Safety Update
Posted: May 23, 2005 @ 12:57 am
Dallas will likely have more veteran options to contemplate when June 1st rolls around. The Sporting News is reporting that Pittsburgh Steelers FS Mike Logan will likely be cut next week. Logan’s play has been described as “athletic but not heady” which does not sound like a good fit for the quarterback of a Bill Parcells secondary. The fact that Logan lost his starting job last year could also factor in the Cowboys’ thinking should Logan actually hit the market.
A more tantalizing option would be Vikings SS Corey Chavous. The former Vanderbilt standout is avoiding offseason workouts with Minnesota because of a contract dispute. The fact that he’s in the last year of his contract, and that Minnesota has a young SS they like in Willie Offord could make Chavous expendable.
Why might the Cowboys covet a strong safety, when Roy Williams is on the roster? Consider Chavous’ profile in Pro Football Weekly’s 2004 preview, which rated him the seventh best safely in the league.
Cerebral defensive back and student of the game made smooth transition from cornerback to strong safety but is still out of position. Chavous would be a superstar at free safety, but Minnesota didn’t move him to the FS spot due to Brian Russell’s production at that position.
I have found mention of a chronic knee problem, but Chavous has missed only three games in his seven-year career. Minnesota spent a small fortune signing Darren Sharper to play FS, so Chavous won’t be moving there soon — at least not in a Vikings uniform.
Update: Former Falcons FS Corey Hall, whom the Cowboys worked out last week, signed today with the Washington Redskins.
Comments
120 Responses to “Safety Update”
If Chavous becomes available, at the right price, I think we should look at him, whether the Hunter rumors are true or not. If we have a chance to get a safety rated that high, (and we do need one) then picking him up gives us a chance to solidify the one defensive position we have that has not been addressed. Getting a guy like that could put the finish on one nasty defensive unit.
Not that I’m going out on a limb here but I’m sure there are still a few veteran players that Dallas will be signing prior to the start of the season.
There’s sure to be a player or two from the DB ranks that are available in the next few weeks. Either a FS or a corner that has the size to play FS.
I still see WR and RT as potential pick up areas should the right guy and right price care to meet.
Always remember Parcells moto. You don’t just have to be the best player on the team at your position. You have to be the best player from all the players available as well.
Let’s get this party started.
I’m all for the Cowboys picking up Chavous if he becomes available. He would be better than anyone else we have on the roster at the FS spot and he is a high character guy.
I just don’t see it happening. The cowboys are looking for a deal, Chavous will not be a June 1 cap casualty. This kind of deal would probably cost draft picks and I just don’t think the Cowboys are wanting to deal draft picks. If I had a team and I had Bill picking my draft picks I wouldn’t want to give up my draft picks. I look for them possibly picking up good talent for low cost.
Hello, I’ve been reading this blog for awhile and decided I would take the opportunity to post before all the fun starts this season. Extremely enjoyable to read from people that understand what they are saying and are able to have friendly disputes/conversations. Hard to find on this ol’ internet.
On topic: I think anyone back their with ball hawk abilities would do great. Idealy he would never have to make a play on a run, just have a good head on his shoulders to read the QB. On passing downs they will probably have two LB’s stay back on coverage to help also while blitzing two more. A solid veteran would be nice but with reading all the offseason moves we made I don’t want to see us get into contract problems if J.J. Witten and/or Roy have breakout years again and decide they want paid more. Maybe I’m just still haunted by the cap problems we have just resently gotten over.
Rican,
Welcome aboard. Always nice to hear from fellow fans. I don’t think we’re going to have too many contract problems with our stars. JJ knows their value and I don’t see him letting them go. Dallas has been smarter this time around, structuring contracts that will allow them to have money in the future. We’ve been strangled by the cap before, and I don’t think Jerry wants to go back to those days.
Will Chavous be willing to play FS? if so FS is the first priority, well before WR and OT. We need a good safety wheter we get him as a FA or he’s already on the team we need to step up FS rpoduction.
Chavous would be solid, this guy can cover and would be a perfect FS. Back in Arizona he played CB for years, and was solid at that position as well. I think it would be another vet to give us more depth at that position.
Also, I would love to see us take a look at R.W. Mcquarters if he’s available sounds like he’d get released as well, and has moved to FS at chicago. He would also give us a solid special teams return man.
oops wanted to add a little more,
I don’t want us to over pay for an older guy that is constantly injured “shulters” if we couldn’t get chavous for a decent deal assuming he gets cut I would be more than happy going into camp with what we currently have. I don’t think we need a superstar for FS, just someone who won’t give up big plays “lynn scott” keith davis could do alright but I think he might not have the Defense down as well as scott and thus would probably bite to often on playfakes and give up some plays, on the flip side he my cause more fumbles and such than scott. at any rate we look ok from where I’m at..
I agree with Dan, we don’t need a superstar back there all we need is someone that won’t cost us the game. However on the Davis comment i disagree. I think he will step in on not be fooled that often. He has shown alot of skills as a special teams player and teh praises he’s been receiving from BP only leads me to think that he has made great strides adn will be a serious contender. And lets not forget when asked, Woodson said his replacement this year would be DAvis or Hunter, and if hunter does not want to change to FS he will leave the door open for Davis.
I thought Chavous was a FS. He’s a little light in the pants to be a SS. He played CB at AZ. This guy knows the in and outs of every team in the league. Supposedly a film watching junkie and very articulate.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be on the verge of losing yet another player to the Seattle Seahawks.
Seattle, which recently signed free agent wide receiver Joe Jurevicius and free agent nose tackle Chartric Darby, is believed to be closing in on an agreement with free agent safety John Howell. The four- year veteran played in all 16 games in 2004, starting six, and could sign with the Seahawks as early as this week.
anybody know anything about Howell? I think he was a SS but could be wrong, just wondering if there would be any possible fit for us here although it sounds like he’ll sign with seattle and we would’ve already had considered this, my guess…
Corey Chavous
Height 6-1
Weight 205lbs
YEAR TEAM Gms TT T Ast S Int TD Pass Defl FF
1998 Arizona Cardinals 16 28 22 6 0 2 0 6 0
1999 Arizona Cardinals 15 39 29 10 0 1 0 4 1
2000 Arizona Cardinals 16 48 42 6 0 1 0 2 0
2001 Arizona Cardinals 14 73 61 12 0 1 0 7 0
2002 Minnesota Vikings 16 83 66 17 1 3 1 2 0
2003 Minnesota Vikings 16 86 75 11 0 8 1 6 0
2004 Minnesota Vikings 16 80 59 21 0 1 0 5 1
TOTAL 109 437 354 83 1 17 2 32 2
TT= total tackles
T= tackles
Ast= assisted tackles
S= sacks
Int= interceptions
TD= defensive TD’s
FF= forced fumbles
Chavous didn’t start playing SS until he got to the Vikings. Which just so happens to be when he started getting more Interceptions. He would be a great addition to our Defense but I just feel that Keith “the killer” Davis will end up showing BP that he was right by giving him a shot at FS ,because he will be our playmaker at FS. Let the guy get his shot at FS. If we sign a guy like Chavous then that will just tell Davis how much faith BP really had in him. I also say that Pete Hunter is dumb for not being a team player and moving to FS because he would be a great FS and could even improve his stock when he becomes a free agent.
sorry about the stats. they looked better when I typed them out.
When you say “more interceptions” what are you referring to? I see one in your stats posted.
Usually a team that only wins 6 games does not have very many cap problmes. Unless you are the Washington Redskins.
