12/21/24
October 24, 2006
'Don't You Need at Least One Good Quarterback to Make a Controversy?': Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist Gil LeBreton asks that question after Dallas Cowboys QBs combined for four interceptions -- no, wait, Tony Romo just threw another -- in the Monday night loss to the New York Giants. Romo entered last night's game "to a standing ovation and chants of 'Romo, Romo, Romo,'" according to the Associated Press. "The cheers didn't die down until his first pass was swatted by Michael Strahan and intercepted by Antonio Pierce."
Romo actually looked okay. He just made a bunch of rookie-type mistakes. The Giants threw some odd looks at him, and the poor kid has to learn sometime. Parcells just threw him into the deep end yesterday. We'll see how he rebounds next week. (It's possible that Bledsoe is all but finished as a starter in the NFL. He's been good-but-not-great in a few different places, and by my count this is the third time that he's been replaced by a younger QB with more upside. He's had a good run, but this might be it, unless the Seahawks or the Raiders or someone wants to see if he's got one more decent year in him.) I had no idea Romo's arm was so strong. He's got some rocket sauce on that thing sometimes. All that said, I was disappointed that one of the teams had to win.
posted by chicobangs at 12:46 PM on October 24, 2006
I gotta feel bad for Bledsoe. He was never destined for true greatness, but with an offensive line that isn't doing a swinging-doors impersonation, he was good, and he's had some hard luck too. Now, I expect he is probably done as a starter. Yes, he's the one who hung on and tried to keep competing as a starting QB, and given that "with my shield, or on it" approach it was probably always going to come to this...but I really hated seeing him take that beating.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 12:53 PM on October 24, 2006
but with an offensive line that isn't doing a swinging-doors impersonation, he was good The thing that's impacted Bledsoe the most is how much the game has changed in the time since he was drafted. Pocket quarterbacks are a dying breed, and all defenses are so freakin' fast now. Any typical offensive line won't be able to hold off all the pressure any talented team facing a guy like Bledsoe is going to bring. A quarterback doesn't necessarily have to be Michael Vick, but they need to be able to roll out and leave the pocket for a second or so when things collapse. Bledsoe can't do that, and I'm assuming that's a big reason the Patriots were so willing to see him leave back when Brady was still relatively unproven. Very few offensive lines exist in football that will be able to protect a guy like Bledsoe enough for him to be successful week in, week out.
posted by dyams at 01:28 PM on October 24, 2006
Romo is not the answer. What do you prefer .. a guy who holds the ball and takes a sack (Bledsoe) or someone who simply flips the ball to any player on either team at the slightest hint of pressure? Dallas has a pathetic O line, so a decision needs to be made real soon.
posted by cixelsyd at 01:33 PM on October 24, 2006
All that said, I was disappointed that one of the teams had to win. Chico, I couldn't agree more!!
posted by myshtigo at 01:37 PM on October 24, 2006
Romo is definitely not the answer. It looked like many of the plays were drawn in the artificial dirt with Romo and his receivers running around like the keystone cops. It looked more like vaudeville than football. I think the Cowboys need to get through this season and get rid of Bledsoe, TO, Romo and 2 or 3 offensive linemen. I don't know where that leaves Parcells but I can't imagine he's interested in another rebuilding project, which is what this mess will take. Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 01:43 PM on October 24, 2006
Gil LeBreton is a tool. This line: Meet the new boss, same as the old boss, in other words. shows him to be either completely ignorant of how a quarterback fits into the team around him, or so eager to use that ripoff of The Who that he's playing ignorant. Bledsoe is a decent enough quarterback with lousy mobility and almost no line in front of him. He has little to no chance to succeed against a team with even a reasonable pass rush, let alone the Giants. Romo, OTOH, can move around the pocket, buy time and use his extremely strong arm to find receivers who break free of coverage, and with guys like T.O. and Glenn running around, someone will break free. Does this mean Romo's going to be successful immediately? No, of course it doesn't. He still has a terrible line and he's going to have his growing pains. But better to let Romo go through it now than sit through Bledsoe getting hammered into the Texas Stadium turf as the Cowboys miss the playoffs. And unless Dallas plans to go out and acquire a new starting QB during the offseason, or unless he completely plays himself out of it, Romo's your guy in 2007.
