Cowboys Draft 2009: The ‘Boys Need Some Backers
March 31, 2009
Newsflash: The Dallas Cowboys need linebackers…bad. They need help at both inside and outside linebacker. The starters are set. The ever-improving Bradie James will line up at the strong inside linebacker spot. James will be flanked by his third weak side cohort is as many seasons, newly acquired veteran Keith Brooking. DeMarcus Ware will continue his reign of terror from one outside linebacker spot, while the other side will likely come down to a training camp battle between Greg Ellis and Anthony Spencer.
Beyond the starters, the Cowboys are thin. Justin Rogers has been mostly a special teamer. While Matt Stewart has experience in Wade Phillips’ system, he has also been out of football for two years. Bobby Carpenter has been enigmatic, and we know next to nothing about Steve Octavien.
Here is a look at the Cowboys’ current group of linebackers:
Keith Brooking (6-2, 241)
Bradie James (6-2, 239)
DeMarcus Ware (6-4, 252)
Greg Ellis (6-6, 265)
Anthony Spencer (6-3, 257)
Bobby Carpenter (6-2, 248)
Justin Rogers (6-4, 250)
Steve Octavien (6-0, 238)
Matt Stewart (6-3, 236)
The Cowboys do not necessarily need three new players, but the team has three basic needs at the linebacker position.
1. Wade Phillips’ defense has worked best when he has had an athletic, rangy weak inside backer (Brooking in Atlanta, Donnie Edwards in San Diego). Hopefully with the acquisition of safety Gerald Sensabaugh, linebackers will have less coverage responsibilities. Still, the weak inside backer will have to be able to handle himself in space. Keith Brooking is exactly what the Cowboys need at the position, but at 33 he is not the long term answer. The Cowboys will be looking to land a similar player in the draft to succeed Brooking.
2. The Cowboys need another pass rusher. Greg Ellis will turn 35 during training camp. His body is aging and his mouth is growing by the year. Anthony Spencer has showed flashes, but has yet to prove that he can hold down the fort for 16 games. Even with both of those guys on board and playing well, the Cowboys are still thin outside. An injury would be crippling. At the very least the Cowboys need to find a guy who can be a situational rusher. In a dream scenario, the team would probably be elated to find a player good enough to allow the team to free itself of Greg Ellis.
3. Any linebacker the Cowboys draft will have to contribute on special teams. The Cowboys utilize quite a few linebackers on special teams, and as poor as the coverage units were last season, an infusion of fresh blood can’t hurt.
Yeah we know. Aaron Curry is the best linebacker in the draft. Unless we want to waste a lot of senseless keystrokes talking about what it would take to trade up into the top 5, I suggest we stick to the guys we can actually have. Here are a few guys the Cowboys may have their eyes on:
Inside Linebackers:
- You would have been teetering on the edge of insanity had you said this last year, but Ohio State’s James Laurinaitis could realistically be had with the 51st pick. He didn’t blow anyone away in Indianapolis, but the tape doesn’t lie. Animal’s baby boy can play some ball.
- Darry Beckwith of LSU has been tagged as a player of interest by Dallas. Beckwith has some durability concerns, but he is the rangy, athletic type of player that Keith Brooking is.
- South Carolina’s Jasper Brinkley had an outstanding combine. He is probably more suited for Bradie James’ position, but may be athletic enough to provide depth at both inside spots.
- Opinions are all over the scale on Ohio State’s Marcus Freeman. Some scouts are in love with his athleticism and potential. Others are troubled by his perceived lack of physicality. The recent history of Ohio State linebackers in the draft can’t help Freeman.
Outside Linebackers
-Virginia’s Clint Sintim is appealing to the Cowboys if for no other reason, the fact that he has played a bit of 3-4. Sintim was however less than impressive at the combine.
- Connecticut’s Cody Brown has the skill set to provide some depth at any of the linebacker positions. Brown is a bit raw and may be more of a project than the Cowboys are willing to take on at this point.
- Utah’s Paul Kruger certainly looks the part, but virtually disappeared against big-time competition (Alabama, Michigan, Oregon State ,BYU).
-Richmond’s Lawrence Sidbury, Jr. has a ton of upside, but has done most of his damage against lesser opponents. Sidbury ran the fastest 40 amongst all defensive linemen at the combine (4.64), and displayed the athleticism to make a successful transition to outside linebacker in a 3-4.
The Cowboys need depth at both inside and outside linebacker. While it would be nice to grab a guy who can step right in if called upon, the Cowboys are solid enough at the position to gamble on a player with a high ceiling. Look for the Cowboys to walk out of Radio City Music Hall with a linebacker or three.
Draft ‘09: A Cowboys Four Pack Would Make Me Happy
March 31, 2009
We’re seeing increased speculation that the Cowboys will again move around on draft days, with eleven picks to fortify them. (Nine actually, since the two supplemental picks cannot be dealt). Some people do think Dallas will utilize all eleven picks. Some think they’ll make nine picks, or eight.Last year, if you recall, Dallas made only six.
Of more importance is the number of selectees who stuck. Dallas got immediate production from the five draftees who made the final roster — Felix Jones, Mike Jenkins, Martellus Bennett, Tashard Choice and Orlando Scandrick.
Five represents a high number, a very high number, in Dallas draft history. It’s rare for the team, even in the Landry days, to come away from a draft with more than three players who became starters. Look at the team’s foundational drafts, from 1961 through 1969. You never see a year where Dallas generated more than three starters from any crop. What’s also clear is that the hits were not solid singles, but draft-day grand slams:
Starters, by year:
- 1961- Bob Lilly
- 1962 - George Andrie
- 1963 - Lee Roy Jordan;
- 1964 - Mel Renfro, Bob Hayes, Roger Staubach
- 1965 - Craig Morton, Jethro Pugh
- 1966 — John Niland, Willie Townes, Walt Garrison
- 1967 — Rayfield Wright
- 1968 — Blaine Nye, D.D. Lewis, Larry Cole
- 1969 - Calvin Hill
A real quality over quantity list. In the pre-cap era, a success rate like this, and a patient owner, could let you build to championship mass. Not so in the cap era, where intense roster churn occurs.
That said, you can’t count on half a dozen quality players, never mind starters, every year. Look at Jimmy Johnson’s Herschel Walker-trade enriched classes:
- ‘89 — 4 starters (Aikman, Johnston, Stepnoski, Tolbert)
- ‘90 — 1 starter, 3 “keepers” (E. Smith, J. Jones, Gant)
- ‘91 — 6 starters (Maryland, Harper, Edwards, Williams, Lett, Brown)
- ‘92 — 4 starters (K. Smith, R. Jones, J. Smith, Woodson)
- ‘93 — 3 starters, 4 keepers — (K. Williams, D. Smith, Stone, Marion)
Note, Jimmy Johnson’s individual drafts, the ‘91 class aside, didn’t produce bushels of great players. (And it should be noted that Jimmy drafted 18 players to get that ‘91 class.) What Johnson demonstrated was something that has evaded Dallas, through the Jerry 1.0 and the Parcells years — the ability to land three or four solid players for several consecutive years.
