State of the Boys at the Bye

[DallasEast]

I thought New Orleans was a dead dog but perhaps I was simply mistaken after what they did to ATL last night.

I had great seats in the Superdome that night. In my opinion we had the capability that night to have beaten the Saints by 10 points. Easily. With Weeden.

 

[Dodger12]

How can injury NOT be a factor? Leary definitely was not 100% when he returned. Injury was unequivocally a problem for Leary.

So Leary is being replaced by Collins because Leary is injured?

 

[plasticman]

The state of the Cowboys is the darkest moment in Jason Garrett's career as the Cowboy Head Coach. I say this as Jason garrett's staunchest supporter.

Which is why I have supreme confidence that Jason Garrett and the Dallas Cowboys are going to prove all the criticism of flawed perception of this teams lack of character, determination, coaching and commitment into gibberish...again.

He won't get credit, I realize that. It will be someone else who saved him....again.

It will be an assistant, the scouting department, lol...Jerry....but the only conaistancy over the past 4 plus seasons has been his focus on preparation and doing the best with what is given him.

 

[jazzcat22]

Hardy and RoMac got some playing time in, Lee was cleared to play, and now all have 2 weeks to get even more ready. Gregory will be back also. They can add, as I expect Marinelli will do, some new wrinkles and some stunts on D to get to Eli the wonder face. Mo could use some rest for his sore knee these 2 weeks also. I would like to see Wilcox at SS and Jones at FS. They have 2 weeks to work on this. Church provides depth then. Keep Corey White as the nickle. I can see him getting a pick 6.

Cassell should add some spark, or hope he does. Is he more mobile than Weeden? Collins will be just fine and the OL should be better overall. They too, needed these 2 weeks to get healthier and get themselves back on track. Id Dez is back, this will be HUGE to help both the passing [obviously] and running game as well. So that will be interesting to see how Randle performs, as I think he will still get to start. But Garrett better be quick to try Michael asap. Though being afan and not hating any players, I really want Michael to play great. Wouldn't mind him starting actually. And want Rod Smith to see some action, and more than 1 carry. LOL.

Time for the team to regroup, and these changes hopefully ignites this teams, even if we go 2-2 until Romo returns. Prefer those wins be against be against Giants and Eagles. but if we beat those 2, we should beat TB also, and be 3-1.

 

[LocimusPrime]

FACT: Martin was injured in training camp and was cleared to return to the field and has been out there for weeks now. Time to let that one go already.

FACT: Leary was injured, missed time, and then was cleared to return and put back into the starting lineup. If he wasn't ready to go, the trainers and coaches who see him each and every day are morons to put him back out there.

These attempted excuses for poor play are lame. The team and the players can admit they're not playing up to par, but some fans can't bear it.

FACT: being cleared to play does not mean you are 100% you could still be nursing injuries

FACT: Martin is wearing a neck roll because something is still wrong or weak around the C3-C4 disk area from the neck and shoulder injury he sustained in training camp. The " stinger".

 

[Doc50]

I don't subscribe to the myth that this underachieving offensive line is somehow 'banged up'. They're just not playing as well as they did last year.

I hear what you're saying, Stash, and I know you follow the team closely. If you're correct that the OL is simply underachieving, do have any suspicion of why that's happening? Loss of Callahan? Loss of motivation? Loss of conditioning?

Moreover, do you have any suggestions for resolving this problem?

It seems that the rationale put forward for explanation, including the loss of our passing game and the subsequent defensive adjustments, makes good sense. Is there something else that needs to be addressed?

Just wondering what's on your mind that maybe you're not saying.

 

[Stash]

FACT: being cleared to play does not mean you are 100% you could still be nursing injuries

FACT: If you're so 'injured' that you can't play effectively, you don't play. And if a player can't smart enough yo know, it's the job of the trainers and coaches to know.

FACT: Martin is wearing a neck roll because something is still wrong or weak around the C3-C4 disk area from the neck and shoulder injury he sustained in training camp. The " stinger".

Really? Where did he say that? Where is the official word on that and it being an ongoing issue for him and the reason for his struggles?

Take your time, I'll wait for you to produce that "FACT".

 

[Stash]

I hear what you're saying, Stash, and I know you follow the team closely. If you're correct that the OL is simply underachieving, do have any suspicion of why that's happening? Loss of Callahan? Loss of motivation? Loss of conditioning?

I think it's exactly what everyone involved has said, it's a combination of many factors. Linemen missing or failing to hold blocks, running backs improvising and being less than ideal fits, and the loss of Romo and Dez is a factor too, although not an excuse for mistakes. The one excuse that doesn't hold up is injury.

