The Dallas Cowboys' 2011 season limped to a close Sunday night.
The first moves for the 2012 season happened Monday, and we can already begin to get some vague glimpses of what the squad may look like.
First off, there was some positive news on a couple of players that the team clearly needs to have a successful season. DeMarco Murray spoke with reporters at Valley Ranch, wearing a walking boot and using crutches.
Murray wouldn't discuss the specifics of his rehab only to say things are going well. He's not expect to run for six weeks but should be on time for the start of the offseason program that begins in the spring.
I don't think there is any question that DeMarco's loss was a blow to the Cowboys. If nothing else, having him back will mean one less problem for the team to try to solve as it seeks to improve next year.
More things to hash and rehash ad infinitum between now and the start of training camp after the jump.
DeMarco is a big cog in the Dallas offense. Sean Lee is perhaps the biggest one in the defense, with that little green dot he wears on his helmet signifying his role as the on field play caller. So it is also good news to hear that he is not going to need surgery on his injured wrist.
Lee doesn't need surgery. His wrist has healed up well despite playing through the injury and protecting it with a cast.
"I'm ready to go," Lee said Monday.
While both those bits of news are reassuring, they were pretty much expected based on what we knew beforehand, or at least what we hoped for. But Murray and Lee were both parts of the team, just limited in their contributions by injury. The Cowboys know already what they do for the team.
There are still some significant issues that need to be addressed. The first small step was made when Dallas signed four practice squad players for next year.
The Cowboys signed four practice squad players to futures contracts for 2012 on Monday, including defensive tackle Robert Calloway, linebacker Orie Lemon, wide receiver Teddy Williams and cornerback C.J. Wilson.
Basically, the futures contract means that the team has locked these players up for the off season. They will sign a contract with the team at that time, as far as I can tell.
So what? Well, it means that Dallas feels that these four players are likely to be able to contribute to the team. These are players that the team has been able to evaluate and that they want to keep around. Orie Lemon is the one that caught my eye. He had good reviews coming out of training camp, and could become a backup to Sean and Bruce Carter at ILB. With both Bradie James and Keith Brooking having played out their contracts, a competent backup in the middle of the defense would be very valuable.
Robert Calloway is a name that meant less to me, since he was signed to the practice squad late after being one of the last cuts by the Detroit Lions. Back when he was signed to fill the final PS slot before the start of the regular season, KD did a post with his background and measurables. He looks to be someone who will at least push the current DTs and who may be able to wrest a position away.
Teddy Williams is a speed merchant (and occasional assistant coach assailant). A pet cat to some, he had some hamstring issues during preseason, but someone thought enough of him to put him on the PS. Given the fact that wide receiver was one of the strongest positions on the team this year, that does say something.
C.J. Wilson (not to be confused with either the former Texas Rangers pitcher or the defensive end drafted by Green Bay in 2010) played in 23 games with the Carolina Panthers over four seasons before spending the last year with the Cowboys PS. Again, I am hoping that the coaches like something about him, although given the dismal state of the secondary, I wonder how much they liked him if they didn't give him a chance already.
These are tiny, tiny steps, to be sure, but they are a start. The three defensive players, in particular, may serve as a kind of measuring stick to see just how much difference an off season will have in the development of the players. Based on admittedly sketchy data, I would not be surprised to see Lemon and perhaps Callaway make it out of training camp. Given how much the defense needs, it is not out of the question.
Besides, it's a long way to the draft.
0 recs | 194 comments
Ugh...I hate talking about the off season this early again.
On the upside, Tom, Aggies got our first Bowl win in what seems like forever!
dwarfknight64 - January 3, 2012
Agree, it does suck
I don’t think I can even stand to watch the playoffs this year after being so close to participating. Welp, guess now I have more time to work.
LucyFur3d - January 3, 2012
At least there isn't a lockout to worry about this year and we will have constant football news during the off-season
Unlike last year were all we had was draft stuff and then after the draft nothing until the end of July
ProBowlFactory - January 3, 2012
Lemon was a name we brought up a lot in the preseason I hope he plays well and can possibly contribute next year.
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Anyone else Notice Bruce Carter
In on Defense on sunday? That was encouraging.
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 3, 2012
He'll start along side Lee next year
Terry - January 3, 2012
If he turns out to be a stud
Wow. What a bonus that would be to this defense. Finally, we might no longer see WRs/TEs/RBs annihilating our defense with short crossing routes over the middle that our ILBs can’t cover for sh*t!
Cowboys Dominance - January 3, 2012
He had better.
It’s not a bonus, because the guy was a low 2nd round pick. You expect a guy drafted at that spot to be an impact player.
Baked Potato Soup - January 4, 2012
True dat
Good point.
Cowboys Dominance - January 13, 2012
Whitney Mercilus.
That is all.
One.Cool.Customer - January 3, 2012
The Illinois kid OCC?,
saw him in a bowl game, most sacks this year i think .
looked really quick and powerful .
scotscowboyfan - January 3, 2012
he looks slow to me
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Any stats on him Chia, or do we need to wait till the combines?.
scotscowboyfan - January 3, 2012
I like Ingram better personally
Long way to go though
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
How can you like anyone better
Than a defensive player named Merciless? (that’s how it’s pronounced, at least.) That’s freaking amazing.
dwarfknight64 - January 3, 2012
Mercilus declared for the Draft today
My personal draft countdown starts now.
One.Cool.Customer - January 3, 2012
I like the way you think, OCC.
Fergie3108 - January 3, 2012
Funny, you mentioned him in Chia's post, I hadn't heard of him before.
