Thomas any good at covering TE's?

[LarryCanadian]

Anyone know about his coverage skills on the short pass routes? Also, did he blitz much in his career.

To me he has always been an overachieving, smaller, quicker linebacker, with great smarts and decent leadership qualities. Good tackler if I remember right.

Can he help us in nickle and shore up that dink and dunk passing that kills us?
Is he a savy blitzer (we lack instinctual blitzers in the middle for sure)?

Kevin Burnett has seemed to be developing as a good nickel LB, as he is quicker and more agile than the bigger guys. Team him with Thomas on passing plays or plays we want a bit more speed in the middle of line.
Can't remember when Burnett's contract is up, probably after next season would make 4 years.

Who watched Thomas play a bunch. What are his strengths and weaknesses. He's been a middle lber in the 4-3 all his career no?

Use James as the tackler and Thomas as the blitzer, pass coverage guy?

LarryCanadian

 

[irvin88]

all around great player. can do it all.

 

[conner01]

he is still good in coverage and has decent pass rush skills. his main skill though is being a tackling machine

 

[LarryCanadian]

Well that is awesome news, because it adds skill sets to the ILB position that we sort of lack when James and Akin are in there, both being bigger, heavier types.

I know Thomas is a tackle machine, but I worry about the concussions and his fragility after all the hard miles on his body. Quick to the ball carrier, WR, and QB is a nice addition in the middle and it sounds like Wade already has an idea how to use him. Brains is BIG too. We need brains and leadership. If he can stay healthy I think he really complements existing strengths of defense. We are big in the front 3 and OLB's, so the size thing isn't a worry.

LarryCanadian

 

[Future]

Well that is awesome news, because it adds skill sets to the ILB position that we sort of lack when James and Akin are in there, both being bigger, heavier types.

I know Thomas is a tackle machine, but I worry about the concussions and his fragility after all the hard miles on his body. Quick to the ball carrier, WR, and QB is a nice addition in the middle and it sounds like Wade already has an idea how to use him. Brains is BIG too. We need brains and leadership. If he can stay healthy I think he really complements existing strengths of defense. We are big in the front 3 and OLB's, so the size thing isn't a worry.

LarryCanadian

Especially since he's going to be in the 3-4 again here in Dallas

 

[tomson75]

Well that is awesome news, because it adds skill sets to the ILB position that we sort of lack when James and Akin are in there, both being bigger, heavier types.

I know Thomas is a tackle machine, but I worry about the concussions and his fragility after all the hard miles on his body. Quick to the ball carrier, WR, and QB is a nice addition in the middle and it sounds like Wade already has an idea how to use him. Brains is BIG too. We need brains and leadership. If he can stay healthy I think he really complements existing strengths of defense. We are big in the front 3 and OLB's, so the size thing isn't a worry.

LarryCanadian

It's likely Thomas will be more of a situational player. He likely won't be getting as many snaps as a full time starter type.

I love the pick up personally, but I'm not immune to worry about the concussions, I think everyone should be.

....but for the money, that's a great signing. It won't hurt us if he gets re-injured.

IIRC, I think he "shut down" Witten a year or two ago...not an easy feat...on that none of our current LB's are capable of.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

It's likely Thomas will be more of a situational player. He likely won't be getting as many snaps as a full time starter type.

I love the pick up personally, but I'm not immune to worry about the concussions, I think everyone should be.

....but for the money, that's a great signing. It won't hurt us if he gets re-injured.

IIRC, I think he "shut down" Witten a year or two ago...not an easy feat...on that none of our current LB's are capable of.

Thomas is excellent in coeverage. He has excelled as the MLB in a cover 2 scheme for years. He will be our Donnie Edwards type.

 

[tomson75]

Thomas is excellent in coeverage. He has excelled as the MLB in a cover 2 scheme for years. He will be our Donnie Edwards type.

I can dig it.

 

[5Stars]

What I like about him is that he stays low...but his eyes are always on the football, and when he hits, noone sees it coming until it's over! The guy is a beast!

As far as concussions, we will have to see about that. But, the docs cleared him from what I understand...

Also, he will not be taking on blockers in the scheme that Wade says he will use him on.

HE WILL knock you into last week if he gets the chance!!

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

Especially since he's going to be in the 3-4 again here in Dallas

All 3-4s are not ran the same way.

Some want the LBs to take on linemen on a regular basis (bill) some do not (wade).

 

[Bob Sacamano]

he's great in coverage, but by no means is he going to win very many battles against elite TEs

no LBs do, and most safeties don't either

 

[Romo2Dez4six]

he's great in coverage, but by no means is he going to win very many battles against elite TEs

no LBs do, and most safeties don't either

good thing we are only playing one next year. Heap

 

[5Stars]

Something else must be said about this signing!

See, this is how you sign veterans to help your squad...good player, sign him low and not risk salary cap complications down the road.

Now, for our Commander fans...the Midget would have given him a 9 mil signing bonus, and a salary that would be rediculous, just because of his name!

This a major difference in how the Commanders and Cowboys do business, and this is why the Cowboys are set for the immediate future while not buying old players on a credit card that is overdrawn!

Take heed, Skins fans...

 

[Boyzmamacita]

Something else must be said about this signing!

See, this is how you sign veterans to help your squad...good player, sign him low and not risk salary cap complications down the road.

Now, for our Commander fans...the Midget would have given him a 9 mil signing bonus, and a salary that would be rediculous, just because of his name!

This a major difference in how the Commanders and Cowboys do business, and this is why the Cowboys are set for the immediate future while not buying old players on a credit card that is overdrawn!

Take heed, Skins fans...

 

[zrinkill]

No One is good at covering the Tight Ends in our division.

Witten
Shockey
Campbell

They are all pretty awesome and match up nightmares for any team.