Felix Jones, Touchdown Machine
Posted: October 5, 2008 @ 10:32 pm
This isn’t written as a slam on the coaches. I’m sure they’re still trying to figure out how and when to use Felix Jones, and nobody has reached a true comfort level yet.
That said, let’s look at the eye popping stats from his limited sample of games:
27 carries, 244 yards, 9.0 average, 3 touchdowns.
He’s averaging a touchdown every nine times he touches the ball. In the games where he had six or more carries, he’s averaged 6.9 yards or more. He has a carry of 20+ yards in each of those three games. And that’s before we factor his 98 yard kickoff return into the equation.
Dial him up to full rich. Make sure he gets at least ten carries per game. He’s got a little Barry Sanders in him. He’s a guy who could explode on any play.
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And figure out how to use him more as a receiver out of the backfield as well. Hopefully more than just a screen or swing pass.
I’d love see more plays with him and barber in at the same time.
Its hard for Dallas to keep the dude off the field, so far every week when he’s in the game he has had an impact.
He’s either had a TD or created a TD out of motion(the witten TD last week.)
I thought he’d be used more often. I was thinking Marion 60 and Felix 40.
YM, i think he will be closer to that.
I think Dallas is in a real good position with the two of them. To have two quality backs on your team is awesome.
Felix Jones has been exactly what we were all promised, a homerun threat.
He is a special player for sure.
It seems crazy that Felix didn’t touch the ball on not one offensive play against the skins.
Defense:
This point has been made but . . .
How much pressure can a D get when the ball is coming out so fast?
Wade has stated his reasons for not playing man more and maybe we’re not giving up big plays, but doesn’t that hurt the offense even more? These long, sustained drives (even though the bengals started in our territory several times) knocks our offense out of rhythm in my opinion. Force the opposing qb to fit it into tight spaces. Our zone is not working.
I admit being completely wrong on draft day. I said “Mendenhall” and was very disappointed we got Felix.
Not only will Felix be a better pro than Mendmybooboo, but he will be better than McFadden as well. The guy runs way too stiff and upright. I think he’s going to get hurt this season, as well.
Adversity provides opportunity…
In the copycat league the team that can’t adjust goes the way of the dodo.
This lack of pressure with current scheme provides us to change our tactics and strategy. We know what doesn’t work, so now let’s try the 5 and 6 man blitzes with heavy man coverage. I think we should play tight and see what our corners have mono e mono.
Also, Zack T needs to be on the field for the nickel.
Going into the Skins game, our 3-0 record looked pretty good. Teams like the Pack and Eagles looked like strong wins. Now, eh, not so much. Our D looked above average against Cleveland, who everyone just knew was going to put on the same offensive fireworks this year as last. 5 weeks into the season, the brownies suck eggs and that “shutdown” looks blah. Then we win a pair against “tough” teams philly and the pack. 5 weeks in - uh, they’re both 2-3, with the pack losing to the falcons (the falcons!) at home. yuck. got beat by the redskins at home. and winless cincy had the ball with the chance to take the lead deep in the 4th quarter. the first person on here that claims we are going to lambast the cards this week on the road will make me puke in my mouth.
oh, i love me some felix.
one last thought. the hype about romo watching brady film over the offseason and learning to stand tall in the pocket, thereby taking him to the next level of nfl qb greats - well, that seems like eons ago now, doesnt it. that story died hard.
I’ve been away for awhile, so I’ve got a little catching up to do.
The Washington game was as poor as this team can play…yet they could have/should have won.
This game, however, was how the ‘Boys will win the rest of the year, with one exception: Turnovers.
Romo now has turned the ball over in 8 straight games. THAT must cease.
But all this gnashing of teeth pointed at the defense is really misplaced angst.
Only Washington has any semblance of success running the ball, and according to Barbie & Wade, it was a breakdown in gap control caused by trying to hard to make plays.
The secondary doesn’t give up big plays and almost no one has scored TDs against them. Pac is getting better and T-New, once healthy, will return to form. They’ve got two rookies playing pretty well and they should improve throughout the year.
They’re getting pressure, sacks and stopping the run. 4 of 5 teams have averaged less than 3 yards per game. That’s outstanding. None of the 4 had over a 100 yards. And we’ve held the ball far more than any other in those 4 wins.
In fact, if Romo had not committed his turnovers, no game (including the Skiz disaster) would have even been close.
I simply see a team that’s finding it’s way. The running game is stellar. The passing has been pretty good. Romo has been good at times, great others. But he seems to lose focus at times and gets a little lax, especially with the lead.
Hopefully, a season of maturation will show him the light.
The
I hadn’t read Cowlishaw’s take, but he seconds my thought.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/100608dnspocowlishaw.1abfe7b.html
It was good to win but it was a somewhat disconcerting game.
Neither the offense or defense ever looked comfortable. Now don’t get me wrong here, we’re 4-1, that’s great, I’m not at all saying that Dallas is in big trouble just that they seem be very erratic. It continues to amaze me how many times WR’s seem to be wide open uncovered against us. Guys just seem to get lost and huge holes are left where WR’s just sit and wait for the ball. T.J. House was wide open both times in the red zone and strolled in for TD’s! If our players cannot handle Phillips zone scheme maybe a shift to more man/bump and run coverage would help. And that would also put pressure on the constant 3 step drop quick completion that all QB’s continuously complete on us.
I also was concerned with the DLine and posted last week about how they’ve been a disappointment so far this year with self professed beast Tank Johnson leading the underachieving charge (he finally made a play today but it took him 5 games). Marcus Spears and Chris Canty continue to be solid against the run and virtually non-existent versus the pass. Mr Potential, pass rush specialist Jason Hatcher, has yet to record a single sack. Basically, if it wasn’t for energetic and chaotic Jay Ratliff this DLine would rate very poorly. Ratliff has tripled all the other Dlineman’s sack totals combined and accounts for more than a third of the tackles for the entire defensive line unit (that’s 5 other players)!!
So, in relation to my DLine concerns, I decided to look at other 3-4 teams and do some comparisons.
Baltimore Ravens combined DLine after 4 games:
43 tackles, 2 sacks, 6 pass deflections, 2 interceptions.
1st in rushing yards allowed (64.0), 1st in yards per rush (2.8).
Record .500 vs Opponents .526
Pittsburgh Steelers combined DLine stats after 5 games:
60 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 pass deflection (Hampton and Keisel have been injured and missed time).
2nd in rushing yards allowed (66.8 per game), 1st in yards per rush (2.8).
Record .800 vs Opponents .318
New York Jets combined DLine after 4 games:
56 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble.
5th in rushing yards allowed (75.5), 4th in yards per rush (3.1).
Record .500 vs Opponents .555
Miami Dolphins combined DLine stats after 4 games:
49 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 4 pass deflections, 1 interception.
7th in rushing yards allowed (82.8 per game), 4th in yards per rush (3.3).
Record .500 vs Opponents .555
Dallas Cowboys combined DLine stats after 5 games:
58 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 pass deflections.
10th in rushing yards allowed (95.0), 13th in yards per rush (3.9).
Record .800 vs Opponents .375
San Diego Chargers combined DLine stats after 5 games:
51 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 pass deflection.
17th in rushing yards allowed (113.4), 20th in yards per rush (4.4).
Record .400 vs Opponents .590
Cleveland Browns combined DLine stats after 4 games:
51 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 pass deflection.
22nd in rushing yards allowed (126 per game), 16th in yards per rush (4.1).
Record .250 vs Opponents .526
San Francisco 49ers combined DLline after 5 games:
87 tackles, 5 sacks, 5 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception.
23rd in rushing yards allowed (128.4), 11th in yards per rush (3.8).
Record .400 vs Opponents .400
New England Patriots combined DLine after 4 games:
49 tackles, 1 sack, 1 pass deflection.
29th in rushing yards allowed (124.8), 26th in yards per rush (4.9).
Record .750 vs Opponents .388
I guess all this tells us is exactly what most would suspect from just watching the games. Dallas places fairly well. They’re definitely not in the upper echelon of DLines but they’re also definitely not in the lower tier either. Right now they’re a mostly solid group but rarely spectacular. I hate to think how it would be without Ratliff. I think we all were expecting a bit more than solid from this group and if we’re going to go deep in the playoffs our underachievers on the DLine have to pick it up.
You know what the saddest part is? Dallas has 1 team interception in 5 games and the Baltimore NT’s have 2 interceptions in 4 games. How can a team that has so many ‘Stars’ on D be so inept at making plays?
How the heck does a NT make an interception, anyway?
I’ll echo Raf on Canty and Spears. The boys just simply aren’t getting there in their pressure. Not even really hurrying QBs, who just take a few steps and find that open guy that is inevitable after 8 seconds of route-running against a zone defense (or even man to man sometimes). Give me more pass rush and more those throws even if they get them off, will be erratic and easy (-ier, perhaps) to intercept. Carson Palmer demonstrated this when he felt rushed today, overthrowing a wide open number 23 for at least a first down, and probably a TD if he had been on target, because he was being pressured on the play and had to move more. The secondary has made some mistakes, but I believe it mainly is on the D-line and lack of effective pass rush.
As for Romo, two things, he needs to clutch the ball better when he takes off, he’s always held it in one hand and has been fortunate not to have more fumbles. We almost lost the Detroit game last year because of it. The other thing with the interceptions…I could take a rate of one every other game or so for the explosive, aggressive nature of his game, but not a solid rate of one per game. Heaven forbid he have another Buffalo game from last year, it would likely put him over 20 in the INT department for the year.
One question and idea I have…how good are Felix’s hands? If they are pretty good, why not line him up out wide as a speed threat and have him run go, deep crossing and post routes about 4-5 times a game, just a tiny bit more than Deion used to (and with Crayton playing slot, where he’s best utilized). If he can make even one catch down the field every other game, then he could be the speed threat to break the passing game open again. At the very least his deep routes could pull an extra guy off of either Witten or TO a few times a game. Creativity, JG, let’s show just a little more of it. Austin just isn’t getting it done well enough in the speed role. How I miss Terry Glenn.
Oh, I don’t mean to come across as criticizing JG too much. I was just offering an idea. If I could come up with it, why couldn’t he? Unless it just wouldn’t work (like Felix’s hands aren’t good enough).
I’m not going to complain about last year’s production without TG, but I firmly believe that if we had him fully healthy we would have been the juggernaut that the Patriots were perceived to be. Who knows.
I think we definitely miss him this year, though, because except for Witten, the passing game has been very inconsistent. We get plays here and there, but we don’t get the boom, boom, boom, and the unstoppable feel that it had last year. Fortunately we have a good running game to pick up the slack for now. It seems like it is just Witten and TO, and TO is getting doubled and tripled, and can’t get open (even against single coverage sometimes like against the Skins). That leaves Witten with 35 catches, on pace for 112 catches and TO on pace for only 61, and everyone else with hardly anything.
Interesting TO stat:
2007 through 5 games: 21 catches 387 yards 3 TDs
2008 through 5 games: 19 catches 331 yards 5 TDs
Maybe he’s not as off for the year as it seems. (stats from DMN, I decided to look at it for once out of curiosity, sorry Raf! :smiley: )
Except for yards he’s about at the same pace, or better. I guess he had some exceptional games last year in terms of catches that got him to 85.
Rafael,
Can you compare Felix’s first games to Julius Jones’? I remember it was the same kind of feeling about Julius and then the injuries and who knows what else got he best of him. Any similarities?
Who would you rank as the worst passer in the NFC East right now?
McNabb
Not counting his game in week two against the Browns in 2004, Julius Jones’ first games were:
Ravens - 30-81-0
Bears - 33-150-3
Seahawks - 30-198-3
Saints - 23-88-1
Eagles -25-80-0
Redskins - 22-57-0
Giants - 29-149-1
So he had three SPECTACULAR games, three pretty good games and one average game. Averaged over 100 yards for the 8 games in which he played. I don’t think any Cowboy rookie RB has ever done that.
Btw, has anyone noticed that Parcells’ Dolphins are 2-2 and have beaten last year’s AFC Championship game participants? Wow…
yeah, no one’s mentioned the possible impact of the loss of sparano on carrottop. i would be interested in reading a clever back and forth between some of you knowledgeable types on here about how much we might be missing sparano.
to post #19, it’s really mindbending to think that that is a valid question right now - i.e., is it Tony? the one constant in life is that no one knows nothing …
Before the draft, one of the big debates was trade up for DMac or take Felix. I bet some one on here that Felix would have a better year than DMac. The conventional wisdom back then (of the Felix doubters) was that Felix was only getting yardage because he was in the backfield with McFadden.
