The Official Dallas Cowboys 2010 Off-Season Thread

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

I've had that same feeling, but it seems like this knee surgery that he had today was long overdue and should help him [Colombo] a lot.

Kinda makes you wonder why he didn't have the surgery earlier though...

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

I'll feel A LOT better once I see Dez on the field. Everything I've seen/read indicates that he was absolutely amazing in training camp before his injury.

Only if you like lightning-fast speed and one-handed circus catches...

[FINtastic]

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to Dez. Hopefully he's able to stay up to speed with the offense despite this injury because I'm getting some strong Larry Fitzgerald vibes from him.

And honestly, anything to get Roy Williams less involved in the offense is a good thing.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by FINtastic

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to Dez. Hopefully he's able to stay up to speed with the offense despite this injury because I'm getting some strong Larry Fitzgerald vibes from him.

And honestly, anything to get Roy Williams less involved in the offense is a good thing.

If Dez ends up somewhere in the ballpark of Fitz (alongside Austin), we're gong to be scary-good...

Especially if the much-hated Roy Williams becomes our 3rd WR (nobody wants to give him props, but he was tied in 6th place for the most reception TD's last season at seven - he's still plenty useful...)

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Kinda makes you wonder why he didn't have the surgery earlier though...

It sounds like he didn't even know he needed until his knee locked up yesterday. It's a very minor surgury apparently, so who knows how much difference it will really make. I can't imagine missing practice is going to help him get back into the swing of things, but who knows, maybe a bit of rest will do him some good.

[Underdog]

Ugh... We better be getting these out of the way early, otherwise this is going to be a loooong season!

Kosier injured

link

Starting left guard Kyle Kosier left Wednesday's morning practice early with a knee injury. The team has not made an official diagnosis or announcement, but very early indications are a possible sprained MCL.

Kosier will have an MRI today. Defensive end Marcus Spears suffered a sprained MCL on the final full day of practice in San Antonio, and the timetable was four-to-six weeks. We'll provide updates as the come available.

The Cowboys are already without starting right tackle Marc Colombo, who had arthroscopic knee surgery Monday to remove loose particles and could miss at least two weeks.

Montrae Holland replaced Kosier in team drills. Kosier also doubles as the primary backup center, which will mean more work for rookie Phil Costa.

[LonghornDub]

We're going to be down to me and UD anchoring the offensive line soon.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Ugh, is this punishiment from the football gods for not addressing the O-line this offseason? Seriously, o-line depth is kinda important these days...

[chumdawg]

I wonder if anyone of quality at all will be cut by another team. I sure hope so!

[MavsX]

maybe we can get Flozell back hahha

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

Ugh, is this punishiment from the football gods for not addressing the O-line this offseason? Seriously, o-line depth is kinda important these days...

As much as I'd like more depth along the line, we can't be stacked at every position unfortunately.

We are getting a little too thin for comfort along the offensive line, but at least the line should be healthy by the end of the first month of games. Hopefully, we can at least keep the ship plugged until then.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by FINtastic

As much as I'd like more depth along the line, we can't be stacked at every position unfortunately.

We are getting a little too thin for comfort along the offensive line, but at least the line should be healthy by the end of the first month of games. Hopefully, we can at least keep the ship plugged until then.

If the starters can stay healthy all season, then we should do fine. However, if any one of them is injured for a siginificant time period, we could have a huge problem. I just hope we have much better luck in the regular season than we've had during the preseason in that regard.

[Underdog]

...!

Opener Now In Question For Sensabaugh

link

What looked like more of a minor injury Saturday night in San Diego, now appears could sideline safety Gerald Sensabaugh for 3-4 weeks, possibly forcing him to miss the season opener in Washington.

Sensabaugh suffered the injury – a subluxation in his left shoulder – in the second defensive series of the Cowboys’ 16-14 win over the Chargers. Initially, reports from the locker room indicated Sensabaugh might just be held out for the rest of the preseason, mainly for precautionary measures.

But as the Sept. 12 game against the Redskins is exactly three weeks away, not it seems Sensabaugh’s chances of returning are closer to 50-50.

