Dallas Cowboys OffSeason Thread

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by chumdawg

We kicked the absolute crap out of the Titans tonight. Don't forget that this was their third game and only our second.

Not too mention, each team kept their starters in for basically all of the first half.

[tcat075]

There were some real nice catches in this game. Ogletree's one hander on the fade in the back of the end zone, Hurd's one handed snag while being hit by two Titans, Hannah's catch for the final Cowboy touchdown, even Holley's catch, although that was luck more than anything.

One of the Titans TE's also had a very nice one hander, but do we really care?

[mavspwnage]

Just got back from the game. Every single break in action, the cheerleaders were put on the big screen. Absolutely nothing like having a 30 yard cheerleader right in front of me.

[Windmill360]

Wasn't able to watch the game. Did the kickoffs hit the video board?

[badfish22]

Originally Posted by Windmill360

Wasn't able to watch the game. Did the kickoffs hit the video board?

The punts did

[Flacolaco]

Originally Posted by FINtastic

Not too mention, each team kept their starters in for basically all of the first half.

Not "too" mention NFL players give about 45% effort in pre-season games on both sides of the ball.

Pre-season is worthless people. It is effing worthless. Neat video boards though. I'm sure that will be worth a win in December.

[Windmill360]

So after they hit the video board did the ball just go straight down or what? Was it an advantage?

[badfish22]

No, they had to redo the punt. Jerry said a punter would have to try to hit the board in order to actually hit it. It kinda did look like he hit the ball higher than punter usually do.


Anyway, I hope Bennett gets more balls thrown to him. He looks like he can be a real star. Plus he is what Jerry loves, big play ability and the flash to go with it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElzHp5XR3_Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EziNJ-G1dg

[mavspwnage]

Took some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

View from one of the party pass decks.



Inside Cowboys Stadium, looking back at the plaza and ballpark. It's a great view.



Hello....Newman.

[mavspwnage]

This is what we got to see during every single break in action.



Neat little blue lighted entrance way the players go through before coming out into the stadium.



And this is from the other side, where they come out.



pretty cool split screen they sometimes do on the replays to show different angles. This particular one was for that beautiful Romo to Witten pass inside the five.



2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year



This is after the game. Nothing special about this pic really, but I just wanted to point out the classic sign at the top right. "Good Job" LOL

[tcat075]

^ That new stadium is just unreal. I can't get over how sharp those images look on the big screen.

[alexamenos]

I don't like to put too much (if any) stock in a pre-season game, but last night convinced me that the cowboys will win the superbowl....probably go 19-0.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by alexamenos

I don't like to put too much (if any) stock in a pre-season game, but last night convinced me that the cowboys will win the superbowl....probably go 19-0.

13 penalties for 113 yds is still cause for concern...

(but that 42-yard TD by Felix Jones looked damn fine, huh?)

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

Not "too" mention NFL players give about 45% effort in pre-season games on both sides of the ball.

Pre-season is worthless people. It is effing worthless. Neat video boards though. I'm sure that will be worth a win in December.

No one's predicting super bowl here, but I think the Cowboys are going to be fine. There are still plenty of weapons on offense. Felix and Marty B make my Cowboys pants go crazy.

There are some holes here or there that give me cause for concern. Penalties aren't great, and our special teams aren't too "special" right now. We'll see what happens when the regular season rolls around, but I've got enough reason now for excitement.

[mavs777]

Just wondering, are they going to adjust the Video board? So that the it isn't so Low and punter won't hit it?

[DevinHarriswillstart]

So was anyone here dumb enough to pay 200 bucks to park their car?

[DirkFTW]

Originally Posted by Underdog

(but that 42-yard TD by Felix Jones looked damn fine, huh?)

Every time I see/read about Felix doing something amazing, I see Kyle Orton's smiling mug mocking me from my fantasy roster.

Darn you for rubbing it in!

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

So was anyone here dumb enough to pay 200 bucks to park their car?

You could pay as little a $40, but that's still outrageous for parking (which should be included in the ticket price anyway!)

You can park over by the Ballpark in Arlington for a lot less money, but it's a 1.2 mile walk...


(I don't think I'll be paying the Extortion Tax on a Cowboys game any time soon...)