My rationale for betting that Felix would have a better year was based mainly on DMac being stuck with a bad team vs Felix being drafted later on and going to a good team…but I’m beginning to think that maybe DMac was as much the beneficiary of having Felix as a mate at Arkansas as Felix was in having DMac.
In brief, I think DMac would be doing better here in Big D, but we did just as good by getting Felix.
On another note..there are no easy teams in the NFL. The dynamics of this league, the talent, injuries, emergence of new players, declining skills of others, coaching creativity, weather, home fields etc. If you can get a win, you did good.
Look at the Gnats. Reigning SuperBowl Champs, taken to OT by Cincy one week, crushing the Seahawks the next. The logic going into this last weekend was that since NYG barely beat the 0-4 Bengals, Seattle should stomp the declining Giants? Didn’t happen.
How did the fins beat the Pats and the Chargers? It isn’t an over abundance of talent. It’s a bit of creativity and some luck combined with enough talent to compete every week.
The thought crossed my mind that maybe Garrett is showing just enough each week to get a win (sometimes not enough) knowing that we’ll make it to the playoffs, so that during the playoffs no one will be able to effectively scheme for what we will do because they will have never seen it.
We beat the Gints twice in regular season and then they changed their schemes and beat us in the playoffs and we looked like we didn’t know what hit us
Just a thought.
What did Sgt. Schultz always say?
“I know nut-tink!” That’s what we all know right now.
The Pack and Eagles just lost 2 in a row.
Redskins, a joke 3 weeks ago, look impressive.
The Dolphins just beat a desperate Chargers team.
The Bears look good with, who, Kyle Orton is it, throwing 300 yards??
Carolina is legit now? What happened to NO?
Is Arizona going to dominate the Boys at home?
The main thing is to get better and adjust, as someone above said. Improve and be ready for the playoffs. It’s a long season.
This team is not going to win with a ‘Ravens’ type dominating defense. It’s just not there. It will win in the playoffs only by scoring, then allowing the defense to play with a lead. Like we kinda did yesterday.
So let’s hope Romo/TO/Garrett find a way to get back on track.
ElBerraco,
I dont think we’re missing Sparano. We’ve had a very good offense so far this season. We had penalties in the first two games and they have corrected that but so far we have scored:
Cleveland - 28 (4th qtr just killing time)
Philly - 41
Green Bay - 27
Washington - 24 (I blame this one on the defense, not the O).
Cinci - 31
I think we miss Zimmer more than we miss Sparano.
Romo looked hurt yesterday. The way he acted in the pocket, his motion, the way the ball came out. Not an excuse, but definitely needs adjusting to.
If I can see it, the next few opponents have also seen it.
mdlusk,
Zone blitzing. A team brings heat from the outside and drops a DL into a short zone. That’s how the Baltimore NTs have two picks.
Bennett needs to teach Romo how to hold the ball HIGH and TIGHT. I guess I don’t mind as much his fumbles while in the pocket, because he is still looking to pass, but once you cross the line of scrimmage, you shouldn’t fumble!
I don’t mind the pick as much as the fumble. At least he didn’t go Sage Rosenfeld on us, trying to recreate Elway’s helicopter…
Everyone needs to cool their jets. We reduce turnovers and fix the coverage units and we are good to go. However, Romo needs to settle down and get his accuracy back. That’s my only concern, heretofore, his strong point.
One thing the Philly/Washington game proved, Washington can run the ball. We weren’t as bad as we looked last week. Philly is good against the run and still are regardless of what the skins did to them yesterday. We are too, the stats prove it, especially after factoring the the Washington game yardage.
Next time we play em, different ball game. In fact, anyone playing the skins now will play them differently. Their run will be shut down, and they will lose several. The next time we get them, we go 4 down with heavy linebackers and put the ball in Campbell’s hands.
Yeah,
And I also think that Dallas played a different Philly then Washington or Chicago played.
Brian Westbrook going out was huge.. yes I know he played in spurts against Washington but not the entire game.
I’ve said it for a long time that McNabb isn’t even the best offensive player on that team. Westbrook is what moves the offense.
I will say this, its pretty endearing of your offense when they are playing shitty and the least points they’ve scored all year are 24 points.
Its a long season, and Dallas plays well on the road.
I’d feel better about post #30 if washington’s next 3 opponents werent the rams, the browns and the lions - sheesh!
Well El Berraco, just gotta hope that Dallas wins.
I mean Dallas can’t do anything about Washington. They just need to win the games left on their slate.
I’m still waiting for Eli and the Giants to actually play somebody. They beat Washington when they were a completely different team, but since then they haven’t just displayed great punching power.
Well Seattle isn’t a great test, the Giants certainly did what good teams do to bad teams.
Airforce has some good points.
Last week we watched Dallas get gashed by the run in the same week they failed to run. In addition they lost the turnover battle. As good a way to lose as there is. We will not see the abandoment of the run any more and most teams will not be able to duplicate what Washington did.
This week the passing game was off, not because of scheme, but because one of the most accurate QB’s had accuracy issues. He hits his average rate and Dallas scores 38 points. The offense will be fine.
At the beginning of the year it looked like Dallas would have a great offense, a great defefense. The only shaky unit on the team was the special teams coverage units.
Five weeks in we have reason to believe the offense is / will be great, the defense is good, but not great and the coverage units are average. Special teams overall are above average.
It sucks, because early reports gave reason to believe in a dominate season. In a watered down league this team can be good enough to win a championship. It is also vulnerable to losing games verse teams with less talent and unless the defense shores up, could cause heartbreak with another one and out playoff.
Living in the Phila. area and just heard Westbrook has broken ribs, maybe out for the year.
He’s not out for the year….
THEAIRFORCEBAT2,
I agree, BUT, the Giants are the best team in the NFL right now. I hate it, I despise NY blue. Eli had a switch go on at the end of last year when Shockey went out. He finally gets it.
I am very concerned with three things. First and foremost, Romo isn’t having fun anymore and the pressure is getting the best of him. He had a passer rating of 106, but he was not very accurate with a lot of throws. Something is off with him and he is not in rhythm. Our season starts and ends with him. Second, our defensive line isn’t getting enough pressure. Third, special teams.
Is anyone else concerned about Romo?
Romo will bounce back. He’s frustrated by his play you can tell.
Well I hope so. Romo hasn’t been having fun. His throws haven’t been on the money and defenses have been coming after him. The O-line hasn’t been holding up clean and the pressure is getting to Romo. Romo is trying to stay in the pocket more this year after studying Brady. Problem is, he isn’t as cool mentally. The defensive field pressure and the media pressure is getting to him IMO. I hope he can turn it around.
Crayton might have to go, we still need a number 2. Period.
Sorry early reports from talk radio did say it could be for the year, but now there saying he is day to day, but some are saying that Reid will always say this even when he knows it could be weeks, they had a doctor on and he said even with padding he doesn’t see him return for at least 3 weeks.
I too am a bit concerned about Romo. In the short run his consistency has been off. Cannot blame it on protection. I think he has had as good or better protection then any QB in the league.
In the long run, we have yet to see a three game stretch where he managed to play high percentage football and let the team carry the game. I like that Romo can win a game that a lesser QB would lose, but sometimes in the playoffs the team needs the QB to be able to execute a conservative mistake free game plan.
The good news is he seems to be aware of his weaknesses and to be actively working on them. I hope he matures his game enough to play some high percentage football in this years playoff run.
Torchin,
I am not as convinced about the Giants being the best team. They have not played consistent despite getting solid play at QB. They do not have a great pass rush without the two all-pro DE. I think Dallas can beat them despite losing the turn over battle by one or two where they do not have a chance if they give up more then they lose.
Crayton is what he is. A quality number 3 with a loud mouth. Other then the bonus money he got in the first year of his deal his pay is in line with his performance and role.
I still think the Giants are the best until they are proved otherwise.
I hated saying that!
We need a 2nd WR that will make opposing defenses pay for doubling T.O. This was our downfall last year. This may prove to be our problem this year as well, unless Austin can emerge.
Trey,
“I like that Romo can win a game that a lesser QB would lose, but sometimes in the playoffs the team needs the QB to be able to execute a conservative mistake free game plan.” Couldn’t have set it better myself.
As for Romo, I feel like something in the defenses did in the Green Bay and Washington games has rattled him.
I think as for his fumble and interception problems, it just falls on him being a smarter quarterback. He’s plenty talented, but if he doesn’t become a smarter quarterback he won’t be to lead this team to a Super Bowl. He has to be able to understand when to just take sack, or kick a fumbled ball into the back end zone when it’s rolling around on the turf, or get out of the pocket and throw a ball out of bounds when no one is open. The miraculous amazing plays he made the last few years can only be that way so long. His luck regarding those plays is running out and it’s time for him to start making the smart plays.
“I admit being completely wrong on draft day. I said “Mendenhall” and was very disappointed we got Felix.”
Me too, I’m glad Jerry landed Felix!
AFB
I was able to see Romo walking off the field after every failed drive or turnover. He looked completely defeated. Shoulders slumped, head hanging, slowly walking to the bench. It was not a good sight.
Speaking of no return on investment, where the hell was Newman? The Cowboys might have to employ a gynecologist for this Charmin®-soft corner. Actually, his “injury” could be a blessing in disguise as Adam Jones continues to prove that he is a significant upgrade over the over-paid, under-performing Newman.
PS: Tex is enamored with Felix as well.
They should start Barber and have him play the 1st quarter. Bring in Felix for the 2nd and 3rd, and then have Barber close.
Felix Jones could very well win AP Rookie of the Year in 2008 (and as I’ve mentioned before Romo could still win NFL MVP if he has a year similar to 2007, although for my money Ben Roethlisberger would win that right now). If he does pull that off, he would join fellow Cowboy Rookies of the Year Calvin Hill (1969), Tony Dorsett (1977) and Emmitt Smith (1990). Not bad company.
David
Keep an eye on Brees for MVP too.
Here’s a nice little stat I noticed. Romo has thrown 5 picks this year. Of the other 9 QBs in the top ten right now, 6 of them have thrown just one fewer and one has one more pick than Romo. Now if we could just do something about those fumbles….
All of the Romo criticism in the media and by fans is absolutely laughable. He might be capable of playing better but the media needs to actually do a little research or learn how to put things in perspective. Romo has only started 2 full seasons of games, 31. Here are Romo’s numbers compared to best QBs in the game, all of which are sure fire first ballot hall of fame players.
Player GS Comp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Sck SckY Rate Fum Lost
Romo 31 643 992 64.7 8220 8.46 63 34 47 317 96.81 21 7
Brady 30 637 1014 63 6607 6.6 46 26 72 406 86.1 23 8
Manning 32 657 1108 59.4 7874 7.15 52 43 36 225 80.95 9 4
Favre 29 620 993 62.5 6530 6.6 37 37 64 407 78.75 26 10
Two quick points:
1). I really hope we can find another TG like WR who can use his quickness at the line to beat the types of coverages we’ve seen the last few games. TO’s a beast, but he’s had trouble against Woodson and Springs, who both jammed him at the line and ran with him in man coverage. Glenn used to beat that type of coverage regularly, and I’m not seeing it from TO and Crayton. That means our passing game is becoming one dimensional against that type of coverage and that dimension is Witten.
2). (From the last thread on the Defensive Line) I’d really like to see us use Tank more at DE. Our two best disruptors on the line are Tank and Ratliff. But because they both play the nose, they’re rarely in together unless it’s a four man line in the nickel. I’d like to see Tank play some DE on the 3 man line. I think he’s got the ability to whip Guards in one on one situations while Rat and the OLB come from the same side. If you rush Ellis, Tank, and Rat as the OLB, DE, and NT, I think O-lines are going to have issues blocking that side.
Is Romo careless with the ball or a QB learning the position?
Brady, the smartest QB in the game, on a super bowl team had more fumbles, a lower TD to INT ratio, a lower completion percentage, less yards, and a lower QB rating.
Romo is not the issue.
Romo is showing no improvement and has played three off games in a row. I love the guy, but he is fast becoming an issue. We can’t afford two turnovers against non-Bengal opponents.
I saw that defeated look on Romo’s face too. He bounced back and had the grin though after the ‘lucky’ TD to Crayton. I think the enormous pressure AND getting some bad breaks may be getting to him. He’s made some bad throws, suffered from oleo-flanges (Latin for butter fingers) and I do think TO may be getting to him a bit.
I hope he can shake it off and return to his old self.
