Vela: Please Don't Trade Our Starting RB

[MichaelWinicki]

I give up.

Who?

Good.

 

[superpunk]

Good.

I'll let you off the hook.

For now.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I'll let you off the hook.

For now.

I'll buy you a drink the next time I'm in your area.

 

[OldButDeadly]

The signing of Chunk Davis for RG at the least should greatly improve the run blocking inside. Kozier, Gurode and Chunk could form an effective inside run blocking trio. Julius Jones could benefit more than any player from this new group. The new offense might also benefit Julius greatly if it involves getting the running back drawn into the passing game.

I like that nickname.....

Kevin

 

[aikemirv]

Why did JJ continue to start while all the announcers and outsiders continued to say that MB III should be starting?

First of all I think it is hogwash to say that BP did not like JJ, I think he liked him very much and many times during the year stated he was doing exactly what he wanted him to do.

Secondly, the reson I believe JJ continued to start while many believed MBIII was more productive was because JJ would not deviate from the assigned play and gap thus eliminating the chance for negative plays.

I like MBIII and love his running style but to discount the fact that he is coming in fresh against tired defenders is wrong. Just like discounting JJ's first year when he was fresh the last half of the season and the defenses were starting to wear down. It can make a huge difference.

MBIII runs tougher and is harder to bring down, but I will say that he is one of the toughest in the NFL and thus makes the comparison to JJ on the same team a bit more exaggerated. JJ does not go down on first contact very often and is often struggling for more yards pushing the pile, but in comparison to MBIII it is not seen that way.

 

[aikemirv]

I like that nickname.....

Kevin

When I read it I though on quick glance he was saying Chuck Davis and I was trying to figure out who that was and why we would sign another G when we had Davis:laugh2:

 

[AmericasTeam31]

MBIII runs tougher and is harder to bring down, but I will say that he is one of the toughest in the NFL and thus makes the comparison to JJ on the same team a bit more exaggerated. e season and the defenses were starting to JJ does not go down on first contact very often and is often struggling for more yards pushing the pile, but in comparison to MBIII it is not seen that way.

Did I read that right? JJ doesn't go down on first contact very often?

 

[cowboyeric8]

Why did JJ continue to start while all the announcers and outsiders continued to say that MB III should be starting?

First of all I think it is hogwash to say that BP did not like JJ, I think he liked him very much and many times during the year stated he was doing exactly what he wanted him to do.

Secondly, the reson I believe JJ continued to start while many believed MBIII was more productive was because JJ would not deviate from the assigned play and gap thus eliminating the chance for negative plays.

I like MBIII and love his running style but to discount the fact that he is coming in fresh against tired defenders is wrong. Just like discounting JJ's first year when he was fresh the last half of the season and the defenses were starting to wear down. It can make a huge difference.

MBIII runs tougher and is harder to bring down, but I will say that he is one of the toughest in the NFL and thus makes the comparison to JJ on the same team a bit more exaggerated. JJ does not go down on first contact very often and is often struggling for more yards pushing the pile, but in comparison to MBIII it is not seen that way.

Nicely put.

Its kind of hard to make people miss when your getting hit a split second after getting the ball.

And me, I like both of our running backs and would like to see what they can do in the new system before we ship them off. jmo

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

all you Jones hate-ahs give it a rest.
Jerra has gone on record that JJ is not on the trading block.
Go back to your cubicles, your boutiques and your kiosks.
Looks as if JJ will be here four his final season. And, hopefull, for longer when his contract is extended.

 

[theogt]

all you Jones hate-ahs give it a rest.
Jerra has gone on record that JJ is not on the trading block.
Go back to your cubicles, your boutiques and your kiosks.
Looks as if JJ will be here four his final season. And, hopefull, for longer when his contract is extended.

Actually, he said he's not on the block unless we have the "opportunity to do something in the draft." Whatever that means, is anyone's guess, but the bottom line is that Julius is not off the trading block.

 

[sjordan6]

Actually when you really think about how Julius was still able to gain over a thousand yard in limited time then you should be excited about this season.
We all know how he was hurt his rookie year but was sensational the latter part of that year. Actually that is what we are still waiting to see again. His second year was also an injury plagued season that featured the dreaded high ankle sprain and a torrin tucker/rob petitti/al johnson/bad back marco rivera oline that couldnt open up lanes for him. LAst season he showed some glimpes of a being good against bad rushing teams but still left alot of yards on the field. IMO, I still think Parcells played a bigger role than we think in his game planning and how he used Jones.

But I think this season we see a better and more effective Julius Jones than we have ever seen. Why? The big guys up front and the men behind the scenes.

The big guys up front.

Flozell Adams. Although he played the whole season and made the pro bowl as an alternate he really didnt come together until the latter part of the season. Coming off a serious knee injury and then getting hurt at the end of training camp, he was not the powerful blocker and anchor of the oline that we knew three seasons ago. This season he is in the last year of his contract and he know he must perform well in order to get some of that crazy dough that lineman are finding in free agency. Adams is a good left tackle and at 32 will be in his prime for a lineman. He is healthy. He is in the last year of his contract. He is coming off a Pro Bowl season. Julius will definitely benefit from this season's Flozell than last season's Flozell.

Kyle Kosier. Kosier was an average blocker that was a better run blocker than pass blocker. Julius actually ran better behind Larry Allen but Allen couldnt pull and get out front on blocks like he used to. Kosier could but rarely did we see him dominate. Average but not dominate. I think being in the same system as a starter for two years will actually help the linemen with consistency, especially Kosier. Kosier is a competitor but this is a crucial year for him. Look for the Cowboys to maybe draft a first day guard to possibly replace Kosier if he doesnt step up his play. Again, Kosier is not a bad player but there is room for improvement. Julius will benefit from his improved play and Kosier will benefit from playing with the same guys on his left and right for two straight season.

