Some positives thus far this season for the Cowboys

[Woods]

We're not quite where we want to be, but there are some positives this season. Things we can build on. I don't know if it's enough to make the playoffs this year, but it's definitely going to get us several steps closer.

1. Seems like we finally got a FG kicker. He's young, efficient, and cheap.

2. We got our 3rd WR in Robinson. Given his limited time with Romo and the club, he's doing very well. Hey, at least that saves a draft pick in 2012.

3. We got our blocking FB for the next few years, imo. I think we can win with him. He's an asset to our running game.

4. T Smith will be our RT (or LT) for years to come. He will be a cornerstone for this franchise.

5. S Lee is the real deal. Finally, an ILB who can tackle and cover.

6. Regardless of last night's defense and gameplan, I think RR is a huge improvement. I hope he stays for another year.

7. It's too early to say, but we may have found our stud RB as well. We'll hopefully have a better idea after this season. (Again, if we have, that allows us to focus on other positions in the draft and FA next year.)

When a poll was taken before the season started, many of us thought the team would be between 8-8 to 10-6. As to today, that prediction looks accurate.

We've got to continue to develop the interior of the OL (that cost us at least 1 game this season, imo). We've got to add another player in the secondary next year, along with 1 more LB.

But I can honestly say that several of the pieces that we've been missing the past few years are coming together. We need just a couple more players (esp interior OL, imo), and we're going to be a top team.

 

[Eskimo]

Woods, thanks for some perspective.

I would like to add a couple of points.

1. The entire interior of this OL needs to be replaced. I don't think one of the starters last night will be part of our future here. I don't know what the future holds for Kowalski, Nagy or Arkin. I really hope that at least one or maybe two of these guys ends up being an average to above average starter. I think we should draft at least one in the first two rounds and sign a veteran FA in the offseason.

2. Our interior ILBs were woefully inadequate even when Lee is in the game. They just cannot pursue the RBs or provide coverage downfield. It does minimal good when only one of them is competent as the other one can get attacked at will. Rob Ryan needs to incorporate Carter ASAP as he is the future and the sooner he gets reps to learn his role the better. I doubt he is any worse than James.

3. We are kidding ourselves if we think we can play stout run defense without more size up the middle. Ratliff should be used as a rusher but we should not be wearing him out with lots of reps in running situations. I do hope we can sign a fit 340 pounder to clog up the middle like the Packers have with Raji. I would be happy to spend a first rounder here.

4. Lots of people want to fault Garrett's gameplan but he is really hamstrung by the OL. If they can get a running game and screen game going it should take some of the starch out of the DLs passrush. I think his efforts to get this going have been limited by all the changes, injuries and youth along the OL.

5. Jerry needs to get more aggressive about re-signing our young emerging stars and less aggressive about signing our old, ageing stars. We probably wouldn't be in this situation right now if we had been willing to pay Kevin Burnett instead of paying for our elder statesman (i.e. Flo). He should be working on a deal right now to extend Laurent Robinson as he seems to do well in this style of offense and has good chemistry with Romo.

6. Garrett needs to think long and hard about moving Robinson up to #2. Having Dez on the field limits what the offense can do due to his limited knowledge of how to run routes and learn the playbook. Dez can come in play the #3 when we need 3 WRs on the field. Perhaps being demoted will send him a wakeup message to learn his routes and learn the playbook.

7. Ryan needs to grow a pair of balls and occasionally challenge the opposition's WRs. We have played way too soft way too often in our coverages. We have to be willing to mix in a bit more tight man coverage than we have been.

 

[Everson24]

6. Garrett needs to think long and hard about moving Robinson up to #2. Having Dez on the field limits what the offense can do due to his limited knowledge of how to run routes and learn the playbook. Dez can come in play the #3 when we need 3 WRs on the field. Perhaps being demoted will send him a wakeup message to learn his routes and learn the playbook.

I agree with all of this. Even though Dez is on my fantasy team, I too think Jason Garrett needs to send that message to him. I also think we would be better right now with Robinson as our #2 and Dez #3.

 

[cml750]

Woods, thanks for some perspective.

I would like to add a couple of points.

1. The entire interior of this OL needs to be replaced. I don't think one of the starters last night will be part of our future here. I don't know what the future holds for Kowalski, Nagy or Arkin. I really hope that at least one or maybe two of these guys ends up being an average to above average starter. I think we should draft at least one in the first two rounds and sign a veteran FA in the offseason.

