Everybody Hurts
Posted: August 24, 2008 @ 2:47 am
Update: Osi Umenyiora has a torn MCL and will miss the entire 2008 season.
Update 2: They’re breathing easier in Washington, where Jason Taylor’s knee sprain will only keep him out two weeks.
Update 3: Dawkins has a “mild sprain” of his ankle and expects to be ready for the Eagles season opener.
Cowboys fans are no doubt concerned about the offensive line’s cohesion after Kyle Kosier sprained his foot. The injury will likely wipe out the first month of his season.
Kosier has plenty of company in the trainer’s room. Every team in the division suffered at least one significant injury last night.
– In New York, they’re sweating Osi Umenyiora’s MRI. He was taken from the field on a cart after injuring his knee. Umenyiora was in extreme pain and told trainers his knee “locked up.” Coach Tom Coughlin said trainers do not believe the DE suffered ligament damage but nobody will know the full extent of Umenyiora’s injury until later today.
If Umenyiora has to miss significant time the team’s defensive strength, their pass rush line, will take a body blow. Michael Strahan is resting in California after retiring. Right now New York may have to open the season without both its starting ends from ‘07. One city paper is already urging Giants GM Jerry Butler to call Strahan and try to coax him back onto the team.
– In Washington, the Redskins are concerned that DE Jason Taylor may have a significant knee injury. He’s also slated for an MRI today after hurting a knee in the 47-3 blowout loss to Carolina. The Redskins acquired Taylor because they had already lost two DEs, one of them ‘07 team sack leader Philip Daniels, for the season.
Washington also lost RT Jon Jansen with a sprained foot. Jansen missed most of ‘07 with an Achilles injury.
– Philadelphia has lost FS Brian Dawkins for an undetermined amount of time because he injured his ankle Saturday night against New England.
The Eagles are already thin at wide receiver, where Kevin Curtis will miss several weeks with a hernia and Reggie Brown is nursing a sore hamstring.
Philly also has questions on the offensive line. C Jamaal Jackson suffered a concussion last night and RG Shawn Andrews is just back after seeking treatment for despression.
The NFL season is a war of attrition. I don’t think so many teams expected to be so worn before it gets started. Add Tom Brady’s and Peyton Manning’s injuries to the equation and injuries rival Gene Upshaw’s death as the top league story heading to opening day.
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it feels like an unusual amount of injuries to well-known players. could it possibly be that they are trying to play without getting back into “playing shape?”. pretty naive to even think that though, they are professionals, but what other reasons could there be?
Just one of those weird things that happens in sports. A strange time period. Maybe one of these years/seasons there will be a stretch where there are no significant injuries to significant players. Not likely but weird enough to actually happen.
I was one who wanted us to draft Max gene-giles and I am glad we passed. Reports are that giles -playing for andrews- has not looked good.
Been out of town and havent had a chance to comment on the game until now. Raf and others have done an excellent job on commenting on people and things we’ve done right and wrong. So I won’t repeat.
There is something I’ve noticed before, especially in key games last year, and saw it again in spades Friday night. When we turn the ball over or give up a big return, rarely does our defense come up with a 3 and out. So, so frequently do we give up scores after big plays by the other team. It really makes me question our resiliancy.
It would be so nice to see our defense rise to the occasion and make a big stop after our offense or ST put them in an ackward position. Teams like the Ravens of yesteryear, the Steelers, the Bears, etc. Basically the top Ds. They bail out their offenses and STs on a regular basis. Ours seems to roll over and let the other team get points. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m thankful we hold teams to a FG after a turnover, because I’ve come to expect a TD.
I don’t know what can be done about this. But it does concern me. For a team with Superbowl aspirations, it sure would be nice to have a D that regularly rises to the occasion of covering for O and ST mistakes. Last year, and so far this preseason, it hasnt.
Ridgelake, they gave up a long kickoff return and held them to three.
