Meanwhile, in St. Louis…
Posted: December 28, 2005 @ 2:31 pm
Interim head coach Joe Vitt has ripped his defense’s poor tackling. He has also given the business to his offensive line, who has failed to convert several key fourth and short situations lately. Vitt backed away from these criticisms yesterday and put the blame on himself.
These are typical sounds from a team that has lost four straight and six of its last seven. Don’t take Sunday’s game for granted, however. The Rams can still pass and if Anthony Henry’s abdominal strain keeps him out again the undermanned Cowboys’ secondary will be tested.
Notes:
– The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Drew Brees might play somewhere besides San Diego in 2006. Expect the New-Drew-to-Dallas speculation to swirl, but don’t bank on it, unless Bill Parcells picks up and leaves.
Brees’ 2005 has followed a similar path as Drew Bledsoe’s; Brees had a 100 QB rating at mid-season but has slumped badly in the second half. Acquiring him would be expensive, in picks and money. San Diego could franchise him again and then flip him for the best package it could find. Be sure that the Chargers would have suitors.
And let’s not discount money. Drew Bledsoe’s contract averages just over $4 million a season, putting him in the middle of the QB salary pack. Brees garnered $8.1 million from San Diego this season. Whomever acquires Brees will likely pay him a salary roughly double what Bledsoe makes. If you love him, hate him or are Bledsoe agnostic, know that he’s giving the Cowboys good value salary-wise. That means a lot to Jerry Jones.
– It appears that Redskins’ LB LaVar Arrington will also be on next year’s free agent market. The Washington Times reports that his spring roster bonus will force Washington to cut him. Arrington reads like a spurned suitor, claiming he might retire if the Redskins set him free.
Not likely. Arrington is only 27. The Cowboys would take him for a test drive if he became free, but I set long odds on him going to Dallas. Weakside linebacker is Arrington’s best position. That’s precisely where Demarcus Ware is breaking in. Arrington would also command a huge salary. I think Dallas will look for a bookend to Ware, but will find him in the draft.
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Brees is at 89.8 rating with 24 tds 15 ints
64.8% and 3500 yds. I really do not see SD taking a flying leap on RIVERS with those kinds of numbers from Brees two years in a row.
Burmafrd,
I agree, they would be crazy to do that and watch him take another team to the playoffs while Rivers suffers. Doesn’t sound like a Schottenheimer move, he is way conservative.
Brees would be a big upgrade from Bledsoe and he would fit right in here but he is not coming here, I think he stays in SD. SD mess up because they gave up on him too soon, qbs need time.
Raf,
I was kind of thinking Arrington might be set free. He clearly has talent but the more I think about it, the more he doesn’t seem to be a “Parcells guy”. The main complaint I have heard about him is that he is undiciplined and freelances too much - something that drives Bill crazy. Anyway, as I see it as far as the defense is concerned there are three main needs: an inside linebacker to go along with Bradie James, an outside linebacker to go along with Ware, and a free safety to go along with Roy W. I would love your thoughts on the likelihood for each of these coming from 1) our current roster (Kevin Burnett? Ryan Fowler? Keith Davis?); 2) from the draft (which rounds?); and 3) From free agency (Corey C.? Arrington?). Also related to the defense, what do you see the probability of us trading either Ellis or Glover? Which one is more likely? What could we possible get in terms of a player or a pick? And what would be the implications for our salary cap? Lots to think about related to next year even thought I haven’t yet given up on this season!
I think once we get other OLB, Burnett will go inside next year. So I don’t think we need an inside LB. I think the D needs little help with the offense needs a lot of help. The D should just get better with players being in their second year starter or second year in the 3-4. Teams adjusted to us NY, Philly and Washington with running on us the second time and KC runs on everybody. A cover safety would be nice.
But, IS Arrington worth it? The Skins’ defense is as productive with him as without him.
