Interview Update
Posted: June 26, 2005 @ 1:03 pm
K.C. Joyner and I have scheduled an interview for Wednesday. Keep the questions coming.
Update on the update: I played e-mail and phone tag with K.C. today but finally got a hold of him. I’ve forwarded around a dozen questions and will send another set soon. I hope to get his response from the first set, which covers his general methods of evaluating players, Drew Bledsoe, Anthony Henry and Terrence Newman, on Thursday.
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Ask him if he lost any money on Philly in Super Bowl XXXIX.
REF: “He’s Scientific” SignOnSanDiego.com, by The Union-Tribune
A man wearing a lab technician’s frock was present yesterday when selected members of the Eagles were presented for interviews. He was K.C. Joyner, who identifies himself as “the Football Scientist.”
“If you’re a scientist, you have to wear a lab coat to work,’ he explained. His business, he said, is peering at game tapes to assess matchups and make fantasy football predictions.
Joyner said he likes the Eagles on Sunday. “I see the Eagles surprising people,” he said. “I think the Eagles have the ability to take advantage of the Patriots weaknesses on defense, which the other two teams the Patriots have played in the playoffs (the Colts and the Steelers) weren’t able to do.”
Although I wasn’t one of them, a lot of people picked the Eagles to win. I’d still like to know what Mr. Joyner thinks of Drew Bledsoe.
I’m not sure if he knows anything about Henson, but maybe talk about his chances of becoming a good solid QB in the NFL and the future QB we have been looking for.
since he is a writer maybe he can better understand why the hell everyone hates the dallas cowboys, ask him why publicists and sports anchors alwyas bash them constantly and the former players of the game who have stats better than those already in the hall of fame wont ever even get a chance at it.
where does he rate julius jones on the list of running backs, from what he saw at the end of last year?
I like Lou’s question. But let’s add Romo to it.
Drew Henson and Tony Romo……..is either one a legitimate starter in the NFL? Which one? Both? Why? Why Not?
What percentage of snaps does he see Dallas Lining up in the 3-4?
I’d also like to see, his projections on how the roolies will play. What they will give the team. Also who he thinks will win the starting FS job. I am still pulling for Beriault, I would like to see the rookie win it
Also ask him his thoughts on J.J. especially in comparison to last years rookie crops where everyone thought Parcells/Jones were stupid for passing on the higher rated backs JAckson/Jones/Bell/Perry
I think J.J. is as good as anyone out there, and I really like this following post from Kffl.com
Cowboys | Teammates Like J. Jones
Sun, 26 Jun 2005 05:50:57 -0700
Tim Hayes, of the Bristol Herald Courier, reports Dallas Cowboys TE Jason Witten is very impressed by RB Julius Jones. “The success he had is just the beginning,” Witten said on Saturday during his third annual Jason Witten Football Camp in Elizabethton. “Julius is a great football player and I tell you man, I’ve never seen anybody as quick as he is. I am also telling you right now, before the season starts, that he will be in Hawaii in February (for the Pro Bowl).” Jones, last season, had games of 150, 198 and 149-yards rushing and finished with 819 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games. OL Al Johnson echoed Witten’s comments about Jones. “Everybody has their ups and downs at Notre Dame and when he came out, he wasn’t one of the guys everybody was talking about,” Johnson said. “Then he got hurt. But when he came back, boy did he. The man can play ball and can move. It was pretty phenomenal how many guys he makes miss at the line of scrimmage to get positive yardage.”
danimal,
some of the other mediots are jumping on the Jones Bandwagon. I read an article on FOX that said both Julius Jones and Kevin Jones had the best 2nd half of last year. It basically said they would both be studs if they both get a full season healthy. I think they are probably right on both acctounts. While Kevin has better WR weapons to take the pressure off, Julius has a better QB, TE, and O line.
Julius gets 1500+ Rushing Yards this year…….and maybe just maybe over 2000 with recieving and rushing. He is going to be a haus this year.
Jon,
I agree,
a lot more people will be eating crow when julius continues to shread the defenses of other teams this year, he’s only going to get better touches this year with a better line in front of him. Dan Campbell back is huge,
and I really don’t think Jason would throw the pro bowl comment out there unless there is no doubt in his mind that Julius is going to join him there this season.
in my opinion Julius has elite elusiveness
go COWBOYS!!!
Another one:
What are the chances of an OLine, that has 3 players at 30+, of finishing the whole season in good shape?
I would like to hear the straight story on Ty Law. Is he done? Is he even able to pass a physical? During last season, all you heard was Ty should be back in time for the playoffs or super bowl. Now, he is seemingly finished. At this point, is he even worth the league minimum?
Personally, I’d rather see Davis and Hunter split time at FS, but I’d still like to know the scoop.
Good questions everbody. Let’s find out just how much of a stud “scientist” this guy really is! If I like what I hear I will buy his book.
NFL.com has an article about the top 10 tight ends fanasty wise. I know we’ve had this conversation, but 7th for Witten? The guy puts up numbers. He may not be the best blocker or all around tight end out there, but he’s certaintly not 7.
i would love to have emmitts replacement already, troy hambrick was a complete bust, and having our rb of the future this quick after losing emmitt is nice. 1500-1750 yds. with our receivers jj should see alot of carries. not a crack at our receivers just unless morgan, glenn, crayton can stretch the field, i think youll see alot of jj then alot of play action. ALOT…
also the obvious question is, how he thinks the beloved will fare in the 3-4
I would like to know the % of salary cap allocation by position in the NFL, and how the Cowboys compare to that.
might he even need any help??
