What's the Cowboys answer to the Eagles

[trickblue]

I agree ..Andrews should not have been bolded. While he showed signs of greatness in 2004, he is a rookie (and he was injured last year). My bias -- I think he's going to be treacherous this year -- but we'll see.

Andrews broke his leg in training camp last year...

I saw him play several times at Arkansas and he is a great talent...

His drawbacks are some character concerns and his weight...

If the igs are smart they wrote a weight clause into his contract...

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

Personally, I like your responses. They are direct and to the point! I'll try to reciprocate...

In Dallas, the Eagles embarrassed the Cowboys. Remember that circus 14 second play? In Philly, Dallas did play the Eagles tough. I think that game is what you were talking about as far as playing tough.

Actually, I was talking about "traditionally." Inner-divisional games are usually tough between rival teams -- the stakes are so high and have a direct Impact on the NFC East outcome (in our case). Even in the "old-days" when the Cowboys were in hayday the Eagles played hard to maintain respect. Back then, even when the games meant nothing toward the end of the season, the NFC East played like demons for respect and bragging rights.

Still, the Cowboys need to be able to pressure McNabb, stop the run, and keep that offense off the field. If they do that, the Cowboys will be back atop the NFC East where they should be.

Good points, but stopping the run isn't stopping the pass game. Eagles are known as a passing team; it's only this year that we'll add another dimension by featuring a run component to the offense (e.g., Westbrook, Buckhaulter, and Moats (unproven rookie).

So we'll see.

 

[doomsday_II]

No argument, you're right! But we're not there yet and I think it's interesting to look at the talent "pre" season; also interesting to compare at the end of the season (take a chance ...go out on the limb for a rookie)!



Wait ...I know there's a connection here, but I just can't pull it together. Ok, how does being a run-based team on the offense improve your defense? Now I do realize that the longer the offense is on the field, it gives the deffense a rest. But either the talent is there or it isn't -- the way I see it, the run game has no bearing!

All I was saying that historically, a strong running game helps the defense, especially as some articles have recently said in 2003 and with Hambone running the ball with a team total average of 35 times a game, our D was outstanding. I said this alone will improve the team, but by no means the only variable which will improve the defense.

But if we want me to step out on a limb, on paper the Cowboys have more talent and by the end of the year will show it.

 

[dmq]

Actually, New England played a base 4-3 in the SB. However, I think BB out thought himself and tried to make himself look smart by pulling off his cameleon act again w/ the 4-3. I think New England should have stuck w/ the 3-4 and would have shut Philly down to maybe 10 points w/ the 3-4. Anyway, reason I think they struggle w/ the 3-4, I think McUpchuck is not an accurate QB and it is easier to disguise looks in the 3-4. All this leads to Mcnabb showing his true colors.

When we would line up against Philly in the 4-3, we were going up against a team that was just physically bigger. I am not so sure that is the case anymore.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

I wish I could return the feeling but I just can't stand Philly dating back to buddy ryan and really can't stand the fans who attend the game, the action over the years speaks for itself.

Look, there's plenty of Eagle fans that don't like the Buddy Ryan era ...

I'm not accusing you of such act but watching many Philly games over the years I don't think it is by accident that they have gotten the reputation they have.

What's the use of my trying to demonstrate that all Eagle fans aren't like you purport. Some Eagle fans are highly knowledgeable about football, and are model fans; while others are green monsters that could chew you up and spit you out. But isn't that common to most fandoms? Look, no ones on trial here, we're just talking football.

When looking at the Philly Roster I do see a lot of talent but I also think as Dallas,NY Giants and Skins continue to rebuild and improve our teams that the free ride in the NFC East the eagles have enjoyed is about over

Ok. Good luck this year. We'll compete.

 

[superonyx]

Come on... you are so blinded by your love of the eagles. Some of your highlights that should not be:

Westbrook.... 1.3 million per year... sitting out.. And less rushing yards than JJ who missed much of last season....

Fullback Richie.... since when did the eagles use the fullback as an impact position? He is not able to be a playmaker in that offense.

