(10-13-2014 10:24 AM)EarthBoundMisfit Wrote:  Seattle stymied our rushing game for 3 quarters...but then it broke loose in the 4th quarter when it counted.

We actually ran pretty solid most of the game.

The rushing attack isn't always about yards or how many big runs you break, sometimes its about the number of rushing attempts you can call and still be in the game. We weren't consistently gashing them for huge gains, but were were able to control the clock and execute multiple long, 80 yard type drives.

We had 37 rushing attempts to 32 pass attempts. That is a good measure of how well the ground game is working against a strong defensive front. It was doing enough to keep us balanced and the defense stacking the box.

We already had over 100 yards rushing at the beginning if the 4th quarter. Murray just needed the final drive to get over 100 individually. He had 47 yards on his last 3 touches.

Seattle was the #1 rush defense in the NFL and we rolled with 164 yards rushing, nearly tripling their season average.

(10-13-2014 10:51 AM)kabluey Wrote:  Do we credit Jerry Jones for this resurgence? Is it coincidence? Or is it despite his interference?

I would say despite.

JJ seems to be slowly backing off the GM duties and given Stephen Jones and Garrett more and more control. Bill Parcells, Sean Payton and Jason Garrett all seem to have a lot of faith and respect for Stephen Jones as a GM.

I think Jerry now sees that his last few major decisions he made (firing Rob Ryan and naming Callahan the playcaller) hurt the team really bad and set them back at least a full year. Garrett and Stephen Jones were very open about being totally against both decisions.

If JJ was still calling the shots by himself, we would have drafted Johny dumba55 instead of Zack Martin earlier this year.

Imagine what a horrible pick that would have been in light of what Zack Martin had added to the team? Manzel would have been riding the pine the next few years and done NOTHING.

(10-13-2014 02:43 PM)ericsrevenge76 Wrote:  

(10-13-2014 10:51 AM)kabluey Wrote:  Do we credit Jerry Jones for this resurgence? Is it coincidence? Or is it despite his interference?

I would say despite.

JJ seems to be slowly backing off the GM duties and given Stephen Jones and Garrett more and more control. Bill Parcells, Sean Payton and Jason Garrett all seem to have a lot of faith and respect for Stephen Jones as a GM.

I think Jerry now sees that his last few major decisions he made (firing Rob Ryan and naming Callahan the playcaller) hurt the team really bad and set them back at least a full year. Garrett and Stephen Jones were very open about being totally against both decisions.

If JJ was still calling the shots by himself, we would have drafted Johny dumba55 instead of Zack Martin earlier this year. JJ almost talking himself into it during the draft.

Imagine what a horrible pick that would have been in light of what Zack Martin had added to the team. Manzel would have been riding the pine the next few years and done NOTHING.

Unless he's backtracked since his almost defiant comments about regretting not selecting Johnny Benchball, I don't think he's consciously backing off. Unless his comments have changed, I don't see his changing his self-delusion about his ability to gm the franchise. Hope I'm wrong. The NFL is better to watch when the Cowboys are good and controversial.

(10-13-2014 03:23 PM)kabluey Wrote:  Unless he's backtracked since his almost defiant comments about regretting not selecting Johnny Benchball, I don't think he's consciously backing off. Unless his comments have changed, I don't see his changing his self-delusion about his ability to gm the franchise. Hope I'm wrong. The NFL is better to watch when the Cowboys are good and controversial.

But we didn't choose Manzel. That's the point here. Jerry (again) decided to step back and let his football people make the call. He has been doing that more and more in recent years.

The results speak for themselves. We took Martin over Manzel, stopped acting stupid in free agency and through the draft have built one of the better rosters in the NFL.

Clearly much as changed in recent years.

DeMarcus Lawrence set top begin practicing this week.

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/p...-wednesday



IRVING, Texas –Rookie defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence will be on the field for the first time since training camp when the Dallas Cowboys return to practice on Wednesday.

Lawrence suffered the injury on July 29 while in one-on-one pass rush drills with Tyron Smith and had surgery a few days later. The Cowboys placed him on short-term injured reserve, which will keep him out for the first eight weeks of the season but he can start practice Wednesday.

“He’s done really well,” coach Jason Garrett said of Lawrence’s rehab. “Worked hard, so we’re hopeful he can do some football stuff on Wednesday and get himself moving forward.”

