We now only have three days until New Orleans and Green Bay kick off the 2011/2012 NFL season. Most are prepping for the first game, but Dallas has made a few changes with the roster, and I'm willing to bet a few more moves are made before the season starts... The 53 is always subject to various mutations.
First, Montrae Holland (Guard) and Sam Young (Offensive Tackle) have been cut and Dallas decided to add two semi-veteran players in Tony Fiammetta (Fullback from Carolina) and Derrick Dockery (Offensive Lineman who played with Washington.) For what it's worth, Fiammetta should provide more support than Gronkowski has done (ah..hem, cough*broken collarbone*cough) and Dockery may simply be a voice of experience for our young, budding O-Line. This has also forced a few Cowboys players to change up their numbers, most notably Marcus Spears who will now sport # 98.
In Other News Around the League:
Andre Gurode, who recently was sent away from Dallas, has been signed by The Baltimore Ravens. I always liked Gurode, so I hope he does well... unless we play them, which we unfortunately do not this year (unfortunate mostly because if it was in Baltimore, I would be at that game without a doubt.)
That's about it for Labor Day news.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
And Then There Were 53...
Today, Dallas' roster was cut from 80 to 53... most cuts were expected but there were a few that were a little bit surprising...
Some players who got cut that I didn't think would:
- Chris Gronkowski (I'm betting this was a request from Romo to Garrett... maybe a little karma for causing his broken collarbone.)
- Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (I didn't think he did horrible last year but I guess when Abram Elam was signed, it pretty much sealed Akwasi's fate.)
- Brandon Williams (I wouldn't say he was a draft bust, but he never really showed his true potential when he had the opportunities and he was just plain ol' expendable.)
- Igor Olshansky (perhaps the biggest shock cut in my opinion, Olshansky played good the last two years but I guess he was nothing spectacular.)
The 53:
QB (No real surprises here.)
- Tony Romo
- Jon Kitna
- Stephen McGee
RB (They really liked what they saw with both Murray and Tanner and it has paid off, I didn't expect them to carry four Runningbacks but there it is.)
- Felix Jones
- Tashard Choice
- DeMarco Murray
- Phillip Tanner
WR (Again, no real surprises... also to note, Raymond Radway was placed on IR for the season due to the injury (broken leg) he received in the final preseason game.)
- Miles Austin
- Dez Bryant
- Kevin Ogletree
- Jesse Holley
- Dwayne Harris
TE (With Bennett out for possibly the first month of the regular season, it made sense to keep all four of these Tight Ends.)
- Jason Witten
- Martellus Bennett (injured)
- John Phillips
- Martin Rucker
OL (The Offensive Line is being totally rebuilt, with Columbo, Davis and Gurode gone, they will need as many O-Linemen as possible and hopefully the experienced players step up and teach the noobs well.)
- Kyle Kosier
- Phil Costa
- Doug Free
- Tyron Smith
- Bill Nagy
- Montrae Holland
- David Arkin
- Kevin Kowalski
- Sam Young
- Jeremy Parnell
DL (Sounds about right to me... not sure how well Clifton Geathers plays but if he made the 53, he got someone's attention.)
- Jay Ratliff
- Marcus Spears
- Jason Hatcher
- Sean Lissemore
- Josh Brent
- Kenyon Coleman
- Clifton Geathers
LB (again, this squad comes back fully in tact from last year, with Alex Albright being the addition.)
- DeMarcus Ware
- Anthony Spencer
- Victor Butler
- Bradie James
- Sean Lee
- Keith Brooking
- Alex Albright
S (I like Sensabaugh and Elam is a nice addition to the Safety spot.)
- Gerald Sensabaugh
- Abram Elam
- Barry Church
- Danny McCray
CB (Ball and McCann are pretty much interchangeable as Safety's so they should be OK as the backup deep field guys.)
- Terence Newman
- Orlando Scandrick
- Mike Jenkins
- Alan Ball
- Bryan McCann
K (I don't like that we don't have a dedicated kicker for kickoffs and field goals/extra points, this roster spot could be given to someone of greater value. It is expected that Buehler will be kickoffs and Bailey will handle field goals...sigh.)
- David Buehler
- Dan Bailey
P (Shocker!)
- Mat McBriar
LS (Who else but LP to be the LS...word.)