Recievers.... Other than Crybaby Owens your receiver corp is bad. Pinky? Greg Lewis? Come on Keyshawn and Terry Glenn have both been to Pro Bowls and are both impact players. Q Morgan has caught for about 1000 yards in a season before.... greg lewis is one drop from being in NFL europe.

Offensive Line..... look at our line. We have 3 pro bowlers out of 5 players. And you have Artis Hicks and Rookie Shawn Andrews. We win again.

Now for Defense....

D- Line.... You have Javon Kearse who had as many sacks as Greg Ellis Last year. You over paid for what he did 5 years ago in tenn. Other than that what do you have.... no simon.. burgess...no talent... Dallas has Ferguson, Glover, Ellis, And 1 st roung pick spears. Plus we now will have a mean rotation.. Advantage Dallas.

Secondary.... You have to knats that are over rated due to Jim Johnsons blitzing defense. These guys would get exposed if not for the tricks your defensive cordinator pulls with coverage and blitzs. Dawkins is good.. but on the downside of his career. He had a nagging injury last year. Roy is young and changing back to his natural position. Plus he was emerging start T newman and Anthony Henry(owens killer) with glenn in the nickel (to cover the much feared Greg Lewis or Picky)

 

[notherbob]

It's way too early for this conversation, let's wait until we've had a chance to at least see some of the new guys in action. On paper, the Boys are definitely an improved team, but with Andrews this year, so are the Eagles (providing Andrews is no Tony Mandarich). Are there cracks appearing in the Eagles' foundation? This year will tell a lot. How long will it take for so many new guys on the Boys to get in sync? Wii Simon be there? Will McDougle be able to do anything this year? Will McNabb start wearing an abdominal truss this year? Will disgruntled gay Philly fans, angered by TO's remarks about his former QB, set upon him and pluck out his eyebrows? Of course, this experience will bring out the gayness TO has always felt, but suppressed, and it turns out he simply didn't know how to ask Garcia for a date.

Much remains to be seen; it's way too early.

 

[Doomsday101]

Look, there's plenty of Eagle fans that don't like the Buddy Ryan era ...



What's the use of my trying to demonstrate that all Eagle fans aren't like you purport. Some Eagle fans are highly knowledgeable about football, and are model fans; while others are green monsters that could chew you up and spit you out. But isn't that common to most fandoms? Look, no ones on trial here, we're just talking football.




Ok. Good luck this year. We'll compete.

Only giving you the reason why I don't like the eagles which is why I not going to be a hypocrite and wish the eagles luck only luck I want to see the eagles have is all bad.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

It is foolish. (I am not singling you out here - go roll your eyes somewhere else). It's just a disdain I have for the player-by-player comparison that is so frequently done. This comparison makes a lot more sense in a game like basketball, where guards are matched with guards, centers with centers, etc. on the court. Drew Bledsoe is never on the field at the same time as McNabb, so why compare the two.

I take difference in your outlook of what was initially asked. I not trying to compare postion for position, or offense agaisnt offense. Au contray ...
when I asked for your answer I meant the counter to the position identified ...

for example:

The Eagle's answer Bledsoe is DE -- Kearse, Douglas, or McDougle (once his wounds heal); or one of several blitz packages.

McNabb versus Bledsoe is not an issue. You missed the point here. But listen, I feel tension, so I'll back out of dialogue with you if you prefer.

BTW, the rolling eyes smiley face was meant to lighten up the essence of the post; certainly not to intimidate you, or aimed at you. My sense is that you do not intend to have dialogue on this issue.

I respect that choice.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

I agree with what many have said, that while Dallas may not be able to individually match the Eagles player for player, we are still talking about a team sport and the talent level is getting closer.

Remember that in the past 4 games, Dallas won one and should have won the second game last year. You can make excuses for that, but the fact remains that Dallas could easily have split with you guys in the past two years.

The difference has been McNabb. In the two games that Dallas won and was close, Dallas put a ton of pressure on McNabb. In the games that we did not harass him, the Eagles won going away.

I think our defensive scheme is one what will give McNabb more trouble, and I think the athleticism that we have gained with Ware, Burnett, Henry and some others will give us more guys on the field that can get after McNabb.

