2010 NFC East Outlook: A Cowboy Preview
by number5 on May 21, 2010 4:12 AM EDT
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Print(For those who missed my first post: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2010/5/17/1474906/nfc-east-2010-outlook-an-eagles)
Next, on the list is the NFC East Champs, the Dallas Cowboys.
Jerry Jones has an interesting taste in receivers to say the least.
Key Offseason Additions: Alex Barron T, Dez Bryant WR, Sean Lee LB
Key Losses in the Offseason: Flozel Adams T, Ken Hamlin S, Bobby Carpenter LB, Duke Preston C
Analysis: They Cowboys are staying relatively the same in personnel, by just replacing losses and adding minimal depth at positions. It could be good to keep building on the success from last year, but it could also be negative while other teams in the east are steadily improving. You make the call.
Impact Players of 2010 Cowboys: Marion Barber RB, Felix Jones RB, Roy Williams WR, Dez Bryant WR, Miles Austin WR, Martellus Bennett TE, Alex Barron LT
Having a three-headed rushing attack is a double edged sword. On one hand, it offers versatility and explosive plays, on the other, possessions a very valuable and short, so dividing up playing time is often difficult. Marion Barber is starting to hit the back burner of this rushing attack, as Felix Jones is catching the eye of the coaches, AND WAY MORE IMPORTANTLY, Jerry Jones. The Cowboys could let Barber slide behind Jones and even Choice, as Choice has been impressive when called upon. The running back starter for the Cowboys will have great impact on the Cowboys offense and could cause more drama to the circus.
The Legend? Oh, you must be giving DeSean Jackson a new nickname, right? No? Are you saying that Miles Austin or Dez Bryant is the next best thing since sliced bread? No? Oh, you mean the legend of the worst trade in Cowboys history, Roy Williams. He has A LOT to prove this year as the talented Dez Bryant is on his heels. But at least the two have one thing in common, they both are unproven.
I think that is being undervalued by Eagles fans, and overhyped by Cowboy fans. He had a huge 2009 with 81 catches, 1,320 yards and 11 TD's. That is extremely difficult to do. Also, I remember in 2008 he had some "flashes" against the Packers. So he is legit as a number one, but not superstar legit yet, lets see if he can match the numbers. Superstars are usually able to beat out their numbers from the previous year, so lets sit back and "get our popcorn ready."
Their was a close second in the biggest disappointment of 2009, a very very very close one. I distinctly remembered that Martellus Bennett was going to have a huge year and he would form one of the best TE tandems in the NFL. 15 Catches for a whopping 159 yards. But then there's Roy Williams.
Flozel was playing the most important offensive line possession in the NFL and did a decent job protecting Romo's blindside, however the Cowboys have parted ways and have brought in his replacement, Alex Barron. Barron is a talented tackle, but was struggling with the Rams. Hopefully a change in scenery will help his game, as he goes against beasts like Trent Cole, Osi Umenyoria, and Brian Orakpo.
Biggest Factor of the Season: The overall team defense. They Cowboys had a impressive defense to say the least with a powerful pass rush with Ware and Spencer, with solid coverage by Mike Jenkins and Terance Newman. However, for the Cowboys to continue their success they must continue the strong defense, as their is no question that the Cowboys can hang with any NFL team in scoring.
What Can be Expected on Offense: A powerful rushing attack with a strong passing game execpt for the question mark on receiver opposite of Austin. Witten and Austin will carry this team offensively though.
What Can be expected Defensively: A strong pass rush with Demarcus Ware, Jay Ratilff, and the emergence of Anthony Spencer. I think they end up top 5 in sacks this year (as a team).
The Cowboys have tons of talent, but they better wtach their backs as the NFC East is always not as it seems.
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Actually doug Free is the likely replacement for Flozell Adams, but it seems it will be an open competition
for the two tackle spots between returning starter at RT Marc Columbo, and swing tackles Free and Alex Barron according to the latest word out of Valley Ranch. As the OL goes, so goes the offense. They could even be starting Free and Barron.
Felix Jones has been named the “starter” at RB, though. Barber will still receive a very significant number of snaps.
As a Cowboys fan, I’d basically agree with all the rest of your writeup.
interesting
i did not know there was competition for left and right tackle
Eff age, were winning now!
there is not a competition.
