CFZ Thoughts/observations/opinions about yesterday's game

[CowboysFaninHouston]

But no team would ever make that trade. An OL capable of starting is far more valuable than a DE capable of starting.

On the flip side, if Dallas sees a guy only as depth, why would they trade an actual contributor for him? It just doesn't make much sense.

sorry, maybe I should be more clear. not an OL that's capable of starting, but a capable back up.

I just feel we need depth at OL and not sure how are current crop going to pan out, knowing we probably need some of them to play.

perhaps and over reaction to pre-season game and performance of the OL

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Not really. The league is littered with guys of the exact same skillset, there's only 6-7 TEs who defenses have to worry about vertically.

Kelce, Kittle, Andrews, Pitts, Geodert, Waller is basically it. Any other big plays to TEs are generated by blown coverages or by mismatches created when WRs take safeties away.

I think Fergy can be more of a down field threat, so could hendershop and if by any chance Stephens. list of top end TE is limited for sure. you find one of those and you keep them.

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

sorry, maybe I should be more clear. not an OL that's capable of starting, but a capable back up.

I just feel we need depth at OL and not sure how are current crop going to pan out, knowing we probably need some of them to play.

perhaps and over reaction to pre-season game and performance of the OL

A capable backup is a OL capable of starting. It's the same thing.

It's not like other positions where they're going to rotate in or have special packages tailored to specific OL.

 

[blueblood70]

i hope this Martin holdout is only a clickbait game of Jerry...that in reality Martin will be back and more than ready for game 1 against those G-Women

if this holdout is real and goes into or past this season.....then Jerry needs to be forced into mental institution

his holdout was real and its over rumor is they came to an agreement.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Neither Malik Davis or Rico Dowdle did anything in the running. Davis only had 3 yards on 4 carries. If that continues next week the Cowboys might consider making a move to try and bolster the running attack. Turpin didn’t exactly get off to a good start. Had he got off to that start last preseason he might not have made the team.

Davis and Dowdle literally had no running room... that was more of a crappy offensive line than it was any reflection on them.

 

[quickccc]

Since when did that stop them.

lol ..well, apparently it stopped them from selecting Washington in 2nd round this year.

Here's hoping Schoon is not chronically long term with this foot.

 

[kskboys]

I finally had a chance to watch the game on the NFL Network replay. But for some reason they cut out a few of the Cowboys offensive series. That annoyed me.

In any case

I finally had a chance to watch the game on the NFL Network replay. But for some reason they cut out a few of the Cowboys offensive series. That annoyed me.

In any case, I tend to agree with your assessments of the offense. Farniok got bullied on consecutive plays in one series. Since he was a rookie I noticed he struggles getting back into a good steady blocking foundation in pass protection, and if the DT gets into his chest he is finished. Apparently he has not improved on that. He could be playing his way off the team. But his run blocking is good enough if he has to start during the season. Asim Richards went in to play LG later in the game I thought he was better. Maybe he is the backup LG. But he was playing against backups so it is hard to say. He just seems like a better pass blocker than Farniok, who I still think is a C, not guard. I noticed later in the game they had Faniok getting help from the C on pass plays. Waletzko and Ball need more development. But as I said in another post. If one of these backups has to play they will be okay. If 3 of them have to play due to injuries or holdouts,, they are in big trouble.

For a makeshift OL, they did okay. They had some breakdowns. That was to be expected. The first sack came on a blitz and was actually Malik Davis's fault. He missed his blocking assignment and allowed the safety to into the backfield.

Which Brings me to the RBs. I like Davis, but I think Dowdle and Vaughn will be fine. I don't know if they will carry Luepke too but I want to see more of him the next two preseason games. Maybe if they keep Davis as a return guy, they can cut Turpin and keep another young promising receiver.

I agree about the LBs. Overshown, Clark and Harper looked really good. Cox had a couple of solo tackles too but I did not see the speed he had when he was a rookie. The Cowboys have a good group of young LBs. They do not need a veteran for that group. Land also looks promising as a pass rusher, but I want to see him about first team players.

I couldn't really evaluate the secondary. Most of them were backups. I am not there yet on Eric Scott. He looked slow on his catchup speed to me. The rest of them looked inexperienced. Joseph didn't get much playing time but had 1 PD and no obvious screw-ups. He needs to shine I think.

I watched Mazi closely. He was okay. Not great but not bad. He is strong and held his ground. He had 1 play where he got shoved backwards on a QB sneak but that was an issue with pad level. He will fix that. I think he was tired having played so much. Osa looked really good. Gallimore looked okay but against backups. Same with Bohanna. I think one of Bohanna and Gallimore does not make the team. We'll see how that plays out.

