Thoughts after two games

[bigdnlaca]

I don't know what to think on offense because Zeke and Beasley aren't playing. However, Dak is doing ok getting first downs and I believe that he will convert at a high rate when the season start because he will rush for yards.

On defense, they are playing great. However, I have seen this episode before where we will blitz until the 1st quarter end and then bring 4 for the rest of the game. Smith does look great and Jones actually does a good job at cb in my view.

The problems is once the 2nd string comes in, we see that most of these players would be practice squad in other teams. We have to hope that all of our important starters stay healthy all year.

 

[JustChip]

Zeke was the #1 overall player on their board. Wentz was 7th.

Some observations:

1) There were a lot of "experts" that had Treadwell a top 15 pick. Dallas had him a 2nd round talent and, thus far, have been proven correct (actually, not even 2nd round at this point)
2) Most folks had Lynch a 1st round talent, albeit late 1st round. So, were those folks horribly wrong, or have the Broncos screwed that situation up?
3) There's absolutely no doubt that, even if they liked Dak, which I believe they did, they did not view him as anything but a developmental QB. Romo and Dak screwed that up when Romo went down and Dak came and led the team to a 13-3 record and top seed. The flip side is it probably sped Dak's development, but set unrealistic expectations.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

That was largely my point and what I focused on. Not his accuracy or anything like that.

My concerns with this offense are that they again won't or can't challenge teams down the field.

Your concerns are valid, but only to a point. Last year the SB winner averaged 7.0 yards per pass attempt. Cowboys were at 6.4. Don't see 0.6 yards per attempt less is all that much, only 9.37% less, usually you have to get to 3% to be even statistically significant, so 9.7 isn't that far off.

To ease your mind also, have to remember, no Zeke and no Beasley in the last game, their presence makes defenses have to defend better players.
Cincy was throwing a lot of blitzes early, doesn't leave much time for long developing plays, but teams can't blitz that much with Zeke in there, leaves too much open space for Zeke to run wild. Doubt you'll see that much blitzing in the regular season.

Coaches are going to play it close to the vest in preseason, what we see now may be much different in the regular season. Maybe it won't, but until the regular season you really can't read too much into what plays are being called. They're also trying to work in new receivers, easier to throw the short routes and give the new guys some time catching Dak's passes and learning the plays.

 

[kskboys]

Some observations:

1) There were a lot of "experts" that had Treadwell a top 15 pick. Dallas had him a 2nd round talent and, thus far, have been proven correct (actually, not even 2nd round at this point)
2) Most folks had Lynch a 1st round talent, albeit late 1st round. So, were those folks horribly wrong, or have the Broncos screwed that situation up?
3) There's absolutely no doubt that, even if they liked Dak, which I believe they did, they did not view him as anything but a developmental QB. Romo and Dak screwed that up when Romo went down and Dak came and led the team to a 13-3 record and top seed. The flip side is it probably sped Dak's development, but set unrealistic expectations.

Actually, I think it's the opposite. I think playing too soon impeded Dak's development, as he didn't learn how to consistently move the ball passing.

 

[HungryLion]

Actually, I think it's the opposite. I think playing too soon impeded Dak's development, as he didn't learn how to consistently move the ball passing.

Dak would have been better off learning on the bench from Romo. I agree with that.

 

[Sydla]

Your concerns are valid, but only to a point. Last year the SB winner averaged 7.0 yards per pass attempt. Cowboys were at 6.4. Don't see 0.6 yards per attempt less is all that much, only 9.37% less, usually you have to get to 3% to be even statistically significant, so 9.7 isn't that far off.

To ease your mind also, have to remember, no Zeke and no Beasley in the last game, their presence makes defenses have to defend better players.
Cincy was throwing a lot of blitzes early, doesn't leave much time for long developing plays, but teams can't blitz that much with Zeke in there, leaves too much open space for Zeke to run wild. Doubt you'll see that much blitzing in the regular season.

