The Silver Lining Thread

[CowboyRoy]

But what if, without the benefit of this trial by fire, the Cowboys would never know just how good they can be and would fall short in the end? It's not likely...I accept that...but it's not beyond the realms of possibility.

Jay Ajayi is one of the best running backs in the NFL? News to me.

He is a stud. One of the toughest runners I have seen. Not much in the passing game.

 

[CowboyRoy]

First, you never bet on a team you are fan of...that's rule #1 of gambling. Emotional bets will put you in the poor house. Second, despite the fact that I made reference to many of the questionable aspects of football, for the most part, this is an issue where I like to keep my head firmly planted in the sand. I really don't want to know because following football is a passion of mine and I'd hate to leave it behind.

If you have the ability to be non biased then the team you are a fan of is the BEST team for you to bet on. Who should know better than you about the Cowboys and what they are and arent capable of? You watch every game, every play, and analyze the roster up and down all week long. Heck, you even write 1000 word articles about them.

 

[jday]

He is a stud. One of the toughest runners I have seen. Not much in the passing game.

I suppose that depends on your definition of stud. If by that you mean average for a running back in the NFL, we are on the same page. For reference, here's a list of running backs I would rather have:

Ezekiel Elliot
Le'Veon Bell
Tevin Coleman
Dalvin Cook
Leonard Fournette
Todd Gurley II
Derrick Henry
David Johnson
DeMarco Murray
Chris Thompson (not an all-around RB, but he scares me more than Ajayi)
Melvin Gordon
Alvin Kamara
Joe Mixon (minus the off-the-field issues, mind you)

If I really dove in, I'm sure I'd find more. I remember couch-scouting Ajayi before the draft and simply wasn't very impressed. He was on a horrible team in Miami, but still, his stats aren't really all that impressive, and if you've read up on Ajayi, there was concern in Miami in regards to health of his knees, so I'm actually happy about it. There's a good chance the Eagles could have found a better option with that fourth round pick in next years draft. In my mind, this is much ado about nothing compounded by the Eagles current win-loss ratio, the fact that we have to play them twice, and we just lost Zeke for 1 one of those games.

 

[Idgit]

Do you remember Tim Donaghy, an NBA referee that was caught betting on NBA games and taking payoffs from gamblers? After he was caught, he confessed that other referees were doing this too and claimed that the NBA was involved by encouraging referees to manipulate the outcome of games by calling or not calling fouls.

In the case of NFL referees, I do not believe that the NFL is involved with fixing games. However, it is very clear to me that certain parties responsible for sports betting in Las Vegas are paying off referees to manipulate the final scores of NFL games to favor the sportsbooks in Vegas.

The big question is why does it seem that Dallas Cowboys games are targeted more than most. The simple reason is this: Dallas Cowboys games consistently bring in the most money wagered in sports betting in the U.S. All you have to do to verify this is go online and bring up sports betting websites that keep track of what teams people are betting the most money on. Therefore, these sportsbooks in all the Vegas casinos stand to lose a ton of money if many bettors are putting big money on Dallas to cover the spread and the Cowboys end up covering the spread.

This brings us to the last Dallas game against Washington. At least 1 or 2 referees in this game were paid off to throw flags on Dallas more than Washington to keep the score close. Do you actually think those were just terrible calls on Dallas that took points off the board?? or put points on the board for Washington??? It was Vegas gambling outfits manipulating games to win huge money. Fortunately for us Cowboys fans, Tyrone Crawford and Orlando Scandrick threw a monkey wrench in those plans when Crawford blocked the kick that Scandrick returned to the Washington 5 yard line. Without that play, Washington either wins or the Cowboys scrape by with a 1 or 2pt victory. That would have meant that Vegas wins millions while every bettor that put money on the Cowboys loses. While watching this play, I was actually surprised that no flags were thrown to call the play back. That leads me to believe that only 1 or 2 referees were involved and were not in position to throw a flag. If all referees had been involved then you better believe a flag would have been thrown against the Cowboys (I know some of you might be remembering a few egregious offsides penalties against the Cowboys that wiped out big plays earlier this season).

I know many of you will choose not to believe this but it is very unfortunate that this is extremely likely to be the truth. Tim Donaghy was just the tip of the iceberg. If the NBA and Boxing can be fixed, which is undoubtedly the case, why on earth would these outfits refrain from cashing in on NFL betting when it generates so much more money than these other sports.