For the Cowboys, it’s a good thing veterans Pat Watkins (sore knee) and Mike Hamlin (concussion/strained neck) are expected to return to practice this week. And not to mention, the Cowboys also have three rookie safeties that are playing well. Fourth-round pick Akwasi Owusu-Ansah made his debut Saturday night, but undrafted rookie Barry Church filled in for Sensabaugh at strong safety. Church not only stopped the run well but his 80-yard fumble return helped the Cowboys score their first offensive touchdown of the preseason.

And then rookie Danny McCray looks to have locked up a roster spot, solely for his ability on special teams. McCray was a star on the coverage teams Saturday night. Whatever happens at the rest of the safety spots, look for McCray to have one for himself.

But the big question will be what the Cowboys do now in place of Sensabaugh for the time being. Watkins and Hamlin are more free safeties, but it’s not to say they can’t fill in.

Then again, the Cowboys might just go with Church, a more natural strong safety who doesn’t appear out of his element.

[Underdog]

In lieu of any significant Mavs news:

Knee braces not an option for Cowboys

link

OXNARD, Calif. -- An interesting question this week addresses the Cowboys' offensive line and how they've dealt with injuries to starters Marc Colombo and Kyle Kosier.

In an attempt to prevent further injuries, head coach Wade Phillips has decided to make it mandatory for all the linemen -- on offense and defense -- to use knee braces.

By no means does this guarantee that a player can't get injured, but wearing a brace does stabilize the knee and minimizes the possibility of injuries occurring.

Colombo was wearing a knee brace when he heard something pop in his knee, which was some loose cartilage that has since been removed. Colombo told Jerry Jones a few days ago that his knee feels great, and Jones said the lineman's long-term health shouldn't be an issue.

Kosier, who doesn't wear a knee brace, injured his knee. Marcus Spears, who wears one at times, didn't have one on when he injured his knee in San Antonio.

So there is no clear-cut way to say whether a knee brace helps or not.

Several of the Cowboys' offensive and defensive linemen have had knee issues in the past, whether in college or the pros.

When Bill Parcells was the Cowboys' coach from 2003-06, it was mandatory for linemen to wear knee braces. Currently, the Dolphins -- where Parcells is vice president of football operations -- have made it mandatory for linemen to wear knee braces. And New York Jets coach Rex Ryan had made it mandatory for quarterback Mark Sanchez, who's coming back from offseason knee surgery.

When Phillips replaced Parcells, that rule became optional for Cowboys players. Some offensive linemen can't stand wearing them, because sometimes it keeps your leg stiff. Other players just find it uncomfortable and can't get used to it.

But now, if you want to play on Sundays -- or in this case, on Saturdays during the preseason -- you had better put the brace on.

[DirkFTW]

I know it's just preseason, but that was painful to watch.

[Flacolaco]

If my twitter account was any indication, the number of people who watched a COMPLETELY meaningless football game tonight was more than those who watched the Rangers in a pennant race.

That confuses (infuriates?) me.

[mavspwnage]

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

If my twitter account was any indication, the number of people who watched a COMPLETELY meaningless football game tonight was more than those who watched the Rangers in a pennant race.

That confuses (infuriates?) me.

I watched the Cowboys game live, but watched the Rangers game on DVR. If there are two games going on, I will typically record and watch the more important game afterwards. But that Rangers game was as ugly as the Cowboys game.

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

If my twitter account was any indication, the number of people who watched a COMPLETELY meaningless football game tonight was more than those who watched the Rangers in a pennant race.

That confuses (infuriates?) me.

Football is the beast and the Cowboys are the top draw. Baseball just doesn't carry over in a big way on TV. It's a sport (like Basketball) where you really can afford to go a few days or even a week or so and jump right back in easily. You really can't do that in football.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

Football is the beast and the Cowboys are the top draw. Baseball just doesn't carry over in a big way on TV. It's a sport (like Basketball) where you really can afford to go a few days or even a week or so and jump right back in easily. You really can't do that in football.

I tried to read this post, but I started nodding off after the word "baseball"...

