Things we are learning

[RustyBourneHorse]

I actually liked the way that Frazier looked. I would be starting him over the horrid Heath in a heartbeat. But alas he is injured as soon as he is back.

I like Frazier, but I don't know where this "horrid" Heath comes from. He's one of the hardest working players we have on this team, and he's improved immensely. He's turned into quite the safety. I'm not saying he's John Lynch, but he's solid for us.

 

[ConstantReboot]

I don't think they had interest in taking Goeddert anyway.

And my reasoning for that is that they didn't even entertain any FA tight ends. I think they there were completely happy with what they had and didn't think they needed to add anyone other than a late round project.

Their comfortzone is amazing. They think they can make mountains out of molehills.

I guess they haven't from the John Randle debacle in which they think anyone can run behind this oline.

 

[ConstantReboot]

Agreed about Witten.

And Schultz may take a season or two to develop.

Swaim and the others have a couple of years on him.

There is going to be a big shift this year with Zeke getting Wittens passes and I like that idea.

Plus there is going to be alot of READ OPTIONS I believe for DAK as they attack the edges where they are not stacked for Zeke.

Its going to be a chess match for us.

We'll see.

Dak is perfect for the read option. I hope and pray that they use it more rather than in the redzone. If they impose that same dry and vanilla offense that they've implemented for years on Dak prepare for disappointments.

The best thing the FO could have done is bring in a college coach to train the Garrett/Linehan how to run the RO. But of course that ain't happening.

 

[ScipioCowboy]

I like Frazier, but I don't know where this "horrid" Heath comes from. He's one of the hardest working players we have on this team, and he's improved immensely. He's turned into quite the safety. I'm not saying he's John Lynch, but he's solid for us.

When it comes to Heath, the brains of a select few refuse to process information beyond 2013.

 

[DandyDon1722]

Dak is perfect for the read option. I hope and pray that they use it more rather than in the redzone. If they impose that same dry and vanilla offense that they've implemented for years on Dak prepare for disappointments.

The best thing the FO could have done is bring in a college coach to train the Garrett/Linehan how to run the RO. But of course that ain't happening.

I would agree except do we really want to run a lot of read option with no back up QB?

We're a hit away from 4-12 and starting over with a new coaching staff,

 

[Redball Express]

Dak is perfect for the read option. I hope and pray that they use it more rather than in the redzone. If they impose that same dry and vanilla offense that they've implemented for years on Dak prepare for disappointments.

The best thing the FO could have done is bring in a college coach to train the Garrett/Linehan how to run the RO. But of course that ain't happening.

I just see DAK tucking and running alot for big plays

He is not a pocket passer.

It's his natural offense.

Let him play it however it's best for him.

I am not projecting DAK to be here 10 years.

Let him rip.

 

[Bullflop]

Something tells me Will McClay is sure to have his job cut out for him when the final cuts come in over the waiver wire.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

When it comes to Heath, the brains of a select few refuse to process information beyond 2013.

Tbh, I was really hard on Heath on the old board until probably around 2015 when he had that really nice interception against, I think it was Winston, when we were playing Tampa. After that, i saw him significantly improve to where I've grown to trust him at safety. Like I said, John Lynch he is not. But, he is a very serviceable safety, and I can see that he's clearly been working hard to improve his craft as a safety. With Richard, I'm curious to see how much better he can become.

 

[ConstantReboot]

I just see DAK tucking and running alot for big plays

He is not a pocket passer.

It's his natural offense.

Let him play it however it's best for him.

I am not projecting DAK to be here 10 years.

Let him rip.

I agree. The RO fits Dak very well and he's comfortable with it. It also allows him to use his natural skills on getting out of the pocket and finding the open man.

While he's in the pocket he seems jittery. I guess that Atlanta game really did him in and brought back his old habits from his college days.

 

[McKDaddy]

What I see in Looney, while he is not Travis Fredrick I think he will do a fine job for the Cowboys. I feel a bit better seeing Looney these past 2 games.

And i feel better cause people called me names when i said Looney played pretty decent last year filling in ....