2. Our interior ILBs were woefully inadequate even when Lee is in the game. They just cannot pursue the RBs or provide coverage downfield. It does minimal good when only one of them is competent as the other one can get attacked at will. Rob Ryan needs to incorporate Carter ASAP as he is the future and the sooner he gets reps to learn his role the better. I doubt he is any worse than James.

3. We are kidding ourselves if we think we can play stout run defense without more size up the middle. Ratliff should be used as a rusher but we should not be wearing him out with lots of reps in running situations. I do hope we can sign a fit 340 pounder to clog up the middle like the Packers have with Raji. I would be happy to spend a first rounder here.

4. Lots of people want to fault Garrett's gameplan but he is really hamstrung by the OL. If they can get a running game and screen game going it should take some of the starch out of the DLs passrush. I think his efforts to get this going have been limited by all the changes, injuries and youth along the OL.

5. Jerry needs to get more aggressive about re-signing our young emerging stars and less aggressive about signing our old, ageing stars. We probably wouldn't be in this situation right now if we had been willing to pay Kevin Burnett instead of paying for our elder statesman (i.e. Flo). He should be working on a deal right now to extend Laurent Robinson as he seems to do well in this style of offense and has good chemistry with Romo.

6. Garrett needs to think long and hard about moving Robinson up to #2. Having Dez on the field limits what the offense can do due to his limited knowledge of how to run routes and learn the playbook. Dez can come in play the #3 when we need 3 WRs on the field. Perhaps being demoted will send him a wakeup message to learn his routes and learn the playbook.

7. Ryan needs to grow a pair of balls and occasionally challenge the opposition's WRs. We have played way too soft way too often in our coverages. We have to be willing to mix in a bit more tight man coverage than we have been.

I agree on all points!

 

[Fletch]

I agree on all points!

All but the one about Dez needing to be our #3 WR. You've got to be kidding me.

 

[5Stars]

The team is coming together as good as it can. I like what I see.

Again, if not for the lockout, I would bet this team would have released the players that have already been released. But, now this is a work in progress.

All teams have missed a lot of teaching, so we knew this season was going to be sloppy. And it is...but at the same time, it's all good.

 

[Eskimo]

All but the one about Dez needing to be our #3 WR. You've got to be kidding me.

Until he can run his routes properly (he has apparently caused two INTs already) and knows the whole playbook he has no business being on the field as the #2 receiver.

He can still come in and try to contribute in the 3-WR packages.

Robinson has actually outplayed him in his limited time here and he can run his routes and knows the playbook.

When Dez is ready to be a full-time player he can take over from Laurent.

It would send an important message of accountability to the young guy. He will not reach his potential until he takes his craft seriously. He has worked with two of the better WR coaches around already so it is not for lack of proper instruction that he has failed to live up to his potential. If we let this continue he will quickly become RW11, the sequel.

 

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

:laugh2: @ Dez being the 3rd receiver.

 

[tko112204]

Until he can run his routes properly (he has apparently caused two INTs already) and knows the whole playbook he has no business being on the field as the #2 receiver.

He can still come in and try to contribute in the 3-WR packages.

Robinson has actually outplayed him in his limited time here and he can run his routes and knows the playbook.

When Dez is ready to be a full-time player he can take over from Laurent.

It would send an important message of accountability to the young guy. He will not reach his potential until he takes his craft seriously. He has worked with two of the better WR coaches around already so it is not for lack of proper instruction that he has failed to live up to his potential. If we let this continue he will quickly become RW11, the sequel.

This sure makes it seem like he needs a wake-up call.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/15929974/bryants-strange-antics-look-destined-to-burn-cowboys

In that article he mentions Dez not moving at the snap on a play where he came on the field late.

He also did that on the play where he lined up illegally, even though Miles was screaming at him where to line up. Then the ball was snapped and he just stood there. While we ran a play.

Dez can be sooo good. But his has to be worrisome.

 

[jazzcat22]

Good points everyone, I have to disagree on one thing, Dez to #3. Yes, robinson has seemed to out play him, but Dez will come around. May take another off season, but he will. robinson has been around much longer than Dez. And it does take several seasons or so for a WR.

A RB has it or he doesn't. Not so with a WR. Very few come in and make an impact right away. Dez barely has a full season of starts in. He will get it eventually.

I still hold out hopes for the playoffs this year, but will look at it more of a rebuilding [for lack of a better word] / getting better year.

 

[JoeCorrado]

:laugh2: @ Dez being the 3rd receiver.

I'm not laughing. Dez needs to really get better at running routes and creating some separation.

I don't make a move of course yet, but some little birdy should whisper in Dez's ear now, he looks too casual in route running ... Austin hasn't exactly been burning it up lately either... otherwise, the fact that Robinson is brand new to the team and shining every week will make this a serious discussion soon enough.