I really love analyzing the games that way, picking out details and trends and such. I’m a stat junkie, but only the useful stats.
david.gerhardt@gmail.com
And you might want to ask him (for all of our benefit) in advance for a list of his assessments of all the cowboys “projected” starters. Maybe he can cut and paste together his stats for our players, so we can see how they compare to everybody else. That might give us an idea of how Bledsoe will impact the team, and what certain combinations of players will do for us. Of course, i’m sure he could write 32 more books–one for each team–so I wouldn’t expect a comprehensive report, but the basics would be nice. Maybe even just his player rankings, or how well the players perform in each situation.
Just some ideas.
As a scientist, you could ask him where he stands on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes - do they play any better than mere heathen players, statistically speaking?
You are a descendant of the Roman who drove the nail at Golgotha Troll!
derrick–That’s funny! Thanks for the laugh…
ditto James
Did any of you read Zimmerman’s article? the research he conducted was on the PASSING GAME. All insight he will probably divulgde will be related to his research. So there is not point in asking what he thinks about JJ, unless you want to know how well he did blocking during a pass play. Although, I would like to see his stats on the effectiveness of the 3-4 against the pass.
I would like an assesement of what he feels bledsoe will look like this year in dallas, since i dont know all that much about the bills does he feel the O-line,WR,TE,RB are up grades or down grades from his previous team? Lets not forget the coach of coarse BP (an up grade of coarse), but will familiarity come into play. Also the system he will be in, because i read something stating that bledsoe even tho a strong arm QB that can throw the ball a mile.. thats not his strengh hes more comfortable in a west coast offense which is more dink and dunk type taking shots seldomly down field only to catch a D-fense off guard. I believe in buffalo he was used as a strong arm type that is used just throwing the deep ball, a guy that is asked to stand in the pocket for long periods of time and be able to be rather accurate in the face of pressure. I dont think that bledsoe is that type of QB he likes using his arm to dart throws not to far of the line thus reducing his time in the pocket and he ends up being alot more comfortable in that type of system. I would really like to see some answers on this subject!!!!! but also some assessments on the dallas secondary expecially henry, and how he feels this secondary will do this year (im really tired of getting burnt on the deep ball). Also if he feels the rush will improve this year. and also if he has formed an opinion on the matter of how much the dallas D will be playing 3-4 this year. Yea i think that wraps it up. (:
Found this little peace on sportline.com figured U guys would like it i guess it was a poll taken buy the readers
Here are the results from last week’s question: Which tight end will have the better statistical season: Alge Crumpler, Todd Heap, Jeremy Shockey or Jason Witten?
1. Jason Witten (39 percent)
2. Alge Crumpler (29 percent)
3. Todd Heap (23 percent)
4. Jeremy Shockey (9 percent)
The NFL offseason has seen several important transactions that will affect player values and draft strategies across the board. Here’s our fourth in a series of eight columns that focus on individual divisions and teams.
Chandus’ question about our o line staying healthy is a very good question. I want to know that myself. Also id like to know how much difference this years o line will make. Will they be good enuogh to keep granpa bledsow on his feet long enough to be a good passer. if so will that make a signifigent improvement in our offense, to protect him, or is he just flat past his prime? Is our o line really one of the better ones coming into the season, assuming they can stay healthy? I hope you ask him some stuff along these lines. I know we all want “expert confirmation” about jones, witten, our ‘05 d, But i think the only real area of true mystery is our o line. Even if jones isnt great, hell be good. Even if witten isnt great, hell be good. Even if our d isnt great, theyll be good. but our o line and bledsow- not so much. Wether or not this offense clicks fast, in my mind, is the x factor this year. If they do, the d will be better than good. Wether or not the passing game clicks determines, in my opinion, how our offensive line does this year, and consequently, how our defense, and whole team for that matter, do this year. So i really would like to know his thoughts on our o line and bledsow(i guess im kinda fishing for expert confirmation myself).
I meant to say, wether or not our o line clicks will determine the passing game, not the other way around. sorry.
for KC - I’ve been waiting for someone to produce a WR contract comparison for the top 4 WRs in the game: Moss, Harrison, Holt, TO. The comparison should be of the average salary and pro-rated bonus per year. This helps us to credit or discredit TO’s whining about his supposedly unfair contract.
for example: if TO’s 7-year contract gives him a guaranteed bonus of $9M and salaries of $2M, $2.5M, $5M, $6M, $7M, $8M, $9M for each year, then his per year take home if philly were to end his contract after each year:
1 year: $11M
2 year: $6.85M per year
3 year: $6.2M per year
4 year: $6.1M per year
5 year: $6.3M per year
6 year: $6.6 per year
7 year: $6.9 per year
How does this comparie to the others? Any credit to TO’s claims?
