- Joined
- Apr 7, 2013
- Messages
- 120,442
Sturm: Why it could be NFC East champ or bust for the Cowboys
By Bob Sturm
5:54 pm on November 12, 2014
The Ticket's Bob Sturm answered questions in a chat Wednesday. Here are some
highlights.
Question: Cowboys writer David Helman wrote a column about the Eagles a day
ago. I find this very disturbing as that game is nearly three weeks away. I
hope Helman is the only one looking past the Giants. As a writer do you
think that was a good idea?
Bob Sturm: I don't think writers have any impact on actual football
outcomes. I also think it is reasonable to write about the Eagles since they
are a big story and your biggest divisional rival. So, while i am not
writing about the Eagles anytime soon, I think David or whoever are free to
do that without causing any problems for the Cowboys. They are just
articles.
Question: Depth at the Dline and linebacker is good to have, but don't you
need guys who can play a full game themselves when you are up against no
huddle offenses like the Eagles? Those teams will not allow defenses like
the Cowboys' to rotate players. Your thoughts?
Bob Sturm: That is a very good point. The whole premise of the no-huddle is
to keep the same 11 on the field. You may have to rotate by series rather
than by down and that could hurt your situation. So, yes, you would prefer
to have 11 full-time players who were all up to standard, but that likely
isn't too realistic.
Question: If the Cowboys can't catch Philly in the East, they are going to
be challenged to win a wild card spot - the Packers are 6-3, a half game
back and playing great football and the Niners are 1.5 back but have a
head-to-head win vs Dallas. There is not much room for error.
Bob Sturm: I agree. The wildcard mix is going to be complicated. Especially
if Seattle gets going, too. So, you have 4 teams - 2nd and 3rd in the west,
2nd in the north, and 2nd in the east that all could be in that 10 win
range. I am not confident which of those would survive, but the top-heavy
NFC is going to cost somebody.
Question: Done in Dallas? Bruce Carter
Bob Sturm: It doesn't look great. However, I would imagine there is still
plenty of time and the market will decide this. It is possible that on a
short, smaller deal, he could return. But, the days of thinking he would
need 4yr/$20m or something big seem to all be over.
Question: Would you agree Anthony Hitchens has outplayed Ryan Shazier
through week 10 2014? Regardless what more does Hitchens need to do to be a
regular for the rest of the season, especially with so many lb injuries this
yr?
Bob Sturm: Shazier was hurt and missed over a month, so I am not going to
suggest that he is a major bust or that Hitchens who has only played a few
games himself has been better. But, from an expectation standpoint, Hitchens
has absolutely exceeded those. I love him grasp of the position, his
versatility, and his physical play. He is not a dreaded "finesse
linebacker".
Question: The league seems determined to expand to the UK. Why not a team in
Canada or Mexico first?
Bob Sturm: Fair question. I think Toronto will happen quickly, but beyond
that, it might not be the market size that the NFL seeks up north. Mexico is
appealing for all sorts of reasons and should not be considered impossible,
either. But, London and Europe seem to be a major focal point in this
generation. I have no idea what the next 25 years will hold for the NFL, but
world domination is likely somewhere on their list.
Question: Admit it, you will miss me when I am gone. Seriously, don't you
think my stock is going up as a GM? This last draft is not so shabby. Jerrah
Bob Sturm: I have no way to quantify the Jerry Jones stock price since he
will never be fired nor will he ever be up for another job anywhere. Is the
personnel office doing better? Sure. Is the job done - even close? No. They
have so many contract issues to work through and 7-3 is not accomplishing
anything in the big picture. I think personnel improvements for me go mostly
to Will McClay, Jason Garrett, and Stephen Jones, but I suppose Jerry has
had a role. If nothing else, he is at least sharing phone calls with Adrian
Peterson and fighting valiantly for Johnny Manziel.
Question: will Hitchens be a start next year? Likely to have Lee, Durant,
and McClain back.
