Well, college football starts this weekend and I am already salivating just thinking about it. During the football season, I love getting up and watching Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit on College Game Day and then watching the big game(s) of the day. The weather is usually starting to get a bit cooler and there is a certain crispness in the air...like Mother Nature herself is giddy with anticipation of the day's game(s). Even though I love where I live, I do miss the college town feel on game day...the smells, the sounds, the tailgating, the fans, the bands, the anticipation of the game and, of course, the game itself. There really is nothing like the atmosphere of major college football, period.
The past two years, Ohio State has lost in the BCS title game to a more superior SEC team (lost to Florida in 2007 and LSWho? in 2008). Maybe this is the year the Buckeyes can break that trend however the AP thinks the trend will continue as they predict an SEC team, Georgia, will reign supreme over the college football landscape and beat Ohio St. for the championship (Sports Illustrated also agrees with this).
As I've said before, one of the things I generally do is keep my Sports Illustrated issues which detail preseason rankings and for casted results for college football/basketball and pro football/basketball/baseball/hockey. It really is funny, sometimes, to go back and look to see where teams, which had preseason hype, ended up at the end of their respective season. Very few teams end the season where they started out (last season, 7 teams lost when they were ranked #2).
While Georgia is a quintessential SEC team that has loads of talent, speed and strength, I'm a bit hesitant to say they will roll through the SEC undefeated, win the SEC championship and then the BCS title game...that's a pretty tall order. I know LSU didn't escape undefeated last year when they won the national championship but I really do think in order for Georgia end the season #1, they will have to. Oh, and Georgia's road schedule is downright brutal with games at South Carolina, LSU and Auburn (plus the date with Florida). However, Georgia and Florida are the two SEC teams poised to play on January 8, 2009 so whoever wins the Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party will have a leg up on the other to play in the national championship game.
One of my friends, Ryan Singleton (probably the only consistent reader of this, besides my wife), suggested a while back to post the preseason AP poll and then, after the season ends, place the final rankings next to the preseason for comparison. Here are the initial AP rankings for the 2008 season with #1 votes in ():
AP Top 25
1. Georgia (22)
2. Ohio State (21)
3. USC (12)
4. Oklahoma (4)
5. Florida (6)
6. Missouri
7. LSU
8. West Virginia
9. Clemson
10. Auburn
11. Texas
12. Texas Tech
13. Wisconsin
14. Kansas
15. Arizona State
16. Brigham Young
17. Virginia Tech
18. Tennessee
19. South Florida
20. Illinois
21. Oregon
22. Penn State
23. Wake Forest
24. Alabama
25. Pittsburgh
We'll see if Georgia can remain among the elite in college football and if they can do what few other teams have done...go wire to wire through the season ranked #1. I have some doubts weather they can as the SEC has proven year after year to be the ultimate gauntlet. I do predict that if Georgia falters, another SEC team will be there to pick up the ball and run all the way to the national championship game.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
The Govenor's Cup Is In It's Rightful Place...In Dallas
Well, Dallas retained the Governor's Cup tonight beating Houston 23-22. And even though the game got interesting late with Houston failing on a 2 point conversion that would have put them in front 24-23, the offensive starters for the Cowboys really put on a show in the 1st half. Romo and company played for the entire 1st half and other than a bad decision by Romo, which turned into an interception in the end zone, the offense looked like a well oiled machine. Romo completed 15 of 19 passes for 166 yards and a TD on the night, TO Owens had 4 receptions for 43 yards and Marion Barber rushed 13 times for 75 yards and a TD. I love watching Barber run. Every time he runs it looks like he's looking to dish punishment on some unsuspecting defensive back. It was good to see the starting offense get back to the form they displayed mid season last year.
The defense wasn't smothering tonight but they did what they had to do to win. Dallas was turnover prone (1 interception and 2 fumbles; the Texans had no turnovers) but the defense held Houston to 2 field goals after the Texans recovered the fumbles. The backups however have a lot of work to do as they seemed to let Shaub/Rosenfels move the ball pretty easily up and down the field. I thought Dallas was pretty deep, especially on defense, but that depth may be questionable at best right now.