Coaches are going to play it close to the vest in preseason, what we see now may be much different in the regular season. Maybe it won't, but until the regular season you really can't read too much into what plays are being called. They're also trying to work in new receivers, easier to throw the short routes and give the new guys some time catching Dak's passes and learning the plays.

If you buy the advanced stats, the average intended pass per air yards was 9.9 for Wentz and only 8.4 for Dallas.

I don't think there is any question that Philly attacked the field more in the passing game than we did.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

If you buy the advanced stats, the average intended pass per air yards was 9.9 for Wentz and only 8.4 for Dallas.

I don't think there is any question that Philly attacked the field more in the passing game than we did.

1.5 yards more doesn't equate to a huge difference to me, still. And Zeke was out for 6 games, that had to hurt the aveage.

Like I said, that may change come the regular season, or not, we'll have to wait and see...

 

[Sydla]

1.5 yards more doesn't equate to a huge difference to me, still. And Zeke was out for 6 games, that had to hurt the aveage.

Like I said, that may change come the regular season, or not, we'll have to wait and see...

I would love to buy the notion that we are just hiding some new fangled offense this August.

 

[JustChip]

Actually, I think it's the opposite. I think playing too soon impeded Dak's development, as he didn't learn how to consistently move the ball passing.

Could be, but you cannot duplicate the speed from the sideline or in practice. Nor would he learn from his mistakes as quickly. If he gets nailed because he failed to adjust the protection, it's more likely he's going to remember that than if he was simply watching it on film.

 

[northerncowboynation]

Let's start with the surprises to me:

- I never thought I'd be saying this, but I am pretty content with where we are at DE and LB. I had concerns about both but the play of guys like Charlton and Thomas have alleviated a lot of concern. I thought Thomas was just going to be a JAG but he's been really impressive at LB in the role we will ask him to play.

The positives:

- I thought we'd be solid outside at CB. I've long said Jones is a CB, not a S. Between him and Awuzie, I think we have two guys that we should have confidence in over a full season. I can't remember the last time we had two guys outside with the athleticism these two guys have.

- Heath, who I think is just average, has had a good camp thus far. Really has locked down the SS position thus far and when in the past, I've noticed gaffes by him, I rarely have heard his name in telecasts, which to me is a good thing.

- OL, overall, has been what we should expect. Williams has had his struggles but I think as he gets more exposure, he'll be fine. Martin's injury, obviously is a big key.

- Pass rush has been pretty good and it seems, at least in preseason, they are messing around with more blitzing, trying to utilize some of the skill sets of our guys, specifically Jaylon Smith.

The concerns:

- People will try to write this off as just preseason, but I really worry about us being able to push the ball down the field on offense. I also worry that Prescott is going to be that dink and dunker. Last night, there was a play on that first drive where we were in 3rd and 7 and Cincy brought a blitz. Prescott had a bit of time but immediately threw a 3 yard out to Beasley who was essentially covered by two guys and stopped well short of the sticks. There was a lot of that last year as well. It has to change.

- While happy with Heath thus far, S overall is a real concern, especially if that hamstring is a lingering issue for Woods. Hopefully we find out something soon. I still don't have a clue as to what the front office was thinking only having three viable safeties on the roster when there were some decent, not great, options in FA that they could have brought in for cheap to give them a bit of a cushion. If Woods is out or it's an injury that nags him for awhile, we are simply in trouble at S and not many options now to handle it.

- Depth along the OL is concerning and something that sunk us last year. You can't assume we will remain healthy all year long. I won't go crazy yet on Fleming as he's a vet with a track record of competent play, but he's looked blah thus far. Looney is OK but he's really suited for a spot start or maybe a few series, not a longer term plug in as a backup. Green? Ugh. Edwards? He might be the best of the bunch even as a rookie.

- I still have concerns about DT but in fairness, they have not been beat up badly. But I wonder if they can hold up against better running teams.

