Washington will be familiar with Cowboys going into opener

[SBXVII]

A lot of good points brought up. I was going to say that if I remembered correctly Shanahan has had a really good record playing against Dallas in the past, not that it really means anything since he now has different players to have to coach up. I think with the Eagles he seemed 50/50 against them. He might have struggled against the Giants.

I often worried about other teams coming to our open dates and observing what the team was doing. I know it might not be the game plan that would be played against their teams but they can get a look at what the tendancies a certain player has, ie; WR's, RB's, or QB cadance. This will be even more of an issue since they will not have a lot of time to practice different snap counts.

Sandtrap, I think your assessment was fair. I too wondered why the Eagles would trade their star QB to another team in the division. Seems as thought they know something we don't.... is he washed up? do they know something about his past injuries we don't? or was Reid simply trying to help out a friend by sending him to a team he would be happy going to? Have the Skins done enough with the OL? As far as the LB's go, I feel Orakpo and Wilson being used as both LB's and DE's might actually help them. Fletcher I think will be solid in the middle, so the big question is how will Carter or whoever is playing the right side will do? I don't see a problem at the secondary, if anything I felt Dallas had more of an issue there. Then there was the NT position... if the Skins are smart and Kemo stays healthy I'd keep Kemo at NT and utilize AH at DE along with Daniels at the other DE position. That alone would be one heck of a DL. AH I don't think will be worth anything to spell Kemo since he's usually only good for about 2 to 3 downs. lol. Unless they plan to rotate Kemo and AH then when needing a heavy package using the one I suggested.

It seems teams always run in cycles. The Skins of the 80's, Dallas of the 90's, Giants of the 2000's. Who is going to take the next 10 yrs? Eagle fans will shout it's their turn but I don't think they will make it back. I don't know why I get that feeling but their window in the 2000's came and went, perhaps it's a Reid thing for me. I think that most teams know what the Giants bring to the table and will have counter measures, not to mention I think their defense will be lagging behind. I think the Skins will be an unknown.... but my gut tells me they will be better then last yr but will be like 9-7, give the Skins 2-3 yrs and they will be dominant again. That leaves Dalls, I always hate giving any type of positive news about them and would like to simply say.... Dallas sucks but I think they will lead the division. I think they will make the play offs due to having the best record but I see them on the decline also or it might simply be the Wade Phillips factor. He's an awsome coordinator but a horrid HC and play caller. I think he alone screws Dallas's chances but I wonder about Romo also. I might get blasted but I think he and Campbell both were not what they were expected to be for either team.... thankfully the Skins have moved on....when will Dallas?

[GusFrerotte]

I don't make any predictions anymore with Dallas. Too many games we were the better team on paper(especially pre Romo) and we end up losing, usually losing momentum because of a dumb turnover.

[GusFrerotte]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

A lot of good points brought up. I was going to say that if I remembered correctly Shanahan has had a really good record playing against Dallas in the past, not that it really means anything since he now has different players to have to coach up. I think with the Eagles he seemed 50/50 against them. He might have struggled against the Giants.

I often worried about other teams coming to our open dates and observing what the team was doing. I know it might not be the game plan that would be played against their teams but they can get a look at what the tendancies a certain player has, ie; WR's, RB's, or QB cadance. This will be even more of an issue since they will not have a lot of time to practice different snap counts.

Sandtrap, I think your assessment was fair. I too wondered why the Eagles would trade their star QB to another team in the division. Seems as thought they know something we don't.... is he washed up? do they know something about his past injuries we don't? or was Reid simply trying to help out a friend by sending him to a team he would be happy going to? Have the Skins done enough with the OL? As far as the LB's go, I feel Orakpo and Wilson being used as both LB's and DE's might actually help them. Fletcher I think will be solid in the middle, so the big question is how will Carter or whoever is playing the right side will do? I don't see a problem at the secondary, if anything I felt Dallas had more of an issue there. Then there was the NT position... if the Skins are smart and Kemo stays healthy I'd keep Kemo at NT and utilize AH at DE along with Daniels at the other DE position. That alone would be one heck of a DL. AH I don't think will be worth anything to spell Kemo since he's usually only good for about 2 to 3 downs. lol. Unless they plan to rotate Kemo and AH then when needing a heavy package using the one I suggested.

It seems teams always run in cycles. The Skins of the 80's, Dallas of the 90's, Giants of the 2000's. Who is going to take the next 10 yrs? Eagle fans will shout it's their turn but I don't think they will make it back. I don't know why I get that feeling but their window in the 2000's came and went, perhaps it's a Reid thing for me. I think that most teams know what the Giants bring to the table and will have counter measures, not to mention I think their defense will be lagging behind. I think the Skins will be an unknown.... but my gut tells me they will be better then last yr but will be like 9-7, give the Skins 2-3 yrs and they will be dominant again. That leaves Dalls, I always hate giving any type of positive news about them and would like to simply say.... Dallas sucks but I think they will lead the division. I think they will make the play offs due to having the best record but I see them on the decline also or it might simply be the Wade Phillips factor. He's an awsome coordinator but a horrid HC and play caller. I think he alone screws Dallas's chances but I wonder about Romo also. I might get blasted but I think he and Campbell both were not what they were expected to be for either team.... thankfully the Skins have moved on....when will Dallas?

