CFZ Week 2 Preseason Observations, Cowboys vs. Chargers

[nalam]

Wait............you mean more than 3 quarters with Cooper rush as QB? LOL

These people are hilarious.

?????

You mean 3 Qtrs of Rush as QB is not good to evaluate WRs , thats correct . But we can only form opinions on the sample size we have.

 

[ConstantReboot]

Brown has not played this preseason. They have treated him like one of the starters, which is why I believe they are viewing him that way. It has also been written multiple times by those at camp that Brown is having the best camp of all the receivers vying for that No. 2 spot.

Frankly, I'm wary if Brown is being viewed as the No. 2 since he's never been more than a No. 4 in the five years he's been here. What that makes me wonder is whether any of these guys has truly stepped up to show themselves to be worthy of the No. 2 spot. I mean, we have seen how Nashon Wright has struggled in the preseason games. If they are beating him regularly in practice, does that really tell us much about their ability to succeed as the No. 2?

I think there's a very good chance that if we go with the current set of receivers while Gallup is sidelined, it is going to be hit and miss. Lamb is the only proven one in the bunch. That's one reason I think Pollard is going to be the de facto No. 2, because he's at least proven that he belongs on an NFL field and deserves more playing time. I don't know, though, even with him if he can regularly get open as a receiver.

The third preseason game should tell us more about what Dallas hopes to do with those No. 2 and 3 receiver spots since we should see the starting lineup at least briefly (although I don't know if we're going to play Elliott, which may skew the plan some). Maybe we'll also at least be able to get some idea if the plan is viable while Gallup is out.

I haven't heard that Brown has had the best camp of all the receivers. I have not seen at least one highlight film of him making a catch compared to the other receivers.

If they aren't playing Brown often and they already penciled him in as a #2, I'm going to seriously questions their football IQ and think them as morons.

We are heading into the season with Noah Brown who was nothing more than a backup in college and hardly did squat since he's been here, be our #2, cause me to think our FO and coaching staff don't know what their doing. But I'm hoping they won't go with Brown and at least run with Fehoko, Tolbert or Houston. That would be the most logical and sensible way to go.

 

[Lifetimeboyzfan]

Thank you for posting. This was a good read!

 

[gimmesix]

I haven't heard that Brown has had the best camp of all the receivers. I have not seen at least one highlight film of him making a catch compared to the other receivers.

If they aren't playing Brown often and they already penciled him in as a #2, I'm going to seriously questions their football IQ and think them as morons.

We are heading into the season with Noah Brown who was nothing more than a backup in college and hardly did squat since he's been here, be our #2, cause me to think our FO and coaching staff don't know what their doing. But I'm hoping they won't go with Brown and at least run with Fehoko, Tolbert or Houston. That would be the most logical and sensible way to go.

Go read past stories on dallascowboys.com. He has really received high praise from those covering the team. I'm not sure the Cowboys staff has said anything like that. But I think the fact that they haven't put him out there in the preseason games is fairly telling.

I have great concerns if he's the No. 2 plan, but I'm only relaying the info that's available. I'm not too excited about any of our options. I mean, the Chargers announcers were highlighting a player Saturday night who the Chargers hope to be their No. 3, and he was doing more early in the game than any of our guys auditioning to be our No. 2. Of course, he also was doing most of it against Wright.

 

[Pass2Run]

All QBs need talent around them. What was Josh Allen before Stephon Diggs? What was Joe Burrow without Jamar Chase?

OK . . . so what's your point?

That Dak isn't a bus driver?

A bus driver relies on the offensive system, plays within the offense.

Therefore, Dak is a bus driver.

It's not a freaking insult.

 

[ConstantReboot]

Go read past stories on dallascowboys.com. He has really received high praise from those covering the team. I'm not sure the Cowboys staff has said anything like that. But I think the fact that they haven't put him out there in the preseason games is fairly telling.

I have great concerns if he's the No. 2 plan, but I'm only relaying the info that's available. I'm not too excited about any of our options. I mean, the Chargers announcers were highlighting a player Saturday night who the Chargers hope to be their No. 3, and he was doing more early in the game than any of our guys auditioning to be our No. 2. Of course, he also was doing most of it against Wright.