Bob Sturm: Quite likely. McClain Carter and Durant are all UFA. You will
most likely sign McClain and otherwise, they will have to be very careful
how much money they spend in that department.
Question: Do you support no salary cap in the NFL?
Bob Sturm: No, I like my sports with salary caps. I like competitive balance
and I like teams rewarded for personnel acumen - not absurd money
advantages. They can improve the system, but in general, I like it.
Question: Watching Sanchez play for Eagles the other night I felt like he
was a quicker, better decision maker than Foles in that offense. I'm more
afraid of Eagles now with him at QB. Am I insane based on his history?
Bob Sturm: No, that is not insane. But, I loved Sanchez at USC and I didn't
think much of Foles at Arizona. So, from a pure prospect standpoint, I think
Sanchez was better in college and both have been so/so in the pros. But, I
know people point to 27/2 for Foles in 2013 and say he was superior. I don't
agree and I think he is pretty mediocre overall.
Question: If you could go back in time and change any draft pick for the
Cowboys in the last five years, who would you have picked?
Bob Sturm: In 2010, they took Dez. In 2011, Tyron over JJ Watt. In 2012,
Claiborne over Fletcher Cox. In 2013, Frederick over the chance to get
Sharrif Floyd, and 2014, Martin over Calvin Pryor. So, at this moment in
time, I would say that the biggest mistake would be Claiborne over Cox.
Would love to see how that would have changed history.
Question: I grew up a Cowboys' fan and very few people enjoyed it like I
did. However, after many years of mediocrity has driven me away from the
Cowboys. I still watch the sport, but have become more interested in the
other 3 sports more because it's fun to watch. I try getting back to the
Cowboys, but it's not the same. Are you finding more people like me over the
past few years?
Bob Sturm: Sure. But, I assume that is somewhat results oriented. Since the
Cowboys last won a title, the Stars and Mavs have both been to the Finals
twice and won a world title, and the Rangers have been to the World Series
twice. A super bowl in this generation would be insane for this city.
Question: Why are the Cowboy's so historically bad at executing the screen
pass? I've seen improvement this year, mainly due to the line and their
quickness, I believe. I love the 2nd and 3rd level blocks put out by Z.
Bob Sturm: I think you hit on it right there. You need the proper athletes
on your OL to have any ability on the screens. You also need a RB who has
the timing. They finally have the combo and I plan on writing this up next
week.
Question: Bob, say they sign McClain next year, who do you put at the mike,
him or Lee?
Bob Sturm: I experiment. But the Mike and Will in this defense are not that
different. They really aren't. Some differences, that might encourage me to
roll with 55 at Mike and 52 at Will, but I am open to try things at camp.
Question: Prioritize the following defensive players in terms of the most
important to keep: R. McClain, Melton, Durant, Carter, Spencer, Hayden and
Moore?
Bob Sturm: McClain - Melton - Durant, the rest are not worth getting carried
away with.
Question: Doesn't it seem like Cowboys are just playing chicken with
disaster by not giving backup RBs more carries, and not just at end of
games? It's easy to say Demarco is too good to take out... but how do you
know if you don't roll a few series at a time with Randall or Dunbar?
Bob Sturm: Murray has durability issues for sure and they might be playing
with fire, but you have to look at him play and ask if you can see signs of
decline due to workload. I honestly have not seen any at this point. He
looks fresh and violent when running the ball.
Question: Bob, the NFC is top-loaded, making this 6-game stretch so crucial.
Do the 'Boys nee to go 4-2 in order to see the postseason light?
Bob Sturm: 4-2 gets you in for sure. 3-3 makes it tough to know for sure.
4-2 also might win the division. Philadelphia has Green Bay, Seattle, and 2
with Dallas ahead. I think the Cowboys have a much easier road.
Question: Bob, if Murray, Lynch and Peterson are all on the market this
offseason, who gets the biggest contract and which player do you prefer?
Bob Sturm: Honestly, coming off this year and considering ages and so forth,
I think the answer to that might actually be DeMarco Murray. Crazy as it
seems to say that even 3 months ago. What a year.