- LP Ladouceur
In Other NFL Cut News:
Some other notable cuts from around the league include:
- Brandon Meriweather (S) from NE
- Chester Taylor (RB) from CHI
- Desmond Clark (TE) from CHI
- Larry Johnson (RB) from MIA
Dallas should actively pursue Meriweather if they can... with Sensabaugh, Elam, Church and Meriweather... they would be very strong in the secondary. Also related to the Cowboys, Chester Taylor being cut by Chicago... they have a lot of faith in Barber and I like Barber a lot so I wish him luck.) Clark and Johnson were not what they once had been, so I guess it just felt right to cut the baggage.
Well, that's pretty much it for now... Thursday will bring the official start of the season as New Orleans battles Green Bay in the Kickoff Game.
Some players who got cut that I didn't think would:
- Chris Gronkowski (I'm betting this was a request from Romo to Garrett... maybe a little karma for causing his broken collarbone.)
- Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (I didn't think he did horrible last year but I guess when Abram Elam was signed, it pretty much sealed Akwasi's fate.)
- Brandon Williams (I wouldn't say he was a draft bust, but he never really showed his true potential when he had the opportunities and he was just plain ol' expendable.)
- Igor Olshansky (perhaps the biggest shock cut in my opinion, Olshansky played good the last two years but I guess he was nothing spectacular.)
The 53:
QB (No real surprises here.)
- Tony Romo
- Jon Kitna
- Stephen McGee
RB (They really liked what they saw with both Murray and Tanner and it has paid off, I didn't expect them to carry four Runningbacks but there it is.)
- Felix Jones
- Tashard Choice
- DeMarco Murray
- Phillip Tanner
WR (Again, no real surprises... also to note, Raymond Radway was placed on IR for the season due to the injury (broken leg) he received in the final preseason game.)
- Miles Austin
- Dez Bryant
- Kevin Ogletree
- Jesse Holley
- Dwayne Harris
TE (With Bennett out for possibly the first month of the regular season, it made sense to keep all four of these Tight Ends.)
- Jason Witten
- Martellus Bennett (injured)
- John Phillips
- Martin Rucker
OL (The Offensive Line is being totally rebuilt, with Columbo, Davis and Gurode gone, they will need as many O-Linemen as possible and hopefully the experienced players step up and teach the noobs well.)
- Kyle Kosier
- Phil Costa
- Doug Free
- Tyron Smith
- Bill Nagy
- Montrae Holland
- David Arkin
- Kevin Kowalski
- Sam Young
- Jeremy Parnell
DL (Sounds about right to me... not sure how well Clifton Geathers plays but if he made the 53, he got someone's attention.)
- Jay Ratliff
- Marcus Spears
- Jason Hatcher
- Sean Lissemore
- Josh Brent
- Kenyon Coleman
- Clifton Geathers
LB (again, this squad comes back fully in tact from last year, with Alex Albright being the addition.)
- DeMarcus Ware
- Anthony Spencer
- Victor Butler
- Bradie James
- Sean Lee
- Keith Brooking
- Alex Albright
S (I like Sensabaugh and Elam is a nice addition to the Safety spot.)
- Gerald Sensabaugh
- Abram Elam
- Barry Church
- Danny McCray
CB (Ball and McCann are pretty much interchangeable as Safety's so they should be OK as the backup deep field guys.)
- Terence Newman
- Orlando Scandrick
- Mike Jenkins
- Alan Ball
- Bryan McCann
K (I don't like that we don't have a dedicated kicker for kickoffs and field goals/extra points, this roster spot could be given to someone of greater value. It is expected that Buehler will be kickoffs and Bailey will handle field goals...sigh.)
- David Buehler
- Dan Bailey
P (Shocker!)
- Mat McBriar
LS (Who else but LP to be the LS...word.)
- LP Ladouceur
In Other NFL Cut News:
Some other notable cuts from around the league include:
- Brandon Meriweather (S) from NE
- Chester Taylor (RB) from CHI
- Desmond Clark (TE) from CHI
- Larry Johnson (RB) from MIA
Dallas should actively pursue Meriweather if they can... with Sensabaugh, Elam, Church and Meriweather... they would be very strong in the secondary. Also related to the Cowboys, Chester Taylor being cut by Chicago... they have a lot of faith in Barber and I like Barber a lot so I wish him luck.) Clark and Johnson were not what they once had been, so I guess it just felt right to cut the baggage.
Well, that's pretty much it for now... Thursday will bring the official start of the season as New Orleans battles Green Bay in the Kickoff Game.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Let The Countdown Begin!
Here we are, officially into September and that means Football, Football, Football...
Tonight will be most team's final preseason game, and starters are expected to sit this one out while coaches evaluate the 3rd and 4th stringers to see who will make the 53, who will make the practice squad and who will be cut.