They held them again to a fieldgoal after the ridiculous stanback fumble. They held them to another fieldgoal after the Felix Jones fumble…. so I don’t really see where you get that from.
As a matter of fact, I don’t even get where you got that from last year.
I remember a big INT after Romo had thrown a turnover.
I remember a pretty reselient defense that played a horrible game against Detroit but came up with a big 3 and out to get Dallas the ball back so they could come back with the win.
Maybe the word your looking for is more inconsistant then resiliency.
I think the hangover from that horrendous last minute mess in the first half of the playoff game last season really colors a lot of folks about our D.
True burma.
Raf,
So you believe that Pat Q will fill the guard role?
And if so, maybe getting him into more starting situations will help.
AFB2-Do we have a new Cowboy Fan?
I don’t know why DMN thinks losing an unproven player is a bigger setback than losing a proven vetran. I can’t imagine seeing Romo being carted off the field.
Injuries to top line players happens every year. There’s nothing unusual about this year. The Cowboys have been very fortunate most years.
AFB2,
From the game:
Long kickoff return. Chance for the D to get a 3 and out and force either a 50+ yard FG or a punt. Give up a first, but then hold for a mid-range FB.
Romo’s pick. Houston marched right down the field and scored a TD.
Stanback and Felix’ fumbles. Houston scores.
Burma, that Giant score does carry a hangover, no doubt. But it was far from the lone occasion last year.
We didnt have the full complement of talent last year. We can’t make that excuse this year. Its time for this D to start acting like a top unit. And that means shutting the door when the other side gets momentum. We didnt do it last year. And we didnt do it Friday.
Look, I’m not tryiing to be overly negative. There have been numerous positive comments about that game. I didnt feel the need to reiterate them. We did a whole lot right in that Houston game. But this action by our D worries me.
Kosier is one of the last remaining Bill Parcell’s Guys and Tex is glad to see him out. Not only is Kyle a BGP, but he is a 49er who replaced the great Larry Allen. The Cowboys need to find a better-than-mediocre solution in the long term and this could be a blessing in disguise. Year 3 for McQuistan, Tex wants to see what he’s got. Bye Kyle, see you in a Dolphins uniform shortly… you mediocre mole who stole Larry’s last contract with the Cowboys.
I keep hearing how we didn’t suffer injuries last year,
We’ll, Terry Glenn and Jason Fergeson were lost for the year. Some considered Glenn better than TO and Fergeson was the one guy we couldn’t afford to lose. Both Newman and Henry were hurt and a lack of depth forced Henry to play while not 100%. Outside of Romo Newman and Fergeson were Mr. unreplacable. Anderson, Austin, and Stanback were all injured at some point too. Kosier was a game time decision during one game, I think it was the Lions. The man made of glass Kevin Burnett was hurt last year too. I’m sure there were others I don’t remember so please if you remember them list them.
My point is we got hurt last year, this “we avoided injuries” is bull. We are deep enough to not notice.
Ridgelake, go back and watch that kickoff. On third down Canty tackles the running back a half a yard behind the yellow line and the official places the ball half a yard in front of the line. The Defense forces a 4th and 1 but the official gave them a unrealistic spot. Look at it if you have the game recorded.
Musiccitynorm thinks Donnyposner and Tex may be the same guy.
i hope not, donnys ok in my book
Funny,
Tex claims Koiser is a “Parcells guy” and can’t wait to see him replaced by McQuistan, who was drafted by, drumroll please, Bill Parcells.
Call me crazy, but I think that makes McQuistan a Parcells guy too.
But then logic has never been Tex’s strong suit.
Mister, it’s fine that you provide comedy. But it might bother you that you’re *unintentionally* funny on such a regular basis.
I cant watch a preseason game without cringing after each catch across the middle.
Well, Osi Umenyiora’s out for the whole season with an MCL… Schefter reported this…
chandus,
if a fly on the wall at gint’s HQ tells me that they have been on the phone all morning with strahan, i wouldnt be shocked.
