2018 Cowboys: Turning over the same leaf

BigSoxFan

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Poor Zeke is going to see 8 man fronts all season. There is nobody in the passing game who even remotely scares you and the QB himself isn't a very scary passer. I could easily be wrong but this is starting to look like an 8-8/9-7 type team.
 

BigSoxFan

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So the same as last season?
Except last year there was a reason due to the Zeke stuff. This year, I don't see much upside even with Zeke active and healthy. Obviously still time to change that but the talent just isn't there.
 

SMU_Sox

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Congrats to a hall of famer
My sentiments exactly.

My boss and some of my coworkers (who actually showed up today) did not take this news well. I can't blame them. Goedert is the best TE in this class, I think. He will be a fan favorite too. Or, you know, he could be a bust. I think he might be able to develop as a blocker. He should develop into a better blocker than Mike Gesicki. Obviously predicting development like that is hard.

I liked LVE. I thought he was more of a 25-35 range guy but his ceiling is immense especially if he develops his pass rush game better when he does rush. He's a super athletic rangy linebacker with size. Only a one year starter but showed growth throughout his time there and during his final season. Some medical concerns but I think you have a guy you can build around on defense as he develops in a position that is becoming increasing more demanding athletically and important.
 

TFisNEXT

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Poor Zeke is going to see 8 man fronts all season. There is nobody in the passing game who even remotely scares you and the QB himself isn't a very scary passer. I could easily be wrong but this is starting to look like an 8-8/9-7 type team.
They're gonna have to go WR at 50 or trade up a few spots. Maybe Sutton?
 

Greg29fan

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Really liked their two picks today. Some injury concerns about Williams, but he could be the starting LG, and Gallup was a beast at Colorado State.
 

Bosoxen

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I really don't like Tavon Austin (ok player, major douchebag) but adding him, in addition to the two draftees, probably spells the end of Terrance Williams. That alone makes this draft a smashing success in my eyes.
 

Greg29fan

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Well it meant the end for Ryan Switzer as he was sent to the Raiders for Jihad Ward

Also if there's anything funnier than a guy named Jihad playing in Texas or for Jerrah I'm not sure what it is.
 
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Bosoxen

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Guess I spoke too soon. I just saw the news.

I do very much look forward to the existential crisis of the typical redneck Cowboys fan rooting for a guy named Jihad.

Edit: That didn't take long. They're already complaining about his name.
 
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Gunfighter 09

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You should be complaining about how bad at football he is. I can't believe the Raiders got a player of value for Ward. Perhaps they thought they were getting the next Jack Crawford.
 

luckiestman

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Guess I spoke too soon. I just saw the news.

I do very much look forward to the existential crisis of the typical redneck Cowboys fan rooting for a guy named Jihad.

Edit: That didn't take long. They're already complaining about his name.

I have a friend named Jehad, young guy, about 25. He was a Marine. That must have been a fun boot camp for him.
 

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Apparently they plan to run the ball...a lot. Both TEs they got Saturday are run blockers who hardly ever get any catches.
 

BigSoxFan

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Apparently they plan to run the ball...a lot. Both TEs they got Saturday are run blockers who hardly ever get any catches.
Sounds like they’ll be modeling themselves after the Jaguars...with a worse defense but (hopefully) better QB.
 

Bosoxen

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Apparently they plan to run the ball...a lot. Both TEs they got Saturday are run blockers who hardly ever get any catches.
As I understand it, the undrafted kid from San Diego State is supposed to be a pretty good pass catcher. But because they were a run first, second and third team, he didn't get much opportunity to do so.

I have a feeling the tight ends will be the group that will most feel the roster crunch caused by carrying three QBS. That means Rico Gathers might want to make sure he's been studying Antonio Gates film all offseason.
 

dcmissle

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If the reports of his broadcast compensation are accurate, it’s a no-brainer. He’ll make 2 to 3 times what he would have made playing football. And he can’t assume these sorts of opportunities will be there for him in the future.
 

Bosoxen

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I'm severely bummed that Romo and Witten never even had a chance at getting to the Super Bowl. Oh, sure, they won 10+ games a few times but the team was always a paper tiger.

A more naive person would think deep down in his black heart Jerry Jones feels guilty about that. We, on the other hand, know better which means it'll be business as usual until the grim reaper finally does his fucking job.
 

Greg29fan

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Yeah to echo Bosoxen, the feeling today is the same as when Romo retired and D-Ware left. Thankful to have seen Jason wear the star and give his all for the franchise, mad that he didn't win a title and get the support from upstairs roster and coaching-wise that should have been there.
 

