Slogging Forward — Dallas Beats Houston 21-9
Posted: August 28, 2005 @ 7:30 pm
The Cowboys overcame a sluggish start on offense yesterday with strong defensive play, particularly by the secondary to defeat Houston 21-9. The offense wore its throwback Thanksgiving Day uniforms. Fittingly, it played as if it were in a short Thanksgiving week, blowing numerous assignments in a sloppy first quarter.
The Texans played an agressive 3-4 front and brought a variety of blitzes at the offense. In a surprise, most of the exotic rushes were thrown at the left side of the offense, where Keyshawn Johnson, Flozell Adams and Larry Allen reside. Very little overshifting and early blitzing was done on the Cowboys right, where rookie Rob Petitti and backups Tyson Walter and Ben Noll were playing. The Texans may have figured the Cowboys were going to shift protection that way to help Petitti and hoped to catch the veterans off guard.
Whatever Houston’s thinking, it worked. Adams was briefly confused by a corner blitz thrown to his side and let Antwan Peek get past him for a sack that sabotaged the Cowboys opening drive. Adams was fooled again on the next series by another blitz off the perimeter. He recovered but allowed his man to rush a Bledsoe throw on third and long, necessitating another punt.
What was doubly disappointing was that Dallas anticipated heavy pressure. Most early plays saw the offense in a pro set, something they rarely use. The back, Julius Jones and Lousaka Polite, were effective in picking up linebackers and corners but did not get early help from the line. Allen and Johnson added to the frustration on the first series of the second quarter. Keyshawn threw an ole block at a blitzing corner Philip Buchanon and the Texan dropped a promising Julius Jones off tackle run for no gain. Next, Allen blew a snap count, throwing Dallas into third and long.
On the other hand, the defense took an almost nonchalant approach to stopping the Texans offense. Houston’s attack at the moment consists of passes to Andre Johnson, some occasional bursts from the running game and prayers to the heavens to keep David Carr healthy. Houston opened the game in a three receiver, one back set, with Johnson in the slot. The Cowboys stubbornly remained in their base 3-4 package on first and second downs, putting linebackers Al Singleton and Demarcus Ware into the slot to jam Johnson and offering safety help over the top. When Dallas got the Texans into third and long the Cowboys would go into the nickel and put Terence Newman on the Houston star.
Houston got some chances to Johnson on early series against the linebackers but Johnson dropped two passes. Houston was able to move the ball rushing, as the spread formation left Dallas with only six men in the box and opened running lanes. Houston also relied on some daring — and foolish — trickery, running Carr on a naked bootleg left early in the second quarter that pushed Houston past midfield. Three plays later, Johnson slipped inside tight Newman coverage on a slant and moved the ball to the Dallas 25.
Carr has had a brutal start to his career, topping the NFL charts in times sacked. He’s a tough guy, but it was amazing to see the Houston coaches expose him to hits. Two plays after the Johnson completion, Carr again ran a bootleg, this time to his right and looked for Johnson, who was running an out and up against Newman. Carr was pressured by LaRoi Glover and his flat pass to the back of the end zone was intercepted by a leaping Newman, who never let Johnson escape his reach.
The offense finally got untracked with 6:53 left in the half. The staff stuck to the game plan, staying with the split backfield. However, OC Sean Peyton started calling a sequence of three step throws for Bledsoe, allowing him to finally gain a rhythm. From the 20, Bledsoe found Terry Glenn for a quick twelve yards on the left sideline. On the next play, Bledsoe got sound protection from a seven man pocket and again found Glenn, this time on a deep comeback at midfield. Bledsoe went left a third time, this time zinging a pass to Patrick Crayton for nine more yards. A play action fake to Julius Jones sprung Dan Campbell for six yards and a first down at the 35.
Jones broke the string of passes with a slash off left guard for nine yards. Bledsoe again passed on second and one, rolling right and passing up an open Lousaka Polite while he waited for Jason Witten to clear coverage on a delayed cross. The completion to Witten moved Dallas to the 20 at the two minute warning.
On the following play Peyton and the offensive line read a Houston blitz to perfection. The Cowboys lined up in a three WR, one back set with Keyshawn in the left slot. The Texans countered with a 4-2 or a 2-4 if you prefer, with two tackles in four point stances and two outside linebackers in two point stances on the line. All four of these players and both Houston linebackers rushed. The Texans also blitzed Phil Buchanon off the slot from Bledsoe’s left, giving them seven rushers.
Dallas ran Jones on a delay to the right, away from the pressure. Petitti swung wide to push the blitzing Jason Babin past the play and Witten blocked down on the blitzing inside backer. Ben Noll locked up the tackle and when Terry Glenn came down the line and took out the Texans’ safety, Jones had an open lane to the outside, with only cornerback Dunta Robinson standing between him and the end zone. Robinson’s angle to the ball was too steep and Jones burned him with a sharp cut outside. Buchanon could not run Julius down from the backside and his 20 yard romp put Dallas ahead 7-0, after Jose Cortez’ conversion.
Dallas got another chance in the final minute when Dat Nguyen picked off a pass at the Dallas 44. The ball was the product of a vicious hit on a Texans TE by Roy Williams, which popped Carr’s pass free. The TE batted at the ball and kept it alive for Nguyen.
On the next play the Cowboys beat a Houston zone blitz with a Bledsoe dart to Crayton who blew past Babin and took the cross right to left across the field to the Houston 20. The Cowboys took a risk three plays later by running a quick flanker screen to Glenn. Glenn made it to the fourteen, but his failure to convert the third down prevented Bledsoe from spiking the ball and stopping the clock. Dallas ran the kicking team on the field with fifteen seconds left — something they practiced at Oxnard — and were able to snap the ball with three seconds left. Cortez pulled the 32 yard attempt badly to the left, leaving the halftime lead at 7-0.
The first team offense was pulled after two three-and-out series in the third quarter. Tony Romo played the remainder of the game and passed with some efficiency, showing a nice touch on his passes. He led a long third quarter drive that was cut down by a Quincy Morgan drop of a post pattern at the Texans’ 10. Morgan heard the footsteps of the Houston safety and let a potential TD reception slide through his fingers. The drive came to nothing a few plays later when Romo dropped a center snap on a long Cortez attempt.