He’s a bit of a prima donna and big hits don’t count for much (but don’t tell Troy Aikman).
He reminds me a lot of Roy Williams in estimating his value in the overall scheme of defensive play.
+++++ODDS++++++
^^^New York at Oakland(+9.5)^^^^^^^^
^^^^Carolina at Atlanta(+4)^^^^^^^^^
^^^^New Orleans at Tampa Bay(-13.5)^^^^^
^^^^^Washington at Phila(+7)^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^St. Louis at Dallas(–12.5)^^^^
Other than Dallas, I hope the odds makers lose alot of money
linus,
Yeah but ….. Carolina has lost in Atlanta 7 straight times and has lost to the Falcons 9 of the last 11. …….. Washington just isn’t the same team on the road. Their 3 road victories are Dallas on that infamous Monday Night game, St. Louis, and Arizona. …. So hey you never know.
Reports today in DC are that Arrington might retire if the Skins don’t resign him.
Raf,
As I tried to point out on a previous thread .. Bledsoe’s inability to move within the pocket has cost this team plenty of opportunities this year. Now I won’t put all the blame on the QB, but his movements within the pocket are poorous. 44 sacks, 15 INTS, and 16 fumbles … these numbers HAVE to get better if Dallas is to improve their chances next year and years to come. .. The O-line has to account for some of the blame, as does RBs and TEs picking up blitzes. Its a team game and the entire passing game has to do better at protecting the QB, including the QB himself.
Oh BTW, speaking of QBs named Drew .. I like the guy at Michigan State. Drew Stanton does the little things well, in my eyes. If he is on the board when Dallas picks, I hope we nab him. Just my opinion, but I like this kid a lot. Reminds me of Elway.
I don’t care what Drew Brees’ numbers are like this year or last, he doesn’t seem like a Super Bowl caliber QB to me. Also, having Tomlinson to hand off to makes defenses key in on LT instead of going after Brees and Gates. I don’t really think Brees would be much of an upgrade for the Cowboys at all.
Whoever takes the bait on Philip Rivers is going to get burned. I bet some QB desperate losing team is going to trade away a lot for either Rivers or Brees…a team like the Lions, the Cardinals, the Ravens, or the Saints.
The fact that the Chargers AREN’T playing Rivers this week in a meaningless game ought to tell you all you need to know. It’s not to pad Brees stats…it’s to hide Rivers from teams that might potentially trade a 1st round pick or more for him!!
Linus,
those are huge lines. It tells me the wiseguys smell a lot of teams that already have their Monday tee-times reserved.
Eric Richard- I agree completely with your view on Bledsoe needing to take better care of himself as well as improving teh line. I wouldn’t take Rivers. Talk about a “pig in a poke”, He could be another Ryan Leaf for all we know.
I think the QB situation will stay the same for next year but they will probably send Henson to Europe for some developmental field time and Romo being our Jason Garrett for a few years.
I wouldn’t touch Arrington. Too many ways for that to go off track and take young, impressionable players with him.
Sean,
I think one of the “problems” we fans have is Parcells and the coaching staff has a much better clue of what they have at QB. Obviously they know how well or how poorly Romo and Henson are developing, by seeing them in practice. We fans are clueless. To a lesser extent the coaches are a bit unknowing about how the QBs will play when it counts too. .. I think if we get a QB next year it tells us that Parcells is not content with his young QBs’ developement. .. Me? I don’t know. The only thing I am sure of is that a more mobile QB would cut down the sacks and hence the turnovers as well. I am not talking about a Michael Vick, but watching Tom Brady and the way he moves inside the pocket, he would be a better example of what I am talking about. And don’t get me wrong .. I like Bledsoe, but his tendancies - the 16 fumbles, 15 INTs and 44 sacks - is too much for any team to overcome if they have hopes to win the Super Bowl. Again I am not a coach so I wouldn’t know if its possible that Bledsoe himself can improve on moving or getting the ball out quicker, or if we simply need to improve the O-line and the RBs and TEs need to improve in protection, BUT those negative play numbers have to improve if Dallas is going to be ligitagate contenders for the years to come. In fact if you ask me, its what separates them this year from the upper class of the NFL.