Umm, if taylor is out too, strahan will be getting calls from skins HQ as well.
It’s getting late in the day I wonder what the word is on Umenyioro. The Redskins put Taylors 10 to 14 days up early, I bet there is more involved in Umenyioro’s case. I bet hes hurt, really hurt.
Chandus, there you have it.
Norm,
Umenyiora is out for the year. Got the link from the NY Daily News in the story now.
BTW,
I think alot of the gints are classless f&*%s, i dont think uminyiora is one of those.
Sucks it had to happen to one of the ones with class.
Osi is a good guy…he and D Ware are good friends. Sucks for him and the Giants. MCL teaer is bad but not as bad as they used to be 10 yrs ago and no where near as bad as an ACL. Hes done for the year but he should be back in time for preseason next year. Also good thing he a young man as well.
If im not mistaken, Wade was pretty impressed with Berger the first couple weeks of camp. He even made the statement that he could challenge for some playing time if he kept it up. If we were going to lose someone from the o-line then im glad its him. I don’t mean to knock Kosier, because i think he has been really solid since the day he got here.
I think we will be ok with whomever we put in (Berger or McQ) due to the fact that we will have a pro bowler on each side of him. If nothing else, this will get one of those guys some playing time and better prepared for later in the season if need be.
However, i have noticed that there has been no mention coming out of the cowboys about last years 3rd round pick Mr. James Marten getting a chance at the spot. I know they have had him at guard in camp. I think its pretty safe to say that he may be outta here.
Tarheel Paul,
Wade did say Berger had some good camp practices. However, he’s been awful in the games.
You are correct about Marten. The fact that he was drafted as a tackle and moved to guard in just his second year is not a good sign. That he’s struggled so much inside, well, I think you’re right.
I wasn’t aware he had been awful in the games. Its kind of hard to watch the interior lineman in the middle of a boring ass preseason game. But i appreciate the info.
But lets remember he will be playing with Flo on one side and Gurode on the other. This should help him out somewhat. But having said that, i also realize that could create other problems. The last thing we need is for Gurode or Flo to be worried about helping our Berger. They will have there hands full in week 1 with Shaun Rodgers.
How has Mcq looked in camp playing inside? Though i havent seen him play much, i have always thought he has done a solid job when given the chance. Atleast at tackle anyway, i havent seen him play inside at all.
And we all know how much the eagles like to blitz straight up the gut! So week 2 could be trouble, hell, i guess we want know for sure until the bullets start flying.
Romo has been working in the offseason to say deep in the pocket, now he’ll have his chance.
he can also roll out, which he is good at.
maybe they’ll find someone to step up at guard.
everyone says McQ has something, lets see if they put him there.
Well, I’ve been bullish on McQuistan so I hope he comes through, for the team’s sake far more than mine.
He seems to be struggling under Houck’s coaching. I’m not saying he’s bad, but he’s been up and down. A scout I talked to said, “I may have been wrong about him (he’s also been high on McQ). I wonder if Houck might be messing him up.” He had his best preseason game to my eyes this Friday. Hope he’s getting the hang of the newer techniques.
Tarheel Paul,
We have not seen McQuistan at guard in the games. He worked out a lot at guard in Oxnard but in the games Dallas has gone with a five man unit, letting every guy play at just one spot. McQuistan has played exclusively at right tackle and Berger at left guard.
But it’s time to stop evaluating and start preparing. The Browns and Eagles can bring serious heat up the gut. Romo’s well being is at stake. It’s no longer a question of giving Berger time to see what he can do.
Besides, Berger is in his 4th year. He was coached by Houck in Miami in ‘05 and ‘06, when the Dolphins had one of the worst lines in football, talent wise.
Not only could Berger not crack the starting lineup, he couldn’t stay on that lousy roster.
I don’t know why some writers think Houck can wave his magic hands and make Berger solid. If he couldn’t do it in Miami, what’s different here?
Nothing, except berger has had more time to develop.