- Pass catchers............. TE looks average and that might be me being kind. WR? Yes Austin is out but I am not one that thinks he's an elite playmaker at this point in his career. Gallup continues to flash potential but is a rookie. A couple of overhead shots in the first two games showed not a lot of separation from WRs. Maybe that's also due to scheme? On the TD were Prescott scrambled, if you watch the play, 4 receivers ran 4 simple routes, all were easily covered and it was only the breakdown of the play that freed Williams. So I still harbor concerns about this passing O.

- Slot CB. Not much to say there.

Good summary Syd. I have the same concerns at S and OL depth. Not so concerned about Dak or the TE's. You can be concerned for me

 

[davidariust24]

Let's start with the surprises to me:

- I never thought I'd be saying this, but I am pretty content with where we are at DE and LB. I had concerns about both but the play of guys like Charlton and Thomas have alleviated a lot of concern. I thought Thomas was just going to be a JAG but he's been really impressive at LB in the role we will ask him to play.

The positives:

- I thought we'd be solid outside at CB. I've long said Jones is a CB, not a S. Between him and Awuzie, I think we have two guys that we should have confidence in over a full season. I can't remember the last time we had two guys outside with the athleticism these two guys have.

- Heath, who I think is just average, has had a good camp thus far. Really has locked down the SS position thus far and when in the past, I've noticed gaffes by him, I rarely have heard his name in telecasts, which to me is a good thing.

- OL, overall, has been what we should expect. Williams has had his struggles but I think as he gets more exposure, he'll be fine. Martin's injury, obviously is a big key.

- Pass rush has been pretty good and it seems, at least in preseason, they are messing around with more blitzing, trying to utilize some of the skill sets of our guys, specifically Jaylon Smith.

The concerns:

- People will try to write this off as just preseason, but I really worry about us being able to push the ball down the field on offense. I also worry that Prescott is going to be that dink and dunker. Last night, there was a play on that first drive where we were in 3rd and 7 and Cincy brought a blitz. Prescott had a bit of time but immediately threw a 3 yard out to Beasley who was essentially covered by two guys and stopped well short of the sticks. There was a lot of that last year as well. It has to change.

- While happy with Heath thus far, S overall is a real concern, especially if that hamstring is a lingering issue for Woods. Hopefully we find out something soon. I still don't have a clue as to what the front office was thinking only having three viable safeties on the roster when there were some decent, not great, options in FA that they could have brought in for cheap to give them a bit of a cushion. If Woods is out or it's an injury that nags him for awhile, we are simply in trouble at S and not many options now to handle it.

- Depth along the OL is concerning and something that sunk us last year. You can't assume we will remain healthy all year long. I won't go crazy yet on Fleming as he's a vet with a track record of competent play, but he's looked blah thus far. Looney is OK but he's really suited for a spot start or maybe a few series, not a longer term plug in as a backup. Green? Ugh. Edwards? He might be the best of the bunch even as a rookie.

- I still have concerns about DT but in fairness, they have not been beat up badly. But I wonder if they can hold up against better running teams.

- Pass catchers............. TE looks average and that might be me being kind. WR? Yes Austin is out but I am not one that thinks he's an elite playmaker at this point in his career. Gallup continues to flash potential but is a rookie. A couple of overhead shots in the first two games showed not a lot of separation from WRs. Maybe that's also due to scheme? On the TD were Prescott scrambled, if you watch the play, 4 receivers ran 4 simple routes, all were easily covered and it was only the breakdown of the play that freed Williams. So I still harbor concerns about this passing O.

- Slot CB. Not much to say there.

Defense is what I love. I'm a defensive fan. We have a good one a very good one that if we get good safety play we could be a great one. Firstly we have 2 starting defenses if you take away the safeties.
Heath.looks very good as a box safety. You can tell coach Richard has changed the scheme a little bit to what he had in Seattle on one play. He had Heath next to Smith and Lee on one play which looked like when Chancellor used to play up close with Wagner and KJ Wright. He was as big as they were but he was a Safety. The scheme has changed a tad and they are blitzing now something they weren't doing much if at all before. The talent level us very high like I said we have 2 staring defenses. The reason I say this is mainly because our starting DTs aren't playing right now and Woods and Jones look good. Dlaw is the starter on the left how about Taco he looks like a starter now. Irving and Collins are our starters but woods and jones/ward look good at least be the run. On right end Crawford is there how about replacing him with gregory? How about armstrong? At LB we start Lee and Smith. How about Thomas and Vander esch or even Wilson. At corner you have jones and Awuzie how about Brown and Lewis( if he will return to form) safeties are Heath and woods. I like Frazier at SS but we don't have another free safety in my.book. we are two deep at every position and 3 in some. We have a good defense now and coaching.