The backup defenders made up for a Texans field goal drive by forcing a key fumble early in the fourth quarter. Kevin Burnett had been fooled by the first Carr naked bootleg in the first quarter and was ready when Tony Banks tried the play against him. Burnett stayed home, corralled Banks and batted the ball from his hand. Jay Ratliff recovered on the Houston fifteen. After Terrence Copper moved the Cowboys to the one with the team’s first third down conversion of the day Tyson Thompson did his best Herschel Walker impersonation, leaping over the pile for six.
The conversion put Dallas ahead 14-3 but the eleven point lead was short lived. Former Cowboy, Lion and now Texan Reggie Swinton ran the kickoff back 103 yards for Houston’s only TD of the night. Houston tried running the ball in for two points but was stuffed by the Dallas second team interior line.
Thompson provided an electric 23 yard run on the final scoring drive. He followed strong blocks from Andre Gurode and Stephen Peterman inside, hesitated and then accelerated past the Texans linebackers to the Houston fifteen. Morgan redeemed himself somewhat by snatching a stop fade away from a defender in the short front corner of the end zone.
Game notes:
Comments
262 Responses to “Slogging Forward — Dallas Beats Houston 21-9”
What is Beriault’s status? He didn’t play so will BP put him on the roster, or the Injured List.
How did the back up NT’s play? Well enough to spell Glover For a few of the defensive 3/4 snaps?
Sadly, I was out of town this weekend. Had no access to the game on TV, radio, or internet. How was James vs Shanle? Coady? Johnson vs Gurode, Canty? Carson vs Johnson? Impressions please.
Alan,
They played a lot of 4-3 in the second half and had Leo Carson teaming up with Glover, at least the parts I remember. I didn’t pay close attention to this, but I should give it another look.
I breathed a sigh of relief when this Marler fellow failed his physical. He was definitely not worth a REAL draft pick. My impressions about Cortez were correct it seems. His kickoffs are good but ther is just something about his FG kicking. Unless another vet becomes available the next two weeks I predict that Cundiff will be back with us when he is eligible to be re-signed. If someone else doesn’t grab him in the meantime.
James,
I dont think the cowboys can sign cundiff back until after week 10
derrick,
I could be wrong, but I believe it’s 10 weeks from his injury settlement, which would be mid-season. But that is what I meant. He will probably be signed by someone else by then.
On an unrelated note, the Eagles just removed the franchise tag from DT Corey Simon. He is an unrestricted free agent.
Ad,
I too am curious about Beriault.If they put him on IR he
is out for the year.After his performance Mon. he will not
clear waviers.My thought is include him on the roster then
put him on IR scope his knee and then bring him back.
Looks like Maurice Clarett is going to be released by the Broncos this week, so much for his NFL career, guess he should of stayed in school, he might of learned about getting a signing bonus when you sign with an NFL team, instead of tying your contract to performance bonuses. His next job will contain the following line-”would you like some fries with your order”
I know its early…. but man what a class of rooks and rookie FAs
the cowboys have this year!!!!It looks like almost all the drafted
guys are going to make it never seen that before on any team
but maybe i’m wrong..
Derrick,
That cold….funny..but cold.
B.P. liked him but ain’t no room at running back on the boys….
can’t believe i just said that!!!!!!What a difference one year makes
Well, there’s no room for him on our roster. LOL!
Reposted, from another thread:
This was a decent test. The Texans expect to be a borderline playoff team this year, and spent a busy offseason themselves, upgrading speed and replacing older veterans with younger players. Johnson is widely viewed as a stud receiver, Davis is a two-time 1000 yard running back, and Carr is expected to become a great one, as he enters his 4th year. Buchanon and Robinson should be one of the better sets of corners in the league. The O line his been upgraded after all of the sacks it has allowed in past years. The defense is a 3-4 that has been a staple there since the team started. Dom Capers is a disciplined coach who fields disciplined teams.
So, what happened? Bledsoe outplayed Carr. The Dallas CBs outplayed the Houston CBs. Johnson was not a big factor. Dallas had the better running attack, with the Dallas starter and FA RB outplaying the Texan’s starter and 3rd round pick. The Dallas 3-4 looked more intimidating than Houston’s. Dallas’s O line outplayed Houston’s. Houston, with a QB completing 70% and no team turnovers in the preseason before the game, turned the ball over 3 times, all forced by the Dallas D, including two ints.
First, the positive. The refs signaled early that they would call a tight gameâ€â€Dallas adjusted before Houston did. Crowder made a nice catch. Romo looked like a solid #2â€â€far better than Banks, who is about league average as a #2, and who was once Dallas’s #2. Thompson solidified a roster spot. Petitti looked good enough, and the O line played well, even missing Rivera. Even without Ferguson, the Dallas D line was too much for Houston to handle very consistently, especially Glover’s quickness, which disrupted much of what they were trying to do. I don’t know how many times Houston had 3rd and over 10 last night, but it seemed like a lot.
Now, the negative. Bickerstaff whiffed on blocks that killed 3rd down opportunities. James still did not seem to impact the game. Morgan was inconsistent again. The special teams sucked, although I suspect people Parcells judges to be borderline at making the team, at best, were largely manning them, trying to impress and given an opportunity to do so. They did not.
Over all, this was impressive. Wins and losses in preseason mean very little, but progress means a lot. This looks like a completely different team from the one seen against AZ two weeks ago.
also of note for those interested in what roles will be played, and how the cuts will fall…..carson played fullback in the goal line sets.
Also Parcells doesn’t trust cundiff…he won’t be back….I don’t hold the missed field goal against Cortez, it was a rushed kick, under 10 seconds and ticking when he started for the field, not saying we’re set at kicker, just that particular kick, i’m not upset about.
CORTEZ might still be the guy. Besides, we MIGHT be scoring more TD’s this year than kicking fieldgoals… for a change.