One of the things i’ve heard about McQ is his feet are good (which is maybe why they’re thinking tackle), but i’ve also heard he can run. if he can anchor, then the middle of the line makes more sense to me. if he can run, he can pull.
thus, if he can play guard AND pull well, he doesn’t limit the play calling b/c kozier could pull.
There is time to work on this, but i hope they dont limit their options.
McQuistan is my choice too. Having two weeks to prepare may be priceless. I read where the players are preparing for the Browns right now.
Should we be watching for a left guard in this last pre-season game? If McQuistan starts there what does that mean?
Watching Berger and Proctor get pancaked in back to back weeks is to upsetting to my nerves.
Norm,
We’re talking about Romo’s health. Developmental questions at LG are over. I think we’ll see McQuistan there, for the very reasons you noted. Berger just doesn’t have the muscle. He and Procter at 305 (and I’ve been told Dallas’ weights are some of the most accurate in the league. They don’t fudge them). McQuistan is 325. Berger and Procter can’t anchor.
I think McQuistan has to get the nod. If teams can get push up the middle your offense can’t pass down the field, period. And Jason Garrett likes to attack vertically.
Raf
I know, and wer’e talking about Rodgers of the Browns! I watched the Browns pre season game and he looked like a beast early but got tired quick. No matter who we put in he will have his hands full. The Browns could not contain and I think that outside pitch play will work and help our guard.
Its Ironic we run right most of the game against Houston, that would be away from our new guard.
I think Dallas can weather this. But its a question of whether you go with Berger, who WILL need help, or a guy like McQuistan, who might be able to approach Kosier’s level and let the machine keep rolling.
In either case, Kosier will be back in a month. It could be a lot worse. We could be in New York’s shoes.
Or Washington’s. They looked awful against Carolina. Campbell was sacked, what seven times in the first half? And it was their stars getting whipped. There was one play where Julius Peppers put his left hand into Chris Samuel’s gut and ran him back into Campbell with ONE HAND. He threw Samuels into his own QB and let the OT register the sack.
I’ll bet Peppers was laughing out loud on that play. Lots of bad signs for the Redskins.
Rafael,
It was all love and kisses up here too on the radio.
I haven’t heard any talk shows today, but ill listen in tomorrow, Im sure the story in skin’s nation will change.
You can bet the rest of the NFC will watch tapes of that game.
Like I said before go read their game blog its Priceless.
I’ll have to listen to our local Skins radio mediot after that debacle. He’s only in on the weekends. I might even call the show.
Raf: South Florida actually.
any chance Watkins beats out Thong? I like his play so far. He looks like he can actually track the ball in the air now.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/5961543.html
“He’s one of the best backs in the league, I’m not going to take anything away from him, but I think it was more the scheme,” defensive end N.D. Kalu said. “They kept beating us with the draw.
“I know on one play I was up field trying to get the quarterback and it was a draw so I made the gap wide. That had nothing to do with the running back.
From Houston!
Those pitch plays were devastating too. Also read about how they were getting pressure on Romo but not getting sacks. Delusional, simply delusional.
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/news.cfm?id=F72B42C8-E979-6C39-5760AAA076EAD8B5&contentType=5
PETE MALLIRIS, EUGENE, OR: In your opinion, is the Cowboys offensive line better at pass protection or run blocking? Do any backups add a dimension in any of these areas that the starters don’t necessary bring to the game?
Nick: Well, they’re pretty good at both. If you had to pick one, I’d say pass blocking. I know they have the size to dominate the running game, but it seems like they have more success keeping Tony Romo on his feet. Then again, Romo helps that out with his quick feet. It’s a close one, but I’d say pass blocking.
Josh: They have a nice mix of both, I think. Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo have been superb in protecting Tony Romo. The offensive lines allowed just 25 sacks last season. Andre Gurode and Leonard Davis are excellent run blockers. The only guy who’s even being pushed right now is Kyle Kosier, Wade Phillips mentioning earlier in camp that Joe Berger is making a case to start, but we haven’t seen him get any first-team reps.