Moreover, do you have any suggestions for resolving this problem?

It seems that the rationale put forward for explanation, including the loss of our passing game and the subsequent defensive adjustments, makes good sense. Is there something else that needs to be addressed?

Just wondering what's on your mind that maybe you're not saying.

I think the two moves they've made are a step in the right direction. Cassel should help to make the passing game more competent, along with the returns of Bryant and Butler. And Collins should be an upgrade over Ron Leary.

And I think they need to see what they gave or dont have in Michael too. Randle and McFadden have had their shot with inconsistent and disappointing results.

One thing I would also be doing that they're apparently not is looking for upgrades over Street and Whitehead. I don't feel either is capable of giving this current team the help at the position that they desperately need.

That's my thinking, what about you?

 

[LocimusPrime]

FACT: If you're so 'injured' that you can't play effectively, you don't play. And if a player can't smart enough yo know, it's the job of the trainers and coaches to know.



Really? Where did he say that? Where is the official word on that and it being an ongoing issue for him and the reason for his struggles?

Take your time, I'll wait for you to produce that "FACT".

I didnt say he said anything. I said hes wearing a neckroll and it appeared on his uniform after his stinger injury Super Mega Fact that cant be denied. Ill wait for you to produce where i said he said

 

[LocimusPrime]

FACT: If you're so 'injured' that you can't play effectively, you don't play. And if a player can't smart enough yo know, it's the job of the trainers and coaches


Really? Where did he say that? Where is the official word on that and it being an ongoing issue for him and the reason for his struggles?

Take your time, I'll wait for you to produce that "FACT".[/quote

Fact: players play injured. Romo was still not 100% the first two games last year coming off of injury. More evdience: aaron rogers was injured in last years playoffs. But he still played. Ronnie lott cut off his finger to play ( well part of it). Emmit had a seperated shoulder in the giants game where he ran for 200 yards. Brees still isnt 100%.

 

[Stash]

I didnt say he said anything. I said hes wearing a neckroll and it appeared on his uniform after his stinger injury Super Mega Fact that cant be denied. Ill wait for you to produce where i said he said

You're trying to insinuate that he's wearing it for assistance with his injury. He's wearing it for preventative reasons, much like plenty of other players have. It's to avoid further injury, not any other reason.

If any of these players are 'so hurt' that they can't play, they wouldn't be. And anyone trying to play that card as an excuse knows it.

 

[LocimusPrime]

You're trying to insinuate that he's wearing it for assistance with his injury. He's wearing it for preventative reasons, much like plenty of other players have. It's to avoid further injury, not any other reason.

If any of these players are 'so hurt' that they can't play, they wouldn't be. And anyone trying to play that card as an excuse knows it.

Players play hurt all the time. What does "so hurt" mean well thats up to interpretation. But aaron rogers couldnt run and was hobbled but he played. Could he have been better not injured. Heck yeah

In regards to the protective equipment you say its preventive i say its preventive and assistive. A knee brace helps or assists you throw the motions as well as protects from further damage. Tape on your fingers is not only assistive but preventive as well.

But its all good. Its friday and the weather is nice

 

[Stash]

Players play hurt all the time. What does "so hurt" mean well thats up to interpretation. But aaron rogers couldnt run and was hobbled but he played. Could he have been better not injured. Heck yeah

And it's quite a different story when it's Rodgers, as the Packers have no viable alternative, unlike the Cowboys who have Bernardeau or a top 10 draft pick waiting in the wings.

In regards to the protective equipment you say its preventive i say its preventive and assistive. A knee brace helps or assists you throw the motions as well as protects from further damage. Tape on your fingers is not only assistive but preventive as well.

As long as you admit it's just you "saying it", I'm fine with that.

 

[LocimusPrime]

And it's quite a different story when it's Rodgers, as the Packers have no viable alternative, unlike the Cowboys who have Bernardeau or a top 10 draft pick waiting in the wings.



As long as you admit it's just you "saying it", I'm fine with that.

Lol man im not admitting jack. I said what i said. I said he has a neck roll which he does. And that neck roll happened to be part of his uniform after the injury. Theres isnt one bit of untruth in those statements.

 

[Stash]

Lol man im not admitting jack. I said what i said. I said he has a neck roll which he does. And that neck roll happened to be part of his uniform after the injury. Theres isnt one bit of untruth in those statements.

Didn't say there was. It's the part where you claim it's anything more than a preventative measure against reinjury where I take issue. There's zero evidence to support that claim.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I think we need to keep doing what we have been doing.