Dallas will be heading to Miami to face the Dolphins.
Next week, in a game that The Cowboys seem destined to lose, Dallas will travel to New York (well, New Jersey technically,) and face off against the New York Jets on 9/11. Besides the 9/11 sentiment and memorials, this is also going to be another 'Brother-Bowl' as Rex Ryan will be pitted against his brother, Rob. I'm sure there are some other subtle story-lines, like kicker Nick Folk facing the team that cut him, but either way it should make for a good game.
I think I already did predictions for the season, but I don't remember and don't care to look back so I'll just make another one... I believe Dallas has a good shot at going 11-5, which should be good enough to get to the playoffs... I don't know if we'll win the division, everyone is hyping Philly to the point that they are already representing the NFC in the Super Bowl this year, but we'll see.
Well, that's pretty much it for a recap... Oh yea... in Preseason so far, Dallas won against Denver (barely) and crushed Minnesota, but lost to San Deigo pretty bad. At least it's just preseason.
Tonight will be most team's final preseason game, and starters are expected to sit this one out while coaches evaluate the 3rd and 4th stringers to see who will make the 53, who will make the practice squad and who will be cut.
Dallas will be heading to Miami to face the Dolphins.
Next week, in a game that The Cowboys seem destined to lose, Dallas will travel to New York (well, New Jersey technically,) and face off against the New York Jets on 9/11. Besides the 9/11 sentiment and memorials, this is also going to be another 'Brother-Bowl' as Rex Ryan will be pitted against his brother, Rob. I'm sure there are some other subtle story-lines, like kicker Nick Folk facing the team that cut him, but either way it should make for a good game.
I think I already did predictions for the season, but I don't remember and don't care to look back so I'll just make another one... I believe Dallas has a good shot at going 11-5, which should be good enough to get to the playoffs... I don't know if we'll win the division, everyone is hyping Philly to the point that they are already representing the NFC in the Super Bowl this year, but we'll see.
Well, that's pretty much it for a recap... Oh yea... in Preseason so far, Dallas won against Denver (barely) and crushed Minnesota, but lost to San Deigo pretty bad. At least it's just preseason.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Back in the Mix
Hi, I'm back!
I'm not sure what happened from May to July, but now that it's August and the lockout is officially over, football is steadily shifting it's way back into my focus.
As far as Dallas in the free agent market... they haven't made any huge splashes, a couple guys were signed, but no one of importance (yet, anyway.)
The Cowboys did part ways with WR Roy Williams (bout time,) and RB Marion Barber (eh...) and unfortunately they lost WR Sam Hurd... all of these players went to Chicago. Columbo was also cut, as well as a few others which I can't remember right now.
In other Cowboys news:
Jason Garrett is trying his best to change the enviornment in Dallas... for rookies, he is only giving them silver helmets... if they want their star, they have to earn it. It would probably be wise to implement this for the veterans too, but one step at a time.
Rob Ryan is also a very welcome change of pace and he seems to be on schedule to turn this defense up a notch or two. His attitude is vastly different than Wade Phillips and that is a very good thing.
In other NFL news:
- The Eagles seem to be going for a record to sign the most free agent names they can acquire. They got CB Amosugha from Oakland, they got RB Ronnie Brown from Miami, they got Rodgers-Cromartie, they got Vince Young, they got... etc... I'm hoping they are all a bust.
- Madden 2012's release date has been pushed back to August 30th in an effort to be "closer to the start of the season." which kind of sucks, but you know, whatever, I'll still get it.
That's all for my quick recap... I am positive that I will be writing more and more since the 2011/2012 season is just heating up... GO COWBOYS!!!
I'm not sure what happened from May to July, but now that it's August and the lockout is officially over, football is steadily shifting it's way back into my focus.
As far as Dallas in the free agent market... they haven't made any huge splashes, a couple guys were signed, but no one of importance (yet, anyway.)
The Cowboys did part ways with WR Roy Williams (bout time,) and RB Marion Barber (eh...) and unfortunately they lost WR Sam Hurd... all of these players went to Chicago. Columbo was also cut, as well as a few others which I can't remember right now.
In other Cowboys news:
Jason Garrett is trying his best to change the enviornment in Dallas... for rookies, he is only giving them silver helmets... if they want their star, they have to earn it. It would probably be wise to implement this for the veterans too, but one step at a time.
Rob Ryan is also a very welcome change of pace and he seems to be on schedule to turn this defense up a notch or two. His attitude is vastly different than Wade Phillips and that is a very good thing.