The special teams, again, looked bad...especially on kickoff coverage. I don't know what they're going to do to get that fixed but they better address it in short order because the season opener is just around the corner. I think they should go get Joe Avazanno out of retirement and bring him back to coach the special teams again like he did in the mid 90's...Bruce Read doesn't look like he's doing much to fix the special teams miscues.
All in all, Dallas pounded Houston when their starters were in which is what I (and probably ever other Cowboys fan) wanted to see. They still have a little ways to go before the season starts but tonight was probably the last time we will see Romo/Owens before the season starts. Next Thursday, Dallas wraps up the preseason against Minnesota and I would imagine we will get to see a pretty heavy dose of Brad Johnson and Richard Bartel at QB as the final preseason NFL game is about the most useless game in all of professional sports. But maybe one of these "bubble" players will stand out and make enough of an impression to make the team. I'm rooting for Amendola and Keon Lattimore to make the team but we'll see what kind of needs the Cowboys have on cut down day.
The defense wasn't smothering tonight but they did what they had to do to win. Dallas was turnover prone (1 interception and 2 fumbles; the Texans had no turnovers) but the defense held Houston to 2 field goals after the Texans recovered the fumbles. The backups however have a lot of work to do as they seemed to let Shaub/Rosenfels move the ball pretty easily up and down the field. I thought Dallas was pretty deep, especially on defense, but that depth may be questionable at best right now.
The special teams, again, looked bad...especially on kickoff coverage. I don't know what they're going to do to get that fixed but they better address it in short order because the season opener is just around the corner. I think they should go get Joe Avazanno out of retirement and bring him back to coach the special teams again like he did in the mid 90's...Bruce Read doesn't look like he's doing much to fix the special teams miscues.
All in all, Dallas pounded Houston when their starters were in which is what I (and probably ever other Cowboys fan) wanted to see. They still have a little ways to go before the season starts but tonight was probably the last time we will see Romo/Owens before the season starts. Next Thursday, Dallas wraps up the preseason against Minnesota and I would imagine we will get to see a pretty heavy dose of Brad Johnson and Richard Bartel at QB as the final preseason NFL game is about the most useless game in all of professional sports. But maybe one of these "bubble" players will stand out and make enough of an impression to make the team. I'm rooting for Amendola and Keon Lattimore to make the team but we'll see what kind of needs the Cowboys have on cut down day.
Boom Goes The Dynamite!
I recently heard that this guy is now a part of the new team at a Waco channel, but not doing sports…just general news. Funny, I would have thought all he had to do was send the clip below to ESPN and they would have snapped him up in a heartbeat for one of their SportsCenter anchors…
Now that is a classic.
Now that is a classic.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Anquan Boldin Anyone?
So, it’s come down that the relationship between star WR Anquan Boldin and the Cardinals has deteriorated to the point that the player and the head coach (Ken Whisenhunt) are not even on speaking terms these days. Boldin wants his contract renewed and the Cardinals don’t seem too interested in that. Boldin has three years left on the four-year, $22.75 million extension he signed after the 2005 season that keeps him under contract through 2010. He's making an average of $4 million a year. By the way, can anyone guess who Anquan Boldin’s agent is? You guessed it…Drew “Next Question” Rosenhaus, who is TO Owens agent as well. At this point, Boldin has formally requested that he be traded to another team. Now, who just might be interested in one of the NFL’s top receivers? Who might have, not only the cash, but additional draft picks AND space available for this? I would offer up Los Vaqueros.
It was rumored that Jerry was trying to trade for Boldin around draft time this year but either the asking price was too high then and/or neither team’s interest in trading/acquiring the player was that high. Plus at that time, the Cowboys were still counting on having Terry Glenn on the roster but have since rethought that and released Glenn because of his gimpy knee. Add to that the fact that Miles Austin, who was making big strides in training camp, sprained his knee in Saturday’s game against the Broncos and the Cowboys WR depth is dangerously weak. If TO Owens were to go down with an injury, this team would go from a Super Bowl contender to just a pretty good team instantly. So, if there is an opportunity to add another WR, especially one that is a star like Boldin is, I would think Jerry would be all over that.