Eric Richard-Your exactly right about us fans not knowing about teh QB situation. I do know the protection was much better from teh shotgun and when rolling the pocket.
oddsmakers must have done their homework on playoff-bound or possible playoff bound teams……..looks like that factor in the Carolina / Atlanta game is more instructive than their immediate history….quite frankly, I am almost shocked that dallas is nearly two touchdown favorite but see above factors.
linus, i agree with you. I didn’t expect Dallas to be as big a favorite as they are. Maybe the oddsmakers know something we don’t. Money talks. What most people haven’t mentioned, is that the Redskins were 3 point favorite in the opening line. By gametime, the line had swung to Dallas as a 1.5 point favorite. Follow the money, and bet against it. All the money was on Dallas in that game. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
Let me see if I understand this:
Somehow the Cowboys would be better off this year without Bledsoe? Lets review a few facts:
1. The Cowboys have had virtually no running game this year (except for this past game and possibly one or two others).
2. The O-Line is without 2 starters for most of the year and is at best lousy (exhibit A - no running game).
3. There have been 4 games this year were the Cowboys have trailed late in the game and have needed a TD to win and Bledsoe has lead the team down to score a touchdown (twice winning player of the week).
4. Bledsoe’s QB rating is 86.3, 3397 yards, 24 TD, 15 ints, 61.3 completion percent.
5. BP has been extremely conservative with his game plan, and, I belive, has cost the Cowboys at least 2 wins because of it (the first Redskin game and the Seattle game come to mind).
6. The Cowboys have lost at least 2 games because of missed easy field goals (remember the Seahawks game - everybody blames Bledsoe but there was a missed chip shot field goal that would have sealed the game).
So the Cowboys are on the verge of going 10-6 and making the playoffs without a running game and an average O-Line, but somehow Bledsoe doesn’t get any credit for this. I watched the Chargers game and I thought Drew Brees looked average (Bledsoe definitely out played him). I watched the Indy vs. Chargers game two weeks ago and Drew Brees threw 2 absolutely terrible picks that nearly cost them the game. If it wasn’t for their runnning game the Chargers would have lost.
So the Chargers are out of the playoffs and the Cowboys are still in the hunt for the last playoff spot, but all of a sudden Drew Brees is the answer. The Cowboys are very close to becoming a great team. With an improved O-Line and a new kicker (and maybe even TO) I can easily see the Cowboys going 12-4 next year. Realistically, what would the Cowboys record be this year if Bledsoe wasn’t the QB? My guess is it would be as good as 9-6 (just a hunch).
Go Cowboys!!! I hope you make it to the Super Bowl.
alright, i just want to remind you guys that when we get in the playoffs, we will be facing mediocre teams, most of whom we have played and won against or lost because of a FIELD GOAL.
we can beat any team in the nfc, seahawks were panicking in the dallas game, if that stupid mexican (not meant racially for all you softies) had made his short shot
1. we would have been kneeling at the end of the game, not throwing interceptions
2. we would be in the playoffs
3. larry allen would be one step farther away from a heart attack
all good things, everyone, lets pray for suisham we never really got a chance to him him kick actual field goals, but his short kickoffs worried me, i guess we’re going into this game with a kicker only parcells knows, but thats not too bad in my opinion
GO FALCONS/ SAINTS/ RAIDERS/ EAGLES/ COWBOYS/ SUISHAM!!!!