Then today Raf and WB discuss him, I know WB doesn’t like him. Calls him tight hipped and not instinctive. Says he has trouble finding the football.
I haven’t seen any of his tape yet to have a personal opinion about him atm.
http://www.cowboysnation.com/2012/01/bunting-whitmans-sampler-of-defensive.html
Rena - January 3, 2012
I obviously can't claim that I scouted him extensively or anything
but Bunting already hints that Mercilus will likely test “off the charts” at the combine. You know who that reminds me of?
J.J. Watt. Not many people had him on the radar before he declared. Then he rocked the house in Indy and ended up in the 11th spot.
All I can say is we’ll see.
One.Cool.Customer - January 3, 2012
The big thing that convinced me on Watt was his production
I think it was you OCC that had an article with an equation that weighted all the stats into a production ratio.
Would be interested to see that for DEs and OLBs this year.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Those articles are coming back this year.
I’m currently preparing a little series of posts titled “Draft Stats To Watch Out For” where I’ll preview the Wonderlic, SackSEER, Production Ratio (that’s the one you meant), Speed Score and perhaps a couple of others.
One.Cool.Customer - January 4, 2012
Good, those are great.
Rena - January 4, 2012
Guys with great names never seem to work out
You’d have though Steele would be awesome…not so much
LRogue - January 3, 2012
Saw a kid playing safety in a bowl game , his name is Rambo !!...
scotscowboyfan - January 3, 2012
dont forget Kenyon Rambo...FAIL
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
That's my boy! Go Dawgs!
jakezze01 - January 3, 2012
I thought Rock Cartwright has done decently...
dwarfknight64 - January 3, 2012
Did you see Alonso from Oregon play in the Rose Bowl? He's only a soph, but he was everywhere last night.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
I did a search on an unrelated topic an somehow came across this...
Interesting read.
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2011/8/13/2361643/jerry-jones-optimistic-about-how-offensive-line-is-developing
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
Costa was another epic fail this season.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Jerry tends to over rate talent.
We always seem to cut players a year too late.
Antonio S - January 3, 2012
Not to defend Jerry, but I don't think it's only him.
The coaches just can’t seem to get it right when it comes to evaluating OL.
That’s why I have zero confidence Arkin will amount to anything.
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
Our Scouting dept needs an overhaul
but the last 2 drafts have been somewhat decent.
Antonio S - January 3, 2012
Not sure I agree.
While they ended up with three top talents, there isn’t much else to speak of.
The lack of mid-round picks that pan out is what’s killing this team.
…and leaving Wisniewski and Ijalana on the board to take an injured linebacker was a disaster.
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
Dez, lee, Tyron, carter, Murray. 4 studs and a possible 5th in carter seems to be pretty good drafting.
Although I have to agree, we haven’t gotten much in the later rounds, those picks are pretty hit or miss. Your starters r supposed to come from the first 3 rounds and we’ve done well in those rounds.
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
i agree and how about dallas allowing Marcus Cannon fall all the way to New England in the draft
Cannon fell real.hard in the draft thats a guy we could have easily pick up in the 4th or 5 th round if im not mistaken.
lostar2009 - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Tell me how it is that you can put Carter into that sentence.
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
I said possibly.
Did lee do anything last year? Not much, because he was injured all year. It takes time to catch up to the speed of the game. I expect carter to be pretty good next year. If he’s not then we can say he didn’t pan out as expected but at least give him the chance.
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
i dont know about Arkin
It seem as a lot of scouts and not just Dallas scouts rave about the guy..
I was surprise they didnt go through the growing pains with him.. bur to see him not even active was really stuning to me.
lostar2009 - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Go back and read pre-season stuff about him.
What you’ll find is he was called strong and smart.
He puts in his time in the weight room and can pick up things fast.
So what happened? He was physically overmatched at this level.
I don’t buy that Mike Woicik is going to change that by giving him some miracle workout routine.
I’ve seen too many OL busts around here to buy into this anymore.
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
I am very upset that the season is over..............BUT
I’m already moving on. Which is kind of weird because in recent years it has taken me until atleast the combine before I was ready to even look at the upcoming season. But for some reason its different this year. One of the things that really caught my attention is how different this team is going to look next year personel wise. This is a list of the players that I think have played there last game with a star on there helmet.
Abe Elam, Terrence Newman, Frank Walker, Alan Ball, Bradie James, Keith Brooking, Anthony Spencer, & Kenyon Colman………..Offense – Martellus Bennett, Dereck Dockery, Jon Kitna, and either Kyle Kosier or Montrae Holland, Sammy Morris, and David Buehler.
And thats only the guys that got regular playing time. Notice thats 4 people in the secondary. I could see Abe Elam coming back on another 1-year deal but I dont think anyone would be upset if he didnt. That also includes 2 of the starting 4 lb’s.
Yes im a dumbass, yes I am a glass 1/2 full type of guy. But by the time training camp rolls around I think we will all be amazed at how different the roster looks from just 2 years ago.
I think some of my excitment also comes from the fact that last seasons lock out stole a lot of the things that I love about football. I love the whole process of building a team. And I think that is what we are doing. I’m just excited about the future.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
As long as Garrett is allowed to call the shots, the future looks bright
I think we’re a playmaking safety, good CB and couple good interior linemen away from being a very legit contender.
Terry - January 3, 2012
And a pass rusher. A bloodthirsty one.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - January 3, 2012
I think that would make us SB champs
Terry - January 3, 2012
I think we have to have another good pass rusher
Anyone can pick apart a D when the have all day. NO ONE got pressure besides ware, all year. We need a good starting OLB/de and cb in draft for sure. And possibly a solid safety and guard in free agency.