posted by wfrazerjr at 01:49 PM on October 24, 2006
I'm a Cowboys fan, been one for a long time, and I am hopeful Romo can prove to be a decent starter in this league. He has shown a little moxie and the team did move the ball a little bit last night with him running the offense. He provides some much needed mobility to the position. Maybe with a week to prepare he can be okay. Dallas has an extremely tough schedule that could have them at 3-7 going into to Thanksgiving. One thing I was thinking last night as Romo was put in is that the best team, in terms of wins and losses, Parcells has coached in Dallas was his first. When Quincy Carter was the qb. If Romo can be a good "bus driver" and the defense live up to expectations, this team may still have a good shot at a winning record and possible playoff birth.
posted by ampto11 at 01:49 PM on October 24, 2006
Bledsoe was absolutely horrible last night. He's not a mobile QB by any means. But on the flip side, Dallas' offensive line isn't the greatest either. On the play when he ran and leaped for the TD that he got, by the way, after watching replays of it last night and on ESPN today, I question that it even was a TD, that was a gutsy play on his part. I know thats what they get paid to do, but of all players Bledsoe. He's taken a beating in N.E, Buffalo, and now in Dallas. I think it's time for Bledsoe to accept that he is no longer a starting QB in the NFL. He's is and should be a back-up and give the reins to Romo. A decision that I think has already been made. To his credit he has always been a tough competitor, has given his all ,played with pins sticking out of his fingers while in N.E, and has played with numerous injuries during his career. Call it a career Drew, your starting days are over.
posted by Ghastly1 at 01:58 PM on October 24, 2006
I was surprised to see Bledsoe go from NE to Buffalo then the Cowboys, when the obvious next step was Detroit.
posted by smithnyiu at 02:43 PM on October 24, 2006
That game only shows the degree to which the Dallas Cowboys have become an NFL farse. They haven't won a playoff game in 10 yrs, and after have a terrible offensive line last yr they cut Larry Allen and wasted early draft picks on a linebacker that is now on the practice team, a Notre Dame tight end that has shown nothing and a $10 million signing bonus to TO. Thats how to shore up that offensive line guys. They have drafted nothing but defense over the last decade and not very well at that. Jerry Jones has adopted the Al Davis attitude that you get yourself a washed-up QB off the street to win. How have the Raiders done the last decade? Jerry Jones may be great at making money but as a GM, he and the coach 'buying the groceries' certainly have built a mediocre mess out of a franchise that should have everything going for it.
posted by jaygolf at 02:54 PM on October 24, 2006
Jason Witten, Julius Jones, Al Johnson, Anthony Fasano, Antonio Bryant, Quincy Carter, Andre Gurode, Rob Pettiti, Jacob Rogers, Peterman, Marion Barber III, Patrick Crayton , yep nothing but defensive guys there.... Roy Williams, Terrance Newman, Demarcus Ware, Bradie James, Marcus Spears, Chris Canty, not a good one in the bunch. Carpenter , while he has been inactive for most of the games is still listed on the 53 man roster...just sayin Raiders were in a Super Bowl 4-5 years ago.. again just sayin.
posted by ampto11 at 03:24 PM on October 24, 2006
Thats right; you need one good qb to make a controversy. Dallas needs to go to www.quarterback.com and get somebody. Romo is obviously not ready and Bledsoe is finished. What looked to be a promising playoff run is down the tubes.If you can't beat the Giants at home after they all but give you the game,give up andwait til next year.
posted by sickleguy at 03:46 PM on October 24, 2006
I think it's time for Bledsoe to accept that he is no longer a starting QB in the NFL. He's is and should be a back-up and give the reins to Romo. I find it hard to believe there is any starting QB in the NFL who would be happy to give up his job and pick up a clipboard. Even if he sucks, he still wants to start. It's part of their position's mental make-up. They have to have that ego if they want to win. Now, I agree that Romo deserves a shot, but under no circumstances do I think anyone should expect Bledsoe to happily step aside. It's different in Arizona. Warner has already won the big one, not to mention two MVPs. And at least he handed the reins over to one of the best college QBs of all-time. But Bledsoe and Romo? What has Romo proven? He might be a star someday, I don't know, but right now, he's still a wet behind the ears QB from a division I-AA school who has yet to have proven anything.
