Six Teams that will give the Cowboys Trouble in 2005

[Hostile]

Interesting post PT and good to consider.
Way early but not much else to talk about right now.
Just random thoughts on these teams and then matchup consideration.

SD: Good team that may have slightly overachieved last year. OL is getting better but still not great. LT is gonna get yards over 4 quarters. Defense is running the same 3-4 we are switchign to so offense should be prepared for it. Tough matchup for Dallas who will get tested against run week 1. Secret weapon could be LT out of backfield.

Oak: Overrated team going in. They stole some wins late with a high octane offense but played zero defense and the defense got worse if that is possible in the offseason. It'll be all offense all the time in Oak. Dallas should match up well with them because of the CB additions in the off-season and the added pass rush. Dallas by 14 here. You just can't let BP run whatever he wants on offense and expect to have the ball, much less win the game. Moss was a horrible add because they needed young talent yet gave up a 1st to get a great player but headcase who mans their strongest position by far: WR.

Sea: Mediocre squad we beat last year. Better offense than OAK with running game but defense is fair to spare at best. Dallas was able to run Julius at will last seaosn and I doubt that changes. Holmgren needs some defensive help or a Luby's discount because this is probably it for him in the league if they fail to make the playoffs and they may. Dallas by 7.

Zona: Developing WR corps, Aging QB. RBs should get it done. Very good chance to win soft division. We are their biggest rival and they will play their best against us. Trap game for Dallas for sure. Will be tough to beat even though Dallas is a better team on paper.

Denver: Denver is holding steady at mediocre. Kinda like Plummer himself, this team is just not more than average. They can still run the ball but nothing like the glory days of Terrell Davis. Plummer is very streaky and ultimately drags the offense down the dumps. If Champ Bailey doesn't play better they will be weak again on defense. I think Dalla smatches up well because BP will play it close to the vest and wait on Plummer to make a game breaking mistake.

StL: The Rams are toast. Martz had a good thing when he took over but he had rode that horse too long. Bulger is an average QB and the WR corps is aging at the top. A good RB corps but they wont use them enough or at the right times if Martz follows his typical patterns. Doesn't scare me as a matchup at all. Prolly wont win more than 5 games.

NFCE: Philly is better on paper and still look at Dallas as a mini-Super Bowl. Will be tough to win either game but BP will get excited about trying and blowout days are over. The Giants will be sporadic with Eli in place but are too good to lose 10 games. Beating them twice could be key to playoff run. The Skins are gonna sell out ot beat Dallas but it probably won't help. We are just in their heads and their talent is really bad right now. Not just a lack of talent but a lack of pieces that fit together. Oh and Shawn Springs was way overhyped last season. He wasn't tested much because teams didn't try to do more than score 14 points. No pressure to go deep at all. Just shoot for field goals and allow the Wash offense to meltdown.

Dallas should win 9-11 games if they are moderately healthy with no great breaks or horrid shots. 8 is porbably low water make and 12 high water mark. To get 8 they'd have to have really misse dont he defensive scheme. To get 12 they'd need to beat Philly at least once while beating everyone whose equal or worse on paper and catch some late game magic.

10-6 is my prediction with a wild card appearance.

Nice post. If the 3-4 has an Achilles heel it is against the run. Week 1 ought to tell us a whole lot about this season. I intend to be at that game so here's hoping I don't come home nauseated.

 

[LaTunaNostra]

Oak: Overrated team going in. They stole some wins late with a high octane offense but played zero defense and the defense got worse if that is possible in the offseason. It'll be all offense all the time in Oak. Dallas should match up well with them because of the CB additions in the off-season and the added pass rush. Dallas by 14 here. You just can't let BP run whatever he wants on offense and expect to have the ball, much less win the game. Moss was a horrible add because they needed young talent yet gave up a 1st to get a great player but headcase who mans their strongest position by far: WR.

On the entire post - now that's more like it.

jt, when you get the chance, please look at the article I posted yesterday in the NFL Zone re Norv Turner's implementation of the 3-4. It's just one team's struggle, but there is a lot in the Oakland experience relevant to our own process this season, more new players to integrate than usual, older established limemen who may not "fit". etc.

