State of the team one day before TC (3 days before first practice)

[jazzcat22]

My take on the team one day before TC.

Very disappointed, as to whenever we think something good is about to happen, we get bad news.
As I look back over the off season, was it good or bad, or just uneventful.
Other than drafting Zeke, what were the real positives. And now that has been dampened with the allegations of a crazed ex-girlfriend.
FA, uneventful mostly, except Thornton was a very good signing. The draft, other than Zeke, all is a wait and see. Collins was good, but now has a broken ankle. But should get in a few weeks of TC.
Suspended players, 3, and 2 of them now at 10 games, one in rehab. Players returning from injures, will they be the same?
Nothing just seems too exciting about all of that. But it's more just me feeling flat with all the bad crap that happens. We just can't have a quiet off season after FA and the draft.

However, if all healthy, the offense is the bright spot and should be top 5. They will need to carry the team.
Defense, is all wait and see. Was any one really counting on Gregory to make that big of a difference. seems to be a mixed bag of thoughts on him. McClain yet again, let us down on his availability. So who steps up, and can they step up to surprise us on defense.

The hope there is Jones as a true FS, and a snowball effect of all other allowed to do their jobs better. But it's not all on him either if not goes as we hope.

Normally I would be more excited as the 1st practice starts Saturday. Now it's wait and see how they do. I am sure once they start, my mood will change.

Romo is back, but still big question on the back up abilities.
RB's, no issues, as with the WR's. Te's, depends on Escobar and his rehab, or can Hanna and Swaim step up.
OL, no issues, except, swing tackle, yet again. This seems to be an continuous problem.

On D is the issues.
DE, who steps up, if Gregory was available, would he be that big of a difference, we haven't seen enough of him anyway.
DT, I think we have some good depth here, and can be a strength. We will need them to be very good.
I just hope they don't get too cute on moving the players around too much, citing versatility. It doesn't seem to work.
DB's, with Jones at FS, and Church at SS, this should be a big improvement, and therefore with Scandrick back, we can have 3 solid CB's doing their jobs better. And they must do this, to allow the DE's to step up and get a pass rush.

The offense will be great, the defense is wait and see [hope] they are at least a little improved over last year.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

My take on the team one day before TC. Very disappointed...

The offense will be great, the defense is wait and see [hope] they are at least a little improved over last year.

This is the year Coach M shows he is can still run a defense or he no longer has it. I expect him to show he can still coach.

 

[Zordon]

This is the year Coach M shows he is can still run a defense or he no longer has it. I expect him to show he can still coach.

if the defense fails this year, i'm not going to blame marinelli considering this pathetic personnel. we still haven't had our annual claiborne and lee injuries too....they're coming.

 

[Maxmadden]

I am a little more optimistic than most on this board, but I can see where things could go South in a hurry.

 

[Howboutdemcowboys31]

It's been a hard off season no doubt. I loved our draft but there's been a lot of bad too

 

[Sydla]

State of the Team

QB - Could be fine as long as Romo is healthy but after him, we are in trouble. I think any belief that the front office is content with their QB situation is laughable as they clearly wanted to upgrade after the season and then magically believed Moore was the answer two months later. I am not buying it.
RB - Good talent and depth, strength of the team from a depth perspective.
OL - Good talent and decent depth, another strength of the team from a depth perspective.
WR - One stud coming off injury, a lot of questions behind that. Counting on some real long shots like Butler to make impacts. You gotta hope Williams has the light bulb go off in a contract year.
TE - Solid but if Escobar can't get back into the mix, depth is a question and with an aging Witten, that's a real concern.

DT - Should be solid, especially if Crawford is healthy. Thornton was a smart and frankly underrated signing IMO. Decent depth and you have a guy like Irving that can slide over and play some DT as well.
DE - Borderline disaster. Counting on some real projects to make immediate and substantial impacts. Let's hope the scouting group is right but I suspect they will regret not signing a guy like Mario Williams. I'd be on the phone with Freeney yesterday.
LB - Real questions here. If Lee goes down, it's a very weak LB group.
DB - More questions. Can Jones become a quality FS. Church is what he is, which is decidedly mediocre to poor. You gotta hope Scandrick is healthy.

Coaching - It is what it is. Likely league average.

In a nutshell.......... there is a real clear distinction between where the offense is and can be this season and where the defense is and likely will be this season.

 

[NEODOG]

Simply put

Our D isn't stopping anyone especially when it counts...... That's a proven fact.

 

[Idgit]

I'm excited for the season, though I usually am. And as much as the suspensions suck, McClain and Gregory were both guys I considered undependable anyway. In a way, I prefer us just not having them around at all to provide deflating suspensions when we're counting on them once the season starts.

We'll suck in terms of the talent we put out on defense, again. But at least everybody who is out there wants to be there and will be in position to play from the start of camp. I'm so sick of depending on these guys who can't be depended on. Whatever the drop off from Gregory to Mayowa is, I'll live with it. Same for McClain v. Hitchens/Durant.

