Archer: Is Josh Brent near return to game action?

[Cotton]

Is Josh Brent near return to game action?
December, 2, 2014

By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com

IRVING, Texas -- Two years ago to the day Josh Brent played his last game, he could well make his 2014 debut on Thursday against the Chicago Bears.

Despite being eligible to play the past two games, Brent has been inactive. In the Cowboys’ 33-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving, they allowed 256 rushing yards. Brent, who is the biggest defensive tackle on the roster, is listed at 320 pounds and could be a help in solidifying the run defense.,

“Of course I want to get in there and help our team in any way, shape or form I can, but we also didn’t get to 8-4 by accident,” Brent said. “The guys that are in there do a hell of a job from week to week.

“Putting me in there is not going to deter people from running the ball or stop people’s game plan. Like I said, we’ve won eight games with the guys who are in there because they can get the job done. I think obviously, the coaching staff will continue doing what they’ve been doing to have the success we’ve been having.”

Brent’s last game came on Dec. 2, 2012 against the Philadelphia Eagles. He was credited with three tackles, one quarterback pressure and forced the first fumble of his career.

Six days later he was involved in a car accident that cost the life of teammate and best friend Jerry Brown. He was found guilty of intoxication manslaughter, spent time in jail and only returned to practice six weeks ago.

“It’s my livelihood,” Brent said. “Of course I miss it.”

 

[BipolarFuk]

Does it matter?

What? This guy gonna come in and be a Pat Williams run stopper clogging the middle?

No.

 

[ravidubey]

Does it matter?

What? This guy gonna come in and be a Pat Williams run stopper clogging the middle?

No.

If he's anywhere close to football shape, he's better than Nick Hayden.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

Does it matter?

What? This guy gonna come in and be a Pat Williams run stopper clogging the middle?

No.

Yes it matters. Our run defense has been shit and any improvement would be welcomed.

 

[boozeman]

If he's anywhere close to football shape, he's better than Nick Hayden.

Believe that if you want, but that is not a given.

If you are honest with yourself, you can look back when he was actually playing and in shape, he was not a lot better.

It is not like we are getting Leon Lett back after a couple of years off.

 

[Clay_Allison]

Believe that if you want, but that is not a given.

If you are honest with yourself, you can look back when he was actually playing and in shape, he was not a lot better.

It is not like we are getting Leon Lett back after a couple of years off.

Reminds me of how mad I used to be at Leon Lett for wasting hall of fame talent on being a stupid mf'er. I remember when that bastard looked unstoppable.

 

[DLK150]

Meh. He hasn't played a down in two years and is probably out of shape. He wasn't lighting the world on fire when he was playing and we have no idea how he will perform in our defensive scheme. Pardon me if I don't get too excited but at least he is another option on this "Throw shit at the wall and see what sticks" defense.

 

[L.T. Fan]

Meh. He hasn't played a down in two years and is probably out of shape. He wasn't lighting the world on fire when he was playing and we have no idea how he will perform in our defensive scheme. Pardon me if I don't get too excited but at least he is another option on this "Throw shit at the wall and see what sticks" defense.

While your response is perfectly logical, the current lineup leaves much to be desired so a flyer in the mix can't hurt. It could possibly help though. It's worth a shot just to see.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

If he's anywhere close to football shape, he's better than Nick Hayden.

Agree. No, he's not Jerome Brown, but he's pretty talented. For some reason people don't believe that.

 

[DLK150]

While your response is perfectly logical, the current lineup leaves much to be desired so a flyer in the mix can't hurt. It could possibly help though. It's worth a shot just to see.

Oh, I agree. I just question how effective he'll be in a new scheme with so little practice time after so long. I'll be happy as a pig in slop if he becomes a positive addition, just color me skeptical.

 

[p1_]

Believe that if you want, but that is not a given.

If you are honest with yourself, you can look back when he was actually playing and in shape, he was not a lot better.

It is not like we are getting Leon Lett back after a couple of years off.

Our standards have been appropriately lowered.

 

[UncleMilti]

Its like Disney World around here.

 

[ravidubey]

Reminds me of how mad I used to be at Leon Lett for wasting hall of fame talent on being a stupid mf'er. I remember when that bastard looked unstoppable.

Lett was unstoppable and basically carried the 1996 defense. His suspension flat out ended our playoff hopes.

I think we all understand Brent couldn't carry Lett's jockstrap and he'll probably never make a pro-bowl let alone the HOF. He can't penetrate and his stamina sucks.

But he's stout and hard to move. His lower body allows him to anchor which is a lot more than what we've had lately.

This defensive rotation gives him the best chance to succeed he's had maybe ever as a pro.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

It is not like we are getting Leon Lett back after a couple of years off.

So the only way you can get excited about a young player coming back is if he is the best in the NFL at his position?

 

[boozeman]

So the only way you can get excited about a young player coming back is if he is the best in the NFL at his position?

There is a desperate desire to pretend this guy was performing at a higher level than he was at. He wasn't even starting on a regular basis. But please, continue with the baseless optimism for a JAG.

 

[ravidubey]

There is a desperate desire to pretend this guy was performing at a higher level than he was at. He wasn't even starting on a regular basis. But please, continue with the baseless optimism for a JAG.

A JAG with a body type we lack and sorely need.

 

[boozeman]

A JAG with a body type we lack and sorely need.

We could have signed another fat guy like Ryan Pickett for cheap and had an experienced veteran.

But hey, hold on for the guy coming off a two year layoff who isn't even in football shape. He's got the "body type".

 

[ravidubey]

We could have signed another fat guy like Ryan Pickett for cheap and had an experienced veteran.

But hey, hold on for the guy coming off a two year layoff who isn't even in football shape. He's got the "body type".

When they went with McClain they were choosing youth over age, having been burned way too often, so I can understand them passing on Pickett. Pickett's ancient and oversized ass definitely exceeded my expectations this year, as in I'm stunned he's remained on the roster so long and is still playing.

McClain OTOH can't get on the field, and has disappeared since his good showing in the first Giants game.

I think Jerry in his deranged optimism thought Brent would have been back earlier and that he would be in far better shape. I know Brent and his youth is the reason he never even considered picking up another veteran. Ridiculous.

 

[Jiggyfly]

There is a desperate desire to pretend this guy was performing at a higher level than he was at. He wasn't even starting on a regular basis. But please, continue with the baseless optimism for a JAG.

Now you are just picking random things to discredit Brent, he did not start because he was behind a probowl player and when he did start he was above average.

Nobody is lauding him as a difference just hoping that if he returns to can defeat single blocks like a true 1 tech.