I think they already know what they will get from Brown. He has always been a blocker and not really someone who can run routes and catch balls. They just want the newer guys to get as much reps as they can before the season starts. They need it.

I follow camp and read what others who go to camp say who is the stand out players. I've heard that Brown has improved. But not much passes has gone his way. Fehoko and Houston are the ones showing up the most. There is highlight videos to back it up on both players.

But if they think they will get by with Brown as their #2 option then Cowboys are idiots. Brown hasn't done much if any to show he can handle that load.

 

[ConstantReboot]

OK . . . so what's your point?

That Dak isn't a bus driver?

A bus driver relies on the offensive system, plays within the offense.

Therefore, Dak is a bus driver.

It's not a freaking insult.

If Dak is a bus driver than all QBs to a degree are bus drivers. Some need more talent around them more than others. Some are just smarter although they don't have the arm and physic like others do.

But they all need talent to get them to the next level.

It didn't stop KC from stocking up on wide receivers even if they had the Cheetah. Same with the Rams.

 

[Calvin2Tony2Emmitt2Julius]

Being a bus driver does not mean you are not a leader; it doesn't mean you suck; it just means you have to play within the system. It usually means you rely on a running game. And it means you're not a gunslinger and that you don't take too many risks in terms of INTs.

Being a bus driver is simply a term that means you're not a racecar driver. You just do what you have to do to lead your time to winning.

I apologize if it upsets you that Dak is a bus driver. But being a bus driver doesn't mean you can't throw for over 300 yards, but being a bus driver may have something to do with the record against winning teams. Dak needs a little more talent around him, and probably less penalties, to be able to win.

He's a bus driver.

If that hurts your feelings, I guess it hurts your feelings.

It's not a dis on the guy, even if you take it that way.

Just because you say it with conviction don't make what you say the truth

 

[gimmesix]

I think they already know what they will get from Brown. He has always been a blocker and not really someone who can run routes and catch balls. They just want the newer guys to get as much reps as they can before the season starts. They need it.

I follow camp and read what others who go to camp say who is the stand out players. I've heard that Brown has improved. But not much passes has gone his way. Fehoko and Houston are the ones showing up the most. There is highlight videos to back it up on both players.

But if they think they will get by with Brown as their #2 option then Cowboys are idiots. Brown hasn't done much if any to show he can handle that load.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/practice-points-noah-brown-shines-kicking-woes

Another day, another Noah Brown sighting. The fifth-year veteran is having as impressive a training camp as anyone on the roster, and at a position of dire need for the Cowboys. With the absence of Michael Gallup and James Washington due to injury, the competition behind CeeDee Lamb is wide open – young upstarts having owned several headlines already while Brown quietly remains the most consistent of them all. He added three catches to his camp ticker on Saturday, and one was an applause-worthy deep grab in double coverage.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/mailbag-breakout-season-for-noah-brown

First, I'm a big Noah Brown fan. Reliable blocker and big special team contributor. However, he is showing much more than a mere role player. According to the constant reports of his elevated wide receiver play, he has the potential to step in as the viable WR3 role. But is this showing a mirage? — JOHN WALKER / LAGO VISTA, TX

Rob: The Cowboys don't seem to think it's a "mirage." Brown was rested against the Broncos last Saturday, a sign that he's considered a starter, at least while Michael Gallup and James Washington are out. You're right, Brown has largely been a blocker for the run game since 2017, but this year he does look leaner and quicker, and it showed up in Oxnard and the first joint practice. I'm interested to see where it goes from here. Who knows, maybe he's found something and flipping a switch, sort of like Miles Austin did his fourth year in the league.

Patrik: It's impossible to call what Brown is doing in camp a "mirage", but if you're asking for qualification on if it'll translate into an NFL regular season game — that's TBD. Yes, there have been many instances of camp stars not delivering when it matters, but I'll add that Brown isn't exactly wet behind the ears. He's a five-year veteran who's spent his entire career with Dak Prescott (injury to either notwithstanding) and delivered career highs last season in yards per target (7.4), yards per reception (11.5) and catch percentage (64%). The chemistry with Prescott is there, Brown is healthy, and now he's being asked to become the next Cedrick Wilson ... something he couldn't do with Wilson here. The table is set, and Brown is devouring the appetizer. All that's left to do now is for him to finish his food.

