How do we match up v. the Cowboys

[Sleet]

From what I've read and heard, the Cowboys were physical on both sides of the ball. Seymour, Kelly and McClain are going to have his work cut out for them with Barber coming up the middle. Our DBs are going to see more of Romo and Dallas' WRs than Cinci. Hendo and Walker are going to have their work cut out for them as well. Palmer didn't have much time.

What we learned about the Cowboys
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on August 8, 2010 11:33 PM ET
You can't draw too much from the first game of the preseason, but we're going to try anyway. Here's what we think we learned about the Cowboys during their 16-7 win on the opening night of fake football.

1. Concern over the kicking game is here to stay. David Buehler hit 3-of-4 field goals, but his longest make was 34 yards. (And that was shaky.) Buehler missed a 49-yarder by an embarrassing margin. This won't quiet the talk that the Cowboys could bring in a veteran kicker just before the season.

2. The injury to starting defensive end Marcus Spears could be a blessing in disguise. Stephen Bowen picked up a sack and another key hurry to end a drive. We also like Jason Hatcher as much as Spears.

3. The left tackle "competition" may be over before it started. Doug Free looked strong in limited work, while backup Alex Barron gave up a sack and tweaked his ankle. The Cowboys starting unit barely played, but pushed Cincinnati around.

4. Wideout Kevin Ogletree didn't help himself lock up a roster spot. Twice he gave away first downs because of a lack of attention to detail. (He didn't drag his foot on a catch, and he fell in front of the first down marker another time.)

5. Tashard Choice reminded folks why he's the best third-string back in football. Seven rushes, 41 yards. Felix Jones reminded the Cowboys why Marion Barber often gets the ball near the goal, fumbling at the one-yard line. (The fumble didn't count because of a Bengals penalty.)

6. Martellus Bennett should be worried about his backup tight end job. John Phillips caught four passes for 60 yards, although he left with a knee injury. So maybe Bennett shouldn't be too worried.

[Langlier]

proper breakdown -

1st string vs 1st string

Our O vs their D -

Biggest thing that scares me is they have good coverage and pass rush from the LBs and a good secondary. Jason has some familiarity here which will help. Langston vs Spencer scares me more then a little. Carlisle/Satele actually should be able to handle Ratliff/whoever they rotate at the other spot relatively well. We "might" be able to run outside a bit but running inside is scary. Gotta hope our WRs are the truth or work Zach a lot.


Thier O vs our D -

big test on stopping the run and against different types of backs and a good OL. Sey/Shagnasty vs Free will be interesting as will all of our DTs vs the stud interior OL. Houston vs Columbo may be our best matchup as columbo is on the decline. Aso needs to man up on Austin and Routt/CJ can take turns on Roy. I like how we matchup against the WRs but Witten/Bennett can hurt us if we let them.

If we can contain Witten and the run I think we're heading in the right direciton.


2nd string

our O vs thier D -

Game is changed completely when the 2nd string comes out - all of a sudden we have a big size advantage vs guys that are more athlete then players. Pass rush should still be there but I don't think they can stop the rushing attack no matter who is carrying the ball. Boller may get some deep shots to Ford/Miller/Murphy in and could be fun to watch.

Our D vs thier O -

Our depth on the DL may show some weakness in the depth of the cowboys DL. Kitna is a journeyman QB who is only #2 by default. The 3rd stringer actually worries me a bit more as he's more mobile though he's very easy to get uncomfortable. Crayton might expose our rooks and the depth they have at TE could exploit some coverage weaknesses unless we just pop Mitchell or Howard on them.

[NIPS]

proper breakdown -

1st string vs 1st string

Our O vs their D -

Biggest thing that scares me is they have good coverage and pass rush from the LBs and a good secondary. Jason has some familiarity here which will help. Langston vs Spencer scares me more then a little. Carlisle/Satele actually should be able to handle Ratliff/whoever they rotate at the other spot relatively well. We "might" be able to run outside a bit but running inside is scary. Gotta hope our WRs are the truth or work Zach a lot.


Thier O vs our D -

big test on stopping the run and against different types of backs and a good OL. Sey/Shagnasty vs Free will be interesting as will all of our DTs vs the stud interior OL. Houston vs Columbo may be our best matchup as columbo is on the decline. Aso needs to man up on Austin and Routt/CJ can take turns on Roy. I like how we matchup against the WRs but Witten/Bennett can hurt us if we let them.

If we can contain Witten and the run I think we're heading in the right direciton.