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by DirkFTW

Every time I see/read about Felix doing something amazing, I see Kyle Orton's smiling mug mocking me from my fantasy roster.

Darn you for rubbing it in!

I bet Orton puts up better numbers by the end of the season...


(not really - I'm just trying to make you feel better!)

[DirkFTW]

Originally Posted by Underdog

I bet Orton puts up better numbers by the end of the season...


(not really - I'm just trying to make you feel better!)

I don't know if this is envy or the onset of superhuman strength. I do feel strong enough to strangle someone!

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by DirkFTW

Every time I see/read about Felix doing something amazing, I see Kyle Orton's smiling mug mocking me from my fantasy roster.

Darn you for rubbing it in!

Just do what I did, join another league (I just did a random Yahoo! public league) and draft Felix in the ninth round. Took a little bit of the sting out of losing him to UD. I've actually got both him and Barber on that team, and those are just my backups.

I think I went overboard on running backs (and Cowboys) in that league

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by Underdog

You could pay as little a $40, but that's still outrageous for parking (which should be included in the ticket price anyway!)

You can park over by the Ballpark in Arlington for a lot less money, but it's a 1.2 mile walk...


(I don't think I'll be paying the Extortion Tax on a Cowboys game any time soon...)

Still, if you wanted "next" to the Arena...200. I don't care if you are rich, poor, smart or dumb....that is a joke beyond imagination. If anyone wants to know what is wrong with the economy, they could start with that.

[mavspwnage]

The Jerry World experience

Basically just a summary of my visit to the new stadium on Friday. Unfortunately, I can only put 10 pictures into the slideshow, so I picked out what I thought were the best ones.

[badfish22]

Maybe we should sign Martellus to be the Mavs defensive stopper

[Rhylan]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Still, if you wanted "next" to the Arena...200. I don't care if you are rich, poor, smart or dumb....that is a joke beyond imagination. If anyone wants to know what is wrong with the economy, they could start with that.

Nothing wrong with the economy if people are stupid enough to pay it. Let 'em be stupid.

The downfall of parking close - that I noticed at the McCartney concert where there were probably 35,000 fewer people than a 'Boys game - is that the closer you park, the more cars there are between your car and the actual road you use to get to 30 or Division or Collins if they ever finish it. And you have to sit in your car while more and more people are walking past your lot's exit, leaving the stadium. It'll take you forever to get out. Better to walk to a lot a little farther off. Save money. Burn a few calories.

The two Rangers lots farthest from the First Base entrance are actually pretty damn close to the stadium. I've parked in lot C at the AAC for 7 years, and I'd say those Rangers lots are maybe twice the distance as AAC -> Lot C? Definitely not bad considering the size of the stadium. Just go early and pay cash to park in a Rangers lot. It was $12 for Rangers game / concert on the same night, I imagine it'd be $25 or so for a Cowboys game?

Still ridiculous compared to $8 pre-paid at the Mavs game, but enough people are paying it.

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by DirkFTW

Every time I see/read about Felix doing something amazing, I see Kyle Orton's smiling mug mocking me from my fantasy roster.

Darn you for rubbing it in!

Just be thankful Orton isn't throwing more interceptions in these delusions!

[DirkFTW]

Ugh... Stanback...

[badfish22]

Ugh... Brown...

Ugh... Procter...

[Windmill360]

I like Ogletree.

His name is cool too.

Ogletree.

[FINtastic]

Yeah, Ogletree pretty much finished off Stanback's career as a Cowboy tonight. I like this Ogletree kid, all he's done is produce all training camp and preseason. Looks like a pretty decent find for a guy who went undrafted. Romo seems to like him a lot too.

[badfish22]

Originally Posted by Windmill360

I like Ogletree.

His name is cool too.

Ogletree.

Hes like crabtree, only without all the crabyness

[Windmill360]

Green Bay and New Orleans look scary.

[Underdog]

Waive Goodbye
Stanback Among 22 Cuts, Roster Trimmed To 52

link

IRVING, Texas - On Saturday the Cowboys whittled their roster to the 52, one short of the NFL limit, by waiving 22 players and sending another to the season-ending injured reserve.