Look at the starters and keepers (guys who are solid rotation players, 3rd WRs, rotation RBs) this decade. (And again, I’m keeping the bar low — if a guy started for a few seasons, he’s considered a hit. If he became a starter for another team — Jimmy Smith, Matt Lehr, etc., he’s considered a hit.)
- ‘00 — no keepers
- ‘01 — 2 starters, 3 keepers (Carter, Blade, Lehr)
- ‘02 — 3 starters (R. Williams, Gurode, A. Bryant)
- ‘03 — 3 starters, 4 keepers (Newman, A. Johnson, Witten, James)
- ‘04 — 1 starter, 3 keepers (J. Jones, Crayton, Reeves)
- ‘05 — 5 starters, 6 keepers (Ware, Spears, Burnett, Canty, Barber, Ratliff)
- ‘06 — 1 starter, 3 keepers (Fasano, Hatcher, Watkins)
- ‘07 — 2 starters, 3 keepers (Spencer, Folk, Ball)
- ‘08 — 1 starter, 5 keepers (F. Jones, Jenkins, Bennett, Choice, Scandrick)
Consistency is the word we’re looking for. That ‘05 draft was rich. So was ’08’s. But in between, Anthony Spencer and Nick Folk are the only draftees making major week-to-week contributions.
If Dallas wants to move up a notch into the league’s elite, Tom Ciskowski will have to recommend another four pack of quality youngsters this year. Don’t worry about the eight draft picks, or nine draft picks, or trying to get a player to fit every perceived Cowboys hole.
Tell yourself right now, the Cowboys won’t get what they want, because they won’t. I can’t predict if they’ll fail to get an inside linebacker or an offensive tackle, or a nose guard, or a safety, but understand they’re going to miss on at least one of them. That’s just the way drafts work. And that’s besides the point.
Dallas may have seven or eight holes, but history shows they’ll be okay if they fill half of them next month. Four quality players are what they need.
Draft ‘09: A Cowboys Four Pack Would Make Me Happy
March 31, 2009
We’re seeing increased speculation that the Cowboys will again move around on draft days, with eleven picks to fortify them. (Nine actually, since the two supplemental picks cannot be dealt). Some people do think Dallas will utilize all eleven picks. Some think they’ll make nine picks, or eight.Last year, if you recall, Dallas made only six.
Of more importance is the number of selectees who stuck. Dallas got immediate production from the five draftees who made the final roster — Felix Jones, Mike Jenkins, Martellus Bennett, Tashard Choice and Orlando Scandrick.
Five represents a high number, a very high number, in Dallas draft history. It’s rare for the team, even in the Landry days, to come away from a draft with more than three players who became starters. Look at the team’s foundational drafts, from 1961 through 1969. You never see a year where Dallas generated more than three starters from any crop. What’s also clear is that the hits were not solid singles, but draft-day grand slams:
Starters, by year:
- 1961- Bob Lilly
- 1962 - George Andrie
- 1963 - Lee Roy Jordan;
- 1964 - Mel Renfro, Bob Hayes, Roger Staubach
- 1965 - Craig Morton, Jethro Pugh
- 1966 — John Niland, Willie Townes, Walt Garrison
- 1967 — Rayfield Wright
- 1968 — Blaine Nye, D.D. Lewis, Larry Cole
- 1969 - Calvin Hill
A real quality over quantity list. In the pre-cap era, a success rate like this, and a patient owner, could let you build to championship mass. Not so in the cap era, where intense roster churn occurs.
That said, you can’t count on half a dozen quality players, never mind starters, every year. Look at Jimmy Johnson’s Herschel Walker-trade enriched classes:
- ‘89 — 4 starters (Aikman, Johnston, Stepnoski, Tolbert)
- ‘90 — 1 starter, 3 “keepers” (E. Smith, J. Jones, Gant)
- ‘91 — 6 starters (Maryland, Harper, Edwards, Williams, Lett, Brown)
- ‘92 — 4 starters (K. Smith, R. Jones, J. Smith, Woodson)
- ‘93 — 3 starters, 4 keepers — (K. Williams, D. Smith, Stone, Marion)
Note, Jimmy Johnson’s individual drafts, the ‘91 class aside, didn’t produce bushels of great players. (And it should be noted that Jimmy drafted 18 players to get that ‘91 class.) What Johnson demonstrated was something that has evaded Dallas, through the Jerry 1.0 and the Parcells years — the ability to land three or four solid players for several consecutive years.
Look at the starters and keepers (guys who are solid rotation players, 3rd WRs, rotation RBs) this decade. (And again, I’m keeping the bar low — if a guy started for a few seasons, he’s considered a hit. If he became a starter for another team — Jimmy Smith, Matt Lehr, etc., he’s considered a hit.)
- ‘00 — no keepers
- ‘01 — 2 starters, 3 keepers (Carter, Blade, Lehr)
- ‘02 — 3 starters (R. Williams, Gurode, A. Bryant)
- ‘03 — 3 starters, 4 keepers (Newman, A. Johnson, Witten, James)
- ‘04 — 1 starter, 3 keepers (J. Jones, Crayton, Reeves)
- ‘05 — 5 starters, 6 keepers (Ware, Spears, Burnett, Canty, Barber, Ratliff)
- ‘06 — 1 starter, 3 keepers (Fasano, Hatcher, Watkins)
- ‘07 — 2 starters, 3 keepers (Spencer, Folk, Ball)
- ‘08 — 1 starter, 5 keepers (F. Jones, Jenkins, Bennett, Choice, Scandrick)
Consistency is the word we’re looking for. That ‘05 draft was rich. So was ’08’s. But in between, Anthony Spencer and Nick Folk are the only draftees making major week-to-week contributions.
If Dallas wants to move up a notch into the league’s elite, Tom Ciskowski will have to recommend another four pack of quality youngsters this year. Don’t worry about the eight draft picks, or nine draft picks, or trying to get a player to fit every perceived Cowboys hole.
Tell yourself right now, the Cowboys won’t get what they want, because they won’t. I can’t predict if they’ll fail to get an inside linebacker or an offensive tackle, or a nose guard, or a safety, but understand they’re going to miss on at least one of them. That’s just the way drafts work. And that’s besides the point.
