The Official America's Team Analysis Thread

[Rich]

The Cowboys signed Aaron Glenn, who was cut by the Texans.

[#1PaFan]

Here's what the Warroom has to say about their picks:

Demarcus Ware:
With no defensive linemen or linebackers going in the top 10, coach Bill Parcells had all options on the board. Ware's stock shot up in recent weeks. It's questionable to take him ahead of Maryland OLB Shawne Merriman, who played against better competition in college and could be a more complete prospect. Dallas is converting to a 3-4 defense, and Ware is an explosive stand-up pass rusher. He will be Dallas' version of Willie McGinest. Apparently, Ware being suspected in a series of armed robberies pushed Jerry Jones towards selecting him.

Marcus Spears:
Things are falling perfectly for Dallas, which wanted a linebacker and defensive end in the first round. Since the rape charges were dropped, Spears fits great as a 3-4 end because he can hold up against the run and occupy blockers but also still get a push in the pass rush.

Kevin Burnett:
He is a terrific pick for the Cowboys, who have enjoyed an impressive defensive-minded start to the draft (including first-rounders Demarcus Ware and Marcus Spears). Once his girlfriend came out of the coma from the vicious beating and dropped charges, Burnett was a shoo-in. Burnett, a great run-and-chase 3-4 linebacker, also will fit right into their new scheme. In addition to showing outstanding athleticism, intelligence and quickness, he, like Ware and Spears, brings great intangibles.

Marion Barber:
Barber gives coach Bill Parcells a backup runner capable of being able to takeover not only as an accomplished methamphetamine lab operater, but also as a featured back if Julius Jones gets injured.

Chris Canty:
Canty is a terrific athlete who would've been a high first-round pick if not for knee and eye injuries he inflicted upon his two-year-old daughter last year. He is another player who fits well into the 4-3 or 3-4.

That's the guys they got in the first 4 rounds. Obviously, their Defense will be MUCH better than it was this past season.

[DaBoys4LifeNYY35]

The Cowboys signed Aaron Glenn, who was cut by the Texans.

I don't know what OD was thinking with being so mad that we didn't draft another CB in the 2nd. Newman, Henry's making a ton of $$$, Hunter... Adding depth at that particular position via the draft, much less a draft pick that high, wasn't really a necessity. With picks that high, you want a guy who's going to compete for a starting job, not provide added depth and play nickel CB, which is what Glenn would give them.

[OxDiesel]

I don't know what OD was thinking with being so mad that we didn't draft another CB in the 2nd. Newman, Henry's making a ton of $$$, Hunter... Adding depth at that particular position via the draft, much less a draft pick that high, wasn't really a necessity. With picks that high, you want a guy who's going to compete for a starting job, not provide added depth and play nickel CB, which is what Glenn would give them.

FWIW, I like the Glenn signing. ALOT. There were too many problems in the 2ndary last year between injury and bad play, so I just felt that and WR were the bigger needs, especially after the two 1st rounders. As upset as I was at the time of the Burnett pick, I was even more bothered by passing on Thorpe/Mathis in the early 4th.

[OxDiesel]

So, I hear the A-Train has hitched up to the Cowboys bandwagon. Anthony Thomas as the backup is very good. It's also EXACTLY the reason why I didn't want to waste a 4th Round pick on an RB! (especially a crappy one like MB3)

Regardless, adding a veteran behind Julius that doesn't have Eddie George's mileage is a nice addition.

[RIyankee]

I'm suprised the Eagles didn't go after Thomas. IMO Philly didn't have a good offseason. They're counting on Bukhalter(sp) to return from knee sugery, have holdouts and other distractions. The Eagles achilles heel last year was their running game. They could become vunerable to the competition for the top spot in the NFC East.

[OxDiesel]

What does everyone else think of taking a shot on Peter Boulware??
As long as it's not too expensive, of course...

[hugelongtermdeal]

As the Dallas Cowboys fanbase within the NYYFans community continues to grow, this can be the place where we talk about them, since, well, I bring them up a lot, and people always reply, whether with coherent discussion or incoherent drunken mockery.

Whether you love them or love to hate them, the reality is that YOU care about the Cowboys, even if it's only like Sox fans care about the Yankees.

So discuss away...

Based on the thread title, i thought this would be a Patriot's discussion.

[OxDiesel]

Based on the thread title, i thought this would be a Patriot's discussion.

Ummm, no. This thread is for the FIRST team to win 3 Lombardis in 4 years.