Third-year receiver Isaiah Stanback was among the most noteworthy of the cuts. The Cowboys' fourth-round pick in 2007 had his transition from college quarterback to NFL wide receiver slowed by a series of injuries during his time with the club.

While the round of cuts does not necessarily define the Week One roster since the Cowboys are likely to claim a 53rd player, either off waivers from another club or a veteran free agent, the core of the team is now in place. The Cowboys reached the magic number by waiving six veterans and 16 rookies, including three of their 12 draft picks, fifth-rounder DeAngelo Smith and seventh-rounders Mike Mickens and Manuel Johnson.

Sixth-round pick Stephen Hodge (knee) was placed on the injured reserve after he was unable to return from arthroscopic surgery in the off-season. Fourth-round linebacker Brandon Williams (torn ACL) was given that designation on Tuesday. Tackle Robert Brewster, the Cowboys' second pick in the draft, is on the reserve Physically Unable to Perform list, and would be eligible for activation after 10 weeks.

Much of the roster was decided heading into training camp and the preseason, but a couple of casualties were players who had a legitimate chance to make the roster. Third-year defensive back Courtney Brown struggled at cornerback in the preseason after being moved from safety at the beginning of the summer. He and Stanback were the only waived veterans who had been active for the Cowboys in the regular season.

Though the Cowboys always try to keep the best players regardless of their positions, number constraints always affect the final cuts in one way or another. The team kept three quarterbacks, four running backs (including fullback Deon Anderson), three tight ends, five wide receivers, 10 offensive linemen, six defensive linemen, nine linebackers, eight defensive backs and four specialists.

A few of the players the Cowboys released could wind up back with the team later, or on the eight-man practice squad. Each of the new free agents will spend 24 hours on the waiver wire during which they can be claimed by another team. After that period the Cowboys can then attempt to sign them back to the practice squad.

None of the veterans who were waived are eligible for the practice squad. Here are all the Cowboys' Saturday transactions:

RELEASED

OL Travis Bright, BYU
DB Courtney Brown, Cal Poly
QB Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State
TE Scott Chandler, Iowa
FB Julius Crosslin, Oklahoma State
DE Marcus Dixon, Hampton
LB Tearrius George, Kansas State
OL Ryan Gibbons, Northeastern
DB Jeremy Haynes, McNeese State
WR Jesse Holley, North Carolina
WR Mike Jefferson, Montana State
WR Manuel Johnson, Oklahoma
RB Keon Lattimore, Maryland (waiver/injured)
CB Mike Mickens, Cincinnati
WR Willie Reid, Florida State
DE Derreck Robinson, Iowa
FB Asaph Schwapp, Notre Dame
NT Jonas Seawright, North Carolina
DB DeAneglo Smith, Cincinnati
WR Isaiah Stanback, Washington
LB Matt Stewart, Vanderbilt
DB DeAngelo Willingham, Tennessee

INJURED RESERVE

LB Stephen Hodge, TCU

[badfish22]

Originally Posted by Underdog

RELEASED

OL Travis Bright, BYU
DB Courtney Brown, Cal Poly
QB Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State
TE Scott Chandler, Iowa
FB Julius Crosslin, Oklahoma State
DE Marcus Dixon, Hampton
LB Tearrius George, Kansas State
OL Ryan Gibbons, Northeastern
DB Jeremy Haynes, McNeese State
WR Jesse Holley, North Carolina
WR Mike Jefferson, Montana State
WR Manuel Johnson, Oklahoma
RB Keon Lattimore, Maryland (waiver/injured)
CB Mike Mickens, Cincinnati
WR Willie Reid, Florida State
DE Derreck Robinson, Iowa
FB Asaph Schwapp, Notre Dame
NT Jonas Seawright, North Carolina
DB DeAneglo Smith, Cincinnati
WR Isaiah Stanback, Washington
LB Matt Stewart, Vanderbilt
DB DeAngelo Willingham, Tennessee

INJURED RESERVE

LB Stephen Hodge, TCU

Damn, I was hoping we kept him instead of McGee.

I went to the same HS as Scott Chandler, so I was rooting for him too.

[Underdog]

Surviving The Cuts
For Now, This Is What Your Roster Looks Like

link

IRVING, Texas - One of the biggest misnomers about the NFL is the phrase "final cuts."