posted by forrestv at 03:54 PM on October 24, 2006
I grew up following the Cowboys, and I hate to see Parcells suck the joy out of the franchise with his grim visage moping around the sidelines. Has this guy always been so joyless? Romo has potential, but I'm surprised he was so unprepared for the game Monday night. Surely the team must have realized that Bledsoe might need to be yanked this season and gave the best backup serious reps.
posted by rcade at 04:03 PM on October 24, 2006
Has this guy always been so joyless? Yep!
posted by willthrill72 at 04:17 PM on October 24, 2006
I think it was a bad decision to throw him in there on a Monday night game nationally televised at halftime of a losing "must win" game. They should have prepared him during the offweek to start against the Texans. Never the less, I'm glad he's in. Under the circumstances, I think he did as good as could be expected. With time, I believe he will be a solid QB. I'm just not sure how much time the Cowboys have.
posted by louisville_slugger at 04:21 PM on October 24, 2006
This goes to show what a mess it can be when the owner tries to be the GM. Jones walking up and down the sidelines can't help. He pushed the TO deal through, and I think Parcells won't go to an offensive scheme that best utilizes him out of spite..I could be wrong. As a Viking fan living in Dallas (hence the DViking moniker) I absolutely loved the game! Hope they never figure out that they need a complete offense to be effective...good RB's and WR's without a QB or line just doesn't cut it. Baltimore proved that if you only have two of the four, go with the line and RB. The Vikes don't have a stellar QB either, but Johnson has enough of the other three to be successful.
posted by dviking at 04:43 PM on October 24, 2006
Parcells shouldn't be surprised.......Bledsoe stood in the pocket like a statue while with Bill in New England, now he does the same in Dallas.
posted by mckayx9x at 04:51 PM on October 24, 2006
(unless the Seahawks or the Raiders or someone wants to see if he's got one more decent year in him.) No thanks, we already have 3 bad quarterbacks.
posted by yay-yo at 04:57 PM on October 24, 2006
I agree with slugger that it was bad timing to insert Romo into lastnights division game but I think all of us who have been watching knew he would be there soon. That's why Parcells started Romo in the preseason and that is where Romo showed that he has tremendous potential. Lastnight was an awful game by several of the Boys and with the next 3 games being on the road we will see how Romo prepares when he is the named starter. Romo showed a strong arm and mobility. That's a good start. I remember Tom Landry saying about Danny White when Danny was in a similar posistion as Romo is now "Sometimes it is good to be underated" or something like that. For now, for sure, Romo is underated.
posted by Termite at 05:01 PM on October 24, 2006
I grew up following the Cowboys, and I hate to see Parcells suck the joy out of the franchise with his grim visage moping around the sidelines. Has this guy always been so joyless? It's tough to be joyful when the egomaniacal wide receiver your egomaniacal owner foisted on you drops a fourth-down pass that would have given your team a fresh set of downs and the momentum heading in deep into the game. Seriously, when Owens muffed that five-yard floater with no one within 15 fucking yards of him, I thought Parcells was going to lie down and die right there. T.O. couldn't even be bothered to look the ball into his hands, and then he comes off the field smiling and shaking his head. I wish Bill would have been right up in his face. "See, now I totally believe it wasn't a suicide attempt, because if you can't keep something the size of a goddamned football in your hands for one second, how could I think you could hang on to all those little pills while you were trying to get them down your throat?!? "And you know what? Since it's so goddamned easy for you to laugh it off when you blow a drive and screw my chance to build a little confidence in my new quarterback and so tough for you to understand why you're not the target on every fucking pass we throw, why don't you go put on your Spandex shorts and hop on the exercise bike behind the bench for a while? Have a good chuckle back there, because you won't see the field for the rest of the fucking night. "Come and see me when you fully understand that Tony Romo should have come off the field and started screaming at you for being a waste of oxygen, the same way you find it acceptable when one of our quarterbacks doesn't throw you the ball, even when your double-fucking covered. Until then, call a press conference or go get another prescription, because you're done catching passes for me."