Gil Brandt’s predictions for the upcoming season from NFL.com
I couldn’t agree more with these,
particularly J.J. leading in rushing and Dallas making the playoffs
Predictions
NFC playoff teams: Arizona, Atlanta, Carolina, Dallas, Minnesota and Philadelphia
Leading passer: Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota
Leading rusher: Julius Jones, Dallas
Receptions leader: Joe Horn, New Orleans
Rookie of the Year: Cedric Benson, Chicago
NFC MVP: Culpepper
I dont know about you guys but this is the time of the year where i start to go crazy about not having football. the first 6 months were so-so but now with the start of fantasy registration, training camp, its gotten to be to much. This is why i love this site so much, it gives me just enough to make it be ok. Rafael do you take donations?
I was supposed to take a break of Football….. I guess that was the cross each of us had to carry before this site crossed our respective ways….. I love football, the chess of sports, and love the team of the lone star, it’s good to have a place like this where we can express ourselves without the input of all the trash talkers of some other teams, namely pigskins or beagles fans.
Nice job, Rafael.
ALDS,
I don’t, but Raul and I should discuss adding a paypal or some
such option. We haven’t made much off the site, but it’s all
been put back into making it better. You can’t see it yet, but
there are improvements coming. It’s going to be a good year.
Well look in to the paypal thingy. Its the least i or we could do. And its going to be a GREAT FREAKIN YEAR. GO BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAAAAAY off topic(but interesting)…..rumor has it that da Eagles are comtemplating trading TO to the Raiders for Jerry Porter,I hope they do,it’ll get him outta the NFC and start probs for the Raiders…..(Evil laugh) GO COWBOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(off topic)
has anyone read the new article on the ranch report very very good. title is ATTENTION PHILADELPHIA: Here comes the Cowboys
if you get the opportunity to read it do so, very good
and dont trade him i want to beat them with his dumb a55 on the field
Read the ranchreport article on scout.com. I don’t know. As much fun as it would be to spit some beechnut in their eye, it would just be so un-midwestern. Better that we don’t stoop to our knuckles like those apes and do our talking on the field and at the hardware store!
*pyschic vision* I see the Cowboys playing in Phily,Roy Williams clobbers TO going across the middle,Roy recovers the fumble…then streaks to midfield and spikes it on the Eagle symbol at the 50 yard line!(ala TO’s crap he did to us)……….GO COWBOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mickey Spagnola has a list of the 20 best Cowboys, so I thought I’d do one of my own (theres no other football news) It is similiar to Spagnola’s tho:
1. La’Roi Glover
2. Jason Witten
3. Julius Jones
4. Jason Witten
5. Larry Allen
6. Keyshawn Johnson
7. Marco Rivera
8. Greg Ellis
9. Terrence Newman
10. Jason Fergunson
11. Dat Nguyun
12. Terry Glenn
13. Flozell Adams
14. Dan Campell
15. Drew Bledsoe
16. Anthony Henry
17. Al Johnson
18. Keith Davis
19. Aaron Glenn
20. Mat McBriar
Its hard to do, and when you are doing it you realize there are ALOT of quality players on our roster, no names like Moss or Ray Lewis, but good players who don’t get enough respect. I think Henry, Johnson, and Flozell can really break out this year and be alot higher next year. I’ve seen Fergunson play and all my NY Jets friends hated seeing this guy leave. His numbers won’t be impressive, but he will clog up the middle and stop the run.
#4 I meant is Roy Williams
AndyZ
Yeah, the Eagle might be contemplating all posible TO trade scenarios right about now but I doubt the Raiders have reciprocal interest. They are just $137,000 under the cap and I can’t imagine TO would be cheaper than whatever Porter signed for . Pure conjecture I’d guess.
AndyZ:
I just don’t think that any Cowboy could do such a thing like spiking a ball in the Eagles Logo, mainly for one thing: The Cowboys play for Parcells, not for Reid. Look at Keyshawn, he’s a centered player while playing for Parcells, Parcells just don’t accepts those wrong types of behaviors. BTW, I prefer the class of a normal celebration, just to keep ourselves from the class-less teams.
think for a moment how awesome the raiders starting wr would be, maybe the best duo ever? speculation though. its kinda been a boring month or so.
The Raiders WR corps is awesome right now, w/o TO. He and Moss wouldn’t fit, IMO. Both are too hungry for the spot light, their egos are too big to both fit in the locker room. I wonder if even Porter and Moss will mesh? W/ Curry, they can be a dynamic tandem, possibly the best trio in football (although I like Keyshawn, Glenn & Witten too!). Kerry Collins and LaMont Jordon are going to be loving it! Both could be solid fanatsy picks. I’m glad we play them early on, hopefully before they do start clicking. At any rate, that game will likely be a classic shoot out.
