Taking Some Memes to the Trash
Posted: September 24, 2008 @ 11:15 am
We’re almost through September. We’ve seen Dallas tangle with the “hard part” of their early schedule. It’s therefore time to discard some of the more useless memes that dominated the summer, since they no longer have any merit, much less argument generating value:
1. Camp Marshmallow — Yeah, there’s no hitting in Wade Phillips camps. Why, they’ll lose preseason games, and those are so important to the post-seeding tie breaker formulas.
The Cowboys have taken a lot of penalties. They’re also 3-0. Does anybody doubt they can hit, or lack preparation for their games?
2. T.O. Will Destroy the Locker Room — Yes, I know, this seems so 2006. It’s not that big a story among the Cowboys nation, but I did some interviews in the offseason and people outside the Cowboys’ family wanted to talk about this. They’re still convinced he’s going to rip the locker room apart, despite the lack of any credible evidence.
What’s funny is that New England watchers are now wondering if Randy Moss is about to do what T.O. haters have been waiting for.
3. Martellus Bennett is another wasted 2nd round pick. The Bad Jerry is back. Grrrrrrrr! — The pitchfork carriers were out em masse after Hard Knocks roasted this kid. Remember all the blog posts demanding the Cowboys trade him now! (Raise your hands if you were one of them.)
He hasn’t become Kellen Winslow III but he’s getting more work every week and he’s already shown he has uncommon speed for a man his size.
4. The Cowboys are going to regret passing on Rashard Mendenhall.
The Einsteins at the DMN made this their party line in April. The head Mendenhall mash-letter writer, Albert Breer, is long gone, no doubt pitching woo to Mendenhall from his newest outpost. J.J. Taylor has already written his retraction.
Felix Jones is holding his own in the year of the rookie running back. This year’s crop looks vintage, with Chris Johnson, Jonathan Stewart, Matt Forte, Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton standing out. Felix is averaging 8.2 yards per carry, which means he’s due more carries.
Mendenhall has 28 yards, just two more than Tashard Choice.
5. GM Jerry will destroy this team again now that Jeff Ireland and Bill Parcells are gone.
All evidence indicates that GM Jerry is performing better than Ireland and Parcells. His free agent signings the last three years (include T.O. in that list) far exceed the Tuna’s free agents. And this year’s draft is looking very good at this early stage, with Jones, Bennett, Mike Jenkins, Choice and Orlando Scandrick making important contributions.
6. GM Jerry is bringing back the bad old days signing guys like Adam Jones and Tank Johnson.
The jury is still out on Jones but so far, so good on Johnson (and you know T.O. is part of this argument). Jones told the press at Oxnard that his front office looks hard at each player. What’s more, they stay away, as a matter of policy, from players with substance abuse issues. (None of the troublemakers the Cowboys have signed have drug or alcohol issues.)
The Pro Football Talk readers here know Mike Florio has a feature called “Turd Watch,” where he documents the suspensions and arrests league wide. During the Adam Jones-trade watch Florio noted that the Cowboys are the only team that has not had a player arrested since he started the blotter.
There are always questions with the Cowboys and the biggest one won’t be answered until January. Here’s hoping we won’t have to deal with these tired topics any more.
Your numbers of the day: 9-1.
That’s Wade Phillips’ road record since becoming head coach. Move over, Mel Gibson, Wade is making a play to be the Road Warrior.
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Life without Mrs. Doutbfire, and his Bill Parcells Guys, is splendid.
after the game on Sunday where T.O. was the one who made the tackle at the Dallas 43 after the interception in the end zone and watching him blocking for Felix on that run, I have nothing to say about the guy….my respects to him.
Albert Breer also issued his mea culpa regarding Felix Jones vs. Mendenhall.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=461248
Actually Breer did do a small retraction this week admitting that dallas was right to take Uncle Felix because it is a good fit for dallas’ Offensive Scheme. But you are right, before that and two weeks into the season he was still holding out hope for some evidence to add credibility to his argument and found none.
cly,
Perhaps, but he was so emphatic about trashing the pick the fans will never let him forget it.
I agree Raf, he still has a Dallas is good, but. There is always a but with his analysis of the cowboys. He stated that if the packers just converted their 3rd downs it could have gone to the wire. I say that if dallas was playing sharper, the score would have been higher; GB could not stop the running game.
It was hilarious seeing some commentators pointing out that TO didn’t look too happy last game. Yet he chased down Nick Collins, threw some key blocks, and acted wonderfully as a decoy. I don’t want my star WR to be HAPPY when he only has 2 catches (and a drop). I want him to be angry but still helping out the team. The kind of WR that is all smiles while being shut down (albeit with a top CB on him and a safety over him at all times) is too happy-go-lucky for my tastes.
I know it’s too early to anoint Austin, but man, I am excited! With the #1 CB of most teams on TO with a safety over the top, and teams also keying on Witten, Austin can go nuts. Here’s to hoping he’s not a Devery Henderson (1 week: 2 catches 150 yds, next two weeks: 1 catch, 5 yards).