Yeah, quite a difference a year makes. Another draft like this one, with an emphasis on OFFENSE (ie. stud WR, lineman, QB), and we’ll be a SUPERBOWL contender just in time for a our brand-spanking new stadium.
Rafael,
I saw alot of Canty lined up as a tackle.
Don’t know if this was reported already but reshard lee was
wavied by Buffalo today.
I watched the game tonight and was impressed with Davis’s play. We might have a keeper at the FS spot. Tyson Thompson looked good again in clean up duty and what more can be said about Crayton. Some one said something about him being fearless across the middle. That would be the word I would use to describe what he did against the Texans. Petitti & Ware played through some pain, something that will endear them to Parcells. I was encouraged by the progress and if the offense can get some confidence they might be a powerhouse. When the passing game began to click the holes for the Juice seemed to get better. The defense will be salty by week 8 and no one will want a part of them. The only thing now that I fear is injury. I want to believe in Romo, but until he does it in a game that means something I will reserve judgement. I would like to see him get the start against the number 1 defense of Jacksonville, just to see how much he has progressed. I might be a homer and maybe a little unrealistic, but I see a good chance of us dethroning the Eagles this year. We will see. Regardless, I would rather believe and be wrong than naysay and feel bad about the future. Just the musings of a long time Cowboy fan.
There is a pretty good article on “Dallas Cowboys Most Valuable Network.” In the article, Will Parchman said that Petitti is really an animal. There is a bit of insight into several important issues. Check it out.
I said a a while back that Petitti would be the starting RT and he’s proving it. I sure am loving the depth that we have on the D-Line! What a great defense this will be, especially when Spears and Ferguson return! Crayton will be the third WR. How ’bout dem Cowboys!
We definately have upgraded the talent on this team,not too long ago we were trying to win games with Hambrick,Hunter,Dixon,Dalroy Stewart,Lee,etc…..all recently cut from other teams……
I just saw that the Jaguars released Troy Edwards. Perhaps the Cowboys ought to release Quincy Morgana and replace his spot with Edwards. I don’t know much about Edwards production but he was a former 1st rounder.
I’ve seen a lot of names I’m familiar with get released. I did see that Reshard got the boot, but he may wind up somewhere this year. Javier Collins was also released. I expect to see some more former Cowboys released soon. Hutch has played himself out of the rotation in Chicago, so he might wind up unemployed soon too.
I’ll be watching the waiver wire to see what shakes out at certain positions, but I honestly believe that we’re pretty much set at most positions. A kicker, another free safety, and possibly another right tackle IF someone good comes over the wire and is willing to play for less. It’s an interesting time of year folks. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
My only real regret is that I think Parcells is going to have to cut Woody Dantzler again. God, I hate to see that happen. Parcells acknowledged that he made a mistake last time when he cut him, but this time, I just don’t know what we’d do with him. I just hate to see a guy with his talent let go. It would have been nice to at least give him more of a shot at QB. That’s what he was in college. He took a couple of snaps in a practice session from what I hear, but that was it. The man can return a punt though.
Speaking of getting released, Aaron Elling (PK Minnesota) may get the boot. Elling was more consistant than Marler. Edinger looks like he wrapped up that spot in Minnesota. Just keep an eye out for him.
when Dantzler got cut the first time, he was more talented then some players we kept, but his ability just didn’t fit our needs. Thats not the case this year, with our new talent, Dantzler no longer is the “gem”, only a “good” player, which is how it should be.
I know, but I still hate to see us let him go. He’ll wind up somewhere and probably perform well against us.
I was very impressed with Tyson Thompson. I think it was 9 out of 10 plays Big Bill force feed him the ball and he held up. One of those carries he got hit in the ribs and looked to have been shaken up a bit.
Randall
He was shaken up a bit. He wanted to come out of the game, but Romo talked him into staying in. He let Thompson know that he was being tested. I think he passed the test, don’t you? I’ve been saying all along that there seems to be no way to let this kid go. There won’t be any sneaking him on the the practice squad. With Philadelphia being short on running backs, it would be just our luck that he’d wind up there where twice a year, he’d make us pay for not keeping him on the team.
Dantzler had his shot.They sent him to Nfl europe and the Cowboys
are not exactly deep at the safety position.I think the cowboys have
done all they could to help him make the team.
This may be off topic, but I really enjoyed the open thread game night. There are many of us in other markets that don’t get the games, don’t have any real good sportsbars convenient, nor have DirectTV (although I’m going to soon rectify). Listening to the game (a very big THANK YOU to whomever gave the radio link) and seeing insight on the blog was very insightful and enjoyable.
The ettiquette displayed was commendable. The last thing any of us want is a childish banter of name calling and my dad can beat up your dad crap.
As a suggestion, a scheduled rotation of commentary would be fun and allow better game coverage with less noise. Say rich takes a series, then Eric, Starstruck, etc…and Rafael and others could provide some halftime analysis. The rest of the thread would make for some nice debate.
Mea culpa on Petitti–he showed us something on Saturday. Two somethings maybe: talent and toughness. Still not sure whether the defense he was facing was throwing much quality at him, but he took care of business regardless. With some pain. And without Rivera next to him. Good stuff.
Keith Davis looked good again, especially his tackling/hitting. I didn’t see any major problems in coverage, either. And if Roy, Newman and Henry keep this pace up, we’ll have one of the better secondaries in the league. Can’t believe I just said that!
Crayton looks like the real deal, too, and seeing BP unleash the air attack a little in the 2nd quarter was wonderful. Terry Glenn is a stud. Ditto Witten. Campbell is solid, and so is Bledsoe. Now if we could just see Keyshawn get worked into the offense a little, then start throwing to Glenn and Crayton downfield a bit, we’ll have a genuine NFL offense!
As for JJ, AT and TT…we’re stacked. TT doesn’t have any moves in the hole, but that speed makes up for it some. Want to see him get a better feel on returns, though; Newman may be good at it, but we can’t lose him to injury.
So what are my concerns now?
1. Cortez. Strong kickoffs, but poor accuracy on FGs.
2. James. Still not making many plays. Lost in coverage.
3. Fergusen. Glover is a stud, and dominated last night, but it’s not like Houston has been running over people the last two years. Fergusen is the run stuffer we need and there is no way Glover will hold up at that position for 40+ plays every game in the regular season.
