Stephen respects the benchings

[mcnuttz]

If we are going to be better than .500 we have to hold players accountable

The Cowboys have already replaced three players in the starting line up and now appear to be set to replace a fourth.

Ernie Sims announced on Thursday he would be replacing Bruce Carter at weak side linebacker against the Broncos Sunday It comes in the aftermath of Carter’s woeful performance against the Chargers last Sunday when he was benched in the second half.

Carter joins cornerback corner Morris Claiborne who was supplanted by Orlando Scandrick, Mackenzy Bernadeau who was replaced by Brian Waters and safety Will Allen who was replaced by J.J. Wilcox.

The struggles of Claiborne and Carter are true disappointments because they were first and second round picks, respectively who were considered cornerstone players for the future.

“Obviously, we respect what the coaches feel like they need to do to get the most out our players,” Stephen Jones said. “We respect the decision they have made who is going to start. We do need to have accountability if we are going to be a better than we have done in the past. We don’t want to be a .500 team and to lose a game like we did (against the Chargers) drops us back to the level again. We want to get going in a better direction than we have historically done. We have to have accountability from top to bottom.”

Clarence Hill

 

[mcnuttz]

Bruce Carter says he was 'all over the place' against Chargers, played bad technique and lost focus

Bruce Carter used plain language to describe his game against the Chargers last week.

“I would say it’s one of the worst games I’ve had since I was a Cowboy,” he said. “I just wasn’t focused. I didn’t come out with a lot of spark. That’s just something I have to learn from and move on.”

The third-year linebacker, who got burned for two touchdowns by running back Danny Woodhead, said it wasn’t a matter of having or not having confidence. He said it was about losing focus.

“I was just all over the place, and I kind of didn’t read my keys like I should have, and I didn’t zone in and focus,” he said.

He said he got frustrated covering a player as fast as Woodhead, but that he has to do a better job of “carrying” the receiver on his route.

“It was a zone coverage, but I just have to get my angle right coming out,” Carter said. “It’s more of a technique thing. It’s something that you just have to work in practice and just be focused in and be tuned into your man and have man eyes and be keyed in the whole time.”

After getting pulled last week and then splitting reps with backup Ernie Sims this week, Carter said he can read the writing on the wall about who will be starting on Sunday against Denver.

“It’s frustrating. I definitely want to play,” he said. “I don’t take nothing away from him. Ernie is my guy. I love him like a brother. I want to go out there just as much as he does, but if they feel like, I don’t know, it’s out of my hands. I’ll say that."

-- Carlos Mendez

 

[mcnuttz]

Ernie Sims says he is starting at weakside linebacker, ready to show what he can do

Ernie Sims said he is starting at weakside linebacker Sunday against the Broncos after splitting practice reps with Bruce Carter.

“On the board, they’ve got me starting,” Sims said. “You never know what happens, but I know one thing, I’m preparing as if I’m starting and playing the whole game. … The way I see it right now, I’m the starter, and I feel like I’m going to play the whole game, and I’m going to do good at it.”

Sims said he has been practicing at every linebacker spot this week.

“They’ve got me working wherever possible, because you never know what’s going to happen in a game,” he said. “Bruce can go down. Justin, he can go down. Sean could go down. You never know. So I’m really kind of on different sides.”

Asked if he is starting at strong or weak linebacker, Sims said, “Right now, they got me starting at Will.”

Sims had a groin injury that had slowed him, but he is ready to show what he can do after being signed off the street a year ago by the Cowboys. The time away without work in football sobered the former first-round pick.

“One thing I do know is that I’m going to be prepared like I don’t know what,” he said. “Through all my years of playing back in Detroit and my early years in the NFL, I didn’t prepare like this. I just relied on my God-given ability. But now I’m putting two and two together, and it’s really starting to show up.”

Sims had six tackles off the bench last week in San Diego.