Now, just review 4 plays where if guys just did their job….the Cincy game becomes a rout. Pac had 2 picks in his hands but dropped them (oleo-flanges again), Crayton dropped 2 in his hands (oleo-flanges)…..if these guys just catch what hit them in the hands the Bengals drives are over and ours keep going. I’m not asking for miracle catches…just those that hit their hands.
We can do a lot better…in a lot of areas…but we are 4-1.
That’s some good perspective. Romo is still effing awesome. Have we forgotten the pathetic litany of QB’s that have played in Dallas since 2000? Don’t make me write them down!
Let’s not also forget that Romo is a stellar 23-8 as a starter in his first 31 regular season games, as compared to Peyton Manning’s 15-16, Favre’s 19-12, and yes, even Tom Brady’s 20-11.
Also, Romo’s yard-per-attempt average is still a remarkable 8.3, which is a full yard better than those other three, at least.
About the only QB who can best Romo in wins and YPA at a similar juncture in his career is Big Ben Roethlisberger, and just barely at that (24-7 win/loss record, YPA of about 8.6). And even Roethlisberger was sacked at a far higher rate AND was intercepted at about the same rate (3.7%). The only category in which Roethlisberger is far better than Romo after 31 games is he only fumbled 5 times (losing 3), according to NFL.com.
Romosexuals of the world, unite!
And Pittsbugh’s defense is annually way better than Dallas’s defense, which helps Roethlisberger in the win/loss column and also in the playoffs. Strike that - Pittsburgh’s defense is 100 times better than the Cowboys each and every year.
“Is Romo careless with the ball or a QB learning the position?” Who gives a f?
The Cowboys are 30th in the NFL in turnover ratio.
Romo just needs to calm down and start having fun with the game again. He needs better protection if he is going to stay in the pocket. The Oline was collapsing all too often the past two games. Kyle, we need you back buddy! Romo needs to work on his throws and he’ll be fine.
I think what’s concerning people with Romo is that with as good as he’s doing, it could still be better. The wide open miss to Deon Anderson yesterday. He also missed Bennett in the end zone in the beginning of the game. The Bennett throw was a harder throw but he was open. Come to think of it, I think he missed TO on a crossing route too. All the misses were because he led the receiver too much. Does this mean anything??
But the truth of it is for every miss he has 2 good (sometimes great) throws. What frustrates some is that if he’s capable of threading the needle to hit Witten for 15 yards, why miss much easier throws?
Matt Mosley is full of it.
the link is below.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfceast/0-4-35/Cowboys-need-reality-check.html
I wont paste it all here, you can go read it in its entirety, but here are the highlights:
“The Dallas Cowboys have quite a dilemma on their hands. They not only aspire to be a championship team, they expect to be treated like one before it happens.”
“This is the type of performance that would’ve sent Jimmy Johnson over the edge. There would’ve been no “a win is a win” nonsense in the postgame news conference. Jimmy would’ve been figuring out who to cut. Same goes for Troy Aikman, who would’ve been horrified with Sunday’s effort.”
“For some reason, though, the Cowboys feel as if they’ve earned the benefit of the doubt. They want to be viewed as a Super Bowl contender, but they don’t want their feet held to the fire when they don’t resemble one.”
well, where do i start? Lets go in order of the quotes.
I’ve yet to hear any player or coach state that they are a championship caliber team and that they should be treated like one. They acknowledged that they have some stuff to work on, but they ARE 4-1.
Jimmy Johnson? Umm, OK Matt. Name every single player that “Saint Jimmy” cut after each loss? How exactly did Troy Aikman express his “horror” after almost losing to a team with no wins?
Did he do a Marlon Brando? “The horror….the horror.”
No one on the Dallas Cowboys has said they are a SB contender.
The bengals got back in the game, they made it close. they lost. Romo and Wade refused to through a hissy fit over it. Sorry matt, no fireworks this week.
Better break the “ed werder” emergency glass container. Hint: its right next to the fire extinguisher.
David’s right. Romo is the best we’ve seen in a decade. The fact we’re discussing his performance proves why the media considers the QB position in Dallas to be the biggest role in all of sports. It’s the fandom that makes it that way.
What odd thoughts from a professional journalist. He writes like a fan.
This season, what concerns me about Romo is that he’s finding ways to keep these games close. The turnovers need to be corrected. When we’re driving with a 17-6 lead, and he throws a pick, that kills our momentum and gives the other team the chance to make the game close again. We’ve seen this repeatedly this season and it will come back to haunt us.
But overall? Please. Romo is playing well, and he’s helping us win. I think the sentiment that’s been expressed already on these boards sums it up nicely: he hasn’t played his best, but it’s still better than a lot of other QB’s and it’s been good enough to help us get to 4-1.
thats not professional journalism in my book,
thats a cowboy bashing piece.
and true, not unlike what many fans are saying.
i suppose everyone would feel better if wade came into the presser throwing things around and screaming “we suck” at the top of his lungs.
at least that professional journalist ed werder would be happy.
if you all are wondering what the professional journalists in the DC area are saying, its something like this:
the skins have arrived.
they’ll be 7-1 in three weeks.
jarhead
So will we
Jarhead,
Troy Aikman said today, the offense has been bailing out this defense for a year and a half. You need a dominate defense to win championships and Dallas doesn’t have one.
Quarterbacks from time to time have a bad string of games. The good/great ones get over it. I think Romo is a good one. I don’t hold him in elite status, but he is a good one.
IMO the strongest asset the Cowboys have is the offensive line. They can absolutely maul a defensive line, and they can pass protect in an outstanding manner. They have a very good possibly great running tandem. The defence can be good, but they can not win a game for you at this point.
I said all of that to say the Cowboys should change their game be more of a power running game. Two teams I can think of Denver and Green Bay were always on the fring until they ran the ball, and then let the quarterback make plays. They both went to two superbowls and won three.
I’m not talking the “bus driver mentality”, just to be a run first mentality to take the pressure off the QB.
I know we had ths discussion Sunday, but I think the defensive liabilty is coaching. 2 sack leaders from last year, a pro bowl corner, a nose tackle that can bring it, and the D looks lost in pass defense. Are you kidding me? These guys don’t know their assignments yet. Whose fault is that?
charb,
let troy aikman and every one else write this team off.
let them write this defense off.
elharpo, it’s more complicated than that. MBIII shouldn’t be used indiscriminantly like a battering ram. I don’t think he’ll have as much value later in the season and in later seasons if he’s turned into Larry Johnson. I also don’t think you want opponents to get a lot of notes on what Felix Jones can do. I think the run-to-pass balance is fine.. I think execution sucks. A healthy Kosier could remedy a lot of what ails the offense.
I think the answer for this particular team is to score early and often, and not to grind out a running attack to rest the defense. I think 40 to 30 is a score we’ll become familiar with.
Someone name a team in the NFL that was absolutely dominant from start to finish for an entire season.
Even last year’s pats almost lost a game during the season, to a team who had struggled.
And we all know how things turned out for them in the end.
its early october.
Does anyone on this blog think the skins are going 15-1?
Does anyone on this blog think the giants are going undefeated?
Is anyone on this blog ready to write off the cowboys (who are 4-1)?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, you’re an absolute fool.
Of course dallas can improve on some things. Of course they can execute some things better. Maybe they will and maybe they wont. do you all think for a minute that they’re not discussing how to do so right now?
do you all not think they’re studying things right now?
when you’re 4-1 how many changes should you really make?
Dont give me that “they haven’t played anybody yet” crap. they play who is on their schedule. They’ve beaten 4 of them and lost to another by 2.
I would be MUCH more nervous if they were playing lights out right now and absolutely dominating everyone, with everyone crowning them and many of you all waxing poetic about how we’ve got it made.
Let the pundits keep riding them, let the pressure stay on them all season. they can handle it, and it will be nothing new if they do make it to the playoffs.
I’m betting they will.
Jar,
I don’t think Troy wrote the defense off. I listened to him this morning and he basiclly said that there are some problems but that it is early in the year and the he still believes this is a talented team.
It wasn’t just simple black and white.
Joey,
We disagree on alot, but I agree totally with you. I do think that if we ever see a game again where Felix Jones doesn’t touch the football offensively then there is a problem. He is just too damn good to not let him have a few opportunities. I don’t know if that lost the game for Dallas against Washington but he should’ve at least been given a chance.
Just me or did Romo have a hissy fit when the Boys ran out the first half clock?
I’m not writing it off thats for damn sure.
Too many things change in the scope of a season.
I wouldn’t say a “hissy fit”, its not like he was screaming. He just thought it was stupid not to give the team a chance.
Which I agree with, considering your a team who scores at the end of the half almost every game, and you excel at 2 minute offenses.
On the bright side
In years past it seems we peak in Sept, Oct, and Nov
Maybe this year we peak in Nov and Dec and are ready for a playoff run. It might do this team some good to face adversity early, learn to deal with it and be ready when it really counts. It has been very frustating to watch this team look like they were ready early in the season and disappoint later.
“Felix Jones could very well win AP Rookie of the Year in 2008 (and as I’ve mentioned before Romo could still win NFL MVP”
Take a look at Chris Johnson’s numbers. Didn’t Bret Fahvray just put up 6 TDs - Stop baiting me!
I’m happy Jerry drafted Felix. A balanced attack will snap Romo out of his funk. TOol gets enough balls. The D makes plays during crunch time. Just a matter of time, and they will make plays the entire game.
oops……frustrating
Romo’s strength (one of) is that he is almost always level headed. He may throw a few high ones early but then he settles in and nothing rattles him - eye of the hurricaine. When the pressure is on, Tony responds likes he’s been there many times before.
Garrett deflated the ball and Tony was pissed.
“The miraculous amazing plays he made the last few years can only be that way so long. His luck regarding those plays is running out ”
I don’t see it that way. As long as the Boys can keep a D off balance, those plays will be available for Tony. Facing Barber, Felix, TO, Witten and Tony with the ball on a 3rd and 2 causes the DBs to dribble, maybe even squirt.
Are ppl on here forgetting how The Giants had to beat the Bungles in Overtime??? and If The Bungles had any CLock Management they Coulda won that game..They didnt Dominate Cincy and I believe they were losing at one point in that Game!! PLease you guys are always Jumping to Conclusions and Our Defense has only given up 4 big plays this entire season..Our Defense is Amazing in the Second Half we shut ppl down, the Offense has put the D’ in bad situations as well as the ST..but Our D’ comes thru with Sacks NAd big Stops when we need them.. WE are 4-1 and the Dayum SKY is FALLING!! Im sick of it to be honest..Fighter YOU are Completely right!!
I just dont think this defense is as bad as everyone THINKS it is.
i wrote on here before the season that teams will cross the 50 on us. teams will score some points and move the ball.
dallas is limiting big plays (i think they average about 1 a game, that is pretty good). that is their philosophy.
keep in mind that they play defense on the assumption that their offense will score some points, they play it a little safe on defense.
on the running game,
i’d like to see MB get about 17-19 carries a game and felix get about 12-14 a game, with a couple more receptions each.
i think the boys go run heavy for another two or three weeks, then teams will start game planning that instead of the passing game.
then dallas can go pass heavy again and pound in the 2nd half.
they have the weapons and firepower to do both.
either way, i dont think we’ll see much change in defense.
I won’t argue that the D is not as bad as EVERYONE thinks. However, it is not coming close to meeting expectations. They may not give a lot of big gashes of plays, but they still get knicked to death.
Teams know they can’t hold the ball long, they also know Dallas plays its safeties 8-10 yard deep on 3rd and long for instance and they come up with quick plays to exploit.
They also know that if pressure come from the inside it will be telegraghed. You combine all of that with being knicked to death you come up with cardiac Cowboys. A team that won’t have a lot of convincing wins.
My personal solution has been turn off ESPN, and to lower expectations. It worked great this week.
I don’t think the defense is as bad as some people on here state.
However you would like to see the corners attack the ball more.
IMO you play safe defenses when you don’t think you have the talent to make plays. I’m not a defensive expert but I think Dallas does have that.
We all think that Dallas has that. That is what is so frustrating.
I think our defence is okay, but it would be nice to force more stops/three and outs. Washington chewed lots of clock and it seemed like 3rd and 3 was no worry to them.
I will say this, I’m a Patrick Crayton supporter.. but he’s not playing well this year.
Pat shouldn’t be catching tons of passes all the time, but he should benefit from double coverage from owens and coverage rolling towards witten.
That was a good tipped ball, but jesus, sooner or later perception is going towards reality.
That was a catchable pass that he dropped yesterday. I can’t defend him anymore. He wants to be a #2 WR, but he’s not stepping up.