4. Ware. He’s a playmaker, which is GREAT. But he still seemed to blow containment on Saturday at times. Love the guy, looking forward to seeing some sacks, but he needs to become more disciplined quickly.
5. Keyshawn. Where is he? Does Bledsoe know he’s alive? Isn’t he the go-to-guy on 3rd-and-5? Yet they failed to convert time and again last night. Let’s hope this is just BP testing everything else first.
6. O-Line. I know they were good last night. But they weren’t running the ball down Houston’s throat either. And Houston had the 16th ranked D in points last year…though 13th against the run. And yes the pass protection was good, but that’s against a Houston D that registered dead last in sacks last year (we had 33, they had just 24). So forgive me if I’m still concerned that our 1st team had every opportunity to move the ball but failed to for most of 2 quarters.
We’ll likely have one of the top 10 defenses this year, but an offense in the bottom half of the league…again. Maybe that’ll be enough for the wildcard, but any improvement in personnel is the real win this year. Long way to go for a Super Bowl berth!
Off topic! Corey Simon is now unrestricted free agent. He has been wanting a big long term contract, now the Eagles just let him go. No one realy has the cap room now to do anything with him this year. Trust me I hate the birds but sometimes I can’t help but admire how they handle some of these players.
I have DVR and watched the replay of the game last night about 3x. The offensive line stunk in the first 2/3 of the first half. They were confused and played terribly. They had no idea what to do against an attacking 3-4, which is curious. Flozell Adams looked like he did in Campo’s last year. Just standing with his arms out, watching blitzers getting by him making plays in the backfield.
Tyson Walter looked bad. When Noll replaced him, the offense settled and began moving hte ball. It could also be that Houston was tyring different things on defense and called off the blitzes.
Petitti never looked overmatched or out of his depth. He’s a very capable pass blocker, I can’t remember noting anything about him runblocking. I have no idea about what is really going on in preseason games, but I think this kid is a lock to start.
It was hard to tell about our D when starters played starters. Canty got good push, as did Glover. Canty is Manimal. Pure freak. the 3 in the 3-4 is solid, and Ferguson hasn’t even played. the 4 in the 3-4, however, those guys leave a lot to be desired. Singleton looked pretty good, but that’s only due to him playing with Burnett, Ware, James and Shanle - he looks good in comparison.
Davis was never tested deep. He LOVES to frickin lay some wood, boy. He and Roy were having some fun. I hope he’s a fundamentally sound tackler, and takes the right angles, because i think our LBs will be providing him some chances to make important tackles.
Love Newman, Henry and Glenn.
Crowder is a great gunner. It’s fun to watch him zip down field with two DBs chasing him, and losing ground as they do.
David Carr didn’t look good, neither did the his WRs. If they had played only fairly poorly, they’d have stuck it to the Cowboys in the first two quarters. THey played very badly, with a lot of stupid penalties.
Conversely, the Cowboys were flagged in the first half on three phantom penalties. Larry Allen didn’t FLINCH on his movement penalty. Ware didn’t cross the line of scrimmage, and Glover didn’t hold anybody - in fact, Ware was tackled by the LT on that play. Those calls were like th eofficials had brain farts and just spazzed. I bet Parcells sends tapes of those calls in to the NFL.
Thompson and A Train are 2nd tier RBs but with enough to their game that they are adequate in relief of J.J. Julius is unbelievably quck and tough. He’s just great to watch. Barber, who didn’t play, has a little wiggle to his game and should be a deadly companion to JJ when he become more reliable.
Campbell is just outstanding. Good hands, good blocker.
Witten is lining up wide a lot and in the slot.
I don’t like payton’s play calling, but, that doesn’t mean much in the pre-season.
From what I could see, there is a lot to work on with the OL and the LBs.
Further off topic S. Merriman is out at least 2 weeks knee
injury according to espn.
Sorry to hear about Merriman. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. I’m sure Y.A. Toddle is on one their blogs right now with his tumor talk.
3 guys: Beriault, “Pepper”, and Thompson. We MUST keep all three because none of them have any hope of clearing waivers and being placed on the practice squad. I know we have a roster spot for 2 of them, but not all three for sure. Who gets the shaft? Henson! He is still practice squad eligible and as the 3rd QB IS NOT GOING TO PLAY ANYWAY! With him on the PS, a roster spot is freed up for SOMEONE THAT WILL CONTRIBUTE. There is a small possibility that someone would claim Henson off waivers, but so what.
I’ve had that thought myself, James. What are the odds that some other team would take Henson on as a project-slim in my mind especially considering that he has been beaten out by an undrafted div II QB. I say let him sit on the PS this year and then off to Europe for his last shot to develop with some playing time. If we lose him we are out a 3rd rounder. We’ve had worse with Rogers(at least Henson played half a game).
James & Sean:
Check out Mick’s Mail http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?contentType=5&id=EE2A48CC-9E80-4EA0-32DD26446E7B4F96 . Spagnola says they won’t cut Henson (to get him to the PS), in part because it would hit the cap this year.
I don’t see that happening unless Henson does something to really piss Parcells off. they’ve got $3.5 mil in guaranteed money tied up in this guy, and no 3rd QB. I’m not seeing anything on the waiver wires that we should dump him for. I think all this practice squad talk is more for motivating Henson than anything. We’ll take 3 QBs into the season, and Henson will be one of them.
Remnat,
Good points, but I wouldn’t worry about Keyshawn and Bledsoe. Not yet anyway, because Parcells knows what he has there.
So far out of the preseason, Parcells hasn’t tipped his hand much at all. Not eveb attempting to stretch the field, very little matching up defensively, and not much blitzing either.
James,
You may have a nice idea there with Henson. Patrick Crayton could be the emergency QB, if need be. I doubt it will happen though.
corey simon was released today from the beagles, and mortenson said peter warrick will be released by the end of the week. if theres a wr id look at its him, alot of upside.
EricR,
Never gonna happen with Henson and Crayton. Too much money and time invested in him. They could have done the same thing with Dantzler, but chose not to.