If Philly does trade TO, wouldn’t it be fitting if he went to the Vikings? They have the most cap room…
How slow can you go? As the NFL grinds to a halt, there are some things I’d like to mention, and receive feedback from the group on. Did anyone see the interview with D. Ware on the NFL network? He seems to be a level headed, thoughtful, and polite young man (which doesn’t mean a darn thing if he turns out to be another Ekuban). Ill take a coked up, theat to man kind, wild child that gets 16 sacks a year and only cares about winning and partying (aka L.T.) But what was really neat to me, and a sign that Big Bill is serious this year, was that during the interview (which took place at the NFL rookie meetings in florida (I think)) they showed all the cowboy draft picks running sprints during a break in the meetings. Which indicates to me that Big Bill is getting his message across to the young guys. Its even more of an indication of the leadership and desire that exist in this group of rookies. I am encouraged with the young guys, but then again I am every year. I recently finshed up all the off season mags, and the one thing that stuck out, is how little they talk about the Pats players not named Brady. These top 100 list have as few as 3 and as many as 5 Pats on them, yet the Pats are so much better than any team in the NFL. Which leads me to my point, in no shape, form, or way are guys like Randy Moss, or t.o. ever going to win a championship. Now I know I cheered for Key Johnson last year, but think about the difference between him and those two for a moment. Key a) goes over the middle and never short arms a ball (Randy won’t go over the middle and t.o. short arms the ball anytime anyone is near him in the middle) b) Key blocks, watch those other two jerks on running plays, they don’t care about the play, unless it involves them. C) Key will rant and rave, but he’s never left a game early, or blamed his QB for all his and the teams problems. When Key came into the leauge, he was a loud mouth, but with Bill he plays and he plays hard. Plus he wears a superbowl ring out to dinner, what about those other “great” wr’s? I thought the NFL was a copy cat leauge, if so why aren’t more teams (like dallas did this year) going after smart people that happen also to be great football players. Three things win in this leauge today, smart players, great defense, and 53 team players pulling towards a common goal (a great QB doesn’t hurt either). NOT me first, super talented, players, not dumb players, and not big time scoring offenses. The wonderlic not the 40 time is starting to matter more in todays game, with all the thinking and adjusting that takes place on the field. In a leauge where teams are so close in talent, thinking wins. Coaching plays a part, but smart players are the flavor of the month, and you know what? Its working for the Pats.
How slow can you go? As the NFL grinds to a halt, there are some things I’d like to mention, and receive feedback from the group on. Did anyone see the interview with D. Ware on the NFL network? He seems to be a level headed, thoughtful, and polite young man (which doesn’t mean a darn thing if he turns out to be another Ekuban). Ill take a coked up, theat to man kind, wild child that gets 16 sacks a year and only cares about winning and partying (aka L.T.) But what was really neat to me, and a sign that Big Bill is serious this year, was that during the interview (which took place at the NFL rookie meetings in florida (I think)) they showed all the cowboy draft picks running sprints during a break in the meetings. Which indicates to me that Big Bill is getting his message across to the young guys. Its even more of an indication of the leadership and desire that exist in this group of rookies. I am encouraged with the young guys, but then again I am every year. I recently finshed up all the off season mags, and the one thing that stuck out, is how little they talk about the Pats players not named Brady. These top 100 list have as few as 3 and as many as 5 Pats on them, yet the Pats are so much better than any team in the NFL. Which leads me to my point, in no shape, form, or way are guys like Randy Moss, or t.o. ever going to win a championship. Now I know I cheered for Key Johnson last year, but think about the difference between him and those two for a moment. Key a) goes over the middle and never short arms a ball (Randy won’t go over the middle and t.o. short arms the ball anytime anyone is near him in the middle) b) Key blocks, watch those other two jerks on running plays, they don’t care about the play, unless it involves them. C) Key will rant and rave, but he’s never left a game early, or blamed his QB for all his and the teams problems. When Key came into the leauge, he was a loud mouth, but with Bill he plays and he plays hard. Plus he wears a superbowl ring out to dinner, what about those other “great” wr’s? I thought the NFL was a copy cat leauge, if so why aren’t more teams (like dallas did this year) going after smart people that happen also to be great football players. Three things win in this leauge today, smart players, great defense, and 53 team players pulling towards a common goal (a great QB doesn’t hurt either). NOT me first, super talented, players, not dumb players, and not big time scoring offenses. The wonderlic not the 40 time is starting to matter more in todays game, with all the thinking and adjusting that takes place on the field. In a leauge where teams are so close in talent, thinking wins. Coaching plays a part, but smart players are the flavor of the month, and you know what? Its working for the Pats.
How slow can you go? As the NFL grinds to a halt, there are some things I’d like to mention, and receive feedback from the group on. Did anyone see the interview with D. Ware on the NFL network? He seems to be a level headed, thoughtful, and polite young man (which doesn’t mean a darn thing if he turns out to be another Ekuban). Ill take a coked up, theat to man kind, wild child that gets 16 sacks a year and only cares about winning and partying (aka L.T.) But what was really neat to me, and a sign that Big Bill is serious this year, was that during the interview (which took place at the NFL rookie meetings in florida (I think)) they showed all the cowboy draft picks running sprints during a break in the meetings. Which indicates to me that Big Bill is getting his message across to the young guys. Its even more of an indication of the leadership and desire that exist in this group of rookies. I am encouraged with the young guys, but then again I am every year. I recently finshed up all the off season mags, and the one thing that stuck out, is how little they talk about the Pats players not named Brady. These top 100 list have as few as 3 and as many as 5 Pats on them, yet the Pats are so much better than any team in the NFL. Which leads me to my point, in no shape, form, or way are guys like Randy Moss, or t.o. ever going to win a championship. Now I know I cheered for Key Johnson last year, but think about the difference between him and those two for a moment. Key a) goes over the middle and never short arms a ball (Randy won’t go over the middle and t.o. short arms the ball anytime anyone is near him in the middle) b) Key blocks, watch those other two jerks on running plays, they don’t care about the play, unless it involves them. C) Key will rant and rave, but he’s never left a game early, or blamed his QB for all his and the teams problems. When Key came into the leauge, he was a loud mouth, but with Bill he plays and he plays hard. Plus he wears a superbowl ring out to dinner, what about those other “great” wr’s? I thought the NFL was a copy cat leauge, if so why aren’t more teams (like dallas did this year) going after smart people that happen also to be great football players. Three things win in this leauge today, smart players, great defense, and 53 team players pulling towards a common goal (a great QB doesn’t hurt either). NOT me first, super talented, players, not dumb players, and not big time scoring offenses. The wonderlic not the 40 time is starting to matter more in todays game, with all the thinking and adjusting that takes place on the field. In a leauge where teams are so close in talent, thinking wins. Coaching plays a part, but smart players are the flavor of the month, and you know what? Its working for the Pats.