 

[Hadenough]

This excuse again?

The Eagles were picking outside of the top 10 originally. They identified the value of the player and went up and got him. The Cowboys sat still. Just watched it happen. With Wentz 1st overall on their board.

I know it hurts your fan feelings but that was an enormous mistake.

Makes me want to throw up when I think about the Cowboys sitting still waiting for Wentz to fall to them. The crazy thing is the Browns were shopping the #2 pick for like month!

 

[Ddisco22]

Let's start with the surprises to me:

- I never thought I'd be saying this, but I am pretty content with where we are at DE and LB. I had concerns about both but the play of guys like Charlton and Thomas have alleviated a lot of concern. I thought Thomas was just going to be a JAG but he's been really impressive at LB in the role we will ask him to play.

The positives:

- I thought we'd be solid outside at CB. I've long said Jones is a CB, not a S. Between him and Awuzie, I think we have two guys that we should have confidence in over a full season. I can't remember the last time we had two guys outside with the athleticism these two guys have.

- Heath, who I think is just average, has had a good camp thus far. Really has locked down the SS position thus far and when in the past, I've noticed gaffes by him, I rarely have heard his name in telecasts, which to me is a good thing.

- OL, overall, has been what we should expect. Williams has had his struggles but I think as he gets more exposure, he'll be fine. Martin's injury, obviously is a big key.

- Pass rush has been pretty good and it seems, at least in preseason, they are messing around with more blitzing, trying to utilize some of the skill sets of our guys, specifically Jaylon Smith.

The concerns:

- People will try to write this off as just preseason, but I really worry about us being able to push the ball down the field on offense. I also worry that Prescott is going to be that dink and dunker. Last night, there was a play on that first drive where we were in 3rd and 7 and Cincy brought a blitz. Prescott had a bit of time but immediately threw a 3 yard out to Beasley who was essentially covered by two guys and stopped well short of the sticks. There was a lot of that last year as well. It has to change.

- While happy with Heath thus far, S overall is a real concern, especially if that hamstring is a lingering issue for Woods. Hopefully we find out something soon. I still don't have a clue as to what the front office was thinking only having three viable safeties on the roster when there were some decent, not great, options in FA that they could have brought in for cheap to give them a bit of a cushion. If Woods is out or it's an injury that nags him for awhile, we are simply in trouble at S and not many options now to handle it.

- Depth along the OL is concerning and something that sunk us last year. You can't assume we will remain healthy all year long. I won't go crazy yet on Fleming as he's a vet with a track record of competent play, but he's looked blah thus far. Looney is OK but he's really suited for a spot start or maybe a few series, not a longer term plug in as a backup. Green? Ugh. Edwards? He might be the best of the bunch even as a rookie.

- I still have concerns about DT but in fairness, they have not been beat up badly. But I wonder if they can hold up against better running teams.

- Pass catchers............. TE looks average and that might be me being kind. WR? Yes Austin is out but I am not one that thinks he's an elite playmaker at this point in his career. Gallup continues to flash potential but is a rookie. A couple of overhead shots in the first two games showed not a lot of separation from WRs. Maybe that's also due to scheme? On the TD were Prescott scrambled, if you watch the play, 4 receivers ran 4 simple routes, all were easily covered and it was only the breakdown of the play that freed Williams. So I still harbor concerns about this passing O.

- Slot CB. Not much to say there.

I got faith in Dak but still think he missed a couple of throws.
C. Green will be the QB's downfall if he plays, something has to be done about that position as well as Safety.