I do not think Witten, JJ, and Roy are going to be lost to cap difficulties. Roy is settled in Dallas and makes money on and off the field…..as well as having a honey money wife. He wants to win Championships and he wants to do it in Dallas for Coach Parcells.
One of the great things about Parcells is the loyalty he gets from his players. A Glenn, T Glenn, Ferguson, Keyshawn, Bledsoe, Adrian Murrel, Richie Anderson, and probably a few others I cannot recall all coming to play for Parcells in Dallas. If Parcells was in another city, these players might be too.
The one guy on the roster who could be a cap problem would be Drew Henson if he developed into a Pro Bowl QB, and what a great problem to have that would be. Again this is a great long term contract by Bill and Jerry to bring Drew along slowly. JJ and BP are turning into a formidable force in Dallas. Let us win a Super Bowl before our Players start asking for more money……..and with Parcells he will decide hey you can let that guy go or if he needs him to stay.
The best example is Jason Ferguson, who the Dallas Cowboys signed and the Jets had a similar offer on the table, but Fergie came home to play for Coach Parcells.
Jon,
Drew Henson as a Pro-Bowler? Wow. That would be a great problem to have. I don’t see it happening because 1. Parcells won’t even put him out on the field, (Not saying he can’t do it, but you have to get out there to make the Pro-Bowl), and 2. If by some odd circumstance, he ever did become a player of that caliber, other cuts would be made before Parcells would let a guy like that get away, besides, Jerry Jones would kill him if he tried to let Henson go under those circumstances. Remember, Jones is still anxious to see this kid do well. If it happens, we’ll keep him around.
Don S
When I said more Interceptions I meant because he had only 1 INT as a CB when he played for the Cardinals and when he went to the Vikings he had 3 his first year as a SS and 8 the next. He did only have 1 this past year but that could be because the defense never generated any sacks last year or any pressure on the QB. Whis is also another reason to stay put with what we have a FS. With the amount of pressure that we should have on the QB the FS is there to be a Centerfielder. He doesn’t have to be the best cover guy just has to be rangy and have good instincts. Which is something that has been said about Keith Davis. I have read many posts and articles about our FS dilema and the one thing that people keep mentioning that is a negative towards Davis is that he has only been a special teams player and that he has no experience playing SS much less FS in the 3 years that he has been in. Well how could a guy be playing much when we had the tandem of Woodson and Williams. I don’t think many SS or FS in the league would have had much playing time with them as our starters. I think we could save money and find our hidden gem from within our organization.
Speaking of cap difficulty, we have 3 superstar contracts in our 4 man secondary already (Newman, Williams, & Henry).
I don’t think we should add a fourth and have 20-25% of our $ in one spot.
I would MUCH rather see Davis, Scott, or Hunter step up. At least one guy in our secondary has to produce and be cap friendly.
I get sick of hearing everyone talk about throwing Drew Henson in there. If parcells can’t judge when he’ll be ready then who? I think Bledsoe will be solid, and give Henson more time to adjust. Henson will be solid in time but I agree with BP throwing him in there and dropping everyones morale by taking whippings isnt’ the way to go…
It seems as though we get very excited about all free agent possibilities. D Howard, Corey Hall, Chavous. We may be moving a bit fast. If Chavous is released, it will be because he wants more $ than the vikes are willing to pay. He will probably want a big payday. I’m not against paying for value, but can we get production elsewhere. In this day and age, you can’t have a super-star at every position. I like the idea of using a player on staff. Now, if there are no reasonable players in Dallas already, I would like to see us get a serviceable FS and then pick up a RT as well. This would give us 2 needs addressed without being Daniel Snyder. Of course, It would be great to get a stud at both positions.
If you get so sick of hearing it, you are probably on the wrong blog. I am certainly not the only one who wants to see it. As I have said repeatedly, I am not looking to start the guy right now. I’m just looking to see the guy get a few mop up appearances. I just don’t see what’s so wrong about that. You’re paying the guy in the millions. He can take a snap or two. I thought Parcells blew some opportunities last year. I still think he did.
I’m certainly not going to apologize for having the opinion I have. If it causes you such pain, this isn’t the place for you. I’m also not about to get into a pissing contest over what I and many others believe.
Rob,
My point was Henson is under a long term contract. If he actually performed well he would require more than the Janitors Pay we are currently paying him to hopefully play some MOP UP duty behind Bledsoe this year and develop.
Henson was shagging flies for the Yankees. He only started his Junior Year at Michigan. Had so much promise at Michigan he was getting time as a freshman and sophomore while Tom Brady was on the team.
I do not see any reason to rush this kid. Let him develop. But in 2006 if he was the starter and was good……….he is the one guy that needs to have a contract renegotiated IF he produced.
Parcells will play the best player to get a W on Sunday. When that was Jeff Hostetler over the veteran Phil Simms a Super Bowl MVP Veteran…….Hostetler got the starts and won a Super Bowl himself. Drew Bledsoe can still chuck it, if it was Troy Aikman and not Bledsoe would you be content to let Aikman air it out? Go look at Bledsoe stats vs Aikman you might be surprised.
The last time I checked we drafted a FS and my understanding is he may be a diamond in the ruff.
Why are we not talking about him and his potential??
Chadd I certainly agree with you. I am all for letting the FS come from within the team. I feel Davis will be just fine at FS and if he doesn’t then Berriault can get his chance as well. I think this guy will end up being our FS at least by next year if not by this year. He would have to show BP that he’s ready. Alot of people feel that Berriault should be a SS but there is no reason to believe that he can’t be a FS because he’s a big hitter like Roy. That would just mean that other teams WR are not going to want to catch any balls being thrown down the middle of the field because they will get their heads knocked off. I think Davis will end up beating out all the other Safeties that go into training camp but once pre-seasom begins that Berriault will win the FS position then or Hunter might start to realize what an opportunity this could be for him if he switched to FS. That’s just my take on it.
Hey I’d love for Beriault to step in and be the man, I know this guy has potential and he’s had limited opportunities in college to develop in coverage. he can taclke thats for sure, sounds like he’s got a good head on his shoulders as well. 6′3″ 205 when at his playing weight, decent speed I would think he can cover enough to play FS, I hope he is the guy, I’m sure well know more once camp rolls around….
Chad we drafted a SS…..not FS and guys as far as Henson goes…he’ll have to beat out Romo first……..
Mcquarters is officially released, I know he was playing FS for the Bears a bit, whats everyones take on him? He’s a good special teams player as well returning punts and kicks, do you think we’ll look into him at all?
Hunter, Beirault, Davis, Scott……….not to mention a possible FA after June 1st……..if Frazier, Reeves or some of our other cbs step up maybe even consider Newman or Henry at FS on passing situations……..Bill will figure it out.
The thing that makes me happy is Henry and Aaron Glenn to cover and play the Corner and Slot…….however that works out with Glenn, Henry and Newman. Newman said on the Cowboys site that their was no veterans at CB last year. He was right. A rookie Committee……….Hunter who was never a starter until last year…….and then later Frazier……another Rookie……a veteran in the locker room to take a kid who is struggling under his wing………even if he is saying the same thing the coach or even the player himself already knows……..can carry a lot of weight……….that is why Bill has chased down Veterans at every position……..to lead on the field and in the locker room……..
Bledsoe, Rivera, Ferguson, Aaron Glenn……..these guys are going to be examples to their teammates. They all know what Parcells expects and are going to compete hard to keep their positions and contribute on Sunday. The rookies learn right away……….sometimes while Bringing Parcells his cup of fresh crystal clear Water………that you gotta prove yourself on the field.
Good post Jon…..thanks
chavous would be an excellent pick up, i personally would love it. hes prolly one of the smartest players there is in the nfl. he works for nfl network and studies tape like no other. i would personally love this addition.