Andre Gurode. Gurode made his first Pro Bowl and was rewarded with a big contract. Julius was constantly dodging lineman in the backfield when Al johnson was the center because he was always overpowered by NT and bigger defensive lineman. Gurode is able to open holes and hold blocks for draw plays because of his size and smarter play. Another season as a starter at the same position should only increase his play and allow Julius to run through more holes. Gurode is actually a key factor and Jones success is largely dependant on the vision and lanes created by Gurode. The Cowboys have not had a dominate center since Big Ray Donaldson in 1996 (Cowboys last playoff win). If Gurode is able to play on that level then Julius should have alot of room to run.

Leonard Davis. To put it mildly, Davis is an upgrade over Rivera. Rivera last season was troubled by back injury, penalties, and simply not strong enough to block the bigger lineman. Davis has been critisized for his play at tackle but has made the Pro Bowl at guard ( tackle too). His size will allow him to overpower his block and open up more holes in the middle for Jones to run. Davis will be able to play and feed off two solid lineman, something he hasnt been able to do probably his whole career. His tremendous size,experience, and contract should pay dividends for Julius Jones. May be the missing link to Julius Jones having a career year.

Marc Columbo. Columbo surprised alot of people and reminded the naysayers why he was a first round pick. He is a better pass rusher but a full season under his belt after multiple surguries and missed games should serve him well. Columbo has a nasty streak in him that you like in lineman and is a gym rat in the weight room. These qualities will only allow him to get better. Although he didnt get the big contract he was looking for, he now has incentive to work harder because this years play will determine his future. Right Tackle has been a weak spot for the Cowboys the last few years and only contributed to Jones's limited success. A second year starter in Columbo and a monstrous size Davis provide a different element to the right side of the offensive line. Davis at 6'6 366 and Columbo at 6'8 320 will give Julius a capable line to run behind. No excuses

Basically Julius has three guys who have been to the Pro Bowl in some capacity and two other who have something to prove. We know you cant have steak at every position but this line does have enough beef to get the job done. Julius and Barber were a very good running mates and they should only be better this year.

I think Kosier and Columbo being in their second year should be considered an upgrade. Just like a second year player who started every game as a rookie. He has a better feel for the game and the team.


The men behind the scenes

We all know that Parcells was stubborn to a fault and was tooooo old school in his philosophy. Now Julius did contribute to Parcells going with Barber by the middle of the second quarter of some games but that was because of the non holes to run through and jones falling down on the first hit.

This season I think the improve line will open more opportunities for the offense to use julius in more running plays. I think this offense will look to get Julius more 17-25 carry games rather than some of the 10-14 carry games he witnessed toward the end of the season. I think keeping Sparano was key because I think he knows what Jones can do and will look to get him the ball more. As a Norv Turner disciple, Garrett is committed to the run. Not to say that Parcells wasnt but rarely did the Cowboys dominate running the ball. Sure they got the yards but it was not an established running attack that teams prefer. Injuries, mental mistakes, key penalties, and the like all contributed to this.

Overall I think we will see a better Julius Jones this season than last. It should not hurt that he is in the last season of his contract. Julius is much like his brother and they both carry alot of pride. He hears the trade talk and wants to prove he is a good back. I think he will show that this season and he finally has all that he needs to do it.

 

[aikemirv]

Did I read that right? JJ doesn't go down on first contact very often?

You read it right but you did not quote it right!!:laugh2:

 

[AmericasTeam31]

:laugh2:

You read it right but you did not quote it right!!:laugh2:

:laugh1: :laugh2:

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Actually, he said he's not on the block unless we have the "opportunity to do something in the draft." Whatever that means, is anyone's guess, but the bottom line is that Julius is not off the trading block.

actually, he didn't say anything about trading anyone

 

[burmafrd]

Jerrah pretty much put out there that if you give us a sweet deal we give you JJ. By that he must mean at least a 2nd rd pick. Not likely.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

actually, he didn't say anything about trading anyone

Keep that head in the sand summer. he said he wouldnt trade julisu unless he could do something in the draft. i guess your not going to believe Jones now so you can live in your fantasy land.

like i said before its pathetic.

Im going to laugh so hard if Lynch falls to us. At least i wont have to listen to you ball like my niece when its bedtime because reality sets in.

 

[Doomsday101]

I remember hearing an owner saying the coaches job was safe then fired him the next day. As other have said for the right price Jones would trade JJ. I think it would take a 2nd but I don't think recent comments change anything.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Keep that head in the sand summer. he said he wouldnt trade julisu unless he could do something in the draft. i guess your not going to believe Jones now so you can live in your fantasy land.

like i said before its pathetic.

Im going to laugh so hard if Lynch falls to us. At least i wont have to listen to you ball like my niece when its bedtime because reality sets in.

dude, again, I'm open to the possibility that Julius will be traded, but I don't think it's in our best interest unless the offer is reasonable, at least a 2nd

and Jerry just reaffirmed what I'm thinking, he basically said the RB situation will look the same as this year, unless a trade offer for Julius is beneficial to the team

he said Julius might be back, or he might be traded, in the same thought, it could go either way, I'm not digging my head in the sand, just saying a vague explanation doesn't mean the rumors will come to fruition