posted by wfrazerjr at 05:24 PM on October 24, 2006
To what forrestv's posted: I do think it would be hard for Bledsoe to be relinguished to a back-up role again,as it happened here in NE. But do you think that if New England had not done what they did that year and replace him with Tom Brady, that the Patriots would have gone on to win not 1, but 3 SuperBowls in 4 years? If I remember correctly,I think Bledsoe got hurt before being replaced(correct me if I'm wrong). But the point I'm trying to make is Bledsoe's career is winding down. The Dallas Cowboys offensive line can't protect an immobile quarterback like Drew is. Hell,they can't protect Romo who can at least get out of his own way. Romo is just a rookie and certainly no Tom Brady. Who knows what the future holds. But you got to give the guy a chance to see what he can do. Nows the time. The Cowboys schedule isn't getting any easier(next 3 on the road I believe) against very good teams And I agree with what rcade and louisville posted above. Bottom line is Romo was thrown into the fire unprepared. Living in Mass, and being a Patriots fan, I have always liked Bledsoe, even when he was in Buffalo and now Dallas. I'm just saying every player's career comes to an end. I just think that this might be Drew's time.
posted by Ghastly1 at 05:32 PM on October 24, 2006
Man wfrazerjr, Well said. Damn you hit the nail right on the head. I've been trying to add to that but you put it all down. Can't say it much better than that. RIGHT ON.
posted by Ghastly1 at 05:39 PM on October 24, 2006
I live in new england the best thing for the pats was dumping bledsoe he was always making bad decisions if it wasn't for ben coates he would have been even worse
posted by stubby27 at 05:43 PM on October 24, 2006
Romo is just a rookie This is Tony Romo's 4th year in the NFL with the Cowboys--but I understand what you were saying and I agree.
posted by Termite at 05:47 PM on October 24, 2006
I didn't realize he has been in the league for that long. I thought 1 ,the most this year being his second. Not hearing much about him,I wasn't quite sure. My mistake.
posted by Ghastly1 at 06:57 PM on October 24, 2006
If I remember correctly,I think Bledsoe got hurt before being replaced(correct me if I'm wrong). It astonishes me that several people seem to have forgotten, if they ever knew it, the circumstances under which Tom Brady became a starter for the Patriots. The short version is that Drew Bledsoe got carted off the field with a life-threatening injury. You can say whatever you want about the aftermath, but anyone who claims that it was a case of deciding to sit old leadfeet down and give the promising rookie a try, is rewriting history.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 07:05 PM on October 24, 2006
I didn't realize he has been in the league for that long. He's spent most of the time as a third stringer, either behind Quincy Carter or Drew Henson. Bledsoe's not taking this well. If he doesn't get the start on Sunday, I'll be interested to see what his reaction will be. He's stated in the past that he'd rather retire than be a backup. If he does get the start on Sunday, I'm not sure how much heart he'll have left, especially on the road at Carolina, where's he sure to spend more time on his back than....nah. Too easy.
posted by Ufez Jones at 07:15 PM on October 24, 2006
I don't know where that leaves Parcells but I can't imagine he's interested in another rebuilding project, which is what this mess will take. He'll be gone after this season regardless. This will, unfortunately for the Cowboys, probably lead to Jones hiring another Dave Campo type coach so he (Jones) can play emporer of God's team again and several more 5-11 seasons. Get your popcorn ready, indeed.
posted by Ufez Jones at 07:47 PM on October 24, 2006
Thanks lbb. I knew that Bledsoe had gotten hurt before being replaced. If I remember right, he took a vicious hit along the sidelines running the ball. As a matter of fact, I think that he had some kind of internal injury, bleeding of some sort I believe. One thing you can't take away from him is he has always been one tough competitor. Maybe not the best,but at least one of the toughest
posted by Ghastly1 at 07:55 PM on October 24, 2006
As a matter of fact, I think that he had some kind of internal injury, bleeding of some sort I believe. It was a hemothorax, which is a bleeding injury, but it's not the bleeding that's the problem, it's where the blood goes -- it compresses the lungs to the point where they can't inflate, and you basically suffocate.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 08:05 PM on October 24, 2006
Retire, Tuna, retire... You can't take losing anymore. It gets tougher every year. You haven't won a Super Bowl since you coached the Giants (my team) and then foolishly quit. Then you proceeded to coach three Giants rivals (Patriots, Jets, and now the hated Cowboys), made it to one SB (Patriots), lost it, and it's been downhill for you ever since. Watching you struggle to maintain your sanity with your mediocre Cowboys is great fun...T.O. might just be the last straw that puts you out of your coaching misery. I'm sure the Giants would love to have you back as a senior consultant, though!