And give Felix more carries!!! Also, is there a reason why the banger has to be the closer? Tired men don’t like having to tackle MBIII, but tired guys are also less likely to make diving ankle tackles of El Gato. Did anyone watch Felix’s blocking on Sunday? If he is adequate protecting Romo, I want to see him on the field more often. I would like Barber to get less than 20 carries a game.
It would really hurt seeing how good JJ is doing in Seattle if Felix wasn’t so good. As good as ‘04 JJ was, Felix has even more burst and has more moves. Still, it’s perplexing how Julius sucked so much last year. Dude broke maybe 2 tackles the whole season…
Bleee, remember that JJ production came from “the Rams dude”, the elixir for all NFL teams that want to look like world beaters.
Seroiusly Pacman should copyright that phrase and put on t-shirts and have the team wear them to their showdown with the rams, he would make a fortune if the boys end up crushing the rams.
I think Willie Parker is out this week, so Mendenhall should get the start.
Raf,
I agreed with Albert at the time - and while Mendenhall may turn out to be a great back, I have to admit I was wrong on this matter. Felix is just a better change of pace back to pair with Barber.
Uh, I think Felix can be an every down back. He’s shown power inside. He’s bigger than Chris Johnson, who’s carrying the load in Tennessee.
Technically, yes, he’s a the “change of pace” guy but that sounds like damning with faint praise. (Not a slam on you, cly, I hear that all the time.)
Averaging 8.2 in the NFL is unreal. Of course, he had an average like that in college and it was dismissed by a lot of critics cause everybody was focusing on McFadden.
From what I’ve seen, Felix has yet to get a carry while Barber is also in the game.
Raf - I agree he could be an every down back (although I didn’t think that when he was drafted). Fortunately, with Barber, he does not have to be an every down back. If the Cowboys are going to run 35 times a game like at GB, Jones is going to need to get more carries - it will be good for both Jones and Barber.
I’ll admit to being Anti-Felix on draft day. I was ticked that we passed on Mendenhall. I wasnt impressed with Felix’ college work. And his relatively poor 40 time sealed the deal in my mind.
Oh, how wrong that was. You can’t measure “vision” at the combine. Its tough to measure “shake”. Not sure what you can measure with his ability to run full speed at an angle. There were indications of his elite acceleration.
And you know, he does and will get caught from behind. He’s demonstrated that. But the thing about him is that he’s going to get a lot of chances to be caught from behind. I’d much rather have a back that puts himself in position to be caught from behind a lot (i.e., made great moves/reads to be running free) than a guy who won’t get caught but rarely gets the chance to show it (Julius Jones anyone?).
I’m sold on Felix.
I wasn’t anti-Felix (or Jenkins for that matter), but I was pro receiver. I was happy and maybe a little skeptical about the Felix pick, but I think we’re all on the same page now. The team will find the right balance of plays between Felix and Barber, and it will fluctuate a little depending on game situations.
The key with Felix and his speed (Ridge hinted at it) is that is a component of his bigger package. (That’s what she said!)
You don’t need a 4.2 guy because he can break three 80 yard runs a year. You need a 4.3 - 4.40 guy with vision, balance, and wiggggle, like Felix for three 15 - 25 yard runs a game. T.O. is right, speed kills, but the whole package makes it a WMD.
I’ll raise my hand and admit I thought Bennett was going to become a worthless pick. The kid seemed immature, lazy and petulant on HBO. I’ve read here and there that his college coaches were happy to see him go.
It’s still early, and he may regress, but he looks like a stud in the making.
Felix has three plays already that prove he’s worth the pick. I still love what I saw from Jenkins (that pass break that we all thought was Roy Williams because of the #31…against Philly I believe). Scandrick has seen a lot of action and he’s name has not really been mentioned that much which is a good sign. I think we have to be happy with our draft picks overall. It could be also that the talent around them is so good it makes them look better. It might be a bit unfiar to compare Felix to Mendenhall as he’s running behind Pittsburgh line…(we had no sacks vs Philly, they had 9 against them) I am sure our run blocking is probably better then theirs is.
To add to the Camp Marshmallow point, has anyone else noticed maybe a boost in tenacity with this team? Perhaps it was the same last year but I’m definitely noticing a mean streak with the players, especially after plays. There’s been a few extra scuffles with opposing players, I’ve noticed guys slamming teammates in the helmet after making a good tackle more than usual, and the overall level of big hits seems up after just 3 games.
So Felix could be the starter? I ask because I have Barber on my fantasy team and handcuffed him with Choice. I feel that if Barber misses time, then Choice will play the bruiser role and Felix the change-of-pace. I guess it could be the other way around.
I’m just happy that these guys are showing they can play right now. We always hear about potential (not to knock him, but Carpenter comes to mind here; Spears does as well) and end up waiting a couple of years (or more) before guys show that they belong. Felix, Bennett, Scandrick, Choice, and Jenkins have all shown that they can play when their numbers have been called, and that’s all you can ask for. But when a guy like Felix starts to break big runs, have huge returns in the kicking game, and score touchdowns in consecutive games it makes you completely excited. So, overall, I’m really impressed with this rookie class because we’ve not only seen an occasional big play, but we’ve seen solid performances from all of them, which is really encouraging.