Let's just let the young guys play defense in advantageous situations and see how they come together. And let's hope our own fans go into the season looking to enjoy it instead of acting like the beaten dogs they like to pretend to be. Nobody else in the East is unbeatable, and the NFC itself is full of teams with significant holes. We fit right in.

 

[Stash]

My take on the team one day before TC.

Very disappointed, as to whenever we think something good is about to happen, we get bad news.
As I look back over the off season, was it good or bad, or just uneventful.
Other than drafting Zeke, what were the real positives. And now that has been dampened with the allegations of a crazed ex-girlfriend.
FA, uneventful mostly, except Thornton was a very good signing. The draft, other than Zeke, all is a wait and see. Collins was good, but now has a broken ankle. But should get in a few weeks of TC.
Suspended players, 3, and 2 of them now at 10 games, one in rehab. Players returning from injures, will they be the same?
Nothing just seems too exciting about all of that. But it's more just me feeling flat with all the bad crap that happens. We just can't have a quiet off season after FA and the draft.

However, if all healthy, the offense is the bright spot and should be top 5. They will need to carry the team.
Defense, is all wait and see. Was any one really counting on Gregory to make that big of a difference. seems to be a mixed bag of thoughts on him. McClain yet again, let us down on his availability. So who steps up, and can they step up to surprise us on defense.

The hope there is Jones as a true FS, and a snowball effect of all other allowed to do their jobs better. But it's not all on him either if not goes as we hope.

Normally I would be more excited as the 1st practice starts Saturday. Now it's wait and see how they do. I am sure once they start, my mood will change.

Romo is back, but still big question on the back up abilities.
RB's, no issues, as with the WR's. Te's, depends on Escobar and his rehab, or can Hanna and Swaim step up.
OL, no issues, except, swing tackle, yet again. This seems to be an continuous problem.

On D is the issues.
DE, who steps up, if Gregory was available, would he be that big of a difference, we haven't seen enough of him anyway.
DT, I think we have some good depth here, and can be a strength. We will need them to be very good.
I just hope they don't get too cute on moving the players around too much, citing versatility. It doesn't seem to work.
DB's, with Jones at FS, and Church at SS, this should be a big improvement, and therefore with Scandrick back, we can have 3 solid CB's doing their jobs better. And they must do this, to allow the DE's to step up and get a pass rush.

The offense will be great, the defense is wait and see [hope] they are at least a little improved over last year.

After recent events, I think many of us are feeling down, and justifiably so.

It will be nice to get to training camp and hopefully read some good news for a change.

 

[erod]

I fully expect at least one DE to step forward, play well, and be a big part of the future. It happens in this league all the time.

However, I also expect team injuries, and the who and where of that is always a big concern.

Jerry remains the problem. If you haven't seen All or Nothing on Amazon, THAT is how an owner should run a team.

 

[Rack]

State of the team one day before TC

 

[CrownCowboy]

It's been awhile, but I am excited about the middle of our DLine. Of course, it's all contingent on health which is always iffy with this team. With that said, I really liked the Thornton signing. I know alot of people don't expect much from T. McClain but he is strong and makes a difference when he's in there. Hopefully this is the year Crawford shines and I really like Malik Collins, granted he can get his ankle right. It finally seems like we have some options at that position.

As far as the team overall. I really don't expect much from the defense despite my enthusiasm for the DT's. I keep telling myself that we'll create more turnovers because last year was almost historically bad in that category, but who knows.

The offense should be awesome and I hope we get back to our bully style of 2014. I can't wait for it to start!

 

[CCBoy]

I'm excited for the season, though I usually am. And as much as the suspensions suck, McClain and Gregory were both guys I considered undependable anyway. In a way, I prefer us just not having them around at all to provide deflating suspensions when we're counting on them once the season starts.

We'll suck in terms of the talent we put out on defense, again. But at least everybody who is out there wants to be there and will be in position to play from the start of camp. I'm so sick of depending on these guys who can't be depended on. Whatever the drop off from Gregory to Mayowa is, I'll live with it. Same for McClain v. Hitchens/Durant.

Let's just let the young guys play defense in advantageous situations and see how they come together. And let's hope our own fans go into the season looking to enjoy it instead of acting like the beaten dogs they like to pretend to be. Nobody else in the East is unbeatable, and the NFC itself is full of teams with significant holes. We fit right in.

Sounds like watching the Cowboys as a true fan, never really goes out of style...to this fan. I agree. Bring on that funny little ball on the carpet!

 

[gimmesix]

My take on the team one day before TC.

Very disappointed, as to whenever we think something good is about to happen, we get bad news.
As I look back over the off season, was it good or bad, or just uneventful.
Other than drafting Zeke, what were the real positives. And now that has been dampened with the allegations of a crazed ex-girlfriend.
FA, uneventful mostly, except Thornton was a very good signing. The draft, other than Zeke, all is a wait and see. Collins was good, but now has a broken ankle. But should get in a few weeks of TC.
Suspended players, 3, and 2 of them now at 10 games, one in rehab. Players returning from injures, will they be the same?
Nothing just seems too exciting about all of that. But it's more just me feeling flat with all the bad crap that happens. We just can't have a quiet off season after FA and the draft.

