Rolando McClain stood out in practice

texbumthelife

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It's hard not to get excited about a player with his physical abilities. But there are lots of top-10 busts floating around, too. In his case, it's kind of more interesting because clearly his head was very much not in the right place. That's different from just not being able to play in the NFL.

I'd like him a lot better if we had a club-option on a second year. I also think Durant's a better player than he gets credit for, so I don't think we're all that reliant on McClain. That said, I do really hope he pans out and can be a difference-maker. We desperately need a difference maker or two on defense.

I agree that Durant is underrated, but a mentally healthy and hungry McClain is on a completely different level. I really don't believe that Durant is all that much better than Holloman/Carter at this point. His recognition and first step really leave a lot to be desired.
 

Rockport

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Just last week there was the big blowup thread because Mike Fisher tweeted that McClain might be on the way out. Well, this is his latest comment about McClain:

One defender in particular who stood out was Rolando McClain. Some have questioned McClain's desire to play, but I don't think anyone was asking that during Sunday's practice. McClain showed glimpses of his enormous potential during team drills when he read a run by Murray perfectly and gave him a nice hit to stop him in his tracks, preventing what would have been a long touchdown. He was also solid during 1-on-1's vs the tight ends, showing good reactions and awareness. And his backside chase-down of a sweep going away from him was freaky.

If his head is truly in the right spot, the Cowboys may have gotten themselves a steal.


Remember, this is from the guy who claimed McClain was on his way to tapping out.

I think McClain is just a bit of a different cat...and that isn't a bad thing. There have been lots of guys that seem to be in their own world but when the whistle blew could ball out.

If McClain sticks, I think he starts in the middle for us and will have a big impact. I think Wilbur on one side is a good fit, and then it's between Carter, Holloman and Durant as to who is going to be the other starter.

Charles Haley was a different cat. But he helped us win a couple Super Bowls.
 

Frozen700

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We always get excited, only to start bash threads on a player during the season.
 

CCBoy

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Jerry love the type of guys. It's like a project with him. I think it challenges him when he see's a guy with talent and personal issues who nobody else will touch. Jerry takes it as a personal challenge. Especially if it's somebody he needs. The reason why I like it because he's trying to show a young troubled person an opportunity for a better life. He's the anti-Bill Parcells. They both have there ways of getting it done. Sometimes successful, sometimes not. But they tried.

On a purely human basis, that can't be all bad...
 

gimmesix

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The Melton signing was our best move of the offseason by a country mile. I like the McClain signing, too, but only in a nothing-to-lose kind of way. My expectations for that guy are zero, and I'll be thrilled if he's then able to put it all together and surprise me.

I agree that I see no reason for having high expectations for McClain. There's never been a doubt about his physical ability; it's how he's going to handle any adversity that comes up that will matter.

I think he can be the best Dallas pickup, possibly even better than Melton with the loss of Lee, but there's higher probability of Melton being able to overcome his one-time injury than there is of McClain being able to overcome recurring troubles.
 

CCBoy

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One of the things i like about Jerry, he does give second chances to young players and stick's by his players if they are going through something tough in their life.

This quote is worth Fort Knox, in common sense!
 

texbumthelife

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One of the things i like about Jerry, he does give second chances to young players and stick's by his players if they are going through something tough in their life.

I think its admirable and highly overlooked as well, unfortunately it doesn't necessarily translate to the product on the field and has often hampered it lately.
 

Fla Cowpoke

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Durant is an average pro at best....the kind of guy you look to replace year after year. Kind of sad that we had to sign guys like this in the first place...they should be coming from the draft and UDFA.

Carter has the look but the results don't even put him on Durant's level just yet.

Holloman gets a lot of hype but he isn't starting....so he obviously isn't doing something the coaches want to see.

Wilber....man, I am praying he can be kind of the sleeper guy that is off the radar but makes noise.

We really NEED McClain to pan out. His issues have never been on field issues....the guy can play.
 

Sportsbabe

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On a purely human basis, that can't be all bad...

That's the way I feel ... But you know some people ... its all, salary cap, numbers, trophies, etc. You know, the important things in life:rolleyes:.
 

CCBoy

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Durant is an average pro at best....the kind of guy you look to replace year after year. Kind of sad that we had to sign guys like this in the first place...they should be coming from the draft and UDFA.

Carter has the look but the results don't even put him on Durant's level just yet.

Holloman gets a lot of hype but he isn't starting....so he obviously isn't doing something the coaches want to see.

Wilber....man, I am praying he can be kind of the sleeper guy that is off the radar but makes noise.

We really NEED McClain to pan out. His issues have never been on field issues....the guy can play.

I'm thinking that here, the need for both experience and a veteran sometimes present a need for balance during transitions involving changing the receivers, secondary, and offensive line groups.
 

Sportsbabe

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Help me out ... I thought I saw a post that quoted Mincey saying "we have a chance to do something special here". I can't find it. Was I seeing things? Could be if Mincey said it.
 

ShiningStar

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Quote of the Day: I'm amazed at how many people spend their entire day trying to gloat about the possibility of failure in a player.

lets not forget about the people that hype a player before ehs done anything.
 

CCBoy

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Help me out ... I thought I saw a post that quoted Mincey saying "we have a chance to do something special here". I can't find it. Was I seeing things? Could be if Mincey said it.

You are correct. He has assumed a quasi-leadership role, and it might be enough of a driving force to help forge an effective to good, no name group.

I'm hoping for from four to five drives stalled a game, and a couple of turnovers for the offense to take advantage with.
 

CCBoy

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lets not forget about the people that hype a player before ehs done anything.

No doubt which side of a mud slide that belongs to...as the player has done a reputable job in the NFL...before now.
 
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