Be tough on re-signing veterans and signing FA's. We can afford to do that because of Dallas' market size and there is no state income tax which saves players $$$ 8-games out of the year. And the cost of living in Texas is pretty cheap compared to most states with large cities.

Looking at the players that we let go because we weren't going to pay them extra $$$ (Durant, Carter, Murray, etc)...they have either gotten injured and/or under performed. So, scrapping that strategy isn't a wise move.

We need to look for a QB to replace Romo and we have to figure out what we are going to do with Lee and Ro. McClain because Lee can't stay healthy. We need to figure out what to do with Hardy after this season. And we need to figure out how to address the DB's, particularly Church, Claiborne and Carr.

For the short term, we need to win at least 2 games before Romo comes back. 9-7 could win the division, particularly if we have the upperhand in the divisional record. We need to figure out ways to stretch the field and scare the defense that we could beat them deep. And we need to come up with some turnovers on defense.





YR

 

[Doc50]

I think it's exactly what everyone involved has said, it's a combination of many factors. Linemen missing or failing to hold blocks, running backs improvising and being less than ideal fits, and the loss of Romo and Dez is a factor too, although not an excuse for mistakes. The one excuse that doesn't hold up is injury.



I think the two moves they've made are a step in the right direction. Cassel should help to make the passing game more competent, along with the returns of Bryant and Butler. And Collins should be an upgrade over Ron Leary.

And I think they need to see what they gave or dont have in Michael too. Randle and McFadden have had their shot with inconsistent and disappointing results.

One thing I would also be doing that they're apparently not is looking for upgrades over Street and Whitehead. I don't feel either is capable of giving this current team the help at the position that they desperately need.

That's my thinking, what about you?

There's definitely some disappointment on several levels.

While it's obviously difficult to change horses in the middle of the stream, our infusion of new personnel has already made a difference.
I don't know if we can plug & play any positions very effectively besides RB, so coaching becomes an apparent need; I'm not optimistic that our WR's and coaches will get on the same page and show the growth that we all expected. Having said that, I'd expect our OL to be 1 year better than last year's group, and I therefore wonder about that coaching scheme (minus Callaway) as well. To pile on the coaching staff, I'd also expect Linehan to be 1 year better at utilizing resources and running the offense; the predictable play calling and route schemes and inability to use Hanna & Escobar continue to be frustrating. It's also apparent that Garrett still isn't competitive with the likes of Belichick from a game management point of view.

I am optimistic about the new look we'll have coming out of the break, and I hope the team also has a renewed sense of confidence and purpose.
The season is salvageable if we get a few breaks.

 

[ShiningStar]

depression, its a state

 

[Enlightened32]

You're trying to insinuate that he's wearing it for assistance with his injury. He's wearing it for preventative reasons, much like plenty of other players have. It's to avoid further injury, not any other reason.

If any of these players are 'so hurt' that they can't play, they wouldn't be. And anyone trying to play that card as an excuse knows it.

Then why wasnt he wearing it against New Orleans....

He didnt wear it against New England either....


Weird....

 

[Stash]

There's definitely some disappointment on several levels.

While it's obviously difficult to change horses in the middle of the stream, our infusion of new personnel has already made a difference.
I don't know if we can plug & play any positions very effectively besides RB, so coaching becomes an apparent need; I'm not optimistic that our WR's and coaches will get on the same page and show the growth that we all expected. Having said that, I'd expect our OL to be 1 year better than last year's group, and I therefore wonder about that coaching scheme (minus Callaway) as well. To pile on the coaching staff, I'd also expect Linehan to be 1 year better at utilizing resources and running the offense; the predictable play calling and route schemes and inability to use Hanna & Escobar continue to be frustrating. It's also apparent that Garrett still isn't competitive with the likes of Belichick from a game management point of view.

Coaching is another area open to criticism. We all know losing Romo and Bryant is huge, but I don't think anyone would praise the job that any of the coaches have done. I can't help but wonder about the impact of Callahan leaving as well. In looking at the offensive line issues, it could factor in in some way.

I am optimistic about the new look we'll have coming out of the break, and I hope the team also has a renewed sense of confidence and purpose.
The season is salvageable if we get a few breaks.

Totally agree with you, I like what I'm seeing from this defense and it looks to only be getting better going forward. What we need is a competent offense to ensure that defensive effort isn't wasted as it was this past week.

But I think this game against the Giants is pivotal. If we win, we can make up for the knee or two that 'got away' vs Atlanta and New Orleans. If we lose again? It will be a deep hole to try to dig out of, maybe an impossible task.