Mike,
Looking at Warrick is not a bad idea, but only for the right price. You’ve got your first 4 set at WR. I think Copper and maybe Crowder make it if they take 6 WRs, and that’s a big IF. Warrick has some years on him, and unless he wants to play for the veteran minimum, I don’t see much upside to him over anyone we have now.
Rob2:
I’d still like Morgan to have the light switch on and “get it” but I guess that’s wishful thinking. It’s definitely KJ, TGlenn, Crayton, Copper as the top 4. I still think Morgan can be the 4th WR in that set with Copper and Crowder as 5 and 6.
I also heard the comment during the game that it would take “nerve” to have two 30-something WRs as starters and two rookies behind them with no other WR with NFL experience. There is something to that.
We’ll see come the first round of cuts later in the week.
Troy Edwards Q&A at NFL Players.com:
http://www.nflplayers.com/players/player.aspx?id=26983§ion=qa
Player for player, I’ll take the Cowboys over the Eagle players any day except QB. Do you disagree?
Raul,
So would I. I had high hopes for the guy because of the speed he has. I will NEVER believe that the trade for him was anything more than a bonehead move, so I won’t even argue that point with anyone, but since he’s a member of the Cowboys, I want to see him do well. My confidence in him is shaken at this point, but I won’t give up hope as long as he is with the team.
I also heard that comment about the “nerve”. I also heard them say that Parcells HAS that kind of nerve. If we can get Warrick or someone of his talent level for minimal payment, it might be worth it to get rid of Morgan, but I too will wait and see what happens. There will be a lot of guys who get shown the door soon.
I’d also take Dawkins, Owens, Kearse, their CBs, and half their offensive line.
Raul Villaronga
Who are the two rookies behind them?? Crayton and Copper played last year.
Remnant-Could you see it happening if Bledsoe goes down for an extended time in order to free up a roster spot for a vet (don’t know who at this point) that could come in and drive the bus. So far I trust Romo to ddrive the bus(along with some expected growing pains for him) but I don’t think Henson is even ready for that. We have cap space for that hit if we have to take it-$3.5 over what was Henson’s contract-6 years so we get a $2mm hit give or take. If the light isn’t coming on by the end of the season and we have the cap room we should go ahead and dump him to save cap room for next year.
Goldie,
I love your enthusiasm for the players. I just wish I could share it. Player for player, I still think we get our asses handed to us, at least this year. I think we’ll get Philly’s attention this year, but I don’t think we’re ready to overtake them just yet. I like our potential a lot. I just don’t see us taking them out just yet. I firmly believe that 2 years from now, we will be looking behind us to find them, but right now, they are too talented and too well managed for a palyer for player takeover.
Prime spots:,
QB - We’re not in the same league with them.
Offensive line - We’re closing in on them, but not there yet.
WR - I’ll give you a push on that one, but only because they have no one right now opposite TO.
RB - Please. We own that one.
TE - Again, we take that one.
I think the difference here is at QB and the offensive line. We do match up well with them everywhere else on offense.
Until I see more from the defense, I’ll hold off on making any firm player to palyer assessments, but I don’t think we’re there yet with them here either, simply because they make fewer mistakes than we do, and they are better in the passing game across the middle. We’re still getting picked apart there.
I think we’ll be looking at a different team on both sides of the ball in a year or two. One that I think will over take the iggles.
AW
At this point, I like Copper better than Morgan. I’d let him have a shot at the 4th receiver sopt, but I’m not the coach.
I think that Troy Edwards and Tim Rattay teamed at La Tech to rewrite all passing/receiving records in College Football.
However, I’m also pretty sure that Edwards is a total head case and despite his incredible speed, he’s just not worth it.
Rob2
Its not a push at WR they are better.
Rob2
I haven’t seen enough of Copper to say he is better than Morgan. Morgan is looking bad right now because he lost the 3 spot. He still has some skills. I still think next year KJ or Glenn needs to be gone. And daft a WR or get a young one.
Sean, yes, if Bledsoe goes down for 4+ games before the Cowboys are knocked out of playoff contention, then all bets are off on cutting Henson. But who would they bring in? Not like there are decent QBs out there just waiting for a call. And cutting Henson to sign Testaverde or some other “veteran” sounds like moving backwards to me. If both Bledsoe and Romo go down, then I want to see Henson, if for no other reason than to show Jerry once and for all that the guy’s a lost cause.
I love the Cowboys (obviously), but they will not be even close to the Super Bowl this year. So let’s ask the question: why waste time on older veterans who won’t even be around next year? In fact, later this season we’ll likely be discussing whether it was a mistake to sign Bledsoe for this exact reason.
I’m not sure I’m ready to say he’s better, but from what I’ve seen, he has the better hands. A receiver can have all the speed in the world, but unless he can catch, he’s of no use to us. That’s why we no longer have Randal Williams, who by the way, is now catching nearly everything thrown at him.
You never know what a player might do in the right situation, which is why I’m still hesitant to give up on a guy like Henson. He has the tools, and with a little time, could prove a lot of his critics wrong. If he does, I’d like to see him do it in a Cowboy uniform.
Couldn’t disagree with you more about KJ and Glenn. Right now, they’re the best we’ve got. They’ll serve us well for another few years, whether it be in the starting lineup or not, but don’t worry, next year’s receiving class is supposed to be better than this year’s. We’ll get one then. Let’s keep the vets around until we get another stud in camp and going.
Goldie,
we are so far behind Philly at QB that we can’t even begin to make your arguement.
Reggie Harrell released…
Remnant-I don’t see anybody else out there either but for arguments sake I could be for signing a temporary fix at QB if for no other reason than to continue the development of the team. If we get all the pieces surrounding the QB position then we can plug in the QB of the future in a fertile field so to speak. (think Rothlesburger) Thats why I see the argument for it not being a waste of time.
Rob2
Glenn wasn’t starting until we got him he is a #3 now. Being in the #3 spot might help him play a full season. KJ is not the same player anymore, he can’t get deep. “They serve us well for another few years” No they can’t. The way Crayton is going he should be starting next year. One of the old guys needs to be gone next year so the young guys can play.