Dallas may have seven or eight holes, but history shows they’ll be okay if they fill half of them next month. Four quality players are what they need.
Cowboys preseason schedule plus other important offseason dates
March 31, 2009
The NFL released the preseason schedule. The regular season schedule will be released sometime in the next couple of weeks.
Cowboys preseason:
Thursday, 8/13 @ Oakland (TBA)
Friday, 8/21 Tennessee (FOX) 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8/29 San Francisco (TBA)
Friday 9/4 @ Minnesota (TBA)
An update on important offseason dates.
Cowboys specific:
May 1-3: Rookie Mini-camp
May 19-21, 26-28, June 2-4 and 8-10: OTA’s
June 16-18: Mandatory minicamp
NFL Specific:
April 17 — Signing period ends for restricted free agents.
April 24 — Deadline for old club to exercise right of first refusal to restricted free agents.
April 25-26 — NFL Draft: New York City.
June 1 — Deadline for old clubs to send tender to unsigned unrestricted free agents to receive exclusive negotiating rights for rest of season if player is not signed by another club by July 22. Deadline for old clubs to send tender to unsigned restricted free agents or to extend qualifying offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights.
June 15 — Deadline for old clubs to withdraw original qualifying offer to unsigned restricted free agents and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting tender of 110 percent of previous year’s salary.
“All of that is in the past,” receiver Patrick Crayton said. “As a group, there are no more excuses, no more scapegoats to put the blame on. It’s all on us that are here to get the job done. There is nobody here to point the finger at. You understand the business. They made it more [offensive coordinator] Jason Garrett and [quarterback] Tony Romo friendly. Again, no more excuses.”
Nice words, let’s see the deeds.
Ranch Report says we’ve been interested in Penn State WR Derrick Williams.
Penn State wide receiver Derrick Williams was one of a handful of draft prospects interviewed extensively by the Dallas Cowboys at the NFL Combine, TheRanchReport.com learned this weekend.
We need GD88 to weigh-in since he just did a scouting report on the WR prospects in the draft.
Here’s a mock draft that came out after I put up my mock draft post yesterday.
51. Dallas: Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan
Has the range and athleticism to be a big help in the Cowboys’ secondary.
Sounds nice but I don’t know if we’ll even have a chance at Delmas at #51. It could happen, but Dallas may have to jump up a little bit if they really want to get him.
BTB Meta-blogging (help wanted edition)
March 30, 2009
Time for a little meta-blogging. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, it’s blogging about the blog. Very self-referential. We’ve had quite a few things happen recently at Blogging The Boys and I thought I would share some of it with you. Also, we have some “help wanted” ads below.
Be forewarned, meta-blogging to follow after the jump.
Blogging The Boys is part of SB Nation, a network of around 200 blogs for all kinds of sports teams and leagues. Recently SB Nation scored a couple of nice placements for parts of our network, including BTB.
Check out this link which goes to the Yahoo Sports page about the Cowboys. If you look in the middle of the page, there’s a box for BTB articles. Also, in their articles about the Cowboys, example here, we get links in the right-hand sidebar. This has led to an influx of new readers from Yahoo Sports. Welcome to BTB everyone.
In addition, over at the Sports Illustrated Cowboys team page, our stories are getting picked-up in the middle box at the top labeled Cowboys Football News. Welcome SI.com readers.
Given we’ve had an influx of new readers over the last month because of the above mentioned deals, I recently put up a new community guidelines page. We needed a new one because the blog is becoming bigger and bigger and it was time to get a little more organized. I suggest everyone check it out when they have a little time, it saves from confusion down the road.
The merging of BSR and the recent addition of the Yahoo and SI.com folks has given us a vibrant community that is in the ascendancy. Some of the FanPosts being generated lately are top-notch content, on par with the front-page. Keep on generating comments and FanPosts/Shots, they are one of the key ingredients in making this a great blog for Cowboys fans.
Rafael and I have been conferencing behind closed doors and are putting together a plan to bring some new and exciting stuff to BTB. We’ll be working on the podcast again, we’re talking to people about getting players more involved, we might be able to get some more inside info from sources we’re cultivating, and we have some outside-the-blog projects we’re working on that we’ll talk to you about soon. Raf and I are hard at work trying to bring you new kinds of content to BTB. Keeping it fresh and interesting while relying on the core principles of the blog is our mission and we’ll have some news for you guys down the road.
We need a little help along the way. There are three positions that we want to fill with volunteers from the blog. What they’d actually be doing on a regular basis hasn’t been nailed down yet but we want to explore the possibilities.
- Graphics Guy - If you are deft with computer graphics and have time you could dedicate to BTB, send me an email. Point me to some of your artwork if there are examples to be seen. Put “Graphics Guy” as the subject of your email and make sure to include your name and BTB-name. You can find my email at the bottom of the front-page.
- Twitter/Facebook Guy - If you’re an avid user of services like Twitter and Facebook (and other similar social networks), have some ideas about how BTB could better use them and are willing to help manage that process, send me an email. Put “Twitter Guy” as the subject of your email, include name and BTB-name.
- A/V Guy - We’re looking for someone who has experience in stuff like recording podcasts, creating videos, basic multi-media functions that BTB can use. Put “AV Guy” in the email and include name and BTB-name.
In closing, and if you made it this far you really are a glutton for punishment, let me say thanks to everybody who reads and comments on BTB. From the guys who started out with me long ago, to the guys who started out with Raf long ago, to the smooth merger of both communities - thanks. Also to the new people who have come in post-merger, the Yahoo readers who hopefully have made BTB one of their daily stops for Cowboys info, the same for the SI.com readers - thanks. And to those who have picked up BTB from Google or any number of places, welcome and thanks.
Now back to your regularly scheduled Cowboys blogging.