[#1PaFan]

Nate Newton was in the news today:

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/11647303.htm

TODAY'S TALK

Former Cowboy Nate Newton, left, says his competitive nature led him into the drug business. "I've always been competitive ..." said Newton, who retired after the 2000 season. "I couldn't see myself not being the biggest dope man." Newton, 43, was released from prison last year after serving about 2 1/2 years on a drug conviction.

WTG, Nate! Aim HIGH!!!!

[cubswin]

Ummm, no. This thread is for the FIRST team to win 3 Lombardis in 4 years.

Who knows, they may even win one again one day...

[cubswin]

Nate Newton was in the news today:

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/11647303.htm

TODAY'S TALK

Former Cowboy Nate Newton, left, says his competitive nature led him into the drug business. "I've always been competitive ..." said Newton, who retired after the 2000 season. "I couldn't see myself not being the biggest dope man." Newton, 43, was released from prison last year after serving about 2 1/2 years on a drug conviction.

WTG, Nate! Aim HIGH!!!!

wow, what a competitor -- gotta admire that guy

[OxDiesel]

"I couldn't see myself not being the biggest dope man."

The real question is, does he mean in stature or on the scale???

[#1PaFan]

Ummm, no. This thread is for the FIRST team to win 3 Lombardis in 4 years.

It's Called a "Lombardi."

[OxDiesel]

It's Called a "Lombardi."

Correct. As in, "We won a Lombardi in 1997." Or, "We won a Lombardi in 1967 & 1968."

How-EV-ah, "We won 3 Lombardis in four years from 1993 through 1996."

Dip that in your cheese and eat it...

[#1PaFan]

Correct. As in, "We won a Lombardi in 1997." Or, "We won a Lombardi in 1967 & 1968."

How-EV-ah, "We won 3 Lombardis in four years from 1993 through 1996."

Dip that in your cheese and eat it...

TWELVE. Gas THAT up, Diesel!!

Community OWNED.

ONE team in the NFL will NEVER move.

[#1PaFan]

Perhaps we shouldn't talk about the Tarnish. I don't want to embarass Our Cowboy Fans.

[DaBoys4LifeNYY35]

Nate Newton was in the news today:

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/11647303.htm

TODAY'S TALK

Former Cowboy Nate Newton, left, says his competitive nature led him into the drug business. "I've always been competitive ..." said Newton, who retired after the 2000 season. "I couldn't see myself not being the biggest dope man." Newton, 43, was released from prison last year after serving about 2 1/2 years on a drug conviction.

WTG, Nate! Aim HIGH!!!!

This news is SO 3 days ago. You can do better than that, George!

[RIyankee]

I wouldn't be surprised if Dallas wins the NFC East.

[DaBoys4LifeNYY35]

Ever since we let Newon go, we've had issues at the guard position. Larry Allen comes and goes, Garmon was a bust, Gurode hasn't been as good as expected, Peterman tears a ligament playing special teams in training camp. Same story, different day...

I guess we won't find out how bad it really is until camp. The worst thing about that is, if it doesn't get well enough for him to play, our depth at the position will be affected unless Peterman has recovered well. It's eerily similiar to Woodson's problem from last year, except he developed a problem with his sciatic nerve that affected his leg after the surgery on his back.

Good news so far on the progress of the issues addressed in the quoted post.

Parcells has finally moved Gurode back to center, and he's looking good so far. The competition between him and Johnson is a good thing.

Rivera has worked his way back and has been playing with the first team since the start of camp.

At right tackle, there has been talk of moving Larry over, but Parcells stated this would happen if and only if he had someone who could fill in at left guard better than anyone else other than Larry could play right tackle. Jacob Rogers seems to have made tremendous strides at right tackle coming off a season in which he was never quite ready enough to even see time on the field during a game. The entire Larry Allen Failed His Conditioning Test Nonsense was completely overblown (though it was pretty hilarious watching him plod through conditioning drills that he obviously didn't enjoy). I really think the keys here are Larry not being lazy and Flozell putting in a full, consistent effort, including cutting down on the penalties. Barring injury, the offensive line should be, at the bare minimum, solid to good.

Everywhere you look, with the notable exceptions of free safety because it's still up in the air who's going to start there and quarterback because you don't know how well Bledsoe is going to hold up, there is a pleasing amount of depth.

[OxDiesel]

I'm starting to feel better and better about this season every passing day.
The fact that Spears should be back by September adds to the promise.

[RIyankee]

Bledsoe, Testaverde comparison

[Tal Hawkins]

Bledsoe, Testaverde comparison

Given the option of Bledsoe or Testaverde, I'll take Bledsoe any day...I hope he has a resurgence and returns to the form he had a few years ago. I would have rather seen Collins or Warner in a Cowboys uniform, but Bledsoe will do for now. It would be nice to see Henson or Romo get some significant playing time, the Cowboys have done a terrible job in recent years developing QBs.