Lawrence make his season debut on Nov. 2 against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cowboys will have to create an opening on the 53-man roster once he is eligible to play. In camp, Lawrence, whom the Cowboys took with the 34th overall pick after a draft-day trade with the Washington Redskins, was proving to be the best pass rusher before the injury.

The Cowboys' defensive line has only 3.5 sacks through six games and as a team the Cowboys have just seven.

Lawrence does not have pressure to play every snap, but the Cowboys need him to affect the quarterback.

“We’ll see what kind of role he can have,” Garrett said. “He was certainly doing some good things before he got hurt, and we’re optimistic about his future and his ability to contribute this year. But his job is to get himself healthy, get himself going again, get his feet underneath him and trying to improve as a football player.”

HOW BOUT THEM COWBOYS

(10-13-2014 03:33 PM)ericsrevenge76 Wrote:  

(10-13-2014 03:23 PM)kabluey Wrote:  Unless he's backtracked since his almost defiant comments about regretting not selecting Johnny Benchball, I don't think he's consciously backing off. Unless his comments have changed, I don't see his changing his self-delusion about his ability to gm the franchise. Hope I'm wrong. The NFL is better to watch when the Cowboys are good and controversial.

But we didn't choose Manzel. That's the point here. Jerry (again) decided to step back and let his football people make the call. He has been doing that more and more in recent years.

The results speak for themselves. We took Martin over Manzel, stopped acting stupid in free agency and through the draft have built one of the better rosters in the NFL.

Clearly much as changed in recent years.

The jury's admittedly still out on Lawrence, but I'd really like to see us stop trading picks to move up in the draft. If anything, since it's clear our scouting department knows how to find good players, we should trade down more often and get more picks.

(10-14-2014 08:04 AM)Phillip26r Wrote:  

(10-13-2014 03:33 PM)ericsrevenge76 Wrote:  

(10-13-2014 03:23 PM)kabluey Wrote:  Unless he's backtracked since his almost defiant comments about regretting not selecting Johnny Benchball, I don't think he's consciously backing off. Unless his comments have changed, I don't see his changing his self-delusion about his ability to gm the franchise. Hope I'm wrong. The NFL is better to watch when the Cowboys are good and controversial.

But we didn't choose Manzel. That's the point here. Jerry (again) decided to step back and let his football people make the call. He has been doing that more and more in recent years.

The results speak for themselves. We took Martin over Manzel, stopped acting stupid in free agency and through the draft have built one of the better rosters in the NFL.

Clearly much as changed in recent years.

The jury's admittedly still out on Lawrence, but I'd really like to see us stop trading picks to move up in the draft. If anything, since it's clear our scouting department knows how to find good players, we should trade down more often and get more picks.

It important to understand though that it is harder to steal real talent at certain positions later in the draft. Its almost impossible when you have an immediate need for an impact player like we did at DE.

I'm fine with it as long as we get the right guy. We've only really done it twice in recent times.

If Lawrence lives up the the training camp hype, he was MORE than worth the mid rounder we gave up for him. Lawrence was really a late first round talent so we still got a good deal on him in the 2nd round.

With Mo Caliborne, not so much yet, but he still may develop into a great CB. He certainly has all the tools, he just needs to mature some.

We needed to draft a pass rusher BAD last year and trading up to get Lawrence in the 2nd round was a smart move. We ended up with Zack Martin AND and an elite pass rushing prospect. How often do you see that in the same draft? We had one heck of a draft again.

Basically, I'd take the combination of Martin and D. Lawrence over an additional 3rd round pick any day of the week.

I've already written Mo off as a bust, certainly a player who wasn't deserving of what we gave up to get him.

I hope we're right on Lawrence. Looking forward to seeing him play.

The move of the century it would appear is the signing of Rolando McClain. That guy is getting better every week.

When he picked off Wilson late in the game on Sunday, I recreated the entire Ickey Woods Geico commercial for my wife.

(10-14-2014 11:58 AM)Phillip26r Wrote:  I've already written Mo off as a bust, certainly a player who wasn't deserving of what we gave up to get him.

He wasn't worth the trade up at this point, but there have been many CB's who struggled their first 3 years and became one of the best in the game as they matured. But lets remember the trade up was universally hailed as a good football move at the time.

Bust might be a too strong a word there. He can play in the NFL, he just hasn't been close to a #6 overall pick.

His issues aren't in his physical abilities. Those are still off the charts at even at this level. Its all about growing up and becoming a student of the game imo. There is no guarantee that he ever will though.