Like everyone else these days, Oakland wants "mixed fronts"...but the teams that are keeping what they already do and mixing it up with a 60-40 or even 50-50 ratio might have better initial results. Compare the Jets approach to installing the 3-4 last season to the Raiders...that is the direction we are going in, I hope.

For Turner's sake, I hope Lamont Jordan proves he is NO Troy Hambrick. That ground game has got to cement the play action..and if it doesn't, Collins (who will by inclination want to throw long to Moss and Porter) could set a new INT record. Poor Norv never got his ground game going in pre-Ricky Miami. This year its the only thing can stave off disaster, I think, as it sounds like amassing the personnel for the 3-4 is nowhere near done.

 

[Doomsday101]

Personally until Dallas can show they are a legit contender I do not consider any game a give me, Dallas will have to play good ball to have a chance to win no matter who we play. On the other side of the coin I think if this team can play up to their ability they are capable of beating any team they face but again it comes down to playing quality ball and showing consistency in the teams play.

 

[kartr]

Your right it is untested and by the time that game comes around, we will know just how good it is, but there D has no identy, and i dont think they can run the ball, and how long will warner last throwing the ball, how good is the OL, there are alot of questions

Arizona has a good pass rush and good corners and good linebackers and a good running backs and receivers and have improved their OL. Don't underestimate them.

 

[Sarge]

Cowboys aren't good enough to look past ANYONE. Anyone on that schedule can beat the Cowboys.

They'll need to be ready each and every week.

 

[Doomsday101]

Cowboys aren't good enough to look past ANYONE. Anyone on that schedule can beat the Cowboys.

They'll need to be ready each and every week.

You got it. That is the mindset this team needs.

 

[dargonking999]

You got it. That is the mindset this team needs.

Excatly which is why were discussing it

 

[Fletch]

Your defense was mediocre last year and untested this year.



I thought so!

Phoenix-Talon... Denver has regressed if anything. Signing away the nearly the entire Cleveland Brown's defense is not considered an upgrade.

 

[Doomsday101]

Excatly which is why were discussing it

Not sure but I doubt many of our guys view this board. Although they should. LOL

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

Phoenix-Talon... Denver has regressed if anything. Signing away the nearly the entire Cleveland Brown's defense is not considered an upgrade.

Fletch, let's fix this ...your response to my comments "Your defense was mediocre last year and untested this year," are not congruent with Denver's improvements. My comment was ...
Quote:
Denver - Nov 24
"They've made some improvements also."
To that statement, I believe you may be right; but they still could have improved upon last years Broncos. Not arguing the point you're making; just defending my own.

 

[Fletch]

Fletch, let's fix this ...your response to my comments "Your defense was mediocre last year and untested this year," are not congruent with Denver's improvements. My comment was ...
Quote:
Denver - Nov 24
"They've made some improvements also."
To that statement, I believe you may be right; but they still could have improved upon last years Broncos. Not arguing the point you're making; just defending my own.

I understand. Carry on PT.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

I understand. Carry on PT.

Back at ya Fletch.

 

[kartr]

Teams identified are scheduled games in 2005 regular season (divisional/non-divisional)...



Up and coming of late 2004 season.



Marty is a great coach -- thought he'd do better in 2004; they're tough



Great passing game w/Alexander; all-round team hungry for a name. Almost made one last year. They'll be there for 4 quarters.



Improved team since they left the NFC-East (Emmits gone); but they'll return to the NFC-E with a viciousness.



They've made some improvements also.

Kansas - Dec 24

Dangerous threat to any Team. Dick Vermeil will bring the "A" game for 60 miinutes.



Unknown variable - that's why they're going to be trouble.

Of course no one in the NFC-East will give you trouble.

You forgot Carolina, they're getting Steve Smith back, added a nice young RB, Keary Colbert is now a second year guy and they added Ken Lucas to their secondary.

 

[kartr]

Interesting post PT and good to consider.
Way early but not much else to talk about right now.
Just random thoughts on these teams and then matchup consideration.