Jon,
We both agree that Henson should be brought along slowly. You and I disagree as to how that should be done, and that’s cool. I don’t necessarily think Henson’s money is Janitor’s Pay. I’d clean up Texas stadium for what he’s making.
I’m glad we’ve got Bledsoe to give Henson and Romo another season of learning the NFL game. My main point is this: If you plan to look to this guy for the future, there were many opportunities to look at this guy to see if he had something. No one knows any more about him than we did when he was drafted. Okay, maybe Parcells know something we don’t, but he isn’t saying anything. At some point, you’ve got to let the guy show you whether he can cut it or not. If not, get rid of him. I’m not married to the idea of Henson being the guy. I think he has the potential, and that potential should be cultivated, SLOWLY, but in a game or two.
Okay, we’re clear on where we stand with respect to Henson, so I’ll shut up about him now.
I am very happy as well to see some veterans in the defensive backfield. I think we’re really going to need some dogs back there until the new guys get it figured out. Make no mistake, that ain’t gonna happen when we play San Diego. If we’re lucky, we should really see something by the fourth ot fifth game.
Believe it or not, I couldn’t care less who plays FS, as long as the guy can play well enough to keep us out of trouble. I guess I would be more comfortable with a proven guy like Chavous, but if Davis, Beriault, Hunter, or whoever you want is back there getting it done, then he is the guy. It could be the Easter Bunny for all I care, just as long as he’s getting the job done.
Would love to see Chavous picked up. If we can afford him, i.e., his contract won’t cause cap problems this year or the next two or so down the road. As Rican said we will have stars to resign in a couple years. As far as henson goes, I agree that while he may not be ready to start, FOR SURE this year must see him get some real game playing time so that we can can determine whether or not he’s our guy or we need to find someone else. Who knows the other guy may already be here (Romo), get both of them real game snaps every possible chance. (Without sacrificing a W of course)
Agreed.
Rob,
I think there were opportunities to play Henson last year that were not utilized. Perhaps because he was not ready. Perhaps it was Bill Parcells way of telling Jerry Jones, “I am the Coach, and I decide who plays on Sunday.”
In reality only Bill knows. However, someone else did make the point that we did get to evaluate Julius Jones, Cooper and Crayton. We saw the breakout year of Witten that Parcells had hinted at, and we saw our old WRs finish the year on DL.
I agree Henson has all the potential, Romo too has potential, and we will not know until they are on the field. However, with the relatively low salary Henson is making, is there any rush to play him. When and If he surpasses Drew Bledsoe…….He PLays………..check the roster he and Romo are the only QBs on it. Only three QBs on the roster, my guess is at some point Henson or Romo or both are going to see some playing time. It is rare these days a QB goes all 16 with every snap……unless your name is Favre……….the better the team around a young QB the better the running game and defense……….the better the QB regardless of his name. Ben Rothlesberger proved that last year, he goes to NYG they do not win 15 ballgames…….he arrrived at a pretty darn good football team.
I agree sitting on the sidelines is not giving us insight into Henson’s Future in the NFL…………but then neither would feeding him to the lions………..let Bill work with Romo and Henson. He has a history with QBs and LBs. He will find his man.
I like our QB’s……..with Bledsoe,Romo and Henson…..there is hope
interesting article on Cowboys site about Bledsoe and McBriar caddying for Romo in the US OPEN qualifier.
Looks like some QB bonding on the LINKS. Hope Romo doesn’t get so good at Golf that he hangs up his cleats for spikes……..not yet anyway. Let’s at least see if he can chuck the pigskin for another year or two.
Jon,
You are rediculous to think that Henry or Newman, regardless of down would ever play saftey.
Dan:
McQuarters measures at 5-10, usually a FS needs to be taller to look at the early motions of a QB and guess where the ball is going. And he isn’t the best tackler you could find.
If height isn’t a priority, before seeing McQuarters auditioning for a FS in a team with a star, I would love to see Frazier at that. He’s got decent cover skills, he’s a solid tackler and has some ball skills.
But in my mind, the sollution to the FS spot doesn’t come from a FA signing (be it Schulters, Hall, Chavous, Logan or whoever else), it comes from within, with a rotation of Davis and Scott. Scott would bring the reliable player, the one that can tackle, doesn’t make huge mistakes and is a decent in coverage. And Davis, being a great tackler with a keen eye for the ball, which at times could lead to a mistake and a long gain for the opposite team, but at the same time could lead to some Ints. A good mixing in this rotation could bring us a Chavous, a Schulter or a Logan, in the form of 2 players with a lesser cap hit.
Beriault? I see him as the backup of Roy, he’s too unprepared in the ropes of a cover safety, a year of coaching, even of a great one, won’t be enough.
Hi, new to the blog, Cowboys fan since watching the comeback vs. 49ers in playoffs in 72 or whatever….. Listen, in my mind the free safety, although today’s thread, is overall fairly unimportant. In my mind, with this year’s draft, our defense will be what it will be regardless of free safety-we’ll probably be solid on defense, although not dominating. That may come in a few years, but let’s see if these guys live up to their potential-and avoid injury!
What I’m really worried about that seems to be put off is a real weakness at wide receiver. We’re too old and too young at the same time. What are the chances of both Glenn and Keyshon not getting hurt? And these young guys like Crayton (Clayton?) suddenly developing? I’m afraid teams are going to load the line to stop Julius and pressure Bledsoe, and we’d better have some receivers who can separate…….. So, all that means is that I’d rather see us leave free safety up for grabs at camp, and focus on the off. line and receiver
Must be nice to have Bledsoe as your Caddie. Bledsoe is pretty impressed with Romo’s game. He may have a second career when he’s finally done slinging footballs.
I trust BPs judgement on our QB situation. I mean, if Henson or Romo were ready, do you think he would have started 42 year-old Vinny? They didn’t show enough in pre-season to convince BP that they were ready to start, so in went Vinny, because he gave us the best chance to win.
Give Henson and Romo some time to develop, because for every Rothlisberger, there are 5 Heath Shulers and Danny Wuerffels out there stinking up the place.
While I agree that Henson should get his chance to play, I also believe that BP will play whoever gives us the best chance to win. Afterall, isn’t that the reason why Jerry brought him to Dallas? After Switzer, Gailey and Campo, it sure is nice to have a winner coaching the ‘Boys!
As for Chavous, if the price is right, then bring him in. Wow, what a defensive backfield that would be! It would be one hell of an “Extreme Makeover,” after last year’s debacle!
Regardless, I think we can win with Hunter, Davis or Beriault back there at FS. Let’s not forget Lynn Scott, who also now has some experience at FS. Our defense willl be much improved from last year, especially our pass rush, so I’m not so concerned about FS, since we also now have 3 starting quality CBs in Newman, Henry and Glenn.
Add to that, a healthy Hunter and Thornton, plus Frazier, Jones and Reeves, all with more experience after playing a lot last year, I think we’ll be fine. Sure, we don’t have a star at FS, but with all the improvements elsewhere, we don’t need a star there, just a serviceable one.
I feel that we’ll have the most improved defense in the NFL. If Chvous happens to join the ‘Boys, it will be icing on the cake, and you could argue that it would be the best defensive backfield we’ve had since the early to mid Nineties, when Woodson, Marion, Sanders, Smith, Washington, Bates, Gant, Brown, Holt, Everett were back there. How ‘Bout Dem Cowboys!
again watching most of the bears games, i would deffinetely pass on r.w. hes a good return man, but on defense he gets burnt alot. he tries to make to much happen, and gets burnt more then not. i would rather have berioult starting then get r.w.