Last word from the Ranch was Free is the man and Barron is the backup swing tackle. Though things can change if Barron has a great training camp but that’s what they are saying as of now.
"When people talk about Super Bowl dynasties they mention the 1970's Steelers, 1980's 49ers, 1990's Cowboys and the current New England Patriots, but nobody has dominated the Super Bowl like Anheuser-Busch. In recent years, Budweiser has been the MVP of Super Bowl advertising -- making another company the favorite to win the Ad Meter poll was never an option."
Simon Noble
Flozell was a good tackle and to loose him is a huge hit. Also a year older is not good, when you look at the overall age of that team they are in trouble… maby not this year but mark my words they will return to the depths of the nfc east where they belong
by sowhatifitisasportste on May 21, 2010 10:37 AM EDT reply actions
Too bad this is a focus on this year
Anyway, good post overall and understanding on the Cowboys season next year. Felix is going to be the starting running back next year, easily, as Barber will slide back into his 07 role, regardless of what they are paying him. I really would be shocked if there is drama at the position this year, as all of them have been splitting time with other backs since their college days and none have had a serious problem with it before.
I would be shocked if Free isn’t the starting LT next season. He’s obviously been here longer and didn’t look awful when he got time to start last year. Oh, and Flo really was addition by subtraction at this point. I defended Flo throughout his time in Dallas, but he wasn’t worth his contract, and it was time to cut the fat with Flo, much like you guys did these last two seasons. I could see Barron replacing Colombo by the end of the year, depending on how Marc comes back from his injury and how he preforms. And while he isn’t an all pro or anything, he should be solid enough to get us through the year. I still think we’re a franchise LT away from any type of true Super Bowl position, and hopefully that is addressed in the next year.
And you really left out the potential problem Dallas may have at the safety position this year. While Sensa had a good first year, so did Ken Hamlin back in 07. And Alan Ball starting scares the hell out of me at the other position, but it is what it is and hopefully between him and AOA, they can figure it out.
Really, Dallas shouldn’t finish lower than 10-6 this year with all of the talent that this team has and the fact that they have seemingly gotten past the December hump, and while I expect Philly and New York to push Dallas for the division title, they still should take the first spot with the next two battling for a WC spot at 10-6 or 9-7.
I'll live and die with number 9....
Barron was awful
last year. 7 sacks allowed, 15 QB hits allowed (3rd highest in league), and 24 QB pressues allowed. And I don’t know if it means much, but ProFootballFocus rated him as the 70th best T, and thats including both LT and RT. Not sure what you guys expect from him.
lets hope he starts at LT then
by sowhatifitisasportste on May 21, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
We expect him to step in upon injury with his experiance.
He might not have been amazing in St. Louis and there are multiple reasons why he could be better than his stats show, but he is what he is. Not a guy that gets injured and has started more games (at both T spots) then any other young guy we could’ve gotten. Especially just giving up Barbie. He’s there as insurance because we don’t have proven backups. Next year maybe he can take the right side over and without Columbo we’ll get more youth. Logistically it was a perfect move.
Semper Fi Do or Die
I must have missed something but
who was great on the Rams last year?
"When people talk about Super Bowl dynasties they mention the 1970's Steelers, 1980's 49ers, 1990's Cowboys and the current New England Patriots, but nobody has dominated the Super Bowl like Anheuser-Busch. In recent years, Budweiser has been the MVP of Super Bowl advertising -- making another company the favorite to win the Ad Meter poll was never an option."
Simon Noble
Steven Jackson. Their rookie middle linebacker who name escapes me. Atogwe.
RIP Jim Johnson, best ever.
stephan jackson is good because of his line right?
I mean if no one blocks he doesn’t get anywhere so Barron must have helped in that so thanks for the answer IMP :)
"When people talk about Super Bowl dynasties they mention the 1970's Steelers, 1980's 49ers, 1990's Cowboys and the current New England Patriots, but nobody has dominated the Super Bowl like Anheuser-Busch. In recent years, Budweiser has been the MVP of Super Bowl advertising -- making another company the favorite to win the Ad Meter poll was never an option."
Simon Noble
Uh, Rams’ offensive line wasn’t good. It’s rare, but a running back can be very good with a crappy line. Just ask any Lion fan about their offensive line in the ’90’s with Berry Sanders. They’ll tell you the line was crap, but Sanders still picked always picked up 1,300 yards.