I love listening to Nate Newton.. he talks like a fan.
I will say this in defense of the.. defense.
Dallas’s offense has put their defense in a couple of bad situations.
I will say this also, they hunker down in the red-zone. Even if they are helped by the officials. I don’t think they are terrible.
I don’t want our Boys to be the most talked about team in Sep, Oct, and November like last year. I want us to have the best team in Dec, Jan, Feb. A couple years ago, we would have been thrilled if our team struggled to a 4-1 start.
A month from now the mediots may be talking about the Bears, Vikings, or Saints. Who cares? Our team is still winning games and still have a couple things to improve on and are on schedule for a playoff run.
After the Quincy years when 17 points was a good offensive output. I’m not even worried about the offense unless we lose a couple ProBowl lineman. They are in a slight funk, but are still scoring a bunch of points.
I’m a little concerned about the funk our interior defensive lineman are having, but they’ve produced in the run game before and I think they will again. Getting a big, fat guy to put in the middle is probably not the answer. There are no Jamal Williams(?) out there. But I think our current rotation will figure it out.
posts 97 and 98?
elharpo,
please list your expectations for the defense.
Somebody tell me. Is being a Top 10 Defense is a BAD thing??
My goodness, we can’t be Perfect..we played some high powered Offenses..Philly, Washington, Cleavland, Green Bay & Cincy( well they been playing bad lately) but still dangerous..
We didnt get to play Washington in the first game..first time play calling and Head coaching game for JIm Zorn, and we didnt play an inept offense Like Seattle..The Giants schedule has been pretty easy to this point..so their D has been looking good in some games..but we are in the top of the league as far as sacks & pressures are concerned..
at this point to allow less points than the opposing team.
I’m happy after the win
I had very high expectations before hand. They may have been unreasonable.
However, I would like to see the D change things up some. I can see the defensive play coming so I know a professional can. The Cowboys D is not good enough to be that predictable.
I may sound sarcastic, but i’m not. I know it is hard to win in the NFL, and I’ll take it. 4-1>3-2
illcowboy,
” I’m a little concerned about the funk our interior defensive lineman are having,”
Don’t worry, Wade said, the D Line played well.
Jarhead,
“I would be MUCH more nervous if they were playing lights out right now and absolutely dominating everyone, with everyone crowning them and many of you all waxing poetic about how we’ve got it made.”
Wow,…I’m sure the great defenses think this way.
NYboi,
No, a top ten defense is not a bad thing but what’s that got to do with Dallas’ defense?
Please tell me you’re not trying to imply Dallas’ D is top ten?
We are 16th in points allowed per game (22.2)
We are 14th in yards allowed per game (305.2)
We are 18th in passing yards allowed per game (210.2)
We are 11th in passing yards allowed per play (6.7)
We are 21st in pass deflections
We are 28th in interceptions
We are 10th in rushing yards allowed per game (95.0)
We are 13th in rushing yards allowed per play (3.9)
We are 18th in forced fumbles
This D has been middle of the pack so far and I think for most of us that has been disappointing.
I will compare the d-line like this.
The Nose Guard plays over the Center or in an “A” between the center and guard. The DEs play over the guards or in the “B” gaps. Basically the DEs play what would be a 4 technique in a four man front. Think Warren Sapp or Tommie HArris, LeRoi Glover types. Those guys were great, special players. Marcus Spears, and Chris Canty are good, not great. 4-6 sacks a piece a year from them would be good.
Just anchor agaist the run.
We hit a home run with Felix Jones, that’s for sure. It’s baffling why he was given no touches against the Redskins.
Re: Post #65, Jimmy Johnson cut Curvin Richards after two lost fumbles and a lackluster team performance in the last game of the 1992 season. But let’s face it, he cut someone who hardly played (he was technically Emmitt’s backup but in those days Mr. Smith got ALL the carries) and it’s not like he ever would have cut someone who mattered (like Bill Belichick has) or even suspended a prominent player for a game or two (like Lovie Smith and Tom Coughlin).
Re #83 - I’ll put Felix Jones’s stats up against Chris Johnson’s so far, absolutely.
I’ve gotta say, since last night, every time I see Jacksonville play I wish and hope we can get Del Rio (former Cowboy) to Dallas some day as Head Coach. His teams always look ready to play.
Jarhead and Post #65-what’s the problem with Mosley’s article? Sounds good to me. You’re reading stuff into it that’s not there, and it actually sounds a lot like what many here perceive on this team. I picked up that attitude last year.
I’m the last guy to support ‘the media’ but I think he’s approaching the issues from one possible angle, although it’s a bit subjective. I mean, after all, read this blog, and even thoough our team won there’s a lot of dissatisfaction. People expected growth from last year, and expect sharper execution from this team. They are not young any more, they are not learning the 3-4 any more, they are not suffering under Parcell’s headgames any more, they are not new to Wade Phillips whatever-gap scheme any more, and should be improving .
Fans and observers want to see this team put together 3/4/5 solid games in a row, that’s all.
This will be a year long “problem”: How do we get more touches for…
Seriously, eveyone wants the touches and Felix the Scat will be no exception. That said, I’d still like to see him touch it just a few more times a game.
Realist Larry,
Thank you.
I say this half joking, but only half, these types of games build character, and keep this team with so many stars in check. I would love to see a blow out every game, but the Fact is they are winning, and have put themselves into a position to win. The one thing I dont like is that we are sitting in third witha 4-1 record, WTF. However, with the East pummeling everyone I think this could make the boys play well the whole year, and not have that lax feeling at the end of the year like last year. I would like to see it go down to game 16 and of course the boys end up with a bye again, but I think it will make them tough mentally.
What does bother me is the Sacks. I just dont understand how we are not getting pressure, Ware, Ellis, and Ratliff, are more than most teams have and we still cant sniff the quarterback. I just dont get it, but regardless if you think the cowboys are overrated on the talent scale, they have plenty of talent and depth, and I only see it being a matter of time before they start to leave their imprint on a game. I think they will need to step up, regardless of the offense cause say what you want but DEFENSE wins championships, ask NYG 17 points won the SB.
we were ranked in the Top 10 b4 last week…I remember how everybody was ripping them last yr at the same time..we were in the Middle of the pack then…Its only the 5th game of the season and we faced some Very talented teams..and most of them had to play catch up against us hence the total yds giving up…
as I stated b4 our offense and special teams has put our D in bad situations..But we have outscored all of our oppents in the second have of the season except washington and they outscored us by 2 measly points!! oh yeah we’re giving up less then 7 points per game in the Second half..this is where GAMES are WON!!! 4-1 against Quality Teams!!! Yess we can be better but we’re good enuff right now to win EVERY game we play..if the Offense doesn’t Turn the Ball over we will win but double Digits every game..
opponents*
Defensive stats after week 5:
Yards per game: (Total Defense)
Dolphins #8 288.8
Cowboys #14 305.2
Points per game:
Dolphins #7 18.5
Cowboys #16 22.2
To the posters questioning people’s expectations for the defense, why shouldn’t our expectations be anything but #1? Whatever the #1 defense is this year, that is my expectation, and why the hell not? How many 1st round draft choices do we have on defense? How many consecutive drafts have we placed an emphasis on defense over offense? that comes with a cost you know. When we went out and found a head coach, what was our deciding criteria, was it not to bring a defensive mastermind to take this d to the next and final level?!? What possible excuse can there be for this defense to be as mediocre and average as it is?? We are the f’in Dallas Cowboys for god’s sake, we are not some piece of s__t team playing in some piece of s__t backwater - our owner would gladly sell his sould in his heartbeat if he hasnt already (maybe that’s our problem - maybe he already sold it in the mid-90’s) to get this team to a championship. we’ve placed a heavy imbalance of our resources on defense, and THIS is what we have to show for it?!!? I am NOT satisfied.
watch the steelers defense.
they have 2 d-lineman occupy as many o-lineman as possible and the LB’s get the sack.
I would like to see hatcher and ratliff with spencer/ware,ellis / burnett blitzing.
Realist Larry,
define “improving.”
i dont get how you measure improvement from game to game.
you can’t. it simply unrealistic to expect each game to be better.
guys get hurt.
offenses study more film and find ways to exploit a weakness.
guys have bad games.
what constitutes 3 or 4 or 5 solid games in a row?
3 or 4 or 5 wins?
do you really think that we’re going to shut out teams for 3 or 4 or 5 games in a row?
what league do you think we’re playing in?
you dont shut out teams consistantly in the NFL, it doesn’t happen.
teams like the bengals can score. teams like the skins can score.
my problem with mosley is the same as my problem with many of the bloggers who pine over being dissatisfied.
the team is 4-1. sure, i’d like to be 5-0. sure i’d like to have a defense that has given up no more than 10 per game. but its not going to happen.
everybody picked the boys as the best team in the NFL. hell, vegas picked them to win by 17 1/2 this weekend. 17 1/2!!?!?!?!?!
and so, when they’re NOT the best team every week, wade and romo get a bunch of grief, and when they refuse to give in and say, “yeah, you guys are right, we suck,” when they get a little defiant at being asked to apologize for being 4-1, guys like mosley say they’re thinned skinned.
i’m not saying the media should kiss their ass, but i dont really blame them for not giving in to what they want to hear. romo and wade never proclaimed themselves SB favorites. they never said they’d win by 17 points, someone else did.
so stop sitting on your couches expecting domination each week. ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
I’ll reiterate a comment I made after the Redskins’ game, and having been at yesterday’s Bengals game I am saying it with even more concern now, because the problem was even more apparent in person when I could see all the downfield receivers– Tony seems off, and I am concerned about him missing open receivers (both in terms of his throws being off the mark sometimes and also him checking down quickly when downfield WRs seem to be open) and his YPA being down significantly.
Top tier offenses strive for 8 or more YPA. Tony hasn’t hit that mark since the Philly game. His completion percentage was up to 60% this week, so that was slightly encouraging, and Crayton’s drop would have helped his YPA a bit, but I’m not seeing this offense clicking in the downfield passing game the way that it used to, and the major culprit seems to be Romo. He seems to be struggling with his accuracy, particularly downfield, in the same way he was last year when he dinged up his thumb.
It’s also somewhat alarming the way he locks onto Witten (and this was something I noticed more in person than on TV). On plays where Austin and/or TO seemed open downfield, Romo would consistently look for an often-covered Witten underneath.
I agree with one of the earlier comments that I wouldn’t take many other QBs in the league right now over Romo, and I’m still grateful to have him as our signal-caller, but lately he has looked more like the late 2007 Tony, with the thumb injury, than the vintage version. Any theories on why this is? Any reasons to believe it will be corrected?
On the Felix thing, is it possible they’re easing him into the season so he has something left for the stretch run? Just pulling out enough of him to get the win at this point? I know rookies sometimes hit that wall around Week 10 or 11, so maybe that’s a concern? I have to imagine we’ll see him used more and more as the season progresses.
elberraco,
it doesn’t matter one iota how many picks or how much money we’ve spent on defense.
if it was that simple, all the teams would do it.
you can expect number 1 every week, and maybe you’ll get it.
but i think you’re just going to get more frustrated and more pissed off b/c the cowboys are “mediocre and average.”
i dont agree that thats what they are, but i guess we’ve got different standards.
Romo had a YPA of 8.6 against the Packers…just FYI. He had three straight games with a YPA of 7 or below last year about this time (weeks 5-7). Sometimes you get the long gainers, some weeks we gotta be content with the checkdowns. That said, in five games so far this season the offense has 5 passing plays of 40+ yards or more (72t, 42, 63, 52t, 57t). That’s pretty dang good. A lot of teams go a whole SEASON without that many big passing plays, including many many many past Cowboy teams.
dave,
there are bumps in the road of a season too.
you could go 3 to 5 weeks with no picks, or alot of picks.
no fumbles, or a string of fumbles.
average play from a QB, or stellar play.
we’re 5 games in. we’re 4-1. thats a trend i like that supersedes all the other ones.
but be careful,
the bloggers are surely. they want blood, and matt mosley is leading the charge.
David,
Thanks for the counterpoint, I agree that our passing game over the course of the season has been explosive, and I’m sure my standards are too high having gotten used to that level of production. And you’re absolutely right on his YPA from the GB game, but his completion percentage was down below 60 there. Which will happen occasionally, I get that.
But if you look at the passing game from the second half of the MNF game with the Eagles to now, it hasn’t been quite the same. A lot of that is certainly due to teams figuring out a way to stop TO as Garrett is currently using him, but a bit of it also seems to be Romo missing some of his usual accuracy, particularly downfield accuracy.
