DC.com - 20 Questions

[boozeman]

20 Questions: What 7th-Round Pick Has The Best Shot?

Posted 1 hour ago



By DallasCowboys.com Report


When the Cowboys report to training camp on July 22 in Oxnard, Calif., several questions will still need to be answered.

The staff writers at DallasCowboys.com – Rowan Kavner, David Helman, Nick Eatman and Bryan Broaddus – will attempt to answer these questions before the start of training camp. The questions will vary in importance, with the most pressing topics getting brought up in the days closest to camp.

Today, the staff members look at seventh-round draft picks Ken Bishop, Will Smith, Ben Gardner, Ahmad Dixon and Terrance Mitchell and each predict one of the five who will wind up on the 53-man roster.

19) Which seventh-round pick has best chance to make it?

Rowan Kavner – He was the last one picked, but he was the first one to really make a mark during minicamp. Terrance Mitchell missed the OTAs because of league rules prohibiting a player to join a team while school is still in session. When his time at Oregon was done, he returned to the Cowboys for minicamp and quickly made a mark intercepting a pass. He then went to the stadium for the final minicamp practice and picked off another pass. There weren’t pads on, and that’s when the real test will come, but he still looked like he played physically and always seemed to be around the ball. This group desperately calls for game-changing, turnover-creating defenders, and maybe Mitchell can be that type of fourth or fifth corner. He was the last of five seventh-round picks and was forced to miss OTAs, but he doesn’t seem a step behind. There aren’t many spots available at the position he plays, but something tells me he finds a way in.

David Helman: From the time he arrived at Valley Ranch, Ben Gardner has not looked like a rookie. I don’t mean that in a football sense, because OTAs hardly qualify as actual football. But whereas many rookies look small or undersized compared to the veterans, Gardner looks like he’s spent time in an NFL weight room. I credit that to the physical, smashmouth style of football Stanford is often given credit for playing. What’s more, Gardner was an all-conference performer at Stanford, a program that has pumped out pro talent in recent years, before he got hurt. In 2012, his last full season with the Cardinal, he finished with 14.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Now, factor in the undeniable truth that the Cowboys’ defensive line is high on bodies but low on proven talent, and I think Gardner should be able to crack the rotation in some manner. Most of the other seventh-rounders are fighting the numbers in the hunt for a roster spot, but I think the numbers work in Gardner’s favor.




Nick Eatman: While I was the most excited to see them draft Ahmad Dixon, having watched his entire collegiate career and already done a few prior interviews with him, the guy I’m going with as my selection is Will Smith. Just looking at his physique and body type, he seems like he could be a natural on special teams. He might need to add a few pounds right now to be a contributor at linebacker, but if he can play fast and be a solid tackler, those players are always needed the most on special teams. And really, all of these seventh-round picks need to make their mark on special teams to have a chance. That’s why I tend to give the edge to the linebackers, safeties and cornerbacks more than the lineman. But for some reason, even though he’s got the movie-star name, Will Smith is flying under the radar somewhat in this draft class. I think he’ll turn a few heads when the pads come on.

Bryan Broaddus: It will be interesting to focus on how all of these seventh-round picks preformed one year from now. If you asked me to select one guy that has the best chance, I am going to say it’s defensive tackle Ken Bishop. What I really like about Bishop is that he plays a position on the line that has a great chance for a young guy to step in and get work in the normal rotation. I have always viewed Nick Hayden as a bridge to the next guy and in this case, the next guys are Terrell McClain and Bishop. With McClain getting some work at the three-technique during OTAs and minicamps, Bishop saw some action with the first defense and was more than comfortable at the spot. He plays with quickness, power and when the pads come on, we will notice him even more.

 

[boozeman]

20 Questions: Can Cowboys Afford To Lose Kyle Orton?

Posted Jun 24, 2014



By DallasCowboys.com Report







When the Cowboys report to training camp on July 22 in Oxnard, Calif., several questions will still need to be answered.

The staff writers at DallasCowboys.com – Rowan Kavner, David Helman, Nick Eatman and Bryan Broaddus – will attempt to answer these questions before the start of training camp. The questions will vary in importance, with the most pressing topics getting brought up in the days closest to camp.

Today, the staff looks at the quarterback position, analyzing the absence of Kyle Orton and how it might affect the team moving forward.

20) Can the Cowboys afford to lose Kyle Orton?