[BGMaverick9]

haha

[Thespiralgoeson]

I know it's preseason, but holy f*ck the Cowboys were terrible in every conceivable way against Houston. And I'm not buying the "vanilla" excuse anymore. "Vanilla" seems to mean the most basic, elementary football plays, and the Cowboys haven't even been able to do that. The preseason is supposed to get you ready for the regular season, and they just don't look ready AT ALL. It may not matter whether or not your team wins a preseason game, but the fact that the team hasn't even been able to execute the basics does worry me a lot considering these guys are supposed to be Super Bowl contenders.

I really think this nonchalant attitude the Cowboys have had about executing in the preseason is biting them in the ass, and it's a perfect example of why I still don't trust the Jerry/Wade/Garret braintrust to get this team back to greatness. Hopefully the Houston game was a major wakeup call to the players and the coaches that it's time to get their sh*t together. The Houston game was such a disaster that the starters are apparently going to play against Miami on Thursday. That's not a good thing. If they come out and put a couple of touchdown drives together, I'll feel much better. But if they come out and look like sh*t again, I honestly don't know what to expect from this season.

Oh btw, Marion Barber SUCKS! In my book, he has officially replaced Roy Williams as the most disappointing and overpaid player on the team. Felix and Tashard definitely need to get the majority of the carries this season. (Granted, Felix hasn't looked much better in the preason, but I just think Barber is close to finished.)

Edit: If there were any positives about the Houston game, I have to say Roy actually looked pretty decent out there. Then again, maybe he only looked good because everyone else on the team looked so pathetic.

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

If my twitter account was any indication, the number of people who watched a COMPLETELY meaningless football game tonight was more than those who watched the Rangers in a pennant race.

That confuses (infuriates?) me.

Football is king. It should have been evident when more people were watching the NFL draft than a Mavs playoff game (and I believe that was just the local ratings).

[MavsX]

i'm sick of crayton..cut his a$$..also, i don't like his bald head..it looks weird.

[mavspwnage]

Crayton to the Chargers for a 7th round pick.

http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl...ory?id=5528702

[chumdawg]

I am somewhat surprised. I wonder if they make this move if Hurd/Holley don't show up last night.

[BGMaverick9]

I'm not saying Crayton was a stud, but this is definitely another WTF were you thinking when you talk about what it cost to get Roy Williams.

[Thespiralgoeson]

7th round?? Seriously? I thought we could at least get a 4th for him.

[mavspwnage]

We aren't done yet...Pat McQuistan was traded to the Dolphins for an undisclosed 2011 draft pick. Wow...I guess the Dolphins weren't paying attention when McQ sucked major ass against them not even 24 hours ago.

[BGMaverick9]

Newy Scruggs commented on FB and said he thinks Barber might get traded this weekend. He said he wouldn't be shocked if Cleveland was the other team in the equation.

[Rhylan]

I think the Crayton move was planned all summer. Remember his early talk about wanting to be traded, then all of a sudden he hushed up about it.

He was told to be quiet - and if he'd be quiet, help raise his value a bit by not clamoring about wanting out, they'd be willing to move him. And it happened.

Would love nothing more than to see Barber moved. I think he's a shadow of his former self. Free the People's Choice. But I'd rather he not go to Cleveland because I'm probably starting Jerome Harrison in a flex spot in the first few weeks of fantasy football.

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by mavspwnage

We aren't done yet...Pat McQuistan was traded to the Dolphins for an undisclosed 2011 draft pick. Wow...I guess the Dolphins weren't paying attention when McQ sucked major ass against them not even 24 hours ago.

How on earth did we get a draft pick out of Pat McQuistan? That's what I'm wondering.

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by Rhylan

Would love nothing more than to see Barber moved. I think he's a shadow of his former self. Free the People's Choice. But I'd rather he not go to Cleveland because I'm probably starting Jerome Harrison in a flex spot in the first few weeks of fantasy football.

