Day After Thoughts- Week 4

[NoMoRedJ]

Having more traffic would be nice, but I don't want a bunch of thin skinned idiots who say lame crap, then pout and complain if someone calls them out on it. I hated that about CZ. People could spew whatever kind of ignorance they wanted, but anyone who said something about it was flogged by the Mods there. All it did was create an atmosphere of stupidity. Then of course there were all the fake "in the know" people, which is about as annoying as it gets. Those people were extremely protected by the Mods there too, even when they got outed as frauds.

This place isn't for everyone but I like the fact that there's little moderation. This is a football forum not Sunday School. I kinda like the "its the neighborhood bar" type place of message boards.

Over moderation kills boards. Just because people are posting on over moderated boards doesnt mean they have any real life.

The less moderation the better.

 

[icup]

6) Might be a couple weeks before Demarcus Lawrence knocks all the rust off, but he should make some difference pretty quick over the jags we have at DE now. Not sure if he starts either of the next two games but should get plenty of time at least on pass downs. Broaddus said Lawrence may end up permanently at RDE now. I still think they need more DE help though and really hope they are looking around for trade help. We have one sack in the last two games, and have been credited with a pathetic two QB hits in those same two games (total of 72 drop backs)

i like everything you're saying but i'm about to shit in your cheerios a little bit.

i'm betting that lawrence's back issue is going to make him miss even more time.

when he had the surgery, i remember the cowboys said it was more serious than they expected. i googled it and stephen even said, "We thought it might be something a little less significant, but it's nothing that we have concerns about going forward."

we all know that when anybody in the cowboys organization says that about your injury, its not good. so its most likely gonna go something like this: a) lawrence will play but he won't be the same player, b) lawrence will re-aggravate his back injury and miss more significant time, or c) both.

 

[dbair1967]

i like everything you're saying but i'm about to shit in your cheerios a little bit.

i'm betting that lawrence's back issue is going to make him miss even more time.

when he had the surgery, i remember the cowboys said it was more serious than they expected. i googled it and stephen even said, "We thought it might be something a little less significant, but it's nothing that we have concerns about going forward."

we all know that when anybody in the cowboys organization says that about your injury, its not good. so its most likely gonna go something like this: a) lawrence will play but he won't be the same player, b) lawrence will re-aggravate his back injury and miss more significant time, or c) both.

Well lets hope not. Lawrence disputed what Johnny Walker GM said last week (that he was being limited by something physical) and it was apparent our ****** GM had Lawrence confused with Tapper, who did go on IR later that day. Lawrence and Garrett have both said he is good to go.

Most of the reports in camp were pretty positive when he was out there. They said he was even having some success against Tyron Smith, which is a good sign for us.

 

[Iamtdg]

my only concern about Zeke is the lack of explosive runs. he ripped off a nice one in the 3rd thanks to a gaping hole. even Randle would have exploited it. I wanna see a 50 yarder before I truly believe.

It will come in time. They are still stacking on him. Just as soon as that box gets less crowded and allows him to accelerate through the second level, those big runs will happen.

 

[Iamtdg]

I think he enjoys getting under their skin more than he enjoys posting here, unfortunately

Well, he does kinda post a shit ton at the DCC, so...

 

[dbair1967]

It will come in time. They are still stacking on him. Just as soon as that box gets less crowded and allows him to accelerate through the second level, those big runs will happen.

Yep. Plus this past game the Niners had even more flexibility to really stack up the LOS because Dez was out.

Once Dez is out there again and Prescott continues to develop more (including taking a few more shots downfield) I agree, we'll see more run lanes and some longer runs are sure to follow.

 

[Midswat]

2) Yes people, Zeke Elliott is what most of us thought he was going to be. His last two games have been huge and despite the slow start vs NYG he's now on pace for over 1600 yds for the season. I still want to see him more involved in the passing game (I think Dunbar is a waste of time, see below) and he's so close to breaking really long runs. As the season wears on, I have very little doubt there's going to be some 50-60yd + gains.

If you follow theebs on twitter, he posted some screen shots where Dez could've cut inside and probably scored from 60+ out, but for some reason he cut it towards the sidelines. He had multiple blockers who would've given him a convoy to the endzone, but he went out.