 

[gimmesix]

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/practice-points-noah-brown-shines-kicking-woes

Another day, another Noah Brown sighting. The fifth-year veteran is having as impressive a training camp as anyone on the roster, and at a position of dire need for the Cowboys. With the absence of Michael Gallup and James Washington due to injury, the competition behind CeeDee Lamb is wide open – young upstarts having owned several headlines already while Brown quietly remains the most consistent of them all. He added three catches to his camp ticker on Saturday, and one was an applause-worthy deep grab in double coverage.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/mailbag-breakout-season-for-noah-brown

First, I'm a big Noah Brown fan. Reliable blocker and big special team contributor. However, he is showing much more than a mere role player. According to the constant reports of his elevated wide receiver play, he has the potential to step in as the viable WR3 role. But is this showing a mirage? — JOHN WALKER / LAGO VISTA, TX

Rob: The Cowboys don't seem to think it's a "mirage." Brown was rested against the Broncos last Saturday, a sign that he's considered a starter, at least while Michael Gallup and James Washington are out. You're right, Brown has largely been a blocker for the run game since 2017, but this year he does look leaner and quicker, and it showed up in Oxnard and the first joint practice. I'm interested to see where it goes from here. Who knows, maybe he's found something and flipping a switch, sort of like Miles Austin did his fourth year in the league.

Patrik: It's impossible to call what Brown is doing in camp a "mirage", but if you're asking for qualification on if it'll translate into an NFL regular season game — that's TBD. Yes, there have been many instances of camp stars not delivering when it matters, but I'll add that Brown isn't exactly wet behind the ears. He's a five-year veteran who's spent his entire career with Dak Prescott (injury to either notwithstanding) and delivered career highs last season in yards per target (7.4), yards per reception (11.5) and catch percentage (64%). The chemistry with Prescott is there, Brown is healthy, and now he's being asked to become the next Cedrick Wilson ... something he couldn't do with Wilson here. The table is set, and Brown is devouring the appetizer. All that's left to do now is for him to finish his food.

Again, several of the clips I've seen of Brown showed him beating Nashon Wright, which we've learned in the preseason games doesn't mean all that much. Hopefully, if we're relying on him to be a starter, he shows he can do it Friday or we bail out of that plan quickly. Frankly, I do think what he is shown in practice is a bit of a mirage, but hope I'm proven wrong.

 

[Pass2Run]

Wait............you mean more than 3 quarters with Cooper rush as QB? LOL

These people are hilarious.

So, Dak is a fighter pilot, yeah?

OK.

 

[ConstantReboot]

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/practice-points-noah-brown-shines-kicking-woes

Another day, another Noah Brown sighting. The fifth-year veteran is having as impressive a training camp as anyone on the roster, and at a position of dire need for the Cowboys. With the absence of Michael Gallup and James Washington due to injury, the competition behind CeeDee Lamb is wide open – young upstarts having owned several headlines already while Brown quietly remains the most consistent of them all. He added three catches to his camp ticker on Saturday, and one was an applause-worthy deep grab in double coverage.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/mailbag-breakout-season-for-noah-brown

First, I'm a big Noah Brown fan. Reliable blocker and big special team contributor. However, he is showing much more than a mere role player. According to the constant reports of his elevated wide receiver play, he has the potential to step in as the viable WR3 role. But is this showing a mirage? — JOHN WALKER / LAGO VISTA, TX

Rob: The Cowboys don't seem to think it's a "mirage." Brown was rested against the Broncos last Saturday, a sign that he's considered a starter, at least while Michael Gallup and James Washington are out. You're right, Brown has largely been a blocker for the run game since 2017, but this year he does look leaner and quicker, and it showed up in Oxnard and the first joint practice. I'm interested to see where it goes from here. Who knows, maybe he's found something and flipping a switch, sort of like Miles Austin did his fourth year in the league.