Now another big question is: Why won't the NFL do anything about this? The plain truth is that it boils down to what everything else boils down to... MONEY!!! NFL will never admit this but one of the main reasons why the NFL is so popular is because of sports betting. If the NFL cracked down on this and crippled the Vegas sports books and other outfits and entities then the NFL would lose significantly more fans that it is already losing for other reasons.

In conclusion, I can only offer this advice to all of you.... whatever you do, do not bet on Cowboys games!!!!! LOL!!!

By the way, Patriots games are a close second to Cowboys games so don't bet on them either!!!!!

As conspiracy theories go, this one isn't bad.

 

[CowboyRoy]

I suppose that depends on your definition of stud. If by that you mean average for a running back in the NFL, we are on the same page. For reference, here's a list of running backs I would rather have:

Ezekiel Elliot
Le'Veon Bell
Tevin Coleman
Dalvin Cook
Leonard Fournette
Todd Gurley II
Derrick Henry
David Johnson
DeMarco Murray
Chris Thompson (not an all-around RB, but he scares me more than Ajayi)
Melvin Gordon
Alvin Kamara
Joe Mixon (minus the off-the-field issues, mind you)

If I really dove in, I'm sure I'd find more. I remember couch-scouting Ajayi before the draft and simply wasn't very impressed. He was on a horrible team in Miami, but still, his stats aren't really all that impressive, and if you've read up on Ajayi, there was concern in Miami in regards to health of his knees, so I'm actually happy about it. There's a good chance the Eagles could have found a better option with that fourth round pick in next years draft. In my mind, this is much ado about nothing compounded by the Eagles current win-loss ratio, the fact that we have to play them twice, and we just lost Zeke for 1 one of those games.

No, I mean one of the best in the NFL. His numbers dont show as much because he is on a bad team. I would take everyone on your list there but stop after David Johnson. Melvin Gordon Im 50/50 on. Tevon Coleman, not sure about that one either.

 

[jday]

If you have the ability to be non biased then the team you are a fan of is the BEST team for you to bet on. Who should know better than you about the Cowboys and what they are and arent capable of? You watch every game, every play, and analyze the roster up and down all week long. Heck, you even write 1000 word articles about them.

Well, I'll just say, I learned that the hard way and leave it at that...

 

[jday]

No, I mean one of the best in the NFL. His numbers dont show as much because he is on a bad team. I would take everyone on your list there but stop after David Johnson. Melvin Gordon Im 50/50 on. Tevon Coleman, not sure about that one either.

I suppose we will see, but from the moment, I ain't scared!

 

[DogFace]

I just don't buy that the league or games are fixed, as much as I'd like to sometimes. If it were then the Cowboys damn sure would have won another title in the past 20 years, as the NFL makes the most $ and has the highest ratings when the Cowboys are involved.

I don’t think it’s fixed either.

The league makes plenty of money off the cowboys win lose or draw as they are always the highest rated or near the very top. Would they make more if they won it all? Maybe. Not off merchandise though because Jerry doesn’t share that money.

 

[Idgit]

I don’t think it’s fixed either.

The league makes plenty of money off the cowboys win lose or draw as they are always the highest rated or near the very top. Would they make more if they won it all? Maybe. Not off merchandise though because Jerry doesn’t share that money.

The actual outcomes don't have to be fixed if the money is being made on the spread, though.

 

[DogFace]

The actual outcomes don't have to be fixed if the money is being made on the spread, though.

Say it’s aint so...

The calls last game were beyond poor.

 

[jjktkk]

Why would you believe McFadden has something left? He hasnt really played in a year and a half and hasnt even been active. I would have more faith in Morris and the Smith.

Just my guess, but the FO wanted McFadden fresh and ready to start if Elliot gets suspended. Morris and Smith have both showed they can get the job done as well, so I'd be okay if they go with these two you mentioned as well. Overall, I actually really like our RB depth.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Well, I'll just say, I learned that the hard way and leave it at that...

I think football in general is difficult. And certainly the Cowboys at this juncture are very difficult to predict. Its like they can beat anyone and lose to anyone.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Just my guess, but the FO wanted McFadden fresh and ready to start if Elliot gets suspended. Morris and Smith have both showed they can get the job done as well, so I'd be okay if they go with these two you mentioned as well. Overall, I actually really like our RB depth.

Did you read that somewhere about McFadden and the fresh thing?

 

[jday]

I think football in general is difficult. And certainly the Cowboys at this juncture are very difficult to predict. Its like they can beat anyone and lose to anyone.