posted by TerpFan at 09:23 PM on October 24, 2006
Thanks for refreshing my memory lbb. I knew it had something to do with bleeding/breathing, something of that nature
posted by Ghastly1 at 10:37 PM on October 24, 2006
The Patriots are rivals of the Giants? Maybe for the loyalty of New England-based fans of a certain age.
posted by yerfatma at 05:43 AM on October 25, 2006
wfrazerjr, your comment was one of the best Parcells suppositions I've ever read. Bill is gone after this year for his sake, I hope too, TerpFan. Jerry, hire some scouts, and a GM, and stay the fuck in your new owners box.
posted by mjkredliner at 06:44 AM on October 25, 2006
Bill is gone after this year for his sake ... No offense, but does anyone mind if I ralph? Bill Parcells is not a figure deserving of sympathy because his team's no good, his owner meddles and he has T.O. on his roster. Jerry Jones turned one of the showpiece franchises in pro sports into one that no big name would coach. Parcells knew this when he went to work for him. He also claimed full authority over his roster, which means the T.O. signing was either his decision or he let Jones override his authority without quitting. The sympathy here should be for Cowboys fans. I know that will fall on deaf ears, but we're looking like Oakland East -- another faded franchise saddled with an inept meddling owner who's forgotten how to win.
posted by rcade at 07:03 AM on October 25, 2006
Let's see here.....Jones acquires TO without the Tuna's consent? That was pretty much a given. Jones has wanted TO since he did that little jig on the 50-yard-line star back when he was a 49er. He wanted him on his team so bad, he sided with his new pet over the assistant coaches a couple of weeks ago after the Philly loss. This just confirms to me who's (still) pulling all the strings in Big-D. I knew I was justified in hating the team I used to love when I was a kid. Parcells bails at the end of the season and takes at least half the coaching staff with him. I'm a little surprised he didn't walk before the Houston game; he's never even dared to put up with this crap from an owner before. Oh yeah, we've also seen the last of Drew.....uhmmmm, who's he again?
posted by NerfballPro at 08:01 AM on October 25, 2006
Jones brought in TO to catch every pass. If Bledsoe isn't going to feed TO, then they will get someone who will. I don't think it was coincidental that every pass once ROMO went in was to TO or atleast attempted to him. As for who is the better QB? They say ROMO is more mobile, well if they had a line in front of them Bledsoe is the better choice cause he can atleast read the 'D' and survey more than 1 passing option. Maybe this off season Jerry Jones can go sign a left tackle for 49 million...seems to have worked for the Vikings
posted by warstda at 08:06 AM on October 25, 2006
Oh yeah, excellent posting there wfrazierjr, although if Parcells really made that outburst, it would've cost him his job before he could've even made it to the postgame press conference. Then again, putting Parcells out of his misery would've been the best thing Jones could ever do for him.
posted by NerfballPro at 08:08 AM on October 25, 2006
Are people really that retarded to believe the Cowboys are in the shits alone because of TO? Jesus. As for the Cowboys themselves, they're a pretty solid team, just can't execute the small things right to win games. I'd say it's a matter of discipline, just don't know where Tuna fits into the whole mold of losing his ability to field a winning team.
posted by charlatan at 08:38 AM on October 25, 2006
Jones brought in TO to catch every pass. If Bledsoe isn't going to feed TO, then they will get someone who will. Seems like that strategy might make the job of the opposing defensive coordinator kinda easy. I think throwing to a guy 13 times in a game is pretty decent.
posted by yerfatma at 09:52 AM on October 25, 2006
Pocket quarterbacks are a dying breed Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Drew Brees, Rex Grossman, Trent Green, Mark Brunnel, Tom Brady, Marc Bulger, Chad Pennington, Matt Haselbeck, Philip Rivers, Drew Bledsoe, Jon Kitna, and Joey Harrington are the group of QB's that I would consider "pocket QB's" that are the starters on there team. A certain type of pocket QB's are dying out though. The one's that just stand in one spot of the pocket are done such as Drew Bledsoe. The one's that are able to utilize the pocket and not have to roll out but can make things happen in the pocket are the great ones. Scrambling QB's like Michael Vick are amazing to watch but they don't win championships. John Elway QB's that are able to move in the pocket and by some time are the one's that are remebered as great.