SD: Good team that may have slightly overachieved last year. OL is getting better but still not great. LT is gonna get yards over 4 quarters. Defense is running the same 3-4 we are switchign to so offense should be prepared for it. Tough matchup for Dallas who will get tested against run week 1. Secret weapon could be LT out of backfield.

Oak: Overrated team going in. They stole some wins late with a high octane offense but played zero defense and the defense got worse if that is possible in the offseason. It'll be all offense all the time in Oak. Dallas should match up well with them because of the CB additions in the off-season and the added pass rush. Dallas by 14 here. You just can't let BP run whatever he wants on offense and expect to have the ball, much less win the game. Moss was a horrible add because they needed young talent yet gave up a 1st to get a great player but headcase who mans their strongest position by far: WR.

Sea: Mediocre squad we beat last year. Better offense than OAK with running game but defense is fair to spare at best. Dallas was able to run Julius at will last seaosn and I doubt that changes. Holmgren needs some defensive help or a Luby's discount because this is probably it for him in the league if they fail to make the playoffs and they may. Dallas by 7.

Zona: Developing WR corps, Aging QB. RBs should get it done. Very good chance to win soft division. We are their biggest rival and they will play their best against us. Trap game for Dallas for sure. Will be tough to beat even though Dallas is a better team on paper.

Denver: Denver is holding steady at mediocre. Kinda like Plummer himself, this team is just not more than average. They can still run the ball but nothing like the glory days of Terrell Davis. Plummer is very streaky and ultimately drags the offense down the dumps. If Champ Bailey doesn't play better they will be weak again on defense. I think Dalla smatches up well because BP will play it close to the vest and wait on Plummer to make a game breaking mistake.

StL: The Rams are toast. Martz had a good thing when he took over but he had rode that horse too long. Bulger is an average QB and the WR corps is aging at the top. A good RB corps but they wont use them enough or at the right times if Martz follows his typical patterns. Doesn't scare me as a matchup at all. Prolly wont win more than 5 games.

NFCE: Philly is better on paper and still look at Dallas as a mini-Super Bowl. Will be tough to win either game but BP will get excited about trying and blowout days are over. The Giants will be sporadic with Eli in place but are too good to lose 10 games. Beating them twice could be key to playoff run. The Skins are gonna sell out ot beat Dallas but it probably won't help. We are just in their heads and their talent is really bad right now. Not just a lack of talent but a lack of pieces that fit together. Oh and Shawn Springs was way overhyped last season. He wasn't tested much because teams didn't try to do more than score 14 points. No pressure to go deep at all. Just shoot for field goals and allow the Wash offense to meltdown.

Dallas should win 9-11 games if they are moderately healthy with no great breaks or horrid shots. 8 is porbably low water make and 12 high water mark. To get 8 they'd have to have really misse dont he defensive scheme. To get 12 they'd need to beat Philly at least once while beating everyone whose equal or worse on paper and catch some late game magic.

10-6 is my prediction with a wild card appearance.

Arizona: Aren't you forgetting that we have an aging qb too and his backups are not as good as Josh McCowan. Did you forget about Chike Okeafor as another quality sacker for Drew Statue. Are you forgetting about 1st round talents at corner like Antrel Rolle and Eric Green? Are you forgetting about Darryl Blackstock coupled with Karlos Dansby at lb and Darnell Dockett, pass rushing DT. The Cardinals are loaded on Defense, upgraded their offensive line and running back has a quarterback who's taken a team to the playoffs this decade.

Oakland overrated. They too have a qb whose got a team into the playoffs this decade, a power back who can run and catch and was a second round draft pick. They also have receivers who the Cowboys cant cover. I mean, if you can't cover Randy Moss and Nate Burleson, how are you going to cover Randy Moss and Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry plus 2 good TE's. The Raiders bad run defense won't be tested because we'll be playing catch-up the whole game and the Raiders corners(Stanford Route(sp) Fabian Washington and Charles Woodson) can run with any receiver we have. Remember last years Viking game, they had a bad run defense too, but we couldn't stop their passing attack. Don't tell me you think that average joe Anthony Henry will turn into a shut-down CB and with Newman, who knows. Nine plus wins, I think not.