Maybe this injury is just what he needed to get a new perspective.

(10-14-2014 11:58 AM)Phillip26r Wrote:  I hope we're right on Lawrence. Looking forward to seeing him play.

The move of the century it would appear is the signing of Rolando McClain. That guy is getting better every week.

When he picked off Wilson late in the game on Sunday, I recreated the entire Ickey Woods Geico commercial for my wife.

lol

We hit it out of the park with McClain. He is just a beast.

I can only imagine McClain, Sean Lee and Bruce Carter all on the field together.

That could be the best LB core in the NFL.

(10-13-2014 03:23 PM)kabluey Wrote:  

(10-13-2014 02:43 PM)ericsrevenge76 Wrote:  

(10-13-2014 10:51 AM)kabluey Wrote:  Do we credit Jerry Jones for this resurgence? Is it coincidence? Or is it despite his interference?

I would say despite.

JJ seems to be slowly backing off the GM duties and given Stephen Jones and Garrett more and more control. Bill Parcells, Sean Payton and Jason Garrett all seem to have a lot of faith and respect for Stephen Jones as a GM.

I think Jerry now sees that his last few major decisions he made (firing Rob Ryan and naming Callahan the playcaller) hurt the team really bad and set them back at least a full year. Garrett and Stephen Jones were very open about being totally against both decisions.

If JJ was still calling the shots by himself, we would have drafted Johny dumba55 instead of Zack Martin earlier this year. JJ almost talking himself into it during the draft.

Imagine what a horrible pick that would have been in light of what Zack Martin had added to the team. Manzel would have been riding the pine the next few years and done NOTHING.

Unless he's backtracked since his almost defiant comments about regretting not selecting Johnny Benchball, I don't think he's consciously backing off. Unless his comments have changed, I don't see his changing his self-delusion about his ability to gm the franchise. Hope I'm wrong. The NFL is better to watch when the Cowboys are good and controversial.

If I happened to be a billionaire owner of the most successful NFL franchise in America, I'd have my nose all in the middle of it too. I can't blame him for that.

The temptation to take Johnny Manziel was because Romo's condition was still an unknown. And Jerry likes a sideshow.

Injuries on defense have hurt the Cowboys the last two years. Yet the media want to blame either Romo or Jerry




Smh

(10-17-2014 04:29 PM)Brother Bluto Wrote:  Injuries on defense have hurt the Cowboys the last two years. Yet the media want to blame either Romo or Jerry




Smh

quite a few defensive injuries in the Saints game too...but they still found a way to finish the game.....unlike prior years.

The difference is every man is taking responsibility, instead of waiting around for DeMarcus Ware, Sean Lee or Jason Hatcher to make a play.

Plus they have found more solid rotation pieces on the DL.

Getting healthier now too with Tyrone Crawford, Anthony Spencer and Henry Melton slowly getting back to form. Plus, here comes DeMarcus Lawrence in 2 weeks.

We also should add a huge DT after week 10 in Josh Brent.

I think I read somewhere too where the defensive line had another rotation.
Sounds very similar to what Dallas had in Johnson years...'deep depth' ie 2 defensive line units that could swap out in games....keeping defense fresh going into 4th quarters.

just saw on internet that right tackle Doug Free fractured his ankle. Will be replaced by 5 year vet Jeremy Parnell. Parnell has been somewhat limited by a rib injury.
THIS is what I was alluding to earlier Eric....injuries.
Its not how you START a season...it is how you FINISH.

(10-17-2014 08:32 PM)EarthBoundMisfit Wrote:  just saw on internet that right tackle Doug Free fractured his ankle. Will be replaced by 5 year vet Jeremy Parnell. Parnell has been somewhat limited by a rib injury.
THIS is what I was alluding to earlier Eric....injuries.
Its not how you START a season...it is how you FINISH.

Honestly you totally lost me on this one. When did someone argue how you start matters more than how you finish? If you are suggesting I said these things then you are taking some pretty serious liberties with my posts. lol

We've been having injuries all season long.

DeMarcus Lawrence, Sean Lee, Morris Claiborne, Bruce Carter, Justin Durant, Rolando McClain, Devonte Holloman, Doug Free. We didn't have Scandrick or Spencer the first few games either.

Free is easily our weakest link on the line and Parnell is actually a better run blocker, if a tad shakier in pass protection. That could change by getting a few starts under his belt.