RIP Jim Johnson, best ever.
LOL steven Jackson had just under 1500 yards on 324 carries...
That’s really not that great when you add in he had only 4 TD’s all in 15 games…
So by your logic Barron must have contributed to Jackson not getting TD’s.
thats Cobb on Kolb crime if you ask me... as said by yophillybro
"I'm trading Kolb to Buffalo for Cribbs"- the brilliant Trade Kolb
You can not forget Laurenitis. His father was Hawk from LOD.
"I will never have my best season," Brian Dawkins
"There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." Bruce Lee
"This fucking game is over!" Chuck Bednarik
"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth" Mike Tyson
by Talon Talent on May 23, 2010 2:04 AM EDT up reply actions
It's really annoying
whenever people talk about our lines age, but follow that up with it being a huge hit to lose our oldest member… I don’t get it.
Semper Fi Do or Die
by Jeremiah_24 on May 21, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s a huge hit when you draft 4 O Linemen over the last 5 years. You dont have young talent to back up the ageing declining talent that you have. Flozel is still a starter in this legue is he what he was 5 years ago? Hell no… but that being said could he go to say The Bills and be the best player on the line Yes.
by sowhatifitisasportste on May 21, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
He is more of a risk than a reward for US to keep him so
“Flozell was a good tackle and to loose him is a huge hit.” isn’t valid. Doug Free is an upgrade. That’s what I’m saying. If he could start for the Bills he’d be signed by now.
Semper Fi Do or Die
Doug Free
Is a damn good RT, RG, LG However one thing he is not is a LT he is a force in the run game and a liability in the dropback. His feet are too slow to hang with the group of DEs he will be mached up against.
He is more of a risk than reward coment isn’t valid he wasn’t hurt he had a productive year in 09 so to call him a risk is uncalled for. Now the cowgirls coaches may have seen somthing that they didn’t like and that’s why they decided to cut ties or ownership didn’t want to pony up the cash to keep him that’s a diffrent story. And as to why he’s not signed yet he may have a number he thinks he’s worth and wont come down from it just yet.
by sowhatifitisasportste on May 21, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Is a damn good RT, RG, LG However one thing he is not is a LT he is a force in the run game and a liability in the dropback. His feet are too slow to hang with the group of DEs he will be mached up against.
No, you have that completely backwards… He was a much better pass protector than run blocker… The guy was a complete non factor in power blocking plays, but much better blocking in the perimeter because of his light feet, you just have to look at that highlight from Felix Jones in which Free blocked Sheldon Brown out of the way like what? 30 yards from the LOS?
How can you run that distance, and get there faster than a burner like Felix, with feet that “are too slow to hang with the group of DEs”?
If there’s something that he needs to improve in his pass protection is his strength and techniques against power, but he’s going to see Ware in front of him in practice, so he should improve…
Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
we'll see how free does
he might work out, he might struggle. but you still have no backups. barron smells. i dunno who you’re OL coach is, but he’s got his work cut out with barron.
"Don't Give Up... Don't Ever Give Up!" - Jim Valvano
(unless it's terminal)
You have it all wrong. You realize he stepped in for Flo
against the Vikes and was handling Jared Allen right? On a day they were destroyin our line he was the bright spot. So watch the film, re-assess and come back with a better informed answer. The guy is no power run blocker nor is he slow footed. As for the better a RG LG where did you even come up with that? Show me ONE thing, jyst one that indicates he’s a better guard…. I’ll wait
Semper Fi Do or Die
See the Cowboys now have no
depth at the OL, they released that proctor guy, their OT depth is Barron etc etc… This is why the Eagles beefed up their DL and LB’s were going be be pinning our ears back alot…
thats Cobb on Kolb crime if you ask me... as said by yophillybro
"I'm trading Kolb to Buffalo for Cribbs"- the brilliant Trade Kolb
Let’s play a small exercize of walking down memory lane:
2007 – Eagles Starting OLine:
LT – Tra Thomas
LG – Todd Herremans
C – Jamaal Jackson
RG – Shawn Andrews
RT – Jon Runyan
Backups:
C – Nick Cole
T – Winston Justice
G – Scott Young
G – Max Jean-Gilles
Back then, did you called that quality depth? Cole and Young in their 2nd years, Justice and MJG in their rookie year. Cole and Young with no experience from their 1st year other than STs. Young a 5th Round pick, Cole undrafted, Justice a 2nd and MJG a 4th.