How slow can you go? As the NFL grinds to a halt, there are some things I’d like to mention, and receive feedback from the group on. Did anyone see the interview with D. Ware on the NFL network? He seems to be a level headed, thoughtful, and polite young man (which doesn’t mean a darn thing if he turns out to be another Ekuban). Ill take a coked up, theat to man kind, wild child that gets 16 sacks a year and only cares about winning and partying (aka L.T.) But what was really neat to me, and a sign that Big Bill is serious this year, was that during the interview (which took place at the NFL rookie meetings in florida (I think)) they showed all the cowboy draft picks running sprints during a break in the meetings. Which indicates to me that Big Bill is getting his message across to the young guys. Its even more of an indication of the leadership and desire that exist in this group of rookies. I am encouraged with the young guys, but then again I am every year. I recently finshed up all the off season mags, and the one thing that stuck out, is how little they talk about the Pats players not named Brady. These top 100 list have as few as 3 and as many as 5 Pats on them, yet the Pats are so much better than any team in the NFL. Which leads me to my point, in no shape, form, or way are guys like Randy Moss, or t.o. ever going to win a championship. Now I know I cheered for Key Johnson last year, but think about the difference between him and those two for a moment. Key a) goes over the middle and never short arms a ball (Randy won’t go over the middle and t.o. short arms the ball anytime anyone is near him in the middle) b) Key blocks, watch those other two jerks on running plays, they don’t care about the play, unless it involves them. C) Key will rant and rave, but he’s never left a game early, or blamed his QB for all his and the teams problems. When Key came into the leauge, he was a loud mouth, but with Bill he plays and he plays hard. Plus he wears a superbowl ring out to dinner, what about those other “great” wr’s? I thought the NFL was a copy cat leauge, if so why aren’t more teams (like dallas did this year) going after smart people that happen also to be great football players. Three things win in this leauge today, smart players, great defense, and 53 team players pulling towards a common goal (a great QB doesn’t hurt either). NOT me first, super talented, players, not dumb players, and not big time scoring offenses. The wonderlic not the 40 time is starting to matter more in todays game, with all the thinking and adjusting that takes place on the field. In a leauge where teams are so close in talent, thinking wins. Coaching plays a part, but smart players are the flavor of the month, and you know what? Its working for the Pats.
How slow can you go? As the NFL grinds to a halt, there are some things I’d like to mention, and receive feedback from the group on. Did anyone see the interview with D. Ware on the NFL network? He seems to be a level headed, thoughtful, and polite young man (which doesn’t mean a darn thing if he turns out to be another Ekuban). Ill take a coked up, theat to man kind, wild child that gets 16 sacks a year and only cares about winning and partying (aka L.T.) But what was really neat to me, and a sign that Big Bill is serious this year, was that during the interview (which took place at the NFL rookie meetings in florida (I think)) they showed all the cowboy draft picks running sprints during a break in the meetings. Which indicates to me that Big Bill is getting his message across to the young guys. Its even more of an indication of the leadership and desire that exist in this group of rookies. I am encouraged with the young guys, but then again I am every year. I recently finshed up all the off season mags, and the one thing that stuck out, is how little they talk about the Pats players not named Brady. These top 100 list have as few as 3 and as many as 5 Pats on them, yet the Pats are so much better than any team in the NFL. Which leads me to my point, in no shape, form, or way are guys like Randy Moss, or t.o. ever going to win a championship. Now I know I cheered for Key Johnson last year, but think about the difference between him and those two for a moment. Key a) goes over the middle and never short arms a ball (Randy won’t go over the middle and t.o. short arms the ball anytime anyone is near him in the middle) b) Key blocks, watch those other two jerks on running plays, they don’t care about the play, unless it involves them. C) Key will rant and rave, but he’s never left a game early, or blamed his QB for all his and the teams problems. When Key came into the leauge, he was a loud mouth, but with Bill he plays and he plays hard. Plus he wears a superbowl ring out to dinner, what about those other “great” wr’s? I thought the NFL was a copy cat leauge, if so why aren’t more teams (like dallas did this year) going after smart people that happen also to be great football players. Three things win in this leauge today, smart players, great defense, and 53 team players pulling towards a common goal (a great QB doesn’t hurt either). NOT me first, super talented, players, not dumb players, and not big time scoring offenses. The wonderlic not the 40 time is starting to matter more in todays game, with all the thinking and adjusting that takes place on the field. In a leauge where teams are so close in talent, thinking wins. Coaching plays a part, but smart players are the flavor of the month, and you know what? Its working for the Pats.