None of that is to say that I agree with Matt Mosley’s apparent assessment that we’re an awful team and doomed to failure. That NFC East blog is awful for that guy, it’s like he feels compelled to make stuff up and overreact just to have something to post about.
I am a bit slow, but I couldn’t find the link for the Pearlman chat transcript. Any help would be appreciated.
PS, I’m about 2 or 3 bad games on D for taking the position that the switch to the [very un-Dallas Cowboy like] 3-4 was a bad call. Our personnel would be just fine in the 4-3 and I still have fond memories of our D of the 90s. Hell if we’re going to play cover 2, let’s at least do it right.
tim wilson,
mosley was more claiming the cowboys are thin skinned and that that is wade’s fault.
he never said we sucked, though he alludes we’re doomed to failure if the attitude doesn’t change. he also actually brings up the Jimmy and aikman glory days, as if he was around when they happened.
still watching that completion %. he may be locking onto witten, but man some of those throws to him were beautiful. he’s made that throw that turned out to be a pick before.
what he said in his post game presser was something along the lines of, “i’ll still be making lots of throws.”
Jarhead,
Yeah, I read Mosley’s column/post. I thought it was ridiculous. The guy does zero actual analysis on that blog.
I think it matters an iota. In fact, it might matter two or even three iotas. More teams dont do it because not every team is comfortable not using high draft picks on the offense every once in a while. we gambled because we were satisfied with our diamond in the rough QB we found in the 8th round (note to readers - i like romo) and our preference for paying for OL FAs. yet, after all that, we still have the same middle of the pack defense to show. people make fun of millen for choosing WR after WR, and rightfully so given the opportunity cost of not drafting other positions - well, how much better are we with our overemphasis on DL and LB over the last decade or so?? and what do we have to show for choosing a defensive mastermind for our head coach - who knows what leader of men we could have lucked upon if we had gone in a different direction. and we would nt be stuck with an out of touch pollyanna giving ridiculous interviews equating playoff byes with playoff wins.
elberraco,
what “leader of men” would you have chosen to coach the team? enthrall us all with what a “leader of men” is.
wade is 17-5 as the boy’s HC. who else would have done better?
what happened in dallas before last year is not on him. i’ll take a whole boat load of lousy interviews for more wins.
meantime, JJ has done everything he can to get the team back on top., unlike some teams, like the lions.
i’d say we’re a hell of a lot better off than the lions. WHAT PLANET ARE YOU ON comparing us to the LIONS???
i guess if you feel better after your rant, something good came from it.
What I want to know is what Romo got out of watching tapes of Brady playing. We’ll be pretty mad about his interceptions if it causes us to lose that game that would lead to a playoff berth or another first round exit from the playoffs.
I have the upmost disgust for the Giants and Eli, but Eli seems to be playing a little better than Romo right now. Eli is buckling down. He is not making many mistakes.
The Redskins are for real. Just like against us, the Redskins had long drives against the Eagles. The Eagles defense could not get them off the field. Their last drive was 7:18 and lasted until the end of the game.
Jar….
Wasting time with this dude.
ym,
What I gather Romo learned from Brady is how to make his reads and stay cool in the pocket. How to throw it away to avoid INT’s before getting sacked. This is a big change for Romo, IMO. It will take some time. Heck, it took McNabb how many years? It’s always better to use your arm then your legs as a QB. An accurate pass always beats coverage and will always beat running.
The reason why I’m concerned about Romo has nada, zilch, zero to do with the media. I take everything anyone says with a grain of salt. So many biased opinions out there, for and against.
The reason why I am concerned is because Romo is erratic with his throws. Too high, too low, too leading, etc. Romo hasn’t been very accurate with the football the past two games. Defense’s are getting to him, it was shown by the Giants in the playoffs that Romo can get rattled if you can get to him with pressure (as any QB would). Romo was beating the pressure for the most part but he is starting to take some hits. Dallas needs a legitimate #2 WR. His only targets that he REALLY trusts are T.O. and Witten. We need another WR to take away the double teams and keep defenses honest. Austin may be it but they need to go for it and play him more to see what he can do. Crayton, well, I think he’s good in the slot at #3.
Hopefully Romo can settle down and start making throws on the money on a consistant basis again.
The Matt Millen comparison is stupid.
First of all Millen was picking in the top 10 every time and did it not one… not two.. not three.. but four times.
WR (As frequently pointed out on here) has one of the highest bust rates in the NFL Draft.
The idea of the LB’s and lineman was a good one. Have a heavy 3-4 rotation that could alternate in and out.
When Spencer was drafted it was thought that Ellis could never come back.
Totally different situation. Not comparable.
My thoughts:
1. I am very glad nothing is easy for this Cowboys team. I want them to have the feeling that if they don’t bring their best game every week, they could lose. The importance of urgency and competition cannot be understated. I don’t want an overconfident team.
2. The notion of “getting guys their touches” needs to go away. Romo would be even better if he would approach a play honestly, with no bias to where he will go with the ball. Simply hit the open man. If that means TO or Witten go a game with 1 catch, so be it. It’s time to ask the receivers to be grown-ass men. Can you imagine how synergistic this approach could be? Instead of forcing it to Witten on first down for an incompletion, throw a check down pass to the RB for four yards. Over the long haul, this will be the rising tide that lifts all boats.
3. DeMarcus Ware is the most overrated player on our team and should not be paid what he will demand in his next contract.
This man has one move. It is awesome, don’t get me wrong, but it is one move. He rushes hard to the outside when we really need a sack. Washington chipped him with the running back and virtually negated his game. Adding any move would give him a repertoire. This is not the man to construct a pass-rush around.
4. Bobby Carpenter is a better passrusher than Bradie James and therefore should start. There is not that much difference in the other parts of their game and the nod should go to him who rushes best. The secondary benefit is Zach Thomas becomes the defacto leader of the D. The tertiary benefit is opening up opportunities for others due to a legitimate interior rusher.
5. As much credit as everyone gives Parcells for his drafting prowess, I solely blame him for having F#$%ed up our defensive personnel through his drafts. As much crap as I have given Roy Willy, at least he has done SOMETHING. He is clearly better than all of the front 7 picks from Parcells with the exception of DWare.
6. We will win the Super Bowl this year and next year due to the adversity faced in the middle part of this season. We will find whatever it will take to get pressure and Romo will solidify his place in Canton.
7. Plaxico Burris is a terrible teammate. TO is a great teammate.
8. I really enjoy reading and sharing opinions with you guys. My appreciation for football has quadrupled in my time spent on this blog. That makes me four out of ten.
Reggie Bush is putting on a show.
Reggie Bush should keep his head up. I think the kid has a shot at this whole football gig. This whole running back thing may just work out for him.
How stupid my fantasy league doesn’t take kick returns into account. Reggie Bush is on my team and i’m getting ZERO points for his ridiculous night returning kicks.
“DeMarcus Ware is the most overrated player on our team and should not be paid what he will demand in his next contract.
This man has one move. It is awesome, don’t get me wrong, but it is one move. He rushes hard to the outside when we really need a sack. Washington chipped him with the running back and virtually negated his game. Adding any move would give him a repertoire. This is not the man to construct a pass-rush around”
That’s ridiculous. Your judging him just by his pass rushing skills as well. The dude constantly gets sacks. 5 through 5 games.
He also has become very good against the run and had a few TFL in the last game.
He’s one of the best pass rushers in the league, but in all honesty he’s lacking a great defensive end to keep the pressure off of him. Same with Ellis.
One of the reasons that Pittsburg’s 3-4 works so well is because they have defensive ends that the O-Line has to really work against. The only guy on the line so far this year that has been real disruptive has been Ratliff.
They don’t have an Aaron Smith, they don’t have an End who is really disruptive.
Can he get better.. yeah, but the dude had 14 sacks last year. He is THE pass rusher for Dallas. He is not overrated.
joey that is stupid, you should at least get the 6 for the TD
I honestly think that Felix Jones is already a better “runner” then Bush.
Demarcus Ware reminds of Julius Peppers, a straight freak who you feel like should dominate every play and control the flow of the game, and, when he doesn’t, you feel let down by him. The reasons why they don’t manhandle offenses are different, Peppers’ head isn’t on too straight and he doesn’t love football enough to improve and improve… and Ware comes from a small school without much if any 3-4 OLB experience and has a big learning curve, and he also isn’t protected by a great D Line - he’s the show, it’s all him or no one.
Ware’s sacks come in garbage time. In addition, I have seen little effect of his rush on the QB in the plays not including his 5 sacks. He is not a harasser like he could be with better technique.
No question he is THE pass rusher. I think that is part of the problem. When you can so easily scheme to negate a teams’ best rusher that’s a problem.
Ware is a good player and I agree with your assessment of his ability against the run. However, I still contend he is overrated and we should not break the bank to keep him.
He has gotten sacks in garbage time this year, but that wasn’t the case all last season.
I wouldn’t say that the Philly game was “garbage time” considering they were less then a TD away from winning that game with plenty of time left.
He had the sack at Washington at the first of the game.
Whats happening is Ware is getting around and the QB is being able to step into the pocket… WHY, because our D-line isn’t getting any inside push at all. Ratliff is disruptive but he’s not in the game all the time.
I like you AFCowboy, but you couldnt’ be more wrong about this. Ware isn’t overrated at all. All great OLB’s in a 3-4 have good/great 3-4 DE’s. Merriman had Castillo, who is a great 3-4 end.
I don’t think he “just” has a bull move, he trys using his speed to get around the corner and I’ve seen him try to make an inside move.
OH and I didn’t even see the part where you said Carpenter is better then James.
You are nuts. NO he isn’t. Not even close. Burnett and James are better then Carpenter.
I tell ya what, the Cowboys would beat the heck out of these two sorry ass squads on MNF tonight. So would the Eagles, Skins and Giants.
How many games in a row have the Giants won since last season? I tell ya, Shockey leaving may have been all Eli needed to assert himself as the leader of that team. The game seems to have slowed down for him and he’s in amazing rhthym.
Carp got consistent pressure against the Seahawks in the playoff game two years ago.
I have never seen James so much as sniff the qb against a good team.
Did TO cry after his touchdown?
Jarhead, sorry it took so long, I’m out on Mondays-
1)No one said improvement game-to-game–it was clear in my post I was talking year-year. Read carefully.
And No One has said they expect domination game after game.
2) I defined improvement—talking about the defense I said, “Fans and observers want to see this team put together 3/4/5 solid games in a row, that’s all.” NO One mentioned shutouts over other teams. That’s a Straw Man argument.
3) I have no idea what else Mosley said, I don’t read that stuff. So the rest of his article may be BS. I’m only addressing the part you pasted, which sounded OK to me!
4) Take what I say in context, although that’s hard with so many posts.
Here’s my post #25 above:
“What did Sgt. Schultz always say?
“I know nut-tink!” That’s what we all know right now.
The Pack and Eagles just lost 2 in a row.
Redskins, a joke 3 weeks ago, look impressive.
The Dolphins just beat a desperate Chargers team.
The Bears look good with, who, Kyle Orton is it, throwing 300 yards??
Carolina is legit now? What happened to NO?
Is Arizona going to dominate the Boys at home?
The main thing is to get better and adjust, as someone above said. Improve and be ready for the playoffs. It’s a long season.
This team is not going to win with a ‘Ravens’ type dominating defense. It’s just not there. It will win in the playoffs only by scoring, then allowing the defense to play with a lead. Like we kinda did yesterday.
So let’s hope Romo/TO/Garrett find a way to get back on track.”
5)See post 106. It’s pretty clear.
6) Don’t blame me for the high expectations, I’ve been posting for 2 years that fans here build up Hatcher/Canty/Ratliff/Spears as some “potential” monster DLine before they’ve ever done anything to deserve that. (I was guilty w/Canty last year, because he actually stood out for a few games) Too many times I’ve read the phrase “Doomsday” used in relation to this team. Give me a break.
7) There was a lot of expectation that in the 2nd year of working in Phillip’s scheme it would fit these players better than Parcell’s. Ain’t happening.
Unfortunately, most of us are expecting to make some noise in the playoffs, and right now we have a lot of doubts.
9) Slightly related, I’m Sick of our DLinemen standing up and pulling their stupid jerseys to show their names every time they finally make a play. It’s part of the whole attitude problem on this team. A lot of times it’s on a 2nd down play. Am I the only one talking to TV, telling them to shut up and get back to the line of scrimmage?!? Celebrate if you make a 3rd down stop near the end of the game. The other times, put your head down and get back on D, it’s a team game and 5 other guys helped you make that play.