 

[kartr]

Nice post. If the 3-4 has an Achilles heel it is against the run. Week 1 ought to tell us a whole lot about this season. I intend to be at that game so here's hoping I don't come home nauseated.

I thought the 3-4 defense's strength was playing the run. Isn't that how the Steelers beat the Jets twice last year.

 

[dargonking999]

Arizona: Aren't you forgetting that we have an aging qb too and his backups are not as good as Josh McCowan. Did you forget about Chike Okeafor as another quality sacker for Drew Statue. Are you forgetting about 1st round talents at corner like Antrel Rolle and Eric Green? Are you forgetting about Darryl Blackstock coupled with Karlos Dansby at lb and Darnell Dockett, pass rushing DT. The Cardinals are loaded on Defense, upgraded their offensive line and running back has a quarterback who's taken a team to the playoffs this decade.

Oakland overrated. They too have a qb whose got a team into the playoffs this decade, a power back who can run and catch and was a second round draft pick. They also have receivers who the Cowboys cant cover. I mean, if you can't cover Randy Moss and Nate Burleson, how are you going to cover Randy Moss and Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry plus 2 good TE's. The Raiders bad run defense won't be tested because we'll be playing catch-up the whole game and the Raiders corners(Stanford Route(sp) Fabian Washington and Charles Woodson) can run with any receiver we have. Remember last years Viking game, they had a bad run defense too, but we couldn't stop their passing attack. Don't tell me you think that average joe Anthony Henry will turn into a shut-down CB and with Newman, who knows. Nine plus wins, I think not.

So what happened to that great D last year, and if WArner was so good then why didnt the giants keep him for backup, if McCown was so much bbetter was warner signed ot be the starter.

Once again their OL stinks, whihc is why they didnt do that great off last year, there D is nothing, they were in the bottom of league last year, and they ahve done nonthing to improve this year, they have untested corner and i seriously dount any of them cna hold a candle stick to KEY, and none of them to me can keep up with Glenn.


10+ wins reasonable

 

[kartr]

On the entire post - now that's more like it.

jt, when you get the chance, please look at the article I posted yesterday in the NFL Zone re Norv Turner's implementation of the 3-4. It's just one team's struggle, but there is a lot in the Oakland experience relevant to our own process this season, more new players to integrate than usual, older established limemen who may not "fit". etc.

Like everyone else these days, Oakland wants "mixed fronts"...but the teams that are keeping what they already do and mixing it up with a 60-40 or even 50-50 ratio might have better initial results. Compare the Jets approach to installing the 3-4 last season to the Raiders...that is the direction we are going in, I hope.

For Turner's sake, I hope Lamont Jordan proves he is NO Troy Hambrick. That ground game has got to cement the play action..and if it doesn't, Collins (who will by inclination want to throw long to Moss and Porter) could set a new INT record. Poor Norv never got his ground game going in pre-Ricky Miami. This year its the only thing can stave off disaster, I think, as it sounds like amassing the personnel for the 3-4 is nowhere near done.

I watched the Jets all year last year, Jordan is no Hambrick wimp. He's a stud who can run and catch. When Martin was hurt he was very effective.

 

[kartr]

Personally until Dallas can show they are a legit contender I do not consider any game a give me, Dallas will have to play good ball to have a chance to win no matter who we play. On the other side of the coin I think if this team can play up to their ability they are capable of beating any team they face but again it comes down to playing quality ball and showing consistency in the teams play.

On paper we have a pretty good defense, but the game is not played on paper.

 

[dargonking999]

I watched the Jets all year last year, Jordan is no Hambrick wimp. He's a stud who can run and catch. When Martin was hurt he was very effective.

Hambrck was the same way when he was behind emitt, remember he had a 5 YPC, dosent mean he will be a good starter, he still needs to prove

 

[dargonking999]

On paper we have a pretty good defense, but the game is not played on paper.

your right so doesnt that make your point pointless then, because allyou were talking about was paper facts.