If you did, why are your expectations so low for the Cowboys? And does that have anything to do with hope?
Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
time
is the only thing that will tell us if they are boom or bust this year. Their offence still runs through the running game and that’s the most scary thing
by sowhatifitisasportste on May 21, 2010 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions
that wasnt an insult first of all, I meant nothing negitive
by what I said..
And you question yes, I would’ve counted Max and Cole as quality backups…
My expectations arent low for the cowboys, I’m actually working on my OL, RB and FB portion of my “series” or whatever you want to call it.. Infact I say their OL is going through some Flux but it does look good.
thats Cobb on Kolb crime if you ask me... as said by yophillybro
"I'm trading Kolb to Buffalo for Cribbs"- the brilliant Trade Kolb
Fuck him I hope this texan peice of shit’s job gets taken by a border jumpin spick
by sowhatifitisasportste on May 21, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
and that was ment to be an insult to those cow fuckin texans
by sowhatifitisasportste on May 21, 2010 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
sorry so, everything was good with you putting down Texans and cowgirls and everything, but you used a racist remark. i had to flag this comment. You can’t do that.
"I will never have my best season," Brian Dawkins
"There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." Bruce Lee
"This fucking game is over!" Chuck Bednarik
"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth" Mike Tyson
by Talon Talent on May 22, 2010 8:03 AM EDT up reply actions
ehhh, sorry bud no racist remarks needed unless it's a white remark to a white guy,
black to black and spanish to spanish…
No just kidding, none of that at all, kinda fucked up.
thats Cobb on Kolb crime if you ask me... as said by yophillybro
"I'm trading Kolb to Buffalo for Cribbs"- the brilliant Trade Kolb
even more inappropriate when you take into account that Chandus lives in Mexico.
Flagged as well we don’t need that shit here.
They call me The Professor.
we should really have a "delete comment" part.
thats Cobb on Kolb crime if you ask me... as said by yophillybro
"I'm trading Kolb to Buffalo for Cribbs"- the brilliant Trade Kolb
Could you imagine argueing with someone
when they can delete thier dumb comments?
UDDDDAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Η κόλαση δεν έχει μυστικά
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!!!!!!
"fuk u i hate peas"- CNCITINFO (Random BGN troll)
Yeah nevermind that crap,
people should just not be racist.. I dont mind cursing but racist is f-ed up.
thats Cobb on Kolb crime if you ask me... as said by yophillybro
"I'm trading Kolb to Buffalo for Cribbs"- the brilliant Trade Kolb
Agreed.
Im not sure how many people flagged that comment. I did but I feel like that should be enough.
Thats way uncool.
UDDDDAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Η κόλαση δεν έχει μυστικά
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!!!!!!
"fuk u i hate peas"- CNCITINFO (Random BGN troll)
I' think he should just apologize.
thats Cobb on Kolb crime if you ask me... as said by yophillybro
"I'm trading Kolb to Buffalo for Cribbs"- the brilliant Trade Kolb
we have been super mean to cowboys fans these last couple days
…..not really me and you personally but we have this racist remark
then in another post Joe calling someone dumb marine.
Season needs to start
UDDDDAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Η κόλαση δεν έχει μυστικά
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!!!!!!
"fuk u i hate peas"- CNCITINFO (Random BGN troll)
Joe shouldnt really count against us, he just looks for fights sometimes..
this guy just said something racist and well he’ll end up apologizing.
thats Cobb on Kolb crime if you ask me... as said by yophillybro
"I'm trading Kolb to Buffalo for Cribbs"- the brilliant Trade Kolb
From BGN's Puerto Rican Resident Commissioner...
You’ve been flagged and go hug a porcupine.
Chandus, disculpa, no somos todos pendejos como ese.
"Verde que te quiero verde..."
Το πράσινο είναι ζωή!
That's right, I bleed green multiculturally
"if you shut someone down with class, it's more effective" - Udalango
If they stay healthy,
They will stay good. In the end, Romo is Dallas’s version of D.McNabb. As good as he is, he can’t finish the season with a Lombardi Trophy. This Eagles team can move ahead of them if they stay healthy this year.