The receivers are all backups so I can't say much. Tolbert had a good catch called back. Scrubs playing against scrubs doesn't sway me much. Turpin always looked like a kid from the stand stepped onto the field to me. He still does. I do not see what he brings to the table. I don't trust him as a receiver and what has he really done as a return guy?

Stephens looked good at TE but how many TEs can they keep? Is he a replica of Hendershot? Is he better than Hendershot?

Both QBs looked bad to me. A couple of picks dropped, one would have been a pick 6, a couple of bad sacks, staring down receivers, forcing ball into receivers. I saw a lot of bad things and I do not have a lot of confidence in either backup QB.

As for the game, overall it was well played for a first preseason game.

There were some good individual efforts and bright spots. Those are the guys to make the roster. The guys who don't do much or get beat a lot won't be there when the season begins. I saw enough to know the Cowboys do have quality depth at a few positions. But there are two more games to change my mind.

That is some good stuff!!!! I think I agree w/ everything.

Stephens: WR in college, transitioning to TE. Hmmmmmmm..........need time.

Mazi: Looked great in 1st half, got tired and was a nonfactor in 2nd half.

I thought our QBs were both pretty bad. Grier did look better after a couple bad series to start.

I just don't see it w/ Turpin.

 

[Cowboyny]

Ferguson, Schoonmaker, McKeon, Stephens.

Hendershot over McKeon.

 

[kskboys]

Davis and Dowdle literally had no running room... that was more of a crappy offensive line than it was any reflection on them.

And no burst................

 

[kskboys]

thanks for the post. many different views, tend to provide the true picture.
I am with you on Turpin. I like the speed, but not sure outside of an end round and some jet sweeps what he brings to the table. he is good on returns, but last few games of last season and then this game he has fumble problems. perhaps he is not very strong in holding on to the ball and the league has figured that out, so they attack the ball.

I agree on the OL. backups to start with. first, there is a reason they are backups. but secondly, more than any other position, the OL works as a single unit. one failure and the whole thing fails. so each has to be graded on their individual performance. Farnoik looks weak. and still has technique issues. if he is getting pushed back, then its one, the other or both. he has to have a stronger base, and more lean. if he allows the DTs to get into his body, then he is going to lose leverage and get pushed back. if you are Smith then you can compensate some with strength and he doesn't have that neither.

I like the LB group. fast. side line to side line. size is a bit of concern. can they be ran on? maybe with Hankins, Mazi not up the middle, but we have to do a better job of containing the outside runs.

I think the true test for most players is when pads/helmets come on and its game speed. perhaps why Jalen Brooks and Scott looked good in training camp. they both may need a year in PS and year of practice. perhaps for Brooks it was nerves. lets see how he does in the next two games.

I am pretty much done with Fehoko. he is not doing anything spactacular to set himself apart.

having good TEs, as similar as they maybe, is not a bad thing. not sure if Stephens can make it through waivers if he keeps showing. he needs some seasoning. so not sure if we can get him on PS. he can create some mismtaches against the defense.

Pretty sure Scott suffers from the Reggie Robinson disease: Stiff hips.

 

[quickccc]

Offense

-We were playing backups against their 1's to start the game. Certainly the OL struggled, but almost every backup line would. It's an issue around the entire league, lack of quality depth.
-Need to remember the WCO is more three step drops and fire, less time will be needed to protect.
-Thought Dowdle/Vaughn were far more explosive then Luek and Davis. Dowdle had a bad fumble, but looked real good. Really excited to see what MM will do with the likes of Pollard, Duece and Turpin within the offense. Think they will keep 3 at the RB position.
-Tolbert looked like a different player, made a terrific catch on the sideline with a very iffy pi call. Houston made some plays with the 3rd team. Simi had a few WR screens.
-Ferguson looked the part, Stephens made a few plays, think McKeon might be on the outside looking in.

Defense

-Thought both Overshown, Clark looked terrific, they might be the future tandem. Harper was also impressive. I think they are going with youth this year.
-Fowler, Sam looked good in limited snaps. I. Land was very disruptive, wonder if he might be a player they can hide on the PS squad.
-Mazi looked good against the run, but didn't show much as a pass rusher, this is expected early on in his career. What was surprising to me is to see both Gallimore/Golston playing late in the 4th quarter, this suggests both are on the bubble.
-Secondary struggled. The team needs another corner to emerge out of the group of Scott, Muku, Wright, Joseph-thought all of them struggled. Thomas the safety got the early interception and is making a strong case for a roster spot.

