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- Thread starter marionbarberthe4th
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whoops.
On the initial draft I had DeMarco Murray down as good starter before Khaled persuaded me that I was letting his injury history negatively affect my judgement (we’d agreed that each player would be graded on their demonstrated ability, not time on the field – unless the two were related). He’s 100% right – when you get Murray in the backfield he usually delivers at a high level. Not only is he an exceptional runner but he’s also a better than average receiver and a good pass blocker. A superb combination I need to appreciate more while moderating my griping about playing time.
• I was really torn at how best to represent the likely scenario at guard. My view is that Mackenzy Bernadeau is a better player than Ronald Leary and he should retain his starting job with Leary being replaced by Zack Martin (or at least that being the initial plan). However, I get the feeling the Dallas Coaching staff sees it the other way around and it will be Bernadeau seeing second string reps and that’s how I’ve completed the chart. Obviously Leary is the younger player (three years) but the difference in performance levels was so noticeable I don’t think the 28-year-old player should be penalized.
I’ll make one further point – getting a rookie player to switch sides (as well as positions) is never a good idea. I’ve written on the subject before but “muscle memory” is a difficult obstacle to overcome at the best of times never mind while simultaneously taking a step up in class.
• What to make of Morris Claiborne? In his first season, despite having some real trouble in run support, his coverage improved as the year went on and clearly that is the important part of his role. He ended the year with a positive coverage grade (+2.7) even if his base statistics (e.g. a QB rating of 107.8 when thrown against) belied the truth.
However, last year, while he managed to sort out his issues against the run, his performance against the pass declined markedly, giving up broadly the same amount of yardage in 126 fewer coverage snaps. He’s played a few good games but they are an exception at the moment and need to become at least 50% of his performance canvas.
Roster Battles
Most of the offense seems set and bar Zack Martin (as discussed above) it looks like last year’s O will be this year’s O.
As for defense, as poor as the Cowboys look on paper it doesn’t seem like there will be much up for grabs in terms of starting battles. I never see the D-line in those terms anyway – there may be starters, sure, but the rotational nature of the position group means that everyone will still get a chance to shine.
With the linebackers the only weak link is Bruce Carter but it doesn’t appear he’ll have too much by way of challenge. Not watching any college football, my knowledge on the subject is limited, but it appears Anthony Hitchens is more suited on the inside or strong-side. If he (or indeed any of the other linebackers) has the coverage skills required, they could test him but it’s questionable. Therefore the only obvious competition I see is:
1. Free Safety
A game of musical chairs ensued at this position in 2013. Will Allen started in possession and did nothing terribly wrong before being replaced in week three by J.J. Wilcox. It seemed like the Cowboys were just returning to their original preseason strategy of starting Wilcox – a plan that was hampered by the tragic death of his mother. Once installed, he too gave a reasonable account of himself before his worst game coincided with an injury that took him out for three weeks. In the interim Dallas turned to Jeff Heath who only looked totally out of his depth once (along with everyone else – in the debacle against the Saints) and Wilcox, on his return, was left to back-up duty. It’s difficult to call a winner here and although it’s possible that someone else may stand up to be counted, the Cowboys believe that one of these two will be their FS of the future.
Follow Neil on Twitter: @PFF_Neil
https://www.profootballfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2014-depth-DAL.png
On the initial draft I had DeMarco Murray down as good starter before Khaled persuaded me that I was letting his injury history negatively affect my judgement (we’d agreed that each player would be graded on their demonstrated ability, not time on the field – unless the two were related). He’s 100% right – when you get Murray in the backfield he usually delivers at a high level. Not only is he an exceptional runner but he’s also a better than average receiver and a good pass blocker. A superb combination I need to appreciate more while moderating my griping about playing time.
• I was really torn at how best to represent the likely scenario at guard. My view is that Mackenzy Bernadeau is a better player than Ronald Leary and he should retain his starting job with Leary being replaced by Zack Martin (or at least that being the initial plan). However, I get the feeling the Dallas Coaching staff sees it the other way around and it will be Bernadeau seeing second string reps and that’s how I’ve completed the chart. Obviously Leary is the younger player (three years) but the difference in performance levels was so noticeable I don’t think the 28-year-old player should be penalized.
I’ll make one further point – getting a rookie player to switch sides (as well as positions) is never a good idea. I’ve written on the subject before but “muscle memory” is a difficult obstacle to overcome at the best of times never mind while simultaneously taking a step up in class.
• What to make of Morris Claiborne? In his first season, despite having some real trouble in run support, his coverage improved as the year went on and clearly that is the important part of his role. He ended the year with a positive coverage grade (+2.7) even if his base statistics (e.g. a QB rating of 107.8 when thrown against) belied the truth.