By Bob Sturm
5:54 pm on November 12, 2014
The Ticket's Bob Sturm answered questions in a chat Wednesday. Here are some
highlights.
Question: Cowboys writer David Helman wrote a column about the Eagles a day
ago. I find this very disturbing as that game is nearly three weeks away. I
hope Helman is the only one looking past the Giants. As a writer do you
think that was a good idea?
Bob Sturm: I don't think writers have any impact on actual football
outcomes. I also think it is reasonable to write about the Eagles since they
are a big story and your biggest divisional rival. So, while i am not
writing about the Eagles anytime soon, I think David or whoever are free to
do that without causing any problems for the Cowboys. They are just
articles.
Question: Depth at the Dline and linebacker is good to have, but don't you
need guys who can play a full game themselves when you are up against no
huddle offenses like the Eagles? Those teams will not allow defenses like
the Cowboys' to rotate players. Your thoughts?
Bob Sturm: That is a very good point. The whole premise of the no-huddle is
to keep the same 11 on the field. You may have to rotate by series rather
than by down and that could hurt your situation. So, yes, you would prefer
to have 11 full-time players who were all up to standard, but that likely
isn't too realistic.
Question: If the Cowboys can't catch Philly in the East, they are going to
be challenged to win a wild card spot - the Packers are 6-3, a half game
back and playing great football and the Niners are 1.5 back but have a
head-to-head win vs Dallas. There is not much room for error.
Bob Sturm: I agree. The wildcard mix is going to be complicated. Especially
if Seattle gets going, too. So, you have 4 teams - 2nd and 3rd in the west,
2nd in the north, and 2nd in the east that all could be in that 10 win
range. I am not confident which of those would survive, but the top-heavy
NFC is going to cost somebody.
Question: Done in Dallas? Bruce Carter
Bob Sturm: It doesn't look great. However, I would imagine there is still
plenty of time and the market will decide this. It is possible that on a
short, smaller deal, he could return. But, the days of thinking he would
need 4yr/$20m or something big seem to all be over.
Question: Would you agree Anthony Hitchens has outplayed Ryan Shazier
through week 10 2014? Regardless what more does Hitchens need to do to be a
regular for the rest of the season, especially with so many lb injuries this
yr?
Bob Sturm: Shazier was hurt and missed over a month, so I am not going to
suggest that he is a major bust or that Hitchens who has only played a few
games himself has been better. But, from an expectation standpoint, Hitchens
has absolutely exceeded those. I love him grasp of the position, his
versatility, and his physical play. He is not a dreaded "finesse
linebacker".
Question: The league seems determined to expand to the UK. Why not a team in
Canada or Mexico first?
Bob Sturm: Fair question. I think Toronto will happen quickly, but beyond
that, it might not be the market size that the NFL seeks up north. Mexico is
appealing for all sorts of reasons and should not be considered impossible,
either. But, London and Europe seem to be a major focal point in this
generation. I have no idea what the next 25 years will hold for the NFL, but
world domination is likely somewhere on their list.
Question: Admit it, you will miss me when I am gone. Seriously, don't you
think my stock is going up as a GM? This last draft is not so shabby. Jerrah
Bob Sturm: I have no way to quantify the Jerry Jones stock price since he
will never be fired nor will he ever be up for another job anywhere. Is the
personnel office doing better? Sure. Is the job done - even close? No. They
have so many contract issues to work through and 7-3 is not accomplishing
anything in the big picture. I think personnel improvements for me go mostly
to Will McClay, Jason Garrett, and Stephen Jones, but I suppose Jerry has
had a role. If nothing else, he is at least sharing phone calls with Adrian
Peterson and fighting valiantly for Johnny Manziel.
Question: will Hitchens be a start next year? Likely to have Lee, Durant,
and McClain back.
Bob Sturm: Quite likely. McClain Carter and Durant are all UFA. You will
most likely sign McClain and otherwise, they will have to be very careful
how much money they spend in that department.