Rowan Kavner – It really depends on Tony Romo’s health, but I wouldn’t want to go into the season without Kyle Orton if I didn’t have to. I think the Cowboys are playing it the right way, waiting for him to make his ultimate decision while letting him return his money for each mandatory day missed. But if I’m the Cowboys, I still want him back. Nobody can be sure what the team has in Brandon Weeden yet. One can only learn so much from a player without pads on during offseason drills. Conversely, they have a pretty good idea what Orton can bring. If he ends up missing all of training camp, it’s another story and he’ll be way behind physically and mentally. But if he returns at the start of camp, it would behoove the Cowboys to welcome him back until they know what Weeden can provide.

David Helman: I’m going to preface this by saying I don’t think the Cowboys are going to sniff the playoffs if Tony Romo is missing for a big chunk of time this season. That said, I feel far better about their chances of competing if Kyle Orton returns for his contract year. He’s posted winning records as a starting quarterback in three different seasons during his career, and he has shown the capacity to put up solid numbers in that role. I still agree that brining in Weeden was a smart move by the Cowboys, but he has done nothing to prove he can capably keep a team competitive during the grind of an NFL season. As he proved in Week 17 last season, Orton can keep this team competitive. With Weeden, I’m not so sure.

Nick Eatman: If we were talking about a night-and-day difference in player, I might have a different opinion, but I think I’m ready to roll with Brandon Weeden right now, regardless what Orton does. Sure, they’ve had different careers, but so has DeMarcus Ware and George Selvie, yet the Cowboys made their choice there. The point to that is while we think we know what Orton provides, who’s to say he will come back and be that committed, tape-studying, staying-in-shape, being-ready backup that he’s been. Right now all we know is that he’s paying not to be here. To me, Weeden has shown me enough to prepare him to be the backup. I know Romo’s health is an issue but if he was good enough to be a first-round pick two years ago, I think he’s good enough to be a backup behind an offensive line that has three first-rounders on the line, along with Pro Bowl players at receiver, tight end and running back.

Bryan Broaddus: As well as Brandon Weeden has come in and performed at a respectable level running the first offense, Kyle Orton still gives you a better chance to win games right now if something were to happen to Tony Romo. There was a reason that Jerry Jones made the financial commitment to Orton when he was on the open market two seasons ago. As much as the signing of Weeden was a big picture move by this front office to take a look at a player that sat highly on their draft board, the comfort level with him as a potential starter at this point cannot be as great as it is with Orton. There are proven games with Orton as a starter, while with Weeden, all we have seen is struggles. The loss of Kyle Orton would be a big deal.

 

[BipolarFuk]

Orton is off swigging whiskey somewhere hoping the Cowboys will cut him and he will get to keep that 3 mil.

Who here wouldn't love to stick it to Teh Jer like that?

 

[UncleMilti]

Orton is off swigging whiskey somewhere hoping the Cowboys will cut him and he will get to keep that 3 mil.

Who here wouldn't love to stick it to Teh Jer like that?

Yep. But thats to be expected when you are a dipshit owner who has a tendency to get the wool pulled over his eyes when it comes to money and players.

 

[boozeman]

20 Questions: Which D-Lineman Has Selvie-Like Breakthrough?

Posted Jul 4, 2014

When the Cowboys report to training camp on July 22 in Oxnard, Calif., several questions will still need to be answered.

The staff writers at DallasCowboys.com – Rowan Kavner, David Helman, Nick Eatman and Bryan Broaddus – will attempt to answer these questions before the start of training camp. The questions will vary in importance, with the most pressing topics getting brought up in the days closest to camp.

Today, the staff tries to predict which defensive linemen will make a dramatic jump, similar to George Selvie’s season a year ago.

12) Which D-Lineman Will Break Out Like Selvie In 2013?


Rowan Kavner – Selvie jumped out and had 5.5 more sacks than he had in any previous season. Seven sacks doesn’t put him in any elite category, but they made a significant difference on a struggling defense, and it’s possible one of the many newcomers on the defensive line can make a similar impact. I’m going to go with Jeremy Mincey. Unlike Selvie, Mincey’s had that type of impact before, compiling eight sacks in 2011 – by far his top total since entering the league in 2006. But he’s totaled only five sacks since that stellar 2011 season. He’s demonstrated he has the capabilities to pressure the quarterback, and if there’s any candidate among the newcomers to have that type of impact with some help from Rod Marinelli, why not the guy who’s done it once before.