-- Carlos Mendez

Read more here: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/cowboys/2013/10/ernie-sims-says-he-is-starting-at-weakside-linebacker-ready-to-show-what-he-can-do.html#storylink=cpy

 

[mcnuttz]

Jones disappointed in some young players

October, 4, 2013

DALLAS -- Before he was inducted into the Leadership Hall of Fame for the National Football Foundation, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Thursday night he was disappointed in some of his younger players.

Jones expected to see better play from linebacker Bruce Carter and cornerback Morris Claiborne. Each player struggled in last week's loss to the San Diego Chargers and Carter could lose his starting job to veteran Ernie Sims for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Claiborne isn't the starting cornerback, replaced by Orlando Scandrick, but he plays on passing downs and against three receiver sets.

Jones said he's confident both players will bounce back from poor performances but it's upsetting to see these recent draft picks struggle.

"I am disappointed," Jones said Thursday night. "They aren't playing better. I don’t think I'm as disappointed as they are individually."

In Claiborne, the Cowboys moved from No. 14 to No. 6 and gave up a second-round pick, to select Claiborne in the 2012 draft. In less than two seasons, Claiborne has one interception and nine pass breakups.

"I think the real way for me to say it is we would have (done the trade again) because of what we think of him and what we know of him," Jones said. "And those first, second and third-round picks that are good athletes, we think they would have played at a higher level. We don’t have anymore (excuses). But the big thing that I would want to say and I think they will step up their game and correct the kinds of things that are (wrong). There's one thing that you can't correct; a lack of speed or lack of athletic ability."

Carter, a 2011 second-round pick, moved into a starting role last season in the 3-4 defense, but in the new 4-3 scheme he's started 2013 well yet has struggled in pass coverage something that is supposed to be a strength. Carter, as well as Claiborne, have dealt with confidence issues.

Carter admitted he had a lack of focus in the Chargers game and he was benched for a portion of the second half for Sims.

"I actually thought Sims played pretty good when he came in the other day and he actually played better than Carter played," Jones said. "I look for Carter to rebound and play better and so I think that will happen. Probably in a game like were playing, where these linebackers are going to not only run but pass defend, we’re going to need both of those guys all day."

 

[mcnuttz]

Cowboys making switch at linebacker?

October, 3, 2013

IRVING, Texas -- Are the Dallas Cowboys making another change on their defense?

According to Ernie Sims, he has been the starting weakside linebacker in practice this week and expects to be the starter Sunday against the Denver Broncos.

Bruce Carter was benched in the second half of last week’s loss to the San Diego Chargersafter he was beaten by running back Danny Woodhead for a second touchdown. Carter has a foot injury, but he has practiced fully the last two days.

“On the board they’ve got me starting so like I said you never know what happens but I know one thing I’m preparing as if I’m starting and playing the whole game,” Sims said. “When my number is called I’m prepared and ready to go and make plays.”

Two weeks ago the Cowboys elevated rookie safety J.J. Wilcox to the starting lineup over veteran Will Allen. Orlando Scandrick has started at cornerback the past three games in part because of Morris Claiborne’s shoulder injury.

Carter has started the last 15 games he has played.

“It’s been frustrating,” said Carter, who is second on the team with 31 tackles to go with two sacks. “I ain’t gonna lie, but I’ve just got to play, so ...”

Sims said he has split time with Carter in practice, but he has taken the first snaps with the top defense. Sims replaced Carter last week against San Diego after missing the previous two games with a groin injury.

Strongside linebacker Justin Durant has missed the past two days of practice with a groin injury.

“I’ve still got a lot to prove,” Sims said. “I’m just eager to compete. Peyton Manning is great player. I was there in Indianapolis with him for one year. I didn’t get a chance to play with him but he was on the team or whatnot and I just got to see a small fraction of what type of guy he is and what type of player he is. I’m just excited. It’s a big challenge for me and for this team and as a competitor this type of game you live for. I’m ready. I’m excited.”

 

[1bigfan13]

Wow.