However, if all healthy, the offense is the bright spot and should be top 5. They will need to carry the team.
Defense, is all wait and see. Was any one really counting on Gregory to make that big of a difference. seems to be a mixed bag of thoughts on him. McClain yet again, let us down on his availability. So who steps up, and can they step up to surprise us on defense.

The hope there is Jones as a true FS, and a snowball effect of all other allowed to do their jobs better. But it's not all on him either if not goes as we hope.

Normally I would be more excited as the 1st practice starts Saturday. Now it's wait and see how they do. I am sure once they start, my mood will change.

Romo is back, but still big question on the back up abilities.
RB's, no issues, as with the WR's. Te's, depends on Escobar and his rehab, or can Hanna and Swaim step up.
OL, no issues, except, swing tackle, yet again. This seems to be an continuous problem.

On D is the issues.
DE, who steps up, if Gregory was available, would he be that big of a difference, we haven't seen enough of him anyway.
DT, I think we have some good depth here, and can be a strength. We will need them to be very good.
I just hope they don't get too cute on moving the players around too much, citing versatility. It doesn't seem to work.
DB's, with Jones at FS, and Church at SS, this should be a big improvement, and therefore with Scandrick back, we can have 3 solid CB's doing their jobs better. And they must do this, to allow the DE's to step up and get a pass rush.

The offense will be great, the defense is wait and see [hope] they are at least a little improved over last year.

Our weakest side of the ball is definitely where most of the concerns are being increased as we head to camp.

On offense, Romo and Dez seem to be on schedule to be full go and the line's only concern is the backup tackle spot. At most, the Elliott accusation and the recovery of depth players Escobar and Dunbar are the biggest issues.

On defense, we already knew we were iffy then we get Lawrence's suspension being upheld, McClain getting suspended 10 games and the probability that Gregory will be gone for at least that long. The job was going to be tough enough for the front seven without these hits.

 

[CyberB0b]

if the defense fails this year, i'm not going to blame marinelli considering this pathetic personnel. we still haven't had our annual claiborne and lee injuries too....they're coming.

Interesting situation he has created. He consistently campaigns for sub par players, and when his group doesn't produce, he gets a pass because his players suck.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

Offense should be explosive and they'll put up points.

Defense will be a MASH unit again.

 

[jazzcat22]

Our weakest side of the ball is definitely where most of the concerns are being increased as we head to camp.

On offense, Romo and Dez seem to be on schedule to be full go and the line's only concern is the backup tackle spot. At most, the Elliott accusation and the recovery of depth players Escobar and Dunbar are the biggest issues.

On defense, we already knew we were iffy then we get Lawrence's suspension being upheld, McClain getting suspended 10 games and the probability that Gregory will be gone for at least that long. The job was going to be tough enough for the front seven without these hits.

Yes the D keeps on getting hit on the bad news side. But there is some good news on that side too. But it all still remains to be seen. The coaches need to prove why they are here. seems no one ever gets developed, so now is the time to do so.

I am very excited to see this offense in action. But sure would be nice if the NFL just comes out and says there is nothing to EE situation. we know it sounds legally nothing is there. But I do not trust the NFL FO or any of it's people they use.

 

[WillieBeamen]

Im really down on the team and disappointed with the offseason as a whole, but for some reason it seems like everytime the expectation for this team is low, they suprise us.

In 2014:

-Released our best defensive player in the last decade
-Lost our best LB
-Romo missed all off-season activites with the surgery
-no major free agent acquisitions (Henry Melton was the biggest name we signed)

All of this after another 8-8 season, and we went 12-4 and won a playoff game.

With Romo healthy, we will compete for the division. Every season he's played a majority of the games, we have had a chance to win the division in week 17. He got us to 8-7 in 2013, with the worst defense in franchise history. We should be ok folks, but if Romo goes down, we're done.

 

[gimmesix]

Yes the D keeps on getting hit on the bad news side. But there is some good news on that side too. But it all still remains to be seen. The coaches need to prove why they are here. seems no one ever gets developed, so now is the time to do so.

I am very excited to see this offense in action. But sure would be nice if the NFL just comes out and says there is nothing to EE situation. we know it sounds legally nothing is there. But I do not trust the NFL FO or any of it's people they use.

I'm not sure there's been much good news on the defensive side. Signing Thornton and the presumptive return of Scandrick is, and at least we signed Durant in the wake of McClain's suspension. The rest (signing Mayowa, drafting Collins and Tapper) is shaky at best.

I do agree that the coaches (and scouts) need to prove their worth, but you can only do so much with what you've got. Obviously, you would expect less from a fourth-round DE or a low-salary FA than you would from a proven top FA or first-round pick. We're expecting lemons to be turned into lemonade without adding any sugar.

 

[reddyuta]

our Defense