Where are Dez and Miles? Surely these guys can contribute to a higher level than we have seen of late? Can't blame the line for all of it. Can't blame the officials. Can't blame coverage if these guys are really starters in the NFL they will find a way to get theirs. They have been coming up short too often.

 

[baj1dallas]

1. The entire interior of this OL needs to be replaced. I don't think one of the starters last night will be part of our future here. I don't know what the future holds for Kowalski, Nagy or Arkin. I really hope that at least one or maybe two of these guys ends up being an average to above average starter. I think we should draft at least one in the first two rounds and sign a veteran FA in the offseason.

We could get instantly better by moving Kosier from the right back to the left. He's getting up there yes but he's not critical to replace, they can work on developing a guy next year still.

Just because the interior isn't great this year doesn't mean they can't get better. It's silly to say that they all have to be replaced before they've played half a season.

You want to draft a guy in the first round well what's the guarantee that he's any better than these rookies. You just can't replace your entire team every season. You add one or two guys and let them compete and go with whoever looks the best.

 

[ChopBlock]

We're 3-4 and just got annihilated by a division rival, but hey, I like what I see.

 

[SkinsandTerps]

Beating the Commanders was good for you guys.

The defense is much better overall.

That's all I got.

 

[Eskimo]

Good points everyone, I have to disagree on one thing, Dez to #3. Yes, robinson has seemed to out play him, but Dez will come around. May take another off season, but he will. robinson has been around much longer than Dez. And it does take several seasons or so for a WR.

A RB has it or he doesn't. Not so with a WR. Very few come in and make an impact right away. Dez barely has a full season of starts in. He will get it eventually.

I still hold out hopes for the playoffs this year, but will look at it more of a rebuilding [for lack of a better word] / getting better year.

I sort of think of this as a rebuilding year and that's why I think Dez needs to go to #3. I think it will help encourage his study habits as a way to get back on the field which is his passion. I think that is the only way to get through to him.

 

[sonnyboy]

Woods, thanks for some perspective.

I would like to add a couple of points.

1. The entire interior of this OL needs to be replaced. I don't think one of the starters last night will be part of our future here. I don't know what the future holds for Kowalski, Nagy or Arkin. I really hope that at least one or maybe two of these guys ends up being an average to above average starter. I think we should draft at least one in the first two rounds and sign a veteran FA in the offseason.

2. Our interior ILBs were woefully inadequate even when Lee is in the game. They just cannot pursue the RBs or provide coverage downfield. It does minimal good when only one of them is competent as the other one can get attacked at will. Rob Ryan needs to incorporate Carter ASAP as he is the future and the sooner he gets reps to learn his role the better. I doubt he is any worse than James.

3. We are kidding ourselves if we think we can play stout run defense without more size up the middle. Ratliff should be used as a rusher but we should not be wearing him out with lots of reps in running situations. I do hope we can sign a fit 340 pounder to clog up the middle like the Packers have with Raji. I would be happy to spend a first rounder here.

4. Lots of people want to fault Garrett's gameplan but he is really hamstrung by the OL. If they can get a running game and screen game going it should take some of the starch out of the DLs passrush. I think his efforts to get this going have been limited by all the changes, injuries and youth along the OL.

5. Jerry needs to get more aggressive about re-signing our young emerging stars and less aggressive about signing our old, ageing stars. We probably wouldn't be in this situation right now if we had been willing to pay Kevin Burnett instead of paying for our elder statesman (i.e. Flo). He should be working on a deal right now to extend Laurent Robinson as he seems to do well in this style of offense and has good chemistry with Romo.

6. Garrett needs to think long and hard about moving Robinson up to #2. Having Dez on the field limits what the offense can do due to his limited knowledge of how to run routes and learn the playbook. Dez can come in play the #3 when we need 3 WRs on the field. Perhaps being demoted will send him a wakeup message to learn his routes and learn the playbook.

7. Ryan needs to grow a pair of balls and occasionally challenge the opposition's WRs. We have played way too soft way too often in our coverages. We have to be willing to mix in a bit more tight man coverage than we have been.

I don't agree we need a 340lb NT. Never did, never will. We need a great NT and we have that. We also have some other nice young DL/NT types on the roster. No need to spend resources there when we have bigger fish to fry.

I'm not surprised others agree with Dez taking a small step down the depth chart. The thought came to me as well last night. And to be honest it's not that I'm pissed or bitter that we lost and feel a need to make someone pay. Get the feeling you the same way.......

