Cowboys fans

[rallo 132]

 

he is a known BSer when it comes to not feeling pain--several times in the past he has claimed to be 100%, and it came out later that he was definitely hurting. it's also possible that he's not feeling pain, but is just not in shape yet. he has always been a guy who was constantly throwing during the offseason, but this year he was on a pretty strict limit during rehab--he may just have to play his way back into shape.

 

This is what i'm hoping... sure they can beat lower tier teams by committing to the run and controlling the clock, but if they want any chance at making the playoffs they are going to have to be able to throw the ball.

[Cruzer 1,992]

* One bright spot - incredible game by Gavin Escobar. The single greatest 2nd round pick in the history of this franchise...

I've dogged G. Escobar since the day he got here. Still think it was a terrible move to take him in the 2nd round - but he def gets some love today. 3 great catches y-day, two for scores. Hopefully the staff sees him as a viable option now instead of a practice dummy and uses him more and more.

[rallo 132]

I've dogged G. Escobar since the day he got here. Still think it was a terrible move to take him in the 2nd round - but he def gets some love today. 3 great catches y-day, two for scores. Hopefully the staff sees him as a viable option now instead of a practice dummy and uses him more and more.

 

he's definitely a bigger more athletic TE than witten... it would be nice to get Escobar some confidence going forward... a little confidence goes a long way, just take a look at Williams... he's come a long way from last year where is sputtered after that game losing fumble against SD.

[sirensong 111]

I've dogged G. Escobar since the day he got here. Still think it was a terrible move to take him in the 2nd round - but he def gets some love today. 3 great catches y-day, two for scores. Hopefully the staff sees him as a viable option now instead of a practice dummy and uses him more and more.

 

 

was waiting to see if you stepped up and owned this one. i still think they would have been better served to have drafted larry warford at that pick, but at least they are finally trying to leverage escobar. i think the biggest issue was that they didn't want to consistently run a 'move' TE, and gavin is finally figuring out how to block well enough that he can play TE2 instead of only TE3.

 

someone last week referred to DAL as a 'swiss army offense', since they have so many different ways to get after defenses now. concentrate on shutting down dez, witten, and murray? ok, here's a healthy dose of beasley, dunbar, and escobar.

[Cruzer 1,992]

was waiting to see if you stepped up and owned this one. i still think they would have been better served to have drafted larry warford at that pick, but at least they are finally trying to leverage escobar. i think the biggest issue was that they didn't want to consistently run a 'move' TE, and gavin is finally figuring out how to block well enough that he can play TE2 instead of only TE3.

I think it's more a combination of the offensive line being so good that they don't need to max-protect all the time, and Scott Linehan calling the plays instead of Red Jesus.

[sirensong 111]

i think linehan certainly has a lot to do with it--he's a renowned schemer and playcaller, who has had experience with running 2 TEs in a passing scheme. garrett's problem with escobar was that since there was a real problem with run blocking, putting escobar in with the 12 package was telegraphing a passing play. you're not going to take witten off the field in those circumstances, so it creates mismatches that can really benefit the defense.

 

long story short, escobar didn't bring enough to the table. now that he has developed into a competent (if not good) run blocker, it provides a lot more playcalling options.

[Cruzer 1,992]

long story short, escobar didn't bring enough to the table. n

ow that he has developed into a competent (if not good) run blocker, it provides a lot more playcalling options.

Thus, my problem with his selection all along. They knew what they were getting when they picked him - they didn't draft him to be a run blocker. And if they did - then the pick was even more idiotic than I ever imagined... His skill set is getting mismatches and catching the ball - we need to stick to that. I was at the game y-day, Escobar could be hell on safties all over the league.

[R8RMick 242]

The way Romo was speaking in the post game, it seems some of Escobar's past difficulties lay with route discipline as well. The QB was specifically speaking of going through his progressions yesterday and seeing Escobar hanging in there, finishing the routes to precision so he could go to him as a third or fourth option on a play. I will say Romo is probably one of the most intelligent QB's in the game, listening to him breaking it down.