Patrik: It's impossible to call what Brown is doing in camp a "mirage", but if you're asking for qualification on if it'll translate into an NFL regular season game — that's TBD. Yes, there have been many instances of camp stars not delivering when it matters, but I'll add that Brown isn't exactly wet behind the ears. He's a five-year veteran who's spent his entire career with Dak Prescott (injury to either notwithstanding) and delivered career highs last season in yards per target (7.4), yards per reception (11.5) and catch percentage (64%). The chemistry with Prescott is there, Brown is healthy, and now he's being asked to become the next Cedrick Wilson ... something he couldn't do with Wilson here. The table is set, and Brown is devouring the appetizer. All that's left to do now is for him to finish his food.

I will see it to believe it. Frankly, I'm not holding my breath to Noah Brown, who has not proven himself one bit while he's here. He had opportunities before during the game and it's all be drops and disappointments.

So if he performs well I'll be happy. But I'm not really keen on someone who is merely a blocker.

 

[DandyDon52]

We're about one week away from cutting the roster down to 53. If you ask me, things are looking up for us.

Last year, I finally started to see enough talent on the team to make a run. And we started to do that, but then penalties killed us.

Speaking of penalties, I really didn't think that was a priority in yesterday's game. In fact, I think McCarthy is onto something when he says, "it's the preseason." Well, because it is. There's nearly 100 players out there. All the flags from the refs last week reminded me of the proverbial busy body neighborhood types.

17 flags total.

Total Karens.

That's on the refs.

But back to the point.

Here are my observations

Tight Ends

Say what you will. It's preseason, and we need to wait and see or it's too early to tell anything.

Barring injury, Jake Fergeson will play a long time in the NFL. And he will make more than one Pro Bowl. Sometimes, you can just tell when a player has it. To me, Jake Fergeson is one of those players. He's already there, and he feels comfortable playing at the NFL level.

That said, I think it's possible that Hendershot challenges unless McKeon, if we end up keeping four tight ends. And I think we may since it looks like opposing teams will see quite a bit of 12 personnel.

Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith is like Jake Fergeson. As in, the talent is obvious.

It's early. And it's his rookie year. But I think Tyler Smith is the same kind of player during his career. I can see him playing several years, and attending multiple Pro Bowls. He was simply dominating in the run game again.

That will be the Cowboys bread and butter: running and (hopefully) stopping the run.

Jalen Tolbert

Everyone is down on Tolbert. But he will be fine. I'm not going to make any certain claims about Tolbert. But I'll just say I liked what I saw last night while he was in there. I don't think you can put too much on any player in the preseason, and it'll likely be him who gets the not at #2 going into week one.

I also think he's ultimately up for the challenge.

I think several guys will compete for the 3rd spot, including Kavante Turpin.

Kevante Turpin

This should also be obvious to everyone. This guy changes the dynamic of our team. This guy helps you win games. This guy will be . . . unstoppable, at times, on kick and punt returns. I don't want to say he's the next coming of Deion Sanders, but he's the next coming of Deion Sanders in the return game.

Watch and see. This guy has what it takes. If he can somehow avoid injuries, he's going to be an effective gadget/utility guy. Great pick up by the Cowboys. I like their style, too. USFL guy, cheap contract, low risk, high reward. And, boom, the reward is there. You could see it all over McCarthy's face.


Israel Mukuamu, and Daron Bland

I liked what I saw last year from this player. And I like what I'm seeing this year. I think you have to keep he and Bland, and I think you also have to find ways to get them on the field. With both players, you can plug them in and not lose much. Both solid players, who could end up starting.

Dante Fowler and Trysten Hill

I've heard a lot of talk about cutting Hill and Fowler, but the Cowboys have no business doing that. And I don't see the Cowboys doing it either. Fowler has been a force out there. And I don't see what people are complaining about with Trysten Hill. When he's out there, he's doing just fine.

Will Grier

Cooper Rush stepped it up several notches for the preseason game. But Grier showed why he'll win the #2 spot, which makes me feel a lot better than rolling with Cooper rush. He throws a nice ball. Not quite like DiNucci, but he plays under pressure. And to me, when I look at quarterbacks, I'm peaking at things like their mentality from pre-snap, in the huddle, and under pressure. If a player can play under pressure with the right mentality, then that's what I'm looking for. Grier has that, more so than Rush and DiNucci.