AW,
Am I missing something? When did Glenn go to #3? Who is #2? Hey, Glenn is healthy now, and playing well. I don’t see anyone taking his spot. You want to argue Keyshawn, go ahead, but bring me someone better, especially going across the middle. Crayton is doing very well, but let’s not send him to Canton yet. You’ve got 2 proven veterans, and YES, they can, serve us well for a few more years. Watch and see.
Hey what is this a Philly blog ?????I ‘ll tell you what i ‘ll take
all the Philly action at $10.00 per poster loser pays Rafael the 10.00
for the blog !!!
Rob2
Glenn didn’t start in Green Bay so he wasn’t a starter when we got him but the we like starting people that other teams wont start. Its a safe bet that Glenn will miss time this year he is only played in all 16 games twice. KJ is a tightend Witten get deeper then him. I said Crayton should start next year if he keeps doing what he is doing. Glenn and KJ are not #1 WR and they are not getting better so they will not become #1. If we don’t bring in a WR next year fine keep the old guys but if we do let one go.
glenn at 3, 2 cb1s would be terrence newman and henry, glenn the nickle back, i see nothing wrong with that, crayton over morgan i see no upside in morgan he`s had his chance.
Becker,
You are right. F**K Philly. Let’s wax their tail on the field .
Thank you A.T. !!!!!! Lets not forget we beat them 2 years ago
with Q at qb and Hambrick at Rb….pretty handily i might add.
ken
what are you talking about? Nobody was talking about AG?
AW
We’re making a lot of assumptions here. We don’t know that Glenn will go down this year. Is it possible? Of course it is, as it is with anyone else. I know his history, but he’s healthy right now, so that’s where we have to start. Right now, he’s top 2. Not 3. That could al change if Crayton continues to develop as we expect him to, but unless Terry gets hurt, I don’t see him Crayton taking him out this year. He already beat out Morgan, but I think that’s as far as he’ll go this year.
I’d be shocked if we didn’t pick up a receiver next year, but right now, we’ve got Key and Terry manning the starting positions. I’ve got no problem with that for now. Crayton and hopefully Morgan, will serve as their backups. Say what you will about Keyshawn, but when we need a first down, and God knows we need a lot of them, this is a guy I don’t mind having go across the middle to get us one. Crayton will too, but what if HE gets hurt? It can happen.
I’m sorry, but I want my veterans out there until they show me they can’t do it anymore.
becker
pretty handily no it wasn’t it was a close game and then when we saw them again they beat us bad. But I think we can get one this year.
I think we can get one this year too if we play a near perfect game. If we don’t minimze the mistakes, they’ll kill us. If we do, I think we’ll surprise them, once. We still won’t win the division, but I’d say a 10-6 season and an appearance in the playoffs is a reasonable prediction.
Rob2
I didn’t say Crayton should start this year what I said is if he keeps doing what is doing he should start next year. The odds are that Glenn will miss time not that he wont miss time. Crayton is doing what he is doing now because he got playing time last year. Glenn hasn’t showed you he can stay out there yet. All I know is Glenn and KJ wouldnt be the top WR on any other team right now period. I would like one of them to be here for a couple of years but not both.
Ok handily for who we had at key positions which means any
kind of win.I think Philly will have problems this year and not
just with TO .Releasing Corey S. sends a bad message to any
vet on that team looking for money when his contract is up.
Okay, which one? And why? You have upside from both players. Who would you rather see there? Are we talking about any random draftee from next year, or a guy who is on the team now? Who would you start Crayton over?
I’ve got no problem with Crayton starting next year. Check out what I said. I said that Key and Terry would serve us well for the next few years, whether it be in the starting lineup or not. Neither of them may be starting next year, but they will both still be capable of serving this team well. My point is, it’s not time to send these guys out yet with nothing behind them.
If you started Crayton and, well, anybody else next year, wouldn’t you rather have Key and Terry as backups over what we have right now? I know I would.
To hear some talk when a player reaches the age of 30 they should be jettisoned for someone who has no experience and great potential. Most teams are a combination of grizzled old veterans and some young bucks learning behind them and contributing whenever they can. In some cases, generally at running back, you see a youngster who can play from the start. Very few players come into the league with the skills or the brain power to start at the Professional level. We have drafted WR in the past that were a long in ability and short in team work. I hate to use New England as an example, but they do what they do with less than awesome talent. T.O. and Moss are great athletes, Vick has great moves for a running back, but none have been able to subjugate their talent for the team. It is all about what they can do, not about what the team does. Talent is special and something we all desire, but hard work and dedication to a goal are the secrets to winning. Just the musing of an long time Cowboy fan.
Gotta run for a bit. Be back in 30 minutes. Catch you guys then.
Aw,
Aren’t you the guy who likes J.P. losman???
I didn’t realize Sam Wyche was Buff. QB coach he
is excellent.I heard Simms say Losman wasn’t doing
well during the Denver telecast but he added he hasn’t
seen him play.Just curious if you have seen him play?
THE KIND OF PLAYER ROMO IS- (Did ya’ll notice…?)
Late in Saturday’s game, when RB THOMPSON was hurting during “his” series and wanting to sit (he was tapping his helmet and looking toward the sideline), ROMO kept saying to him to hang in there and to hang tough. He told Thompson that Parcells just wanted to see what he was made of.
He was mentoring the kid; encouraging him- and Thompson responded.
That’s on-the-field coaching and LEADERSHIP. Not a bad quality for a QB, right?
MEREDITH was the same way….
AW:
“Glenn didn’t start in Green Bay so he wasn’t a starter when we got him but the we like starting people that other teams wont start.”
First, get your facts straight, fact is, he was injured in the year he spent in Green Bay, a groin injury, and fact is that he did played there in 15 games and started 14. But you’re right on that he gets injured often, but he made 800+ yards on that injured season and I wouldn’t mind that, you know?