 

[ThoughtExperiment]

My only problem, if you want to call it that, with Zeke is that a lot of his yardage is just blocked really well. I mean, McFadden did have a great year last year even Cassel and Weeden and crap like that under center. I don't see him getting that much more than what most good backs would get.

Maybe he will eventually, and in fact he probably will.

 

[theoneandonly]

boozeman is Alexander?

did not know that, I enjoy watching Alexander rile up the homers

Thought that was well known or I wouldnt have said it. One of my favorite posters over there and didnt mean to out him.

 

[Omegasupreme]

If you follow theebs on twitter, he posted some screen shots where Dez could've cut inside and probably scored from 60+ out, but for some reason he cut it towards the sidelines. He had multiple blockers who would've given him a convoy to the endzone, but he went out.

Dez or Zeke? I think Zeke is such a physical and fearless runner that in the open field he loses track of the most elusive path. He seemingly finds defenders to run over.

 

[theoneandonly]

Having more traffic would be nice, but I don't want a bunch of thin skinned idiots who say lame crap, then pout and complain if someone calls them out on it. I hated that about CZ. People could spew whatever kind of ignorance they wanted, but anyone who said something about it was flogged by the Mods there. All it did was create an atmosphere of stupidity. Then of course there were all the fake "in the know" people, which is about as annoying as it gets. Those people were extremely protected by the Mods there too, even when they got outed as frauds.

This place isn't for everyone but I like the fact that there's little moderation. This is a football forum not Sunday School. I kinda like the "its the neighborhood bar" type place of message boards.

I dont think people with tender feelings would hang around here long. I looked up some of the user names on this board and saw lots of familiar names from the zone with accounts here including some mods, but it looks like they havent signed on in years. Maybe they are spies, or maybe they are afraid of getting un moderated beat downs. Obviously the thin skinned need not apply.

 

[cmd34]

1) Seems like a repeat every week to start off with, but the play of Prescott just continues to amaze me. I never dreamed he'd be like this. In fact I didn't think he'd be like this in two-three years, let alone NOW. Yesterday he did have a few poor throws, but the overall game was excellent again as he faced real adversity on the road and still stayed composed and led a solid comeback win. I still need to see more and will be very curious how he plays the next two weeks, but if we win at least one of the next two and he plays at a similar level against quality defenses like Cincy and GB, I think I'd have to be on the side of those that think he should just permanently replace Romo. Now he may struggle and we may lose (and potentially lose badly) both these games, making a decision to go back to Romo easy for the team. But if he doesn't struggle and we play well and manage to win one (or both) I think its going to be an agonizing decision for them for sure.

Yeah, I'm continually amazed at how calm he is. I don't have the spare time but maybe this summer, I'm going to go back and re-watch some of his Mississippi State games. I can't be a wannabe scout and be this dead wrong on a guy. Love watching him play, excited about the future.

2) Yes people, Zeke Elliott is what most of us thought he was going to be. His last two games have been huge and despite the slow start vs NYG he's now on pace for over 1600 yds for the season. I still want to see him more involved in the passing game (I think Dunbar is a waste of time, see below) and he's so close to breaking really long runs. As the season wears on, I have very little doubt there's going to be some 50-60yd + gains.

Always thought he was going to be great, I even understand why they took him. My take has always been we can't continue to ignore and/or make bad decisions about the defense. Zeke is a special player.

3) 45+ mils in cap space was out of the game yesterday. No Romo, no Dez, no Tyron Smith. Arguably the 3 best players on the roster going into training camp, and arguably the three most IMPORTANT players on the roster going into camp. I know its only the Niners, but winning without those 3 (plus no Lael Collins, no Demarcus Lawrence, no Scandrick) is still somewhat of an accomplishment, especially after the dumpster fire we saw last year.

My only concern is that this encourages the recent cheap or frugal approach the Front Office has taken in free agency. I don't want to blow money but the team needs to participate in free agency and get better.

4) Not trading Leary is definitely looking like another stroke of luck for us. I know he doesn't have the upside of Collins, but he is a really good player and is probably more consistent on a down to down basis right now. He, Frederick and Martin opened some nice lanes yesterday consistently, despite the Niners being able to key more on the run game than our previous three opponents (because of loss of Dez). Chaz Green is also doing a solid job and improved every game to the point that I definitely believe he may move to RT and at least start sharing time there once (hopefully) Tyron Smith is back. Could be a substantial upgrade over Free pretty soon. He's more physical and appears to have better feet.