posted by kidrayter2005 at 09:57 AM on October 25, 2006
It's one game folks. If the cowboys had won, they're in first place and on their way to the playoffs. Since they lost, we're suddenly claiming the team has been turned into a joke by jones. though I admit, they looked really bad I just don't think they win with bledsoe at quarterback.
posted by justgary at 10:05 AM on October 25, 2006
Excuse me Ampto11?? "Roy Williams, Terrance Newman, Demarcus Ware, Bradie James, Marcus Spears, Chris Canty, not a good one in the bunch." Are you joking or just stoned?
posted by T.C. at 01:00 PM on October 25, 2006
Jason Witten, Julius Jones, Al Johnson, Anthony Fasano, Antonio Bryant, Quincy Carter, Andre Gurode, Rob Pettiti, Jacob Rogers, Peterman, Marion Barber III, Patrick Crayton , yep nothing but defensive guys there.... Of your list of 12 offensive draft choices, 5 no longer play for Cowboys and three sets of two (Witten and Fasano, Jones and Barber, Johnson and Gurode) play the same position, including the only two offensive linemen still on team. Not the best of drafting for need, that's for sure. Carpenter , while he has been inactive for most of the games is still listed on the 53 man roster He has yet to make his first tackle. Doubt the Cowboys wanted to cut their first round choice after paying him the money. It would also be an admission of error, which the Cowboys don't do. Besides he still might eventually be a good player. .. just sayin.
posted by graymatters at 01:09 PM on October 25, 2006
The Patriots are rivals of the Giants? hell, i don't even consider the Jets rivals.
posted by goddam at 03:09 PM on October 25, 2006
Excuse me Ampto11?? "Roy Williams, Terrance Newman, Demarcus Ware, Bradie James, Marcus Spears, Chris Canty, not a good one in the bunch." Are you joking or just stoned? T.C., my apologies. I was responding to Jaygolf post but did not copy the text I was referring to. "They have drafted nothing but defense over the last decade and not very well at that." I was merely trying to point out that Dallas has drafted pretty well since Parcells arrival. I think all these guys are very good players, potentially great players. So yes, I am joking, not stoned (not that there's anything wrong with that).
posted by ampto11 at 03:44 PM on October 25, 2006
Of your list of 12 offensive draft choices, 5 no longer play for Cowboys and three sets of two (Witten and Fasano, Jones and Barber, Johnson and Gurode) play the same position, including the only two offensive linemen still on team. Not the best of drafting for need, that's for sure. graymaytters, what's your point? I never claimed they were still on the roster. I was defending the notion that Dallas had not drafted anything except defense for the past decade. And technically, Dallas does have additional lineman they drafted that are still on the roster, albeit they were 7th round picks this year Pat McQuistan and E.J. Whitley. Whitley was injured during training camp and lost for the season. And Skylar Green was promoted to the 53 man roster, also a draft pick from this year. Multiple draft picks for the same position? You're right, that is a silly move. You don't need back ups or anything in the NFL. No one ever gets injured, especially not centers, tight ends, or running backs. And even if you did need backups, why seek them in the draft? Just grab some guy off the street. I mean, it's not like your reserves will ever see the field. Dallas is stupid. I hope no other franchises are dumb enough to be drafting potential back-ups. He has yet to make his first tackle. Doubt the Cowboys wanted to cut their first round choice after paying him the money. It would also be an admission of error, which the Cowboys don't do. Besides he still might eventually be a good player I hope so. One thing to consider is when Dallas drafted Carpenter they were unsure how successful Ellis would be switching to LOLB. After 6 games, the switch looks pretty good. They also still have Al Singleton and a 2nd year LB returning from a knee injury in Burnett. Carpenter had to be moved inside due to the depth at the outside positions. That's not to say it's not a little disappointing that he has not gotten on the field for any significant time and certainly does not justify the pick. But it does buy him a little time I would think before being labeled a bust.