Nothing personel, strickly business. Robinson looks like a better WR right now. That play he made that was overturned was sick. To bad it was overturned because it was just what we needed. But as I see it, he came through.

Dez needs the additional motivation. Put in the work, learn your assignments and even god himslef won't keep you off the field because your natural talent is godlike.

 

[Eskimo]

I don't agree we need a 340lb NT. Never did, never will. We need a great NT and we have that. We also have some other nice young DL/NT types on the roster. No need to spend resources there when we have bigger fish to fry.

I'm not surprised others agree with Dez taking a small step down the depth chart. The thought came to me as well last night. And to be honest it's not that I'm pissed or bitter that we lost and feel a need to make someone pay. Get the feeling you the same way.......

Nothing personel, strickly business. Robinson looks like a better WR right now. That play he made that was overturned was sick. To bad it was overturned because it was just what we needed. But as I see it, he came through.

Dez needs the additional motivation. Put in the work, learn your assignments and even god himslef won't keep you off the field because your natural talent is godlike.

About the NT position in a 3-4 scheme I covet a guy like Raji who is just immovable and can control a double team without giving up ground and without giving a runner a gap to run up the middle easily. This is much more effective than having a guy who tries to shoot a gap and make a play in a 3-man line which is what Rat does.

It is just a simple matter of physics why a short, big man with a low center of gravity is needed to play the position. I am quite envious of the few teams that have this sort of player: Wilfork on the Pats, Hampton on the Steelers and Raji on the Packers. They are very hard to find and need to be taken in the first.

 

[baj1dallas]

About the NT position in a 3-4 scheme I covet a guy like Raji who is just immovable and can control a double team without giving up ground and without giving a runner a gap to run up the middle easily. This is much more effective than having a guy who tries to shoot a gap and make a play in a 3-man line which is what Rat does.

It is just a simple matter of physics why a short, big man with a low center of gravity is needed to play the position. I am quite envious of the few teams that have this sort of player: Wilfork on the Pats, Hampton on the Steelers and Raji on the Packers. They are very hard to find and need to be taken in the first.

Ok it's baloney that Raji can't be moved by a double team.

 

[lockster]

Woods, thanks for some perspective.

I would like to add a couple of points.

1. The entire interior of this OL needs to be replaced. I don't think one of the starters last night will be part of our future here. I don't know what the future holds for Kowalski, Nagy or Arkin. I really hope that at least one or maybe two of these guys ends up being an average to above average starter. I think we should draft at least one in the first two rounds and sign a veteran FA in the offseason.

2. Our interior ILBs were woefully inadequate even when Lee is in the game. They just cannot pursue the RBs or provide coverage downfield. It does minimal good when only one of them is competent as the other one can get attacked at will. Rob Ryan needs to incorporate Carter ASAP as he is the future and the sooner he gets reps to learn his role the better. I doubt he is any worse than James.

3. We are kidding ourselves if we think we can play stout run defense without more size up the middle. Ratliff should be used as a rusher but we should not be wearing him out with lots of reps in running situations. I do hope we can sign a fit 340 pounder to clog up the middle like the Packers have with Raji. I would be happy to spend a first rounder here.

4. Lots of people want to fault Garrett's gameplan but he is really hamstrung by the OL. If they can get a running game and screen game going it should take some of the starch out of the DLs passrush. I think his efforts to get this going have been limited by all the changes, injuries and youth along the OL.

5. Jerry needs to get more aggressive about re-signing our young emerging stars and less aggressive about signing our old, ageing stars. We probably wouldn't be in this situation right now if we had been willing to pay Kevin Burnett instead of paying for our elder statesman (i.e. Flo). He should be working on a deal right now to extend Laurent Robinson as he seems to do well in this style of offense and has good chemistry with Romo.

6. Garrett needs to think long and hard about moving Robinson up to #2. Having Dez on the field limits what the offense can do due to his limited knowledge of how to run routes and learn the playbook. Dez can come in play the #3 when we need 3 WRs on the field. Perhaps being demoted will send him a wakeup message to learn his routes and learn the playbook.

7. Ryan needs to grow a pair of balls and occasionally challenge the opposition's WRs. We have played way too soft way too often in our coverages. We have to be willing to mix in a bit more tight man coverage than we have been.

I totally agree with all!!!

 

[Eskimo]

Ok it's baloney that Raji can't be moved by a double team.

Perhaps an exaggeration but he stands up against them better than anyone else in the league by a wide margin. He's the best NT in the league by a wide margin, IMO.

Unfortunately, no Raji's in this draft and none in the 2011 draft. Such players are very hard to find.