Depth is always nice but having depth at G and RB while not having starting-caliber players on defense is an issue. The smart teams use their resources wisely.

5) It's early, but our draft is certainly looking very solid. If they came away with just Prescott as a bonafide quality starting QB that'd be a win in itself. But Elliott is the real deal and will probably be a perennial probowler. Maliek Collins looks like a solid prospect at DT and Anthony Brown definitely has intriguing skill. He might be better than Scandrick right now, even if Scandrick wasn't hobbled. Has way more speed than Scandrick or Carr to go along with good size and some playmaking skill.

Still don't love the Smith, Collins, and Tapper picks but Prescott is tipping this in their favor. I still think Darius Jackson and Rico Gathers will be very good players down the road as well.

6) Might be a couple weeks before Demarcus Lawrence knocks all the rust off, but he should make some difference pretty quick over the jags we have at DE now. Not sure if he starts either of the next two games but should get plenty of time at least on pass downs. Broaddus said Lawrence may end up permanently at RDE now. I still think they need more DE help though and really hope they are looking around for trade help. We have one sack in the last two games, and have been credited with a pathetic two QB hits in those same two games (total of 72 drop backs)

He definitely offers more than JAG Crawford. I still want to see David Irving more.

7) Brice Butler had a pretty nice game yesterday, but that 4th quarter penalty was more of the same for Jason Garrett coached teams. Just total stupidity at the worst possible time. We easily pick up that 2nd and 1 for another first down and at least burn more time, if not drive for more points. Instead he wipes it out with a knuckleheaded 15 yr penalty. Then he drops perfetctly thrown pass for what should have been the clinching TD.

It was dumb but the good thing is that he recognized and apologized right away. I don't think he'll make that mistake again. He's got all of the tools, but that's always been his story. Maybe he puts it all together at this stage in his life/career.

8) My weekly rant on scrubs who shouldn't be here. Keith Smith and Rod Smith are not real FB's. I'll give KS credit for having one pretty good block, he also had a 1st down run and a nice reception. But he also had an ignorant penalty that cost us 7pts. Rod Smith hasn't done anything of note in 4 games. Lance Dunbar isn't a bad player, but he offers no real value here. He's a one dimensional pass catching back. Trade him somewhere to a team that NEEDS that kind of player, at least get a 7th rd pick or something. He shouldn't be getting any 3rd down reps ahead of Zeke or even Morris, and Dunbar is atrocious in blitz pickup. He got steamrolled bad on one play yesterday, whereas the one time Zeke needed to pick up a guy in the hole he stoned the Niner player. Also on one reception he had he was slower that a pretty slow Niner safety (Bethea), then couldn't get the extra yd or two needed for the first down because he was easily stopped. Zeke would have picked that up pretty easy I suspect. And for God sakes, trade Escobar to somebody for a 7th rd pick or something. Dude probably hasn't been on the field for 5 offensive plays total the last two games.

This team is weird with their roster philosophies. They went from not having a fullback, to holding on to Clutts for two years despite his awfulness, to having two not-really fullbacks on the roster. Just go out and get a real fullback.

9) My weekly WTF Garrett blurb. You find out in pre game warmups that your kicker has serious back issues, and yet on 4th and 1 or so from the Niner 30 you trot him out there for a 47 yd FG in a strong cross wind. YOU FUCKING IDIOT. Yes, apparently Bailey's back is such a concern that vet kickers are probably going to be brought in tomorrow in case he cant kick this week (or has to miss even more time). He'd be a HUGE loss if he misses significant time. I think I'd have former Bear PK Robbie Gould on speed dial tonight.

As a fan you just have to hope the team can win without Garrett getting in the way. Your head coach is supposed to be an asset, not a liability.

10) It wasn't a super risky call or anything, but Linehan's little screen play to Beasley late in the game was a great call and put the game away. Totally caught the Niners off guard.

Liked it as well.

The Bengals, Packers & Eagles will be significantly tougher games than 3 we've won, so if we somehow win two of next three I might start becoming a believer in this years team. But 3-1 now is definitely better than what I was thinking after that week one loss to NYG.

