2016 Dallas Cowboys Preseason Thread

[Otis Driftwood]

Almost unfair for Showers to have to follow that.

[Otis Driftwood]

Boy. Chaz Green sucks.

[Mr B]

Boy. Chaz Green sucks.

No kidding, dude sucks. They are completely screwed if Either tackle get hurt. They might be better off moving Collins or Martin to tackle and starting Leary at guard if that happens.

[Otis Driftwood]

First - a disclaimer. My opinions and a cup of warm urine have the same value. The latter maybe more as something of value can be located there by a trained professional. You have been warned.

What I liked:

* Dak. As the great magnificent Tuna once said - let's not break out the anointing oil quite yet. But Jerry is probably soiling himself over the possibility that he stumbled onto his future QB after failing to get Wentz or Cook (Thank God we didn't get Cook...). Dak looked terrific. Only two incompletions (which were clear drops), very decisive and he wasn't late on his throws. He exuded confidence and the offense "clicked". And - that was against a reasonable facsimile of a starting defense. It was almost unfair that Showers had to follow that. We Cowboy fans have reason to hope. Jerry has reason to not go looking for a veteran backup. Iggles fans are saying to themselves "Crap..."
* Dez. He looked healthy. He looked hungry. He looked like a man ready to reestablish his role as one of the top 5 wide receivers in the NFL. And - he will get lots of single coverage this year. Because...
* The Running Game. If I'm Darren McFadden, I'm getting started on the packing process. Because above and beyond Alfred Morris looking like he's good for 10-15 carries a game (and maybe an average of 6-8 yards a pop), Darius Jackson showed he can be far more than a serviceable role player along with being far cheaper and younger. Either McFadden or Dunbar will be gone before Week 1. And as Dunbar won't be back for another 6-8 weeks, I'm betting they let McFadden go. Zeke is going to rumble.

What I didn't like:

* Defense. Might as well get this out of the way. It was about what I expected to see. The "starters" weren't gawdawful... but the tackling was atrocious and J.J. Wilcox was abused and other than Hitchens being credible there wasn't a lot to hang your hat on. And as far as the backups - to use a term that created a massive **** once a couple of years ago over at the Hoop, there is absolutely no meat on that bone! But - we already knew this. It's going to be a long year for the Defense.
* Geoff Swaim and Andy Jones. All week, we heard about these two and how they were standing out in camp. Well - they stood out last night too. Swaim is the reason Dak didn't have a perfect night and Jones dropped sure catches. Neither of them showed me one single reason why they shouldn't be among the first round of cuts when we have to get to 70. I might give Swaim a little longer leash as we do need to plan for the impending departure of Gavin Escobar next season. But that's about it.
* Chaz Green. Good... effin... Lord. He sucked. Absolutely sucked. Beyond a shred of doubt sucked.

He sucked so much I just lost commercial power.

[Mr B]

First - a disclaimer. My opinions and a cup of warm urine have the same value. The latter maybe more as something of value can be located there by a trained professional. You have been warned.

What I liked:

* Dak. As the great magnificent Tuna once said - let's not break out the anointing oil quite yet. But Jerry is probably soiling himself over the possibility that he stumbled onto his future QB after failing to get Wentz or Cook (Thank God we didn't get Cook...). Dak looked terrific. Only two incompletions (which were clear drops), very decisive and he wasn't late on his throws. He exuded confidence and the offense "clicked". And - that was against a reasonable facsimile of a starting defense. It was almost unfair that Showers had to follow that. We Cowboy fans have reason to hope. Jerry has reason to not go looking for a veteran backup. Iggles fans are saying to themselves "Crap..."
* Dez. He looked healthy. He looked hungry. He looked like a man ready to reestablish his role as one of the top 5 wide receivers in the NFL. And - he will get lots of single coverage this year. Because...
* The Running Game. If I'm Darren McFadden, I'm getting started on the packing process. Because above and beyond Alfred Morris looking like he's good for 10-15 carries a game (and maybe an average of 6-8 yards a pop), Darius Jackson showed he can be far more than a serviceable role player along with being far cheaper and younger. Either McFadden or Dunbar will be gone before Week 1. And as Dunbar won't be back for another 6-8 weeks, I'm betting they let McFadden go. Zeke is going to rumble.

What I didn't like:

* Defense. Might as well get this out of the way. It was about what I expected to see. The "starters" weren't gawdawful... but the tackling was atrocious and J.J. Wilcox was abused and other than Hitchens being credible there wasn't a lot to hang your hat on. And as far as the backups - to use a term that created a massive **** once a couple of years ago over at the Hoop, there is absolutely no meat on that bone! But - we already knew this. It's going to be a long year for the Defense.
* Geoff Swaim and Andy Jones. All week, we heard about these two and how they were standing out in camp. Well - they stood out last night too. Swaim is the reason Dak didn't have a perfect night and Jones dropped sure catches. Neither of them showed me one single reason why they shouldn't be among the first round of cuts when we have to get to 70. I might give Swaim a little longer leash as we do need to plan for the impending departure of Gavin Escobar next season. But that's about it.
* Chaz Green. Good... effin... Lord. He sucked. Absolutely sucked. Beyond a shred of doubt sucked.