bostonguy,
With all the turnovers, all the sacks, and all the penalties .. Dallas is still better than average on the offensive side of the ball. So with some blame goes some credit, and its the entire offense that deserves both, including Bledsoe. Drew has shown a lot of backbone down the stretch in some big wins, but his negative play numbers are second only to Brett Favre. So there is good and bad there. But if you want any chance at competing with the best teams in the NFL, week in and week out, these negative play numbers have to improve. .. The question I raise is: Can the Cowboys coaching staff teach an old dog new tricks? Because while Bledsoe’s completion percentage is above 61%, I would much rather the guy to learn to throw the ball away once in a while, instead of holding onto it and taking a sack. If he threw the ball away say 20 times this year and avoided 20 of those negative plays, then Dallas would be in better shape going into this weekend’s game. .. But like I said this is a team game and all the aspects can and should improve. The O-line can improve protecting Bledsoe, and so could Julius Jones and Marion Barber, maybe Jason Witten too. Also as the RBs get more and more comfortable with the offensive scheme they will be better receivers out of the back field and create a better chemestry with their QB. So what I am saying is little dump offs, better blocks, and picking up blitzers will all help Bledsoe decrease these negative play numbers. But also if Drew could throw balls away quicker before the panic hits, and if he can learn to move within the pocket better, then that too will help Drew decrease those negative plays. ..
I would just like to see Patrick Crayton return to being the emerging playmaker/star that he was before the injury?
Eric Richard-I agree with you that Bledsoe needs to get rid of the ball quicker and throw it away more but your ignoring a part of the equation. If he throws it away 20 more times we probably have 15 fewer negative plays but also lose 5 big plays that could only take place because he did hold the ball long enough for the WR to get open. There has to be a balance. It also seems that DB is more aware of pressure when he rolls out.
Rafael,
You continue to throw out Bobby Carpenter’s name in regards to the Cowboys selecting him next year. The more you say, the more it makes sense. Now you are throwing out Drew Brees’ name, so I’ll give you a few names and why they make sense.
Charles Woodson- He has to be tired of loosing, and Oakland looks now to be in the rebuilding process. A hard worker, but known to be outspoken. Hmmm .. sounds like a WR I know? Woodson would be a perfect fit at FS, a good cover guy can match up against TEs that line up in the slot, but also has very good ball skills in open space. Woodson is an UFA next season.
Kevin Mawae- Mawae was picked up by Parcells, and then blossomed into the best center in the NFL. He fits the mold of a player that would be hungry for 1.) a chance to play with Parcells again 2.) a chance to win a Super Bowl. At 35 and the Jets situation, he may become available.
Tony Richardson- We all saw what happens to the Chiefs protection when they take him out of the game. (Thank you Dick Vermeil) He is also a great lead blocker for KC’s highly tauted running game. He is that perfect one back/fullback type like Richie Anderson.
Jon Runyan- Nothing like picking off a player from a division rival. At the right price, he would give Rob Petitti more time to develope.
Mike Vanderjagt- He is a consistant kicker (87.4%), with the ability to kickoff, as opponents have averaged 22.2 yards per kickoff return throughout his career.
…. Well what do you think of this list? I am sure come April, there will be some legthy discusions about who to draft and where. Carpenter is listed as #30 or there abouts on most lists I’ve seen. Carpenter (you have convinced me) and Gabe Watson, DT Michigan, are two players on my short wish list for the draft. Of course if Drew Stanton, QB Michigan St., chooses to leave, then he gets in there too. .. Give me Carpenter, Watson, and Woodson at safety and I think this defense will be very tough to score against!!
A FB like Moose. One more playmaking LB. A REAL FS. And of course at least ONE solid OT and maybe a guard.
Rivera- maybe give him one more shot.
pettiti- probably with an offseason to strengthen and learn- should be ok. the Hotel should be good- BUT we need a real good OT that can play both sides- or TWO OT’s. Maybe Columbo. Center-keep Gurode and play him when we are up against a 3-4. Play Johnson when we are up against a 4-3.