In other NFL news:
- The Eagles seem to be going for a record to sign the most free agent names they can acquire. They got CB Amosugha from Oakland, they got RB Ronnie Brown from Miami, they got Rodgers-Cromartie, they got Vince Young, they got... etc... I'm hoping they are all a bust.
- Madden 2012's release date has been pushed back to August 30th in an effort to be "closer to the start of the season." which kind of sucks, but you know, whatever, I'll still get it.
That's all for my quick recap... I am positive that I will be writing more and more since the 2011/2012 season is just heating up... GO COWBOYS!!!
Friday, April 29, 2011
2011 NFL Draft - Round 1
With the 9th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select... 
LT Tyron Smith from USC!
LT Tyron Smith from USC!With a strategy to rebuild the offensive line, Smith is arguably the best OL in the draft and will be great at providing support to protect Romo as well as opening up holes for the running game.
Tonight will be a few more rounds and then Saturday will be the conclusion of the draft.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Season is ON... I think
A Judge has ordered the NFL lockout to be lifted, although I believe the NFL owners have put in for an appeal, so the season isn't a definite, but at least we're one step closer.
Since I really don't know much about the legal system and all of the specifics of the lockout, here's an article I found online about it... check it out...
http://www.indystar.com/article/20110426/SPORTS03/104260323/Judge-orders-end-NFL-lockout?odyssey=nav%7Chead
I am really hopeful that the players benefit from all of this and that the season continues without problem. Finger crossed.
Since I really don't know much about the legal system and all of the specifics of the lockout, here's an article I found online about it... check it out...
http://www.indystar.com/article/20110426/SPORTS03/104260323/Judge-orders-end-NFL-lockout?odyssey=nav%7Chead
I am really hopeful that the players benefit from all of this and that the season continues without problem. Finger crossed.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Earliest Prediction Yet
Hopefully the lockout will be resolved soon so that there is no delay in the schedule... (it could throw my predictions way off...) but anyway, my guess for this upcoming season is... 
10-6 (the complete opposite of last year.)
I could potentially see losses against The Jets, New England, Philly (once), Miami, The Giants (once), and Washington (once.)
There are some very favorable home games, so I can almost predict 7-1 at home.
However it plays out, I can at least predict a better record than 6-10... I hope...
10-6 (the complete opposite of last year.)
I could potentially see losses against The Jets, New England, Philly (once), Miami, The Giants (once), and Washington (once.)
There are some very favorable home games, so I can almost predict 7-1 at home.
However it plays out, I can at least predict a better record than 6-10... I hope...
2011/2012 Schedule (lockout pending)
NFL Fans Rejoice! The 2011/2012 Season Schedule has been released. Please see the updated schedule on the right hand side of this blog to see the particulars.
Some highlights...
- 5 prime time games (even after last season's horrid record)
- A Sept. 11th opener at The Jets
- Thanksgiving day game against Miami
- A crappy Week 5 Bye
- Christmas Eve game at Home against Philly
- New Years Day season finale At The Giants
The draft is close too... nothing is set in stone as to who Dallas is targeting, so this week will be filled with lots of speculation, I'm sure.
Some highlights...
- 5 prime time games (even after last season's horrid record)
- A Sept. 11th opener at The Jets
- Thanksgiving day game against Miami
- A crappy Week 5 Bye
- Christmas Eve game at Home against Philly
- New Years Day season finale At The Giants
The draft is close too... nothing is set in stone as to who Dallas is targeting, so this week will be filled with lots of speculation, I'm sure.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Pre-Season 2011
With the lockout still looming over our heads, the NFL has released Pre-Season schedules for all teams... the dates of the games are still pending on the lockout but for 2011 Dallas will kick off two home games against Denver and San Diego followed by Minnesota and Miami on the road.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
April Update
My apologies for not updating in such a long time... I got a new job which was occupying all of my time for a while, plus life, plus wife, plus everything else...
Anyway... to very, very briefly recap:
NFC won the Pro Bowl... it was a blow-out and actually was pretty boring...
And Green Bay won the Super Bowl... they did great and made Pittsburgh look douchey. I like that.
In recent news... there's the NFL lock-out that has not been settled yet, and we should soon have the draft as well as the schedule released. Hope there is football this year...[gulp]
Anyway... to very, very briefly recap:
NFC won the Pro Bowl... it was a blow-out and actually was pretty boring...
And Green Bay won the Super Bowl... they did great and made Pittsburgh look douchey. I like that.
In recent news... there's the NFL lock-out that has not been settled yet, and we should soon have the draft as well as the schedule released. Hope there is football this year...[gulp]
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