The other thing the Iggles have to worry about right now is dissension. There appears to be a lot of off field issues going around. While they might be able to get back to football once the season starts, it can't be a healthy atmosphere with holdouts, players getting shot, and star players arguing back and forth. I am sure that Westbrook will eventually show up, and Simon too, but the Eagle running game is very fragile. Westbrook, Buckhalter and Moats have all struggled with injuries. Having a legitimate threat in the run game makes McNabb that much better. Without that, there is much more pressure put on a passing game with only one legitimate threat.

I can concede that going into the season, there are legitimate reasons to call the Eagles favorites. And I really hope that our team flies under the radar early on. Because I think we are going to surprise some folks.

Good luck.

 

[Hoov]

Im just wondering why andrews is immediately considered an upgrade or improvement over mayberry, i thought mayberry was fairly solid at his position. But it seems a lot of people think andrews is gonna be great, though we havent seen anything yet and it seems that OLineman tend to need a year or more experience before really coming into their own. That is one player im watching closely when the eagles start preseason games, to get an idea of how the line will perform.

 

[cwbyfan72]

I've had enough of this guy already, and we're what, 4 days into camp? Point of the matter is, all of your players are ???? until they do it again this year, as well as ours. We know some will contribute at a higher level, but we have no real knowledge of this. So, I say take your little lists, put them back in your "football" notebook, and have fun watching your team participate in camp. Thats what we're trying to do over hear. Or, is the soap opera in Philly starting to get to you? Hopefully it gets to your team as well. As you may have good intentions as a "fan", most of us can not STAND the Iggs. Have a good season.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

New England and Pittsburge
and Baltimore.Last year they gave you fits
with the 3-4. You scored 15 points in a
win over Baltimore. 3 pts in a loss to
pittsburge. 4 sacks on McNabb. 21 in a
loss to NE in the Super bowl. 3 ints 4 sacks
and battered the whole game to the point
of vomiting.

Granted, they are 3 of the best d's in the
league, but they are 3-4s.

It just makes sense with a guy as athletic
as McNabb, that if you swap out a big, fat,
slow DT for a LB, it will be a better matchup

Well I asked for it and you gave it to me! Yeah, I kink of see the where you're coming from. But dayam, you said it ...these were the best defenses in the NFL! The 3-4 is not automatically effective just because a team uses it -- come on now! The 3-4 on one team may Not be as effectively applied by a different team.

Otherwise, we might as well just have the last two teams that played the Superbowl claim their respective divisions/conferences and wait for January to replay. SO, I still don't quite buy your reasoning.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

Andrews broke his leg in training camp last year...
I saw him play several times at Arkansas and he is a great talent...
His drawbacks are some character concerns and his weight...

If the igs are smart they wrote a weight clause into his contract
Didn't know that TB. That probably explains why he was injured so early last year. We'll just have to wait and see.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

Understand.

 

[kmd24]

The Eagle's answer Bledsoe is DE -- Kearse, Douglas, or McDougle (once his wounds heal); or one of several blitz packages.

Even this is a shallow way to look at the matchup. Far more important is the individual matchup of, for example, Kearse and Adams. Still, this pales in comparison to considering the overall scheme for getting pressure on Bledsoe, which would necessarily include blitz packages and Dallas's scheme to pick up the blitz.

McNabb versus Bledsoe is not an issue. You missed the point here. But listen, I feel tension, so I'll back out of dialogue with you if you prefer.

If I missed the point, it is because you posed a rather incomplete question. If indeed it was your intention to compare offensive/defensive matchups, it would be one of the rare times that occurs on a messageboard in this McFootball era that the media has created.

There is no tension on my part. My writing style may be a bit terse and argumentative, but it's nothing personal.

BTW, the rolling eyes smiley face was meant to lighten up the essence of the post; certainly not to intimidate you, or aimed at you.

This rings false, particularly since you suggested that I may not know enough to answer your question.

But if you are sincere, might I suggest you use a simple smile next time? Where I come from, when a person rolls his eyes, it is considered dismissive and condescending, and I cannot stand either of those attitudes in a discussion. Just a pet peeve of mine.