I’d love to see Ngata from Oregon still be on the board when we pick @ 18-20ish. He is a monster @ 6′7″ 340 #. He could completely shut down the middle of the field. I know we already have Ferguson, but Ngata is younger, bigger, faster. Lets not make the mistake of passing on Shaun Rogers again (remember Quincy Carter and Tony Dixon, whom we took in the 2nd round before Rogers?).
Bluecheese-He surely won’t be there when we pick at 32nd
Sean,
Thats the spirit! If its not 32nd, I’d just as soon have it be 18.
Eric:
- Woodson at Safety? He’s great in coverage, not to be picky, but he isn’t really known for his tackling skills, something that’s a must playing Safety.
- Some time ago, I named the top FB’s that could be available in the FA market, Richardson was among them, but isn’t the top one, the top one is Beasley because he’s younger.
- About Mawae, he isn’t coming out of his best season, before getting placed on IR he was getting abused by heavy DT’s, because he’s on the same undersized page as Johnson is. BTW, Johnson’s picking up his play in this last 3 games.
- Runyan might be OK if he isn’t a heavy cap signing, he’s OK for a RT, average in run blocking, good in pass protection.
- Vanderjagt won’t see FA, first he’s going to be franchised, so stop dreaming. Rackers will be signed also, Arizona still has one of the highest free space caps.
- If Dallas indeed draft from Rounds 18 to 22, they’re in perfect position to draft either of this guys: Chad Greenway (OLB), Iowa; Thomas Howard (OLB), UTEP; Bobby Carpenter (OLB), Ohio St.; Michael Huff (FS), Texas; and Jason Allen (FS), Tennessee.
- Still, I would take in FA either of Hope and Demps for FS and draft a 1st Round OLB.
BTW, mrwnt:
Are you one of those illegal hunters in RÃÂo Bravo proximities?
Oh, and another thing, Jose Cortez is from El Salvado, next time you have a racist comment like that, check the redneck information you have.
I really don’t see why we are trying to fix a defense that has saved this club all year. We need O LINEMEN!!!!!!!!!
We don’t have Talent or Depth at this position. We have the WORST O LINE IN THE NFL.
LA is Running low. Does he have another season in his legs? Can’t operate in space anymore.
Rivera - Not the guy they gave the big bonus to. big disappointment.
Gurode/Johnson - you know what they say, if you got two guys who “could” be starters anywhere else, you probably don’t have a single one.
Tucker - On again. off again. Can’t have that at Tackle.
Pettitti - a Sixth rounder who wouldn’t be starting anywhere else in the league.
For back ups we have
Peterman, never made more than a ST start, despite being a Two year vet.
Columbo, A reclamation project.
And a bunch of JAGS!! (Just A Guy).
We are Not drafting a bunch of Defensive players!!
AlanTDot-I agree that O-line is the biggest need for this team next year but disagree about us not having depth.
I’m OK with Petitti and Tucker as back-up OTs and Gurode at center/guard. I’m even willing to give Peterman another year to get it together. Its our starters that aren’t cutting it starting with Johnson, who has improved of late.
Rivera has been pretty good at times but has not played at a high level consistently. Hopefully it was his injury and he will be back in top form next year.
LA is strong at the interior but can’t get his big body outside any more.
FA is going to be fine and is pretty good but not dominant.
We need a forceful center and quality starting RT.
Interesting Parcells and Bledsoe interview on Ram’s website:
http://www.stlouisrams.com/article/52765/
From Ram’s site: seems flue is running rampant through their camp. QB Jamie Martin has flue and is puking DE Brian Howard sick G Claude Terrell sick Brian Howard went to hospital for IV They are talking spoiler trash. They say we our running game is power, slash, and misdirection. They say our defense is fast. Looks like they want to attack our tackles just like every other team has done.