posted by ampto11 at 04:10 PM on October 25, 2006
AMPto11 lol OK sorry, I misunderstood :) I didn't think you meant what it sounded like you meant stoned or not :) I agree most of these players are very good and some will be great. I have no problems with what the Cowboys have done via the draft as far as defense. However I think they are three or four years past when they should have brought in a good QB. I really felt like they should have at least went after a good free agent like Brees, but what the hell my names not Jerry Jones so I don't get a vote.
posted by T.C. at 04:11 PM on October 25, 2006
...Drew Bledsoe got carted off the field with a life-threatening injury... For those who say Bledsoe is through as an NFL QB, don't forget that in that same year, as a backup to an injured Tom Brady, Bledsoe put in a very solid effort in Pittsburgh in a Patriots' playoff win over the Steelers. IMHO Bledsoe is still capable of being a backup to a competent starter on a team with a decent O-line.
posted by Howard_T at 04:12 PM on October 25, 2006
TC, no problem. I misunderstand myself sometimes, stoned or not.
posted by ampto11 at 04:19 PM on October 25, 2006
However I think they are three or four years past when they should have brought in a good QB. I really felt like they should have at least went after a good free agent like Brees, but what the hell my names not Jerry Jones so I don't get a vote. I couldn't agree more. I think timing was the key issue with Brees. He was coming off the injury so there was some questions there (he has looked very good so far this year) and Dallas pulled the trigger on Bledsoe last year and probably felt they could not spend the cash to get D. Brees. Plus, IMHO, they targeted TO as soon as he was suspended last year and knew they were going to shell out several million to get hm to come to Dallas. Add to that the questions surrounding the status of the "CBA" during the initial signing period and I think they felt is was just too much money.
posted by ampto11 at 04:26 PM on October 25, 2006
Those too dumb to coach appear to want to dump Parcells; those too broke to even buy a ticket to the nearest NFL matchup want to oust Jerry Jones. Ah, me! What is this world of sports coming to? Just today, I drove down Watters St. and took a left on Stacey Rd. in Allen, Texas. All the street signs had a blue star on the end. Jerry Jones is responsible for those stars. The Dallas Cowboys are the reason for those stars. We love the Cowboys down here in the Dallas area, and to do that we have to respect Jerry Jones. Bill Parcells, too. Even T. O., of course as long as he wears that star. Therefore, those of you who can't buy or coach should accept our sincere sympathy and justgo watch another game on TV. Ain't nobody going to pay attention to you anyway.
posted by Bud Lang at 04:44 PM on October 25, 2006
Just today, I drove down Watters St. and took a left on Stacey Rd. in Allen, Texas. All the street signs had a blue star on the end. Isn't that a line out of a Keith Urban song? Made me cry.
posted by smithnyiu at 06:11 PM on October 25, 2006
Jerry Jones is responsible for those stars. Yeah that sounds like one of Jerry's deals. I suggest that the last 3 super bowl titles that Dallas won were the doin's of one Jimmy Johnson. We love the Cowboys here in the Dallas area, and to do that we have to respect Jerry Jones. No, we don't. Many of us still love and respect the legacy the Cowboys forged under Gil Brandt, Tex Scramm, Tom Landry, and Clint Murchison, and despise Jones' and his incessant meddling, inherent cheesiness, and that crappy facelift he got. Jerry's forced retirement of Landry was the first of many episodes in poor taste, his ego was largely the reason Johnson left, and the team is a shambles, IMO. As Randy Galloway said, "Knowing the plumbing of the house (the o-line) was bad, Jerry went shopping for a Mercedes (TO)." But Jerry's vision of a new stadium/subdivision/shopping center/golf course etc. will be replete with those stars you like so much Bud, you can bet on that.