Rob: This sounds like a cop-out, but both run and pass blocking were overall very consistent last season, and the starting offensive line looked nearly flawless against Houston. Marion Barber could have driven a truck through some of his running lanes. As for backups, we may get to see if Joe Berger’s strong training camp can carry over to the games, because starting left guard Kyle Kosier sprained his foot on Friday night and left Texas Stadium in a protective boot.
Do these people see the same games I do? Berger has been junior varsity in all the pre season games. He’s going to get Romo killed. If Berger is our best option we are screwed. Hes little more than a speed bump on the way to our backfield.
Wade Phillips did say Berger had looked good in a couple of practices. He probably did.
He has not looked good in the games. There’s a reason he hasn’t gotten any first team reps. Second teamers are giving him fits.
But I guess it’s too much to ask these guys to watch the line.
I was hoping not to have to find out what our backup Oline looked like this year. However, if we have to, I guess this is the situation to find out. I didn’t like losing Gurode at the end of the regular season to find out Proctor sucked. I also think McQ should be the choice to replace Kosier in the meantime.
AFBat - any update? Think a lot of us are thinking about your family this week.
Did anyone else see Mickey’s story about Witten telling Romo to not get hurt? Makes me feel a little better about the interception. He still shouldn’t have thrown it, but maybe he was thinking ‘just preseason’ while he was scrambling.
AFCowboy - I was thinking that about Watkins, too. It seems that you hear about him one day, then nothing for at least a week. I’m not anti-thong, so to speak, but I’m still intrigued by Watkins. I think he’s another guy with talent that will hit around year three. He does have great range and gets to the ball. I can see him in the deep backfield with Hamlin easily.
I think the Stanback and Kosier injuries are going to push Ball and Oglesby off the roster, unless Stanback gets pushed to IR. I love Stanback, and I would hate to see him spend another redshirt year. I don’t think it kills his career, but his potential to replace Owens at some point will be in serious doubt if he misses another year.
I’m not really worried, but I was a little surprised that no one took Schaub down in the first half. Preseason, vanilla, yada yada, but its Houston… Neither Ware or Ellis got a sack? Just being greedy I guess.
New Cowboys fan is here, 1055 yesterday. Thanks for everyone’s prayers and support. He’s healthy and everything is A OK.
Congrats!
Mazeltov AFB its a glorious thing i bet you are beaming and wasted. Get all the rest you can cause those days are over my friend. We have our second due right in the middle of December so i will be in the same boat again soon. Raf i had a thought or a question and i guess his lack of mention probably answers my question for me but what happened to Lekerkerkerkerkerkerkerker? Did he show us nothing? Oh and there were four unremarkable cuts this morning along with an injury settlement for ronnie cruz.
Awesome AFB!!! ‘Nother Cowboy fan in the fold!!!
I’ve been so busy at work that I ended up missing the Cowboy/Houston game. Does anyone know if it’s going to be on NFL Net?? I’d like to at least watch the 1st half.
Congratulations on the new arrival!
Kam, I dont see the Boys game anywhere on the nfl network schedule. since CBS aired it, I wonder if it is it the kind of thing you can view for free on cbs.com?
Thanks ElBerraco. I’ll check.
“Kosier is one of the last remaining Bill Parcell’s Guys”
Tex,
Put down the crack pipe and try to remember who drafted MacQ
Raf
Wasn’t Kosier more of an Ireland guy? He was signed away from Detroit. Just a shot in the dark but I’m guessing the person in charge of scouting probably kept a closer eye on him during that season than the head coach. It was no secret that BP didn’t like Allen too much and probably told Ireland to go find him a LG.
Either way I’m kind of surprised Tex is still allowed to post here. It’s obvious to me he hates the Cowboys. Probably an Eagle or Skin fan - about 15 years old - and he just pops on here when he feels like it to interrupt real discussion.