Friday, March 11, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Cowboys Position Series: Offensive Line
Now that I've covered the defense its time to get to the other side of the ball. The offense wasn't terrible this year even with Romo being injured, but it clearly wasn't as frightening to opponents as the Cowboys would have hoped. The biggest culprits for the offensive woes are the fat guys up front. The Cowboys offensive line looked like a diabetic retirement home or a New Haven Wendys. Their play was sluggish and uninspired. They produced no push up front for the runners and constantly had Romo and Kitna worried about their safety.
#68- Doug Free- LT: I'll just get the only good player out of the way first. Free was the big question mark coming into the season. The heir to Flozell's vacant hotel, Free went beyond expectations. He was clearly the most effective and consistent player on the line. He still needs to work on footwork and quickness but Cowboys fans have to like that the most important position other than QB on the offense will be solid for the next few years. GRADE- A-
# 63- Kyle Kosier- LG: Kosier has been one of the most consistent and hard-nosed players on the line over the past few years...when he actually plays. He has dealt with nagging injuries the past two seasons and age is creeping up on him. Still, when he does play he is the glue that holds the line together. I think everyone on the line benefits from his knowledge and experience. He shouldn't cost much and I would like to see him with a star on his helmet next year. GRADE- B
#65- Andre Gurode- C: For years Gurode ably manned the center position. He has been at times an All-Pro player. Those days seem to be behind him. He made the Pro Bowl this year but that was a farce based on merit. He was down right awful this year. He continued to prove his unintelligence by routinely snapping the ball whenever he felt like it...usually resulting in a fumble. He provided no push up front and was often man handled. Get him the fuck out. GRADE- C-
#70- Leonard Davis- RG: Leonard was the cowboys most consistent awful player this year (with the exception maybe of Alan Ball and Mike Jenkins). Davis was so bad that he was actually benched one game. (The only time Wade Phillips attempted to show he had a nutsack) Davis is one of the biggest guys in the NFL and looks scary as hell. Truth is he is really the Big Friendly Giant. He didn't even seem mad or insulted when he was benched. No pride. He over powered no one and was routinely beat by everyone. He can also get the fuck out and he will! GRADE- F
#75- Marc Colombo- RT- I love Colombo's attitude but there's no tread left on the tires. His knees can't hold up at an NFL level any more and sadly he too will have to be replaced. He was too slow to get down the field to the next level and was often beat around the edge. GRADE- C
#71- Alex Barron- T: You all saw the first game of the season. Fuck this guy, I still blame him for the entire season. No but seriously, CFL or bust asshole. GRADE- F-
# 64- Montrae Holland-G: It seems like Holland has been on the Cowboys forever and we still don't know if he can play. He performs well in pre-season and then he gets injured the one time they actually decide to shake up the line. I like his size and strength and I trust him as a backup or as a cheap replacement at one of the guard spots. GRADE- C+
# 67- Phil Costa- C/G: People within the organization seem to think this kid may turn into something. Not unless he hits the weight room like Conan the Barbarian. He is small and in his few appearances last season he was man-handled like a child. GRADE- C-
#76- Sam Young-T: We never got to see Sam Young last season. The Notre Dame product was injured in pre-season and for some reason Jason Garrett insisted on keeping Colombo in the lineup even when the Cowboys were out of it. I would have liked to see what the kid Young had because we clearly need new offensive linemen and we don't know what Sam Young brings to the table. GRADE- N/A
The Cowboys clearly have to dedicate a lot of their off season efforts into retooling the offensive line. The whole right side needs to be replaced immediately and Andre Gurode has to at least be pushed. I hope we can get a good player in the 2nd round of the draft who can come in and start ASAP.