I think it shows that this team reads and watches way too much about themselves, hears the criticisms, and they’d probably do better to ignore the media and just play.
Unconventional #26-
You’re darn tootin’ right about the 3-4. I’ve never liked it, it’s a joke, and I hope the next head coach takes us back to a 4-3.
It’s not even a 3-4. It’s a 5-2.
supposed to be #8
Realist Larry,
I support you…
Where have the solid posters gone?
I too am ticked off about how lackluster the Cowboys looked yesterday, but if recent history is a good indicator, then this may not be a bad thing.
Some of the most recent Super Bowl champs (Giants, Colts, Steelers) peaked at the end of the season, then went on a tear through the playoffs.
There’s nothing to suggest we can’t do the same as well. However, these guys need to start getting motivated.
I’m glad that the players are keeping issues in house, that will certainly build team chemistry and make us stronger.
I would much rather have the team get a hot streak in January then in October. We had a hot streak at the start of last season, then cooled a little then got hot again up to the packers game. and f rom then on it it was downhill.
I am slowly coming to the conclusion that Wade is not the guy to get us to the SB. We need someone a little tougher; not as tough as BP but tougher then what we have now.
I think there’s also more nervousness and less patience this year because the NFC suddenly looks pretty tough, esp. our division.
There is a real chance that this team could miss the playoffs!
They’d better at least split the games in the division, that’s for sure.
That wasn’t much of a concern last year.
The Eagles always get better as the season wears on. Let’s hope the Giants are doing what the Boys did last year and peaking early!
Thanks Charb!
There’s always an element here that don’t want any criticism, even if it’s realistic and laced with positives.
But we all know the coaches are reading this site every day and counting on us for advise!
Actually the team site had some articles addressing some of these same concerns, and there were some pretty good explanations of what’s going on with the pass rush, etc.
I guess if we’re forcing teams into 3-step drops and quick patterns, that means they are respecting our pass rush.
It’d be nice if every now and then one of our LB’s jumped one of those short routes on a 3rd down and picked it off, wouldn’t it?
these little image files people can put up next to their names are a hoot. afb2 posts so often, I have honestly come to associate him with Jason Witten. If I ever met him, I think i’d be pretty disappointed to find out otherwise. larry - not so much with you - perhaps even my subconscious doubts that ol’ tom would have been much for blogging.
Are the Cowboys forcing teams to take a 3 step drop or are they handing them a 7 yard completion because the corners play off?
AFCowboy-
Your comparing Carpenter who was playing out of an OLB position to Bradie James who plays the MLB position.
Totally different positions.
It all comes back to the defensive line and as Raf had stated in a post earlier, they aren’t cutting it in these first few games.
Carpenter hasn’t shown that he’s good enough to get on the field, he’s the #4 MLB. I don’t see how you could honestly think he’s better then Bradie James.
Good question Charb.
Oh and Larry,
All D-lineman do that.. its not just Dallas’s. Thats the current NFL.
Larry and I agree with you abot the corners.
I think its a lack of aggressiveness. Say what you want about the guy formerly known as pacman, but at least he looks like he WANTS to make a play.
I like Pacman. a lot. except for his penchant for overreacting. any ball within a country mile of his area, he acts as though it was the gravest injustice in the world that he didnt come away with a pick-6. the ball could go sailing into the stands, and he’s there pounding the carpet like if only he were 5-10 instead of 5-9, he’d be highstepping to the endzone. to say nothing of the ones he misses that actually hit him in the hands …
larry, dont know if you singled out spears on the untimely d-line celebrations, but that guy has been on my nerves since day one with that routine. the guy can be five yards away from the play when the ballcarrier gets tackled, and who do you see rushing out of the pile of humanity to celebrate the tackle that saved the cowboys the super bowl, er, i mean that stopped the runner for a 2 yard gain on first down - Spears.
since i seem to be on the subject of celebrations, anyone else notice that j-rat (bet that nickname wont stick) borrowed ware’s sack dance/carpet pound thing this year? and one of those guy’s is going to throw their back out doing it - try doing it some time, tough on the ol’ lower back.
ElBerraco
That’s funny,..there’s a good reason why, we watch and they play…
Cribbed from an article on the team website quoting TJ Houshmandzadeh:
“The team’s defensive coaches have taken plenty of criticism for being unwilling to man up the superior athletes the team has at cornerback and press opposing receivers, but Houshmandzadeh said the Cowboys were better off allowing he and Johnson to have as much room as they did.
“Pressing a receiver has its pluses and its minuses,” Houshmandzadeh said. “If you press them and you do well, it’s a great job. If you press them and you get beat for a touchdown, why are you pressing them?
“If they would have pressed us, that’s what would have happened.”
That, combined with Ware’s comments about the difficulty of getting sacks when the other teams are using 3-step drops and the corners are playing soft coverages allowing underneath passes, at least gives an explanation for the style of defense we are seeing right now. I know many have found it frustrating, but it certainly seems like it’s an intentional strategy. And I will admit that no WRs got behind our DBs this week, for the first time this season. But we did allow some sustained drives by giving up that underneath stuff. So which way do you go? Do we keep forcing them into 3-step drops, understand we may not get much QB pressure, and hope our LBs and CBs can start jumping the underneath routes? Or we do play more man coverage and hope that it allows us to start getting more hits on the QB?
The answer is probably a mix of both, but I am curious as to how we make this defense a bit fiercer, because right now I think we all agree it’s underachieving a bit in certain situations and has the talent to be making more of an impact. And some of it seems tot be scheme– I agree Spears, Canty, etc. need to be doing more on the line, but against consistent 3-step drops, I don’t know that they’re going to make much of an impact even if they are penetrating, other than getting their hands up in the air to bat down balls.
Larry,
“I think there’s also more nervousness and less patience this year because the NFC suddenly looks pretty tough, esp. our division.
There is a real chance that this team could miss the playoffs!”
You sure ’bout dat? I would actually say at this point only our division looks especially tough unless the likes of the Bucs and Falcons are striking fear in anybody’s hearts. Plus, last year the Wild-Cards out of the NFC East were a mere 10-6 and 9-7. I don’t see any reason why the East won’t get in three teams once again. This 4-1 team ending up going 10-6 and getting left out of the play-offs as an 11-5 Falcons or Vikings team gets the last spot? Not just unrealistic; pessimistic.
Does anyone think that a fit Hollis Thomas would go some way to solving the lack of push in the middle of the D-Line?
The Cowboys coverage schemes have 2 purposes:
The first one, as Tim explained above with quotes from Houshmandzadeh, is keeping the receivers in front of the DBs taking out deep plays from the opponent playbook.
And for the second, I still remember Phillips comments on his favored coverage schemes: “I like for my CBs to keep the play in front of them, because that way they can see the play develop and at least try to do something, be it make a play on the ball or tackling as soon as possible.”
Execution.
Too much missed assignements, too many tackles missed and the couple of Pacman and Henry are the only guys that I’ve seen reacting fast enough to make plays on the ball in a consistent basis… That’s all on execution and if they improve slightly, the Defense will move up drastically.
I’d like to set something straight for some bloggers who apparently feel I’m within the element that “don’t want any criticism, even if realistic and laced with positives.”
If such an element exists on this blog, I don’t line up to be part of it.
I can find any number of things to criticize the boys about this year. Game by game, pre-season, regular season, coaches, players, owner/GM, all the above, whichever you want.
The difference between me and some bloggers is that I live in the real world.
Look back to pre-season posts and you’ll find where I’ve implored, practically begged, you all to manage your expectations. This is, after all, the NFL. The cowboys will NOT win every game. They will NOT even play well EVERY game.
Now, if you don’t agree with that, or if you think that is somehow “unacceptable;” OK, you might as well stop reading.
I suggest however, that if you don’t agree with that, you don’t understand the world, or the game of football, or sports for that matter.
Football is a human endeavor.
No amount of predictions, expectations, or coaching will ever change that. As such, the neat little predictions, the neat little vegas gambling lines, the lofty fan expectations, the neat little labels of “super bowl contender” or “pretender” mean absolutely dick.
So, if you want some “solid” games in a row, or you want your team in October to be playing, “like a SB team,” I suggest that you’re going to be sorely disappointed. Why? B/C its an impossible metric to achieve. Even if they do achieve the metric over the next two months, by whatever standards you arbitrarily set, it wont matter a bit come January.
There is only one way to “play like a SB team.” That is, umm, to play in the SB, and to win it.
If this team gets to the SB, it will be b/c of a lot of things, to include luck. Why are you even thinking SB right now? Sure, the cowboys can get there this year, but there are a practically infinite number of things that can happen between now and January, so why bash your head in the wall over it. If you want a guarantee, you’re just NOT going to get it.
Its one game at a time, one week at a time; and don’t buy for a minute that the coaches and players are delusional and think that “everything is fine” because they are 4-1 after 5 games. That is exactly what many in the media are trying to sell you, but the Cowboys know all too well the magnitude of what they are trying to achieve and that they’re not there yet.
When they start actually saying things to suggest otherwise, you’ll hear me criticize it, openly.
You want to criticize the team, criticize away, hell I might even agree with you on some points. But I’ll weigh my criticism against my understanding of how the real world works and the fact that the coaches and players are not always going to perform the same or better week in and week out.
I’ll also continue to question you who are so ridiculously nebulous; throwing around terms like “put solid games together,” or “play like a SB team.” I’ll question your judgment if you are being, dare I say, “whiney” about the fact that the boys didn’t dominate a bengals team who took the world champs to overtime. I’ll ask you to be more specific, and back up what you say with facts, or with personal observations and rational thought (as Tim Wilson does for example).
I’ll try my best, though I clearly fail miserably, to remind you that a season is long, and strewn with potholes, and that the boys will make mistakes during games, and that that doesn’t mean that they lack “killer instinct,” or the “will to win,” or “intensity.”
You want to throw me in the “don’t criticize my team” fan-base? Well you’re fooling yourself, in more ways than one.
I’m with you Jar.
I hate being labeled a cheerleader when there is a criticism that I don’t agree with.
The thing is, that I agree with realistic criticism.
There are alot of reasons for improvement, but some people act on here like Dallas shouldn’t ever let up a first down.
Our defense is probably two plays per game from looking really good. One big play (a turnover) and one not so big play ( a stuff on third and short to force a kick) would go a long long way.
Jarhead,
I think the percentage of the fan base that is fanatical enough to frequent online message boards like this one is probably by and large a bit reactionary, and probably sets their expectations a bit too high year to year. It was certainly that way throughout last season, when I remember arguing with quite a few people in defense of Romo, among others.
At this point you’re right, there’s no way to be a Super Bowl team in Week 5. I certainly think, though, that there are some areas we can improve on as the season progresses (we’ve outlined a lot of them here), and it’s the job of our coaches to help the team do that. I have confidence that at least some of them will and that some of the problems we’ve talked about will not be as big as they are today in Week 12 or 16.
Lower your expectations for this team?
This is the most talented team in the history of the franchise. Does it have some flaws? Yes,..
This core group of Cowboys will never have this level of experience or talent, again.
The ‘95 Cowboys were a shadow of the ‘93 team.
Lower your expectations Cowboy fans,….
“the fan base that is fanatical enough to frequent online message boards like this one is probably by and large a bit reactionary”
I can’t believe this, what did I ever write about you!
On a lighter note the team is 3 points from being undefeated - constructive criticism is fine, but the sky unlike the stock market, is not falling.
The Cowboys have the top draft pick taken by the Titans defense ( A. Jones).
Total Defense (yards per game)
Titans: #5 267.8 yards
Cowboys: #14 305.2 yards
Points per game:
Titans: #1 11.2
Cowboys: #16 22.2
What is the problem with this defense?
CHARB,
So… does Dallas and Tennessee have EXACTLY the same personell?
Have they played the same schedule?
OH but they did have the same player at one time so that makes ALL the difference…. if you put Albert Haynesworth on the Bengals do you think they’d be the same defense as Tennessee too?
Dumb post.
Goodness gracious Jarhead, why don’t you come down off your high horse.
“The difference between me and some bloggers is that I live in the real world.”
Wow, and just were do you think these other bloggers who you disagree with are living Jarhead?? The Moon, Mars, the future, the past?? Please expand on this thought.
“Look back to pre-season posts and you’ll find where I’ve implored, practically begged, you all to manage your expectations. This is, after all, the NFL. The cowboys will NOT win every game.”
With the exception of the Blue & Silver Report’s head Cheergirl, Fighter, I’ve never even heard anyone predict 16-0 for this team (and even Fighter prefaced his with an acknowledgment that it won’t happen but he believes they have that sort of talent). So I don’t really know who you’re “imploring or begging” to understand your great wisdom. Perhaps it’s the people on Mars or the Moon.