Donovan isn't washed up by any means, but I think he already has reached his peak. We will get a great year from him this year and maybe next, then he might end up doing a "Brunell" on us. The trade would have been optimal if it was done say 3-5 years ago. What gets me about the Donovan lovefest in here is that a lot of guys called him McChoke, etc the past several seasons and now he is the shit since he is in burgundy! I always like McNabb since his Syracuse days. Loved how he trashed Michigan in the Big House in 2000 or 2001. I really hope he has a lot in the tank to make it fun for a few years anyway.

[GusFrerotte]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

A lot of good points brought up. I was going to say that if I remembered correctly Shanahan has had a really good record playing against Dallas in the past, not that it really means anything since he now has different players to have to coach up. I think with the Eagles he seemed 50/50 against them. He might have struggled against the Giants.

I often worried about other teams coming to our open dates and observing what the team was doing. I know it might not be the game plan that would be played against their teams but they can get a look at what the tendancies a certain player has, ie; WR's, RB's, or QB cadance. This will be even more of an issue since they will not have a lot of time to practice different snap counts.

Sandtrap, I think your assessment was fair. I too wondered why the Eagles would trade their star QB to another team in the division. Seems as thought they know something we don't.... is he washed up? do they know something about his past injuries we don't? or was Reid simply trying to help out a friend by sending him to a team he would be happy going to? Have the Skins done enough with the OL? As far as the LB's go, I feel Orakpo and Wilson being used as both LB's and DE's might actually help them. Fletcher I think will be solid in the middle, so the big question is how will Carter or whoever is playing the right side will do? I don't see a problem at the secondary, if anything I felt Dallas had more of an issue there. Then there was the NT position... if the Skins are smart and Kemo stays healthy I'd keep Kemo at NT and utilize AH at DE along with Daniels at the other DE position. That alone would be one heck of a DL. AH I don't think will be worth anything to spell Kemo since he's usually only good for about 2 to 3 downs. lol. Unless they plan to rotate Kemo and AH then when needing a heavy package using the one I suggested.

It seems teams always run in cycles. The Skins of the 80's, Dallas of the 90's, Giants of the 2000's. Who is going to take the next 10 yrs? Eagle fans will shout it's their turn but I don't think they will make it back. I don't know why I get that feeling but their window in the 2000's came and went, perhaps it's a Reid thing for me. I think that most teams know what the Giants bring to the table and will have counter measures, not to mention I think their defense will be lagging behind. I think the Skins will be an unknown.... but my gut tells me they will be better then last yr but will be like 9-7, give the Skins 2-3 yrs and they will be dominant again. That leaves Dalls, I always hate giving any type of positive news about them and would like to simply say.... Dallas sucks but I think they will lead the division. I think they will make the play offs due to having the best record but I see them on the decline also or it might simply be the Wade Phillips factor. He's an awsome coordinator but a horrid HC and play caller. I think he alone screws Dallas's chances but I wonder about Romo also. I might get blasted but I think he and Campbell both were not what they were expected to be for either team.... thankfully the Skins have moved on....when will Dallas?

ACtually the Gmen and Skins were great during the same time period(80's- early 90's) as the winner of the NFC East usually one the SB. Dallas took the baton from both the Skins and Gmen for most of the 90's. The Eagles never won a SB, but were very competitive during the Randall Cunningham, Chris Carter, Keith Byars era in the early to mid 90's also. Only the hapless Cardinals were never really competitve during that time period, even with Jake Plummer.

[TheSmurfs22]

Originally Posted by hooskins

Im in San An for business until Saturday. The Cowboys are practicing in town on Friday, so I could do some covert ops.