Rob2:
I’m too on the Keyshawn and TGlenn bandwagon, they are pretty good at what they do, when they’re healthy, and for those guys that say that Key isn’t a 1st WR anymore a number to ponder: 14 yards per catch, a number that’s comparable to those of Joe Horn (14.9), Torry Holt (14.6), Chad Johnson (13.4), Isaac Bruce (14.5) and many others. Pretty elite company, isn’t it?
I don’t think B.P. will draft a wideout with Dallas’s #1 pick.
He never has and a dispute with Kraft over the drafting
of Terry Glenn eventually led to him leaving N.E. .I think
he feels you tie up too much cap money in the position
and by the number of quality wideouts cut these past
years(not mention the number of 1st round wideout busts)
he seems to be right.
More likely will be a trade down out of the 1st round.
How often does Keyshawn get the ball or make the catch? Hell, if a guy catches ONE pass a game for 14 yards each, he’s got a 14 yard average….
ALSO, Keyshawn is NOT the go-to guy he once was. Regardless of his stats (who cares?), he doesn’t take over games and doesn’t have the speed to spread the field. Defenses DON’T fear Keyshawn….
That being said, he’s GOOD, and I’m glad we have him, but we need to draft a stud WR next year- no doubt.
But I would really want to a guy with Keyshawn skills being drafted next year, because after seeing Key playing last year I realized how much we have missed a WR that can catch anything thrown his way even if it means getting himself all over the Corner or Safety.
So look for a tall and physical guy to be drafted, Crayton is on Glenn mold.
…or maybe we could trade Morgan to Clevelend for Antonio Bryant…
kidding.
Rob2
You can’t have Glenn and KJ as backup because they aren’t going to play special teams. Today as backup yes next year a lot can change young players get better. Who would have know last year Crayton would be the #3. Depending on what Crayton does this year if he is getting deep often then I would cut Glen if he is the guy on 3rd down then I would cut KJ. But if he shows he can do both then I would cut KJ. He can already get deeper than KJ. I would like to draft a WR high meaning first 3 rounds that could come in at the 3 spot or just start. They are out there. The best way to learn and get better is out there on the field.
Tommy
I don’t have a problem with a players over 30 but two yes with one of them that can’t play a full season. Glenn and KJ are not what they were. The only thing Glenn can do better is play all 16 games. KJ can’t out due what he did last year.
becker
Im not the guy who like JP I havent seen him play. I just know they let Bledsoe go for him because Bledsoe is not a starter anymore.
maddrich:
He made 69 catches for 963 yards in 15 games, he made a catch in the last game for 18 yards and he broke his ankle. And those numbers with an injured knee, he had his knee scoped after the season. But I won’t say that those numbers could have been better if healthy, because that would be a big if, but he averaged 4.6 passes for 64.2 yards a game and those are pretty good numbers, numbers for a 1027 yards season. And he was double teamed most of the season after Glenn injury, so he was neutralized at times.
maddrich:
He made 69 catches for 963 yards in 15 games, he made a catch in the last game for 18 yards and he broke his ankle. And those numbers with an injured knee, he had his knee scoped after the season. But I won’t say that those numbers could have been better if healthy, because that would be a big if, but he averaged 4.6 passes for 64.2 yards a game and those are pretty good numbers, numbers for a 1027 yards season. And he was double teamed most of the season after Glenn injury, so he was neutralized at times.
Sorry for the double posting, my connection is having some problems.
Aw,
Sorry for the confusion I thought you lived near Buff .
Chandus
double teamed most of the seson after Glenn was out??? are you sure about that? KJ had a good year I dont see that happening again. KJ is a tightend. Out of the WR you listed I would take them all over KJ, they can get deep.
Yes, I’m sure, you can look up for film on the games, he was often covered by the corner and a safety, opposing teams were comfortable with taking some chances on the other side after Glenn injury. And how else do you think that Witten had the numbers he had? If he had been covered by the LB and a Safety, he wouldn’t have been single covered as much as he was… Or the safeties were partying somewhere else?
And of course those guys I mentioned can get deep, with the exception of Bruce, who now is more of a posesion receiver. But you also need to know that those deep throws tend to increase the average per catch and still they made almost the same number as a slow footed posesion receiver as Keyshawn is. There’s a misconception, you should take note of that, stats don’t say all you need to know.
But we do agree on that there’s a need of young blood infusion, again look up to next draft for a player on Keyshawn mold, that would mean a faster Keyshawn, but not a blazing star, just a guy that can catch almost everything thrown his way and brave going to middle field.
Okay, I’m back. Glad to see you guys are still on topic. Hey, let’s see what these guys do this year before we go calling for their heads. AW, what will you say if Keyshawn has another year like last year? What about if Terry stays healthy all year? Are you going to call for their dismissal next year?
Crayton, provided he stays healty, will have a great year. He makes me not miss Bryant so much. By the way, Bryant is kicking much @ss out there with the Browns. They should have one of the best 3 WR tandems in the league this year, along with Detroit.
Anyway, back to the subject. When all is said and done this year, I doubt you guys will be calling for their heads. I do agree with what Becker said about Parcells not drafting a WR with the #1 pick. It doesn’t seem likely because of his history. I think that the offense will drive the draft next year, and a WR might come to us in the 2nd round. We’ll see.
Chandus,
I think Parcells will look for a blazer next year. He does like speed. From what I hear, there are quite a few coming out then.
Rob2:
And still, Parcells also knows the value that a posesion receiver brings, he drafted Keyshawn first overall in 1996, and that after fighting with Kraft for that Glenn incident. And Parcells doesn’t have another posesion receiver, so there’s the need, Keyshawn isn’t getting any younger.
Chandus
You are right stats don’t tell the whole story KJ stats don’t tell the full truth on him. Nobody fears him or think he can get deep this longest pass last year was 39 yards. With KJ in It looks like we are running a 3 tightend set
Rob2
If we get a stud next year I would part ways with one of them.
AW:
Well, then he makes almost as much as Gonzo does, and Gonzo is the best TE in the league, so I wouldn’t mind, yards are yards.
And Gonzo is feared, you know, he’s feared.