Boldin is worth trading for…for the right price, obviously. He reached 400 career receptions faster than any other player, doing it in 67 games. In five seasons, Boldin has 413 receptions for 5,458 yards and 29 touchdowns. If he were to become a Cowboy and play opposite TO Owens, Dallas would, arguably, have the top WR combo in the NFC, if not NFL. I’m salivating right now just thinking about that possibility. Think about this offense: Romo, TO Owens, Anquan Boldin, Patrick Crayton, Jason Witten, Marion Barber, Felix Jones…and throw in capable WR backups in Sam Hurd and Miles Austin (when he heals from his knee sprain). That is the makings for a juggernaut offense. And because of the little depth right now at the WR position, I’m sure Dallas is right in the middle of trade talks for Boldin. However, I would be naïve to think that they are the only one’s that are in the mix for him. Filthadelphia also needs a stud WR, for McNabb, so I’m sure they are involved in this too.
I’m not totally sure what the Cardinals are asking for though. Certainly they would want multiple draft picks (probably a 1st round, 3rd and/or 4th rd pick) and might even want a good, young player as well. Dallas has the picks to offer up…it’s just a matter of if Arizona wants a player and if they do, who? If they were to offer up the picks plus, say Tashard Choice, I would do that deal in a heartbeat as Dallas still has Alonzo Coleman to be the 3rd RB behind Felix Jones.
If the Cowboys don’t end up landing Boldin, then the NY Football Giants have a plethora of solid WRs, a few of which they will have to cut. After watching what Dominek Hixon did to the Browns on Monday night, I would pluck him up if the Giants cut him…or even Sinorice Moss. The Giants can’t keep them all. It’s going to be interesting to see how all this goes down though. The bottom line is that the Cowboys really do need to add another WR to their roster…hopefully, it will be Boldin.
It was rumored that Jerry was trying to trade for Boldin around draft time this year but either the asking price was too high then and/or neither team’s interest in trading/acquiring the player was that high. Plus at that time, the Cowboys were still counting on having Terry Glenn on the roster but have since rethought that and released Glenn because of his gimpy knee. Add to that the fact that Miles Austin, who was making big strides in training camp, sprained his knee in Saturday’s game against the Broncos and the Cowboys WR depth is dangerously weak. If TO Owens were to go down with an injury, this team would go from a Super Bowl contender to just a pretty good team instantly. So, if there is an opportunity to add another WR, especially one that is a star like Boldin is, I would think Jerry would be all over that.
Boldin is worth trading for…for the right price, obviously. He reached 400 career receptions faster than any other player, doing it in 67 games. In five seasons, Boldin has 413 receptions for 5,458 yards and 29 touchdowns. If he were to become a Cowboy and play opposite TO Owens, Dallas would, arguably, have the top WR combo in the NFC, if not NFL. I’m salivating right now just thinking about that possibility. Think about this offense: Romo, TO Owens, Anquan Boldin, Patrick Crayton, Jason Witten, Marion Barber, Felix Jones…and throw in capable WR backups in Sam Hurd and Miles Austin (when he heals from his knee sprain). That is the makings for a juggernaut offense. And because of the little depth right now at the WR position, I’m sure Dallas is right in the middle of trade talks for Boldin. However, I would be naïve to think that they are the only one’s that are in the mix for him. Filthadelphia also needs a stud WR, for McNabb, so I’m sure they are involved in this too.
I’m not totally sure what the Cardinals are asking for though. Certainly they would want multiple draft picks (probably a 1st round, 3rd and/or 4th rd pick) and might even want a good, young player as well. Dallas has the picks to offer up…it’s just a matter of if Arizona wants a player and if they do, who? If they were to offer up the picks plus, say Tashard Choice, I would do that deal in a heartbeat as Dallas still has Alonzo Coleman to be the 3rd RB behind Felix Jones.