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
I hope holland sticks around a little longer.
If he doesn’t come inTo training camp looking like shamu, he really helped this year
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Hopefully he learned his lesson.
I think he grew on people after he came back. Pun totally intended
jakezze01 - January 3, 2012
I'm excited about the future, Too!
‘Cause there’s nothing to be excited about with this team right now. Well, at least while we have the current QB we have. Watched a 22 YO college QB last night with more poise and composure than our 6 year starter will ever have. Yeah, sure his kicker doinked it, but it would be really nice to see someone behind our center who actually had a brain for a change!
Jimbohts - January 3, 2012
Ohhh good lord this garbage again.
Why don’t you try to win games single handedly while having a quarter of a second to throw the ball. I would love to see then numbers where romo was forced to throw the ball within 3 seconds or was rushed to make a descision. I bet it was 65% if the time. Tom Brady and Peyton manning would, and have, screwed up tremendously when their lines allow pressure. HE GOT PRESSURED NEARLY EVERY PLAY ALL YEAR LONG!!!!!!
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Dont even bother
all people like do is prove they know NOTHING about football.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
agreed
Nardfather - January 3, 2012
Yeah, I Know!
When he fumbled away the first game of the season…It was the O-Line! When he threw 2 pick 6s against the Lions…It was the O-Line! When he overthrew a wide open Miles Austin…It was the O-Line! When he overthrew a wide open Dez Bryant…It was the O-Line! When it comes to plays that WIN BALL games…Well, you know. It’s been this way ever since the Seattle fumble. Tony and Clutch are mutually exclusive. No matter HOW MUCH TALENT he has. That’s all.
Jimbohts - January 3, 2012
Allow me to be the first.
DONT FEED THE
jakezze01 - January 3, 2012
Half of your argument is what I just said.
He was rushed nearly every single snap, which leads to throwing too early or making quick inaccurate decisions which leads to missing open receivers and throwing picks. And ur going to talk of the fumble? That was all heart, he was trying to make a play. I’ll take someone trying to make a play, make something happen, all day.
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
well - Romo has A LOT of heart then....
because you can’t say strip/sack without thinking of Romo….
in all fairness – game was over by then
McLovin9 - January 3, 2012
yes you can
strip/sack ……………see, i didn’t say it.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
How many strip sacks are an acceptable number?
- # of QB’s starting 5 or more games this season: 34
- Avg QB Fumbles for season: slightly more than 7
- Romo’s fumbles: 6
- QB’s < AVG: 16, @ Avg: 3 and > Avg 15
You may be thinking of Romo, but then you would be wrong.
tdships - January 3, 2012
Would you quit quoting facts to the Romophobes?
It just gives them vertigo.
Tom Ryle - January 3, 2012
HA!
Did learn 1 remarkable stat looking at this:
In 657 Passes attempted/21 Rushes – D Brees had 1 fumble.
Astonishing
tdships - January 3, 2012
LOL.
Fernie67 - January 3, 2012
BTW, I plan to use "Romophobe" regularly. Nice.
Fernie67 - January 3, 2012
Please do.
The greatest compliment you can pay me.
Tom Ryle - January 4, 2012
Awesome.
So it’s proven that Romo is a little better than average.
Baked Potato Soup - January 4, 2012
He didn't have anything to do with the multitude of other mistakes made by other players, either.
The point of a team game is that the TEAM has the ability to overcome individual mistakes.
But I will break down your ignorant rant:
His fumble didn’t lead to any points. How ‘bout that blocked punt?
How is it that Bobby Carpenter not only made one heck of an athletic catch, but then turned into Barry Sanders on his run back? I don’t think Romo was one of the three DB’s who couldn’t cover Calvin Johnson on that hailmary-esque pass, either…
ALL quarterbacks miss throws…is this really what a whole season boils down to?
The fact of the matter is, THE TEAM had a multitude of opportunities to pull away in this weak division. There were mistakes in every facet of Dallas Cowboys football this year. No other quarterback in the history of the NFL would be able to change this.
You sir, are just plain wrong.
jakezze01 - January 3, 2012
well said
Fans who think if Manning, Brady, Rodgers or Brees played for the Cowboys that we’d have much better teams are simply delusional.
Terry - January 3, 2012
Need a tanstaafl injection here.
Although you said it very well in his stead – THE TEAM is how the game is won or lost.
Tom Ryle - January 3, 2012
judging from your moronic comments, you obviously don't
Terry - January 3, 2012
oh Terry - you've had your share of moronic comments...
the guy is allowed to have an opinion
McLovin9 - January 3, 2012
wrong.... it's a stupid comment that makes no sense
I know you love him because he’s a fellow hater, but it’s stupid nonetheless
Terry - January 3, 2012
Yes he is McLovin
but atleast you have ligit arguments when you are railing against Romo.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
I disagree with that
Terry - January 3, 2012
Of course you do.
Silly to think otherwise.
I’m a Romo supporter, but you have to be able to allow others to express their feelings.
Nickthegrip - January 3, 2012
McHate has never made a legitimate against Romo
He simply spews hate just like most Romo bashers
Terry - January 3, 2012
I'll never understand it
Other than the first two games where he made back breaking mistakes, Romo has played at an MVP level. If he had a defense worth its salt, we’d be in the playoffs and Romo would be in the Pro Bowl. If Brees and Rodgers weren’t having unreal years, he’d be in the MVP discussion. Having a good QB is important but he doesn’t do everything on the football field.
blackgallagher - January 3, 2012
well said
Haters want to blame Romo for every single loss whether he has a great game or bad game…doesn’t matter to the Romo haters…it’s always his fault.