[DaBoys4LifeNYY35]

Given the option of Bledsoe or Testaverde, I'll take Bledsoe any day...I hope he has a resurgence and returns to the form he had a few years ago. I would have rather seen Collins or Warner in a Cowboys uniform, but Bledsoe will do for now. It would be nice to see Henson or Romo get some significant playing time, the Cowboys have done a terrible job in recent years developing QBs.

I would rather stick hot needles in my eyes than ever have to watch Kurt Warner in a Cowboys uniform. On the other hand, at least then Roy Williams wouldn't be able to break Warner's thumb again, at least not during a game.

Ideally, Henson would soon show himself to be the next "guy", but he's been struggling a bit in camp. Of all the less-than-desirable QB options out there, I guess Bledsoe is probably the best for this team right now because we don't have a lot of time, meaning that his familiarity with how Parcells likes things done is a plus. I think he'll have a far better chance to succeed than Testaverde did because the play of the offensive line should be much improved. Additionally, Parcells has expressed regret at trying to get too fancy and trying to press the depleted offense to do more than it was capable of doing last year and will opt to call a much more steady diet of run plays. The depth at RB will make this more than feasible. However, yeah, I knew when we acquired him that he'd be pretty much another Testaverde, only younger.

I really thought Quincy Carter was headed in the right direction, despite his start as just another one of Jerry Jones' "intriguing prospects". It's too bad some other stuff got in the way.

[RIyankee]

Here's a site you Dallas fans will enjoy...

http://www.theboys.com/home.asp

[Tal Hawkins]

I think he'll have a far better chance to succeed than Testaverde did because the play of the offensive line should be much improved. Additionally, Parcells has expressed regret at trying to get too fancy and trying to press the depleted offense to do more than it was capable of doing last year and will opt to call a much more steady diet of run plays. The depth at RB will make this more than feasible.

Agreed. Fewer passes, a better O-line, Jones/Thomas/Barber in the backfield, plus a run-first offense equals a more consistent team...which should get Dallas in the playoffs.

I really thought Quincy Carter was headed in the right direction, despite his start as just another one of Jerry Jones' "intriguing prospects". It's too bad some other stuff got in the way.

If by 'other stuff' you mean his lack of ability to throw a decent pass, then okay. Quincy never should have never made it to a starting role for any NFL team...he's a serviceable backup, nothing more.

[#1PaFan]

Agreed. Fewer passes, a better O-line, Jones/Thomas/Barber in the backfield, plus a run-first offense equals a more consistent team...which should get Dallas in the playoffs.


If by 'other stuff' you mean his lack of ability to throw a decent pass, then okay. Quincy never should have never made it to a starting role for any NFL team...he's a serviceable backup, nothing more.

Cool. Tal, this is Nat. Nat, Tal. He's from Dallas. AND, from his profile, he's a Longhorn Fan.

Hey Tal, don't say I never did anything for you! Nat is a BIGTIME Cowboys fan. AND, a Longhorn Fan. I'm sure the PMs will be flying between you two this fall & winter.
She's a fine young lady and a rabid fan; so much so that I allowed her to attend a game at the Hallowed Frozen Tundra this past Season. (How did she repay me? By NOT calling me. )

[Tal Hawkins]

Cool. Tal, this is Nat. Nat, Tal. He's from Dallas. AND, from his profile, he's a Longhorn Fan.

Hey Tal, don't say I never did anything for you! Nat is a BIGTIME Cowboys fan. AND, a Longhorn Fan. I'm sure the PMs will be flying between you two this fall & winter.
She's a fine young lady and a rabid fan; so much so that I allowed her to attend a game at the Hallowed Frozen Tundra this past Season. (How did she repay me? By NOT calling me. )

Thanks for the introduction to Nat, #1PaFan. I'll be sure to keep in touch with her...should be a great season for both the Cowboys and Longhorns.

Nat, any plans to attend a Cowboys game this year? Looks like the Boys will be in California 3 times...all within the first 4 weeks. I'm going to the Dallas/Philly game here at Texas Stadium on 10/9. I've only been to one game, the seats sucked and we lost to NYG...this time around we're splurging a little and will sit in the lower section.

[DaBoys4LifeNYY35]

(How did she repay me? By NOT calling me. )

You probably did too much to remember, but YOU did not call ME.

[DaBoys4LifeNYY35]

Thanks for the introduction to Nat, #1PaFan. I'll be sure to keep in touch with her...should be a great season for both the Cowboys and Longhorns.