Barber's not getting moved with that monstrous contract. But if I were a betting man, I'd say that neither Barber nor Roy will be with the Cowboys after the next offseason.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by FINtastic

Barber's not getting moved with that monstrous contract. But if I were a betting man, I'd say that neither Barber nor Roy will be with the Cowboys after the next offseason.

I just had this EXACT same conversation with a buddy of mine...

I'm inclined to agree (although I'd love to see Barber get shipped so we can see more Choice!)

[ribosoma]

Originally Posted by FINtastic

How on earth did we get a draft pick out of Pat McQuistan? That's what I'm wondering.

Parcells is wedded to his former players, and even his former players' children in the case of Barbie Carpenter.

[ribosoma]

Originally Posted by FINtastic

Barber's not getting moved with that monstrous contract. But if I were a betting man, I'd say that neither Barber nor Roy will be with the Cowboys after the next offseason.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/ar...barber-is.html

[ribosoma]

Cowboys Opening Up Money for a Miles Austin Deal, or Others

Since April, the Cowboys have lopped off $16.124 million from their 2010 payroll by either cutting or trading veterans.

First they cut Ken Hamlin ($5.596 million) and Flozell Adams ($5 million). Then Cory Procter ($1.759 million) and Pat Watkins ($1.176 million) were let go. On Friday, they traded Patrick Crayton ($2 million) and Pat McQuistan ($1.176 million).

Some of that has been chewed up when you look at the draft picks, especially Dez Bryant and Sean Lee, but the bulk of that money could end up going to Miles Austin, whom the Cowboys have had discussions about a long-term deal this summer.

I wouldn't say the Cowboys are being cheap, especially in this uncapped year. Call it a re-allocation of funds.

"It just factors into the big picture," executive vice president Stephen Jones said. "It's hard to say it's Miles' money or might potential be Doug Free's money or someone else's. It's just a matter of where your resources are not only for today but for the future."

LINK

[MavsX]

Originally Posted by ribosoma

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/ar...barber-is.html

i hope not. i don't want to have to buy a new jersey. dammit.

[ribosoma]

Barbie Carpenter was released by the Rams:

Carpenter Among Former Cowboys Released
Posted by nickeatman at 9/5/2010 8:23 PM CDT on truebluefanclub.com
Scanning the long list of league-wide roster cuts, the biggest name that stands out from our perspective has to be Bobby Carpenter.

A former first-round pick of the Cowboys in 2006, and traded to St. Louis this offseason for offensive tackle Alex Barron, Carpenter was let go by the Rams this weekend in the team’s final cuts.

Carpenter figured to step right in as a possible starter for the Rams, who at the time of the trade, were rather thin at the position. As it stands, St. Louis still has three starting linebackers in its 4-3 scheme and they’re all from Ohio State, but Carpenter just wasn’t one of them. The Rams will start a trio of Na’il Diggs, James Laurinaitis and Larry Grant, all former Buckeyes.

It’s safe to say the Cowboys got the better end of the Barron trade, even if he’s a backup, who will likely be the team’s swing tackle on game days. That’s assuming Marc Colombo is ready to play this week. If the veteran doesn’t return from a knee injury, Barron might be the team’s starting right tackle against Washington.

And here are some other former Cowboys who were cut this weekend:

OT Rob Petitti (Carolina)
CB Marvin White (Cincinnati)
CB DeAngelo Smith (Cleveland)
WR Jerhume Urban (Kansas City)
WR Verran Tucker (Kansas City)
DT Montavious Stanley (Miami)
LB Erik Walden (Miami)
FB Jason McKie (New Orleans)
CB Courtney Brown (NY Giants)
CB Joey Thomas (Oakland)
CB Quincy Butler (St. Louis)
LB Bobby Carpenter (St. Louis)
TE Sean Ryan (Tennessee)
QB Richard Bartel (Washington)

LINK

[MavsX]

^ man who is drafting or signing all these dudes

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by ribosoma

Parcells is wedded to his former players, and even his former players' children in the case of Barbie Carpenter.

Speaking of, guess who just got signed by the Dolphins...

[MavsX]

i'm starting to hate parcells..him and his poor man's cowboys bums down in south florida.