[sirensong 111]

yeah--i heard escobar was roaming free in the patterns yesterday. if you caught his interview on the fan, he said that they had isolated NYG vulnerability to TEs in the seam, and this was just part of the gameplan. if they can bring dunbar along as a pass protector, the 12 package could get scary good at creating mismatches. a couple of writers today are calling DAL the best offense in the league based on flexibility. i don't know that i'd go that far, but they look sharp.

[R8RMick 242]

yeah--i heard escobar was roaming free in the patterns yesterday. if you caught his interview on the fan, he said that they had isolated NYG vulnerability to TEs in the seam, and this was just part of the gameplan. if they can bring dunbar along as a pass protector, the 12 package could get scary good at creating mismatches. a couple of writers today are calling DAL the best offense in the league based on flexibility. i don't know that i'd go that far, but they look sharp.

 

Oh, I think that's a fair assessment. Everyone knows the strength of the Dallas passing game, now with a new found power running game I'd say it's the most lethal offense in the league. True, you have Denver and Green Bay, but the running game for those teams do not compare. A true evaluation of effectiveness in an offense is not just scoring points, but time of possession as well. Case in point... In the fourth quarter on New York's final touchdown drive it knifed through the Dallas defense, exposing it for the porous unit it basically is. True they were giving some prevent looks, but Manning just shredded it, going 80 yards in 11 plays in about 3:00 minutes.

 

Then with the game on the line the Dallas offense came back on the field and throttled the Giants with a 10 play, 50 yard drive for the game clinching field goal. Though the drive only took 4:30, it also burned through all of the Giants time outs as well. That was a back breaker, and how you dominate football games. With its ability to control the clock, protect what's still a bad defense, and put points on the board, I'd say this offense was the best in football. Key to yesterday's game was no more injuries to the O-line. By the way Free's replacement is kicking ass and taking names.

[Cruzer 1,992]

I do have 1 fear for sure. I fear somebody is finally going to figure out that Romo spins to his right to avoid sacks. One of these days somebody is going to play it right and lay him out like a pancake. I just hope he gets up after that.

[R8RMick 242]

 

Oh, I think that's a fair assessment. Everyone knows the strength of the Dallas passing game, now with a new found power running game I'd say it's the most lethal offense in the league. True, you have Denver and Green Bay, but the running game for those teams do not compare. A true evaluation of effectiveness in an offense is not just scoring points, but time of possession as well. Case in point... In the fourth quarter on New York's final touchdown drive it knifed through the Dallas defense, exposing it for the porous unit it basically is. True they were giving some prevent looks, but Manning just shredded it, going 80 yards in 11 plays in about 3:00 minutes.

 

Then with the game on the line the Dallas offense came back on the field and throttled the Giants with a 10 play, 50 yard drive for the game clinching field goal. Though the drive only took 4:30, it also burned through all of the Giants time outs as well. That was a back breaker, and how you dominate football games. With its ability to control the clock, protect what's still a bad defense, and put points on the board, I'd say this offense was the best in football. Key to yesterday's game was no more injuries to the O-line. By the way Free's replacement is kicking ass and taking names.

 

Would be remiss to leave Indy out of this conversation. They lead the league in Offense and actually have a greater TOP than Dallas.

[sirensong 111]

 

Then with the game on the line the Dallas offense came back on the field and throttled the Giants with a 10 play, 50 yard drive for the game clinching field goal. Though the drive only took 4:30, it also burned through all of the Giants time outs as well. That was a back breaker, and how you dominate football games.

 

this is exactly what DAL could not do over the last couple of years--they would have been 10-6 last season had they been able to close out substantial leads against GB and DET.

 

regarding parnell, he had some serious problems with protection early on, and i was getting very worried. but it looked like he cleaned it up in the 2nd half. the new swing tackle has been with the team for less than a week, so there are depth concerns. if another T gets injured, look for martin to move outside and bernadeaux to start at RG. would hate to see martin move though--he's just mauling people on the inside.