If the Cowboys don’t end up landing Boldin, then the NY Football Giants have a plethora of solid WRs, a few of which they will have to cut. After watching what Dominek Hixon did to the Browns on Monday night, I would pluck him up if the Giants cut him…or even Sinorice Moss. The Giants can’t keep them all. It’s going to be interesting to see how all this goes down though. The bottom line is that the Cowboys really do need to add another WR to their roster…hopefully, it will be Boldin.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Second Preseason Game - Nothing to Write Home About
Well, the Cowboys left the friendly confines of Oxnard, CA this week and traveled up to Denver to practice with the Broncos Wed - Fri and then the teams played each other last night in their second preseason game. Much to my dismay, Denver looked a bit more ready to play. The starters for the Cowboys, which looked very sharp last week, didn't play as well against Denver...on either side of the ball.
First on offense, Romo wasn't bad but he wasn't what we have come to expect over the last season and a half. He even over threw Sam Hurd who actually had his defender beat for a TD if the two had connected. However, playing in the high altitude of Denver can make balls sail a bit so we can forgive him for that one. However, the starting offense only managed to generate 3 first downs in 2 possessions and didn't have a play more than 10 yards. The running game sputtered as well gaining only 70 yards on 20 carries.
The defense wasn't all it was cracked up to be either. The Broncos starters scored TDs on their first two possessions both of which were against the Dallas starting defense. I know Cutler is good, and probably will be one of the next "greats" if he fulfills all the prophesy by the talking heads, but he looked like the second coming of John Elway last night completing his first 12 passes. The Denver running backs had plenty of running room, gaining 101 yards on the night, and Bronco WRs cut through Dallas' secondary like a hot knife through warm butter.
There were also penalties galore. It seemed like every time Dallas did something well and got a big play on offense or a big stop on defense, a yellow flag would be on the ground shortly after...and they weren't phantom calls either. Marc Columbo had an unnecessary roughness personal foul against him on the Cowboys initial drive, Bradie James was flagged for a late hit which helped sustain a scoring drive for the Broncos (had James not come in late, Dallas would have forced a Denver punt on the play) and Allan Ball was flagged for pass interference which negated a Patrick Watkins interception. Definitely not crisp on defense.
The special teams was a bit better last night but still needs a lot of attention. Again, Dallas couldn't get out of their own way. Tashard Choice blocked a punt but the ball went right back to the Denver punter and, since almost the entire Cowboy punt return team was down back down field setting up the return, the Denver punter ran for a first down. All I could do was shake my head. However, we did get to see what everyone was talking about when Pac Man Jones returned a punt 24 yards. He reminded me a bit of Deion (which I never thought would happen) and had to be tackled by the punter, which I'm sure he will hear about in team meetings. If that guy provides that kind of punch, at least half the time, when returning punts then he will be worth the signing.
The game wasn't a complete disaster though. Brad Johnson, who wasn't good last week, came in and played a lot better. He threw a very pretty 37 yard pass to Miles Austin near the Broncos sideline and hit Austin for a 5 yard touchdown a few plays later. Johnson finished 9-12 for 114 yards and a touchdown. Felix Jones again showed some of the offensive "pop" he has when he took a swing pass 27 yards down the sideline. I am pumped about getting that guy and excited about how Jason Garrett is going to use him. Anytime that guy touches the ball, he has the potential to make a big play. And Martellus Bennett made a nice catch and dragged 3 Bronco defenders with him until they finally brought him down. Unfortunately, that was the only time I remember that guy in the game.
I know this was only their second preseason game but the Cowboys have got to be better than they have the past two games. They are America's Team, on HBO's Hard Knocks, won 13 games in the regular season last year and are the odds on favorite of representing the NFC in the Super Bowl this year. Preseason or no, Dallas is going to get every one's best shot and just because they show up to play doesn't automatically put one in the win column for them. I'm still not overly concerned as they have been playing very vanilla offense and defense however the penalties, special teams snafus, and lax play have got to be improved upon before the season starts or all this hype/expectations are going to come crashing down against just like they did last January vs. the Giants (I still ache a bit when I think about that game).