BigSoxFan

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Yeah to echo Bosoxen, the feeling today is the same as when Romo retired and D-Ware left. Thankful to have seen Jason wear the star and give his all for the franchise, mad that he didn't win a title and get the support from upstairs roster and coaching-wise that should have been there.
What would you consider Witten’s most memorable NFL moment to be? Sure I’m missing something but feels kind of weird that I can’t pinpoint anything after watching him play all these years.
 

sketz

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What would you consider Witten’s most memorable NFL moment to be? Sure I’m missing something but feels kind of weird that I can’t pinpoint anything after watching him play all these years.
Can’t think of a single game moment, but rather a single pattern that he ran repeatedly and successfully over the years: that damn Y route. He goes forward a set distance and the cuts left or right depending on where the D is shading from. Pain in the ass to defend and he & his QBs seemed to always read it correctly.
 

BigSoxFan

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Can’t think of a single game moment, but rather a single pattern that he ran repeatedly and successfully over the years: that damn Y route. He goes forward a set distance and the cuts left or right depending on where the D is shading from. Pain in the ass to defend and he & his QBs seemed to always read it correctly.
Yup. He was the king of 9 yard catches on 3rd and 8 but I can’t think of a single iconic Witten moment.
 

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Any word on if Dallas is talking to Gary Barnidge? For those who don't know, he was a TE at Cleveland, had his best years in '15-'16, gave his body a rest in '17 and is now a 32-year-old free agent.
 

SMU_Sox

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Hey guys - this isn't necessarily the best place to post this but tomorrow is the SOSH Red Sox bash in Arlington. I know @Bosoxen is there usually. I am going again. I believe there is one ticket left... Anyone else going?

Edro against Hamels in case you are curious.
 

TFisNEXT

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I'm severely bummed that Romo and Witten never even had a chance at getting to the Super Bowl. Oh, sure, they won 10+ games a few times but the team was always a paper tiger.

A more naive person would think deep down in his black heart Jerry Jones feels guilty about that. We, on the other hand, know better which means it'll be business as usual until the grim reaper finally does his fucking job.
It might be awhile...Jerrah is pretty spry for a 75 year old. Top of the line black label booze and premium blow keeps the grim reaper at bay despite the fast lane life.

Oh come on guys, it's the catch, hit, and helmetless run v. Philadelphia.
Yeah this was pretty classic for Witten. I'd also add that probably his little double move and first down catch on 4th and 6 against the Lions in the 2014 wildcard game on the winning drive was a very fitting Witten Moment.
 

Bosoxen

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It might be awhile...Jerrah is pretty spry for a 75 year old. Top of the line black label booze and premium blow keeps the grim reaper at bay despite the fast lane life.
Maybe I was wrong?
"There's no doubt that the personal feeling I have about what Tony Romo and Jason Witten brought to the Cowboys during their career, I don't think I've had a moment in the day that at some time I don't reflect back on those good years and what they contributed," Jones said recently, via Pro Football Talk. "And I've said this: From my standpoint, I can't help but say, 'Boy, I really dropped the ball not doing enough to get them in a Super Bowl. That will be and is my biggest regret about my time with the Cowboys."
These are just words for now but if it's followed by a continuation of the current trend with the more football-minded people actually running things, maybe we can take some solace in the fact that we may actually see one step forward after so many steps backward. I won't believe it until I see it but there's no denying it is a far cry from his "I would have fired any other GM for the way things have been going but since it's me, tough shit" quote from a few years ago.
Yeah this was pretty classic for Witten. I'd also add that probably his little double move and first down catch on 4th and 6 against the Lions in the 2014 wildcard game on the winning drive was a very fitting Witten Moment.
The only things that could rival his helmetless run would be playing two weeks after having his jaw broken or playing with a ruptured spleen. All that points to one thing: he was a tough SOB. Mere mortals would have missed at least a month in each of those instances but he missed one game (though I do think he should have sat out at least a week or two during the spleen fiasco). But I do second Greg's nomination. There are few more iconic plays than seeing Witten run down the field without his helmet. Especially considering that play probably accounted for about 40% of his career YAC!*

To kind of bring this back around full circle: it's really disheartening that the best we can come up with regarding his postseason performances was during a playoff game. His GOAT credentials take a major hit because of that.

*I kid, of course.
 

TFisNEXT

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Maybe I was wrong?

These are just words for now but if it's followed by a continuation of the current trend with the more football-minded people actually running things, maybe we can take some solace in the fact that we may actually see one step forward after so many steps backward. I won't believe it until I see it but there's no denying it is a far cry from his "I would have fired any other GM for the way things have been going but since it's me, tough shit" quote from a few years ago.
.
Yeah I don't think there is any doubt that football operations have trended better in the past 6-7 years with more control going to Stephen Jones and his top assistants like Will McClay. Unfortunately by the time the offensive line was completely rebuilt into stud territory, Tony Romo and Witten were near the end. We saw the potential of "what could have been" in 2014 when Romo (mostly) stayed healthy and probably had his best season as a pro and they came within one overturned Dez Bryant catch from probably winning that Green Bay game. It's too bad they didn't get another 3 or 4 seasons with that line construction. They really wasted those 2010-2013 years of Prime Romo and Prime Witten horribly once what was left (minus guys like Witten/Romo/Austin/Ware) of the Parcells team that played well in 2007-2009 under Phillips finally rotted out and their disastrous 2007-2009 drafts came home to roost.