I’m pretty sure if the Cowboys won a SB and he was named MVP, the haters would say the margin of victory was big enough…will always be something they hate
Terry - January 3, 2012
We Already Know
And it’s painfully apparent, with a siggie that compares Romo to God, that you believe Tony can do no wrong. Your inability to open your eyes to the truth is sad. The fall will be long, and the bottom abrupt.
Jimbohts - January 3, 2012
I'm sure he doesn't believe that Romo can do no wrong
But the fact of the matter is that with most of the ignoramus Cowboys fans out there that believe that everything a team does win or lose belongs on the QB, which is absolutely not true at all. If Romo doesn’t play as well as he did this year, we wouldn’t have won 8 games. FACT. The defense blew 5 12+ point leads in the fourth quarter, yet Romo got us in position to win the game in all of them(if Garrett doesn’t ice his kicker and Pierre-Paul doesn’t block that kick, we win 1 or 2 more games and we’re in the playoffs).
blackgallagher - January 3, 2012
I'm not comparing Romo to anything
Clearly you’re a delusional troll who has no clue whatsoever. Go back and crawl under your rock.
Terry - January 3, 2012
I have to agree with Terry. I to saw Romo walk on water a number of occasions
Unfortunately it wasn’t on a day when he played the Giants,Eagles, or even the Cardinals. Pffft.
sanhoo - January 3, 2012
When you take a motto, replace God's name with Romo,
you are comparing.
fs65 - January 4, 2012
Terry - i'm not even going to defend myself against your nonsense....
I have barely said anything about Romo for the last 2 months and I stand behind anything that I have ever said about him…
Absolutely nothing has changed except the fact that it has become glaringly apparent that this team has umpteen problems bigger than Romo for the foreseeable future
McLovin9 - January 3, 2012
what can you say?? He's played at an elite level for the past two months
You only comment your hatred when we lose or doesn’t play close to perfect.
And your comment about Romo is again wrong….he’s not a problem at all, he’s one of the very few solutions. Without him, we’re picking top 5 in the draft.
Terry - January 3, 2012
and that's great - he can be my FANTASY QB anytime....
McLovin9 - January 3, 2012
besides Sanchez which QB that won a super bowl wasn't successful during the season?
good regular season QBs are the ones that become great playoff or championship QBs IMO. one problem Dallas has had in the playoffs was poor defense & zero running game. 2 main ingredients that are needed to win in the postseason.
dont give me the Packers are 31st in defense bc good offenses are going to move the ball on anyone but the championship teams make stops in the redzone.
DCNation73 - January 3, 2012
err didn't mean to put sanchez & super bowl in the same sentence.
should’ve read won playoff or super bowls**
DCNation73 - January 3, 2012
Sanchez had tremendous defenses when the Jets won those playoff games
When their defense became average this year, we all saw what Sanchez and the jets did.
Terry - January 3, 2012
maybe you're right
but that other guy is just rediculous
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
do you call me a Romo hater?
i never look back at to many comments but i’ve said some critical things about Romo in the past. i’m a homer & i get pissed off really bad when Dallas loses but i also realize this team goes nowhere unless Romo’s playing QB.
i also believe it takes 11 players on offense executing the play perfect before its successful but Romo leaves a lot room for error with his ability to escape pass rushers. a good example was last week against the Giants when Romo run for his & shook 4 defenders off but unfortunatley released the ball after crossing the LOS.
i’m a bigger fan of the star then any player, coach or owner thats worn it but disrespecting Romo, Witten or Ware doesn’t make any sense.
DCNation73 - January 3, 2012
You asking me??
If you are, no, I don’t call you a hater. You usually criticize Romo for legit reasons when you do criticize him unlike most.
Terry - January 3, 2012
thanks man.
a lot of people mix my anger of a loss with being a hater. i like Romo & was glad to finally have a legit QB that gives us a chance every week.
DCNation73 - January 3, 2012
Terry will call anyone who criticizes Romo a Hater
I have read McLovin’s comments on Romo and i can say that some of the arguments he posed are legit…it’s not too presumptuous to say that Terry thinks Romo can do no Wrong…if we line up the Delusional fans on this blog…i can bet Terry will be on top of that list..
thejanusman - January 3, 2012
Not true, his arguments are not legit
I’ve said on numerous occasions that Romo isn’t perfect, thats not the issue because all qbs make mistakes.
Haters criticize Romo for every loss no matter what and McHate does that all the time.
Terry - January 3, 2012
Wait a minute,
Are ou trying to say that you are a bigger fan than tom Landry, Bob Lilly, or Rodger Staubach? How amny years of your life did you pour into doing the things that made this franchise what it is? More than say 29? Seriously?
You are either Drunk, delusional, or 4 years old.
Willy H - January 3, 2012
really???
That crap again about Romo??? give it a rest already, if you actually knew anything about football you would realize the problem is on the defensive side of the ball and NOT the behind center
rick67 - January 3, 2012
Possibly on each side of center as well.
Tom Ryle - January 3, 2012
Yes, I'm so tired of people bashing Romo
A few poor decisions early in the season and then he was as good as any QB in the league. He was the foundation of this team. Does any one crucify Rivers for his anemic play, or Brady for his lapses in a few games, or Big Ben, or Joe Flacco, etc.
Give it a REST, we need to groom a future replacement but we have our starting QB.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
Yes, they do.
Rivers and Flacco, anyway. Not as much with Brady and Ben, but you know why.
Baked Potato Soup - January 4, 2012
The roster will look different , however that doesn't mean Dallas will be better.
Costa was different than Gurode. He played worse. Tyron and Lee along with Murray were the only changes that played as an upgrade. The coaching wasn’t an upgrade. Garrett had too many gaffes. All the changes resulted in 2 more victories because of anemic schedule.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Very true
But a lot of the players that are going to be gone, couldn’t get any worse.
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
You're right, it doesn't mean we will be better
but I liked the kind of draft i saw from the team under JG. That in itself makes me excited.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
as disapointing as this season was it does make me excited having a HC that evaluate talent.
atleast Garrett has a plan & knows what kind personnel he wants. i’m not one that blames Wade bc coaches, coach & players, play (the same thing goes for RR & i look forward to see his defense with an offseason to get the right personnel in it).
i’m optimisitc & excited about next season.
DCNation73 - January 3, 2012
Bailey was an upgrade as well
Terry - January 3, 2012
Bailey was a godsend
As long as he can keep it up and not “lose it” like Folk did. now about that Buehler fellow…
Antonio S - January 3, 2012
L. Robinson too..
He was clutch.. Hopefully we can hold on to him as a 3rd (arguably as good as our 1 and 2)
AmericasTeamm - January 3, 2012
Good post
I also felt a sense of relief after the game. I am very much looking forward to next season.
DarthGrumpa - January 3, 2012
"I am a glass 1/2 full type of guy."
I’ll drink to that!
dunkman - January 3, 2012
disagree with getting rid of Dockery and Holland. Both are very good Guards. Never had a chance to work together. Kosier and Costa need replaced.
IdiotCowboyfan - January 3, 2012
They're old, injury prone, and average.
Baked Potato Soup - January 4, 2012
Paul, what do you think/know about Paige-Moss? He has told his coaches he is going for the draft.
He tore his ACL last week in their bowl game, but had good stats as Coples backup this year and did well starting last year.
Rena - January 3, 2012
Rock on, Paul. I like the way you think. If we can't look forward to what's next, then what
is there?
Fernie67 - January 3, 2012
Hey you guys havent banned me yet =)
I must be doing something wrong or i havent struck the wrong cord yet! I wanna remain on here so im gonna take it easy on you guys.
Just going to leave with this: 1) Enjoy being the 2nd best team in Texas for the next couple years 2) Enjoy talking about the draft, and let me know what good LBs or CBs your looking at b/c thats prally where we’ll go with our first and 2nd round pick on. Hopefully you guys take a bust. 3) At least you girls and the Pigeons can enjoy this, as long as the foreskins are in this division you’ll always be better than at least one team
Have fun while this last lost sinks in, and good luck next yr
AHoustonGiant - January 3, 2012
its ok troll boy
we already know that you are liked more here than at BBV.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
Have fun getting your asses kicked by the 6th seed in the AFC
with your sucky 3rd string qb…enjoy
Terry - January 3, 2012
uh - he's a Giants fan Terry
why let the facts get in the way – eh?
McLovin9 - January 3, 2012
wrong as usual McHate, he's a Texans fan
why would he say we’re the second best team in Texas, but obviously facts mean nothing to you judging from your past Romo comments
Terry - January 3, 2012
you so funny Terry....please don't ever change
McLovin9 - January 3, 2012
Actually im both i thought u guys would be smart enough to figure that out but hey and idc what you say
Two diff conferences i love houston the city that is and they’ve been up and coming for a while. Couldnt imagine living in Dalls (throws up at the thought). Dont be jealous b/c i picked the right fruit tree. NY is my home team which is why i laugh clown and despise you guys so much. Nothing makes me happier than this week man i tell you. WE knocked out The Eagles, Jets and You Bums in the last week. And Houstons finally in the playoffs while you guys need to revamp your whole roster. This is just karma for what that cast of nemwits did to Wade last season. He didnt deserve it but i couldn’t be happier that he’s in a much better place where his defense, the team and front office appreciates the genius he is. Rob Ryan is slowly gonna turn DeMarcus into a human ragdoll…………..Enjoy
AHoustonGiant - January 3, 2012
uh - well enjoy the next 4 days ass-clown....
because neither of your “2” teams are going anywhere.
and enjoy that rich history of football in Houston….
McLovin9 - January 3, 2012
Really dude i just realized your name was McLovin smh
How original homie! dont worry about my teams, yall worry bout gettin yall ish together. Like i said, Houstons gonna be better for the next five yrs easy especially when the colts realize Peyton Manning is one bad sack away from being done. So i aint worried bout that. Yall in trouble though. Can you believe that a terrible yr for the eagles is still better than yall and the deadskins. How pathetic
AHoustonGiant - January 3, 2012
The Texans are that ugly team whose fans only get to celebrate other teams failings.
Because they suck. Historically.
You know it’s bad when even the Dolphin fans around me are going, “Houston is in the playoffs? Wow.”
jakezze01 - January 3, 2012
incase you didn't know the Colts might not even need Peyton after drafting Luck.
you better enjoy this season buddy bc after Mannings done with ya then look forward to facing Luck the next 10-15 years lol.
DCNation73 - January 3, 2012
It shouldn't take 9 years to make your first playoff appearance...
Welcome to the club, you finally got over the AFC south hump all because the Colts tanked the season. but good “Luck” next year.
As for the G-girls they’ll be one and done. Bank on it.
Antonio S - January 3, 2012
Congrats on bringing that lack of class and ignorance to Houston...like they don't have enough of that
Typical New Yorker
jakezze01 - January 3, 2012
so the Texans finally have 1 winning season, congrazt noob!