Malik Davis

I liked Malik Davis last week. But I liked Shampklin slightly better in that game. Against the Chargers, I think Malik Davis has already earned the number 3 spot. You could start that guy, and have success behind our line. His running style is strong, he has a deceptively fast burst despite his 4.7 40 time.

If Zeke gets the same injury he had last year, just sit him, and give me Malik Davis. I'm smitten over this player. And he's a big reason why I like our chances at success this year. Because we're not dependent on Zeke. He's easily the 3rd best back on the team.

Final Roster

I'm interested to see how the Cowboys play the 53. And people can talk about how the Cowboys lack talent all they want. we've got depth at almost every position.

The one thing I've been critical of the Cowboys recently has been Dak's success against winning teams. Dak Prescott is your proverbial bus driver type of quarterback. To win, he has to have a good team around him. And I think the Cowboys have quietly assembled a nice team in 2022.

As a fan, I've watched this team for around 30 years. And I like our chances this year as good as any other year I've seen. The Cowboys are a strong team this year, talent wise. It will be up to them to get it done.

And I think McCarthy is just the kind of coach who can help Dak steer the bus in the right direction. We're an improved team from last year on defense, and special teams, and quite likely on offense as well. The additions of Tyler Smith and Ferguson via the draft really help the offense.

As unlikely as it would seem, I think our rookies increase our chances of a successful 2022.

I agree with u, but I think they give #3 spot to dowdle and malick will be cut or on PS.
I also think rush gets the #2 spot, not grier.

 

[Pass2Run]

Based on pre season game speed Brandon Smith should join Turpin in the WR room come 2022 to start the season . Catches everything thrown his direction . Where have Vasher and Houston been ?

I definitely like Smith better than Vasher.

 

[gimmesix]

I will see it to believe it. Frankly, I'm not holding my breath to Noah Brown, who has not proven himself one bit while he's here. He had opportunities before during the game and it's all be drops and disappointments.

So if he performs well I'll be happy. But I'm not really keen on someone who is merely a blocker.

I'm with you. I'm just pointing out what's been said/seems to be going on. Frankly, I think our current plan is going to be bad no matter who we rely on.

Pollard (Has little experience as a true receiver and has been more of a threat out of the backfield, which is different than lining up against a No. 2 corner and having to beat them with your route-running.)

Brown (Has been nothing more than a No. 4 receiver relied on more for his blocking than his receiving.)

Fehoko (Second-year receiver who didn't show enough last year to even make the active roster for most of the season, but has performed better this preseason than anything we saw from him last year)

Tolbert (Third-round rookie who hasn't torn up the preseason to the extent to make us think he can be more than a typical rookie receiver; seems hit and miss)

Houston (Hasn't really done much in the preseason.)

Turpin (Used on jet sweeps and screens so far, so ability to get open downfield hasn't really been shown.)

Vasher (Was getting some praise in camp, but really hasn't shown anything in the preseason.)

Brandon Smith (Possibly has been our most impressive receiver in the preseason, but he's mainly been going up against third-, fourth- and fifth-stringers.)

 

[Pass2Run]

Wait............you mean more than 3 quarters with Cooper rush as QB? LOL

These people are hilarious.

Pathetic of you, because nobody cares about your pom poms.

It's an honest assessment.

Dak is indeed a bus driver.

That said, there's nothing wrong with that. It's just the type of player he is.

 

[GMO415]

Too bad KT only weighs 155 pounds. Otherwise, I'd put him in the slot with that 4.3 speed.

 

[Pass2Run]

Too bad KT only weighs 155 pounds. Otherwise, I'd put him in the slot with that 4.3 speed.

My guess is he'll be in the slot on some plays, regardless of his weight (which slightly concerns me as well).

 

[CowboyRoy]

So, Dak is a fighter pilot, yeah?

OK.

No no..........Dak is a bus driver.

Buddy, you dont even know what the term bus driver means. LOL

Basic football term.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Pathetic of you, because nobody cares about your pom poms.

It's an honest assessment.

Dak is indeed a bus driver.

That said, there's nothing wrong with that. It's just the type of player he is.

Its sad that you dont even know what a bus driver means. LOL

DEFINE BUS DRIVER: