Something intriguing I noticed...

[silverbear]

While looking over my roster spreadsheet-- at this point, there are only 8 players new to the Cowboys this year... even assuming a move for a 3rd QB and another WR (which I think is likely), that would only make 10 new players this year...

That's very low turnover, in most years you expect to have 12-13, sometimes as many as 15 new players... this is a tribute to our returning roster, I think...

Here's a look at the new players, and how they were acquired:

5 DRAFT PICKS:

RB Felix Jones
RB Tashard Choice
TE Martellus Bennett
CB Mike Jenkins
CB Orlando Scandrick

2 TRADES

OG Montrae Holland
CB Adam Jones

1 VETERAN FREE AGENT

ILB Zach Thomas

By position, there are 2 new RBs (F. Jones, Choice), 1 new TE (Bennett), 1 new OG (Holland) on offense... on defense, there is one new LB (Thomas) and 3 new DBs (A. Jones, Jenkins, Scandrick)... the Boys seriously upgraded the RB corps, and their CBs...

I've been following the Boys for a loooong time, don't recall a season where there has been such a small roster turnover...

 

[Bluefin]

By position, there are 2 new RBs (F. Jones, Choice), 1 new TE (Bennett), 1 new OG (Holland) on offense... on defense, there is one new LB (Thomas) and 3 new DBs (A. Jones, Jenkins, Scandrick)... the Boys seriously upgraded the RB corps, and their CBs...

That's the key with the little new blood we have on the roster.

They all represent potential upgrades to the roster.

We'd have to go back to the Super Bowl years to find similar minimal turnover, IMO, and that ended up being a huge problem due to Jerry Jones having to learn on the fly after the Jimmy Johnson divorce.

We ended up failing to add new blood via the draft and paying for veteran help and our dynasty perished.

 

[adamknite]

While looking over my roster spreadsheet-- at this point, there are only 8 players new to the Cowboys this year... even assuming a move for a 3rd QB and another WR (which I think is likely), that would only make 10 new players this year...

That's very low turnover, in most years you expect to have 12-13, sometimes as many as 15 new players... this is a tribute to our returning roster, I think...

Here's a look at the new players, and how they were acquired:

5 DRAFT PICKS:

RB Felix Jones
RB Tashard Choice
TE Martellus Bennett
CB Mike Jenkins
CB Orlando Scandrick

2 TRADES

OG Montrae Holland
CB Adam Jones

1 VETERAN FREE AGENT

ILB Zach Thomas

By position, there are 2 new RBs (F. Jones, Choice), 1 new TE (Bennett), 1 new OG (Holland) on offense... on defense, there is one new LB (Thomas) and 3 new DBs (A. Jones, Jenkins, Scandrick)... the Boys seriously upgraded the RB corps, and their CBs...

Don't recall a season where there has been such a small roster turnover...

What I find really great is that we didn't have to replace key starters, espcially on the Oline. If it wasn't for Kosier going down with an injury the entire cast would be back. We only have one new starter in our LBers. And despite JJ starting every game at RB, we all know who was really our starter. That's a lot to consistency and chemistry.

 

[Nav22]

That is pretty interesting... thanks.

Just goes to show the amount of talent we had last year. We knew we had a couple thin spots and we shored them up.

We're pretty deep at RB now... and there's a chance we now have 3 RBs better than our "starter" from last year.

Our secondary should be so much better than it was last year, especially with a healthy Newman and Henry. I can't wait to see teams passing from 3rd and long facing an unpredictable blitz and man coverage from those 2 plus Pacman.

Speaking of the CB spot, is it safe to assume that as it stands right now, Scandrick is our #4 CB and NOT Jenkins? Scandrick has certainly shown more in preseason.

Also, who plays inside in the nickel, Newman or Pacman? Newman was terrific there last year.

 

[cowboyeric8]

Good info. I enjoy have mostly the same players year after year, as long as those players are good. I think it is good for a team, same with having the same coachs year after year.

 

[Bonecrusher#31]

Excellent point SB as usual.....

 

[silverbear]

Excellent point SB as usual.....

Sometimes I get lucky... good to hear from you, ol' buddy...

 

[TRUTH87]

good info man. i always believe that inorder for an organization to do something positive for a long time, you need to have continuation. specifically continuation in the roster. it happens in all sports, football not beeing the exception. its goes through the timing, the trust between the players, all that makes a team stronger. just adding depth to what you need is the way to go.

Let the chemistry begin.

 

[JonJon]

Speaking of the CB spot, is it safe to assume that as it stands right now, Scandrick is our #4 CB and NOT Jenkins? Scandrick has certainly shown more in preseason.

Also, who plays inside in the nickel, Newman or Pacman? Newman was terrific there last year.

Why do people keep saying this? I am as high on Scandrick as the next man, but you really have to understand what is going on before making statements like this. Jenkins started two games and played against the first unit a lot. Scandrick on the other hand was playing against lesser talent. Scandrick also saw a lot more action on special teams than Jenkins did. Another note, Jenkins is learning a new defensive scheme while Scandrick has been in this basic scheme since he was a freshman; that makes a huge difference. Give Jenkins some time; he will start to show you what he can do.

 

[Hostile]

Good info. I also noticed that for the first time in many years one of our Draft picks didn't make the team and it isn't because of injury. In fact Walden didn't make it despite injuries at his position.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Good info. I also noticed that for the first time in many years one of our Draft picks didn't make the team and it isn't because of injury. In fact Walden didn't make it despite injuries at his position.

One would think he is almost a lock for a PS spot. But I was surprised he didn't stick.

 

[Hostile]

No Undrafted Rookie Free Agents stuck either. First time in a long while.

 

[ChrisCanty99]

Not only that, SB, but those 7 of those 8 (don't know what Holland can do in this scheme) have shown they can improve the team.

Felix vs. Julius? Felix is more explosive, and looks better as a receiver, we'll see about the rest.

Tashard vs. Tyson Thompson? Check.

Bennett vs. Fasano? Bennett's athleticism far exceeds Fasano. We'll see if he can continue to develop.

New corners vs. Reeves, Jones? Um, duh.

Zach vs. Akin. I was a bit skeptical, but no longer.

Pacman's football talent was never in question.

A better roster. Let's see if it's a better season.

 

[Va_BoysFan4 Life]

Great Info ............. I think continuity with a team is key, but for me the thing that stands out is that 48 of the 53 experienced the unforgettable let down of last season. They are back more focused and hungrier than ever. The hunger drives some of the new personnel also:

Zach Thomas........Told he is washed up and should retire, so he has to prove his nay sayers wrong....also never had the opportunity to play on such a talented.

Adam Jones ........... Hungry to show that he can help the team and that he belongs in the league. Skills never were questioned...but manhood and character.

Felix Jones..........skills and work ethic is just infectious....wanna be a top rookie in the league.

Holland...........Was surprised at losing his starting job not to mentioned being traded. Worked hard to get back in shape just to be let go. Plus for Dallas.......mean mauler with an attitude.

Choice .............lil upset he dropped to the 4th round........playing with a chip on his shoulder.

So as I see it.....not only do the Boys have a team on a mission. They have a team with attitudes that will intensify their mission.

Just a thought!

 

[silverbear]

Good info.

When I made up my 80 man roster spreadsheet, I put any players new to the roster this year in italics... when I went through and took out yesterday's cuts, the first thing I noticed was how few players there were in italics... that's what spurred this thread, as I've said, over the years it seems to me that an average turnover in any given year is 12-16 players, maybe a bad team might feature as many as 20... but 10 is pretty low, and 8 is amazingly low...

I also noticed that for the first time in many years one of our Draft picks didn't make the team and it isn't because of injury. In fact Walden didn't make it despite injuries at his position.

I have a hunch his Cowboys career isn't quite over yet... I fully expect him to be part of the practice squad...

 

[silverbear]

No Undrafted Rookie Free Agents stuck either. First time in a long while.

That, I hadn't even thought of, and you're absolutely right...

Must mean the Boys did a lousy job of signing UDRFAs this year...

 

[silverbear]

Not only that, SB, but those 7 of those 8 (don't know what Holland can do in this scheme) have shown they can improve the team.

Felix vs. Julius? Felix is more explosive, and looks better as a receiver, we'll see about the rest.

Tashard vs. Tyson Thompson? Check.

Bennett vs. Fasano? Bennett's athleticism far exceeds Fasano. We'll see if he can continue to develop.

New corners vs. Reeves, Jones? Um, duh.

Zach vs. Akin. I was a bit skeptical, but no longer.

Pacman's football talent was never in question.

A better roster. Let's see if it's a better season.

I think Holland will contribute soon... OTOH, I think that Choice will contribute on special teams, and little else... but you're right, even with so few new players, the roster is noticeably upgraded...

 

[Hostile]

When I made up my 80 man roster spreadsheet, I put any players new to the roster this year in italics... when I went through and took out yesterday's cuts, the first thing I noticed was how few players there were in italics... that's what spurred this thread, as I've said, over the years it seems to me that an average turnover in any given year is 12-16 players, maybe a bad team might feature as many as 20... but 10 is pretty low, and 8 is amazingly low...



I have a hunch his Cowboys career isn't quite over yet... I fully expect him to be part of the practice squad...

It would be interesting to put the new players in one column and the player they replaced in the other column and compare.

Julius Jones.......................Felix Jones.....................upgrade
Tyson Thompson................Tashard Choice...............big upgrade
Akin Ayodele......................Zach Thomas................. big upgrade
Jacques Reeves..................Adam Jones................... huge upgrade
Nate Jones........................Mike Jenkins................... huge upgrade
Anthony Fasano.................Martellus Bennett............IMO, upgrade
______________................Orlando Scandrick...........upgrade
______________................Montrae Holland..............Jury out

We don't yet know who exactly Scandrick and Holland are replacing, but there is reason for excitement with both. I have even seen two writers who say Holland is better than Kosier and once he gets the system down will be our long term LG. Hope is a good thing.

 

[Hostile]

That, I hadn't even thought of, and you're absolutely right...

Must mean the Boys did a lousy job o signing UDRFAs this year...

That's what it means all right. Blew chunks. :

 

[silverbear]

That's what it means all right. Blew chunks. :

Gotta fire that miserable excuse for a GM... don't know why the owner puts up with that crapola...