Nice to see a Jones actually preach accountability instead of pump sunshine.

The only thing that bothers me is the last sentence of his comment. "We have to have accountability from top to bottom."

If there were some accountability at the top for all these bad personnel decisions this franchise would be a lot better off.

 

[1bigfan13]

I do like the fact that Sims is getting the start over Carter.

At this point I think he's better in coverage and route recognition than Carter.

Carter just needs more reps and experience. I know that sounds like SP's defense of Claiborne but the difference is Carter has actually been in pretty good position to contest passes, he just lacks ball awareness. Claiborne is lost all together and is usually beaten by several yards by his man.

 

[UncleMilti]

Wow.

Nice to see a Jones actually preach accountability instead of pump sunshine.

The only thing that bothers me is the last sentence of his comment. "We have to have accountability from top to bottom."

If there were some accountability at the top for all these bad personnel decisions this franchise would be a lot better off.

Actually, its a refreshing thing going on here. At least SOMETHING is being done about poor play and that's a positive.

But just as quickly, Jones looks idiotic for throwing out the accountability blurb as everyone knows the GM position has none.

I'll take anything at this point though.

 

[mcnuttz]

Easy guys, it has to start somewhere.

 

[1bigfan13]

Also, reading Sims' comments about his excitement about playing against Manning is another reason why I'm leaning towards the Cowboys in Sunday's game.

On Sunday I said our guys will be a lot more focused and amped to play this week based on who is coming to town. An all-timer in Peyton Manning.

And all week long the players have made comments to that effect. They're excited and eagerly anticipating this challenge.

Last week against the Chargers I think part of the problem was that our guys went through the motions because they saw the Chargers as a ho-hum opponent with no real star power or elite playmakers. There was no media buzz surrounding the game or the Chargers and we don't have a guy on the roster or coaching staff who can energize the team; therefore we got the lethargic performance that we saw on Sunday.

I still believe Sunday's game will be close. As I said, I'm leaning towards a Cowboys victory but if we lose I doubt it will be by more than 8 points. A one possession loss.

 

[Texas Ace]

Last week against the Chargers I think part of the problem was that our guys went through the motions because they saw the Chargers as a ho-hum opponent with no real star power or elite playmakers.

I don't believe that.

I know I've been like a broken record with this theme as of late, but I just don't buy all of the theories behind the Cowboys these days. I don't believe the theory that they lose to bad teams but get up and beat the good teams.

I don't believe that they overlook opponents just because they are coming off a victory. Don't get me wrong, I think these were things that were true about this team before, but not anymore.

I believe that what you see from these Cowboys nowadays is a product of one simple explanation - they are a bad team. That's it......they're simply a bad team and that's why you still see the negative trends they've been known for but none of the positives.

They didn't lose to San Diego because they overlooked them, they lost to the Chargers because they're a bad team and will continue to be one for the foreseeable future.

 

[Hawkeye19]

I don't believe that.

I know I've been like a broken record with this theme as of late, but I just don't buy all of the theories behind the Cowboys these days. I don't believe the theory that they lose to bad teams but get up and beat the good teams.

I don't believe that they overlook opponents just because they are coming off a victory. Don't get me wrong, I think these were things that were true about this team before, but not anymore.

I believe that what you see from these Cowboys nowadays is a product of one simple explanation - they are a bad team. That's it......they're simply a bad team and that's why you still see the negative trends they've been known for but none of the positives.

They didn't lose to San Diego because they overlooked them, they lost to the Chargers because they're a bad team and will continue to be one for the foreseeable future.

They aren't a "bad" team-- they are a mediocre team. Good enough to play great at times, bad enough to look atrocious at times.

Still-- I like Dallas's chances more against after a bad team L than had we won in SD. This team bounces back from abject failure better than it handles success. Therefore-- I actually believe we'll see good effort, energy, focus, and team hunger on Sunday. Will it be enough to beat Manning? I dunno-- but they have a chance to make a statement here and get things back on the right track.

