the games late in the season.
Of course, any talk's about the Cowboy's defense has to start with Demarcus Ware. He's a beast. His production improves every year. And in 2009, he will be considered a veteran, which means he can be more outspoken than is usual self. And I know he's capable of putting a foot in people's *****; he's just been reluctant to do so not quite knowing his place as a vocal leader. But with Ware's input, I can see Anthony Spencer working harder to becoming more dominant, as well. Bradie James is proving, as well, to be a fierce hard-hitting MLB. And since the LB crew is the most important aspect of a 3-4 defense, us fans have hope to see that Dooms Day Defense again.
Terence Newman has much to prove in 2009, the most important being rather or not he can stay healthy. To me, hamstring and groins injuries falls on the player. Break a bone, I understand, though you might consider upping your milk intake. But, to me, there is no excuse for pulling a hamstring or groin. This suggest poor stretching and conditioning on the players part. And if you are getting paid millions to perform every week throughout the season, doing everything possible to stay healthy should be a part of a players daily regime, regardless of what time of year it is. With new talent emerging beneath him, I think Newman just might get that, especially since he's beginning to age. He's losing a step, which means he has to upgrade his awareness a little more to make up for his lack in speed. He has to study the opposing defense more to develop his instincts so that he'll know when to cut instead of being left behind at the cut. This is what seperates legends at the CB position from the marginally talented. And if Newman has any pride left, which I'm fairly certain does, he will do all that he can to preserve what reputation he has left. Let's face it, reputation is the most important thing to a CB. That's what keeps a QB from wanting to throw to his side. And many times that slight reluctance to throw is what leads to a sack or a pick.
Scandrick and Jenkins. Scandrick is probably the more popular name, despite where he was drafted, but I haven't given up hope on Jenkins. The immediate and swift criticism he received in the few games he wiffed on tackles, should have taught him a valuable difference between college play and pro ball. If the coach doesn't let you have it, the fans will, and if the fans don't, the media will. And it will receive national attention, if you play for the Cowboy's. Can you imagine being Jenkins having to answer for every folly everywhere he went? No, being a rookie, he is still moldable. I have a feeling he will make sure his name doesn't get too much negative press in 2009. Scandrick on the other hand, will still be looking to prove he should have been drafted higher than what he was. That's the beautiful thing about players like him, Ratliff and Bradie James. Despite their previous years output, they will still always have something to prove. And if you are a coach or a fan, you definitely want those types of players on your team.
Ken Hamlin is like that, too. And let's face it, 2008 wasn't his best year. Which means in 2009, much like in 2007, once again, he will have something to prove. In 2007, he did. So why doubt that he will in 2009? At the moment, he's the best option at Safety the Cowboys have. So for the moment, I am granting him the benefit of the doubt. There are far too many other pressing needs within the Cowboy's ranks to be showering him with negativity.
The defensive line. This has been the subject of many an argument; in particular rather or not the Cowboys should keep Canty and who they should draft at NT. Personally, I hope they can keep everyone, including Tank Johnson, regardless of what he said out of frustration ending the year. Much like the Offensive Line, continuity is extremely important in the line on the other side of the ball. In the 3-4 defense they are blocker eaters, so that the linebackers can makes plays on the ball. That having been said, they are unsung hero's. Which is why what Ratliff accomplished in 2009 is pretty amazing if you considering the NT typically must take on double teams. I personally think Spears and Canty finally accepted their role late in the season. From there, the Cowboys can build. But if we have to start fresh with a guy from college or a player originally from a 4-3 defense, then comes the issue of starting over making that player accept his quiet role, which is not an easy thing to do in this game filled with players hungry for attention.
Okay, that's it. Hopefully you click away from this thread feeling a little hope for the coming year. Granted, there were many names left out, but that's because I don't want to be too homerestic with my assessments (e.g. Wade will be a great hard*** coach - lol). But even still, I find it hard to lose faith in the Cowboy's. Perhaps it's because when I when started understanding the game of football, Jimmy Johnson had just become head coach. And I watched as a team slowly blossomed from the worst to the best the world had ever seen. So, I know what a difference an offseason can make. Just look at Miami and Phoenix. Hope is not tangible, it's not this over-priced item that only the world's elite can afford to have. Hope is a feeling that is out there for anyone to grab if they choose to look for it. It all depends on your perspective. And personally, I don't think I had to look too hard to find it for the Cowboys in 2009. Hopefully, they don't make a liar out of me...