Maybe they need to concentrate a little more in practice and spend a little less time playing grab ass and joking around. The Cowboys will have another opportunity to live up to the hype of the coming season on Friday evening against Houston. Now, if Houston comes in and beats Dallas, then I will be worried as Dallas is playing at home and Houston is, well, Houston. But a dog can bit you every once in a while if you aren't careful so the Cowboys better tighten the screws a bit this week. Because they definitely need it.
First on offense, Romo wasn't bad but he wasn't what we have come to expect over the last season and a half. He even over threw Sam Hurd who actually had his defender beat for a TD if the two had connected. However, playing in the high altitude of Denver can make balls sail a bit so we can forgive him for that one. However, the starting offense only managed to generate 3 first downs in 2 possessions and didn't have a play more than 10 yards. The running game sputtered as well gaining only 70 yards on 20 carries.
The defense wasn't all it was cracked up to be either. The Broncos starters scored TDs on their first two possessions both of which were against the Dallas starting defense. I know Cutler is good, and probably will be one of the next "greats" if he fulfills all the prophesy by the talking heads, but he looked like the second coming of John Elway last night completing his first 12 passes. The Denver running backs had plenty of running room, gaining 101 yards on the night, and Bronco WRs cut through Dallas' secondary like a hot knife through warm butter.
There were also penalties galore. It seemed like every time Dallas did something well and got a big play on offense or a big stop on defense, a yellow flag would be on the ground shortly after...and they weren't phantom calls either. Marc Columbo had an unnecessary roughness personal foul against him on the Cowboys initial drive, Bradie James was flagged for a late hit which helped sustain a scoring drive for the Broncos (had James not come in late, Dallas would have forced a Denver punt on the play) and Allan Ball was flagged for pass interference which negated a Patrick Watkins interception. Definitely not crisp on defense.
The special teams was a bit better last night but still needs a lot of attention. Again, Dallas couldn't get out of their own way. Tashard Choice blocked a punt but the ball went right back to the Denver punter and, since almost the entire Cowboy punt return team was down back down field setting up the return, the Denver punter ran for a first down. All I could do was shake my head. However, we did get to see what everyone was talking about when Pac Man Jones returned a punt 24 yards. He reminded me a bit of Deion (which I never thought would happen) and had to be tackled by the punter, which I'm sure he will hear about in team meetings. If that guy provides that kind of punch, at least half the time, when returning punts then he will be worth the signing.
The game wasn't a complete disaster though. Brad Johnson, who wasn't good last week, came in and played a lot better. He threw a very pretty 37 yard pass to Miles Austin near the Broncos sideline and hit Austin for a 5 yard touchdown a few plays later. Johnson finished 9-12 for 114 yards and a touchdown. Felix Jones again showed some of the offensive "pop" he has when he took a swing pass 27 yards down the sideline. I am pumped about getting that guy and excited about how Jason Garrett is going to use him. Anytime that guy touches the ball, he has the potential to make a big play. And Martellus Bennett made a nice catch and dragged 3 Bronco defenders with him until they finally brought him down. Unfortunately, that was the only time I remember that guy in the game.
I know this was only their second preseason game but the Cowboys have got to be better than they have the past two games. They are America's Team, on HBO's Hard Knocks, won 13 games in the regular season last year and are the odds on favorite of representing the NFC in the Super Bowl this year. Preseason or no, Dallas is going to get every one's best shot and just because they show up to play doesn't automatically put one in the win column for them. I'm still not overly concerned as they have been playing very vanilla offense and defense however the penalties, special teams snafus, and lax play have got to be improved upon before the season starts or all this hype/expectations are going to come crashing down against just like they did last January vs. the Giants (I still ache a bit when I think about that game).