2nd string

our O vs thier D -

Game is changed completely when the 2nd string comes out - all of a sudden we have a big size advantage vs guys that are more athlete then players. Pass rush should still be there but I don't think they can stop the rushing attack no matter who is carrying the ball. Boller may get some deep shots to Ford/Miller/Murphy in and could be fun to watch.

Our D vs thier O -

Our depth on the DL may show some weakness in the depth of the cowboys DL. Kitna is a journeyman QB who is only #2 by default. The 3rd stringer actually worries me a bit more as he's more mobile though he's very easy to get uncomfortable. Crayton might expose our rooks and the depth they have at TE could exploit some coverage weaknesses unless we just pop Mitchell or Howard on them.

Why are you scared over a pre-season game?

Are we really breaking down a pre-season game? really fellas?

[RaiderJF]

Why are you scared over a pre-season game?

Are we really breaking down a pre-season game? really fellas?

I guess it really has been a long off-season....

[Pierreraider]

Why are you scared over a pre-season game?

Are we really breaking down a pre-season game? really fellas?


Because i think we have a lot of questions who needs to be answered... and the coaching staff is still waiting too...

- can the O line protects his new QB?
- Is DHB really improved?
- All the changes to stop the run are enough?
- Can Campbell runs scoring drives???
- How our LB's react against a pass offense???
- Mc Clain is the real deal?
...

Of course it's too early to have final answers for these questions but it's important to know if we are on the right way or not. This game will be important for the rest of the training camp. Players must show that what they did since the opening of training camp is learned and that they can execute... If not, it'll be a waste of time.


I don't care about winning or losing in pre-season but the 1st string performance is vital to have a good season, even during pre-season because our team is a losing team for years and needs to build on something positif...


PEACE!!!

[Sleet]

Frankly, I wouldn't mind if our LBs got torched, early, before we traded Howard. Man, that has me concerned.

[NIPS]

You'll see at most 1 possesion of 1st vs 1st

Might get something of it- but its far from in depth evaluation. Pre-season game 3 is the game you'll see the most playing time- Game 4 is usually final decision of depth players

The Niners game in week 3 is the real test- Thats actually gonna be a pretty good team to play and see where we are with the new players for a full half or more

[DonkeyKilla]

Frankly, I wouldn't mind if our LBs got torched, early, before we traded Howard. Man, that has me concerned.

i think Howard isn't really going to see the field anyway. if we are planning to insert him on passing downs you could see Mitchell slide up into LB

[Postmaster]

i think Howard isn't really going to see the field anyway. if we are planning to insert him on passing downs you could see Mitchell slide up into LB

Yeah it looks like we could see Safeties filling that coverage roll. Not too thrilled with Mitchell's coverage abilities up to this point however.

Stevie Brown, who has been a ball hawk thus far in camp did play LB last year at Michigan so he could be an option as well in that coverage backer position if he continues to stand out in camp.

As far as I can tell Howard is a decent worker and is not disruptive as far as his teammates go. It just seems the coaches have seen enough of him and have determined he has reached his potential. He is a coverage backer and he is running with the 3's in nickel situations.....the writing on the wall.

[Langlier]

Why are you scared over a pre-season game?

Are we really breaking down a pre-season game? really fellas?

more scared of how we match up. IE not well. better to take our lumps now and have the guys work on things.

[Sleet]

You'll see at most 1 possesion of 1st vs 1st

Might get something of it- but its far from in depth evaluation. Pre-season game 3 is the game you'll see the most playing time- Game 4 is usually final decision of depth players

The Niners game in week 3 is the real test- Thats actually gonna be a pretty good team to play and see where we are with the new players for a full half or more

My guess is that our 1st and their 1st were play more than you think; it is the Dallas' 2nd pre-season game, and Campbell 's 1st as a Raider. My guess is that they will want our 1st when Campbell is playing.

[Birdwell]

Because i think we have a lot of questions who needs to be answered... and the coaching staff is still waiting too...

- can the O line protects his new QB?
- Is DHB really improved?
- All the changes to stop the run are enough?
- Can Campbell runs scoring drives???
- How our LB's react against a pass offense???
- Mc Clain is the real deal?
...

Of course it's too early to have final answers for these questions but it's important to know if we are on the right way or not.

Yep.

I'll add that whether ALL the D units can play with discipline against the tunr and play in the same coverage scheme against the pass is big.

My guess is that McLain plays against Romo and Kitna, for seasoning and to see how well he can organize the D. This is his time to get some very valuable game experience, and I expect Kitna to be more of a challenge in this regard than Romo.