Special Teams

-Turpin has to protect the football, that is his #1 job. Cannot flip field position.
-Saw all the running backs play special teams, this is very important to be active on gameday.
-I can see why the team likes their new kicker, but he has to make all his makeable kicks. Missing an extra point wasn't good, but they will be patient with him.

Thanks for sharing;

OFFENSE:

- QB Rush had it rough until the two Ferguson passes - otherwise did not push ball downfield
- Grier was all over the place, ball to ground, behind targets, players had to twist for ball but did lead to 2 TD drives
- I don’t think this new Tex Coast Offense will be traditional WCO. In fact the traditional WCO does not take snaps from shotgun, but
- i think we’ll see shotgun snaps, which means deep drops.In fact, I saw Shotgun vs Jax

OL:
- The backup OL did not fair well as a whole vs pass. I thought Josh Ball was awful, I thought Richard had one bad play (sack) but
he also has not worked at OT but more so OG.
- Farniok is so exposed at OG, but they have to ready him per game day numbers
- Hoffman seems JAG
- Walesko did well at RT but can he play LT ? i didn’t get much eyeballs on Bass, Bostick; I wish i can get grades on TJ Bass
- Rico has vision and cut ability, but ball security is an issue, no way running into puny Turpin should cause a fumble. I still wonder if matter of time for durability

RB
-Malik Davis has no block alertness which will limit his snaps and may threaten his roster spot (practice squad?) Still think Hunter is far more big RB than FB
-Deuce may be Warrick Dunn/Sproles-ish ..vision, shifty cuts, elusive (ala spin move) low center and is very difficult to locate quickly vs tacklers
and has receiving skills outta backfield.-Dunno how he handles blitzes yet

TEs- Ferguson already looks the part, Stephens seems athletic & has feel for pass game, if his blocking is up to par, could he make a case vs McKeon and Hendershot ? McKeon’s blocking prowess as TE/H-back makes him valuable but if club thinks Stephen could be Jermichael Finley like weapon. Also if Stephens continues to ball out - don’t see him expose to waivers per practice squad

WRs- Tolbert balled- showed up and flashed, great twisting sideline catch despite WTH ref call for push off: Brooks had unfortunate off behind target throws from Wil Grier - Houston has knack for pass game but he’s not dynamic splashy. Simi on two mere smoke screens , nuthin downfield

 

[kskboys]

Thanks for sharing;

OFFENSE:

- QB Rush had it rough until the two Ferguson passes - otherwise did not push ball downfield
- Grier was all over the place, ball to ground, behind targets, players had to twist for ball but did lead to 2 TD drives
- I don’t think this new Tex Coast Offense will be traditional WCO. In fact the traditional WCO does not take snaps from shotgun, but
- i think we’ll see shotgun snaps, which means deep drops.In fact, I saw Shotgun vs Jax

OL:
- The backup OL did not fair well as a whole vs pass. I thought Josh Ball was awful, I thought Richard had one bad play (sack) but
he also has not worked at OT but more so OG.
- Farniok is so exposed at OG, but they have to ready him per game day numbers
- Hoffman seems JAG
- Walesko did well at RT but can he play LT ? i didn’t get much eyeballs on Bass, Bostick; I wish i can get grades on TJ Bass
- Rico has vision and cut ability, but ball security is an issue, no way running into puny Turpin should cause a fumble. I still wonder if matter of time for durability

RB
-Malik Davis has no block alertness which will limit his snaps and may threaten his roster spot (practice squad?) Still think Hunter is far more big RB than FB
-Deuce may be Warrick Dunn/Sproles-ish ..vision, shifty cuts, elusive (ala spin move) low center and is very difficult to locate quickly vs tacklers
and has receiving skills outta backfield.-Dunno how he handles blitzes yet

TEs- Ferguson already looks the part, Stephens seems athletic & has feel for pass game, if his blocking is up to par, could he make a case vs McKeon and Hendershot ? McKeon’s blocking prowess as TE/H-back makes him valuable but if club thinks Stephen could be Jermichael Finley like weapon. Also if Stephens continues to ball out - don’t see him expose to waivers per practice squad

WRs- Tolbert balled- showed up and flashed, great twisting sideline catch despite WTH ref call for push off: Brooks had unfortunate off behind target throws from Wil Grier - Houston has knack for pass game but he’s not dynamic splashy. Simi on two mere smoke screens , nuthin downfield

Good stuff.

Man, I do not like our backup QB situation. Did not like either.


I though Malik pretty much played like crapp. Just doesn't seem to have it.