Maybe they need to concentrate a little more in practice and spend a little less time playing grab ass and joking around. The Cowboys will have another opportunity to live up to the hype of the coming season on Friday evening against Houston. Now, if Houston comes in and beats Dallas, then I will be worried as Dallas is playing at home and Houston is, well, Houston. But a dog can bit you every once in a while if you aren't careful so the Cowboys better tighten the screws a bit this week. Because they definitely need it.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
First Preseason Game - Still Plenty to Work On
Well, the Cowboys had their first preseason game last night against the Charges and even though they lost 17-31, there were many positives they can take back to Oxnard. However, there are just as many, if not more, items they will need to shore up before their next preseason game. The 1st quarter, the team looked very sharp on both offense and defense but the 3 remaining quarters were a bit sloppy. Here are some positives I took from the game:
The 1st team offense went right down the field like a warm knife through butter and scored immediately on San Diego's 1st team defense. Romo looked to be in mid season form already as he was 3 for 3 on the scoring drive. Marion Barber ran like a man possessed...he is simply a beast. Watching him run, you might not have even known it was a preseason game if you didn't already know that.
We also got a glimpse at why Dallas drafted Felix Jones rather than Rashard Mendenhall this year. Jones literally has eye popping speed. There were two runs last night where Felix was tackled by the safety or he would have scored. He is going to be fun to watch and an excellent compliment to Barber. Tashard Choice came in and ran very well in the 3rd quarter too so I really think Dallas has their RB position in good shape.
Miles Austin had several good catches and showed that he has good hands and receiving skills to compliment his speed. He made some tough catches in traffic and might be making a move up the depth chart. And if there's one place the Cowboys need more depth, it's at WR.
The 1st team defense held San Diego's starting offense to 3 and out their first series too. Tank Johnson looked sharp and even got a sack. The 1st team defense got good pressure on Rivers and if that is any indication of how the season goes, the defensive backs might have a little easier job in coverage. Mike Jenkins actually started with the 1st team, as Terrance Newman is out with a groin injury, and did a solid job. He broke up a pass and didn't really look like a rookie.
Now that I've gushed about what excited me, lets put the pom pons down and look at what Dallas needs to address:
The game started to go down hill when the starters left the game and the 2nd and 3rd teamers came in. So all that depth the Cowboys have, right now, doesn't look like it's really ready to go. On offense, there were several disappointing things I saw. Sam Hurd was not impressive at all and hopefully just had a bad game. He had a couple of bad drops and just didn't look like his head was in the game at all.
Martellus Bennett likewise didn't look very good. A "typical" TE type pass was thrown to him (he was running down the middle of the field and the pass was right on the numbers) but he dropped it right after he was hit. Witten would have caught that and even though he is a pro bowl player, that is the type of pass Bennett will be thrown...he has to catch those.
And the miscommunication between Brad Johnson and Patrick Creighton was pretty bad as Johnson threw and out and Creighton streaked up the sideline on a fly route. Again, I know it's the first PRESEASON but that was pretty bad.
The defense looked decent however it gave up 3 pass interference calls inside their own 5 (one was committed by the starters though). That was how San Diego got 21 of it's points. But one disappointment of the night, I didn't expect, was the play of Pac Man Jones. I thought that guy would be starting with the 1st teamers but we saw why he wasn't. He committed one of the pass interference plays I reference above and totally ran by a Charger RB. I know he hasn't played in a year and has some rust to shake of but I really didn't think it would be that much rust. Kevin Burnett had a pretty bad game too as he whiffed on an open field tackle, TWICE, when a Charger RB ran straight at him. Hopefully it was just a bad game for him because those were pretty bad misses.
The biggest disappointment of the night and the place that needs the most work is the play of the special teams, more specifically the punt coverage. To say the coverage play was horrible would be a dramatic understatement. Again and again and again they allowed San Diego to get huge run backs on punts. Last year's coverage wasn't great but last night was atrocious. Also, rookie Danny Amendola was too lax with how he was carrying the ball, on a punt he was returning, and had it stripped. Again, I know it's his first game but he should know better than that.
I defiantly think that not doing much, if any, hitting in the first couple weeks of training camp had a negative impact last night. I'm not saying that they need to go full bore every practice and risk an injury but I do think they probably need to do more hitting than they have. So, after objectively looking at the game, I can honestly say that the starters have picked up where they were last season but the team as a whole has a ways to go before the start of the season. I'll be anxious to see what the coaches think of the first game and how the team practices this week.