DCNation73 - January 3, 2012
Fan of 2?
Fan of 2 teams fan of zero teams.
IdiotCowboyfan - January 3, 2012
You like unbearable heat and humidity.
That must be why you come here, to get some relief.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
We're a field goal away from being the Redskins of this division
I would love to prove you wrong, but 15 years of history would say otherwise. And don’t worry about it sinking in, I already peeled all the Cowboy stickers from my car, thank you very much.
You seem like a knowledgeable sports fan. Do you know if there are any good Football teams in Canada I can waste 15 years supporting?
We’re “America’s Team” because their is no “D” anywhere.
sanhoo - January 3, 2012
Teddy Williams.
I don’t get it with him – in the preseason games I saw of him, he looked like a cornerback who has no experience, but was learning fast. The team has an obvious need at cornerback, so instead of trying to develop him in an area that the team has a need, they make him a receiver.
He was essentially a piece of clay to be molded, I don’t understand the thinking of trying to mold that clay in an area that has strengths (receiver) over an intense area of weakness (corner).
Nickthegrip - January 3, 2012
agree
theys should turn him back to CB
ratware - January 3, 2012
Quick serious question tho guys no hate
Whats going on with my Man Kevin Ogletree?? i’ve been happy for him since he made the league but no so happy about the team he chose. Why hasn’t he gotten much tick since he’s been there? do you think he’s in jeopardy of being cut? We played on the same aau basketball team in HS than he went to VA. Please tell him to cut that fro tho man yall aint got no good barbers down there? but whats up with him?
AHoustonGiant - January 3, 2012
Hasn't played well
Plain and simple. With the emergence of Laurent Robinson and the fact that he hasn’t been as effective in the return game means he’s more than likely gone after this year. He has that size/speed ratio that coaches love so he’ll get another shot somewhere.
blackgallagher - January 3, 2012
Damn yo he did look lost that monday night game against the foreskins
hopefully he gets a haircut and his act together acting like he made it already. good day tho homie
AHoustonGiant - January 3, 2012
He's underachieved every year. I thould with Williamson gone this yr he would move into the 3rd receiver roll and do really well, but that wasn't the case.
He’s had his chances and failed. Robertson is 10x better
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Didn't Ogletree have a case of "entitlement" after the '09 season?
Antonio S - January 3, 2012
I know he made that one catch against NO on like a 3rd n 19 to keep the drive going
if thats what your alluding to, sounds like some’em someone from queens would act like smh/lol. NY ppl are so arrogant and conceited when we got a lil bit going for ourselves lol. Thats why i love the hospitality of Houston…………especially them thick red bones lol
AHoustonGiant - January 3, 2012
Kind of funny..
“NY ppl are so arrogant and conceited when we got a lil bit going for ourselves lol”
This coming from you, after youve been gloating about your 2 teams in the playoffs.. Whatever happened to having 1 team.. I guess you increase your chances of something good happening by supporting multiples..
AmericasTeamm - January 3, 2012
He bases his sexuality on this notion, as well:
As evident by his man crush on KO.
jakezze01 - January 3, 2012
ZING!!
AmericasTeamm - January 3, 2012
Yeah, I almost expect and welcome my comments to be deleted today.
I’m grumpy. Meh. This just sucks. I expected 8-8. but wanted to be wrong SO BAD.
jakezze01 - January 3, 2012
What is this "some'em" bs? Christ, you're annoying
jakezze01 - January 3, 2012
Seriously? Your "man" is Kevin freakin' Ogletree?
And you don’t understand why he hasn’t received much playing time? On a Cowboys roster featuring Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Dez Bryant, and the emergence of Laurent Robinson? Stick to Houston or Giants boards, man.
jakezze01 - January 3, 2012
Man i figured theres more inside info over here even BSPN loves you guys that yall might be able to give me
dont be such a spoiled sport i was just inquiring about a friend. Not best friends b4 u go thinking i have his # and im his #1 fan or some’em take it easy fella
AHoustonGiant - January 3, 2012
Dont be such a dickhead on another team's threads.
jakezze01 - January 3, 2012
He can't catch, can't run routes, can't tackle, and can't block.
You can have TREE.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
First to say
GOODBYE NEWMAN.
DWare94_JRat90 - January 3, 2012
Ball can join him
Don’t let the doorknob hit ya where the good Lord split ya
blackgallagher - January 3, 2012
I hope the door knob hits him in the ass
I hope a size 15 boot hits him in the ass too.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
I'm not a fan of slamming players
but I can’t bear to watch Ball ever again. He’s good enough to be in the frame when the play happens but so bad he never seems to make a play. Ever. Newman is just old, so I’m not not upset with him, just don’t believe he can play any more.
dunkman - January 3, 2012
I'm starting to hear
that Newman has been playing with a pretty seriious injury.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
That's what I figured
Cornerbacks tend to age well. You don’t go from Pro Bowl caliber to scrub that quickly.
blackgallagher - January 3, 2012
He's always hurt now.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
Wait until you hear this
Thought Ball had established the infamous Mendoza line for horrific Safety play last year, but I just looked this up:
A Elam – INT:0, Pass Defended: 0
WTF! Out of 545 opponent passing attempts our starting S did not manage to get his hand on a single ball in flight for an entire 16 game season. Utterly incomprehensible.
tdships - January 3, 2012
+ 100
TheCowboyFan - January 3, 2012
Campo and Maxie need to be pink slipped.
TheCowboyFan - January 3, 2012
I don't stay as positive as you do.