Question: Do you support no salary cap in the NFL?
Bob Sturm: No, I like my sports with salary caps. I like competitive balance
and I like teams rewarded for personnel acumen - not absurd money
advantages. They can improve the system, but in general, I like it.
Question: Watching Sanchez play for Eagles the other night I felt like he
was a quicker, better decision maker than Foles in that offense. I'm more
afraid of Eagles now with him at QB. Am I insane based on his history?
Bob Sturm: No, that is not insane. But, I loved Sanchez at USC and I didn't
think much of Foles at Arizona. So, from a pure prospect standpoint, I think
Sanchez was better in college and both have been so/so in the pros. But, I
know people point to 27/2 for Foles in 2013 and say he was superior. I don't
agree and I think he is pretty mediocre overall.
Question: If you could go back in time and change any draft pick for the
Cowboys in the last five years, who would you have picked?
Bob Sturm: In 2010, they took Dez. In 2011, Tyron over JJ Watt. In 2012,
Claiborne over Fletcher Cox. In 2013, Frederick over the chance to get
Sharrif Floyd, and 2014, Martin over Calvin Pryor. So, at this moment in
time, I would say that the biggest mistake would be Claiborne over Cox.
Would love to see how that would have changed history.
Question: I grew up a Cowboys' fan and very few people enjoyed it like I
did. However, after many years of mediocrity has driven me away from the
Cowboys. I still watch the sport, but have become more interested in the
other 3 sports more because it's fun to watch. I try getting back to the
Cowboys, but it's not the same. Are you finding more people like me over the
past few years?
Bob Sturm: Sure. But, I assume that is somewhat results oriented. Since the
Cowboys last won a title, the Stars and Mavs have both been to the Finals
twice and won a world title, and the Rangers have been to the World Series
twice. A super bowl in this generation would be insane for this city.
Question: Why are the Cowboy's so historically bad at executing the screen
pass? I've seen improvement this year, mainly due to the line and their
quickness, I believe. I love the 2nd and 3rd level blocks put out by Z.
Bob Sturm: I think you hit on it right there. You need the proper athletes
on your OL to have any ability on the screens. You also need a RB who has
the timing. They finally have the combo and I plan on writing this up next
week.
Question: Bob, say they sign McClain next year, who do you put at the mike,
him or Lee?
Bob Sturm: I experiment. But the Mike and Will in this defense are not that
different. They really aren't. Some differences, that might encourage me to
roll with 55 at Mike and 52 at Will, but I am open to try things at camp.
Question: Prioritize the following defensive players in terms of the most
important to keep: R. McClain, Melton, Durant, Carter, Spencer, Hayden and
Moore?
Bob Sturm: McClain - Melton - Durant, the rest are not worth getting carried
away with.
Question: Doesn't it seem like Cowboys are just playing chicken with
disaster by not giving backup RBs more carries, and not just at end of
games? It's easy to say Demarco is too good to take out... but how do you
know if you don't roll a few series at a time with Randall or Dunbar?
Bob Sturm: Murray has durability issues for sure and they might be playing
with fire, but you have to look at him play and ask if you can see signs of
decline due to workload. I honestly have not seen any at this point. He
looks fresh and violent when running the ball.
Question: Bob, the NFC is top-loaded, making this 6-game stretch so crucial.
Do the 'Boys nee to go 4-2 in order to see the postseason light?
Bob Sturm: 4-2 gets you in for sure. 3-3 makes it tough to know for sure.
4-2 also might win the division. Philadelphia has Green Bay, Seattle, and 2
with Dallas ahead. I think the Cowboys have a much easier road.
Question: Bob, if Murray, Lynch and Peterson are all on the market this
offseason, who gets the biggest contract and which player do you prefer?
Bob Sturm: Honestly, coming off this year and considering ages and so forth,
I think the answer to that might actually be DeMarco Murray. Crazy as it
seems to say that even 3 months ago. What a year.