#68- Doug Free- LT: I'll just get the only good player out of the way first. Free was the big question mark coming into the season. The heir to Flozell's vacant hotel, Free went beyond expectations. He was clearly the most effective and consistent player on the line. He still needs to work on footwork and quickness but Cowboys fans have to like that the most important position other than QB on the offense will be solid for the next few years. GRADE- A-
# 63- Kyle Kosier- LG: Kosier has been one of the most consistent and hard-nosed players on the line over the past few years...when he actually plays. He has dealt with nagging injuries the past two seasons and age is creeping up on him. Still, when he does play he is the glue that holds the line together. I think everyone on the line benefits from his knowledge and experience. He shouldn't cost much and I would like to see him with a star on his helmet next year. GRADE- B
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| Leonard Davis was a disgrace |
#70- Leonard Davis- RG: Leonard was the cowboys most consistent awful player this year (with the exception maybe of Alan Ball and Mike Jenkins). Davis was so bad that he was actually benched one game. (The only time Wade Phillips attempted to show he had a nutsack) Davis is one of the biggest guys in the NFL and looks scary as hell. Truth is he is really the Big Friendly Giant. He didn't even seem mad or insulted when he was benched. No pride. He over powered no one and was routinely beat by everyone. He can also get the fuck out and he will! GRADE- F
#75- Marc Colombo- RT- I love Colombo's attitude but there's no tread left on the tires. His knees can't hold up at an NFL level any more and sadly he too will have to be replaced. He was too slow to get down the field to the next level and was often beat around the edge. GRADE- C
#71- Alex Barron- T: You all saw the first game of the season. Fuck this guy, I still blame him for the entire season. No but seriously, CFL or bust asshole. GRADE- F-
# 64- Montrae Holland-G: It seems like Holland has been on the Cowboys forever and we still don't know if he can play. He performs well in pre-season and then he gets injured the one time they actually decide to shake up the line. I like his size and strength and I trust him as a backup or as a cheap replacement at one of the guard spots. GRADE- C+
# 67- Phil Costa- C/G: People within the organization seem to think this kid may turn into something. Not unless he hits the weight room like Conan the Barbarian. He is small and in his few appearances last season he was man-handled like a child. GRADE- C-
#76- Sam Young-T: We never got to see Sam Young last season. The Notre Dame product was injured in pre-season and for some reason Jason Garrett insisted on keeping Colombo in the lineup even when the Cowboys were out of it. I would have liked to see what the kid Young had because we clearly need new offensive linemen and we don't know what Sam Young brings to the table. GRADE- N/A
The Cowboys clearly have to dedicate a lot of their off season efforts into retooling the offensive line. The whole right side needs to be replaced immediately and Andre Gurode has to at least be pushed. I hope we can get a good player in the 2nd round of the draft who can come in and start ASAP.
St. Johns-Rutgers Big East debacle
I just saw the end of the St. Johns v. Rutgers Big East Tournament game and this ending is an absolute disgrace. It was almost as if the officials were getting paid to thrown the game. Not only was Rutgers not getting obvious foul calls at the end of the game but the St. Johns player CLEARLY steps out of bounds with 1.9 seconds left and then throws the ball into the stands. The officials promptly ran off the court despite attempted pleas from the Rutgers players. Even if the officials somehow did not notice that the St. Johns player was out of bounds how the hell do they not go to video for review? They review every miniscule call and they decide not to review this?
The Big East needs to get these two teams back on the court right now and finish this game, otherwise they will face great embarassment. And...if they do go back on the court...would there be a technial foul for the St. Johns player throwing the ball in the stands? We'll see how this plays out...
The Big East needs to get these two teams back on the court right now and finish this game, otherwise they will face great embarassment. And...if they do go back on the court...would there be a technial foul for the St. Johns player throwing the ball in the stands? We'll see how this plays out...
Cowboys Position Series: Defensive Line
In a 3-4 it can often be tough to judge the quality of play of the defensive line. Most of the big guys up front are "supposed to" hold up offensive linemen and create space for the linebackers to do their work. I think that's a load of shit. Why can't your defensive linemen be impact players? It is clear that collectively, this group did not do an overall great job because the Cowboys were gashed by the run and opposing quarterbacks were not under enough pressure. I think there is definitely a need to get at least one more high-motor defensive end and a bigger hole plugger at nose tackle via the draft of free agency. J.J. Watt?
