Vela: The NFC East — The Half-a-Loaf Division

[Gryphon]

By Rafael Vela

In Dallas, fans are upset that Dallas got a pass rusher high, but not a defensive back or a receiver. They’re thinking improving the rush will improve the shaky deep pass defense.

In Washington, they’re thrilled the Commanders landed LaRon Landry but regret missing on a lineman for their sorry run defense. Contra Dallas, they’re hoping a better secondary will aid the run defense.

In New York, the Giants are happy with 1st rounder Aaron Ross, who fills a long standing need at cornerback, but wish they could have landed a linebacker in the high rounds.

In Philadelphia, fans are still wondering why the Eagles took Kevin Kolb with the 36th pick, and why they traded with Dallas to get him. They’ve every bit as ambivalent about their picks and Andy Reid’s claim that he was happy with the starting lineup he has.

The current debate is whether Kolb’s selection ruffled Donovan McNabb’s feathers? It’s one thing to have a Greg Ellis on your team, running to the press to express his frustrations every offseason. It’s quite another when your Ellis starts at QB.

It seems that every team got one guy they liked and is crossing their fingers on the rest.

Looks like another competitive season within the division.

 

[Future]

In Dallas, fans are upset that Dallas got a pass rusher high, but not a defensive back or a receiver. They’re thinking improving the rush will improve the shaky deep pass defense.

Are people really upset? A pass rush will help this secondary more than a rookie nickel corner imo.

 

[ZeroClub]

I wonder how competitive the Giants are going to be.

Their near Hall of Fame caliber RB has retired, putting more pressure on their inconsistent QB.

I haven't been following their offensive line situation closely, but they had significant trouble last year. How do they plan to fix it this year? I don't recall any high quality OL additions.

 

[DallasEast]

I wonder how competitive the Giants are going to be.

Their near Hall of Fame caliber RB has retired, putting more pressure on their inconsistent QB.

I haven't been following their offensive line situation closely, but they had significant trouble last year. How do they plan to fix it this year? I don't recall any high quality OL additions.

My take: http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1488015&postcount=2

 

[Woods]

The one player I'm so glad we don't have to face any more is T. Barber.

And it's not only because we don't have to face his running abilities. Barber could take a simple screen pass for a TD. After Tiki stopped fumbling (a couple of years ago), I thought he was on one the top 2-3 RBs in the NFL in terms of an overall weapon in both the running and passing game.

I don't know how many Giants' fans realize the effect of Barber's retirement can potentially have on their offense. Frankly said, the opposing team's gameplan was to contain Barber first and foremost.

 

[DallasEast]

The one player I'm so glad we don't have to face any more is T. Barber.

And it's not only because we don't have to face his running abilities. Barber could take a simple screen pass for a TD. After Tiki stopped fumbling (a couple of years ago), I thought he was on one the top 2-3 RBs in the NFL in terms of an overall weapon in both the running and passing game.

I don't know how many Giants' fans realize the effect of Barber's retirement can potentially have on their offense. Frankly said, the opposing team's gameplan was to contain Barber first and foremost.

Great post. I don't believe that any offensive coordinator's inside or outside the NFC East will have the same levels of anxiety planning for Brandon Jacobs, Reuben Droughns or their 7th round draft choice, Ahmad Bradshaw. With Barber, Manning had a guy to throw the quick release to. With Petitgout and Whitfield gone, I see Jacobs and/or Droughns utilized in more max protect schemes to give Manning more time to throw the ball. If so, that'll affect both the running AND passing game for the Giants.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I think Cowboy fans are more upset at the Stanbach pick than they are anything else.

Not sure if they are justified in that or not. I didn't see any receivers left in the 4th round that I had a lot of faith in.

 

[DallasEast]

I think Cowboy fans are more upset at the Stanbach pick than they are anything else.

Not sure if they are justified in that or not. I didn't see any receivers left in the 4th round that I had a lot of faith in.

It's kinda like we're experiencing deja vu. We choose Skyler Green with almost the same expectations and it didn't work out. Badly.

Still, Stanback was selected to improve our wide receiver corps, kick returns and even possibly help with our quarterback depth (in an emergency). He has demonstrated all these skill sets at the college level and we hope that he can translate them at the pro level. Green was principally drafted for his return skills only.