Cowboys mock draft picks at #51
March 30, 2009
Another look at mock drafts for the Dallas Cowboys at pick #51 in the second round.
| Mock Draft | Pick | Pos. | School |
| Pat Kirwan | Duke Robinson | OG | Oklahoma |
| Draft Zoo | William Moore | S | Missouri |
| Draft Bulletin | Juaquin Iglesias | WR | Oklahoma |
| DraftTek | Eric Wood | C | Louisville |
| The Football Expert | Patrick Chung | S | Oregon |
| FF Toolbox 1 | Darry Beckwith | LB | LSU |
| FF Toolbox 2 | Alphonso Smith | CB | Wake Forest |
| Consensus Draft | Rashad Johnson | S | Alabama |
| The Football Expert 2 | William Moore | S | Missouri |
| Sunday Kickoff | Patrick Chung | S | Oregon |
| Walter Football | Pat White | QB | West Virginia |
Cowboys mock draft picks at #51
March 30, 2009
Another look at mock drafts for the Dallas Cowboys at pick #51 in the second round.
| Mock Draft | Pick | Pos. | School |
| Pat Kirwan | Duke Robinson | OG | Oklahoma |
| Draft Zoo | William Moore | S | Missouri |
| Draft Bulletin | Juaquin Iglesias | WR | Oklahoma |
| DraftTek | Eric Wood | C | Louisville |
| The Football Expert | Patrick Chung | S | Oregon |
| FF Toolbox 1 | Darry Beckwith | LB | LSU |
| FF Toolbox 2 | Alphonso Smith | CB | Wake Forest |
| Consensus Draft | Rashad Johnson | S | Alabama |
| The Football Expert 2 | William Moore | S | Missouri |
| Sunday Kickoff | Patrick Chung | S | Oregon |
| Walter Football | Pat White | QB | West Virginia |
Dallas Cowboys news & notes
March 29, 2009
Randy Galloway actually has some interesting quotes from players in his latest missive. Yes, I’m recommending a Galloway article. It actually has some good stuff in it like these quotes about the coaches getting tougher.
“Jason Garrett,” he said. “We are now seeing a side of Jason Garrett I wasn’t sure was there. He’s really getting after people.”
[snip]
“Most coaching staffs are comprised of good cops, bad cops. That’s a long-standing concept,” said another voice. “But our staff has been all good cops and that, of course, starts with Wade.
“What we have now, however, are jobs on the line. If you want to continue to be the good cop coach, you might not be around here much longer. Already, there are coaches I didn’t think would change, but you can see that they have. Right now they are trending more to the bad cop side.”
Another source went on to say that Wade hasn’t changed much, so I guess that’s a work in progress if he is going to change at all. But hearing that some assistants are toughening up and putting some pressure on the players already is music to my ears.
BTW, how would the players know much about what the coaches are doing if it’s the offseason? More good news, the Cowboys have had a sizable contingent working out at the Ranch regularly.
“We’ve had anywhere from 15 and 30 people for the last 10, 11 weeks, which is a large number of players,” Juraszek said. “So many of our guys live here and they’ve been in and out working. We’ve had the rehab guys (in) and we’ve had younger guys doing things for themselves.
“Our guys like being here, I think. I think they like the facility, they like the workouts. We’ve had good success.”
Organized voluntary workouts start on Monday.
More stuff after the jump.
The Cowboys are setting up visits with defensive backs; CB Greg Toler from tiny St. Paul’s.
The Dallas Cowboys are in the process of setting up a visit for Toler, a Division II star with 4.37 speed in the 40-yard dash who intercepted 14 career passes.
Plus FSU cornerback Tony Carter on April 13th and Clemson safety Mike Hamlin on April 16th, according to the Ranch Report.
It’s not unusual for a head coach to be his own offensive coordinator and call his own plays, sometimes that coach has an offensive coordinator in-name to help him out on the staff. It is unusual for the head coach to be his own defensive coordinator, and as of right now, the Cowboys are the only team without a defensive coordinator, even if in-name only, in the NFL. Wade Phillips is pulling double-duty and is very glad to be in charge of his own defense. Wade is either going to win or go down in flames doing his thing this year. He’s brought in some of his veterans that he trusts, he’s gotten rid of some questionable attitudes on the team and he’s going to call his own defense while being the head coach. I’m pulling for ya’ coach.
Could we be opening the season with the Broncos?
[Jerry] Jones said the first two regular-season home games at the Cowboys new stadium will be in prime time
The Cowboys’ season opener will be at Denver, according to a source.
Cowboy Stew
March 28, 2009
Sometimes I have something interesting to say about the Cowboys but there isn’t really enough there to write a front page post on. Other than being related in some way to the Cowboys there is also no cogent way to link these stories together. So, what do I do with these fascinating Cowboy tidbits? Just throw them away? No, you can’t be wasteful in these times so why not put them all in a pot and make a big Cowboy Stew of unrelated opinions, comments and observations?
That’s what I’m serving up here, no interesting analysis, no insights into the draft, nothing fancy - just a big steaming bowl of spicy thoughts and opinions that I have bouncing around in my head - that I have to let out so new ones can come in.
Pull up a chair and let me know what you think of my Cowboy Stew.
The Pantheon of Great Football Names-
You know there are some names that just sound like great football names. Dick Butkus, Boss Bailey, Takeo Spikes and several others. They are the kind of names that command respect and maybe even a little fear. Look, I admit that if you play football you have to be a tough guy, but some people just have that added extra advantage of having a great name that fits their tough vocation. On the other hand you have - Beanie Wells? Ashley Lelie? Cleo Lemon? My latest nominee into the PGFN is Igor Olshansky, a new member of the Cowboys. Anybody named Igor deserves automatic consideration.
Roy Williams the Safety -
Current stories hint that Roy is close to signing on with another team that plays a 4-3 but he’s been available for quite a while. I wish him well. I was thinking about what went wrong with Roy - declining skills, age, lost the killer instinct, injury? His problem is his lack of cover skills, that’s how he got tagged with the moniker - ‘Thong’. A thong doesn’t cover anything and neither does Roy. The problem is he had that weakness when he was drafted in the first round but he was a devastating hitter and that seemed to be enough at the time. His coverage problems have now been exploited by almost every offensive coordinator in the league. Let this be a cautionary tale for the draft - don’t fall in love with and draft a one dimensional player, regardless of how good he might be at that skill. Remember - Two thongs don’t make a right!
Chris Canty -
I hate to say it but you know he is probably going to have a banner year next year in New York. Doesn’t it always work out that way? Your ex- girlfriend always seems to look better after she becomes your ex! Canty will be joining an already stellar D-line and he will benefit from the attention the other Giants players will draw. He was an adequate player here but the pundits will make his success in New York seem as though he was held back by the ‘circus atmosphere’ in Dallas.
Should the Head Coach Fly First Class? -
A local DFW sports radio show reported an interesting pre-combine story about Mike Singletary connecting in DFW airport for his flight to Indy for the NFL Combine and meeting up in the terminal with Norv Turner waiting for the same flight. First Class is called and those two take their seats and order something to drink. While they are talking in their first class seats they look up to see Wade Philips and Jason Garrett walking past with their eyes down, headed to their seats in coach. The radio jocks were hooting about how embarrassing it had to be for those the Cowboys staff as well as for those who watched them walk by. To me, it seemed appropriate for a coach to be sitting in - coach!