Nothing in the NFL is final. What looks like a done deal today is out the window tomorrow.

Considering the Cowboys have trimmed the roster to 52 players, leaving one spot available, it's certain the team will make at least one more move this weekend.

But among the notable cuts include wide receiver Isaiah Stanback and rookie defensive backs Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith.

On this day, the waiver wire is filled with names - some of them noteworthy, but most of them are the less-heralded players. But expect that the Cowboys, like all teams, are keeping a close eye on the wire, trying to determine if anyone else's expendables are better than what they've got.

The deadline to claim players is 11 a.m. (CDT) Sunday, so it's likely the Cowboys will make a move, if not two or three.

That's the way it works in the NFL. But for now, this is what we've got. You've got your list of the guys that were released. Here's how the roster stacks up for now. Once again, always subject to change.

Quarterback (3)
Tony Romo
Jon Kitna
Stephen McGee
Summary: After three straight seasons of keeping just two quarterbacks on the roster to open the season, the Cowboys are going with three, thanks to the addition of rookie Stephen McGee. However, the fourth-round pick from Texas A&M might not be available for a few weeks because of a sprained MCL. Because of that, the Cowboys might have to keep Rudy Carpenter, who played about three quarters against Minnesota, on the practice squad to run the scout team for a few weeks, if not longer. Overall, the Cowboys feel more confident in their backup for Romo. While Kitna is an experienced veteran, he figures to give the Cowboys a more competitive chance than Brad Johnson did a year ago, should he be called upon.

Running Back (4)
Marion Barber
Felix Jones
Tashard Choice
Deon Anderson
Summary: No surprises here, and no changes from last year. The difference is experience and expectations. Entering their second seasons, Jones and Choice both had success in limited opportunities last year. Jones' rookie season started off electric but ended with injury. So far, he looks as dynamic as we all remember. But don't forget about Barber, the true workhorse of the offense. If all three backs stay healthy, it could be a formidable backfield trio. Anderson has missed a month after undergoing knee surgery back in camp. He hasn't returned to practice yet but obviously the Cowboys felt comfortable with his progress to let go of Crosslin, who had to play the entire second half as the tailback because of an injury to Keon Lattimore. The Cowboys would probably like to get Crosslin back to the practice squad if possible.

Wide Receiver (5)
Roy Williams
Patrick Crayton
Sam Hurd
Miles Austin
Kevin Ogletree
Summary: The surprise of the group - only if you haven't been watching training camp or the preseason - is Ogletree, the only undrafted rookie to make the roster. Regardless of the receiver numbers or his competition, Ogletree simply made too many plays not to keep him. In fact, Jerry Jones said Friday night that Ogletree is the type of young player the Cowboys could even build around. The only other surprise is that the Cowboys decided to end their experiment with Stanback, who had trouble staying healthy and, consequently, making the transition from college quarterback to NFL receiver.

Tight End (3)
Jason Witten
Martellus Bennett
John Phillips
Summary: This position played out as expected. Witten looks ready for another All-Pro season, while Bennett has emerged as a potential star. The Cowboys will use a lot of two-tight end sets, but look for Phillips to have a role as well. He has surprised the Cowboys with his athleticism, but he's a solid blocker as well. What a situation for Phillips, who has two different but talented tight ends from whom to learn.

Offensive Line (10)
Flozell Adams
Kyle Kosier
Andre Gurode
Leonard Davis
Marc Colombo
Cory Procter
Pat McQuistan
Doug Free
Montrae Holland
Duke Preston
Summary: All of the uncertainties seem to surround the backup positions. That's not exactly a comforting situation, but at least the starters are back. And that includes Kyle Kosier at left guard, who hasn't shown any lingering effects from the foot injury that kept him out of 13 games last year. The Cowboys kept 10 lineman, including backups Cory Procter, Montrae Holland and newly-acquired lineman Duke Preston. This position may not stand like this when the season starts, but for now, the Cowboys are going with 10.