While we all wait with bated breath, I find some comfort in that Stanback has more going for him right now than Green did. :crossed:

 

[MichaelWinicki]

It's kinda like we're experiencing deja vu. We choose Skyler Green with almost the same expectations and it didn't work out. Badly.

Still, Stanback was selected to improve our wide receiver corps, kick returns and even possibly help with our quarterback depth (in an emergency). He has demonstrated all these skill sets at the college level and we hope that he can translate them at the pro level. Green was principally drafted for his return skills only.

While we all wait with bated breath, I find some comfort in that Stanback has more going for him right now than Green did. :crossed:

I agree with all that.

I was stunned at Stanback's selection also... but that was before I found out that he's not a 4.55 guy but is sub 4.40-- knowing that made the pick more palatable.

 

[MarionBarberThe4th]

I dont know if thats true.

I had Jarvis Moss in my mocks. I wanted a pass rusher. I Saw WR as a need., but not immediate considering we have several viable options.

Spencer is going to contribute from day 1, guranteed..........barring injury

 

[theebs]

Are people really upset? A pass rush will help this secondary more than a rookie nickel corner imo.

I have no idea what vela is talking about here? Where does he live? I live here in DFW I dont see anyone complaining about it, The only one I have heard say anything is babe Laufenberg who said he hopes the young wr work out that are on the roster already because romo is going to need help.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

I believe it was a smart move getting Spencer

 

[hendog]

G-men are delusional if they think the loss of their LT and Barber isn't going to adversely affect their team.

 

[MarionBarberThe4th]

How many times was Eli doing nothing, Plaxico was lost, Shockey was freaking out, everything looked bleak, then Tiki takes an off tackle run 60 yards.

Jacobs is overrated, Droughns is serviceable at best. I like Aaron Ross, but the Giants are taking a huge step back

 

[Jimz31]

I'm happy with all of the picks. They had to pick SOMEBODY. Who is to say that every guy that we picked doesn't have a long career in the NFL? Who to say that every single pick taken in the top 10 doesn't bust.

Face it people, the draft is a crap shoot and nobody can say differently. FCOL, Leaf was a consensus top 1/2 and look at how bad he crumbled.

Stanback could turn out to be THE steal of the draft. Let's just see how this plays out.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Cowboy fans with a real understanding of this team's needs know pass rush has been a major issue for like 10 years now...even when they lined up in the 4-3 defense! Imagine Dallas going to the 4-3 with Spencer and D-Ware as the ends and Marcus Spears and Hatcher in the middle, that's scary!

 

[DallasEast]

Cowboy fans with a real understanding of this team's needs know pass rush has been a major issue for like 10 years now...even when they lined up in the 4-3 defense! Imagine Dallas going to the 4-3 with Spencer and D-Ware as the ends and Marcus Spears and Hatcher in the middle, that's scary!

:clap2:

 

[Jimz31]

Cowboy fans with a real understanding of this team's needs know pass rush has been a major issue for like 10 years now...even when they lined up in the 4-3 defense! Imagine Dallas going to the 4-3 with Spencer and D-Ware as the ends and Marcus Spears and Hatcher in the middle, that's scary!

Not only will the pass rushing be better, but the secondary will seem better....the QB won't have as much time to make a pass allowing the WR's to improvise and get open. There were times that the QB had ALOT of time in the backfield.....what doesn that mean? The secondary did their job by keeping the WR's in check. When the WR's have more time to get open, of course they will be able to as the CB has to react to what the WR is doing.

 

[big dog cowboy]

In Dallas, fans are upset that Dallas got a pass rusher high, but not a defensive back or a receiver. They’re thinking improving the rush will improve the shaky deep pass defense.

The weakest area on our team is the pass rush. Taking a pass rusher in the first round makes perfect sense to me. Especially since our new HC believes in pressure defense.

 

[big dog cowboy]

In Washington, they’re thrilled the Commanders landed LaRon Landry but regret missing on a lineman for their sorry run defense. Contra Dallas, they’re hoping a better secondary will aid the run defense.

Note to the little general: it doesn't work that way.