The Boys Most Pressing Offseason Need.

[superpunk]

Would you say the Boys are poised to compete this year? I know I would, with a few tweaks to that defense. That being said, consider this;

Is ANY OT that we happen to get mid-first round in the draft going to perform better than Adams? I doubt it. First year linemen struggle, it's inevitable. I doubt that a first round OT would perform better than Pettiti, going into his second year. So what can be done? Can we look around the league for examples?

I would consider the Chiefs to have one of, if not the, best offensive lines in football. Is that because they're a blue-chip line? Filled with awesome prospects? Not necessarily. Their only first rounder is Willie Roaf. After him, they have a third rounder, a fourth rounder, and two player who went undrafted. They're dominant because they've played together for so long. There is only one guy on that line that has started for the Chiefs for less than the past 4 years. They play so well because the Oline play is dependent, more than almost any other position on the field, upon continuity. They know their blocking assignments, they execute them perfectly. In pass protection, they know their blitz pickups, and are so comfortable with one another that they know when to push defenders inside or outside.

For a second example, look to the Commanders. In 2004, they had one of the worst rushing attacks in the league, in terms of it's effectiveness. Did they make sweeping changes? The only change they made was a FA pickup of Rabach, heck Ray Brown was still tearin it up for them this year. They went from 3.7 ypc in 2004 to 4.2 ypc in 2005. Half a yard per carry is a HUGE difference. That was the difference between them being 29th in the league in ypc in 2004, to being tied for 9th. That's the reason they went to the playoffs, and that is the reason Mark Brunell, who many left for dead early in the season, had an all-pro caliber year.

Continuity. On the offensive line, that is what it's ALL about.

Our defense was winning games for us in the middle of the season. It was flat out dominant. But it needs help. Dat is gone. Singleton may be gone as well. That's half of our LB corp, which needs to be the strength of this 3-4 defense. That is our biggest are of need, and that's actually a position where you can have a player come in and provide immediate impact. That's what we need. Not constant turnover of an offensive line that actually played pretty well while healthy last year.

Make this defense dominant - it's close. Give the offense some time, for goodness sakes. Last year was a time for them to gel. It should get better this year, if they are allowed to establish that continuity with eachother. If we blow the line up, or add rookies as many suggest, I think you can chalk up another mediocre season for the Boys. If they are allowed to gel, and some nice pieces are added to our D-line and LB corp, I think the league should keep an eye on us. We could surprise some people.

 

[sago1]

Sounds to me like your saying keep the OL status quo. So that leaves us with Adams & Pettiti at OT with Allen & Riveria at OG & Johnson at center. Since you make no mention of backups, assume we go with Tucker as backup OT & Peterman/Gurode as backups at OG. Sounds to me like your betting the mortgage on a wish, hope & prayer. Continuity isn't the answer with Allen turning 35 & Riveria turning 34 this year. Yes, continuity is important in developing good OL but who the pieces are on that OL also major factor. And what happens if either OT or OG go down for the season; what's our fallback position?

 

[Yeagermeister]

Why are we trying to replace Flozell? If we draft a tackle it will be a RT to compete with Pettiti.

 

[Doomsday101]

Sounds to me like your saying keep the OL status quo. So that leaves us with Adams & Pettiti at OT with Allen & Riveria at OG & Johnson at center. Since you make no mention of backups, assume we go with Tucker as backup OT & Peterman/Gurode as backups at OG. Sounds to me like your betting the mortgage on a wish, hope & prayer. Continuity isn't the answer with Allen turning 35 & Riveria turning 34 this year. Yes, continuity is important in developing good OL but who the pieces are on that OL also major factor. And what happens if either OT or OG go down for the season; what's our fallback position?

I agree the status quo is not going to cut it. Over the last few years the press talks about the line being the strength of the team yet each year they disappoint. Enough is enough we need some talent on this offensive line. To me it does not matter who is QB,RB or WR or what plays are being called because if your getting beat on the line it will all fail. Stars may get the attention but the big boys up front will determine your success or failure.