Actually I would prefer to be overt; I would push Romo into the Riverwalk if I saw him there.

~~~
We will gladly start a bail money fund for you.

[TheSmurfs22]

I flew in and out of Dallas two weeks ago. I always get a window seat esp going over Dallas so I can discretely give them the finger as I fly over their stadium.

[TheSmurfs22]

First games are a lot like rain or snow games, everyone is on equal ground to some degree.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by TheSmurfs22

First games are a lot like rain or snow games, everyone is on equal ground to some degree.

Yeah, I'm hoping Shanahan can shock Dallas right out of the gate. I'm atleast hoping we break even in the division so getting Dallas in the first game maybe our only chance with them.

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by mooby

I just saw this and my first thought was, "Have the recent years been so bad that a game in which we score 4 touchdowns is considered that great? "

I'll answer my rhetorical question. Yes. It's crazy to think of a 4 touchdown game on our end as wildly successful beyond our dreams, but after our offensive output last season that's pretty much what it would feel like.

I guess I'm just not that confident, especially considering we play horrible on national television.

Only one team scored more than 28 vs the Cowboys last year, the Giants did it twice. Aside from those games the highest scored against them was 21.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

Only one team scored more than 28 vs the Cowboys last year, the Giants did it twice. Aside from those games the highest scored against them was 21.

This is an excellent point. More importantly, Dallas' defensive talent is all peaking right about now, so honestly I have to say those two games are impossible to call at this point. Considering the struggles I fully expect OUR defense to have, especially early in the season, I suspect Shanny and Co will have to score more than 28 pts to beat Dallas.

Looking at the big picture I won't be surprised if we score over 30 pts in most of our games this year and still lose about half of them.

[sandtrapjack]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

As far as the LB's go, I feel Orakpo and Wilson being used as both LB's and DE's might actually help them. Fletcher I think will be solid in the middle, so the big question is how will Carter or whoever is playing the right side will do?

Orakpo will FLOURISH as an OLB and will be a simple BEAST at that position. I watched him all through college (huge 'Horns fan too) and always pictured him as a 3-4 OLB. Fletcher will be solid in the middle as always. My point was DEPTH at those positions on defense. These guys cant play every down on defense and be expected to make crucial stops in the 4th quarter when protecting a 3 point lead. Gotta have that rotation to keep them rested for the later quarters.

Originally Posted by SBXVII

I don't see a problem at the secondary, if anything I felt Dallas had more of an issue there.

Can't bring myself to agree with you on Dallas secondary, they have 2 Pro Bowl CB's in Jenkins and Newman, and Scandrick is great depth that can be a starter any where else in the league. Only question mark I see in the secondary is how will Alan Ball do at FS since they released Hamlin. Ball was simply outstanding last season filling in for Hamlin who was injured at the time. But not sure what he is going to look like full time.

But the 3-4 coverages have less zones and more press. Also, no disrespect, but it's no secret that Laron Landry has a strong tendency to overcommit on plays. So that was my specific concerns for the secondary regarding the 'Skins.

Originally Posted by SBXVII

Then there was the NT position... if the Skins are smart and Kemo stays healthy I'd keep Kemo at NT and utilize AH at DE along with Daniels at the other DE position. That alone would be one heck of a DL.

So who does Kemo rotate with? Who is the other NT? You cannot expect Kemo to play every defensive snap of the game, taking on 2 blockers on every play and expect him to be able to perform in the second half. Gotta gotta gotta have that rotation.

And Hayneworth had no problem cashing that 19M dollar check, knowing at the time that the team was changing to the 3-4. If he did not want to play, then he should not have accepted that money. But he did. He needs to shut up and play the postition the coaches tell him to.

Originally Posted by SBXVII

I think the Skins will be an unknown.... but my gut tells me they will be better then last yr but will be like 9-7, give the Skins 2-3 yrs and they will be dominant again. That leaves Dallas, I always hate giving any type of positive news about them and would like to simply say.... Dallas sucks but I think they will lead the division. I think they will make the play offs due to having the best record but I see them on the decline also or it might simply be the Wade Phillips factor. He's an awsome coordinator but a horrid HC and play caller.

Umm, Phillps does not call the plays. That is Garrett. Phillips calls the defensive plays.

And for the record, Wade Phillps record as a head coach in Dallas is 34-17, and that is a 66% winning average. And good enough that Phillips has the THIRD HIGHEST WINNING PERCENTAGE as a head coach in the entire NFL.

Caldwell .842
Bellichcick .708
Phillps .667

He is the winningest head coach in the NFC.

Cowboys Head Coaches: Phillips Tops in Winning Percentage, Climbing in Tenure - Blogging The Boys

So I dont know where people get it and blame Phillips.

Originally Posted by SBXVII

I think he alone screws Dallas's chances but I wonder about Romo also. I might get blasted but I think he and Campbell both were not what they were expected to be for either team.... thankfully the Skins have moved on....when will Dallas?

Where was Campbell drafted? First Round.
Where was Romo drafted? He wasn't, he was an undrafted free agent.

So what does one expect from a First Round QB compared to what is expected of an UDFA QB?

Romo set new franchise records for yards per season and yards per pass and TD's. Yes, he has even surpassed guys like Aikman and Staubach. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2 of his first 3 years as a starter. Id say Romo is doing just fine. And he is still going.

[hooskins]

I didnt see him around the Riverwalk last night. I will continue my quest tonight.

[Mechanix544]

I think that this season, we will be stout vs. the run, and in the bottom half in the league vs. the pass. It should be no different in the first game. No rushing yards vs. 300+ for Romo. Equal in almost all aspects right now, with the exception of Secondary. Can our front line affect Romo enough to create turnovers? That is the test, and I think the deciding factor. He will get a 300 yd passing line, but will it be coupled with 1TD and 2 INTs, or 2 TD's 0 INT's?

Turnovers will decide the winner, with both teams figuring out their rythym in the first game of the year.

[dblanch66]

Originally Posted by GusFrerotte

I don't make any predictions anymore with Dallas. Too many games we were the better team on paper(especially pre Romo) and we end up losing, usually losing momentum because of a dumb turnover.

well Campbell is no longer here so we can at least rule out one fumble and run back for a touchdown for the opposing team.

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

Originally Posted by GusFrerotte

I don't make any predictions anymore with Dallas. Too many games we were the better team on paper(especially pre Romo) and we end up losing, usually losing momentum because of a dumb turnover.

It seems as though in recent years we have been on the other side of that coin.