Of all the linemen that could get hurt for a few weeks, Free may be the most replaceable. Leary may be the second most replaceable. Or vice versa.

Either way, I wouldn't get too concerned about the O line as long as Frederick, Smith and Martin are in there. Not only are they our 3 best linemen, they are playing the 3 most important positions.... LT, C and pulling/lead guard. Some of our biggest holes and runs this year have been behind the lead blocking of Zack Martin. Martin is excelling in the power game, pulling, trapping, counters, pass protection...you name it. He is noticeably better than Tyron Smith or Frederick were as rookies. Honestly, he has been one of the best guards in the NFL through the first 6 games this year. There is no reason to think his play is going to fall off much either. He's probably going to get even better as the year progresses. We hit a grand slam with that pick.

Frederick, Smith and Martin. That sounds like a law firm. LMAO

(10-17-2014 06:50 PM)EarthBoundMisfit Wrote:  I think I read somewhere too where the defensive line had another rotation.
Sounds very similar to what Dallas had in Johnson years...'deep depth' ie 2 defensive line units that could swap out in games....keeping defense fresh going into 4th quarters.

They are trying to build an 8-10 man rotation on the DL, much like the Jimmy Johnson days.

Its the same thing Seattle currently does.

Garrett is building the entire team in the mold of the Jimmy Johnson Cowboys.

We are basically running an updated version of our old 4-3 defense and an updated version of Aikmans timing based passing offense combined with the power running game of that era.

Whats making this extra cool is the surprisingly productive use of all formations and personnel packages on offense. We are able to use 2 TE formations, single back formations, 3 or 4 WR spread formations, the pistol, the shotgun, or even bring in the FB and go with more traditional split, I and pro set formations. And we are geting REAL production from all these different looks. Plus we are using 3rd down backs much more in the short passing and screen games. Our 2nd and 3rd string RB's, TE's and WR's are all making strong contributions. We are getting everyone involved. All these things are additions/upgrades to the old Aikman/Emmitt offense, while still holding on to those core principles and philosophy.

Garrett is the perfect guy to build the team because he was there through most of the 1990's. He understands the formula and blueprint for success, and the pitfalls and traps that come along with being a Dallas Cowboy. He's the perfect buffer between the team, staff and the crazy GM/owner. He understands all the angles of being involved with the Jones family and this franchise.

Not to mention the incredible level of respect the players have for him.

(10-17-2014 09:03 PM)ericsrevenge76 Wrote:  

(10-17-2014 08:32 PM)EarthBoundMisfit Wrote:  just saw on internet that right tackle Doug Free fractured his ankle. Will be replaced by 5 year vet Jeremy Parnell. Parnell has been somewhat limited by a rib injury.
THIS is what I was alluding to earlier Eric....injuries.
Its not how you START a season...it is how you FINISH.

Honestly you totally lost me on this one. When did someone argue how you start matters more than how you finish? If you are suggesting I said these things then you are taking some pretty serious liberties with my posts. lol

We've been having injuries all season long.

DeMarcus Lawrence, Sean Lee, Morris Claiborne, Bruce Carter, Justin Durant, Rolando McClain, Devonte Holloman, Doug Free. We didn't have Scandrick or Spencer the first few games either.

Free is easily our weakest link on the line and Parnell is actually a better run blocker, if a tad shakier in pass protection. That could change by getting a few starts under his belt.

Of all the linemen that could get hurt for a few weeks, Free may be the most replaceable. Leary may be the second most replaceable. Or vice versa.

Either way, I wouldn't get too concerned about the O line as long as Frederick, Smith and Martin are in there. Not only are they our 3 best linemen, they are playing the 3 most important positions.... LT, C and pulling/lead guard. Some of our biggest holes and runs this year have been behind the lead blocking of Zack Martin. Martin is excelling in the power game, pulling, trapping, counters, pass protection...you name it. He is noticeably better than Tyron Smith or Frederick were as rookies. Honestly, he has been one of the best guards in the NFL through the first 6 games this year. There is no reason to think his play is going to fall off much either. He's probably going to get even better as the year progresses. We hit a grand slam with that pick.

Frederick, Smith and Martin. That sounds like a law firm. LMAO

actually the left tackle is one of the most important positions.
It is called the 'blind side'. The left tackle must face the other team's best pass rushers, the right tackle must face the other team's best run stoppers.