 

[mcnuttz]

They're not a bad team.

They buy into the hype that P.T. Barnum spews.

You can't really blame them, as leadership starts at the top.

 

[Angrymesscan]

Also, reading Sims' comments about his excitement about playing against Manning is another reason why I'm leaning towards the Cowboys in Sunday's game.

On Sunday I said our guys will be a lot more focused and amped to play this week based on who is coming to town. An all-timer in Peyton Manning.

And all week long the players have made comments to that effect. They're excited and eagerly anticipating this challenge.

I'd be super pumped/amped/excited/etc. to play a tennis match against Nadal, that doesn't mean he's not going to wipe the court with me. Peyton is just playing at another level right now, we need an A+ game from our guys and a D- game from Peyton to have a shot, and Peyton doesn't have many of those...

 

[Texas Ace]

I'd be super pumped/amped/excited/etc. to play a tennis match against Nadal, that doesn't mean he's not going to wipe the court with me. Peyton is just playing at another level right now, we need an A+ game from our guys and a D- game from Peyton to have a shot, and Peyton doesn't have many of those...

Yea, and we don't have many A+ games either.

 

[1bigfan13]

As much as you guys don't want to admit it teams do get up and play harder versus certain opponents. That's an absolute fact not a 1Bigfan opinion.

That's why it's so hard to repeat in sports.

The Miami Heat don't win every game by 15 points because teams gear up to play them. They get some blow outs but there are plenty of WGAS teams like the Bucks and Raptors who will hang with them for all 4 quarters because they're geared up to play against the game's best.

 

[1bigfan13]

They aren't a "bad" team-- they are a mediocre team. Good enough to play great at times, bad enough to look atrocious at times.

Still-- I like Dallas's chances more against after a bad team L than had we won in SD. This team bounces back from abject failure better than it handles success. Therefore-- I actually believe we'll see good effort, energy, focus, and team hunger on Sunday. Will it be enough to beat Manning? I dunno-- but they have a chance to make a statement here and get things back on the right track.

This is my point. I'm not saying the Cowboys are a great team that plays down to competition because they're not. The Cowboys are mediocre as yuo mentioned.

They're a mediocre team that is capable of pulling off an upset against a top team. Particularly when they are at home and coming off a poor performance.

I think the conditions are right for an upset. And I know I sound crazy but my motto with Garrett's Cowboys is 'Consistently inconsistent'.

I can see them beating Denver Sunday then following that up with a poor performance the following week. That's just who they are.

 

[Texas Ace]

As much as you guys don't want to admit it teams do get up and play harder versus certain opponents. That's an absolute fact not a 1Bigfan opinion.

That's why it's so hard to repeat in sports.

The Miami Heat don't win every game by 15 points because teams gear up to play them. They get some blow outs but there are plenty of WGAS teams like the Bucks and Raptors who will hang with them for all 4 quarters because they're geared up to play against the game's best.

I don't doubt that we'll be pumped and focused for this game, I just don't buy that we lost to San Diego due to a lack of motivation or overlooking them.

 

[1bigfan13]

I don't doubt that we'll be pumped and focused for this game, I just don't buy that we lost to San Diego due to a lack of motivation or overlooking them.

I didn't mean to imply those were the only reasons we lost that game but I think they factored into the loss.

I think the biggest reason we lost is because we were out-coached. The game plan sucked on each side of the ball. And the coaches weren't interested in making in-game adjustments to counter what the Chargers were doing.

 

[Texas Ace]

I didn't mean to imply those were the only reasons we lost that game but I think they factored into the loss.

I think the biggest reason we lost is because we were out-coached. The game plan sucked on each side of the ball. And the coaches weren't interested in making in-game adjustments to counter what the Chargers were doing.

Agreed, and I don't see how the coaches are going to be smarter this week against a far superior opponent.

They better hope the players all bring their A game, or this one will be over by halftime.