I’ve been known to blow off some steam when the frustration mounts. I can live with mistakes that get corrected, and a host of things, but I’ve kind of lost my composure here with this forever close, but not close enough Groundhog Day of a team. In spite of that, I still have confidence that we’re finally on the upswing. I just hope we get enough talent and experience to put us over the top while we still have a top QB.
White Wolf - January 3, 2012
That wouldnt be good for either one of them..
Newman would end up in critical condition out with broken bones, a high ankle sprain and a groin injury.. Ball would just take it, like he has the past two years from opposing receivers, and then he would come back as a our punter or any other position..
AmericasTeamm - January 3, 2012
And ur salary
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Yep That Darned Romo
When WILL he learn how to play DEFENSE?! Or, did the OFFENSE somehow manage to blow 20 point leads? No, I’m pretty SURE it was the DEFENSE. Maybe, they’ll give Spencer a new address to “mail it in” from next year and draft a guy to give Ware some help with the pass rush. AND, if Garrett has learned his lesson about IGNORRING the otherside of the ball, they’ll draft a couple more DB’s and then focus on depth for both lines and at ILB. Given the fact that they have TOO MANY RB’s ; they COULD keep Murray, Tanner and Morris and trade Felix for more picks (seemed like he “mailed it in” too until Murray took his job, only THEN did he finally start producing). Oh, and wasn’t ALL bad blocking, Tony made some bad throws and the WR’s made some wrong cuts. That happens on EVERY team; INCLUDING the Packers.
Howleyesque - January 3, 2012
Do we still have Bulter on the PS?
I liked him during preseason, seemed to have some talent at CB
Nardfather - January 3, 2012
word is hes supposed to sign a contract with Cowboys today but well see
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
Yep. He's still there.
I look foward to seeing him in TC.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
Going to be interesting to see how much hes progressed with a year in the system and a
full off season. Like d what I saw of him in TC this past year. Showed some promise.
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
Surely he takes Balls spot
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
I hope so
He always seemed to be in good position in the pre season when I saw him play. Looked to have good size and speed as well. I don’t see how he can be worse than Ball or Walker
Nardfather - January 3, 2012
I'm excited to see what we do in the draft
I do think we need a big-time pass rusher opposite Ware, I just don’t know if we take one in the first round. I think secondary and offensive line are bigger needs. While I was on the Kirkpatrick/Jenkins bandwagon for a while, I’m starting to think that we need DeCastro and get back that dominate left side back that we had with Mark Tuinei and Nate Newton in the 90s
blackgallagher - January 3, 2012
I think our biggest priority should be finishing the OL
If we can get a guy like DeCastro and a good center, our OL will allow Romo to put up Rodgers, Brady and Brees type numbers and our offense can average 30-35 points per game.
This will take less pressure off the defense. We can’t obviously fix all of their warts in one season.
Terry - January 3, 2012
I think more importantly than Romo inflating his good-enough-already numbers,
having an Oline that can sustain drives by picking up the 3rd or 4th down and short situations. We need a line that can allow Murray to grind the clock away. I’m all for Oline in the first…but with so many holes, anyone that can contribute right away works for me.
jakezze01 - January 3, 2012
Becoming more balanced would obviously be a part of that
Terry - January 3, 2012
DeCastro at 14 and Jones at center would complete the OL
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
At least there was Progress
Sure we can look at what could have or should have been but the fact remains that this team was in a serious rebuilding year with the hopes of being able to make a push for the division. (which they did).
The offense was about as good as we could have hoped for with all the inexperience. That should stablize with a full training camp and healthy linemen returning.
The Defense is the place where this team will either be contenders or pretenders next year. Looking back it kills me they were willing to give up the bank for a 30+ year-old free agent corner but could have had Johnathon Joseph for much less and he would have stablized the secondary to some degree. Again, a case of Jerry falling in love with players he overrates.
Hopefully we can find a pass rusher and stud corner. If we can come up with some help for Ware the secondary won’t look nearly as vulnerable. IT’s impossible to cover anyone in the NFL these days when the QB has time to plant his feet and scan the field.
Go luck JG with finding the keys to the defense. Although I would not be opposed to spending a first rounder on a stud interior lineman.
Peace Out !
Jaymanburlington - January 3, 2012
yeah, we were about 3 or 4 plays away from being 11-5
so that should be an encouraging sign that if we continue to upgrade our talent and maybe get a few breaks here and there that went against us this season, we’ll continue to get better in 2012.
Terry - January 3, 2012
I agree
Im do unsure on where we need to go with our 1st round pick. Kirkpatrick, Ingram, decastro??? Or possibly a different rising pass rusher? Last year we knew it was either OT or CB. I think we made the right move, but this year, although still early, I’m not so confident on where we should go with it.
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
The way I see it...
And allows me the least suffering every year is this, there are 31 losers and one winner every single season, if your team is not the Super Bowl winner, then you will have a long off season and plenty of things to reflect on and wanting to change, your team is a loser and your roster and coaching staff needs to be re evaluated and improved.
Painfully we have been in this group since our glory days in the 90’s and for many reasons we have not been able to come back to be the winner we all want our beloved team to be. I have always been a supporter of Jerry because of his real passion and determination but this has been proven mainly by his money spending than by his real feel or knowledge in some football aspects of the game and one small example comes to my mind now, David Buehler, an injured kicker who is also proven very erratic but posseses speed and a strong leg was kept on the roster in spite of so many other options for replacements we could have added like an extra corner or a real punt/kick returner (that is really hurting this team not to have one)… but Buehler is known to be a Jerry pet, he likes him… so he sacrifices the team to have this guy around even after Dan Bailey resulted to be a very solid kicker.