David Helman: Aside from Melton, though, I’m intrigued by Terrell McClain. I remember when the Cowboys signed him in March, the news was met with a collective eye roll by Cowboys fans on Twitter and other news outlets. But McClain has looked both versatile and competent in his short time with the team. Originally thought of as a nobody, I wouldn’t be surprised if he turns into a starter and a strong contributor on the defensive line – which would make him stand out plenty.




Nick Eatman: I guess if it’s good enough for Romo, it’ll be good enough for me. But I will agree with the quarterback’s prediction that Tyrone Crawford will have a breakout season. He was talking about the defense in general and so since is just a D-line question, why not Crawford. Personally, I think he’s versatile enough to play different positions and that is tough for teams to prepare for. When you think about Rod Marinelli getting career seasons out of Hayden, Selvie and Jason Hatcher last year, not to mention getting those guys off the street to come in and contribute, I think you’ll see Crawford take his game to the next level by leaps and bounds.

Bryan Broaddus: I really do like these young defensive linemen like Gardner, Coleman and Bishop but the guy that will get opportunity this summer to make plays is Martez Wilson. When you observe Wilson and the way that he rushes the passer, there is a knack for getting to the quarterback. These defensive coaches are putting him in position scheme wise on both the left and right side to show that. He plays with a burst and feel for how to defeat blockers despite having little experience of playing with his hand in the dirt. With the plan to attack these offensive schemes in waves, this plays right into his hands where he can get play 15 to 20 snaps a game and these coaches can get the most out of him as a rotational player. Any more than that, I believe it takes his effectiveness away.

 

[boozeman]

10) What Changes With Scott Linehan As Play-Caller?

Posted 2 hours ago



By DallasCowboys.com Report




IRVING, Texas – When the Cowboys report to training camp on July 22 in Oxnard, Calif., several questions will still need to be answered.

The staff writers at DallasCowboys.com – Rowan Kavner, David Helman, Nick Eatman and Bryan Broaddus – will attempt to answer these questions before the start of training camp. The questions will vary in importance, with the most pressing topics getting brought up in the days closest to camp.

Today, the staff answers what to expect with Scott Linehan in his first year as the Cowboys’ new offensive play-caller after moving from Detroit.






10) What changes with Scott Linehan as the play-caller?

Rowan Kavner: Don’t expect to see an entirely different offense, but there should be some nuances unique to Linehan, who knows what it’s like to have a star receiver. That should help out with Dez Bryant, who’s already talked about moving around more in formations. I think Linehan will vary looks for defenses, moving players into spots we haven’t seen them much before. That goes for receivers and running backs, who could end up lining up as receivers. That could help out Lance Dunbar, who should be able to thrive with Linehan. The play-caller did a good job last year of utilizing Joique Bell, Reggie Bush’s backup, who had talent and got to use it despite being behind the star. I expect the same for Dunbar. Linehan should find creative ways to get his playmakers more involved. There shouldn’t be games where Bryant gets only a couple targets, and the Cowboys need to do a better job sticking with what’s working.

David Helman: Probably not a lot, when you consider Linehan’s close relationship with Jason Garrett and their similarities in scheme. People love to harp on Linehan being pass-happy, but I think that’s more of a byproduct of him working with the league’s best receiver in Calvin Johnson and a quarterback with a rocket arm in Matt Stafford. I think Linehan knows how to get the ball to his most dangerous weapons, as evidenced by Johnson’s fantastic success during the past few years. Not to mention, in Linehan’s only year of working with Reggie Bush, the speedster logged a 1,000-yard rushing season and a 54-catch, 500-yard receiving season. My main expectation for Linehan is that he’s not going to lose sight of his top playmakers, as was often the case for Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray.

Nick Eatman: That’s a tricky question because obviously some change is needed, but not a whole lot. That’s why it was important to bring in someone who at least shares the philosophies of Garrett when it comes to the offense. The key will be finding ways to keep the same structure of the offense that these guys have learned over the years, but also finding ways to add wrinkles. As for specific changes, I do think you’ll see a lot of Lance Dunbar in the Reggie Bush role. I think you’ll see Dez Bryant not only in the slot more to open up ways to get him in the ball, but they’re going to find ways to keep Cole Beasley on the field, too. If Beasley and Dez can work the middle more, it should open up deep ball for Terrance Williams, Dez and perhaps Devin Street.