 

[Cowboyny]

Thanks for sharing;

OFFENSE:

- QB Rush had it rough until the two Ferguson passes - otherwise did not push ball downfield
- Grier was all over the place, ball to ground, behind targets, players had to twist for ball but did lead to 2 TD drives
- I don’t think this new Tex Coast Offense will be traditional WCO. In fact the traditional WCO does not take snaps from shotgun, but
- i think we’ll see shotgun snaps, which means deep drops.In fact, I saw Shotgun vs Jax

OL:
- The backup OL did not fair well as a whole vs pass. I thought Josh Ball was awful, I thought Richard had one bad play (sack) but
he also has not worked at OT but more so OG.
- Farniok is so exposed at OG, but they have to ready him per game day numbers
- Hoffman seems JAG
- Walesko did well at RT but can he play LT ? i didn’t get much eyeballs on Bass, Bostick; I wish i can get grades on TJ Bass
- Rico has vision and cut ability, but ball security is an issue, no way running into puny Turpin should cause a fumble. I still wonder if matter of time for durability

RB
-Malik Davis has no block alertness which will limit his snaps and may threaten his roster spot (practice squad?) Still think Hunter is far more big RB than FB
-Deuce may be Warrick Dunn/Sproles-ish ..vision, shifty cuts, elusive (ala spin move) low center and is very difficult to locate quickly vs tacklers
and has receiving skills outta backfield.-Dunno how he handles blitzes yet

TEs- Ferguson already looks the part, Stephens seems athletic & has feel for pass game, if his blocking is up to par, could he make a case vs McKeon and Hendershot ? McKeon’s blocking prowess as TE/H-back makes him valuable but if club thinks Stephen could be Jermichael Finley like weapon. Also if Stephens continues to ball out - don’t see him expose to waivers per practice squad

WRs- Tolbert balled- showed up and flashed, great twisting sideline catch despite WTH ref call for push off: Brooks had unfortunate off behind target throws from Wil Grier - Houston has knack for pass game but he’s not dynamic splashy. Simi on two mere smoke screens , nuthin downfield

Definitely some things to be excited about (Backs/TE's), but OL depth remains a concern, especially knowing Tyron's injury history. Thought Richards fared well in his 1st action, though.

 

[KJJ]

Davis and Dowdle literally had no running room... that was more of a crappy offensive line than it was any reflection on them.

There wasn’t much room, but Dowdle can’t afford to put the ball on the ground. That wasn’t the OL. We’ll see how it goes next week, but we can’t keep using the OL as an excuse.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

There wasn’t much room, but Dowdle can’t afford to put the ball on the ground. That wasn’t the OL. We’ll see how it goes next week, but we can’t keep using the OL as an excuse.

I agree, that was a horrible fumble. He barely got touched.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

i hope this Martin holdout is only a clickbait game of Jerry...that in reality Martin will be back and more than ready for game 1 against those G-Women

if this holdout is real and goes into or past this season.....then Jerry needs to be forced into mental institution

Well, thankfully he is back!

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

There's no player on the roster they can realistically trade for a starting OL who is an upgrade to anything we already have.

Disagree. You constantly speak in absolutes. Guys like Armstrong, Fowler or even Gallup would be enough in trade for an average to slightly below average starting OL. What we have right now is way below average.

 

[quickccc]

Definitely some things to be excited about (Backs/TE's), but OL depth remains a concern, especially knowing Tyron's injury history. Thought Richards fared well in his 1st action, though.

yeh Richards has been exclusively at OG in this camp from what I hear .. what if he uses preseason to get up to par as a OT ?
Does Asim play the LT role better than Walesko ?

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

Disagree. You constantly speak in absolutes. Guys like Armstrong, Fowler or even Gallup would be enough in trade for an average to slightly below average starting OL. What we have right now is way below average.

You're wrong. The absolutism is in the fact that it does not happen.

There's no point in trading for a "slightly below average starting OL" and there's no team that's going to trade an average starting OL for one of those guys lol. There's not a team in the league with an excess of OL talent especially not one who would have utility for a rotational DE. And that's not accounting for all the reasons why Dallas wouldn't make those trades either.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

You're wrong. The absolutism is in the fact that it does not happen.

There's no point in trading for a "slightly below average starting OL" and there's no team that's going to trade an average starting OL for one of those guys lol. There's not a team in the league with an excess of OL talent especially not one who would have utility for a rotational DE. And that's not accounting for all the reasons why Dallas wouldn't make those trades either.

Armstrong would bring a starting caliber OL in trade. He would be cheap to another team and would free up cap space as well. Dude has got better every year. And there are teams that have more than 5 decent OL. But continue to speak like it wouldn't be possible.