I haven't put money on any games for years...but your right, football is difficult, particularly the Cowboys, regardless of whether or not you follow them.

 

[Blackspider214]

Makes it even worse we dropped those Rams and GB games. Easily could be sitting at 6-1 right now with room for error. We could afford to drop a few and still be in the mix. I would have some confidence if I knew we had a staff able to handle this type of adversity but we saw in 2015 they don't at all.

 

[jday]

Makes it even worse we dropped those Rams and GB games. Easily could be sitting at 6-1 right now with room for error. We could afford to drop a few and still be in the mix. I would have some confidence if I knew we had a staff able to handle this type of adversity but we saw in 2015 they don't at all.

Agreed on the Rams and GB games...I will go to my grave believing a healthy Sean Lee in those games ends in a win for the Cowboys.

I'm not all that confident in the coaching staff, either, but they do have better ingredients to weather this adversity than what they had in 2015. QB trumps RB by a country mile.

 

[Blackspider214]

Agreed on the Rams and GB games...I will go to my grave believing a healthy Sean Lee in those games ends in a win for the Cowboys.

I'm not all that confident in the coaching staff, either, but they do have better ingredients to weather this adversity than what they had in 2015. QB trumps RB by a country mile.

That is true. And I do think the RBs as a whole are better. Rod Smith/Morris are better than Dunbar. I really want to see Rod Smith get a legit shot at being the featured back for these 6 games. I want to see Morris as little as possible.

 

[jday]

That is true. And I do think the RBs as a whole are better. Rod Smith/Morris are better than Dunbar. I really want to see Rod Smith get a legit shot at being the featured back for these 6 games. I want to see Morris as little as possible.

I'm with you on Rod Smith getting a legitimate shot. Out of the three, he just seems to have the better balance of qualities Zeke has in spades. He could be the strongest going through the hole and pushing the pile not named Zeke. He's not as fast as McFadden, but likely faster than Morris. And I think he see's creases well, which is the key element to running in the Cowboys ZBS.

That said, given his contributions on Special Teams, the Cowboys may not want to feature him, so I won't be surprised if we don't see much more of him than what we normally do.

 

[jjktkk]

Did you read that somewhere about McFadden and the fresh thing?

I did. Nothing concrete, just speculation. Cannot remember who wrote it.

 

[DiResta]

i have been avoiding this place for obvious reasons
and opening the fan zone
yep its doom and gloom just like i thought

first the Eagle trade
its a good value no doubt
Jay is excellent

i dont know that it wins them games this year, i personally thought they have a good run game already. this makes it better but theres only so many balls and they did well so
we will see i guess
if anything i thought with Peters age a trade for a tackle would be a great great addition
they are a good offense with Wentz playing well but taking many hits
who is his back up?

on attacking Dallas FO
the Cowboys are not 1 player away from contending!
the Eagles already have a top defense and a good offense
thats why adding a tackle would be a better trade but you cant pass up a rb like Ajai of course.

Dallas has a good young offense and a poor young defense
they need to be strong players in FA for sure but only if the guy they need is there
i want a top safety and very good LB, DT
if they are not there right now then they go hard this off season and trade aggressive in the draft
they also need a wr and rb

this offseason i dread Giants game because Dallas had Carroll , Heath and rookies against good to great receivers like OBJ and Sterling
but you never know how it will play out

looking at another team and pouting because they got a toy doesnt mean they win and doesnt mean your team sucks because they refuse to pay idiots like Bryant or a dude like Dareus with big contract and questionable effort
if you cant be patient then i wish you would take your poison and leave
Eagles havent won anything but a lower draft pick at this point
some of us remember the DREAM TEAM
every year 31 teams are disappointed sooner or later
unless you are Belicheck it takes incredible good fortune and balanced team
Dallas doesnt have Eagles strong defense
they only needed Wentz to play decent and he is playing well

losing Zeke
people think the season is over
yes, i agree now go away nothing more for you to see or say
bye
this is a chance for Dak to lead his team
he will or he wont, we get to see

remember Romo was a GREAT qb some years
but without a great defense he could only carry the team on his shoulders so far
as Jerry said, its a great regret not to give him the pieces

im going to avoid this place now because it isnt Eagles success or Dallas struggles that make me dislike football
its the terrible fans
the crying pouting and trolling like they are smarter than others and it all sucks because not the way they want
only negative
i think it is their life that must suck more than a football team