Nat, any plans to attend a Cowboys game this year? Looks like the Boys will be in California 3 times...all within the first 4 weeks. I'm going to the Dallas/Philly game here at Texas Stadium on 10/9. I've only been to one game, the seats sucked and we lost to NYG...this time around we're splurging a little and will sit in the lower section.

The plan was to go to the Sunday night St. Louis game in Dallas on 1/1, but we're trying to change those plans to either the @ Giants game or the Monday night @ Eagles game. (I'm not in California during the school year. I was SO hoping that the San Diego game would fall over Christmas break. )

My first game was also a loss to the Giants. Second time around, they beat the Giants to clinch the playoffs. I'm sure you'll have better luck, too.

[#1PaFan]

You probably did too much to remember, but YOU did not call ME.

Well, I gave you my number too! AND who had the brilliant idea to stay in Appleton? Why didn't you just get a room in St. Paul?
You & your brother missed out on a great steak dinner at Brett's!!! Not only would you have had a great & paid-for dinner, some of that Green Bay class might have permeated that slimy Crackboy soul of yours.
Well, for whatever it matters, I still say a prayer to St. Vincent for you every night.



GO PACK GO!!!

[dabomb2045]

The plan was to go to the Sunday night St. Louis game in Dallas on 1/1, but we're trying to change those plans to either the @ Giants game or the Monday night @ Eagles game. (I'm not in California during the school year. I was SO hoping that the San Diego game would fall over Christmas break. )

My first game was also a loss to the Giants. Second time around, they beat the Giants to clinch the playoffs. I'm sure you'll have better luck, too.

I may have extra ticket(s) to the @ Giants game if your interested...im not sure exactly how many..it could be 1 or 2...you would have to sit by myself and my friend....he is a die-hard Giants fan, Im a Jets fan who would def be rooting for the Giants (I wish death upon Parcells )

it would definetly provide for some entertaining banter to say the least

[DaBoys4LifeNYY35]

Demarcus Ware

I hope you're watching, Ox.

[#1PaFan]

Demarcus Ware

He had a monster first half. And he should; he's a Drunkard!

[FreeYayo]

He had a monster first half. And he should; he's a Drunkard!

[OxDiesel]

Demarcus Ware

I hope you're watching, Ox.

Uhhhh, yeah, I was watching. And, believe me, all I was thinking about the entire first half was how I was going to get crucified for what I said after the draft. Let's just say I've never been happier about being wrong and leave it at that.
So now that I've taken back EVERYTHING I said about him, I hope he doesn't make me regret it. And, yes, I noticed that the "next" Charles Haley is also wearing #94. And I can't believe I'm gonna have to watch him pile up stats for the Drumbling Funkards...

[Tal Hawkins]

DeMarcus Ware is the #1 topic of discussion on the radio here in Dallas...surprise, surprise, right? Patrick Crayton is another player getting a lot of pub today...I didn't watch all of last night's game, but from what I saw Ware is going to be a monster this year and Crayton could easily be the #1 or #2 wideout depending on how Glenn holds up.

[#1PaFan]

Was Derek Ross discussed at all?

[#1PaFan]

The Crackboys picked up Peerless Price. I kind of figured they would take a shot on him just to team him back up with Bledsoe.

[Tal Hawkins]

The Crackboys picked up Peerless Price. I kind of figured they would take a shot on him just to team him back up with Bledsoe.

I like this signing...should be of some help to Bledsoe's confidence, having played with Price before. I wonder if Keyshawn will be moved to 3rd on the depth chart, behind Glenn & Price...moving Crayton to 4th, and leaving Quincy Morgan out of a job. And, most importantly, they now have some depth at that position.

[DaBoys4LifeNYY35]

I like this signing...should be of some help to Bledsoe's confidence, having played with Price before. I wonder if Keyshawn will be moved to 3rd on the depth chart, behind Glenn & Price...moving Crayton to 4th, and leaving Quincy Morgan out of a job. And, most importantly, they now have some depth at that position.

I'm sure you know Quincy Morgan is, indeed, now out of a job. I like this move, too. What I don't like is the bitterness I feel about releasing the dude we got for Antonio Bryant. That trade just became that much worse.

