the guy I want to see get out early

[Wood]

is Spencer. With Carp playing a back-up role....I think it would serve the organization well if this years 1st round pick gets off early and maybe picks up a few sacks in first 4 games. I am huge fan of Ireland but lets be real...if Spencer has a Carpenter type year....he will be scruntinized by media and the like. It does not appear Ellis will be 100% by opening night...so Spencer will be given the opportunity.

 

[Champsheart]

is Spencer. With Carp playing a back-up role....I think it would serve the organization well if this years 1st round pick gets off early and maybe picks up a few sacks in first 4 games. I am huge fan of Ireland but lets be real...if Spencer has a Carpenter type year....he will be scruntinized by media and the like. It does not appear Ellis will be 100% by opening night...so Spencer will be given the opportunity.

For the life of me I just do not understand this whole thing with Carpenter. People act like this was a bad pick. IT IS WAY TO EARLY TO SAY THAT, actually I am beginning to think it was a very good pick.

Carpenter seems to coming on well starting with the playoff game last year, and training camp this year. Based on what I have read it really seems like WP has big plans for Carpenter, even if he is not the starter. He may just be the best cover LB we have, and the best inside pass rushing LB we have, at least it appears the potential is there.

It does not have to be 100% instant gratification all the time, dang, let them develop. PLUS WITH THIS ROSTER IT IS VERY HARD FOR ANY DRAFT PICK, NO MATTER WHAT ROUND, TO CRACK THE STARTING LINE UP.

 

[Billy Bullocks]

People, we run the 3-4. You can't have enough good LB's.

I don't understand how people are so up in arms about having too many good players at one position.

 

[Maxmadden]

. It does not appear Ellis will be 100% (ever).

So yes I would have to agree.

 

[Wood]

I also think Carp will be fine in long term...but he grossly under-performed when compared to linebackers taken in 1st round last year. Now some of that Parcells switching his position. My point is....Dallas needs their 1st round pick to have an impact this year. By impact...I am not talking about being a contributor on Special Teams....I am talking about making plays behind line of scrimmage or getting pressure/sacks on crucial 3rd downs.

 

[Cowboy4ever]

Dallas needs their 1st round pick to have an impact this year.

Why? Would it really hurt your feelings if Ware and Ellis both have Probowl years and Spencer get a year to learn before having to play? I don't understand the mindset that says a ROOKIE has to make an impact. I would rather not have any rookies in the starting lineup whatsoever.

 

[LaTunaNostra]

I would rather not have any rookies in the starting lineup whatsoever.

wow, are you 'old school'..it's a long time since I've heard that preference expressed.

I have to admit, I share it, and I suspect a lot of coaches still do, too.

But it's more about contracts, the price of playing experienced but costlier players vs young ones, and those first round rookie contracts that are now so high you just have to get value for them immediately, than any preference for playing rookies, I guess.

 

[superpunk]

I also think Carp will be fine in long term...but he grossly under-performed when compared to linebackers taken in 1st round last year. Now some of that Parcells switching his position.

This is crazy talk.

I mean, he had 1 less sack and 30 less tackles than Manny Lawson - even though Lawson started 10 more games than Carpenter. It's not like we had a shot at Sims, Hawk or Wimbley. It's not like the guy we passed on set the world on fire. I mean, if Carpenter had ACTUALLY started and played significant minutes for every single game last year, and put up the pathetic numbers Lawson did - we'd have strung him up by now.

As it is, the only thing that has limited Carpenter's productivity so far is the fact that there were other players ahead of him at a logjam position.

 

[03EBZ06]

I want to see the following players to make lot of plays tonight.

Spencer, Carp, Courtney Brown, Alonzo Coleman, Doug Free, James Marten, Cory Proctor, Joey Thomas.

 

[Champsheart]

I want to see the following players to make lot of plays tonight.

Spencer, Carp, Courtney Brown, Alonzo Coleman, Doug Free, James Marten, Cory Proctor, Joey Thomas.

I predict you do not see Coleman rush for even 1 yard.

 

[Cowboy4ever]

wow, are you 'old school'..it's a long time since I've heard that preference expressed.

I have to admit, I share it, and I suspect a lot of coaches still do, too.

But it's more about contracts, the price of playing experienced but costlier players vs young ones, and those first round rookie contracts that are now so high you just have to get value for them immediately, than any preference for playing rookies, I guess.

I totally agree! But I still think it is a shame. I would hope they would put some kind of Rookie Cap in place so contracts for players that haven't proven they can play this game will be limited.