However, last year, while he managed to sort out his issues against the run, his performance against the pass declined markedly, giving up broadly the same amount of yardage in 126 fewer coverage snaps. He’s played a few good games but they are an exception at the moment and need to become at least 50% of his performance canvas.
Roster Battles
Most of the offense seems set and bar Zack Martin (as discussed above) it looks like last year’s O will be this year’s O.
As for defense, as poor as the Cowboys look on paper it doesn’t seem like there will be much up for grabs in terms of starting battles. I never see the D-line in those terms anyway – there may be starters, sure, but the rotational nature of the position group means that everyone will still get a chance to shine.
With the linebackers the only weak link is Bruce Carter but it doesn’t appear he’ll have too much by way of challenge. Not watching any college football, my knowledge on the subject is limited, but it appears Anthony Hitchens is more suited on the inside or strong-side. If he (or indeed any of the other linebackers) has the coverage skills required, they could test him but it’s questionable. Therefore the only obvious competition I see is:
1. Free Safety
A game of musical chairs ensued at this position in 2013. Will Allen started in possession and did nothing terribly wrong before being replaced in week three by J.J. Wilcox. It seemed like the Cowboys were just returning to their original preseason strategy of starting Wilcox – a plan that was hampered by the tragic death of his mother. Once installed, he too gave a reasonable account of himself before his worst game coincided with an injury that took him out for three weeks. In the interim Dallas turned to Jeff Heath who only looked totally out of his depth once (along with everyone else – in the debacle against the Saints) and Wilcox, on his return, was left to back-up duty. It’s difficult to call a winner here and although it’s possible that someone else may stand up to be counted, the Cowboys believe that one of these two will be their FS of the future.
Follow Neil on Twitter: @PFF_Neil
https://www.profootballfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2014-depth-DAL.png
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Sorry i didnt read all the text but the Cowboys have no elite starters? Romo is simply a good starter? Tell that to one of these teams without a franchise QB. Some of the colors i dont agree with. Leary was a lifesaver, he should be average at least. Escobar is average? Id say poor up to this point.
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What an idiot. He doesn't even know who Tyrone "Reggie White" Crawford is.
LAZARUS_LOGAN
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Devonte Hollomon? Below average. Really?
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I don't either. But I do know who Ken "the Randy White" Bishop is.
junk
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Did you type ctrl v into the reply window?
It must be the offseason because I'm actually considering some of these "what if" scenarios with the team. They'll reel me in and punch me in the gut again in the season finale, I'm sure.
But, what if Linehan actually implements a competent, ball control offense that protects the defense and utilizes all the talent on the team that Garrett doesn't know what to do with (Escobar, Dunbar, Harris).
What if this DL actually sort of pans out? Melton returns to form, Crawford lives up to like 1/2 the hype he is getting, Bishop really is a competent 1 tech, Lawrence is a legit pass rusher and you get a good rotation out of the rest of those schlubs.
What if Carter and Claiborne return to form?
What if Wilcox actually develops?
All that happens and they probably make the playoffs and endure a 44-6 thrashing at the hands of the niners, but still.....
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There's no doubt we can make the playoffs in this parity league and shitty division. We should have made it the last few years if not for throwing up all over ourselves multiple times. People can talk about our D, and it has been terrible, but our offense should be elite.
junk
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The sad thing is, I think we get a Garrett extension if they stumble in. We might anyway. Which is the worst thing for this franchise.
Jerry is comfortable.
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Did you type ctrl v into the reply window?
It must be the offseason because I'm actually considering some of these "what if" scenarios with the team. They'll reel me in and punch me in the gut again in the season finale, I'm sure.
But, what if Linehan actually implements a competent, ball control offense that protects the defense and utilizes all the talent on the team that Garrett doesn't know what to do with (Escobar, Dunbar, Harris).
What if this DL actually sort of pans out? Melton returns to form, Crawford lives up to like 1/2 the hype he is getting, Bishop really is a competent 1 tech, Lawrence is a legit pass rusher and you get a good rotation out of the rest of those schlubs.
What if Carter and Claiborne return to form?
What if Wilcox actually develops?
All that happens and they probably make the playoffs and endure a 44-6 thrashing at the hands of the niners, but still.....
I just don't buy that Linehan will run the ball after he showed more extreme flaws in this Coryell offense in Detroit than Jason did. I hope he just calls the running plays without the pass option.
I'm not sold on Wilcox as anything other than an awesome special teams executive.
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It might not even take a playoff berth. We could be 4-2 and Jerry could do it. He's that crazy.
That happens and I guess I'm done for good. I feel like I about 90% am anyway, but for some reason I hold out hope Jerry could see the light, even if that takes us shitting the bed fantastic. Plus I like you assholes.
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Sean Lee hasnt even made a pro bowl yet. I would say he is high quality.
That's because he hasn't finished a season. When he plays he's the best LB in the NFL.
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Sure i think he is pretty awesome. Hopefully he does this season.