Everyone keeps saying we need to put Henson on the field so we’ll know if he’s got what it takes to play the position. But maybe parcells isn’t putting him in the game because he knows Henson has what it takes, but just needs more time to adjust to the NFL.
I’m fine with Parcells decision to not play Henson last year. The guy was throwing a baseball for 3 years and I doubt he picked up a football much during that time. It takes time to make a transition like that. Quarterbacks who play four years in college struggle to make the transition to the pro game, let alone someone who hasn’t thrown a football in three years. Hey, Carson Palmer was the first pick in the draft and even he had to sit a year to make the adjustment.
I know your never going to be able to evaluate whether Henson has what it takes to play in the pros until he starts playing, but give the kid a year or two to develop and he might just turn into the player we all hope he is.
As far as safety is concerned, throw away all the big names that are on your wish lists because I don’t think Bill and Jerry are going to Spend much on the position. I think they’ll probably sign a So-So veteran that could give us depth and allow either Hunter, Davis, or Scott to step up.
larry,
dont forget campbell and WITTEN
Guys,
I keep reading these posts about Henson, and I can’t help but think you’re not understanding my point. Let me make this perfectly clear. I AM NOT suggesting, in any way, that Henson should be starting in, or even playing most of ANY games at this point. I am only saying that since there were sooooo many games where there was no way in hell we were going to win, it would have been nice to see Henson in for a SERIES OR TWO, just to see what the guy has got. I AM STILL NOT saying that Henson, or Romo should be thrown into the lions den. If you check my previous posts, I think you’ll find me pretty consistent in what I’ve been asking for.
You cannot build a starting quality QB in practice only. You have to get him into the game at some point. What happens if Bledsoe gets hurt? Is Parcells going to start looking for another veteran to plug in until one of theses guys is ready? No, he’s going to have to throw them in at that point. If he’s got enough confidence in them to keep them to keep them on the roster, he should have enough confidence in them to do the job when they are called on. I keep hearing that he’s not ready. If he’s not ready to take a few snaps at the end of a game, why is he still here?
I expect that Parcells WILL play one of these guys a little more this year, and I think that part of the reason is that he knows he blew some opporunities last year. Why not get the guys a little bit of game experience before you are forced to throw them to the wolves. Maybe they’ll be a little bit more confident knowing that they’ve been in there before.
Last point: The fact of the matter is that Parcells, for whatever reason, chose not to play Henson/Romo last year. There’s nothing any of us can do about that now. What’s done is done, or in this case, not done. I don’t want to keep defending my position on this, but I will, because it’s not going to change. I would, however, like to see one of these guys get a little bit more playing time this year. If neither of them is ready at this point for at least mop up duty, then we’ve made ANOTHER mistake in keeping either of them.
I believe the Boys will look for value, but they will be willing to spend for a FS. I think they will get a stud. Time will tell.
Henson started against Chicago and was killed by the Blitz. Not that that is anything new for a rookie QB.
Henson had some playing time against Baltimore, and also was in on a series against Seattle.
He competed with Romo throughout the year for the number 2 spot. Not always winning it. Looking at last years training camp……….Carter, Testaverde and then Henson or Romo……….Carter cut took us down to three. The media jumped on Drew Henson, which they have done since his days at Michigan.
I am optimistic that Henson will develop into an NFL QB. I also see positives in Parcells not shipping Henson and Romo to Europe. He is having the coaching staff work tirelessly with these young prospects. If you think Parcells is a good coach, and you think Phil Simms, Jeff Hostetler, Chad Pennington, and Drew Bledsoe all had pretty good careers than……..why wouldn’t you think he knows what it takes with these new kids? Parcells started his top draft pick Drew Bledsoe. He played that rookie, and he felt he was ready. Obviously he does not feel that about Romo or Henson and neither is a Salary Cap Casualty for the Cowboys. The can be exactly what they are for now, backups.
We had the opportunity to draft any other QB in this years draft other than Alex Smith. Aaron Rodgers anyone, who will SIT behind Favre and learn the offense. Jason Campbell? Kyle Orton? J P Losman anyone, who we traded our pick to the Bills for Julius Jones and this years Marcus Spears……….hmmmmm……….Losman……..vs. Jones and Spears?
If Bill felt he needed to address the QB position other than Bledsoe, Henson and Romo he would have done it. He did not, he pushed for another veteran in Drew Bledsoe. Vinny’s numbers last year were not that bad. He threw for a hech of a lot of yards. He had no running game for most of the year, and is an immobile QB with a sub par offensive line.
Now add in a running game, Jones(now a proven player from his last 7 games) Barber and a vet in Thomas(relatively young RB) and Whoever else makes the squad, improve your O Line……..return of injuries from last year along with perennial pro bowler Marco Rivera…………get your run blocking team leader in the locker room back in Dan Campbell……..who can also catch a pass or two……….and help both run block and protect qb……….and finally address the dismal performance of your defense from last years debacle. Anthony Henry, Aaaron Glenn, Jason Ferguson……..add in draft picks Ware, Spears, Burnett, Canty, Beirault and Ratliff………….that is a lot of meat up front and some veteran help in the Secondary…………..
Now let’s just say the Dallas Cowboys can actually score some points. Something they were at least starting to do better with Julius Jones touching the ball. If our Defense improves we get a few teams down by 3 scores late in the 3 and 4th quarter. Give Henson and Romo some field TIME. Preseason you will see a lot of Henson and Romo. Also, Dallas did not sign any other QB so nobody else to take snaps or get in the games. Henson and Romo along with Bledsoe will get all the reps. Teach Henson and Romo NFL pro mechanics. Remember our QB coach was with Kerry Collins the year he went to the Super Bowl and had one hech of a year. Work on their understanding of reading the NFL Defenses. Ever hear Troy Aikman call a game for FOX? He sounds like a psychic, stating the defense is in a this or a that if the QB can audible a this or that route this could be a touchdown. 6 Seconds and 6 points later, Troy looks like the best announcer in Football……..guess what he was a darn good QB and is just telling us what he sees. You think Romo or Henson could make that prediction from the BOOTH? No but Drew Bledsoe could, Dan Marino Could……….Troy Aikman did and does and the day that Henson and Romo can is a day they are at least better prepared for the NFL game than they are now.
I feel the pain of watching Vinny game after game last year. I share the lack of Hope for a 41 year QB at the Helm. Personally, I probably would have gone with Henson or Romo. However, I ain’t the coach. The guy that is has a pretty good track record with QBs. I am willing to be patient and hope for the Staubach like results.
Jon,
I ‘ve got to give you credit for one thing. You keep things interesting. Also, if you go back and read the posts you and I have been on together, we agree on damn near everything, and to a large extent, on this subject too. I love the fact that you “probably would habe gone with Henson or Romo.” See, that I get. So would I. Also, I get the wisdom of Troy Aikman, who by the way, also thought it was a mistake to yank Henson, and not get him more reps. You did know that, didn’t you?
Anyway, I don’t doubt that Parcells knows what he’s doing. I just think he made some mistakes last year that will have to be dealt with this year. I’m betting we’ll see more of at least one of the two backups this year. All we can do now is hope that they’ll be ready if Bledsoe gets hurt.