Good Post
though impact players: not sure why you put R Williams, Bennett, or dez Bryant, even Alex Barron? I think Romo , Witten, Ware, Jenkins, etc. would ’ve been better over players just getting here or not playing at all and as in Williams and Bennett not very productive.
The Cowboys had a very good season last year and just because they didn’t make alot of changes in the offseason is not always a bad thing. People under estimate team chemistry…….knowing the players and how they play the game is important to other players. Having a bunch of new players on the team takes time for them to adjust and learn the concepts. It used to be that way when there was a such thing called Dynasty’s in the past before the salary cap era. Teams used to stay intact for long periods and they new what each other was thinking and what each other would do on a given play. It makes the game easier. So making additions is not always the best way to get better, I think just keeping a good team together and working on things together can be a benifit too.
The Nfc East is tough no matter how we all might try and spin it. Yet the Cowboys are just as good or possibly slightly better than the rest. I can see all 4 teams winning this division if everything falls perfectly into place during the season. Talent alone, I can see Dallas winning it but we all know talent is not a deciding factor when injuries and mental mistakes can kill a 16 game season.
"When people talk about Super Bowl dynasties they mention the 1970's Steelers, 1980's 49ers, 1990's Cowboys and the current New England Patriots, but nobody has dominated the Super Bowl like Anheuser-Busch. In recent years, Budweiser has been the MVP of Super Bowl advertising -- making another company the favorite to win the Ad Meter poll was never an option."
Simon Noble
Hmmm....
as a cowboy fan, I personally have much more confidence in the D than the offense. Look at how we did last year – we pretty much held every single team under their season average (most of the time by a significant margin). The Giants were the only offense on our schedule that gave us trouble. We faced the Chargers, Saints, Packers and Eagles (twice) and did a good or great job defensively in all of those games.
Offensively….way too many fans in the nfc east are giving us a free pass. This line is suspect. We have as much skill position talent as any team out there, but porous oline play could keep this offense stagnant, as it was in 5 of the 6 losses last year. It is the key to the season.
Quick look at the Cowboys from me
Positive spots: Felix Jones, Tony Romo if he plays like last year, Jason Witten, Miles Austen on offense, on defense the front seven, especially Ware and Ratliff, and the corners
Potential sources of trouble: safeties, offensive line especially if there are injuries, Marion Barber (I’m a bit biased here but I think he’s overrated and has fumble issues)
Ways they could hurt the Eagles: if a strong run defense forces the Eagles to pass, if they can develop inside pressure against our C and RG, if their left WR takes advantage of whoever our right CB is, if our LB corps isn’t settled and Witten finds holes in it.
Ways the Eagles could hurt them: their LB’s are more of pass rushers and run stoppers than coverage guys, look for a lot of passes to Celek – If Asante can jump the right WR’s routes – if 3 WR or 2 TE sets stretch the Dallas secondary.
Rookies whose performance could have a big impact on games: Dez Bryant – Brandon Graham
"Verde que te quiero verde..."
Το πράσινο είναι ζωή!
That's right, I bleed green multiculturally
"if you shut someone down with class, it's more effective" - Udalango
key losses?
Duke Preston?Boobie Carpenter?? hahaha you forgot Cory Proctor!!! oh my how will we survive???lol hey Jimmy been looking at the Eagles Draft.
are you guys switching to a 3-4? Sapp and Graham and that Te’o-Nesheim would make excellent olb`s in the 3-4.
huge trade up should have been for Earl Thomas.
great talent though and should look even better down the road.
Congrats on getting better at the QB position.
Eh, this was up before Proctors release I believe...
and no we’re not switching, I think McDermott wants to use a bit of 3-4 in obvious pass situations so we dont get burned as much…
I think taking the clone of Trent Cole(physically and as far as work ethic) was a pretty good move, Earl Thomas would’ve been great but I think McDermott just liked Nate Allen better.. Plus I can see Thomas being like the Colts Sanders…
Yeah we got some good talent for the Defensive side of the ball, McDermott should have alot of fun with his new toys..
I dont know if the whole “getting better at QB” is being sarcastic but I like to think that putting a QB that fits our system perfectly is an improvement.
thats Cobb on Kolb crime if you ask me... as said by yophillybro
"I'm trading Kolb to Buffalo for Cribbs"- the brilliant Trade Kolb
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