He sucked so much I just lost commercial power.

I've seen what Bear Grills does with warm piss and trust me, I'll take your opinion every day of the week over that.

I would say in addition to Dez all of the WR's looked good (well of the guys that will actually make the team this year). Williams, Beasley, and Lucky all made plays.

The defense is going to be SO BAD this year. Most of our games this year might look more like Mavericks game (as far as the score).

And I'm really disappointed in Swaim and Andy Jones. They both really crapped the bed didn't they. This was their chance and they completely lifted their skirts. Two other guys that I expected to show up that didn't were Brice Butler and rookie CB Anthony Brown. Did either even get on the field? I really don't remember seeing them at all last night. I mean when you get outplayed by Devin Street you had a horrible night.

[Otis Driftwood]

I recall Butler making a nice catch that bailed Showers out on a 3rd down. At least I think it was him. But yeah - Street is a clear leader right now for that last WR slot. Isn't saying much is it?

[Otis Driftwood]

Hanna coming back to Dallas for another opinion on his knee. Looks like Swaim will make the roster.

[Mr B]

Hanna coming back to Dallas for another opinion on his knee. Looks like Swaim will make the roster.

Swaim needs to play better if he wants to make the team, regardless of what happens with Hanna.

[Otis Driftwood]

Hanna coming back to Dallas for another opinion on his knee. Looks like Swaim will make the roster.

Swaim needs to play better if he wants to make the team, regardless of what happens with Hanna.

Based on the small sample size from Saturday night not throwing him the football will help him play better.

[Mr B]

Hanna coming back to Dallas for another opinion on his knee. Looks like Swaim will make the roster.

Swaim needs to play better if he wants to make the team, regardless of what happens with Hanna.

Based on the small sample size from Saturday night not throwing him the football will help him play better.

Hahaha

[Otis Driftwood]

Guess BJJ really did give up on them.

[Mr B]

Seems that way. I can understand why but I'm not quite there yet.

[Otis Driftwood]

I'm no where near ready to "give up". This offense will be damn good. Real damn good. And you can finally start to see a slight glimmer of the future there. I know the defense will be challenged. We all know that. So does Jerry. But - there's still enough with this team to give them a legitimate shot to win this sorry division.

It all comes down to this. How good are the Giants and Redskins?

[Mr B]

Yea they really have a chance to be the best offense in the league. I really can't wait to see what Zeke can do this year.

I'm also really hoping that Dak continues to progress. If he does then that means they will likely go defense with that first pick. I'm thinking they will end up with a pick in the mid/late 20's and LB might be the best value there. If Jaylon Smith fully recovers then they have a chance to have an amazing LB core next year.

A revamped defense with this offense... There is a chance this team could be really special within the next 2-3 years.

[Otis Driftwood]

Preseason Game #2 - Dolphins

Dak-Mania in full blown active mode. And it’s legitimate. I’m avoiding the anointing oil as best I can but the kid appears to be the real deal. Romo had better not get hurt. He’s gonna get #WallyPipped. The defense overall played better but I’m not kidding myself – the Dolphins are not going to be very good this season. Thursday night against the Seahawks… we should have a better assessment of things. Until then…

What I liked…

* Alfred Morris. My buddy the Redskin fan has been bitching the last two years that Washington didn't use him right. He and I were talking during the first series last night. When Morris broke the TD run, he got real quiet - then went off on the Redskins again. Zeke, Alfred and Jackson are going to make a nice threesome. (Dunbar and McFadden - better pack those bags because at least one of you is gone.)
* Dez Bryant. I'm telling y'all. He's about to have a monster season.
* Dak Prescott. 154.5 QBR last week... 158.3 QBR this week. The thing that jumps out at me about him is he's constantly looking downfield. That's an intangible most rookies don't come into the league with. The touchdown Dak scored to put them up 21-7 was a perfect example. He's rolling out to the right... looking down field... looking down field... looking down field... and all the sudden sees a wide open field. He turned on the burners and boom - gone 20+ yards for a Touchdown! Of course it doesn't hurt he has an offensive line that allows him that time. But he really does seem composed out there.

What I didn't like

* J. J. Wilcox. Seriously- that long pass play in the first drive by the Dolphins… the receiver beat him like he was a traffic cone. He sucks.
* The penalties. 12 for 113. 10 of them in the first half. Two TD's nullified by penalties on the drive that Dak scored the 20 yard run. Those are drive killing penalties and the Cowboys can't keep overcoming them over and over. Has to be cleaned up.
* Chaz Green. He played better. Based on how terrible he was last week, he couldn't have played worse. I still don't have any faith in him as the primary swing tackle backup. If the Cowboys are shopping for backups, I'd put tackle above QB as the biggest area of need. Lord help us if Smith goes down and Green is the number 1 option.