My sense is that you do not intend to have dialogue on this issue.

I respect that choice.

On the contrary, I have offered what I believe are some salient points, although couched in a different perspective than your OP. Perhaps you would like to address the heart of what I said as opposed to the peripheral comments in my post?

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

Actually, New England played a base 4-3 in the SB. However, I think BB out thought himself and tried to make himself look smart by pulling off his cameleon act again w/ the 4-3. I think New England should have stuck w/ the 3-4 and would have shut Philly down to maybe 10 points w/ the 3-4. Anyway, reason I think they struggle w/ the 3-4, I think McUpchuck is not an accurate QB and it is easier to disguise looks in the 3-4. All this leads to Mcnabb showing his true colors.

Thanks DMG for the clarification.

When we would line up against Philly in the 4-3, we were going up against a team that was just physically bigger. I am not so sure that is the case anymore

Bigger, perhaps ...more experience definitely. Remember, the last team we played was the Superbowl champs (current dynasty). We've learned a lot of what not to do offensively. And I believe McNice Guy will do a lot more scrambling this year -- he's reported in as small frame this year. That's no accident.

BTW, I'm personally going to recommend some "no upchuck" medicine before this year's superbowl game.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

=superonyx]Westbrook.... 1.3 million per year... sitting out.. And less rushing yards than JJ who missed much of last season....

Fullback Richie.... since when did the eagles use the fullback as an impact position? He is not able to be a playmaker in that offense.

Recievers.... Other than Crybaby Owens your receiver corp is bad. Pinky? Greg Lewis? Come on Keyshawn and Terry Glenn have both been to Pro Bowls and are both impact players. Q Morgan has caught for about 1000 yards in a season before.... greg lewis is one drop from being in NFL europe.

Offensive Line..... look at our line. We have 3 pro bowlers out of 5 players. And you have Artis Hicks and Rookie Shawn Andrews. We win again

Those aren't shabby points you're making. No contest huh!?

Now for Defense....

D- Line.... You have Javon Kearse who had as many sacks as Greg Ellis Last year. You over paid for what he did 5 years ago in tenn. Other than that what do you have.... no simon.. burgess...no talent... Dallas has Ferguson, Glover, Ellis, And 1 st roung pick spears. Plus we now will have a mean rotation.. Advantage Dallas.

Secondary.... You have to knats that are over rated due to Jim Johnsons blitzing defense. These guys would get exposed if not for the tricks your defensive cordinator pulls with coverage and blitzs. Dawkins is good.. but on the downside of his career. He had a nagging injury last year. Roy is young and changing back to his natural position. Plus he was emerging start T newman and Anthony Henry(owens killer) with glenn in the nickel (to cover the much feared Greg Lewis or Picky

You actually win the comprehension award for this Post. While I don't agree with what you're saying, you hit the essence of what I was looking for when I asKed for the "answer." Especially in your "defensive" perspective.

Good luck this season (just not against the Eagles).

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

It's way too early for this conversation, let's wait until we've had a chance to at least see some of the new guys in action. On paper, the Boys are definitely an improved team, but with Andrews this year, so are the Eagles (providing Andrews is no Tony Mandarich). Are there cracks appearing in the Eagles' foundation? This year will tell a lot. How long will it take for so many new guys on the Boys to get in sync? Wii Simon be there? Will McDougle be able to do anything this year? Will McNabb start wearing an abdominal truss this year? Will disgruntled gay Philly fans, angered by TO's remarks about his former QB, set upon him and pluck out his eyebrows? Of course, this experience will bring out the gayness TO has always felt, but suppressed, and it turns out he simply didn't know how to ask Garcia for a date.

Much remains to be seen; it's way too early.

That's much too cold of a response NTB!

 

[1fisher]

I cannot believe I read this whole thread... :bang2:

It's obvious.....Phoenix thinks his team is superior to the cowboys..why argue? he's not going to budge......

.......it's also obvious that we think the Cowboys are an improved team and could possibly split or take two with the eagles....everyone knows there's tension in eagle land and that could very well hurt the team....let this thread die!