Even though it wasn't flashy, I do think the Cowboys had another good draft this year. Vander Esch isn't a lock, but the Cowboys have done well with their Boise St picks (Orlando Scandrick, Tyrone Crawford, DeMarcus Lawrence), and I think both Conor Williams and Michael Gallup are good solid value picks (with Gallup obviously an area of need too). It's clear that Stephen and the football people were running this draft again and not Jerrah.
 

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Words cannot express how much I adore the Williams pick. Having watched him at Texas, I have no doubt he will be an absolute monster at left guard (dude has a mean streak about five miles wide). He may struggle in pass protection at first but he will be an immediate asset in the run game.
 

Oil Can Dan

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Anyone watch All or Nothing yet? I'm 2.5 episodes in and I'm finding it to be pretty well done. I have to say that Jason Garrett seems to leave an awful lot to be desired as a leader of men though.
 

Bosoxen

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Anyone watch All or Nothing yet? I'm 2.5 episodes in and I'm finding it to be pretty well done. I have to say that Jason Garrett seems to leave an awful lot to be desired as a leader of men though.
You're right about Garrett. Frankly, though, so does Prescott as a QB. I've watched half of the first episode and a few things stood out to me:

-Elliott appears to be sleep walking through the whole thing
-Garrett, a career backup, appears to consistently obliterate Dak in their post-practice target sessions (it could be editing but I doubt it, since his lack of accuracy is hard to miss *rimshot*)
-There's a lot of glitz and glamor surrounding that franchise but - not exactly breaking news - the substance is sorely lacking
-Dez Bryant is just the worst (ok, I haven't seen this part yet but that seems to be the big takeaway from everyone who's seen it)
 

dbn

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I don't like Witten. My reason for this distaste is 100% based on Black Unicorn not liking him.
 

gtmtnbiker

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Anyone watch All or Nothing yet? I'm 2.5 episodes in and I'm finding it to be pretty well done. I have to say that Jason Garrett seems to leave an awful lot to be desired as a leader of men though.
I just finished the first episode. As usual, I find the All or Nothing series to be well done. I'm impressed with the design/construction of their stadium and practice facility. Wow, top notch. It's weird how they have their coach meetings in this fancy conference room. I was trying to figure out what the guys in the back of the room were doing since they're off in a different area.

They posted some stat on Jason Witten not missing a game to injury. Impressive.

Just before watching this episode, I did watch the Michigan Wolverines 2017 season. Again, I thought it was pretty good.
 

Reverend

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I just want to express how much I love this thread title every time I see it get bumped.
 

Oil Can Dan

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Through 6.5 episodes now. The Jaylon Smith draft moment was really, really touching and well done, and it was cool to see the private family moments with him and Rod & their family.

Back to Jason "that a baby" Garrett - I'm sure there are plenty of moments where he's all strategic behind the scenes or something, but I am really blown away by the lack of substance to this guy. I get the argument that Jones wants a puppet or whatever, but he's been around long enough to know better, no? Unless there's a lot they're not showing us, this coach will never lead this team anywhere significant.
 

gtmtnbiker

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I get the argument that Jones wants a puppet or whatever, but he's been around long enough to know better, no?
I think I finished the 3rd episode. I'm surprised how involved Jones is with the team. Is that typical of an owner? I think the Bidwells (S1 of series) are pretty involved with the Cardinals but Jones seem to be on another level.

The close losses that the Cowboys had against the Packers & Rams were tough for the team.
 

Greg29fan

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Dan Bailey being a liability and kicker being a potential need might be a thing.

He's had back-to-back practices with multiple misses, including a 33 yarder today.
 

Bosoxen

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That's about the most Cowboys thing ever. Only they could manage to go from having the best kicker on the planet to prioritizing his replacement in the span of about 10 months.

This franchise never needed Jerry's gross mismanagement with as snake bit as it is.
 

tims4wins

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I just want to express how much I love this thread title every time I see it get bumped.
That's about the most Cowboys thing ever. Only they could manage to go from having the best kicker on the planet to prioritizing his replacement in the span of about 10 months.

This franchise never needed Jerry's gross mismanagement with as snake bit as it is.
What Rev said. Bravo, again, on the thread title.
 

Greg29fan

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MRI tomorrow for Zack Martin after hurting his knee in the game v. Cincinnati tonight. Would obviously be a serious, serious blow if he misses a significant chunk of time.
 

Bosoxen

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Reports seem to suggest it's not serious. I doubt he'll play at all in any of the remaining preseason games, causing Dallas to devolve into full Chicken Little mode.