The Player -
Will T.O. thrive in Buffalo? On the plus side, he will be motivated to prove his value. A motivated Terrell Owens is a real offensive threat. He will have a supporting cast in Lee Evans, Marshawn Lynch (hopefully), Trent Edwards and the Buffalo fans are going to love having him there. His challenge will be the weather and facing some decent defensive backs in that conference. Shawn Springs will see him twice now that he’s with the Pats and Springs played well against T.O. this past season. The Jets Darrelle Revis will certainly be looking forward to playing T.O. twice a year as well. During the 2008 draft, Revis was interviewed and said he was only beaten twice for touchdowns in his rookie season - once by Braylon Edwards and once by Terrell Owens because of their size advantage on fade routes.
A Gunner on Special Teams? -
Gerald Sensabaugh? Just kidding. Let’s give the guy a chance. He has the NFL combine record for vertical jump (46″). He’s been active in his community, supports the Boys & Girls Club and reads to those kids, he visits the local children’s hospital, he supports the local military as well as the charity causes of his teammates. He had permits for those guns which were found in his Bentley and the arrest was because he had a suspended drivers license. I don’t think Goodell will have much to say about that episode. Let’s give the guy a chance to be a good player on the field and a good citizen off the field- as he has shown himself to be.
Jessica Simpson’s Weight Gain -
Joe Simpson blames Romo for Jessica’s Weight Gain - He says it’s because Jess is … Whoa - what am I doing?
Bobby Carpenter -
A make or break year? It’s already broken for me and here’s why.
I am a Buckeye by birth and a fan of THE Ohio State University football teams. I was excited when Carp was drafted and I expected big things from him. He played alongside A.J. Hawk and they made a strong tandem. He has been a big disappointment in terms of breaking into the starting lineup and has simply not been worth the first round pick. I guess I’m taking it personally since I’m a Buckeye and was endorsing the pick from the get go. My theory of why Tuna took Carpenter with that first round pick goes back to Bobby’s dad having been a Parcells’ player on the Giants championship team.
Carpenter has been rumored to be the ‘rodent’ in the locker room who was at the core of the T.O. schism. If this is true how does he repair relations with his mates?
Bill Parcells has not been bashful about raiding the Cowboys’ cupboard of coaches and players but as far as I know he hasn’t made any moves for Bobby Carpenter. Why? Does he (Parcells) realize that this was a bad pick or is he waiting until the Cowboys unload him at a bargain basement price? It makes me think that either way Parcells must know the Cowboys paid way too much. A Bobby Carpenter Pro Bowl year would make me bow down and apologize for feeling this way - but you have to get on the field to have a great year.
The Pot is Empty Now-
OK, that’s the end of the Cowboy Stew. Do you have any nominees for the Pantheon of Great Football Names? Any thoughts on Canty, Thong, Sensabaugh or the concept of a post like the Cowboy Stew?
Wedge Busted: New Rule Change Could Shape Dallas’ Late-Draft Plans
March 27, 2009
Felix Jones’ kickoff return skills were one of the most immediate payoffs from last year’s stellar draft. Jones returned a kickoff 98 yards for a score against Philadelphia and just missed going the route on a couple more before hamstring and toe injuries shortened his season.
A new rules change threatens to diminish Jones’ return explosiveness. The NFL this week banned the traditional four and five man wedges that are common on all levels of play. When executed properly, they work like this:
Two years ago, I watched former special teams coach Bruce DeHaven work with the Cowboys’ returners and watched him teach his guys to use cutbacks. Returners were instructed to initially run directly up the field, even if it was not behind the wedge. The intent is to pull coverage guys towards you and give your wedge blockers an angle. After running a few yards upfield, the game is to then cut behind your blockers.
Jones followed this technique perfectly. Dallas had a center return called. Jones fielded Akers kick on his two, about three yards inside the yard numbers on the far sideline.
The Cowboys wedge formed at the fifteen, just outside the far hash mark. The Cowboys use Tony Curtis, Joe Berger, Pat McQuistan and Deon Anderson as their center four. They join hands and then move forward together under control until they encounter the line of Eagles. The returner who doesn’t field the kick, Isaiah Stanback in this case, runs up and flanks Anderson, adding a fifth blocker to the wedge.
Jones was about five to seven yards wide and to the left of Curtis, the closest wedge member, when he fielded the ball. Instead of angling to his right and running immediately to get behind his five bodyguards, Jones ran straight upfield, to about the ten…
– Felix Jones — He’s Crafty — Like a Cat, BSR, 9-16-2008
The new rule allows nothing larger than two-man wedges. The NFL cited safety as its rationale — the wedges are collision magnets, which invited wedge-busters on other teams to throw their bodies into the line and “blow it up.”
The National Football Post’s Matt Bowen, a wedge-buster in his day, argues the rule change will wipe out the big return and make kickoffs far less interesting. I’m not sure I agree with Bowen, but I do agree that big kickoff returns will diminish if teams continue to use the same four people they’ve assigned to wedge duty in the past.
Dallas, as the quote demonstrates, used some combination of backup offensive linemen and fullbacks and blocking tight ends to form their four-man wedges. Berger and McQuistan formed the core of this group. Other teams have used defensive linemen; anybody who can produce the biggest bang against the wedge busters, who are usually linebackers, safeties and cornerbacks.
Two man wedges will place a premium on guys who can block in space, who can mirror a lighter, faster target and engage him one-on-one, or two-on-one in open field. The old wedges didn’t require this of the linemen since coverage guys had to engage them. If you tried running around a wedge, the return man could simply hide behind it and follow the big grunts far upfield.
My guess is we may see fewer, if any offensive linemen on kickoff returns this year. Fullbacks, blocking tight ends and big backs will take their places. These guys are used to blocking blitzing linebackers, safeties and corners alone.
This will mean some of those many 4th, 5th and 6th round draft picks Dallas owns could be earmarked for smaller special-teams guys. Curtis was not tendered last month and has moved on. I had written before that Dallas will likely draft a fullback to replace him, since it needs a dependable hammer who can lead the three-headed Marion-Felix-Tashard monster on inside running plays.
I feel even more strongly the team will draft one now. The new wedge rules makes me think Dallas may now draft a fullback and a big blocking tight end.
The rule could also shape Dallas’ and other team’s thoughts about the backup linemen they activate. Dallas often activated seven offensive linemen on game day, the five starters and two backups who could cover the five line positions. If the Cowboys played next week and the old rules were in place, the backups would likely be Cory Proctor, who can play guard and center — and who played wedge in ‘07 when he was a backup — and Pat McQuistan, who has played wedge the past two seasons.
Under the new rules, Proctor would likely retain one spot, ahead of Montrae Holland, because he can play center. McQuistan had an edge at tackle because he doubled on the wedge. If that role disappears, the door is open for Doug Free, or some hotshot rookie draftee to make a push.