 

[Ashwynn]

I think center is the biggest need. RT will be ok. With a healthy Flo and a quality swing tackle back up, we can cover Petetti, plus, I am sure he will progress this offseason and come back a better player and a better man. LA is geting old. We need to replace him soon, might as well get his replacement now and start teaching him the position. 1 injury to Adams and we better have a back up ready. RG seems ok. Rivera played ok, I dont recall noticing him getting beat or called often.

Center worries me, Guroude is penalty ridden, Johnson is just too small, or plays that position too small for my liking. I can remember more then 1 occasion a game where Johnson was just blown back into the pocket and the whole Dline advanced two steps right off the snap. Hell I could think of 2 occasitions a drive if I put my mind too it. We either need to shore that position up with a bently type fireplug or develope Johnson/guroude into a mentally smart, position smart better then average player. Center was the weakest link, beside Petetti. Who I am not ready to give up on. I think this kid can play with the big boys and turn into a man. he knows now o to train for, what his weakness were and can strenghten them. He knows the speed of the game and how to train now. Hopefully anyways. So I would say, just upgrading center and back ups we would greatly improve our Oline, provided that included LA replacement.

 

[superpunk]

Sounds to me like your saying keep the OL status quo. So that leaves us with Adams & Pettiti at OT with Allen & Riveria at OG & Johnson at center. Since you make no mention of backups, assume we go with Tucker as backup OT & Peterman/Gurode as backups at OG. Sounds to me like your betting the mortgage on a wish, hope & prayer. Continuity isn't the answer with Allen turning 35 & Riveria turning 34 this year. Yes, continuity is important in developing good OL but who the pieces are on that OL also major factor. And what happens if either OT or OG go down for the season; what's our fallback position?

I say keep the status quo for the starting lineup. If anything is going to be done, it should be a veteran center. Someone who can come in right away and make an impact, not a rookie that's going to need adjustment time.

Depth definitely needs addressed. Our OL depth is woefully inadequate, and that's ALL on Parcells. But, I don't think you draft for depth in the first round, unless we're talking future franchise QBs, WRs, or Corners. You draft for playmakers. We can do that at LB, OL would be a poor choice in the first round, IMO.

 

[superpunk]

Why are we trying to replace Flozell? If we draft a tackle it will be a RT to compete with Pettiti.

Right. And I doubt a rookie OT is going to be any sort of improvement over Pettiti.

 

[superpunk]

I agree the status quo is not going to cut it. Over the last few years the press talks about the line being the strength of the team yet each year they disappoint. Enough is enough we need some talent on this offensive line. To me it does not matter who is QB,RB or WR or what plays are being called because if your getting beat on the line it will all fail. Stars may get the attention but the big boys up front will determine your success or failure.

Look at the turnover we've had on the right side of our Oline the past few years. You need that continuity and familiarity to be an effective Oline. As I pointed out, there is much more evidence to suggest this continuity is the most important thing, not continuously turning over your roster.

 

[Doomsday101]

Look at the turnover we've had on the right side of our Oline the past few years. You need that continuity and familiarity to be an effective Oline. As I pointed out, there is much more evidence to suggest this continuity is the most important thing, not continuously turning over your roster.

I agree with you but talent has to be there as well. Standing pat with guys who lack talent is not going to make them better. I think Tackle is an area the Cowboys must address and I think Dallas needs to part ways with Allen as well his play is not that good and his cost is way too high. I don't see Dallas coaching staff giving up on Johnson just yet but I do think they will make a move in upgrading the tackle spot

 

[THUMPER]

Kicker and FS are more pressing needs right now than OL IMO. Our sorry kickers cost us at least 2 games and probably a 3rd as well keeping us from making the playoffs. In essence the rest of the team, including our O-Line, played well enough to have won 11 or 12 games but our kicker failed us. To me that makes it our #1 priority this offseason.

FS is another area where we don't have anyone of starting quality and no one with the upside to let him work into it. Davis stinks in coverage and the other guy didn't impress me much.