Yes he is but KJ is not feared. Let me put it this way 800 yards from KJ this year looks different from 800 yards from Crayton this year. I’m not saying Crayton will get this. The reason it would look different is because Crayton and any other young player is going to get better. KJ has had his best years. He can’t do anything this year that he hasn’t done. KJ and Witten both benefited from all of the WR going down. Witten was a probowler not KJ. I don’t expect any of them to get over 900 yards if everybody can play all 16.
Guys,
We seem to be having enough trouble just getting first downs right now. Keyshawn can get us first downs. He doesn’t drop passes like some of our guys. If we get our yards 10 - 20 at a clip on passes to him, we still get what we need. Keyshawn doesn’t have to get deep. That’s what Terry is for. Crayton too, but he’ll also go over the middle the way Key does. I think he’s got a little bit of both guys in him. He’s a keeper.
We’ll get someone next year, and start grooming him for the starting position the year after, is my guess. Soon, you may see Crayton, and the yet unknown stud we draft in the starting lineup, but I see that as a two year situation. I don’t think we see wholesale changes as the position this year or next.
I know this is off the subject, but what do you think are the chances of Da Boyz going after Corey Simon DT of the Eagles. With Furgeson still out a rotation of Glover, Ferguson and Simon would be monstrous!
I don’t think it’s going to happen. Gotta pay Simon. You’re right though, Simon and Ferguson would be a monster tandem, but what do you do with Glover? I know he can do other things, but I think we’ve got enough guys on defense to sustain us for a while to come. We’ll be okay.
Would be a monster lineup, but Simon WILL NOT work for the veteran minimum.
Dont want or need Simon on this team, we have a great mix and depth of youth and veterans on the D-line and another vet would only stunt the growth and take away playing time of the young players on the D-line and actually cause a cut of one at that position, enough of the off the rack players. At some point you have to go with what you have.Now, if a decent wideout was available, since Morgan is iffy, but he’ll make the team since he’s the only one with experience after Glenn and KJ on this team.
AW:
“The reason it would look different is because Crayton and any other young player is going to get better. KJ has had his best years. He can’t do anything this year that he hasn’t done.”
I guess you weren’t saying the same from Michael Irvin, right? Because in his last years he wasn’t what he used to, but could still make the 1000 yard mark. If that’s your point of view, well, I’m no man to change it, but you’re wrong.
omg kj is good, no hes not a deep threat. does both of your wr need to be a deep threat? id rather have 1 who will catch anything thrown to him. he does what he needs to do block hell do it, go over the middle, hell do it. no hes not a speedster but he catches the damn ball.
There’s only one reason for which I would want Simon, and that’s that he would love to take McNabb head off, just as a statement to Philly’s staff and front office. But our Cowboys would also love to do just that…
We will not get Simon. He wants too much money, and we already have enough guys to man the D-Line. We need help at LB, not on the line.
Keyshawn will be on the team for the next two years, same with Terry, provided they stay healthy, because even if we get a stud WR next year, very few make an instant impact. Fewer still last as long as KJ and TG, regardless if TG is oft injured. You always need some veteran presence at most positions.
How many WRs drafted in the first round are busts? Quite a few! Same for QB, so before you run Henson out of town, realize that this guy was a “Third Round” pick for us, and he was out of football for a while. Now, I’m not to impressed with Jerry’s penchant for baseball players as QBs, but let’s at least give him a chance to prove himself. I’ll admit that he’s taking longer than I expected, but that’s why we signed Bledsoe.
Oh, baseball players can become great QBs, like John Elway, but there aren’t too many like him! Elway was drafted out of High School by the Kansas City Royals, but chose to go to Stanford. He was also drafted by the Yankees out of college, but that’s where any similarities to Henson end. He stayed with football and didn’t miss a step, and Henson decided to play baseball and his football skills regressed. Unfortunately, it’s costing the Cowboys time and money to see if he still has it. The jury is still out!
AW,
KJ is not a speed burner, but has size, and he catches the ball, especially across the middle, where many WRs fear to tread. Steve Largent wasn’t a speed burner and Fred Biletnikoff wasn’t either, but they’re both in the HOF!
KJ will play in this league for a while longer. The speed guys usually don’t last as long. So, even if you make KJ a TE, as long as he can run his routes and catch, he’ll be around, whether it’s with Dallas or elsewhere.
Regardless, you still need a tandem of speed and posession receiver, ala Irvin/Harper, Rice/Taylor, Clayton/Duper, Pearson/Johnson, Branch/Biletnikoff, Swann/Stallworth, Holt/Bruce, Glenn/Johnson……. Oh it doesn’t hurt to have a good tight end as well…… Witten? Campbell? Hey we have TWO! ;-)
Allright fellas, I’ve been holding my tongue. As things stand now, here is my 53 man roster on opening day (starters listed first):
SS-Williams, Beriault.
FS-Davis, Scott.
OLB- Burnett, Ware, Singleton, Thornton.
ILB-Nguyen, Shanle, James, Fowler.
DT/NT- Ferguson, Glover, “Pepper”, Carson.
DE- Spears, Ellis, Canty, Coleman, Ratliff.
CB-Henry, Newman, A. Glenn, Reeves, Thornton.
OL-Adams, Allen, A. Johnson, Rivera, Pettiti, Vollers, Gurode, Peterman, Walter.
WR- K. Johnson, T. Glenn, Crayton, Crowder, Copper.
TE-Witten, Campbell, Robinson, Ryan.
FB-Polite.
TB- Jones, Barber, Thompson, Thomas
QB- Bledsoe, Romo.
PK-Cortez.
P-McBriar
Ryan is probably wishful thinking, as Beriault MIGHT be, because of their injuries. If so, replace them with Pierce and Coady respectively. I omitted Henson on purpose. I say put him on the practice squad. If someone gets injured, there will be more than enough time to activate him.
Yes, I am sick to death of Jerry J’s $#@^%$# baseball players taking up up roster and cap space.
James,
I would make these changes to your lineup, otherwise, looks good
Scott will be replaced by Coady
Pepper, practice squad.cant justify 9 d-linemen
Cant have just 2 quarterbacks, Henson will make it, not ready for the NFL at all though.contract guaranteed
Morgan makes the team, only reciever with experience.