His “relatively low 40″ ummm didn’t he run a 4.4? Thats not that low.
I mean he wasn’t 4.2… but sometimes does that matter?
Not to belabor what doesn’t matter … but I feel like Bill Parcells killed Julius Jones motivation in Dallas. He basically pulled Jones from goal line carries 100% of the time , and further more, yanked him in most critical short yardage situations.
It’s definitely true that Barber deserved everything he got, but in this day and age, with the egos associated with skilled players, i think to a degree, as a coach, you have to find a way to get your players their numbers (yards, TD’s) when you can.
I don’t think the Dallas coaching staff did enough to keep Julius happy and motivated … he’s not a 10 carry a game RB.
Berkokid, I agree Parcells ruined Jones but it wasn’t just his goal line carries. He made him change the way he ran, much more disciplined. I’m glad Jones is doing well in Seattle and wish him luck.
OMG!!! Are any body else’s feet getting cold? Is hell freezing over?
Watching BSPN’s NFL Live show and they were actually saying how great TO has been the last couple of games (last 8 quarters) where he has only caught two passes. They said how great of a team player he was, they noticed how he opened things up for others, how he blocked, what he said.
I know that those things weren’t hard to figure out, but that is not the point. The point is they actually said it instead of trying to stir the pot with their usual rant.
Ok, last things first-
Parcells- I think his coaching style is pretty much a thing of the past, and he knows it. With free agency and huge contracts, you aren’t hurting a player by benching him…he’s still getting big money and can always go somewhere else.
Felix- I liked him from the get-go and still do. I remember there were quite a few on here who wanted to get rid of Barber when he was negotiating a new deal. Raise your hands if you were in that group.
Bennett- When they drafted him, I wasn’t down on him because I’d never heard of him. I was just amazed that Raf predicted it, when all others were predicting WR’s, RB’s, DB’s and some OL’s.
Carpenter et al- IMO, if you’re a 1st rounder (except QB) you really should be playing and producing your rookie year, and starting by the 3rd year, to avoid being called a bust.
Camp Marshmellow- My 2 year grand-daughter Lilly calls them marsh meadows…if the Cowboys go 13-3 again, there will be Camp Marshmeadows all over the NFL next year.
My question- the Defense is looking better and it looks like there is growing creativity on the D-side of the line as far as schemes and personnel packages. Wade or Stewart or both deserve some credit. Why do you think we have not had any picks/
I heard Galloway and company talking about Roy Williams the WR again, since Millen was fired. Raf, do you know if he was the thorn in the side of that deal. It looks as though the lions are going no Where fast and it would seem they are going to lose Roy regardless after this year. He has already stated he wants to come back to Texas, and I dont think its to lose(with the Texans).
GAC was talking to goose, and Goose said the Lions would probably ask for a first, but give him up for 2 seconds, do you think anything can come from that front. Galloway has been pushing for a top WR for a while now so its hard to say if there is any merit behind them talking about this.
I will blow up my own house if Dallas even entertains Roy Williams. He’s overrated, a bit of a baby, and never really been able to live up to any expectation placed on him.
I say, let someone else overpay for a #2 WR.
Buc’s kicker’s infant son passed away in his sleep.
Saddest news I’ve heard in a while. Puts it in perspective.
God be with that family tonight.
You’d blow up your own house?
Sure you would.
WHO in the last forever has lived up to expectations in Detroit besides Barry Sanders?
Bigg davis didnt live up to expectations either.
All this trade for roy williams talk is speculation only.
millen has been fired. no one has said they’re going to blow up the team yet.
where’s this incredible need for a WR coming from?
How about giving Miles Austin a chance? He’s a hell of a lot cheaper than Roy Williams would be.
This offense is grinding out more yards per game than last year’s. The running game has been a bit better. The passing game has been a bit better. The ‘08 guys have scored 20 points less and you can pin that directly on two Romo picks inside the opposition’s 15.
I’ve watched Roy Williams this year. Very inconsistent. A great catch and then a couple of drops. A nice catch and then, and then another drop.
I’d rather spend his big money on Demarcus Ware’s and Chris Canty’s extensions.
Let’s trade Roy Williams for Roy Williams - straight up!
There’s room for both.
However, this year will be key for Hurd & Austin. So far, Austin looks like the real deal. Hurd & Crayton? Heh!?
Come next year, a young proven stud (which Roy Williams is) becomes a real probability…though Raf’s point on salary cap is legitimate.
But since when has fiscal responsibility been a GM Jerry issue?
I do have a beef that I can no longer abide.
The DL is getting all kinds of crap for being “unproductive”, save a few props for Ratliff.
I think that people just forget the role of a 3-4 DE. They are there to occupy and clog the run game.
Given the performance against the run, there is no reason to doubt the effectiveness of Spears, Canty, Hatcher, & Bowen. They are doing their job for one of the best run D’s in the league.
Hell, Wade put it out there…”No one runs on the Cowboys”.
good point fighter. I agree.