I would like to see us pick up some depth at all 3 OL positions: OT, OG, & C especially if Gurode signs with someone else. I am not sold on Peterman and Tucker isn't even good enough to suck.

I like Petitti and Adams as our OTs but if we can get ahold of an upgrade at RT I would be all for it. If Gurode leaves then we have no one with any experience at all to back up Allen and Rivera. We need depth at OT as well whether Petitti starts or not and we certainly need someone better than Tucker to back up Adams.

There are rumors that Rogers may be back this season but I'll believe that when he actually makes the final roster. I think he was a wasted pick and we should move on, same for Peterman if he doesn't step up big time this year.

Our next highest priority is for another playmaker at LB, whether inside or outside, although I would prefer an OLB opposite Ware. I don't see anyone in FA that really trips my trigger at either position so I think we'll target one in the first round. If we are going to stick with the 3-4 then we have got to get some real talent at LB and right now we don't have it except for one or two guys.

An upgrade at FB would be nice but not a real necessity as would a young WR to groom alongside Crayton.

Well, that's my take on it anyway.

 

[superpunk]

I agree with you but talent has to be there as well. Standing pat with guys who lack talent is not going to make them better. I think Tackle is an area the Cowboys must address and I think Dallas needs to part ways with Allen as well his play is not that good and his cost is way too high. I don't see Dallas coaching staff giving up on Johnson just yet but I do think they will make a move in upgrading the tackle spot

I can see us parting ways with Allen, and going with Gurode. I think he can be good, he's certainly got the tools for it. I just think drafting a tackle, and expecting him to come in and contribute positively, is asking for trouble, no matter his rep out of college. It's a pretty deep class, and I'm sure good depth can be found in later rounds, even if we've been unsuccessful with those picks of late.: Our first two picks needs to be an immediate difference maker, impact player. I don't think any Olineman is going to fit that bill.

 

[Vertigo_17]

Right. And I doubt a rookie OT is going to be any sort of improvement over Pettiti.

Are you being sarcastic? IMO a first or second round RT could definitly improve on what Pettiti (6th round LT forced to leart LT) did for his rookie season.

I still think Pettiti will improve with the off-season program, but to give him the job again next year based on fact he started last season is absurd. We need serious competition at RT position - whether it's FA or draft.

 

[Doomsday101]

I can see us parting ways with Allen, and going with Gurode. I think he can be good, he's certainly got the tools for it. I just think drafting a tackle, and expecting him to come in and contribute positively, is asking for trouble, no matter his rep out of college. It's a pretty deep class, and I'm sure good depth can be found in later rounds, even if we've been unsuccessful with those picks of late.: Our first two picks needs to be an immediate difference maker, impact player. I don't think any Olineman is going to fit that bill.

I did not say Dallas must draft a Tackle in rd 1 only that we need to address it be it in the draft and or FA.

 

[SkinsFan26]

For a second example, look to the Commanders. In 2004, they had one of the worst rushing attacks in the league, in terms of it's effectiveness. Did they make sweeping changes? The only change they made was a FA pickup of Rabach, heck Ray Brown was still tearin it up for them this year. They went from 3.7 ypc in 2004 to 4.2 ypc in 2005. Half a yard per carry is a HUGE difference. That was the difference between them being 29th in the league in ypc in 2004, to being tied for 9th. That's the reason they went to the playoffs, and that is the reason Mark Brunell, who many left for dead early in the season, had an all-pro caliber year.

The Skins added Rabach, but they also got RT Jansen back after he missed the entire 2004 season. Jansen (perhaps Thomas) is the best run blocker on the team.

The Cowboys need better linemen; there's no question!

 

[superpunk]

Kicker and FS are more pressing needs right now than OL IMO. Our sorry kickers cost us at least 2 games and probably a 3rd as well keeping us from making the playoffs. In essence the rest of the team, including our O-Line, played well enough to have won 11 or 12 games but our kicker failed us. To me that makes it our #1 priority this offseason.

FS is another area where we don't have anyone of starting quality and no one with the upside to let him work into it. Davis stinks in coverage and the other guy didn't impress me much.