How slow can you go? As the NFL grinds to a halt, there are some things I’d like to mention, and receive feedback from the group on. Did anyone see the interview with D. Ware on the NFL network? He seems to be a level headed, thoughtful, and polite young man (which doesn’t mean a darn thing if he turns out to be another Ekuban). Ill take a coked up, theat to man kind, wild child that gets 16 sacks a year and only cares about winning and partying (aka L.T.) But what was really neat to me, and a sign that Big Bill is serious this year, was that during the interview (which took place at the NFL rookie meetings in florida (I think)) they showed all the cowboy draft picks running sprints during a break in the meetings. Which indicates to me that Big Bill is getting his message across to the young guys. Its even more of an indication of the leadership and desire that exist in this group of rookies. I am encouraged with the young guys, but then again I am every year. I recently finshed up all the off season mags, and the one thing that stuck out, is how little they talk about the Pats players not named Brady. These top 100 list have as few as 3 and as many as 5 Pats on them, yet the Pats are so much better than any team in the NFL. Which leads me to my point, in no shape, form, or way are guys like Randy Moss, or t.o. ever going to win a championship. Now I know I cheered for Key Johnson last year, but think about the difference between him and those two for a moment. Key a) goes over the middle and never short arms a ball (Randy won’t go over the middle and t.o. short arms the ball anytime anyone is near him in the middle) b) Key blocks, watch those other two jerks on running plays, they don’t care about the play, unless it involves them. C) Key will rant and rave, but he’s never left a game early, or blamed his QB for all his and the teams problems. When Key came into the leauge, he was a loud mouth, but with Bill he plays and he plays hard. Plus he wears a superbowl ring out to dinner, what about those other “great” wr’s? I thought the NFL was a copy cat leauge, if so why aren’t more teams (like dallas did this year) going after smart people that happen also to be great football players. Three things win in this leauge today, smart players, great defense, and 53 team players pulling towards a common goal (a great QB doesn’t hurt either). NOT me first, super talented, players, not dumb players, and not big time scoring offenses. The wonderlic not the 40 time is starting to matter more in todays game, with all the thinking and adjusting that takes place on the field. In a leauge where teams are so close in talent, thinking wins. Coaching plays a part, but smart players are the flavor of the month, and you know what? Its working for the Pats.
I was at my local watering hole again, a recurring theme in my life, but hey they don’t yell “NORM” when I walk in the door yet so it is still all good. Anyway this particular watering hole is operated and owned by a diehard Cowboys fan. Fans of the Dallas Cowboys frequent the establishment and the dozen tvs and multiple satellites allow the hardcore fan plenty of viewing. If the Cowboys are playing it is on at least TV, and always gets the VOLUME over the loudspeaker in the bar. Hey ownership has its privelege, right.
Anyway I got into a sports debate with a guy looked like a Left Tackle still playing in the NFL, but he was a Cowboys fan so it was just an interesting conversation. I stated my bold prediction of 11-5 and beating everybody in the NFC East except splitting with Philly. He thought 9 or 10 wins and did not think we could take Philly.
He said he was worried about the AFC West that we play this year. Specifcally KC and San Deigo. I would be more worried about Randy Moss at Oakland and the combination of WRs of the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions. TNew, Henry and Glenn time to MAN UP fellas. Oh and Marcus and Demarcus…….time to get to the QB no matter who he is. I think those three teams have the best WR trio in the NFL and we have to play all three of them…….i think we will know rather quickly if the money was well spent on Henry and Glenn…….oh yeah and face TO twice if he shows up(which he will he will just continue to be a pain the @&*&!)………..so anyway.
Yeah I realize San Diego is a playoff team with good WRs, a great RB, and possibly 2 QBs that would start on almost any other NFL team including ours. But for some reason, Bill Parcells facing an old coordinator in Marty Schottenheimer and a 3-4 defense is less worrisome to me than the WRs of Oakland, Arizona and Detroit(all you Texans will remember the other guy named Roy Williams………..a stud at WR just watch.) Denver and KC at home, a lot easier than facing either of these teams on the road. Both have a great home field advantage. Denver sucks the wind out of you at that altitude and has great fan support. Arrowhead? Enough Said…….but we do have Oakland and SD on the road. SD is likely to have plenty of Cowboys fans yelling and screaming for Da Boys. I see SD as a game we should win. I don’t know maybe I was just not impressed with them last year. Not sure, I just think we match up better against SD than Oakland, Detroit and Arizona. Those three teams all have improved running games………Lamont Jordan, Kevin Jones, and JJ Arrington(the Julius Jones of this draft………ran for over 100 yards in every game last year including against USC…….outrushed Ronnie Brown, Cedric Benson, Cadillac Williams and somehow was on the board in round 2) then the combination of Randy Moss, Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry……….or Mike Williams, Roy Willams and Mr. Rogers……….or Larry Fitzgerald and Bouldin in the Dessert? Denny Green was coach of the most prolific offenses ever in Minnesota and do not look now but he has reassembled a pretty good squad with some dangerous weapons and a guy that if healthy can still chuck it Kurt Warner former MVP of a Super Bowl……….