[NIPS]

My guess is that our 1st and their 1st were play more than you think; it is the Dallas' 2nd pre-season game, and Campbell 's 1st as a Raider. My guess is that they will want our 1st when Campbell is playing.

That'll be dumb to the nth degree if we play our starters more than 2 possesions

[Sleet]

Can't wait to see The Bruce. In fact, I can't wait to see all the rookies strap it on and suit it up.

Monday, August 09, 2010

10:41 pm Rookie OG Bruce Campbell on making his NFL debut Thursday at Dallas: "It will actually be the first time I've been to an NFL game. I'm pretty excited, but, at the same time, I think I'm as nervous as I am excited."

[hawaiianboy]

From Gil Brandt's chat:

Coach Cable said he'll play his starters for a full quarter Thursday night against the Cowboys

[NIPS]

From Gil Brandt's chat:

Pile on MF'er!!!!

Jeez...

Still a dumb idea... but I'm gonna go crawl back into my hole now

[jett84]

Although it is just a preseason game it is important; the rookie defense's skills will be tested. Our o line needs to protect jason, and with seymour on d we might actully pull this off. That is the test to see how we will do this season over the off season i have realized that even an 8 and 8 season is good, and definetly will happen since jamarcus is gone.

[hawaiianboy]

Jerry McDonald

Cable rules following players out for Dallas: Ford, Hubbard, Schilens, Lawton, Darren McFadden, Frye, Gradkowski, Richardson.

[DonkeyKilla]

bummer on Ford, want to see that guy return some kicks and run routes. Might as well get used to playing withough Schilens and DMAC. Maybe Howard for Lil John (Lynch) isn't such a bad idea after all

[NIPS]

Hey what the Fuck?????????

Raiders got Rock Cartwright on the depth chart as a KO returner?

Hey man.. having a long penis doesnt mean I'm dumb.. But someone wanna explain to me what the fuck is going on?

Also hear Hacksaw on Sirius had inside info that Veldheer has secretly won the starting center position already

Just what I heard

[Raidervinny]

bummer on Ford, want to see that guy return some kicks and run routes. Might as well get used to playing withough Schilens and DMAC. Maybe Howard for Lil John (Lynch) isn't such a bad idea after all

Yeah...that one bummed me out too.

DMAC will be fine...all RB's use the "slight hammy tweak" as an excuse to avoid much of the preseason. I think DMAC's injury history will be a thing of the past. He was a bell cow in college and wasn't injury prone. Injuries are a weird thing...Peterson was constantly injured in college but has been fine in the pros. Bush is the guy I worry about...he hasn't been able to stay healthy in college or the pros. He reminds me more of Schilens than DMAC does. Schilens and Bush are going to be listed as questionable damn near every Sunday.

[NIPS]

Anyone got the early in's on some free stream for the pre-season games? got it covered for regular season but its a matter of principle for me to drop $40 bones to watch pre-season

Someone do the Nips a solid and drop me a linkage- I'll return the favor in Sept

[Sleet]

Also hear Hacksaw on Sirius had inside info that Veldheer has secretly won the starting center position already

Just what I heard

I don't have Sirius, is that Hacksaw the former SD Charger player/analyst, or Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton, the former SD radio talk show guy? Either way, WTF does somebody from SD know?

[DonkeyKilla]

Hey what the Fuck?????????

Raiders got Rock Cartwright on the depth chart as a KO returner?

Hey man.. having a long penis doesnt mean I'm dumb.. But someone wanna explain to me what the fuck is going on?

Also hear Hacksaw on Sirius had inside info that Veldheer has secretly won the starting center position already

Just what I heard

If it's because he's an upgrade to Satelle i hope it's true!

[DonkeyKilla]

Yeah...that one bummed me out too.

DMAC will be fine...all RB's use the "slight hammy tweak" as an excuse to avoid much of the preseason. I think DMAC's injury history will be a thing of the past. He was a bell cow in college and wasn't injury prone. Injuries are a weird thing...Peterson was constantly injured in college but has been fine in the pros. Bush is the guy I worry about...he hasn't been able to stay healthy in college or the pros. He reminds me more of Schilens than DMAC does. Schilens and Bush are going to be listed as questionable damn near every Sunday.

i don't remember Bush being hurt much since his initial recovery. DMAC has been dinged a lot though.
RBs that haven't actually produced should be looking to avoid any preseason either..

[CrossBones]

Schilens hurt...unable to go? Shocking.

McGlass hurt..unable to go? Shocking.

:banghead:

[Sleet]

Fargus signing with a team and being ready to go . . . not.