Here is hoping we can be the one standing at the end within soon again, the winner looking down the other 31 losers.
Cuban Cowboy - January 3, 2012
Buehler has been a weapon
with the kickoffs moved to the 35, his strong leg was a nice weapon to have in making touchbacks considering our very poor special teams play this year. I don’t get the hate for Buehler at all. The guy has a great leg for KO’s when he healthy. And, when you need to pin a team back in their territory, he’s the guy you want. Having said that, I think it was a mistake to try and also make him the FG kicker. He wasn’t ready for that. His main weaponry was to pin the opposing team back and play field position. His compensation for a weak special teams was worth the roster spot to me. Most folks were mainly frustrated with his FG kicking and rightly so,
Cowboy88 - January 3, 2012
It's not that he's not a weapon
It’s that he takes up a roster space for just kickoffs. Which for me is not enough to justify keeping a kicker on the roster that doesn’t make field goals consistently. It works in college with 85 scholarships. It doesn’t in the NFL with 53 roster spots. We could have used the extra DB/OL/RB this year before he went on IR.
blackgallagher - January 3, 2012
and he is injured A LOT to boot! (no pun intended.)
mtibus - January 3, 2012
the answer to that is the drafting and bringing in FA that can actually PLAY!
Instead of this joke of secondary we have. If we did better at drafting and bringing in quality FA’s it wouldn’t be a problem now would it?
And, I think it DOES justify a roster spot. When you can CONSISTENTLY pin the opposing team on their side of the field for the majority of the game, you can’t tell me that’s not a great weapon for your defense and for your offense to pile up the points.
Back in the 90’s Dale Hellestrae was the center for punting situations. That practically all he did and he was paid good money to do it. Now, that may have been before the salary cap but you rarely had issues with punting, etc…
Furthermore, I agree with another poster who mentioned directional kicking. Why in heck do you want to do ANY directional kiicking on KO’s? Just kick the damn thing through the uprights on every kick and they will ALWAYS start at their own 20 and if your defense is decent, you keep them on THEIR side of the field. When they punt, we get the ball around midfield for most of the game. I’d much rather drive 50-60 yards for scores than 75 or 80 each time.
Cowboy88 - January 3, 2012
Your new backup?
Ooooooo, shiny…
tanstaafl - January 3, 2012
Lot of money for a backup.
Jace M - January 3, 2012
Missing the point. Points even.
tanstaafl - January 3, 2012
Yep.
Have to say I am. Enlighten please.
Jace M - January 3, 2012
1. Peyton’s probably played his last game as a Colt. Possibly last, period.
2. Keep an eye on Cowboys’ propensity for shiny toys this offseason too.
3. Where’s our backup and where’s Peyton going (if anywhere).
But your “lot of money for a backup” fits in quite nicely with the whole thing though, I must say. Wasn’t trying to be a
Vickdick, btw.tanstaafl - January 3, 2012
Peyton-Romo, Vick-McNabb...possibilities.
Seriously, I think Peyton is the type of guy that would fit better in Denver. They have a GM that used to be a passing type quarterback that would trade all his draft picks for a shot at Peyton.
sanhoo - January 3, 2012
Somehow I knew
the one thing you were NOT suggesting was to sign Manning. Share more, o’ seer (see’r) seeer? Ah hell, C’er.
White Wolf - January 3, 2012
"Wasn’t trying to be a dick, btw."
Wasn’t taken as such. I thought you honestly might have some valid points and was curious as to what they were. Explained well. Thanks.
Jace M - January 4, 2012
I'm fapping to this
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/public/X9916FCpajD1ztWfZ39Z3hDVn0L7z9ErpWbTdnQzT21LSRywtLgelXVGqbQUzbX1WNRmQp1ZZW-HKKZ61MHKO6BtCQjPcf8_Mbxz2WB3MTDX18Q8pSfy0t4VZABc0q6GmzcuweEyC4KF
The number of times that Romo gets injured in a season, this is the ultimate back up plan.
sanhoo - January 3, 2012
Woops, I pulled a NewMan
sanhoo - January 3, 2012
I saw this quote and started laughing.
“Murray wouldn’t discuss the specifics of his rehab only to say things are going well.”
Rehab for a fractured bone consists of doing nothing in the area for 6-8 weeks, until it heals. So DeMarco is saying that he is doing nothing, and it is going well.
Thank goodness. Could you imagine if doing nothing was going poorly?
ScarletO - January 3, 2012
...then there would be some on this board who could relate, sadly enough.
jakezze01 - January 3, 2012
Cowboy88
Obviously you have a strong opinion on this kicker and we are not gonna make u change your mind on this, your opinion is solid and you have a point, its just that our point is stronger and our opinion is better…. lol.
Cuban Cowboy - January 3, 2012
lol
There’s an old saying…..“surround yourself with the best people and pay them well.” That’s MY point. You do that, you’ll go where you want every time.
Cowboy88 - January 3, 2012
I really liked
Ingram, DeCastro, and especially ok st.’s safety martin. Dude looked to be flying around, always around the ball
howboutdemcowboyz - January 3, 2012 via mobile
He didn't look great last night against Stanford. Slippin and a slidin.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
Better Play In The Secondary
STARTS with a BETTER pass rush! Spencer is a “part timer” by his own admission. Get Ware some help with the pass rush and the Eli Manning’s in the league won’t have TIME to find a guy who’s open.
Howleyesque - January 5, 2012
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