Now none of those teams has a great defense. Oakland is probably the weakest. Arizona and Detroit are both improving, but neither is scary. I just do not want to see those games turn into a shoot out or a track meet. If they do we of the KJ, Terry Glenn and Quincy Morgan trio LOOSE. I think the ball control and threat of stopping JJ and the play action clock eating drives that Bill Parcells loves. You know the momentum stealing, defense grinding, opposing offense going cold on the sidelines, while we grind out 75+ yards and then power it into the endzone for another Julius Jones TD………those kind of drives. We gotta have plenty of those for the Boys to beat Randy, Roy and Larry. Those guys are great as long as they are off the field. Or making Sportscenter highlights on a team without a Star on the side of their helmets.
Anyway, my rant and thoughts for the season. You know I am not sure what is going on, but a lot of the MEDIOTS are jumping on the Julius Jones and Jason Witten bandwagon. Even a bold prediction of Terrance Newman playing pro bowl like. Fox has had three or four articles highlighting the likely hood of a super season from those two and a 1500+ season out of Jones. Although those mediots are rarely right, at least 21 is garnering a little respect. I think the kid is going to be something special. Those last 7 games gave me some hope. Mix in Henry, Glenn, Ferguson, Rivera and a bunch of young hungry rookies on Defense…………add a salty old school coach and overbearing owner….both of which HATE to Lose…..and you got the makings of a Super Bowl run here boys. One with a good mix of veterans, youth, pro bowlers and role players. Oh la la.
Lets go Cowboys.
Have a great and safe holiday all.
Jon
Where you been? Thought I might have to visit that watering hole of yours to see if everything was alright!
Wade, Wade, Wade, Wade, Wade, Wade,
Damn right about Keyshawn! Throw him the ball or watch him block! I didn’t expect the guy to be such a class act. Not to mention his heart, great attitude and work ethic. I thought he was all mouth with moderate production, boy was I wrong. Dead wrong. He pleasantly surprised me and I’m grateful he is a Cowboy! He, Julius and Canty may be my personal favorite players on the team.
Wade Roberts,
VERY good point about brain power. As Chandus put it, football is the “chess” of sports. The day of the dumbass brute in the NFL is over. Teams that employ ignoramuses on their roster will increasingly come out on the short end of the stick.
Jon,
Do me a favor please, ask your watering hole owner if he knows of any similar type places in the Pacific NW and if not how a person could find out where diehard ‘Boys fans can meet in my neck of the woods.
Have a great holiday all.
James,
Rafael once did a thread on favorite Cowboys watering Holes. You might check the archives or ask him. I am not familiar with that neck of the woods but if given the choice of rooting for the Seahawks, Niners, or Vikings………….I would have to become a Cowboys Fan.
Or ask the group, I am not sure where everbody is from, but know we have Cowboys Diehard fans all over the Country and the World. Mexico loves em too! I lived in my area five years before I discovered the tucked away watering hole, that doubles as a Cowboys Fan stomping ground.
Starstruck,
Let’s see. Sailing in the Chesapeake Bay. Hanging out with Friends and Family on the Peninsula. Visiting my Godson in Williamsburg. Visiting Friends in the OBX, checking out a possible future investment down south in OBX. Hopefully doing some blue Water sailing later this year also(if you don’t hear from me after that one I might have met some bad end…..but would have enjoyed myself right up to that point…….rest assured)
You know usual stuff. Life is too short not to enjoy it. I am still kicking, just enjoying the summer. It is the quiet time here for the football season. I suspect we are anxiously awaiting our July 25 Camp updates.
Also the Bus Trip from Lendy’s to FEDEX field, might include a stop in Richmond depending on the size of the crowd. It is run through a local travel agency that takes care of everything tickets, and bus and all that. You still interested in going? He has not started taking any money, I am not sure if he will post it on the web or not.
I think the Porter for TO rumors are false.
But If I had a choice I take Porter. He is younger and has a lot of football left. I barely know what the guy looks or sounds like, yet he was a top 10 WR. He must be quiet, he sure does not get a lot of press coverage. I have seen games where he made some fabulous catches in tough conditions. He runs routes and blocks.
Porter may not have the Flamboouyance of Moss or TO……but just watch………Randy Moss might just be the 2nd best reciever on the team for the first time in his career. Curry is yet another guy, as Star points out. He was a QB, and is still learning the WR position. One hech of an athelete though.
Jon:
You’re right in your Porter insight, he might be the best of the receiving trio in Oakland, I can easiliy see him winning by yards, but TD’s are another story…. That’s been Moss forte for long.
BTW, I also believe that trade is BS, coming out of Philadelphia front office just to make the rest of the league aware of their intentions with T. O., placing a measure of what they would want in return. And could have a little meaning in Rosenhaus pocket….
Jon
Keep me posted on your trip to FEDEX, I could be interested although I’m very wary of having no exit strategy in drinking situations–which I assume that will be, no offense, but my chances to stay sober increase exponentially in avoiding such activities. Perhaps if I can make my own way there, I would like hanging with ‘boys fans from Lendy’s.