Rob2:
You make yourself sound like one of those supposed fans booing a 40 year old QB, even if you weren’t booing him, you make yourself sound like one of those. You want some facts about why Henson didn’t play more last year? Well, Carson Palmer is a guy I can mention, in college he played in 53 games and started in 45 and in several of those games, he starred. As we all saw, he didn’t started a game in his rookie year. Another one is a player we all would like to see more on the ground than standing and tossing some passes, yes, you all guessed right, McNabb, he played 12 games and started 6, but that, playing behind the lowly competition of Ty Detmer, in college he starred in Syracuse starting for the whole 4 years he played there. Chad Pennington, he played in 3 games in his first 2 years after starting in college almost every game for the 4 years he went to Marshall. Steve McNair in college surpassed the 16000 yards mark with an impressive 16823 and had his jersey number retired from tiny Alcorn St, he played in 13 games in his first 2 years, starting 6. Favre was the starter for Southern Miss in the third game of his rookie season, wasn’t a star, but showed thoughness while playing through several injuries, he played in 2 games in his rookie season.
You could name some players that managed to start since his rookie year, but all of them, even Peyton, were miserable at times.
And all this brings us to Drew Henson, last year he played in 2 games, starting in one. In college he played in 27 games, starting 8 in 2000.
All this makes me understand that there’s a huge possibility that we won’t more from him in this season than what we saw from him last year, a player needs continuity to achieve a NFL level, I have my doubts that he’s in that level with only one full year of coaching.
Well Said Chandus…….
Rob2,
Yeah I heard Aikman saying that. I cannot say that I do not agree with Aikman so much, or Jimmy Johnson calling for Henson………and for that matter Reshard Lee……….I probably as a fan………would play both of those guys last year. However, I ain’t the Coach.
However, I do not see them practice. I do not see their study, work ethic, work outs, and in the case of Lee his inability to pick up the blitz or block whatsoever. Henson’s understanding of the Dallas Cowboys offense or the opposing teams defense.
I believer Parcells has and will make mistakes. He has even said as much on 60 minutes. However, he has the full knowledge of those players abilities. Personally, I wonder about the comment made by Drew Bledsoe. “Bill told me I am the Starter.” I wonder if that was intended for Drew Bledsoe or Drew Henson. It was certainly heard by all. Henson regardless of what he has been told or done or worked towards sees another Veteran brought in, that has a lot more tread on his tires than Vinny. Who did start to show his age late in the season. I wonder if that is not the Master Motivator Parcells using Bledsoe at a media conference to push his younger QBs. Hey here is his golden boy, his personal choice in 1993. This guy has taken Bill to the Promised Land, although the did not manage to win it. Drew Henson, wake up and work out. Drew go throw 6000 passes at the Ranch with the QB coach. Increase accuracy and understanding of the offense. Reshape your athletic frame from Baseball 3rd Base to Football QB. Henson are you listening……….the Golden Boy Bledsoe is here to lead Papa Parcells and to the promised land………what you gonna do about it? Answer……work your but off. Show me something.
I always knew Parcells was a great coach. I knew he was the master motivator, hard nosed no nonsense coach, but I heard Bryan Cox say Bill Parcells taught him it was ok to love other people. When I heard that, I thought man this guy Parcells is over the top. He is the Father Figure, the Shrink, the Priest, the Coach, the friend, the kick in the butt, the patt on the butt………..he is wise among men. I heard Aikman speaking from his Heart, about he would have felt. I have no doubt Troy Aikman would have played well for Bill Parcells, perhaps even to a higher level than he achieved. I also have no doubt he would have, at times, hated it, just like Drew Bledsoe, Phil Simms, and perhaps Drew Henson have. In the end though, he will make them all a better qb. Listen to Phill Simms talk about Coach Parcells. I am willing to show the kind of patience Chandus pointed out on so many great NFL QBs…………and the example that Landry and Staubach left us from the summer of ‘69.
Henson’s time will come.
See, this is what I’m talking about. How are you not getting this? I keep saying over, and over, and over, the same thing, and you guys keep preaching patience to me. How do I get you guys to understand that I am all for being patient. I thought I made that clear.
I don’t want to see Henson running the show until he is ready. I am not suggesting, and NEVER HAVE suggested, that we give the reins to Henson now, or Romo either for that matter. If Henson can’t cut it, he shouldn’t be out there. The same goes for Romo. Do we understand that?
My ONLY point is, as it has ALWAYS been, is simply that Parcells could have taken a closer look at this kid during real game situations. The opportunities were there. He just didn’t take them. I could not care less about why. He didn’t . I think he should have. It’s done.
Jon, if you can’t say you disagree with Aikman, how then can you disagree with me?
Chandus, What on earth does all that history on other QBs have to do with Henson? Their situations were not Henson’s. The teams they played for were not the Cowboys. By the way, just so ya know, I never booed Vinny. Felt like it. How ’bout you?
Guys, let’s get this one thing straight, this is not about Drew Henson only. This is more about the Cowboy’s future QB, whatever his name may be. We’d be having the same discussion about Romo if he were being looked at as the QB of the future.
I know Henson’s time will come. When it does, I’ll cheer him on. Until then, I will cheer for Bledsoe just as hard because at this point, be is the Cowboys starting QB. Hell, bring back Quincy Carter, or Ryan Leaf, and guess what, I’ll be cheering for them.
Now wait, before any of you go nuts, am not suggesting that we bring back Carter or Leaf so please don’t give me crap about them. I am simply making another point, I will cheer for any QB in a Cowboy uniform. Whoever is over the center is the guy I want to see throw for 6. Are we clear now?
The comments Aikman made were A) from a commentator B)from a commentator that was a QB for the Dallas Cowboys
I understand both Aikman’s and your statement. I even said I probably would have played Henson or Romo more especially with the season looking like a loss. However, the points made by others that was excellent is we did see Jones, Crayton and Cooper as well as Witten perform. Does Henson with Crayton and Cooper make them look bad or Henson or both……….who knows……..it helps to at least have somebody on the field that knew what the other was supposed to be doing. I have seen my share of QBs yell at WR, Vinny and Keyshawn just last year……..Key ran the wrong route…….Vinny throws an INT. Vinny is smart enough to shake that off and tell Key to tighen up he made a mistake. Henson would probably hang his head, and unless a coach tells him might not even know it was not his fault. These are the types of things that could present themselves.
As a Fan……yeah I was ready for anybody not named Vinny to QB us………but……….as a Coach I can understand why Bill would stay with Vinny. The best chance to win and get into the playoffs was part of his thinking. Better evaluation of some of the youth on the team was also a consideration, at other positions besides QB. The emotions of wanting to see a player that represents a FUTURE. Not a past. Troy Aikman said that is why fans boooed Vinny, which I did not…….they did not see Hope for the Futurue in Vinny. I think it was the fans, willingness to throw in the TOWEL and throw in the ROOKIES………or as Frank Sinatra sang………Send in the Clowns………Bill Parcells never believes in throwing in the towel. It is against his nature. That I certainly also understand and respect.
There are obvious examples of QBs who rode the pine………and came on to later success and failure……..and those thrown in the mix right away that came on with Success and failure…………so truly we do not know. I guess I am willing to give Bill Parcells the leeway, and trust that he does know. I know that he is going to play the best player at every position that gives him a chance to win……….evidently regardless of record or score or quarter……..I can respect that…….but it was FRUSTRATING to watch. At least Julius gave us some highlights and something to enjoy.
What frustrated me more than our QB play was our poor tackling, covering, and pressuring the qb. The Green Bay game especially was just some of the worst tackling I have ever seen by a Cowboys squad. I was suprised Parcells did not die of a Heart Attack on the sideline in that one.