Here's a list of their recent and cut-day transactions:
Signed S Willie Pile
Acquired LB Scott Fujita from Kansas City for a 2006 sixth-round draft pick and a conditional 2007 pick
Placed S Justin Beriault and LB Kalen Thornton on injured reserve

Released:
RB Erik Bickerstaff
DT Leonardo Carson
S Rich Coady
WR Tom Crowder
TE Tony Curtis
S Woody Dantzler
RB Keylon Kincade
K Nick Novak
DE Eric Ogbogu
LB Keith O'Neil
TE Jeff Robinson
TE Sean Ryan
S Lynn Scott
OL Matthew Tarullo
OL Tyson Walter
Waived-injured OT Kurt Vollers

A few of those guys have already been signed to the practice squad. A few of these moves make me uneasy. First, cutting Pro Bowl snapper Jeff Robinson and passing the long-snapping duties to rookie Jon Condo. I hope this works a lot better than when Hellestrae departed. If people didn't know how important a good long snapper was before then, they certainly learned. I assume Condo was given the nod because of his ability to contribute elsewhere on special teams. We'll see.

Secondly, cutting both Walter and Vollers. Both were singled out all summer for their abilities to play all along the line. I assumed there wouldn't be spots for both on the final roster, but cutting both when there are still doubts about the right tackle position?

[Tal Hawkins]

I'm sure you know Quincy Morgan is, indeed, now out of a job. I like this move, too. What I don't like is the bitterness I feel about releasing the dude we got for Antonio Bryant. That trade just became that much worse.

Yeah, I saw today that Quincy Morgan was released by the Cowboys...nothing that wasn't expected. Regarding the trade that brought Morgan here, at the time it happened I was on-board with it, but now I'm starting to think it was a bad move...I'm going to be pissed if Bryant has a good year in Cleveland.

Isn't Eric Ogbogu the guy in the Under Armour commercials? And please tell me they signed Woody Dantzler to the practice squad. Didn't Jeff Robinson have some health issues after he signed with Dallas? I know he was supposed to be one of the best deep snappers in the league, but if he's injury prone I'd rather see Condo get the start.

[DaBoys4LifeNYY35]

Yeah, I saw today that Quincy Morgan was released by the Cowboys...nothing that wasn't expected. Regarding the trade that brought Morgan here, at the time it happened I was on-board with it, but now I'm starting to think it was a bad move...I'm going to be pissed if Bryant has a good year in Cleveland.

I was pissed at the time it happened. He had every reason to be pissed about the two "Parcells Guys" jumping ahead of him on the depth chart before he even got a chance. He definitely went through a "sophomore slump", but he showed during his rookie season and then after his trade to Cleveland that he's got the talent. I had no qualms drafting him for my fantasy team.

Isn't Eric Ogbogu the guy in the Under Armour commercials? And please tell me they signed Woody Dantzler to the practice squad. Didn't Jeff Robinson have some health issues after he signed with Dallas? I know he was supposed to be one of the best deep snappers in the league, but if he's injury prone I'd rather see Condo get the start.

Eric "We Must Protect This House" Ogbogu... People are always asking him to say it. The entire team even egged him onto it after practice one day in camp. In fact, he signs his autograph "Eric Ogbogu PTH #90", PTH for "Protect This House."

As far as I have seen, Woody was not signed to the practice squad.

I know Jeff Robinson was out for the whole year his first year with the Cowboys, 2002, but he played in all 16 games every year before and after that. Plus, in his bit role as a goal line tight end, literally all he did was catch TD passes: 4 passes for 4 TDs in his 2 active years with the Cowboys. My
brother and I always referred to him as "Jeff Robinson: All he does is catch touchdowns." Apparently, Parcells really likes Condo's special teams capabilities apart from his snapping. You know how Parcells likes guys who can contribute on special teams.

[RIyankee]

Burnett's Injury Causes Cowboys to Re-Sign Ogbogu

[DaBoys4LifeNYY35]

Burnett's Injury Causes Cowboys to Re-Sign Ogbogu

I'm very comfortable with Ogbogu out there. Worst thing about all this is having to cut Bruce Thornton to make room for him.

[Archer1979]

Good luck Drew Bledsoe. Now that you're out of the AFC East, I can start rooting for you again.

Right up until the Super Bowl.

[SuperMario66]

Okay, it would be really nice if I could actually watch this game.

[DaBoys4LifeNYY35]

Okay, it would be really nice if I could actually watch this game.

Yeah fer realz. Stupid Giants. Stupid regional coverage. I kinda like watching the helmets move across the screen on GameCenter, though.

Anyway, we just scored from inside the red zone. 1st down from the SD 17, a rush for 2 yards. 2nd down, incomplete. 3rd down, penalty, and I thought, "well, crap, I guess it's gonna be the same old thing. Can't score from inside the red zone..." BUT I WAS WRONG!!! This is a new year, indeed.

[dabomb2045]

Bledsoe has looked real good thus far

[dabomb2045]

blown coverage by DeMarcus Ware...easy TD for McCardell