Back to Felix Jones. I think he and other talented returners will survive just fine. Kickoffs will now be treated as gigantic screen plays. Think of how often a good runner thrives in space on a screen pass, even when his linemen are whiffing one-on-one in space.
Cats can adapt, and Felix Jones is one crafty cat.
Wedge Busted: New Rule Change Could Shape Dallas’ Late-Draft Plans
March 27, 2009
Felix Jones’ kickoff return skills were one of the most immediate payoffs from last year’s stellar draft. Jones returned a kickoff 98 yards for a score against Philadelphia and just missed going the route on a couple more before hamstring and toe injuries shortened his season.
A new rules change threatens to diminish Jones’ return explosiveness. The NFL this week banned the traditional four and five man wedges that are common on all levels of play. When executed properly, they work like this:
Two years ago, I watched former special teams coach Bruce DeHaven work with the Cowboys’ returners and watched him teach his guys to use cutbacks. Returners were instructed to initially run directly up the field, even if it was not behind the wedge. The intent is to pull coverage guys towards you and give your wedge blockers an angle. After running a few yards upfield, the game is to then cut behind your blockers.
Jones followed this technique perfectly. Dallas had a center return called. Jones fielded Akers kick on his two, about three yards inside the yard numbers on the far sideline.
The Cowboys wedge formed at the fifteen, just outside the far hash mark. The Cowboys use Tony Curtis, Joe Berger, Pat McQuistan and Deon Anderson as their center four. They join hands and then move forward together under control until they encounter the line of Eagles. The returner who doesn’t field the kick, Isaiah Stanback in this case, runs up and flanks Anderson, adding a fifth blocker to the wedge.
Jones was about five to seven yards wide and to the left of Curtis, the closest wedge member, when he fielded the ball. Instead of angling to his right and running immediately to get behind his five bodyguards, Jones ran straight upfield, to about the ten…
– Felix Jones — He’s Crafty — Like a Cat, BSR, 9-16-2008
The new rule allows nothing larger than two-man wedges. The NFL cited safety as its rationale — the wedges are collision magnets, which invited wedge-busters on other teams to throw their bodies into the line and “blow it up.”
The National Football Post’s Matt Bowen, a wedge-buster in his day, argues the rule change will wipe out the big return and make kickoffs far less interesting. I’m not sure I agree with Bowen, but I do agree that big kickoff returns will diminish if teams continue to use the same four people they’ve assigned to wedge duty in the past.
Dallas, as the quote demonstrates, used some combination of backup offensive linemen and fullbacks and blocking tight ends to form their four-man wedges. Berger and McQuistan formed the core of this group. Other teams have used defensive linemen; anybody who can produce the biggest bang against the wedge busters, who are usually linebackers, safeties and cornerbacks.
Two man wedges will place a premium on guys who can block in space, who can mirror a lighter, faster target and engage him one-on-one, or two-on-one in open field. The old wedges didn’t require this of the linemen since coverage guys had to engage them. If you tried running around a wedge, the return man could simply hide behind it and follow the big grunts far upfield.
My guess is we may see fewer, if any offensive linemen on kickoff returns this year. Fullbacks, blocking tight ends and big backs will take their places. These guys are used to blocking blitzing linebackers, safeties and corners alone.
This will mean some of those many 4th, 5th and 6th round draft picks Dallas owns could be earmarked for smaller special-teams guys. Curtis was not tendered last month and has moved on. I had written before that Dallas will likely draft a fullback to replace him, since it needs a dependable hammer who can lead the three-headed Marion-Felix-Tashard monster on inside running plays.
I feel even more strongly the team will draft one now. The new wedge rules makes me think Dallas may now draft a fullback and a big blocking tight end.
The rule could also shape Dallas’ and other team’s thoughts about the backup linemen they activate. Dallas often activated seven offensive linemen on game day, the five starters and two backups who could cover the five line positions. If the Cowboys played next week and the old rules were in place, the backups would likely be Cory Proctor, who can play guard and center — and who played wedge in ‘07 when he was a backup — and Pat McQuistan, who has played wedge the past two seasons.
Under the new rules, Proctor would likely retain one spot, ahead of Montrae Holland, because he can play center. McQuistan had an edge at tackle because he doubled on the wedge. If that role disappears, the door is open for Doug Free, or some hotshot rookie draftee to make a push.
Back to Felix Jones. I think he and other talented returners will survive just fine. Kickoffs will now be treated as gigantic screen plays. Think of how often a good runner thrives in space on a screen pass, even when his linemen are whiffing one-on-one in space.
Cats can adapt, and Felix Jones is one crafty cat.
Jerry Jones and the Great Misconception
March 27, 2009
As sports fans, we sometimes allow ourselves to get so caught up in the way things have always been, that we ignore change when it does occur. We often associate a certain trend or tradition with a certain team or player. Sometimes that association is etched so deeply into our minds, that that particular perception sticks with us even when it is no longer reality.
Sports are filled with inaccurate perceptions. For example, the Pittsburgh Steelers no longer have a “smash-mouth“ offense who will “run it down your throat.” In reality the Steelers struggle to run the football at all. However, our minds have been conditioned by decades of Bill Cowher and Chuck Knoll, so we associate the Steelers with conservative, power football. Many of us still think of the Big Ten as the dominant conference in college football. It is difficult for us to picture Shaquille O’Neal as anything less than the unstoppable entity he once was.
There are many inaccurate perceptions about Jerry Jones. Some are simply untrue, others are just no longer true. In recent years, the press has seemed hell-bent on forcing Jerry Jones into the same category as Daniel Snyder and Al Davis. Nowadays, Jerry Jones’ name is often accompanied by a smirk and a snicker. This is the part I don’t understand. If you are a nobody like ESPN’s Jemele Hill or Tim Hasselbeck, who the hell are you to poke fun at a billionaire with three Super Bowl rings? There are many who wish to categorize Jerry Jones as a wild, untamed, free-spending, football know-nothing. To you, I offer these truths to your misconceptions.
“Oh, you that know Jerry Jones. Those Cowboys aren’t a team, they’re just a collection of free agents.”
Really? Take this into consideration. When the Dallas Cowboys kicked off the 2008 season against the Cleveland Browns, the Cowboys’ starting lineup consisted of 16 players (9 on offense, 7 on defense) who were lifetime Cowboys. Adam Jones started for an injured Terence Newman, so in reality you could push the number to 17. Furthermore, the kicker, punter, nickel corner, third down back, and situational pass rusher were all homegrown Cowboy products. Of the 58 players currently under contract with the Dallas Cowboys, 33 have never worn another uniform. The truth is, the current Dallas Cowboys have been constructed in the same fashion that most championship teams have. This team was built through the draft, and supplemented via free agency.
