What's the Plan on Center?

[DLCassidy]

Here's the subject of my confusion. It's all about unconfirmed rumors. So maybe things will change. But....if Bentley is headed to Philly, and Dallas is not among the teams showing interest in Mawae (NFL Insider), and Gurode is not likely to resign, what are we going to do about the center position? At the very least we'd need a viable backup to AJ and with Al's knees it better be someone who can start if needed. Plus AL is on the last year of his rookie deal. If someone had asked me a week ago if I expected him to be here in 2007 I'd have said no. Now I don't know what to think. Could we be thinking about trading down to late first and going with a Nick Mangold of OSU? Or is there another FA center we may have in mind?

 

[Doomsday101]

I think Dallas will address the tackle spot before they even think about center. I think Johnson future with this team will be determined by how he plays this coming season.

 

[DLCassidy]

I think Dallas will address the tackle spot before they even think about center. I think Johnson future with this team will be determined by how he plays this coming season.

We will address the tackle spot. But we will also address center in some way. Going into the season will AJ as our only center is not an option. I'd just like to know people's thoughts on what we will do.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I think they'll probably stick with Johnson for this year.

Parcells likes his O-Linemen to have some size to them, but he wants them somewhat mobile as well. Johnson is really the only guy that fits that.

The good news is that when Dallas ran his way last season, he was effective.....finishing 11th in ALY according to footballoutsiders.com.

The bad news is that Dallas didn't run his way very often (43%) compared to how often the rest of the league runs up the middle. So either the Cowboys weren't comfortable with Johnson's run blocking or they need to adjust their play calling.

Personally, I'd rather see something done at guard since both guards are old and they don't have much range.


Rich...........

 

[sdcowboy2]

this is off topic but how did eddie guerro die?

 

[bbgun]

The plan is for an undersized Al Johnson to come into camp and be shoved into the backfield again and again.

 

[Doomsday101]

The plan is for an undersized Al Johnson to come into camp and be shoved into the backfield again and again.

6'05" 305 is not undersized. Both KC and Pitt 2 teams considered to have very good lineman have centers smaller than Johnson.

 

[Portland Fanatic]

Personally, I'd rather see something done at guard since both guards are old and they don't have much range.

Rich...........

Bingo...I was nuetral in signing Rivera, but i'm getting more and more nervous having two aging vets in there. Neither one is very mobile...I don't think he was a good signing. I wish we went after Wahl.

I'd be all for persuing Hutchinson and releasing LA if that's what it took to land him.

Other then him...I'm not comfortable with our guard situation at all.

I bet we sign Fabini and draft an OT, but we really need to also draft a OG by the 3rd round with some promise.

 

[bbgun]

6'05" 305 is not undersized. Both KC and Pitt 2 teams considered to have very good lineman have centers smaller than Johnson.

You're confusing size with strength. Bill constantly complained that AJ wasn't strong enough. Nor does he appear to be 305 lbs.

 

[Portland Fanatic]

6'05" 305 is not undersized. Both KC and Pitt 2 teams considered to have very good lineman have centers smaller than Johnson.

I love when I hear this over and over....you're right he's bigger then most at the center position. I'm not sold on replacing him...i'd rather upgrade our LT and more mobile OG's...

I'm not convinced he's the problem....

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I'd be all for persuing Hutchinson and releasing LA if that's what it took to land him.

I think Bentley has better value since he can play both guard and center at a high value. It sure would be nice if Petermann somehow panned out.


Rich......

 

[Concord]

The plan is Tamper like Hell...And send Jerry's Plane which we can track now to find Bentley and sign him.

 

[Portland Fanatic]

I think Bentley has better value since he can play both guard and center at a high value. It sure would be nice if Petermann somehow panned out.


Rich......

Not opposed to Bentley at all...if he was really an option at LG, then draft a center next year or something...

I just know what Hutchinson can do...have not really watched Bentley enough to know his abilities compared to Steve...

 

[Woods]

I don't think BP is going to give up on AJ yet.

That said, I hope we can somehow re-sign Gurode. He can fill in at both the Center and Guard positions.

As for upgrading our Guards/OTs, one option is to get a guy like Spencer in the draft who is projected to play both Guard AND OT. Versatility is key here.

Finally, it's hard to know what we have in Peterson as he has only played in pre-season.

 

[Thick 'N Hearty]

The bad news is that Dallas didn't run his way very often (43%) compared to how often the rest of the league runs up the middle.

Which power back on the roster did you want to run up the middle? We didn't go up the middle because we didn't have anyone who could do it.

 

[burmafrd]

AJ was down to around 290 by the end of the season. He weighed in at 298 going into camp. Its not just size or strength; its technique and learning to use leverage. AJ does not seem to be able to. He is quick and moves well- but is overpowered too easily.

 

[Portland Fanatic]

I don't think BP is going to give up on AJ yet.

That said, I hope we can somehow re-sign Gurode. He can fill in at both the Center and Guard positions.

As for upgrading our Guards/OTs, one option is to get a guy like Spencer in the draft who is projected to play both Guard AND OT. Versatility is key here.

Finally, it's hard to know what we have in Peterson as he has only played in pre-season.

I agree with the philosophy...i read somewhere Spencer was not a very bright guy. Although at the combine he has been a spectacular physical speciman...have you heard that?

 

[Doomsday101]

You're confusing size with strength. Bill constantly complained that AJ wasn't strong enough. Nor does he appear to be 305 lbs.

You used the term undersized which means height and weight I just indicated he is not undersized.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

Which power back on the roster did you want to run up the middle? We didn't go up the middle because we didn't have anyone who could do it.

Yes, but perhaps that wasn't really true. Like I stated, they finished 11th in runs up the middle.

And actually, I think Barber is a gritty power back. He's not exactly Christian Okoye, but he can run up the middle effectively.


Rich............

 

[Doomsday101]

AJ was down to around 290 by the end of the season. He weighed in at 298 going into camp. Its not just size or strength; its technique and learning to use leverage. AJ does not seem to be able to. He is quick and moves well- but is overpowered too easily.

I agree technique plays a big role Stepnowski was not a big center nor was the one of the strong men on our line but he had great technique and that is something that Johnson can work on and improve on. As for his career in Dallas I think his future as a starter will be determined by how he plays this season.