[Cruzer 1,992]

this is exactly what DAL could not do over the last couple of years--they would have been 10-6 last season had they been able to close out substantial leads against GB and DET.

Murray averaged over 5 yards a carry last year - yet was never really given the chance to close out games... Garrett gave those games away bcoz he was too stubborn to stop chunking the ball all over the field when we were comfortably up. In the end Romo was given enough rope to hang himself and the team, and he did by throwing pick after pick when we should of been running the ball.

[snatchit 108]

I put $500 up at the beginning of the year on the Cowboys to win the Super Bowl at 33/1 odds..... I am sure it will be less than 10/1 by tomorrow. Not saying they are a shoe in, but I like my chances at this point.

[R8RMick 242]

I put $500 up at the beginning of the year on the Cowboys to win the Super Bowl at 33/1 odds..... I am sure it will be less than 10/1 by tomorrow. Not saying they are a shoe in, but I like my chances at this point.

 

Unless someone calls bullshit on this that is major sand my man. Major sand.

 

I'm also thinking if I'm Jerry Jones I consider hedging my bet at RB right about now. Especially seeing Murray limping around yesterday. Sorry but I'm just not a big fan of Randle to assume Murray's de facto role. Sure, he can come in for a "change of pace," or whatever that cute little term means. But I don't think he can carry the mail. The ONLY way Dallas stays relevant atop the NFC is to strictly adhere to the team's current game plan. And then that's only if they remain lucky with injury on the offensive line. But they need an alfa dog at RB, and I don't think Randle or Dunbar are it. I also think a committee won't work either.

 

Right now there are running backs out there which are being under utilized, or squeezed out of the roles on their team. Backs with some size, decent enough speed say in the 4.5 range, and are out of their team's current rotation. Terrence West, Bernard Pierce, and even Zac Stacy. West may be a reach, given his draft position, But anybody out there who doesn't think Zac Stacy can't rack up yards behind this line? I'm talking maybe a Fifth or Sixth round pick here.

 

Just some thoughts.

[BiPolarBear 476]

Sal Palantonio was just on local sports radio here in DFW. Pal had predicted that the Cowboys would get 10 wins this year and go to the playoff before the season started. He thinks that the Boys will win a lot of games going forward, but cautions against the Eagles.

[Cruzer 1,992]

Unless someone calls bullshit on this that is major sand my man. Major sand.

 

I'm also thinking if I'm Jerry Jones I consider hedging my bet at RB right about now. Especially seeing Murray limping around yesterday. Sorry but I'm just not a big fan of Randle to assume Murray's de facto role. Sure, he can come in for a "change of pace," or whatever that cute little term means. But I don't think he can carry the mail. The ONLY way Dallas stays relevant atop the NFC is to strictly adhere to the team's current game plan. And then that's only if they remain lucky with injury on the offensive line. But they need an alfa dog at RB, and I don't think Randle or Dunbar are it. I also think a committee won't work either.

 

Just some thoughts.

Bcoz of the Romo extension - Jerry is about to find himself in a really sticky spot. Both Bryant and Murray are in the final year of their deals, both UFA end of this year. I don't see any way the Cowboys can pay both of them.

[R8RMick 242]

Bcoz of the Romo extension - Jerry is about to find himself in a really sticky spot. Both Bryant and Murray are in the final year of their deals, both UFA end of this year. I don't see any way the Cowboys can pay both of them.

 

Even more reason to win now, and shore up that position for when/if he goes down. We're probably talking about a very low draft pick for one of the guys I mentioned, or someone of similar worth, plus assuming a modest salary as well. They make a move before they need to, before a potential injury, and they're not dealing from a position of desperation. Please tell me you don't feel Randle can step in and pick up that load? Here's a story in the Morning News from 2013 , detailing the not-so-subtle differences between Randle and Murray. This was at the time both Murray and Dunbar were out last season, when the job was Randle's by default. Interesting read, and makes some good points.