Bryan Broaddus: I don’t believe the personnel groups will change all that much from what we have seen from Jason Garrett and Bill Callahan in the past few years. I know it’s a small sample size from what we have been able to observe in these OTA and minicamp practices but it appears that Linehan is interested in creating more opportunities for players such as Dez Bryant not only on the outside but out of the slot as well. He likes to spread the defense out across the field then attack it in the middle. There are vertical routes on the outside but in combination with inside ones as well giving the quarterback a simple throw if things happen to be covered. He appears to be very interested in using these tight ends and running backs in flexed or receiving position. There will be times this season where you will see DeMarco Murray split wide as a receiver or in the slot and the ball going to him. Things that Garrett has talked about doing in the past, but now finally executing.

 

[Cotton]

Put Dez in motion more often. That will help a lot towards gaining him space and getting him open.

 

[Plan9Misfit]

10 more important questions:

1. When will Jerry Jones die?
2. Will it be soon?
3. Why not?
4. Can't that be remedied?
5. What the fuck do you mean by, "murder"?
6. Isn't it similar to putting your dog to sleep?
7. Why not?
8. Can't someone be hired to do this?
9. Discretely?
10. Why are you calling the police?

 

[jsmith6919]

10 more important questions:

1. When will Jerry Jones die?
2. Will it be soon?
3. Why not?
4. Can't that be remedied?
5. What the fuck do you mean by, "murder"?
6. Isn't it similar to putting your dog to sleep?
7. Why not?
8. Can't someone be hired to do this?
9. Discretely?
10. Why are you calling the police?

 

[Cotton]

10 more important questions:

1. When will Jerry Jones die?
2. Will it be soon?
3. Why not?
4. Can't that be remedied?
5. What the fuck do you mean by, "murder"?
6. Isn't it similar to putting your dog to sleep?
7. Why not?
8. Can't someone be hired to do this?
9. Discretely?
10. Why are you calling the police?

 

[boozeman]

 

[boozeman]

20 Questions: What Kind Of Difference Will Marinelli Make?

Posted 1 hour ago

When the Cowboys report to training camp next week in Oxnard, Calif., several questions will still need to be answered.

The staff writers at DallasCowboys.com – Rowan Kavner, David Helman, Nick Eatman and Bryan Broaddus – will attempt to answer these questions before the start of training camp. The questions will vary in importance, with the most pressing topics getting brought up in the days closest to camp.

Today, the staff wonders how new defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli will improve the defense.

4) How much of a difference can Rod Marinelli make?

Rowan Kavner: I think sometimes people place the world on his shoulders, and he can only do so much. They want Marinelli to work magic, but in the end, the players have to be good enough. So, to answer the question, he can make a big difference, but I don’t know if it’ll be big enough to vault this defense into top 15 territory. He could, however, help work the Cowboys away from being the worst defense in the league. Maybe a top 20 defense is good enough to pair with an offense that has the firepower and line to be among the better units in the league. But for every George Selvie that Marinelli’s helped out, there’s another defensive lineman with potential that came through the Cowboys’ organization one week and left the next. Marinelli has a knack for getting the best out of the talent he’s been given, and I’m sure every defensive unit will love playing for him, but I’d temper expectations rather than assume he can work wonders with a largely unproven group.

David Helman: He’s not going to turn the Cowboys into one of the league’s elite defenses, but I do expect to see some kind of improvement with Rod Marinelli overseeing the entire defense. Obviously, the counter argument is that anything is an improvement from last in the league. We saw what Marinelli was able to do with a collection of ragtags on the defensive line last year, and that stands to improve significantly if the majority of those guys can stay healthy in 2014. Aside from that, the rumblings about playing more man coverage should play to the strengths of this team’s defensive backs. Again, I don’t think the Cowboys’ secondary is going to be elite, but I do think Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne are going to be improved this time around. The realistic expectation for this group is a small jump – say, the low-to-mid 20s, rather than dead last – which could help them make a playoff run. I think that’s possible with Marinelli calling the shots.




Nick Eatman: It has to improve, right? Even without Ware, Hatcher and now Lee, you just don’t expect this defense to be the worst in the league again. And a lot of that thinking stems from Marinelli. Another year in the 4-3 scheme should be beneficial to the entire group and Marinelli’s structure and organization has to count for something. But let’s not forget this – every time the defense did good things (and yes, there were a few of those moments), Marinelli would get the credit as the guy who’s “really in charge.” But yet, when the defense tanked towards the end it all went back to Monte Kiffin. It can’t be both ways. If the defense is better, it means the staff has to be better, too and that starts with Marinelli.