“Jerry Jones is all about flash. The Cowboys are built from the outside in.”
Is that so? Back to school we go. For those who insist that Jerry Jones is an owner who is obsessed with flash and perimeter players, chew on this. When the Cowboys selected Felix Jones in the first round of the 2008 draft, he became the first offensive player selected by the Cowboys in the first round since 1997. The Cowboys selected Pittsburgh receiver Antonio Bryant with the 63rd selection (2nd round) of the 2002 draft. Before that the Cowboys had not used a first or second round selection on a receiver since taking Miami wideout Kevin Williams with the 46th pick (2nd round) in the 1993 draft.
Yes, Jerry Jones spent big money to bring in Terrell Owens in 2006, and Roy Williams this past season. Before that, when was the last time the Cowboys brought in a big money running back, quarterback, or receiver? Well I guess there was the trade for Joey Galloway. Yeah, about a decade ago, let it go.
Jerry Jones has spent first rounder after first rounder trying to shore up the Cowboys defense. In the last decade, his biggest free agent splashes have been defensive guys like LaRoi Glover (DT), Jason Ferguson (DT), and Anthony Henry (CB). When the Cowboys have spent money on offense, it has gone to offensive linemen like Marco Rivera (OG), Kyle Kosier (OG), and Leonard Davis (OG). Does this sound like a team constructed around perimeter players, or team built around defense and offensive line play?
“The Cowboys sign everybody! That Jerry Jones just goes hog wild in free agency!”
Is that right? Contrary to popular perception, the Cowboys have not been major players in free agency for quite some time. The last time the Cowboys made a big splash in free agency was in 2005, when Jerry Jones aided his “football guy” Bill Parcells in putting his signature on the Dallas Cowboys. That season, Dallas brought in Jason Ferguson (DT), Marco Rivera (OG), and Anthony Henry (CB), none of whom are with the team currently.
In 2006, the Cowboys signed six free agents. This particular group was headlined by Terrell Owens (WR), but he was the only big-money guy. The Cowboys signed mid-level players Akin Ayodele (LB), and Kyle Kosier (OG) to mid-level deals, and acquired some “nuts and bolts” type of players in Ryan Hannam (TE), Jason Fabini (OT), and Rocky Boiman (LB). The Cowboys signed only Leonard Davis (OG) and Ken Hamlin (FS) in 2007. Davis got big-time money, but has also turned in two Pro Bowl seasons. Hamlin was plucked out of the free agent salvage yard for cheap, and had a Pro Bowl season of his own. In 2008, the Cowboys were non-factors in free agency, outside of the low-risk signing of Zach Thomas (LB).
Here in 2009, Jerry Jones has fought temptation by not overpaying for Ray Lewis as many expected. He refused to overpay to retain Chris Canty, and did not overextend himself on guys like Albert Haynesworth or Gibril Wilson. No big names, no blockbuster trades, just more nuts and bolts. A slight upgrade at weak inside linebacker (Keith Brooking), a slight upgrade a backup quarterback (John Kitna), a formidable replacement for Canty at end (Igor Olshansky), and a new strong safety (Gerald Sensabaugh) who can actually cover. All that for less than what it would have cost to retain Chris Canty. Who’s not a football guy?
When Jerry Jones does throw money at free agents, it is usually to retain his own guys. Sure, he may have paid a few guys before he really had to. It’s fair to say that he jumped the gun by extending Terrell Owens, and possibly Marion Barber. On the other side of that coin, imagine the kind of ransom Jay Ratliff may have commanded this off season had Jerry not extended his contract in late 2007. Imagine what it would have cost to retain Terence Newman after Nnamdi Asomugha wrecked the curve with his ridiculous 3-year/$45.3 million contract.
Locking up Tony Romo was a good thing. Keeping Flozell Adams was a must considering the alternatives. Giving DeMarcus Ware whatever the hell he wants before he hits free agency is a not even up for debate. Isn’t continuity the thing that everyone praises the Colts and Steelers for? What in the world is wrong with spending money to keep your own guys?
“Jerry Jones wants to make money. Winning is not the priority in Dallas.”
Are you nuts? Jerry Jones wants to win so bad he can’t help himself. I’m no business expert, but I bet Jerry Jones didn’t build his billion dollar empire by sitting back and letting other people work. Jerry Jones is a go-getter, and go-getters don’t sit on their hands, they make moves. Jerry Jones, like many other successful people, got to where he is by rolling the dice. That’s the only way he knows how to play. Maybe Jerry does meddle a bit, but it is because he wants to win so bad that he feels he needs to be involved. By the way, he does own the team.
Inaccurate perceptions aside, Jerry Jones has not been the wild, un-educated free-spender that most perceive him to be. Jerry Jones has built his team largely through the draft, and made defense a priority. No one likes to admit their mistakes; billionaires more so than the rest of us. While Jerry may not come out and admit his errors, he always corrects them. Since the season’s conclusion, Jerry Jones has blown up no fewer than three of his own projects. Pacman Jones is gone, Tank Johnson is gone, Terrell Owens is gone.
Jerry Jones isn’t perfect, but what owner is? He may be a overbearing and a bit of a meddler at times, but this is America’s team. I like the fact that Jerry Jones shakes things up when results don’t meet expectations. I like the fact that he rewards his own players with fat contracts. I like the fact that he has the gumption to bring in a Terrell Owens, and I also like the fact that he knows when it is time to let him go. Say what you will but you won’t budge me on this. I love the fact that Jerry Jones is the owner of my favorite team.
Dallas Cowboys news & notes (Wildcat edition)
March 26, 2009
Isaiah Stanback has suddenly become a popular guy with the media. The minute Jerry Jones mentioned the Cowboys would like to install a package that sounds very much like a Wildcat formation, two names popped up. Pat White and our very own Stanback. As you can imagine, Stanback is willing - anything to get on the field. But what does Jerry think of the idea?
“We may have [our Wildcat quarterback] in Stanback, but I want to be careful about taking away time from Stanback on his potential development as a receiver,” [Jerry] Jones said.
Could be an interesting training camp for Stanback, unless the Cowboys grab a Wildcat candidate in the draft and leave Stanback at receiver exclusively.
All charges have been dropped against Anthony Spencer from the drunk and disorderly incident, and Jerry says he doesn’t expect any NFL discipline.
Wade Phillips on T.O.’s departure and why he didn’t want to talk to the media about it.
“I think you’re worse off if you respond to all that he said, she said, they’re saying this, we say that, all that stuff,” Phillips said. “Get through it, get over it, let’s go to the next year. And we have to get over it at some time.
