Who do you think it is?

[Ben_n_austin]

You know how it goes. It seems that there is always a new player who was pegged an "underdog" that gets your attention at the begining of the season.

In the past it has been players like Tony Romo, Patrick Crayton, Terry Glenn to name just a few of the so-called "nice surprises" who have risen above the occasion of their expectations.

What do you think?

Who is this year's Larry Allen?

It can be any new addition to the team, but obviously if you say something like "Roy Williams" and then go on to support it with your logic as to why, then you've gotten off track.

 

[gazmc_06]

I think Stanbeck has the possibility to shock a few people, nobody expects anything from him so even if he gets some plays this year and does alright it will be a nice suprise.

 

[Cajuncowboy]

If you are referring to ANYONE on the roster and not just rookies I would go with Sam Hurd. I think he could have an outstanding year if given the opportunity and I think with the way Garrett like to go vertical we may se more 4 WR sets.

As for the rookies I have my heart set on Courtney Brown surprising folks. Can't really tell ya why other than the guy just looks like he's got "PLAYER" written all over him.

 

[Big Dakota]

Chris Canty will thrive in this scheme.

 

[Ben_n_austin]

If you are referring to ANYONE on the roster and not just rookies I would go with Sam Hurd. I think he could have an outstanding year if given the opportunity and I think with the way Garrett like to go vertical we may se more 4 WR sets.

Funny you say that, when created this thread I had Miles Austin and Sam Hurd in Mind (as I imagined one of our starters getting hurt early).

As for the rookies I have my heart set on Courtney Brown surprising folks. Can't really tell ya why other than the guy just looks like he's got "PLAYER" written all over him.

I've had that feeling before.

 

[Ben_n_austin]

But as far as this thead goes, I have Jason Hatcher as a close favorite. I think Wade's style of defense will suit his athletisism well.

I know I'm not taking a HUGE stretch here, folks. But it seems that we really don't expect much from a 3rd rounder until the 3rd year. Anything before thatis just gravy on the biscuit.

 

[CF74]

JJ breaks 1500 yds and Spears gets 10 sacks..

 

[trickblue]

Jackie Battle and Courtney Brown...

 

[Hostile]

Courtney Brown.

I feel like once he adapts to the NFL game he will be a starter in this league.

 

[Future]

I think Pat Watkins (and I thought it last year) will have a big year, especially if Wade can bring pressure. If he has matured in the offseason, I think he can be a big-time ballhawking FS.

I also like Carpenter if he gets a chance to start. The guy is an athlete, and think he can do a great job in the middle.

 

[sago1]

I believe your right that Watkins will step it up this year. While he looked really good in preseason, it become obvious rather quickly he wasn't ready to start. He couldn't handle FS responsibility of calling defensive plays, wasn't physically developed enough & was timid in not taking the opportunity to make the big plays although many times he was in position to do so.

He should be a lot different player this year. He's participating in our off season weight conditioning program & he's the kind of player who should really benefit from this. While he probably disappointed Cowboys signed Hamlin to start at FS, he's also smart enough to know he could really benefit from watching Hamlin. I also read that Cowboys very pleased with Hamlin's offseason dedication to learning our defensive system, etc.

Having an experienced vet starting in front of Watkins will only help Watkins really hone his skills/style of play & mentally prepare him to do his job; it was obvious Watkins has all the physical tools needed to become a quality FS. I can't wait til next week when the OTA workouts begin & we can get feedback about whose doing what & how well, etc. over the next several weeks--if the media is doing its job covering the Cowboys.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

DeMarcus Ware.....

 

[superpunk]

I think at this point, we've all pretty much dropped our expectations for Kevin Burnett to rock bottom. But he's one of our most athletic LBs, and Wade's system should give him a chance to showcase that. He's big, and fast - I think we'll start to see why we drafted him this year. Wade (from what I've heard) does really like to rotate his defensive personnel, unlike Parcells who just payed lip service to the idea.

So Burnett will see time - it's his turn to do something productive with it.

 

[adamknite]

Deon Anderson FB. If he can catch onto the offence and adjust to the pro game I think he'll be a great addition to this team.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Chris Canty will thrive in this scheme.

I like Canty too, but I think it's Spears thats really going to shine this season. Spears is a beast that just didn't mix in a two gap defense. I think it eliminated his abilities. In a two gap, you have to read then react. In a pressure defense, initial quickness is key. If you have to read before you can react, initial quickness means nothing.

With the guys we have, (Ware, Canty, Ferguson, Spears, Spencer) I think it's going to be like a dam breaking everytime the Cowboys release the dogs. (rushing 5+)

 

[YosemiteSam]

Courtney Brown.

I feel like once he adapts to the NFL game he will be a starter in this league.

I think he will be Henry's replacement. I just don't expect it to happen this season, maybe not even the start of next season. (Unless Henry goes down)

 

[Doomsday101]

I like Canty too, but I think it's Spears thats really going to shine this season. Spears is a beast that just didn't mix in a two gap defense. I think it eliminated his abilities. In a two gap, you have to read then react. In a pressure defense, initial quickness is key. If you have to read before you can react, initial quickness means nothing.

With the guys we have, (Ware, Canty, Ferguson, Spears, Spencer) I think it's going to be like a dam breaking everytime the Cowboys release the dogs. (rushing 5+)

It seems to me then are guys are not good football players they are system players. Football players make plays regardless of the system they are in, granted they may do much better in one system over another but they don't vanish from sight.

 

[YosemiteSam]

It seems to me then are guys are not good football players they are system players. Football players make plays regardless of the system they are in, granted they may do much better in one system over another but they don't vanish from sight.

This is not true! Not all players are universally talented and can fit in every role. (Or if you watch the NBA they arn't Kevin Garnett/Kobe/LeBron James/Magic Johnson type players.)

Power running backs, don't work so well if they are playing in a finesse offense. (Like a West Coast Offense) If you put five 320lbs offensive lineman with a 230lbs power back with a fullback, they are going to steam roll a lot of defenses. The Cowboys of the early nineties had more speed on defense than power. They would swarm on defense and team tackle the bigger runningbacks. (except Ken Norton Jr. who was big, fast, and strong)

 

[Doomsday101]

This is not true! Not all players are universally talented and can fit in every role. (Or if you watch the NBA they arn't Kevin Garnett/Kobe/LeBron James/Magic Johnson type players.)

Power running backs, don't work so well if they are playing in a finesse offense. (Like a West Coast Offense) If you put five 320lbs offensive lineman with a 230lbs power back with a fullback, they are going to steam roll a lot of defenses. The Cowboys of the early nineties had more speed on defense than power. They would swarm on defense and team tackle the bigger runningbacks. (except Ken Norton Jr. who was big, fast, and strong)

It is true, good player find a way to produce. I agree a system can be a bigger benifet to a player but if your talented you don't vanish and become a non factor. Are you telling me Spears is only capable of playing in 1 system and outside of that he can't do jack?