Bryan Broaddus: If this Cowboys defense is going to improve, I believe it will be because Rod Marinelli took over from Monte Kiffin. Where Marinelli will be different in what we observed with Kiffin, is that he will play more to the strengths of the players on the field. The mistake that Kiffin made in my opinion was that he did not tailor the scheme to fit his players. Asking Brandon Carr to play as an off zone corner puts him in a terrible position. Having Barry Church play off the hash, in two deep does him no favors. Play Carr up tight and let him beat up on those receivers - that’s his strength. Church needs to be down in the box, making every single tackle. A coach’s job first and for most, is to put his players in the best possible position to succeed. Monte Kiffin was unable to make that work and from what I know about Rod Marinelli, he will not make that mistake.

 

[boozeman]

1) Is This The Year The Cowboys Get Off The 8-8 Train?

Posted 59 minutes ago


IRVING, Texas – When the Cowboys report to training camp on July 22 in Oxnard, Calif., several questions will still need to be answered.

The staff writers at DallasCowboys.com – Rowan Kavner, David Helman, Nick Eatman and Bryan Broaddus – will attempt to answer these questions before the start of training camp. The questions will vary in importance, with the most pressing topics getting brought up in the days closest to camp.

Today, the staff predicts how the 2014 season will go.

1) Is This The Year The Cowboys Get Off The 8-8 Train?

Rowan Kavner: They won’t go 8-8 for the fourth straight season. The only issue is, just looking at the starting roster and the tough schedule, I have a hard time predicting they finish on the better side of .500. On one hand, it’s hard to believe the defense getting any worse. But think about the team losing DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher and Sean Lee and look at the additions, and it’s difficult to see vast improvements, even with the promotion for Rod Marinelli. There just aren’t a ton of players on defense anyone can be completely sure of – whether it’s because they’re coming off injury or new to the league or had inconsistency issues – other than maybe Barry Church, but he’s only started one full season. The offense probably needs to be top five in the league, and that’s a lot to ask for a quarterback coming off back surgery, despite the much improved offensive line and a stud on the outside. The team has gotten younger, the depth should be significantly better and it’s headed the right way. I just wonder about many of the unclear starters, and it’s difficult to project the team going 8-8 or better.



David Helman: Yes, they will – but not in the way everyone’s hoping for. I think the Cowboys are heading in the right direction in terms of the talent and depth on their roster, but it’s not going to reflect in their record in 2014. The schedule looks brutal – especially the back half, which sees them travel to London, not to mention all three division road games in the last six weeks. The Cowboys travel to play in four cold-weather cities from Nov. 23 to the end of the season. The personnel isn’t up to snuff, not with Sean Lee missing for the entire season, the lack of a bonafide sack artist and uncertainty at safety. I can’t see the defense improving enough to make a sizable difference, and I don’t think the roster is deep enough to handle the injury issues that arise during a typical NFL campaign – and that doesn’t even include the injury rashes that have plagued the Cowboys the past two seasons. I think this is a six or seven-win team in 2014, with the makings for improvement in the seasons ahead.



Nick Eatman: I don’t see another 8-8. I’m not seeing the doom that everyone else seems to see with this team. I think back to last year’s defense and how bad it was. This team still was an interception away from winning the division. I think this offense will be a Top 5 offense and the defense will be closer to average. I don’t see a really good defense but I think it will hold its own at times. The offense should be even more balanced with a chance to be very dynamic. Of course, Tony Romo has to stay healthy but that’s the case with every team in the NFL. I see the Cowboys improving their record slightly, probably around 9-7. Who knows if that’ll be good enough to get them in the playoffs but it would’ve been for the last three years. So I think this team will be very competitive despite a tough-looking schedule and this offense will give them a chance to win every game.


Bryan Broaddus: In just looking at this on paper, it appears to me that this schedule does them absolutely no favors and with all those division games on the road in the final six weeks of the season with Chicago and Indianapolis in the mix as well, it just doesn’t play well. I am not a fan of the stretch of games that start in St. Louis and include games with New Orleans, Houston, Seattle, New York Giants and Arizona as well because they are all nightmares to have to deal with offensively. I like what this team has done on the scouting front with the talent they have added at certain positions to help with the depth. Where this season could very well hinge is on how well that Rod Marinelli and this defensive staff can get this defense up and running. If they can finish in the top half, then my fears are wrong and they will be better than I thought. But if they are once again in these games that are shoot-outs, then I believe there will be too many struggles to overcome. Let’s see how this plays out on the field and not on paper.

 

[L.T. Fan]

I will go with Eatman's prognostication.