“I suggest however, that if you don’t agree with that, you don’t understand the world, or the game of football, or sports for that matter.”
Now, somehow, Jarhead is claiming that people who hold different opinions on the Dallas Cowboys then him somehow have a lesser understanding of life and the world in general. Jarhead has such a deep, real world understanding of the Dallas Cowboys, that it somehow enables him rare clarity into all events in this world and others.
“Football is a human endeavor.”
This pearl of wisdom was just left to simmer in it’s own sentence. No need for elaboration here. My only problem is I’ve yet to discover who was accusing football of being an inhuman endeavor or perhaps even an Alien endeavor? Maybe it’s these mysterious people from other worlds that Jarhead is in contact with.
“You want to criticize the team, criticize away, hell I might even agree with you on some points. But I’ll weigh my criticism against my understanding of how the real world works”
Jarhead: When people from other worlds gets tempted into criticizing the Dallas Defense for their mediocre play the lord of the Real World will keep it real by reminding us that he “lives in the real world” and that he’s previously “implored and begged” us to think “Real World” like him and in a revelation to all people from other worlds reading this blog stated; “football is a human endeavor”.
“I’ll ask you to be more specific, and back up what you say with facts, or with personal observations and rational thought”
This ones the clincher. After a post riddled with grandeur, bizarre personal opinions, and straw man arguments Jarhead is calling for facts and rational thought.
Why hold people to a standard your own post doesn’t meet!?
What’s the problem?
Are you that dumb? For starters both teams have only faced the same opponent once and that’s Cinci.
And second, the average in Total Offense that Dallas has faced it’s much thougher than what Tennessee has (17.8 - 22.5). The teams that Dallas has faced have also scored a lot more TDs.
What’s your problem? Pulling comparisons of 2 teams that shouldn’t be compared just to show a point? What point!?
So… back to the subject of Dallas…
No,..
Dallas has better personel, but the Titans play better on Sunday.
As for Haynesworth; the Cowboys have 5 players on defense drafted higher then him.
Can you explain it?
Ugh, you can’t compare 2 teams that can’t play the same rivals.
And it isn’t as if Tennessee is poor on personel, Griffin, Haynesworth, Bulluck and Kearse were all drafted in the 1st Round and they have a bunch of 2nd Round picks and highly paid FAs on their roster.
And I’m taking myself out of this discussion, you can bring in how other teams in other divisions are also “comparable” with the Cowboys and I don’t want anything to do with that…
Ummmm does Dallas have better personel?
Are you a scouting department?
I know this might sound like a shock to you but maybe Tennessee just has a better defense.
Just because someone is drafted in the first round doesn’t always make him better.
Tony Romo wasn’t even drafted. Want Joey Harrington over him? He was drafted in the first round.
End of argument.
Well Luke,
the best I can do is give you another example.
A blogger recently suggested we need a HC that is a “leader of men.”
OK, define and give us an example of what a “leader of men” is and how exactly one would help the cowboys.
Give us something to go on, anything besides the HC isnt a “leader of men.”
Is it possible that dallas lost to the skins b/c the skins played better that day, because a very good player made a key mistake, and b/c we made it easier on them by not getting felix jones involved? Or is it b/c we are lacking a “leader of men” as a HC?
Is it possible that the game was close against the bengals for awhile b/c a couple of things that happen every week in games happened at bad times to us, and not b/c our team lacks a “killer instinct” (as another blogger suggested)?
Is it possible that b/c football is played and coached by humans that there is no way to predict with 100% accuracy what will happen in a game or season?
Is it possible that those who hold such lofty expectations are the same ones who rant about a loss, or a “not convincing enough” win when things dont go their way?
Is it, even slightly, possible that some bloggers overestimated how good our defense could be, and that they should have known better, considering that the NFL is what it is every year?
Is it possible that some bloggers are a bit too reactionary, as Tim Wilson suggests, and that their rabid calls for “more press coverage all the time” aren’t really that good of an idea?
If no one expects 16-0, then why do people get so pissed when we lose a game? why do people get so pissed when we’re only ahead by 1 point, when we’re a broken up pass play away from a tie, and when we pull ahead to finally win by 9?
Is it possible that there is just a little truth in all that granduer and bizzare stuff you speak of?
Get past your dislike of me, my blog name, or my writing style for a minute, and seriously consider what I’m asking.
Charb,
if dallas played tenn this weekend, who do you think would win?
THEAIRFORCEBAT2,
Good luck
with?
jarhead,
I’m not sure we can out score the Cards.
After watching the Redskins pound us, I gald were not playing the Titans this week. I wouldn’t like our chances….
Washington isn’t that bad dude and Tennessee isn’t that good.
Washington would beat the Titans.
They’ve only played one team that has somewhat of a passing game and that was Cincy in 45 MPH winds.
They played Houston and Andre Johnson dropped 2 TD passes.. not like hard catches.. EASY catches.
Watch another team if you don’t like it dude.
What happens if Dallas destroys the Cardinals?
Is this going to be a week to week thing, where maybe they’re bad and maybe they’re good?
I guarantee that if Dallas destroys Arizona then 80% of everyone will be like “everythings solved.” If they squeek it out or lose, it’ll be the end of the world.
Charb, you already know that Dallas sucks and that they can’t outscore the Cardinals so don’t watch the game.
THEAIRFORCEBAT2,
“Watch another team if you don’t like it dude.”
Who made you king?
Tim Wilson,
yes, i’d agree with your most recent post.
I have concerns too.
I also have criticisms, which aren’t necessarily the same thing.
Charb,
Its a very real possibility that we cant outscore the cards (I assume by your statement that you expect a shootout), but I wouldn’t count on it.
Nor would I count on tenn beating us. So I disagree, I like our chances against both.
I maintain what i have been saying for four weeks now, dallas will beat themselves before the cards beat them, so it would go with tenn IMO.
Maybe that was harsh, I shouldn’t get into debates with people who don’t know what they’re talking about.
“Hey Leonard Davis is an awesome player with Dallas, why wasn’t he awesome with Arizona… when Arizona has all those first round draft picks?”
Makes just about as much sense as the comparison you made to Tennessee.
And one more guestion for Luke:
Is it possible that many bloggers react with too much emotion to a loss or a close game and start spewing suggestions without thinking about them?
Is it a good thing or a bad thing that the coaches, players, and GM/owner of the cowboys DONT react with too much emotion when they hit a bump in the road?
Dallas could very well lose to Arizona.
But you don’t even know it’ll be a shootout. Kurt Warner is a great guy and a very good QB, but he has a penchant for placing it on the ground and they’ll be without Anquin Boldin.
They put up a lot of points against Buffalo but they also received the ball in Buffalo’s endzone like 4 times.
They scored alot of points against the jets too… after they had been blasted and were down like 28 points.
THEAIRFORCEBAT2,
“Maybe that was harsh, I shouldn’t get into debates with people who don’t know what they’re talking about.”
Raf,
Good Luck with your Blog….
Its really not that serious.
Jarhead,
I don’t have a personal dislike of you but I still think your post was silly. Almost all your “is it possible” questions are straw man arguments. You take one random line from one blogger and are attempting to taint everybody who makes a criticism of Dallas.
How about we, and that means everyone on the blog, deal in specifics. If you don’t like a statement address the person who made the statement. Not just some rambling self righteous post about how You get it and Others simply don’t. Just a suggestion.
AFB2,
Geez, who appointed you blog King. Get over all-knowing self. Listen to yourself man;
“Dumb post.”
“End of argument.”
“Watch another team if you don’t like it dude.”
“I shouldn’t get into debates with people who don’t know what they’re talking about.”
Nobodies talking to you that way.
Jarhead-
Football is a sub-human endeavor if you consider the Eagles and Raiders
Luke-
I’m not all knowing but I know something that doesn’t make sense. I don’t sugarcoat things.
I don’t call out anybody who makes a relevant post, or an opinion based post.
You don’t have to repost everything I’ve said, i know full f’n well what I’ve said and I don’t care.
Some things are dumb or irrational. Comparing two defenses because they had one of the same players is ridiculous.
When I say “don’t watch the game” I’m suggesting that if you can’t stand the fact that Dallas might lose.. don’t watch. If you think that Dallas should stop them from getting any first down… don’t watch.
I like you, but I honestly don’t care what you think about me. You don’t even know me. I’m not criticizing anyone’s livlihood, not saying that they are stupid, but I’ll comment and say if someone doesn’t know what they are talking about.
Luke,
No, i see trends like ALOT of bloggers getting upset that we lost one game and only won another by 9 points.
There are several bloggers who make a criticism of dallas who i dont “taint,” whether I agree with the criticism or not.
I merely offer you an example.
So pick a question (i directly asked you several) that isnt a straw man argument (you said “almost” all of them were) and answer it, please.
I’d agree, lets all deal in specifics, so I’ll take your suggestion.
I’ve just addressed something to you, as I’ve done to Charb and other bloggers over the last two or three days. So, are you going to answer one of my questions or not?
MadMick, #166-I can easily see this team going 2-4 in the division. I’m not saying I EXPECT it, but that’s 3 tough teams we have to play. And then lose a tiebreaker and be the team out. The way NY and Wash. are playing, and the Eagles always finish stong, there could be a 10-6 jam and the Boys are out.
I don’t THINK that’ll happen, but would it shock you?
Jarhead, rant #169-did you read my post in bold #148. Cause it says the same thing you’re saying.
Your post is the one that sounds ‘whiny’-sorry, I don’t want to get in a pissing match cuz Lord knows I hate reading others’, but come on.
Relax.
Also, you bring up one of my other points–I post it, it gets rants in response-Raf posts it
as his headline story about the DLine!
And it’s Gospel. Whatever.
BTW, I’m not meaning to offend anyone. Except Tex.
I don’t know alot either, but I try not to write statements that make no sense.
Larry,
I think everyone here that watches knows that there has been a problem with the D-line.
Its good.. but nothing special.
Just because I don’t comment on your post or say anything about it doesn’t mean I disagree.
Happy? : )
Sean,
you just listed the only two teams that I would avoid taking my family to see in their stadiums.
Sub-human is a bit harsh but not all in jest huh?
Fellas, Fellas
This is the kind of venom that should only be spewed when debating draft picks! We’re all pulling for the same common goal here, ease up on each other! Of course no sane person expects a perfect season, but that doesn’t mean a loss doesn’t hurt. Different people deal with it in different ways. For some the sky is falling, and for some its already next week… no reason to turn a friendly blog into a mudslinging contest.
Dallas could go 2-4 in the division.. its possible.
I don’t believe that will happen, but hell anything is possible. As tough as the other teams are in the NFC East, Dallas is just as tough to them. I think Dallas will sweep Philly because McNabb will be hurt by week 17 and split with washington and NY.
IMO
BigDinSC,
No your wrong! Its Armageddon!
Haha
Larry,
I hadn’t read your post #148 before.
Yes, I guess I ranted, but i think there are some whiney baby boys’ fans out there who need to count their football blessings.
we’re 4-1 and still contenders.
I’d agree with most of what you wrote in bold, but im not sure we’re “off track.”
I have been accused on several occasions of not accepting criticism of the cowboys, its simply not true.
in the case of this week, i am really not getting what most of the criticism is about, its simply not valid IMO. Thats not to say there is no room for criticism, but here is a big improvement over week 4, we won in week 5.
I’ve heard absolutely nothing out of valley ranch to suggest that the cowboys think they have it made, so I’m not sure what the angst is about.
AFB2,
Fair enough mate, I actually agree with some of your points but I guess I was reacting to your tone but hey we’ve all been frustrated by other posters and been short with them. Anyway, no drama. And I have no problem at all with you personally.
Yeah we’re cool Luke. I’m aggressive, I know that. I’m not personally attacking anyone, I just think that if your going to post up stats and all that… have a relevant point.
Jarhead,
“Is it, even slightly, possible that some bloggers overestimated how good our defense could be, and that they should have known better, considering that the NFL is what it is every year?”
Be specific, who are these bloggers, what have they said? What do you define as acceptable for this defense?
For me these defensive stats after 5 weeks are disappointing;
16th in points allowed per game (22.2)
14th in yards allowed per game (305.2)
18th in passing yards allowed per game (210.2)
11th in passing yards allowed per play (6.7)
21st in pass deflections
28th in interceptions
10th in rushing yards allowed per game (95.0)
13th in rushing yards allowed per play (3.9)
18th in forced fumbles.