posted by mjkredliner at 06:11 PM on October 25, 2006
No, we don't. Many of us still love and respect the legacy the Cowboys forged under Gil Brandt, Tex Scramm, Tom Landry, and Clint Murchison, and despise Jones' and his incessant meddling, inherent cheesiness, and that crappy facelift he got. Jerry's forced retirement of Landry was the first of many episodes in poor taste, his ego was largely the reason Johnson left, and the team is a shambles, IMO. Couldn't have said it better.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 06:57 PM on October 25, 2006
I was born in Dallas, Bud. My earliest memory as a sports fan is probably the Hail Mary. I was a season ticket holder until I moved to Jacksonville. You may have given the worst rationalization for supporting the Cowboys I've ever read. They were huge in Texas long before Jerry Jones bought the team. As for respecting T.O. because he "wears that star," that's not how it works. Dwayne Goodrich was wearing the star when he killed two good samaritans on I-35 in 2000. Nicky Sualua was wearing the star when he did a heroin and ecstasy bender with Mark Tuinei that killed the former Cowboy. Lance Rentzel was wearing the star when he was charged with exposing himself to a 10-year-old girl in the early '70s. If T.O. wants respect, he needs to earn it.
posted by rcade at 07:07 PM on October 25, 2006
Jerry's forced retirement of Landry was the first of many episodes in poor taste ... The forced retirement of Landry was immediately followed by three Super Bowls. I didn't like seeing him go either, but Landry's late '80s teams were disgracefully bad. It was time. Replacing him with Jimmy Johnson was the only good coaching hire Jones has ever made.
posted by rcade at 07:09 PM on October 25, 2006
It was time. Yep, we all knew it, too. Still, to this day, I thought it was handled poorly.
posted by mjkredliner at 07:39 PM on October 25, 2006
I think it's the way he dumped Coach Landry that Jones still earns the scorn of many fans. Not that we want to dredge that up again.....
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 07:41 PM on October 25, 2006
Tex Scramm. HA! Forgive me, Tex.
posted by mjkredliner at 08:16 PM on October 25, 2006
I didn't like seeing him go either, but Landry's late '80s teams were disgracefully bad. rcade, you won't get one single argument from me about that, it was probably Landry's time. However, to me it wasn't the fact that Landry was terminated but the way it was done. He contributed a lot to that city in the 30 years he was there; taking a fledgling expansion team and building a perennial winner. He at least deserved a fair send-off, not dropped like a bad habit. That incident was the one that made me turn against the team I loved so much growing up.
posted by NerfballPro at 11:02 PM on October 25, 2006
You don't need back ups or anything in the NFL. No one ever gets injured, especially not centers, tight ends, or running backs. Please tell me this is another one of those misunderstood times again.
posted by jojomfd1 at 11:22 PM on October 25, 2006
jojo, it was in response to the following post from Graymatters. An attempt at sarcasm. ...and three sets of two (Witten and Fasano, Jones and Barber, Johnson and Gurode) play the same position, including the only two offensive linemen still on team. Not the best of drafting for need, that's for sure. my response," Multiple draft picks for the same position? You're right, that is a silly move. You don't need back ups or anything in the NFL. No one ever gets injured, especially not centers, tight ends, or running backs. And even if you did need backups, why seek them in the draft? Just grab some guy off the street. I mean, it's not like your reserves will ever see the field."
posted by ampto11 at 09:02 AM on October 26, 2006
what was this thread about again?
posted by irunfromclones at 03:51 PM on October 26, 2006
Parcells' gamble paid off. Romo comes up big, and everyone is happy for now. Although, I must say, Romo did make a difference against Carolina's front four, they couldn't tee off on Romo like they would have Bledsoe, and Romo looked poised and confident, and managed the game well even when they were down by 14 early. Hallelujah.
posted by mjkredliner at 07:34 AM on October 30, 2006
I don't actually think Cowboy fans really want Romo as much as they simply want someone else than Bledsoe. The Cowboys get no sympathy at all, because they should have known what they were getting when they brought in Bledsoe. If you don't have an offensive line that can protect a totally immobile quarterback, then Bledsoe is not going to help your team. As soon as pressure is applied to the guy, in the least, he balls up and falls into the fetal position. Every team the Cowboys play is going to send everything but the kitchen sink at Drew, and he, in turn, won't be able to get the ball to T.O., Glenn, whoever. His interceptions were pathetic, especially the one near the goal line. When he ran that ball into the end zone, you could see the look of amazement on the eyes of the Giants players! This is the same thing Bills fans had to endure with the guy, and the Cowboys are just spinning their wheels with him at the helm. Romo's probably not the answer, but he's a change and probably brings more to the table than Bledsoe.