Jon:
You got ahead of me in my answer…….. as a fan I’m too on the bandwagon of the future, I would also love to see the next Aikman, the next franchise QB, but things are what they are, Henson is an inexperienced QB who was beaten at times for the backup spot not because athletic ability, nor arm, nor overall play, but because Romo at least knows more, based on experience, of alignments, look for the 2nd option or 3rd and to never look at your 1st option. Those stuff are mechanics, and usually in mechanics, if you don’t practice something, rust appears, this season Henson has improved his mechanics, will try to keep improving and when training camp comes he will see if he can play with the change he’s made when the bullets are flying.
Again I share the opinion of Jon about BP sticking with Testaverde, but I’ll agregate something, it would have been interesting to see JuiceJ rushing for the amount of yards he rushed in the last 4 games (374 and 85 receiving) if he had seen his coach hanging his hat and resignated to lose the next 4 to see Drew at QB.
And Rob2 I’m sorry for the comparison with the booing fans, but those “fans” enfuriated me.
TUNAMAN MAY HAVE HAD A HEART ATTACK AFTER THAT GREEN BAY GAME AND JUST DIDN’T TELL ANYONE! LOL!
HENSON HAS NOW HAD A FULL YEAR TO LEARN, THIS YEAR HE MUST, MUST,MUST BE GIVEN SNAPS IN APPROPRIATE GAME SITUATIONS. (i.e., large lead or large deficit late in the game etc.) BLEDSOE IS THE STARTER NOW, BUT IS NOT, IS NOT THE FUTURE. HENSON AND ROMO ARE. ENOUGH SAID.
I know this is totally different than what you guys have been blogging about but I just read something that could interest you. On the Fox Sports website it has a section called NFL Off-season Blitz that has some interesting things to say about every team in the NFL. They always have a section at the very bottom of the article that gives an analysis on a certain possition along with a grade for the position. This weeks is the Safety position. This is what they had to say.
COWBOYS: Grade: D. This grade has nothing to do with Roy Williams, who is a star. But there is no proven starter at free safety and no depth behind Williams. An injury to Williams would be catastrophic. We were the only team in the league that was not evaluated for what have as our safeties, which would include Roy.
NFC AFC
EAGLES: A+ DOLPHINS: C-
GIANTS: C+ BILLS: B+
REDSKINS: B JETS: C+
VICKINGS: B PATRIOTS: A
BEARS: C+ BROWNS: C+
LIONS: B- BENGALS: C+
PACKERS: D- RAVENS: B
SAINTS: C+ STEELERS: A-
BUCS: B TITANS: B-
FALCONS: C- COLTS: C+
PANTHERS: C JAGUARS: B+
RAMS: C- TEXANS: B
49ERS: C CHARGERS: B-
CARDINALS: B+ BRONCOS: B
SEAHAWKS: B CHIEFS: C
RAIDERS: C-
for all of you who say that Heson should of played last year.
1. In sports you never throw in the towel when there is time left for example the Seattle game.
2. In Chaicago the boys won after bringing in Vinny for the second half.
3. No matter what tallent the guy may have, wether it be throwing the balll a mile or pin point accuracy it takes time to develop the ability to read plays which we saw Henson could not.
4. Henson did well in his first mop up duty job but who doesn’t the d is only trying to not alllow a huge play.
5. BP is a genuis as we saw in the draft and for the last 15 or so years, if he thought Henson was capable of starting he would have started him.
6. Henson will play in due time if he is capable if not he will be gone.
Once you have been eliminated from the playoffs, what is there to gain by winning a ballgame? A lower draft choice? Parcells could have given Henson and Romo a quarter each in the last 2 games last year. Why not rest Testaverde?
This year they must be played when the situation permits, there are no more excuses. We must know if Henson and/or Romo is the answer. I am glad that Bledsoe is the starter for now. BUT HE IS NOT THE FUTURE!
so whats this i heard about hunter finally coming around and deciding to get his head out of ass to play the FS position??? i read it on this blog a couple of posts back from an inside source, but again this is after all the internet, and we dont know exaclty what to believe. does this have any sort of truth at all to it??? i think it would be a great decision for pete for the simple fact he becomes a free agent next season and it coudl definatly up his Free Agent Value on next years market. because if he leaves it sit as of right now, not only would he be known as an under average cornerback, he would also be looked at as a not so good team player, cuz when the cowboys had asked him to do it, he didnt just decline the offer he was offended and asked for a trade, then his agent made up some bullshit about him being traded to the jets that was completely faulty. i dunno, i think pete could handle the load if he chooses to do so, but hell if he wants to be a jackass i wouldnt mind seeing keith davis back there doin his thang, that man was a damn truck running over everything in his path to get to that ball, i think thats what we need.. and if he doesnt cut it we always have scott, who himself didnt have a bad last nine games. allwe really need is someone who wont give up the big play and all those three wouldnt give it up at the FS position. cowboys 2005!!!!!!!
You throw in the backups in the last two games and the rest of the team see’s their coach is giving up. Whats their insperation to keep playing if the coach basically tells them the season is over and we don’t care about winning. Think the defense and O-liine played poorly beforehand wait till that sunk in. If he was going to play either of them he might as well have put in the entire second string. Mop up duty entirely different I will admit and sure their were some chances he could have and maybe should have used, but I wouldn’t say there was alot. Most of our games were really close. last 6 games of the season I could see them getting time againts the Bears and the Saints….all the rest were a 5 point margin or less.
I must also concede however I’m not at all a fan of Henson or Romo and don’t see either of them ammounting to anything other than career backups. But if The Tuna can make something of them I’ll wait to see what it is. Hopefully I eat my words one day but I didn’t see much promise in either personally.
I think we have more than this year to find out about Romo and Henson. Bledsoe is 8 years younger than Vinny. In good shape, and played a lot of football last year.
Romo got a two year deal. Henson was signed to an 8 year deal, currently in year 2.
Both are working hard at the Ranch. We did not bring in any other QBs, so Bill is obviously comfortable with the possibility of Henson or Romo starting if Bledsoe was hurt. That in and of itself is huge. He could have easily kept Vinny on the squad. The year before he brought in Vinny, had rights to Chad Hutchinson whom they released, had the incumbent Quincy Carter, Tony Romo and Vinny Testaverde.
He obviously wanted a veteran backing up Carter, but did not make a move in FA or Draft for another QB this year. That is our highest indication of what the head coach sees in Romo and Henson. He chose Henson, unlike Carter and Hutchinson. Bill was a part of that decision, worked him out and gave up our 3rd Pick. Knowing he was a work in progress, but looking at the Value of that pick………..and how well Bill drafts…………He saw something he liked in Drew.
Bledsoe, is another easy fix for the Cowboys. Drew knows BP offense. Is familiar with Terry Glenn, and is going to love Jason Witten. He used to have a guy named Ben Coates. Add Julius, Thomas, Barber, and whoever else makes the cut in the backfield…………and an improved Defense and this is a team with a LOT OF POTENTIAL. In the NFL these days it ain’t hard to go from Worst to First. We lost some games by big margins last year. We also gave some football games away. Pittsburgh is the one that still sticks with me. Lets just say only one of the DE LBs bill drafted is a good pass rusher……….we improve………lets just say only one of the offseason Corners Henry and Glenn are any good…………we improve……….and lets just say that only one of our 2nd Year Rookie lot of Reeves, Frazier, Jones, Thornton, and gang………is any good…………we still improve………
Ferguson? Rivera? Those two if healthy are known forces in the NFL and should both fit right in. It aint like those guys are WRs working on timing from a left handed qb…………line up and block or beat the guy in front of you………now having said all that. Add in a guy with Drew Bledsoe’s arm strength, knowledge, experience, relationship with the head coach, and the CHIP that resides on his shoulder from his days with Belichek in New England and more recently with Buffalo………..he has something to prove. He has all the ability. He has a team on the rise, and coach that he knows loves(and hates) and trusts. That is a recipe for a pretty good football team.