Kicker's a given. If that doesn't get addressed, I will personally travel to Dallas and punch Parcells right in his man-boobs.

Safety, I don't see as big a problem with....I believe our secondary was 10th in the league. I could stand to see us get someone with a bit of a better nose for the ball, but I don't think Davis is horrible. An added factor is the salaries of the players we already have there. Roy, Henry and Newman are all worth their money, but they require alot of it. You keep investing big FA dollars in the secondary, it's gonna catch up. IMO, the more prudent route is to invest up-front, in your pass rush, and make things easier on the secondary players you already have. I'd like them to keep developing our young guys at FS...(although, I'd also like them to stop drafting SS' and trying to convert them. :bang2

I would like to see us pick up some depth at all 3 OL positions: OT, OG, & C especially if Gurode signs with someone else. I am not sold on Peterman and Tucker isn't even good enough to suck.

Depth, yes. That's the most important thing there. Give the starters more time. 40% of our line was brand new last year. That seldom makes for success in terms of Oline play. Continuity, baby.

Our next highest priority is for another playmaker at LB, whether inside or outside, although I would prefer an OLB opposite Ware. I don't see anyone in FA that really trips my trigger at either position so I think we'll target one in the first round. If we are going to stick with the 3-4 then we have got to get some real talent at LB and right now we don't have it except for one or two guys.

We can never have enough LBs, I agree. We could draft three of them for the next two years, and that would be fine with me. I really think we need a strong side presence who plays the run well, and more options inside. James and Ware are solid, but I think you need at least 5 or 6 "solid" LBs to have success in the 3-4.

 

[Doomsday101]

The Skins added Rabach, but they also got RT Jansen back after he missed the entire 2004 season. Jansen (perhaps Thomas) is the best run blocker on the team.

The Cowboys need better linemen; there's no question!

You got that right. I agree with the continuity and familiarity aspect but I also know you need to have talent. Looking at KC and the job their line has been doing for sometimes now only 1 of the starting lineman was even drafted by KC the other 4 trade or FA is how they ended up in KC.

 

[superpunk]

Are you being sarcastic? IMO a first or second round RT could definitly improve on what Pettiti (6th round LT forced to leart LT) did for his rookie season.

I still think Pettiti will improve with the off-season program, but to give him the job again next year based on fact he started last season is absurd. We need serious competition at RT position - whether it's FA or draft.

He might be able to perform better than Pettiti did last year. But, that's not saying much. Given another year in the system, and time to work on his physical game, I'm confident Pettiti would be a better option going into the season than any player we could get our hands on in the draft.

Competition, yes. Heavy investment, combined with even more turnover on the line - bad idea.

 

[superpunk]

The Skins added Rabach, but they also got RT Jansen back after he missed the entire 2004 season. Jansen (perhaps Thomas) is the best run blocker on the team.

The Cowboys need better linemen; there's no question!

But, it's not like Jansen was a new piece. He was working with the team the rpevious offseason, he's a vet, who knows what to do. Adams would fill a similar role, back from injury, even though he's not the player Jansen is.

 

[superpunk]

You got that right. I agree with the continuity and familiarity aspect but I also know you need to have talent. Looking at KC and the job their line has been doing for sometimes now only 1 of the starting lineman was even drafted by KC the other 4 trade or FA is how they ended up in KC.

They were guys who went undrafted, were cut from other team's practice squads, things like that. That just seems to prove to me, that time spent together, is more important than stocking up on "talent." I think our blocking schemes could use some work, definitely, but the players need more time to get it down, and be totally comfortable in the system.

 

[Doomsday101]

They were guys who went undrafted, were cut from other team's practice squads, things like that. That just seems to prove to me, that time spent together, is more important than stocking up on "talent." I think our blocking schemes could use some work, definitely, but the players need more time to get it down, and be totally comfortable in the system.

Willie Roaf was not undrafted or practice squade who KC got from NO nor was John Welbourn who they got from Philly on a trade. Again I don't disagree about playing together but you need guys that have good talent as well.