[Mr B]

Preseason Game #2 - Dolphins

Dak-Mania in full blown active mode. And it’s legitimate. I’m avoiding the anointing oil as best I can but the kid appears to be the real deal. Romo had better not get hurt. He’s gonna get #WallyPipped. The defense overall played better but I’m not kidding myself – the Dolphins are not going to be very good this season. Thursday night against the Seahawks… we should have a better assessment of things. Until then…

What I liked…

* Alfred Morris. My buddy the Redskin fan has been bitching the last two years that Washington didn't use him right. He and I were talking during the first series last night. When Morris broke the TD run, he got real quiet - then went off on the Redskins again. Zeke, Alfred and Jackson are going to make a nice threesome. (Dunbar and McFadden - better pack those bags because at least one of you is gone.)
* Dez Bryant. I'm telling y'all. He's about to have a monster season.
* Dak Prescott. 154.5 QBR last week... 158.3 QBR this week. The thing that jumps out at me about him is he's constantly looking downfield. That's an intangible most rookies don't come into the league with. The touchdown Dak scored to put them up 21-7 was a perfect example. He's rolling out to the right... looking down field... looking down field... looking down field... and all the sudden sees a wide open field. He turned on the burners and boom - gone 20+ yards for a Touchdown! Of course it doesn't hurt he has an offensive line that allows him that time. But he really does seem composed out there.

What I didn't like

* J. J. Wilcox. Seriously- that long pass play in the first drive by the Dolphins… the receiver beat him like he was a traffic cone. He sucks.
* The penalties. 12 for 113. 10 of them in the first half. Two TD's nullified by penalties on the drive that Dak scored the 20 yard run. Those are drive killing penalties and the Cowboys can't keep overcoming them over and over. Has to be cleaned up.
* Chaz Green. He played better. Based on how terrible he was last week, he couldn't have played worse. I still don't have any faith in him as the primary swing tackle backup. If the Cowboys are shopping for backups, I'd put tackle above QB as the biggest area of need. Lord help us if Smith goes down and Green is the number 1 option.

I thought Chaz looked a lot better with the 1st team. I agree though, I don't have a lot of faith in him. His pass blocking was solid though.

They HAVE to clean up those penalties. This team is not good enough (yet) to continuously give up 100+ yards in penalties.

Wilcox is f'ing horrible. The problem is that none of the young guys behind him (like the rookie they got in the 6th) are stepping up. They're playing him because they have to. Unfortunately I don't see that changing. The young guys need to get their **** together.

Now on to the good stuff...

Dak... All I have to say is WOW! I'm doing my best to pump the breaks on him but he's making it really hard to do that. The kid looks legit. He really reminds me of a young Donovan McNabb. Not only is he continuously looking down field like you said he he's been really good at looking off the safeties and LB's. Both weeks I've seen him moving the safety with his eyes. I'm officially ok now with him being the primary backup.

Alfred Morris... I've been extremely impressed with the way he's been running. Once Zeke is in full time though I'm wondering how much playing time Morris will actually get. Hopefully they use him a lot more than they used Randle in 2014.

Dez... I agree, he's going to absolutely ball out this year. He really looks better than he ever has. I also like that they are moving him around more. I want to see more of him in the slot and in motion. Get him going across the middle and let him beat some guys. Make it hard for the defense to cover him. Make them work to find him and cover him.

Another thing I'm liking are the DT's. Thornton is a HUGE human being. I really think they are going to be ok there once Collins gets 100% healthy and up to speed. Also this Jenkins kid they picked up also looks like he's going to make some noise this year. He seems to always be in the backfield.

Can't wait to see what they do on Thursday against a much better team.

[Otis Driftwood]

I agree about Thursday. Definitely a step up in competition. As far as Morris I hope they can get him 10-15 carries a game. He still has plenty of gas left.

[bluejerseyjinx]

I just have no comment on our defense. I have been bitching about it for how long now, 7 or 8 years. I'm sick of sounding like a broken record.

[Mr B]

I just have no comment on our defense. I have been bitching about it for how long now, 7 or 8 years. I'm sick of sounding like a broken record.

I can definitely understand that. There are some bright spots though. The he DT position is actually in pretty good shape. Thornton looks like a beast and I'm encourage by the young guy Jenkins they picked up from Denver. Byron Jones looks really good this year, especially
Now that he can focus and strictly playing safety. And the young CB Deji Olatoye looks like he has something to him too. He's big for a CB and plays aggressive which I really like. Mo actually looks good so far too. His thing will be if he can stay healthy.

With the offense being so dominant the defense should be able to play from ahead going into the 4th quarter in most game. If they can make the opposing offense one dimensional late in games it's really going to help our defense. Very much like they did in 2014 when they were able to get a lot of turnovers.

And if Dak can continue to progress they can go into the next draft FINALLY focused on drafting the best defensive player. If they end up drafting in the mid/late 20's I still think the best value will be at LB or secondary. I personally would prefer they draft a stud MLB. Move Jaylon out to Sam and find your future MLB in the 1st round.

[Otis Driftwood]

I just have no comment on our defense. I have been bitching about it for how long now, 7 or 8 years. I'm sick of sounding like a broken record.

Focus on the offense BJJ.