I honestly thought we’d be better than that and I don’t think that expectation was unreasonable. This isn’t a one game reaction, it’s an assessment after 5 games. In my opinion they’ve been disappointing so far. Now just to clarify, they haven’t been terrible, I don’t think they suck, I just think they’re underachieving or not progressing. We’ve invested an awful lot in the Defense in Draft Picks, Free Agency and Head Coach and all we’ve got after 5 games is mediocre to show for it. Last year we gave them every excuse after bad stretches because they were learning Wade’s 3-4 etc, and before that it was too young and limited by Parcell’s 3-4, what’s the excuse for mediocre play now?? Now people are saying secondary scheme and I do think there’s some smoke there but I also have been wondering the last few weeks if Canty and Spears can ever be more than solid and the hyped potential boys like Tank Johnson and Jason Hatcher are ever gonna show up.
“Is it possible that some bloggers are a bit too reactionary, as Tim Wilson suggests, and that their rabid calls for “more press coverage all the time” aren’t really that good of an idea?”
This is my problem with how you write. I’ve called for some more press coverage. Are you including me in your statement of rabidly calling for “more press coverage all the time”? If not then who are you responding to? I’ve never heard anyone on here say we should play “press coverage all the time”? A few people wondered if it would help the defense, a defense that is playing average, if we played some more press and then you attempt to portray that as rabid reactionaries who want non-stop press coverage. It’s just dishonest.
There was a breakdown given after the Washington game that showed we played Full Press Coverage 1 time and Partial Press coverage about 15 times out of about 65 total plays. That’s about 75% Off Coverage. I don’t think calling for some more press is that outrageous.
Just what is garbage time? Ware sacked McNabb on this last drive. A drive that could have led to a touchdown. And with our pass defense, who knows what Palmer could have done if he weren’t sacked.
Luke - great post. There is a lack of progress.
Are Hatcher and Burnett any better than they were at the start of last year? Will Canty get any better? Is Anthony Spencer where we want him to be?
The only player on either side of the ball really pushing for more playing time right now is Felix. I can’t think of anyone who is making a starting player nervous.
Ym,
I agree with you totally.
Luke,
I agree too. I don’t think Dallas’s defense is as good as we all it would be, but then again I don’t think it as bad as we are making it out to be.
They have been a middle of the pack defense. The two division games are really what hurt Dallas badly.
I’m convinced that the Eagles are still a good team that is really hurt bad by injuries. I totally forgot that Sean Andrews had been hurt since the Dallas game. He is one of the better offensivelinemen in the league too.
Tighthead-
IMO Burnett is better. Burnett’s problem is that he is always coming back from injury. Its hard to get into a rhythem when your always playing behind the curb. I was listening to Nate Newton and I agreed with him, I think Burnett is the most talented MLB on the team.. but like I said he always gets hurt. He comes back, but he’s never quite good enough to break the starting lineup because of nagging injuries.
Luke,
I hear you.
Maybe this stat will make you feel better, 4-1.
for the record, i dont remember your name specifically when reading some recent posts and shaking my head, which isnt to say I’ve never done that before after reading one of your posts.
I prefer not to call out bloggers specifically when I use terms that are somewhat derogatory. I’m not big on personal attacks, even if inside i feel a particular blogger’s post is “whiney,” silly, or just plain dumb.
I will address bloggers specifically and ask them to quantify a statement or elaborate. More often than not, they dont, which is an indication to me they’re ranting. I may also throw some sarcasm in, which is maybe another reason they dont answer. Still maybe another reason, they dont have an answer. I think, this week, i got a little too frustrated with the tone of so many posts.
Frankly, I expect the bloggers on this site to be better than the average football fan and to understand some things that even full time sportswriters dont seem to understand. I dont profess to be smarter than anyone else, just maybe a little more experienced in human competition and the challenges of leading a bunch of young stud, type-A personalities.
With the issues you outline above I will say this.
At this point, Im not disappointed with the defense. Perhaps b/c i did a better job up front of managing my expectations, but also b/c i think i understand the coach’s rationale for playing the scheme they’re playing. I also believe that wade knows what he is doing, even though he sometimes annoys me in his pressers with alot of “rah rah” stuff (i have no doubt he is more blunt in team meetings though). Its also clear to me that he hasnt lost the team; however, if he starts acting like something that he is not, as many seem to want, he WILL lose the team.
I also dont think we’re seeing everything yet (offensively or defensively), to include more press coverage. After all, what incentive do the coaches have for making big changes? They are 4-1, and they believe in the players (and their belief in the system).
Having said that, i do think the team can improve. I have what i would call at this time, “concerns.”
Thats all they are at this time though. The most immediate thing i honestly want to see improve is ST coverage (but i think maybe KD didnt play all the ST b/c he was starting at SS).
Second, I want to see romo get back to having fun; but frankly, Im not that concerned about him, he is still getting it done.
Im confident that this team can get to the bye with all wins, if they dont, it will be b/c they beat themselves. i give the skins credit, but i think the boys took them a little too lightly, and the coaches let the skins dictate too much to them (i dont think they’ll do that again).
I wouldnt expect major changes in the scheme, especially if they keep winning. If they do their job, and limit mistakes, they’re going to win alot more than not, so they just need to keep focusing on that.
some new wrinkles will come from our offense and defense, and the boys will have to adjust during the season at times, but they’re doing alot more right than wrong. I think the fans have got to be patient.
As romo has said, the journey is the fun part.
Luke,
one more thing,
There are some stats i look at as indicators of how things are going.
alot of the ones you listed really aren’t too important to me, though some are. of those you list, points allowed and rush yards allowed would be the two i focus in on.
So, we have Canty, Burnett and Tank Johnson (I think) becoming free agents after this year. I know it’s way to early to say anything for sure but based off what we’ve seen so far what do you guys think??
I think Burnett is probably gone. He’ll be looking for a starting job and won’t get it here. Honestly, I don’t think it’s that big of a loss.
I think they’d like to keep Canty but if he wants top dollar I think he might find himself on the outer as so far in his career he hasn’t shown top play for his position. If he excepts solid money for solid play he’ll be back.
Tank Johnson is an enigma. He’s got great potential, and has performed quite well as a DT in Chicago, but he’s really been almost non-existent for us. As it stands right now, I don’t think you can give him a big money deal. The good news is there’s still plenty of weeks for him to turn it around.
Luke,
I’d bet the first guy to get signed is colombo.
burnette is playing in his role quite well, but i think you’re right about him seeing himself as a starter. He wont get starter money in dallas.
canty is already getting 2mil a year. He wont want to take a pay cut, but he is young enough to sign to a long term deal and keep his cap hit down.
i originally thought he’d get something done soon, but i think now dallas will wait him out to see if he plays well this season.
I don’t know about Burnett not resigning. I think the ‘Boys would have to wait and see where Zach Thomas is at the end of the year. He’s been playing great, but he is 35 years old. I think there is a very good chance that there is a starting MLB spot up for grabs within the next two years, and depending on KB’s mentality, he may not want to move to attain what he can get a year later here.
I’d rather see them draft another MLB.
Jarhead,
Yep Colombo has sure made me eat my words. I was desperate to replace that guy after his first year and the horrible spankings Michael Strahan laid on him but he’s really become very solid for us. Maybe the Strahan moments were more about how crafty a veteran he was than how bad an inexperienced Colombo was. As surprising as he’s been I hope we don’t have to overpay for him as he’s thirty next year and his mobility is not really his strong suit. I know that’s nitpicking but two big, 30+, expensive, post knee reconstruction and somewhat rigid OT’s raise a small doubt in me. I suppose as long as a guy like Free is showing progress there (I hope!?) you’d hope we’re covered in the case of injury.
And I’m glad we waited on Canty. We need to see more out of him before we can be sure what contract offer he deserves.
Yeah, I’d rather see them draft another MLB than pay Burnett too. Bobby Carpenter can then finally get a run in the Nickel and attempt to show he could take over for Zach. All the while our new 4th round middle-LB pick can learn the D and play special teams.
Larry, honestly, I would be shocked if we were the odd team out. The fact is the Eagles flipped on a switch last season only after being all but mathematically eliminated from the play-offs. The reason their strong finishes have been so magnified is they get off to crummy starts here lately. I think their window is as close to being closed as the late ‘90s Cowboys teams was; especially if Westbrook exacerbates his injury by trying to play through his injury and has to miss any significant amount of time. After all, Westbrook and not Jeff Garthffcea was the catalyst behind the Eagles swooping in and stealing the division in ’06 because without McNabb for Reid to fetishize over, Westbrook was more heavily used to the maximum of his capability.
I don’t look it as the Eagles being as much a 2nd-half of the season team as I look at them as a team whose window is closing very fast and who will eventually be screwed if they continue to dig early season holes for themselves. They’re already 0-2 in the division and I simply refuse to take it for granted that they are capable of flipping the switch come November or whenever their “get your shit together” clock starts ticking and running the table in the division.
The Eagles had their early season impostor act even though they easily could’ve been blown out in the Monday Nighter if Romo didn’t dip his hands in silly goo like some candy ass and hand them a pair of TD’s.
As for the Giants, yes, if anybody absolutely feels the need to label who the best team is after only five weeks, then by default they are the best, although you’re a hypocritical piece of trash if you subtract style points from Dallas’s win over the Bengals but subtract none from the Giants for a game in which they actually trailed the Bengals deep into the fourth quarter. I guess their OT win over the Bengals was a “hearty win.”
The fact is the Giants haven’t played anybody yet except for opening night and the Redskins were woefully unprepared only barely looking alive in a two-minute drill to end the first half for their lone TD. The Giants hit the meaty part of their schedule in a little under three weeks when they host the Steelers and after that the closest thing to a respite they will get are the Cardinals and Vikings the rest of the way. I repeat the only real team they’ve played so far was apparently bloated or had that not-so-fresh feeling at the time.
I’m not making any pronouncements about them yet except to admit that Eli’s efficiency so far has mirrored his efficiency in last year’s play-offs. Maybe Shockey was a royal thorn in his ass. Let’s wait to see them in a real battle with a team who isn’t the Sissynatti Bangles before we just assume they’re going 5-1 or even 4-2 in the division.
AFB2, it’s OK, it’s only football in the end.
Sounds good, Mad. But in this year’s NFL, with surprises all over, we can’t forget that it may be OUR team who turns out to be a shocking surprise! And this team can only surprise in a bad way, because they were 13-3 last year, and now have more talent and more experience.
I hope they’re learning from these games and will improve, both on the field and in a nebulous mental way. Because they need to.
Tank came cheap, but he certainly isn’t looking like a diamond in the rough.
I think our best DL is playing out of position.
Hey I’m not against drafting a mid-rounder at MLB, all I said is that plan depends on having Thomas around a little while. If he gets his bell rung one more time, it very well could be a career for him. and i’d rather a veteran (even an average one) to a 4th round rookie in that case.
Also, I don’t see why it has to be Carpenter that sticks around to try and take over for Zach. Carpenter has been on this team only one less year than Burnett, and hasn’t taken that nickel ‘backer job from him yet, so why potentially weaken the unit next year?
maybe tank is just not fit for the 34
if we could somehow find a good NT, we could get rid of spears, and use canty/ratliff as DE’s
i love pacman and his intensity
ware’s sacks have not all come in garbage time…we have not ever HAD garbage time for the last 3 games, but he is not getting as much pressure as he is capable of. seriously, when is he gonna try some other moves?!!??!
I made the offhand “leader of men” comment at #129. Here’s my clarification (when I go back and read the post in context, I dont think clarification is needed, but anyway - here goes), so try and keep up.
It was part of a critique, not a claim that a leader of men would solve all our problems. The context is we’ve sunk a lot of resources lately into the D and it just hasnt paid off the way you would hope (expect?), given the amount of said resources. There is an opportunity cost associated with having done so - and the example I chose to exemplify that was head coach. to wit, we invested in a defensive minded head coach, I guy who has been around the block quite a few times, somewhat of a known quantity, not exactly someone who is going to get every last man to run through walls for him, but hey, not too many hidden warts either, and a fixer of defenses to boot. well, the cost of having made that relatively safe choice is we dont know what we missed out on (if you look at the original post, i use the phrase “lucked into”), and we havent even really had our defense fixed.
Look, I’m not as eloquent or succint as some here (Luke comes to mind - good post at #212 dude), and that’s the best I can do to clarify. bottom line - quit focusing on the “leader of men” aspect, and start realizing that there’s been a cost to choosing d, d, d, at nearly every turn, and for that cost, you’d hope to see more than a middle of the pack average defense.