 

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2013/10/breaking-down-the-boys-why-cowboys-are-in-big-trouble-with-joseph-randle.html/

[sirensong 111]

much as i hate to say it, murray is playing his way out of dallas. business is business, and murray is a lot easier to replace than dez. were dez still an emotional timebomb, the story would be a lot different. but he has turned into the heart and soul of the team, a lot like irvin was. you can't have gold everything, and it's pretty evident that DAL sunk their gold into the line. that, plus the ability for rookies to come in and make an immediate impact at the position, is going to clinch it.

 

what really scares me is witten's salary, which makes him a looming cut or retirement very soon. i hate seeing ware in another uniform, and i would really, really hate to see witten on another team.

[R8RMick 242]

When the chips are down, usually on third and seven, Romo is still looking his way first.

[Cruzer 1,992]

Please tell me you don't feel Randle can step in and pick up that load?

No, not at all - I totally agree with you. In fact, given the circumstances and the likelihood that Murray won't be resigned - I say run his ass into the ground this year. Get all you can out of him and don't worry about his high carry totals.

[Cruzer 1,992]

what really scares me is witten's salary, which makes him a looming cut or retirement very soon. i hate seeing ware in another uniform, and i would really, really hate to see witten on another team.

Bcoz they way his deal is currently structured, Witten will for sure be here thru 2015. But knowing him and his character - I have no doubt he will be open to any kind of future restructure to make things work for the team.

[R8RMick 242]

No, not at all - I totally agree with you. In fact, given the circumstances and the likelihood that Murray won't be resigned - I say run his ass into the ground this year. Get all you can out of him and don't worry about his high carry totals.

I'm talking THIS year. Jones would himself out, stop at NOTHING, to win a Super Bowl this year. Right now with this offensive game plan the Cowboys are pretty tough to beat. So the thought of them playing for a championship is not ridiculous. Unless they lose Murray.

 

With a player who is even similarly skilled, behind this line, they'd have a chance. Not sure they'd have time to spool a new RB up. Any move would have to be made yesterday pretty much.

 

All I'm saying is there are quality runners out there now who could have great success behind this line, and who have almost been forgotten by their current teams. Say you make a trade now for a Terrence West, you not only hedge your bet this year but next as well if Murray walks.

[Baker Boy 1,479]

I'm talking THIS year. Jones would ###### himself out, stop at NOTHING, to win a Super Bowl this year. Right now with this offensive game plan the Cowboys are pretty tough to beat. So the thought of them playing for a championship is not ridiculous. Unless they lose Murray.

.

Yes it is, Dallas lost to the only team they played with a winning record. This is not a championship team.

[sirensong 111]

Yes it is, Dallas has not beaten a team with a winning record and they lost to the only team they played with a winning record. This is not a championship team.

 

 

lol.

 

seriously, lol.

 

you realize that DAL is the reason that the seahawks, texans, and giants do not have a winning record, right? HOU was 3-1 when they walked into dallas. SEA was 3-1 when DAL walked into seattle. even the NYG were .500.

 

no one knows who the champoinship teams are yet--that's why they play the game. but no one would have thought that DAL would be 6-1 heading into week 8, either.

 

guess we'll have to wait and see.

[Baker Boy 1,479]

lol.

 

seriously, lol.

 

you realize that DAL is the reason that the seahawks, texans, and giants do not have a winning record, right? HOU was 3-1 when they walked into dallas. SEA was 3-1 when DAL walked into seattle. even the NYG were .500.

 

no one knows who the champoinship teams are yet--that's why they play the game. but no one would have thought that DAL would be 6-1 heading into week 8, either.

 

guess we'll have to wait and see.

 

It's not Dallas and you can take that to the bank.

[Cruzer 1,992]

Baker Boy, on 21 Oct 2014 - 1:18 PM, said:

It's not Dallas and you can take that to the bank.

I'm quite certain you would of said (too),"Take it to the bank, they won't be 6-1 after 7 games"...

[Cruzer 1,992]

R8RMick, on 21 Oct 2014 - 11:32 AM, said:

I'm talking THIS year...