The 1st team offense went right down the field like a warm knife through butter and scored immediately on San Diego's 1st team defense. Romo looked to be in mid season form already as he was 3 for 3 on the scoring drive. Marion Barber ran like a man possessed...he is simply a beast. Watching him run, you might not have even known it was a preseason game if you didn't already know that.
We also got a glimpse at why Dallas drafted Felix Jones rather than Rashard Mendenhall this year. Jones literally has eye popping speed. There were two runs last night where Felix was tackled by the safety or he would have scored. He is going to be fun to watch and an excellent compliment to Barber. Tashard Choice came in and ran very well in the 3rd quarter too so I really think Dallas has their RB position in good shape.
Miles Austin had several good catches and showed that he has good hands and receiving skills to compliment his speed. He made some tough catches in traffic and might be making a move up the depth chart. And if there's one place the Cowboys need more depth, it's at WR.
The 1st team defense held San Diego's starting offense to 3 and out their first series too. Tank Johnson looked sharp and even got a sack. The 1st team defense got good pressure on Rivers and if that is any indication of how the season goes, the defensive backs might have a little easier job in coverage. Mike Jenkins actually started with the 1st team, as Terrance Newman is out with a groin injury, and did a solid job. He broke up a pass and didn't really look like a rookie.
Now that I've gushed about what excited me, lets put the pom pons down and look at what Dallas needs to address:
The game started to go down hill when the starters left the game and the 2nd and 3rd teamers came in. So all that depth the Cowboys have, right now, doesn't look like it's really ready to go. On offense, there were several disappointing things I saw. Sam Hurd was not impressive at all and hopefully just had a bad game. He had a couple of bad drops and just didn't look like his head was in the game at all.
Martellus Bennett likewise didn't look very good. A "typical" TE type pass was thrown to him (he was running down the middle of the field and the pass was right on the numbers) but he dropped it right after he was hit. Witten would have caught that and even though he is a pro bowl player, that is the type of pass Bennett will be thrown...he has to catch those.
And the miscommunication between Brad Johnson and Patrick Creighton was pretty bad as Johnson threw and out and Creighton streaked up the sideline on a fly route. Again, I know it's the first PRESEASON but that was pretty bad.
The defense looked decent however it gave up 3 pass interference calls inside their own 5 (one was committed by the starters though). That was how San Diego got 21 of it's points. But one disappointment of the night, I didn't expect, was the play of Pac Man Jones. I thought that guy would be starting with the 1st teamers but we saw why he wasn't. He committed one of the pass interference plays I reference above and totally ran by a Charger RB. I know he hasn't played in a year and has some rust to shake of but I really didn't think it would be that much rust. Kevin Burnett had a pretty bad game too as he whiffed on an open field tackle, TWICE, when a Charger RB ran straight at him. Hopefully it was just a bad game for him because those were pretty bad misses.
The biggest disappointment of the night and the place that needs the most work is the play of the special teams, more specifically the punt coverage. To say the coverage play was horrible would be a dramatic understatement. Again and again and again they allowed San Diego to get huge run backs on punts. Last year's coverage wasn't great but last night was atrocious. Also, rookie Danny Amendola was too lax with how he was carrying the ball, on a punt he was returning, and had it stripped. Again, I know it's his first game but he should know better than that.
I defiantly think that not doing much, if any, hitting in the first couple weeks of training camp had a negative impact last night. I'm not saying that they need to go full bore every practice and risk an injury but I do think they probably need to do more hitting than they have. So, after objectively looking at the game, I can honestly say that the starters have picked up where they were last season but the team as a whole has a ways to go before the start of the season. I'll be anxious to see what the coaches think of the first game and how the team practices this week.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Hard Knocks and St. Farve
NFL Films is sheer greatness. Anytime I see anything on ESPN from NFL Films, I make a point to stop down and watch it. The slow motion, the dramatic music, the low tone narration…it’s just all great. Listening to John Facenda talk about Vince Lombardi or Tom Landry is almost poetic. So leave it to HBO to team up with NFL Films to make an all access series about NFL training camp. I’ve watched all the all the “Hard Knocks” (Baltimore, Dallas, KC, Dallas again) and each were great in their own rights. The last time the Cowboys were on “Hard Knocks”, Dave Campo was their head coach and Emmitt was still on the team. Now that they are again the subject of the series, many things have changed but America’s Team is still America’s Team.