They’ve got the West Nile-Sars-Monkey Pox-Bird Flu. That’ll be a good excuse for them to roll out after we whoop’em
Eric Richard,
I threw out Brees name because he will be discussed in the press. Mark my words. I think the Cowboys are happy with Bledsoe but you know the Metroplex. There’s nothing the fans and press there love more than a QB controversy, even if they have to go outside of town to manufacture it.
As for the players:
– Woodson has a huge cap number. If he were released, somebody would pay him huge money to play corner. It’s a need position. Look at all the huge CB contracts being handed out the last two years;
– Mawae is one of Parcells’ “guys” but he’s also coming off a torn bicep, a serious injury for a center who punches out for a living. He’s also got a lot of mileage on the tires. You do A LOT of research on him, especially after the Rivera problem;
– Richardson — He’s an option, but he’s also an 11 year vet. There are alot of those at the FB position, which is why I push Fred Beasley, the “youngster” of the bunch with 8 years of play, or a rookie draftee;
– Runyan is getting old and is starting to slow down. You’ve got the Rivera problem with him, IMO, in that you give him one of his best contract when his best years are behind him.
– Vanderjagt would make sense, if Parcells can convince Jerry to invest some money in the position. He paid Jeff Robinson a mint to be his snapper, but has never paid a kicker top dollar. We’ll see.
chandus, did you not see the parenthases put there because i knew someone out there would get all angry because i wasn’t being “politically correct”
this is exactly like rush limbaugh, when he said mcnabb was “overrated … what we have here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback can do wellâ€â€black coaches and black quarterbacks doing well.”
as soon as someon hears the word black, they automatically think its racist. notice how rarely the networks would actually quote him, just say, he slurred mcnabb or other crap. that is not a racist comment.
all you softies who can’t take a little word like mexican or black, come on, this is a football blog, not dr. phil
see, try it on me, call me white. what did you just call me, white??? how dare you. I’m caucasian. caucasian!!!!!
BTW Chandus, you prob didn’t even know where cortez was from, you just looked it up to come whining back to me how i’m racist
Chandus,
Woodson not a good tackler? He is a perfect fit at FS. Perfect! .. Vanderjagt will be a free agent, because the Colts have too many players that will become UFA. They will probably end up franchising Cato June, with the year he is having. .. Tony Richardson would be a nice fit too. He is the type that can bridge the gap to the future at that position. I know he is older, but he is still doing his thing. .. Runyan and Mawae are good if the price is right.
Raf,
I agree with everything you say, but there is a good possibility that Woodson will play for less, and play FS. The opportunity to win sometimes outweighs a bigger bag of money. No doubt he will get paid, but maybe he will be cheaper than you might think. .. Vanderjagt does make sense. .. The other guys, I wouldn’t be looking to sign all of them, but one of the bunch, maybe two depending on Gurode and the draft. I would lean towards Richardson over the others.
I have a hard time believing that JJ will open up his wallet for anyone other than Terrell Owens. It’s my opinion that this years free agency crop aside from Owens will do be nothing more than roster fillers to add depth and competition.
Eric R,
Woodson got $10M this year. Guys like Anthony Henry are averaging what, six million per? That’s QB money. Roy Williams and Terence Newman will be up for new deals in the next couple of years. You can’t put all your cap eggs in the secondary.
There’s no way Woodson comes to Dallas. He’s have to “settle” for $2-3 M. Why would he, when Darren Sharper got a deal averaging $4 million and when he’ll have plenty of suitors to let him play corner, which is a more prestigious and expensive position.
mrwnt:
First thing first, I didn’t had to look it up, here in Latinoamerica we get the games with latinoamerican broadcasters, and they usually mention latinoamerican players, which BTW are 2 (Cortez from El Salvador and Rolando Cantú from México (OL- Ariz)), it just happens that I have a pretty good memory.
Second, when the words “stupid mexican” go out of someone’s mouth and are directed for someone that isn’t even Mexican, that’s an ethnic comment, had you said stupid hispanic (which is the proper term), I wouldn’t be saying anything to you.