 

[Chuck 54]

I’m much more concerned about TE blocking than TE receiving. Jarwin can run and catch. Rico can run and catch. Swaim can catch it and block, but he’s below NFL standards at both. The rookie is developmental. We are a run first team, and I expect us to sign a blocking TE during cutdowns. That position is critical on the goal line, in short yardage, and when a backup T needs help in pass pro.

 

[ConstantReboot]

I would agree except do we really want to run a lot of read option with no back up QB?

We're a hit away from 4-12 and starting over with a new coaching staff,

If Dak gets injured than he gets injured. Its football and its bound to happen.

I rather the coaches and FO stop playing scared and do the right thing for once.

 

[HungryLion]

I agree. The RO fits Dak very well and he's comfortable with it. It also allows him to use his natural skills on getting out of the pocket and finding the open man.

While he's in the pocket he seems jittery. I guess that Atlanta game really did him in and brought back his old habits from his college days.

The Read option isn’t a passing play.

Do you mean RPO?

 

[starfan1]

To me, horrible, average, sad, limited, etc. are all basically the same thing. In other words, really not good enough. There's no playmaker there. There's no guy that can stretch a defense from the TE spot, work the seams, etc.

Basically Witten retired to the delight of some to have the team replace Jason with a bunch of late career Witten types.

well Witten hadnt stretched the defense in quite some time but your point is valid no one scares anyone but they arent pathetic i think they are serviceable

 

[starfan1]

What Gregory rumor

that more problems are forethcoming I think Jason Conferwhateverhisname is tweeted about it

 

[ConstantReboot]

The Read option isn’t a passing play.

Do you mean RPO?

Oh yes. Thats what I meant. But I always thought that Read Option was the RPO?

 

[buybuydandavis]

Seems funny that our DL was once considered the crown jewel of being the weakest link on this team and OL was thought of as historic. Amazing how things can change in the course of two short years.

Despite what people thought, we kept putting resources into DE over the years, and it *seems* we actually hit on them, and they're all coming to fruition at the same time.

2014 - Lawrence - Probably peaked last year, but didn't have a full season prior.
2015 - Gregory - Shiny new for us, only 1 accrued season, beating a starting T well last night.
2016 - Tapper - Finally healthy.
2017 - Armstrong - Already looking good as a rookie.

Convergence.

For people complaining "now now now" with the Randy pick in 2015, with some patience, we're getting a top 10 talent instead of a 60 talent with that 2015 pick now now now instead. In 2015, I was ok with delayed gratification because I planned on being a Cowboy fan for a long time coming.

 

[Dalmations202]

I’m much more concerned about TE blocking than TE receiving. Jarwin can run and catch. Rico can run and catch. Swaim can catch it and block, but he’s below NFL standards at both. The rookie is developmental. We are a run first team, and I expect us to sign a blocking TE during cutdowns. That position is critical on the goal line, in short yardage, and when a backup T needs help in pass pro.

I noticed this as well. These TE's don't seem to know how to Block in space -- how to get engaged and explode, instead of just trying to get in the way. Swaim was awful in the open field. Jarwin does not have NFL strength and was blown off the ball on the line. Shultz still doesn't have the strength. Rico was probably the best blocker out there, and he apparently can't remember his assignments. The problem I have with these TE's is that if you aren't going to be an extra blocker, then you need to provide the ability to block in space or at least carry a defender away from the ball by hitting seams. Not sure if it is coaching or ability, but these guys definitely didn't show much yesterday, IMO.

 

[darthseinfeld]

It’s kind of amazing how they have almost completely ignored the backup QB situation for years now.

I mean even in 2016 they got LUCKY that Dak turned out to be who he is. That season they had Kellen Moore and Dak as their back-ups. Odds were that Dak as a 4th rounder wasn’t going to be able to do anything.

That being said. I do think Mike White needs to stay on the roster to continue developing.

But they SHOULD HAVE signed a competent vet back-up and let Mike White stay the #3

Im hoping there is a trade out there similar to the one we pulled off with Henry/Kitna

 

[darthseinfeld]

No one wants to admit it but, Philly got one over on us on draft day by trading up in front of us for that Dallas guy. Never know for sure if we would have taken him but they knew we needed one and scooped him up. Witten did us no favors with his retirement timing.

From what Ive heard, they had no intention of taking him