On last night’s initial episode of “Hard Knocks”, the curtain was pulled back a bit and we got to hear conversations between Jerry and the agents of Terry Glenn and Felix Jones. I was a bit surprised at the conversation with Glenn’s agent because it wasn’t as amiable as we were all led to believe. However, it reinforced the fact that the WR corps has little proven depth behind TO Owen (who took full advantage of the time on HBO to plug a new business venture, TO Tees). They interviewed Patrick Crayton and replayed his dropped pass vs. the Giants and to tell you the truth, I had forgotten how painful that was. I actually yelled at the tv, again…my wife thought I was loony.
Also featured were the on field battles between TO Owens and Pac Man Jones. Jones looks smaller than I thought he was (even my wife commented on that) but when he gets the rust knocked off his game (and IF he can keep his nose clean) he is going to be good. Owens got the best of Pac Man though so at least it shows that TO is ready for the season. The first preseason game is on Saturday against the Chargers and even though the starters probably won’t play but a quarter, I’m giddy to see some football.
And the Brett Farve saga took another turn today as he was dealt to Broadway and will be playing for the NY Jets (which is ironic because he is on the cover of Madden '09 in his GB uni). The trade was for a conditional draft pick and depending on how much Farve plays and how well the team does, the higher the draft pick Green Bay will receive. IF the Jets go to the Super Bowl (which is HIGHLY doubtful), Green Bay will receive a 1st round pick from the Jets. So I guess that St. Farve will get a chance to prove how good he still is, or isn’t. However, I really wanted to see him playing in Minnesota or Chicago. It would have been delicious to see Farve going back to Green Bay playing for one of their hated rivals. It would have been interesting to see how the fandom at Lambeau would have reacted to that. I guess we’ll never know now unless the Jets somehow get to play the Pack next year. Now that’s worth praying for.
On last night’s initial episode of “Hard Knocks”, the curtain was pulled back a bit and we got to hear conversations between Jerry and the agents of Terry Glenn and Felix Jones. I was a bit surprised at the conversation with Glenn’s agent because it wasn’t as amiable as we were all led to believe. However, it reinforced the fact that the WR corps has little proven depth behind TO Owen (who took full advantage of the time on HBO to plug a new business venture, TO Tees). They interviewed Patrick Crayton and replayed his dropped pass vs. the Giants and to tell you the truth, I had forgotten how painful that was. I actually yelled at the tv, again…my wife thought I was loony.
Also featured were the on field battles between TO Owens and Pac Man Jones. Jones looks smaller than I thought he was (even my wife commented on that) but when he gets the rust knocked off his game (and IF he can keep his nose clean) he is going to be good. Owens got the best of Pac Man though so at least it shows that TO is ready for the season. The first preseason game is on Saturday against the Chargers and even though the starters probably won’t play but a quarter, I’m giddy to see some football.
And the Brett Farve saga took another turn today as he was dealt to Broadway and will be playing for the NY Jets (which is ironic because he is on the cover of Madden '09 in his GB uni). The trade was for a conditional draft pick and depending on how much Farve plays and how well the team does, the higher the draft pick Green Bay will receive. IF the Jets go to the Super Bowl (which is HIGHLY doubtful), Green Bay will receive a 1st round pick from the Jets. So I guess that St. Farve will get a chance to prove how good he still is, or isn’t. However, I really wanted to see him playing in Minnesota or Chicago. It would have been delicious to see Farve going back to Green Bay playing for one of their hated rivals. It would have been interesting to see how the fandom at Lambeau would have reacted to that. I guess we’ll never know now unless the Jets somehow get to play the Pack next year. Now that’s worth praying for.
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