Marvin Lewis and om Capers are two of the better defensive minds in football so it will be interesting to see what they throw at Dak and the hapless head coach. The Bengals defense is very physical, borderline dirty, so we will need to respond. Capers has literally made a living off bringing pressure from different spots while disguising the coverage behind it. Two big tests for Dak.

 

[dbair1967]

I dont think people with tender feelings would hang around here long. I looked up some of the user names on this board and saw lots of familiar names from the zone with accounts here including some mods, but it looks like they havent signed on in years. Maybe they are spies, or maybe they are afraid of getting un moderated beat downs. Obviously the thin skinned need not apply.

Yeah there's been some moles here for sure. A few legit people came over, tried it out and left. (Mostly because Midswat ran them off)

 

[ThoughtExperiment]

Good job Middy

 

[ZeroClub]

Solid thread, as usual.

I'm a little surprised that some are still on the fence about Zeke's abilities. I want to see him break some 40+ yard runs too (and expect to), but I gotta say that those 20 yarders aren't bad.

I'm sick of the term "dirty yards." So I'm not going to use it. However, it does seem to me that Zeke often manages to squeeze out an extra 2 yards or so than what appears to be available. That's a pretty big deal.

The Cowboys are in an interesting situation. How do they manage Elliott's time? They don't want to overuse him and run him into the ground, but they've got an excellent running game that they wish to exploit fully. What is the best way of doing that?

So far, the team gives Morris a couple of series and Dunbar gets snaps as the pass reception RB. Personally, I'd like to see Elliott get several more receptions, so he can get the ball in space. But if you do that, then you need Morris or someone else to get even more rushing attempts. I think this is a tricky situation.

 

[Doomsday]

They don't want to overuse him and run him into the ground, but they've got an excellent running game that they wish to exploit fully. What is the best way of doing that?

Throw it to him in space more, as you later suggested.

 

[yimyammer]

Thought that was well known or I wouldnt have said it. One of my favorite posters over there and didnt mean to out him.

I dont think you outed him. Like most of us, I doubt he cares if people know he posts here.

I assume he'll correct me if I'm wrong

 

[dbair1967]

I'm a little surprised that some are still on the fence about Zeke's abilities. I want to see him break some 40+ yard runs too (and expect to), but I gotta say that those 20 yarders aren't bad.

Me too, but maybe folks still want to see even more. His last two games have been really, really good though.

I'm sick of the term "dirty yards." So I'm not going to use it. However, it does seem to me that Zeke often manages to squeeze out an extra 2 yards or so than what appears to be available. That's a pretty big deal.

Yeah he always seems to get forward for that extra yard or two, and that wasn't always the case with the guys we had last year. Our short yardage running was extremely poor last year, this year it has been outstanding.

The Cowboys are in an interesting situation. How do they manage Elliott's time? They don't want to overuse him and run him into the ground, but they've got an excellent running game that they wish to exploit fully. What is the best way of doing that?

I think giving him one series off each half for Morris is smart. I don't like sitting him on 3rd downs however.

So far, the team gives Morris a couple of series and Dunbar gets snaps as the pass reception RB. Personally, I'd like to see Elliott get several more receptions, so he can get the ball in space. But if you do that, then you need Morris or someone else to get even more rushing attempts. I think this is a tricky situation.

Dunbar is not as good as Elliott is in any sense. using him instead of Zeke is a waste IMO. I'd get rid of Dunbar and have Jackson be the 3rd back.

 

[yimyammer]

As a fan you just have to hope the team can win without Garrett getting in the way. Your head coach is supposed to be an asset, not a liability.

Considering they have to overcome their GM & coach, its a miracle they win any games at all

 

[Scot]

I don't know why we aren't throwing more to Zeke

He leads the league in rushing which is great. But he also leads the league in yards after initial contact.

Catching the ball out of the backfield is supposed to be one of his strong points and we aren't taking advantage of it.

I thought I heard the plan for Zeke was going to be he stays in the first half, then we spell him with Morris and Dunbar in the third to rest him to come back in in the fourth quarter

So far Zeke has handled everything that's been thrown at him. And been impressive in the process. I say it's time for wide open throttle and let's see what this kid can really do.

We will need as much production as we can squeeze out of him in the next two weeks