“I’m not even going to discuss that because that’s why I didn’t want to talk about it in the first place. . . . I’m through with that.”
You can check out a lot more of what Wade said here and here.
RW interview over at the official Cowboys site.
My friend Brian over at Buffalo Rumblings has an interview with our old friend Jim Jeffcoat.
Also on the SBN network is a mock draft by team blog. It can be found over at our draft site, Mocking the Draft. I think we get to pick in 10 days or something.
Cowboy Kitna - One Happy Buckeroo
March 26, 2009
Q: Who is the happiest guy in the NFL?
A: Jon Kitna, the Cowboys’ new backup QB.
In 2006 the Lions gave up 63 sacks. This stat only reflects the times defenses were actually credited with sacks, not how many times defenders crashed into the QB just as he got the ball away. He went 372/596 for a 62.4% completion record while running for his life. Compare that to Tony Romo who was 220/337 for 65.3% in 2006 with only 21 sacks.
In 2007 the Lions gave up 52 sacks, three behind league leader San Francisco with 55 vs Romo who was sacked 24 times that year. Kitna has taken more hits than Bob Marley at a Cheech and Chong Film Fest.
Last season Kitna was injured in game five of the season and finished out the year on IR. You know he must be thinking about his move to the Cowboys, “Only around twenty sacks per year? Heck, I usually get that before the end of October!”
I have heard that he is a good teammate, and is willing to play his role - whatever that may be. He was brought in to Cincinnati to mentor young Carson Palmer and give him time to develop. Kitna was successful in that role, winning ‘NFL Comeback Player of the Year’ in 2003 then stepping aside to be Palmer’s backup in 2004. Kitna and Palmer also became close friends off the field through their mutual love of golf. I’m sure Tony and Jon will be on the links together this summer.
He’s a leader and a hard worker. He was angry with some of his Lions teammates and their lack of effort and he spoke out about it in the local newspaper.
“By that I mean, this is your job,” Kitna said. “This is not, you come to work, you get here five minutes before you’re supposed to be here and you leave two minutes after they let you go. That’s not how this profession works. It’s just not.” … “You can’t have the veteran that everybody looks up to in your meeting asleep,” Kitna said. “You can’t have that. If that’s the case, then what’s the young guy learning? That that’s OK. That’s what he’s learning.”
Jon Kitna is not as mobile as Romo but he’s not as statuesque (in a negative way) as Brad Johnson. If Romo goes down again, I’m confident Kitna will do a better job of keeping us in the game - but he is not without some warts.
He has a 152/151 career touchdown to interception ratio. In fact in his 12 year career he has only had 3 years in which he tossed more touchdowns than picks. He also has a history of putting the ball on the ground - like his new golfing buddy.
|
2006 |
Fumbles |
Fumbles Lost |
|
Kitna |
11 |
11 |
|
Romo |
9 |
6 |
|
2007 |
Fumbles |
Fumbles Lost |
|
Kitna |
17 |
10 |
|
Romo |
10 |
5 |
That fumble problem could be a result of taking all those shots. I’m hoping that a Romo-friendly offense is also a Kitna-friendly offense and that his primary duty is to hand off to Marion Barber during the fourth quarter mop-up and no one even gets a hit-na on Cowboy Kitna.
I’m sure he feels happy that he upgraded his situation. I think we did and I’m happy too. What are your thoughts?
Cowboy Kitna - One Happy Buckeroo
March 26, 2009
Q: Who is the happiest guy in the NFL?
A: Jon Kitna, the Cowboys’ new backup QB.
In 2006 the Lions gave up 63 sacks. This stat only reflects the times defenses were actually credited with sacks, not how many times defenders crashed into the QB just as he got the ball away. He went 372/596 for a 62.4% completion record while running for his life. Compare that to Tony Romo who was 220/337 for 65.3% in 2006 with only 21 sacks.
In 2007 the Lions gave up 52 sacks, three behind league leader San Francisco with 55 vs Romo who was sacked 24 times that year. Kitna has taken more hits than Bob Marley at a Cheech and Chong Film Fest.
Last season Kitna was injured in game five of the season and finished out the year on IR. You know he must be thinking about his move to the Cowboys, “Only around twenty sacks per year? Heck, I usually get that before the end of October!”
I have heard that he is a good teammate, and is willing to play his role - whatever that may be. He was brought in to Cincinnati to mentor young Carson Palmer and give him time to develop. Kitna was successful in that role, winning ‘NFL Comeback Player of the Year’ in 2003 then stepping aside to be Palmer’s backup in 2004. Kitna and Palmer also became close friends off the field through their mutual love of golf. I’m sure Tony and Jon will be on the links together this summer.
He’s a leader and a hard worker. He was angry with some of his Lions teammates and their lack of effort and he spoke out about it in the local newspaper.
“By that I mean, this is your job,” Kitna said. “This is not, you come to work, you get here five minutes before you’re supposed to be here and you leave two minutes after they let you go. That’s not how this profession works. It’s just not.” … “You can’t have the veteran that everybody looks up to in your meeting asleep,” Kitna said. “You can’t have that. If that’s the case, then what’s the young guy learning? That that’s OK. That’s what he’s learning.”
Jon Kitna is not as mobile as Romo but he’s not as statuesque (in a negative way) as Brad Johnson. If Romo goes down again, I’m confident Kitna will do a better job of keeping us in the game - but he is not without some warts.
He has a 152/151 career touchdown to interception ratio. In fact in his 12 year career he has only had 3 years in which he tossed more touchdowns than picks. He also has a history of putting the ball on the ground - like his new golfing buddy.
|
2006 |
Fumbles |
Fumbles Lost |
|
Kitna |
11 |
11 |
|
Romo |
9 |
6 |
|
2007 |
Fumbles |
Fumbles Lost |
|
Kitna |
17 |
10 |
|
Romo |
10 |
5 |
That fumble problem could be a result of taking all those shots. I’m hoping that a Romo-friendly offense is also a Kitna-friendly offense and that his primary duty is to hand off to Marion Barber during the fourth quarter mop-up and no one even gets a hit-na on Cowboy Kitna.
I’m sure he feels happy that he upgraded his situation. I think we did and I’m happy too. What are your thoughts?
-
"The Sports Doctors"
iTunes/
Winamp
Windows
Media
RealOne -
Cowboy Up
Dedicated to providing the best Cowboys analysis anywhere, our efforts are free of charge but not free of expense. Your kind donation today will keep our drive alive.
Thank you
Or mail payment to:
RV2 Enterprises
P.O. Box 150093
Austin TX 78715-0093
Advertisers
-
Fave it!
-
SiteMeter
Burst Media