I'm all for looking at letting Murray go next year. But I'm not willing to gamble and just assume #29 is going to get hurt this year. He might, then again he might not - the upside far outweighs the speculation of it "maybe" happening. It's not broken right now - over thinking stuff could do exactly that.

[R8RMick 242]

I'm all for looking at letting Murray go next year. But I'm not willing to gamble and just assume #29 is going to get hurt this year. He might, then again he might not - the upside far outweighs the speculation of it "maybe" happening. It's not broken right now - over thinking stuff could do exactly that.

Windows of opportunity slam quickly in the NFL. I'm just talking about some cheap insurance, and at the same time hedge for next year. As for the troll, just smile and wave.

[Cruzer 1,992]

Windows of opportunity slam quickly in the NFL. I'm just talking about some cheap insurance, and at the same time hedge for next year. As for the troll, just smile and wave.

I'm not sure I'd call adding cheap insurance at rb a "window of opportunity". Dallas is scrapped against the cap as it is now - I'd hate to use what's left up on something that may or may not happen.

[sirensong 111]

I'm not sure I'd call adding cheap insurance at rb a "window of opportunity". Dallas is scrapped against the cap as it is now - I'd hate to use what's left up on something that may or may not happen.

 

 

DAL has $4.3M in unused cap space at the moment.

[Cruzer 1,992]

sirensong, on 22 Oct 2014 - 2:41 PM, said:

DAL has $4.3M in unused cap space at the moment.

Yea - and I'd like to keep it for emergencies. Back insurance for maybes and if's isn't my idea of spending it wisely.

[R8RMick 242]

If Murray goes down there goes the season. Neither Randle (too slow) or Dunbar (too small) can take his role, and a committee would just jack up the ju-ju they have going.

 

Again, Jerry Jones would prostitute himself down on Northwest Highway for a super bowl ring this year. It'd be Damn Yankees tenfold. But you know your team better, and that is not meant with disrespect.

[edjr 5,547]

I need a TE this week with Donnel on bye and Donnel sucks now anyway.

 

Is Escobar worth a start this week?

[lv_2_hack 0]

I need a TE this week with Donnel on bye and Donnel sucks now anyway.

 

Is Escobar worth a start this week?

No way I'd trust starting Escobar.

[lv_2_hack 0]

I don't get the doom and gloom scenario if demarco gets hurt. The success with the running game has much more to do with the improved offensive line than it does with Demarco.

[Cruzer 1,992]

I don't get the doom and gloom scenario if demarco gets hurt. The success with the running game has much more to do with the improved offensive line than it does with Demarco.

Exactly. Certainly it will drop off a bit - but it wouldn't be an automatic death sentence.

[sirensong 111]

If Murray goes down there goes the season. Neither Randle (too slow) or Dunbar (too small) can take his role, and a committee would just jack up the ju-ju they have going.

 

 

 

disagree. IMO, randle would be looking at ~4YPC behind this line, and dunbar brings the home run potential. i'll agree that DAL would have to drop in the power rankings, but it wouldn't be a season-ender.

[R8RMick 242]

Well, I'm defining 'season ender' as having no shot to win a super bowl. Obviously they would still be very much in any playoff picture, if on their current record alone.

 

I think Murray is a special back, and reminds me more of Eric Dickerson than any player I've seen in the last 30 years. Many younger folks don't recall the SMU great, but in his prime he was the greatest RB in the NFL. Murray is like a clone of him with his size, his speed, and that upright running style. His performance this year is probably more valuable to the Cowboys than there offensive line play. There's a HUGE drop off between him and what's left.

 

I see the work he's getting, I see the injury history, and I see the desire to win THIS year. I'll bet Jerry was choking on his bourbon and ice when DeMarco rolled his ankle. All I'm saying is that if I was him I'd be thinking of some insurance. But then again, if I was him I'd have done a lot of moves differently with this team.

 

Probably much ado about nothing though, so subject dropped.