Now you mix in a few injuries……….we added some depth………we do not have four rookies competing for CB. We got guys that can play. You get a healthy guy like Burnett on the field along with Spears and Ware…….tell em all to get afte the QB………and let Roy be Roy……….this defense could be nasty………..Henry, Newman and Glenn can cover and improve bit by bit………..Blitz Blitz Blitz baby………..bringin OLB Ware coming at you……….oh sneaky Roy Williams up at the line of scrimmage…….is he coming too? You got a new 300lb Spears over there……….is he any good do we double team him…….what about Glover he gets to the QB……….oh and then possibly Canty……….Ellis……….Ferguson……….bringin it……..full on………Spears and Canty both played 3-4 and 4-3 in college…………Ware will catch on…..Burnett played both………..James and Thornton can either pick it up or will be back ups………..we still got that football playing dude…….Dat Nguyen running around like a madman……….bringin it……….it might be the first time in a long time……….we like watching our Defense on the field as much as our offense…………then they get the ball back and here comes 5 carries from Julius Jones with a few play action passes mixed in from a guy that knows how to do that pretty well………Drew Bledsoe………both sides of this football team are going to be dramatically bettter becasue they both added better players……….to make the plays……..and the day will come that Drew Henson will also be that player……..just not yet…….unless…….he really shows us something at Training Camp………you never know………BP plays the guy on Sunday that gives him the best shot at WINNING!!!! and we can all appreciate THAT!!!!!
By the way our FS was a major problem last year. But it was made much worse by No CORNER or NICKEL……..with any experience except T NEW in his sophomore year and a new NFL Coverage rule……….I assure you the Dallas Secondary and Mike Zimmer have addressed that issue this offseason with Coaching…………..and with talent in Henry and Glenn……..while fox may grade our FS a D………the CBs went from an F to B- with potential for A play from these three. Throw in some youth also, and who knows how good these guys could be. The FS will not be a weakness when our corners are covering……..which they will be.
If we would have won the game against the Saints we would have been tied for the last wildcard. At 6-10 we were only 2 games out of the playoffs. With a win against the G-men and loss by Minnessota we could have been playing in the playoffs. Despite last year being terrible we were still in the playoff race so there was no real time to play Henson.
Last year entering the season we seemed to have multiple sore spots RCB(huge controversy that we did nothing but most FA CB ended up being a total waste of money), QB(after Quincy got cut), the O-line, and the running game. Then the silver bullet was when we lost Woodson.
This year the RT is still a concern but the O-line should be much better with the addition of Rivera at RG and Campbell being back should help whoever is at RT. At RCB we got Henry and Glenn as insurance(pretty good insurance if you ask me), QB still an issue but Bledsoe should be better than Vinny and barring a major injury we should be OK, the running game was inafective without JJ but it since exploded and this year we reinforced that spot with Barber, A-train and mybe pure speed man Thompson. The D is much bigger, faster and younger. The only major question mark is FS. Sure we could get Chavous but do we need him. with the projected pressure that will be placed on opponents QB we wont need a star back there all we will need is some one who wont loose the game for us I think they are on our team, refering to Davis and Scott. Scott is more physical with less athleticism while Davis is a beast who can also hit but is not as much of a smart player, he may be overly aggresive. My projected starter at FS will be Davis sharing time with Scott. Another place I think we will be better in this year is Kick and punt returning thanks to Thompson(I hope) and this expolsive player Crowder I think who is converting from Safety to Wr and that would be his best chance get a place on the team. So for 2005-2006 I predict a solid year barring any major injuries.
When you play your backups for a PART of the game after you have been eliminated from playoff contention, you’re not quitting; you are PREPARING FOR NEXT YEAR! Are you all afraid of the future. It is this “WIN NOW” attitude that has had us in the mess we’ve been in since ‘97. I agree, bring them along slowly; BUT BRING THEM ALONG! That means playing them when the opportunity arises.
No worries Chandus. We’re all fans here. Sometimes we get passionate. It wasn’t disrepectful, so don’t give it another thought.
James, I agree. Bledsoe is not the future. I’ll root for him this year, and next if I have to, but I want to see us with THE GUY at quarterback. I recognize the need for bringing the guy along slowly, but I don’t want him thrown in with no game experience because Bledsoe got hurt. That’s what I’m afraid of.
Rican said something that got my attention earlier. He said that if you throw the backups in for the last two games and the rest of the team sees the coach giving up, and there’s no inspiration for the team to keep playing. Certainly, some people might see it that way, but I don’t, and I don’t think everyone else will either. I see it as Parcells trying something else when what he was doing didn’t work.
Clearly, what he was doing didn’t work, so why not give someone else a try. You’ve got three QB’s on that team. If a 40 year old guy isn’t getting it done, why not try something different. AGAIN, I am not saying turn the team over to Henson, but the man has got to get out there at some point.
Obviously, Parcells recognized that Vinny wasn’t getting it done, which is why Bledsoe is here. What’s going to happen if Bledsoe doesn’t get it done. Are we never supposed to get the backups in for fear that the rest of the team will give up? If they do, THEY are the problem, not the QB.
Some of you guys call it giving up. I call it trying another option. There will be opportunities this year to get one or both of these guys some game experience. If Parcells does not take advantage of that, we will be having this same conversation next year. Is that what you want?
As for the Cowboys Safeties getting a D, thats crazy. Roy Williams is top 3 SS in the league, if not #1. If Hunter plays FS, how can that be a D? Thats crazy and is just graded by people who cannot truly cover all of the Cowboys games and see’s the highlights of Williams getting burnt. If they had watched every game they would have saw no help and Roy having to cover the #1 or 2 WR sometimes.
As for Henson, I trust Parcells. I think that he is all about winning, and knew that Henson needed to learn more. I think that Vinny beat him out mainly because Henson still throws the ball like a 3rd baseman. With all the work in the offseason that should be done, and this is his true year to fully learn our system. If he can’t, we will have to look in a new direction.
Ya’all make good points, but the vast majority of you aren’t considering one thing, that being Bledsoe, he comes in knowing the offense, the language differs a bit, but in cold facts, is almost the same as what Bledsoe played in New England, he comes with a full season in his backpack, not his best season, but he had a new coach and off coordinator, one that wasn’t aimed at Bledsoe best strenghts, play action and long balls. That coupled with the play of the right side of the OL and not having a good TE gave nightmares to Drew.
Knowing all that, he’s got, in Dallas a better right side with Rivera and whoever playing playing between Rivera and Campbell, and 2 good to great TE’s. And Bledsoe WILL remember Coates, as soon as this minicamp.
Henson is the future, don’t misunderstand me, but I wouldn’t mind if I don’t see him playing this year, he can still learn standing on the sideline and carrying a clipboard.
Whatever you guys say doesn’t make up for training football until 2000, baseball training until 2004 and then a restart to his football career, there’s progress though, he’s improving his mechanics which means one step forward, but there’s still too much training and video to go, this isn’t College, a QB isn’t expected to be prepared to start in his sophomore year.
You guys can scream all you like, but reality is that Parcells likes to win, JJ likes it also and I’m in there too, I would also like to take a look to the future, but if that’s an obstacle for some W’s I can wait.
You guys have all made great points. I too would have loved to see what Henson can do, but like I’ve said before, and Jon reiterated, BP went with the QB who gave him the best chance to win.
Yes, the last two games would have been a great time to see Henson, but BP obviously felt that he wasn’t ready. I don’t think he liked what he saw in that Thanksgiving game. We know that Henson is not ready, because if he was, he would have started ahead of Vinny last year. If he was, they wouldn’t be trying to change his delivery this off-season. Come on, this guy hasn’t been playing football for a few years, and now you want him to run the offense!