#90- Jay Ratliff- NT- Ratliff has been an over achieving beast ever since he broke into the league 7 years ago. This past year he seemed to take a step back. He is under-sized and drew a considerable amount of attention this year which led to him making less plays. (Only 3.5 sacks). You have to want more from your All-Pro NT. Maybe a move to end would help free him up. GRADE- B
#72- Stephen Bowen- DE- Bowen has been a viable rotation DE for the past few years. He seems to come in and hold his own. This year his playing time increased and he is solid against both the pass and run although he is not exactly a beast out there. Still I expect him to be an important part of the defense next season. GRADE- B
#97-Jason Hatcher-DE- Hatcher has been Bowen's running mate the past few years. They have both served well as backups but when both given the chance this year, it was Hatcher who fell short of expectations. He just isn't athletic enough to make enough of an impact in the way the Cowboys would like. I think the Cowboys may look into replacing him. GRADE- C+
#99-Igor Olishanksy- DE- The Crushin Russian appeals to the fans because of his foreign name, his colorful tattoo's and his solid stumpy build. The problem is, it's tough to judge how well he has been because of all the double teams he takes on. He is a big body and seemingly solid against the run. He always seems a step too slow when running down someone from behind or getting after the quarterback but his high motor energy is a plus. Next year, a contract year, will be an important one for Igor. Hopefully he can continue to be a strong force against the run. GRADE- B-
#92- Josh Brent- DT- Brent was one of the young Cowboys that came on strong at the end of the season. He was able to effectively spell Ratliff and was athletic enough to create some pressure. It will be interesting to see if he can take the next step under Rob Ryan. GRADE- B
#96- Marcus Spears- DE- Marcus has never lived up to his first round billing when Parcells took him at #20 in the 2005 draft. Still people over look how tough he has been against the run and how much room he has given to Demarcus Ware by clogging up the front. He missed most of last season and it diminished the amount of pressure the boys could put on the QB. He is a physical asset and I think that if the Cowboys can bring him back, he would be a nice edition to a defensive line whose depth was lacking last year. GRADE- N/A
#95- Sean Lissemore- NT- The Cowboys have high hopes for the 7th rounder out of William & Mary. They like his motor and think he can be a productive contributor on the interior. Injuries hampered him for much of the season but we saw flashes of why the Cowboys drafted him towards the end. I look forward to his camp this summer. GRADE- N/A
 |
| Jay Ratliff needs to return to his All-Pro level |
#72- Stephen Bowen- DE- Bowen has been a viable rotation DE for the past few years. He seems to come in and hold his own. This year his playing time increased and he is solid against both the pass and run although he is not exactly a beast out there. Still I expect him to be an important part of the defense next season. GRADE- B
#97-Jason Hatcher-DE- Hatcher has been Bowen's running mate the past few years. They have both served well as backups but when both given the chance this year, it was Hatcher who fell short of expectations. He just isn't athletic enough to make enough of an impact in the way the Cowboys would like. I think the Cowboys may look into replacing him. GRADE- C+
#99-Igor Olishanksy- DE- The Crushin Russian appeals to the fans because of his foreign name, his colorful tattoo's and his solid stumpy build. The problem is, it's tough to judge how well he has been because of all the double teams he takes on. He is a big body and seemingly solid against the run. He always seems a step too slow when running down someone from behind or getting after the quarterback but his high motor energy is a plus. Next year, a contract year, will be an important one for Igor. Hopefully he can continue to be a strong force against the run. GRADE- B-
#92- Josh Brent- DT- Brent was one of the young Cowboys that came on strong at the end of the season. He was able to effectively spell Ratliff and was athletic enough to create some pressure. It will be interesting to see if he can take the next step under Rob Ryan. GRADE- B
#96- Marcus Spears- DE- Marcus has never lived up to his first round billing when Parcells took him at #20 in the 2005 draft. Still people over look how tough he has been against the run and how much room he has given to Demarcus Ware by clogging up the front. He missed most of last season and it diminished the amount of pressure the boys could put on the QB. He is a physical asset and I think that if the Cowboys can bring him back, he would be a nice edition to a defensive line whose depth was lacking last year. GRADE- N/A
#95- Sean Lissemore- NT- The Cowboys have high hopes for the 7th rounder out of William & Mary. They like his motor and think he can be a productive contributor on the interior. Injuries hampered him for much of the season but we saw flashes of why the Cowboys drafted him towards the end. I look forward to his camp this summer. GRADE- N/A
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Song Of The Day Doves - Black and White Town - FIFA06 Soundtrack
This British band is relentless in their efforts to produce the best eerie sounding music that I know. The echo's and ambient sounds are mixed beautifully with the steady drum beats and entrancing guitar riffs. They make the listener feel as if they aren't quite of this earth.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Atogwe signs with Redskins
I know there is all this uncertainty with the impending lockout but I feel like Jerry Jones has already made a fatal error in the most important off-season since the mid 90's. Oshiomogho Atogwe, recently released by the Rams was signed to a 5 yr. 26 Million dollar deal with none other than the Redskins.
I know it is not a time to just spend money foolishly but the Cowboys safeties are both terrible and Atogwe is the best free agent available. (Bob Sanders is way too injury prone.) With a weak draft class at that position it seems to me that common sense would dictate at least bringing in Atogwe for a visit. Instead Jerry did nothing and now he's playing in our division. Not a great start to the off-season.
I know it is not a time to just spend money foolishly but the Cowboys safeties are both terrible and Atogwe is the best free agent available. (Bob Sanders is way too injury prone.) With a weak draft class at that position it seems to me that common sense would dictate at least bringing in Atogwe for a visit. Instead Jerry did nothing and now he's playing in our division. Not a great start to the off-season.
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