I’ve been meaning to ask if you were a squid (endearingly, from a jar head)? Do you by chance use that term in your e-mail address? Whatever the case may be, it sounds like you’re no landlubber!
I agree about Porter. When it looked like he would hit the open market, I was hoping the Cowboys would snatch him up! Oh well…
Star,
Never a Squid, but I do appreciate your service and all the squids that keep this country free and wonderful. Thank GOD for the USMC in Iraq and Afghanistan. No idea where we would be without the Marines and Seals in both of those places. Those two organizations have done ALL the heavy lifting in both of those wars…….and a few other special forces…..no offense meant to ARMY. For a number of years I was in sales and contracting in the yards and on the ships so I have been around my fair share. There is no part of submarine, carrier, RORO, destroyer, frigate, Amphib or guided missle cruiser that I have not had to climb up or down in. So while I never got the opportunity to serve, I certainly got familiar with em all.
As far as the bus and sobriety I am not sure about it being a drink fest. I could probably tell you more if I knew who was going. Personally, I would want to enjoy the Game and the trip so it would not be a drink fest for me personally. I think you are allowed to drink on the bus, but not sure. Lendy’s has plenty of folks enjoying a beer or two, but also parents bring their kids in to watch games and I have seen many a soda, coffee or tea enjoyed. As you know in VA there are no such thing as BARS only resturants with or without a liquor license. It is truly a restuarant and the wings and sauce are practically world famous. The owner used to be a VA beach Police Officer also, so the men and women in Blue frequent the place on and off duty……..and I have yet to see them drink on duty. I certainly understand avoiding temptation, but as far as the establishment itself I would say you are probably in the clear…..football Sunday is usually when I make my way up there. I do not know enough about the trip, or the number of folks going. I would also be suprised if there were not a few deadskins fans on board. Who knows…..but rest assured plenty of Cowboys fans. When I know more I will let you know. I certainly undestand and would not want to be party to anything that led you astray from sobriety. I have several friends from college that have been sober for years, and go out of my way to make them comfortable when they visit.
Living in Hampton Roads most of my life…….one year in NC and one year in Richmond……….I have always enjoyed the beach, the bay, the sport fishing, the ocean and the surf. I have been doing some boating lately on friends boats, which are of course the best kind.
Chandus and Star,
Porter is a class act and great WR. I was not surprised to see them keep him. I was a little surprised they had not wrapped him up sooner. Yeah MOSS is Mr. TD, as we all know watching him against our Cowboys…….but I think you are right Porter will be the Man in yards, catches and Moss will have a few more TDs. He is the bigger red zone threat…..from any field position. Who knows whether it is Rosenhause and Owens or Reid and the Philly Front Office……….either way they both stink. I would trade two regular season losses to Philly for a chance to whip philly in the plaoffs and send McNabb and company home. Wonder if Pasquolini has any insight on McNabb weaknesses. He had him for four years.
Lets Go COWBOYS.
Jon,
Thanks. I remember the thread you are talking about, but could not get any info from it. Like you, it might take me 5 years to find what I’m looking for.
Jon
Nice observation on the Pasquoaloni & McNabb connection, it hadn’t even occurred to me. I’ll bet he does know some stuff. His hiring makes much more sense now–outside of the obvious expertise he brings to the table.
I didn’t mean to suggest you would be anything less than sensitive to anyone’s sobriety issue or that your interest in such an event would hinge on the alcohol involved. Or that Lendy’s would even cater such an event. As you may know from a previous post, I was once married to a cop and I partied with her and her co-workers on many occasions, they were some of the hardest drinkers I’ve ever known! I hear bus trip to DC and based on my experience, I jump to certain conclusions. I guess I still think like a drunk. I don’t mean to judge anyone in the process, just myself and my comfort zone. Keep me posted on it as you find out the details.
God Bless the Grunts! My service has long passed. I was proud to serve and fortunately, I never was placed in harm’s way (except for my own poor decision making). In fact, in four years I never stepped foot on a boat! Join to see the world, see all of Parris Island and Quantico! Go figure…
I think we probably got Pettiti with a big recommendation from Pasquolini. I think he probably had quite a bit of input on the draft, just coming from college. I like what I read about him too, he basically said what I have said about college lineman, they just overpower their opponents……the good ones anyway……..he is already losing weight and working out……..He could be a real surprise. Plus the guy was a head coach at a big time college with lots of NFL players produced. I figure he might know a littel something about McNabb we could use.
Cops, when off duty, party hard. I have a few friend on the force and in the sheriffs department. In my experience they are usually teetotallers exact opposites. I will let you know about the event, personally I would not want to ride on a bus with a bunch of obnoxious drunks for 4 hours or more either. Obnoxious drunks are only tolerable if you are one of em……..I know 4 or 5 guys that tie one on every Sunday, but I doubt they do the bus trip. To be honest just not having to drive up to the crappy DC traffic is what I find appealing. Everything North of Richmond is awful these days……….my area is getting almost as bad as northern virginia. I have not even decided if I am going yet or not. But I think I probably will. No offense was taken from earlier.
to for porter i heard it on the juim rome show today as a rumor, so its going around, which means nothing till it happens.