Defensive Line (6)
Marcus Spears
Jay Ratliff
Igor Olshansky
Jason Hatcher
Stephen Bowen
Junior Siavii
Summary: Unless the Cowboys make a change over the weekend, which is always possible, it appears the club is prepared to give Siavii his first chance to play since 2006. He is expected to back up Pro Bowler Jay Ratliff in the middle. Other than that, the Cowboys have some experienced depth at end with Bowen and Hatcher providing a deep rotation. Olshansky has looked to be a solid replacement for the departed Chris Canty. The Cowboys obviously had high hopes for Marcus Dixon, whose groin injury two weeks ago stunted his chances of making the team. Getting him back on the practice squad seems to be a high priority.

Linebacker (9)
DeMarcus Ware
Bradie James
Keith Brooking
Anthony Spencer
Bobby Carpenter
Steve Octavien
Victor Butler
Jason Williams
Curtis Johnson
Summary: The bad part about this position is the injuries that occurred over the course of camp. The good thing is that most of it was towards the end of the depth chart. The Cowboys' four starters have been set and Carpenter is expected to be the nickel linebacker. After that it's been shaky, thanks to rookies Brandon Williams and Stephen Hodge both going to IR, and Jason Williams out another 3-5 weeks with a high ankle sprain. It gave Octavien a chance and forced the Cowboys to claim Curtis Johnson (waived by the Colts) last week.

Cornerback (4)
Terence Newman
Mike Jenkins
Orlando Scandrick
Alan Ball
Summary: The big news here centers on the recent decision to rotate both Jenkins and Scandrick as starters at right cornerback. This should be the first time in three years that Newman will enter the regular season healthy. He's looked sharp in the preseason, especially as a spot-duty punt returner. Ball missed the last game after having a concussion in the third preseason game, but should be ready for Tampa. Jerry Jones mentioned Ball's versatility to play safety as a key attribute to his value. The Cowboys took a strong look at Mike Mickens, but opted to part ways at this time.

Safety (4)
Ken Hamlin
Gerald Sensabaugh
Pat Watkins
Mike Hamlin
Summary: Watkins had likely already earned a roster spot before the Minnesota game, but he erased any other doubts with a stellar performance in the preseason finale. He'll be the third safety behind starters Ken Hamlin and Sensabaugh. Mike Hamlin is out probably another month with a broken wrist and although the Cowboys like the versatility of DeAngelo Smith, who also played cornerback in college, he didn't survive Saturday's cuts.

Specialists (4)
K Nick Folk
K David Buehler
P Mat McBriar
LS L.P. Ladouceur
Summary: The only change is the addition of Buehler, who figures to be the kickoff specialist. While the Cowboys are hoping he helps provide better field position, there may be some weeks the Cowboys can't afford to keep two kickers active for the game. Since he only attempted one field goal, it's likely the Cowboys would go with Folk to handle both duties if keeping them both active on the 45-man game day roster isn't an option. McBriar looks healthy again after last year's broken foot and Ladouceur has been rock-solid for about five years now.

Here is a complete list of the Cowboys' roster moves to reach the 53-man limit:

Injured Reserve:
Stephen Hodge

Waived:
Travis Bright
Courtney Brown
Rudy Carpenter
Scott Chandler
Julius Crosslin
Marcus Dixon
Tearrius George
Ryan Gibbons
Jeremy Haynes
Jesse Holley
Mike Jefferson
Manuel Johnson
Keon Lattimore (waived/injured)
Mike Mickens
Willie Reid
Derreck Robinson
Asaph Schwapp
Jonas Seawright
DeAngelo Smith
Isaiah Stanback
Matt Stewart
DeAngelo Willingham

[badfish22]

I hope its true that Holley and Rudy will make the Practice Squad.

Between this play and this one, holley looks like a very alert player with good hands. Plus he seems like a good guy.

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by chumdawg

Next year we are going to witness the unleashing of the great Isiah Stanback!

Originally Posted by jthig32

If by "unleasing" you mean "releasing", I agree.

Originally Posted by chumdawg

Evidently you are way behind the curve when it comes to these things.

Am I?

[tcat075]

So...why did Proctor make this team again?

[DirkFTW]

The proctologist and the carpenter live!!!!

[chumdawg]

Originally Posted by jthig32

Am I?

Weren't you the one who said Holley was going to be the first person cut?