As for the future, I know that Bledsoe is not the future, but at least he gives us a few years to find one. I mean, I truly hope that Henson or Romo is the future stud QB of the Cowboys, but the reality is Henson or Romo may be busts, like MOST QBs. The truth is, there are more Ryan Leafs, Danny Weurfells, Heath Shulers, Gino Torrettas, and Akili Smiths, than there are Aikmans, Staubachs, Bradshaws, Montanas, Favres, Kellys, Elways, Marinos, and Youngs.
We also know that there were a lot of years between Staubach and Aikman, Griese and Marino, Bradshaw and Rothlisberger(I may be premature on this one,) an even longer time between Starr and Favre and Tarkenton and Culpepper(Gannon wasn’t that great with Minnesota.) The 49ers got extremely lucky with Montana and Young. Come to think of it, we didn’t do too bad with LeBaron, Meredith, Morton, and Staubach, bud reality sucks, and reality says that there’s usually a long wait between great QBs.
Some QBs take time to develop, whether they’re not ready right away, are playing behind a good or great QB, or are so beat up on a bad team that they’re busy running for their lives. Jim Plunkett, Doug Williams, Steve DeBerg, and Rich Gannon, are great examples of QBs who played a lot better late in their careers.
The bottom line is, there are no guarantees that Henson or Romo is the future superstar QB of the Cowboys, although I truly hope one of them becomes the next Aikman. I mean, what if we don’t find our superstar QB before Julius Jones, Roy Williams and Witten leave the team or retire? It can happen! In this day of free agency and salary cap, it’s tough to keep a winning team together, which is what amazes me most about the Patriots and how they’ve done it with a bunch of TEAM players.
The future is now! We have our star QB. His name is DREW BLEDSOE! This guy is proven. He can throw the ball with the best of them, and when given protection, he has shown that he can be great. He’s been to the Super Bowl with Bill Parcells, and they’ll go again. He has a few good years left, and with this re-tooled Offense and Defense, he has the ability to take this team to the Super Bowl and win it.
Sure, he’s not very mobile, but neither was Aikman. Julius Jones sure looks like Emmitt ’s heir apparent, Keyshawn is the post and possesion receiver like Irvin was. Terry Glenn stretches the defense like Alvin Harper used to. Witten is looking more and more like Jay Novacek. Dan Campbell can block like “Moose” Johnston used to. We finally have Depth in our D-Line, and even at Linebacker.
Here’s something really eerie…. Beriault may be the second coming of Bill Bates! He’ll back up Roy. We also have a bunch of young guys in the defensive backfield……. remember in ‘92, Jimmy and Jerry drafted Darren Woodson and Kevin Smith? Young, unproven DBs….look how they turned out. Robert Jones was also in that Draft. The ‘91 draft was even better, and I truly hope that Spears, Ware, Burnett, Canty, Barber, Beriault, Ratliff and Petitti turn out the same, because that draft included Erik Williams, Russell Maryland, Alvin Harper, Leon Lett, Dixon Edwards, Godfrey Miles, and Larry Brown. Correct me if I’m wrong, but that has got to be the best Cowboys draft class EVER!
So, Like I said, the future is NOW! Bledsoe has a few good years left in him, and with our improved O-Line, and running game, and Witten and Campbell, and hopefully a healthy Keyshawn and Glenn, the ‘Boys should contend. Man, it’s like 1992 all over again! I can’t wait for the season to start!
Bledsoe IS the future! The short term one anyway. As for long term? It’s kinda like winning in Vegas! The odds are long……… What are the odds on Henson? We won’t know until he plays, so Bill…………. you hold the key!
Oh, why doesn’t anyone mention Leonardo Carson? If these rookies pan out, man we sure have one deep D-Line! What a rotation….. sounds like ‘92 all over again, or I could just be dreaming……… It’s late!
onepaniolo,
Carson got mentioned in Spag’s “Nothing Like A Rotation” column on Dallascowboys.com. Basically, what he said was that Carson wasn’t a lock to even make the team. Chances are, of course, that he will, but I wouldn’t look for him to be a huge contributor as the season wears on unlelss a significant injury occurs. If he makes the team, I look for him to make a bigger impact in the beginning of the season when the rookies are still learning the system. Once the rookies start showing something (assuming that happens) I would expect his role to be decreased.
Clearly, the guy can play, and I expect him to make the team and do well when he gets to play. I just question how much that will be by mid season.
Well guys,
Listening to yesterday’s Ranch Report, one thing is clear. Parcells has decided to make a decision on Henson this year. You may actually see him on the field. No guarantees, but apparently, Parcells has made the statement that this year is it for Henson. We’ll see what that means. I’m sure Henson is going to have to show him something in practice, but he may get some playing time this year, especially if we are winning by the large margins we all hope to see. If he never takes the field, that most likely means he won’t be around after this year. At least Parcells will be looking to see if this is the guy.
They are working on his mechanics, as most of you know, and they want to see improved accuracy. He was throwing like a baseball player and they’ve been trying to break him of that. That’s what the 6000 passes has been about. Sounds like Parcells will finally “piss or get off the pot” with Henson this year. Works for me. If Henson’s not the guy, it’s time to find out so we can let him go. If he is, the time for grooming as at hand.
Could this Chris Van Hoy make the team? He is big, he was a major part of his D last year and he was signed to a 2 year deal. Could he be the guy replacing Carson as 3rd NT on the team? Carson was innefective last year maybe we can get more production out of a younger guy.
onepaniolo,
Danny White was a pretty good QB in his own right. Hogeboom never really panned out and then we were sort of adrift until Aikman. We just could not win the NFC Championship game to get back to the Super Bowl. Even after “The Catch” we had a chance to win that game. We were still a tough team with White at QB, but we were facing Gibbs Redskins, Parcells Giants, Dick Vermeil and Later Buddy Ryan’s Eagles, and the Bill Walsh San Francisco 49ers. That was some pretty tough competition.
Yes Jon, White was as good a QB as some of the records broken up by Aikman would make you realize and holds still some records, like the most accurate passer in our history and the most TD’s in a season (28). He’s due some respect mainly because the East in the NFC was the tougher place to be and still managed to take his team to 5 playoffs and 3 NFC East titles.
I definitely agree with Jon and Chandus — White was a very good quarterback. He is often forgotten, but statistically, he was very good over several seasons. I guess when you lose three straight NFC championship games, history tends to forget you. But wouldn’t history be a lot different if we had won a couple of those? The SF game was ours to lose with under 2 minutes to play.
Does anyone know how White’s stats rank among some of the hall of fame quarterbacks?
Cooper, don’t go there, in Canton the overalls are the ones taken in consideration, not the measurables. Trophys are taken in consideration along with All-Pro’s, White’s only All-Pro year came in 1982(?) and never there anymore. So Canton is a no go for him.
Here are his stats:
Games: 166
Attempts: 2950
Comp: 1761
Comp%: 60%
Yards: 21959
Yds/Att: 7.44
TD: 155
INT: 132
QBR: 81.7%
He is not in the Top 20 of Attempts, Completions, Yards or TDs.
you forgot one thing………he was also the PUNTER…….although not throughout his career………..but he was a pretty decent punter
Rob2,
I thought Parcells has a THREE YEAR rule with Players. And possibly longer with a QB like Henson. This would seem to mean he would not be looking for much from Henson this year, and much more from him next year. Perhaps he might send him to europe or something if his skills digress, but I doubt it. He is just sayin