Cowboy homer alert.I think you are correct. Add in a second TE who is a solid receiver. Not a huge fan of Witten's FF value this year. I have him in the TE 6-8 range.Does T.O. steal balls from him this year, or does his presence mean more balls for Witten?
With Terry Glenn in the picture, I see T.O. being used as more of a possession receiver. Therefore, I see Witten's value decreasing. Opinions?
I severely doubt Glenn's presence will limit what the Cowboys allow TO to do in the passing game.Does T.O. steal balls from him this year, or does his presence mean more balls for Witten?
With Terry Glenn in the picture, I see T.O. being used as more of a possession receiver. Therefore, I see Witten's value decreasing. Opinions?
Well...I think it's fair to say that they won't use Glenn as the possession WR. Therefore, TO will catch more short and possession type of stuff. Glenn isn't limiting so much as everyone doing what they do best. Witten will lose targets.....imo.T.O. = single coverage for Glenn (Who is almost uncoverable 1 on 1).I severely doubt Glenn's presence will limit what the Cowboys allow TO to do in the passing game.Does T.O. steal balls from him this year, or does his presence mean more balls for Witten?
With Terry Glenn in the picture, I see T.O. being used as more of a possession receiver. Therefore, I see Witten's value decreasing. Opinions?
I agree with this. Glenn is a real burner and not having that extra safety deep (or at least not deep to Glenn's side of the field) will allow Terry to break more big ones than last year. He's a great sleeper WR#3/4.Well...I think it's fair to say that they won't use Glenn as the possession WR. Therefore, TO will catch more short and possession type of stuff. That's what he is saying. Glenn isn't limiting so much as everyone doing what they do best. Witten will lose targets.....imo.T.O. = single coverage for Glenn (Who is almost uncoverable 1 on 1).I severely doubt Glenn's presence will limit what the Cowboys allow TO to do in the passing game.Does T.O. steal balls from him this year, or does his presence mean more balls for Witten?
With Terry Glenn in the picture, I see T.O. being used as more of a possession receiver. Therefore, I see Witten's value decreasing. Opinions?
I don't think Fasano will hurt Witten. I think the main reason for drafting him was to help block at the second level to keep the O-Line's (which is young in Allen's old position) focus on the D-Line. Fasano is great at blocking out LB's and DB's. He still needs work against DE's and DT's but he has the size and strength to get better. I think TO will be responsible for bogarting targets away from Witten much moreso than Fasano. Dallas knew the O-Line would regress after losing Allen so they're attempting to compensate for this. Fasano is also a good receiver which will help if a blitz is spotted on his end. However, I don't think that was the primary reason for selecting him.I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO. Parcells might be running a two TE set a lot this year with the lineup he has, which should decrease Witten's targets. He should see way less coverage, but I see him topping out at about 70 targets and about 45-50 catches.
Exactly what I'm thinking. Plus, in Parcells' run-first offense with two solid RBs, the passing offense may be limited in terms of opportunities after TO gets his.I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO. Parcells might be running a two TE set a lot this year with the lineup he has, which should decrease Witten's targets.
Don't underestimate the kid Fasano. Notre Dame ran a pro style offense under Weiss. I view Fasano like Heath Miller last year. I think he be a sneaky red zone target. He is a solid pass catcher as well as a blocker. I do agree that his primary duties will be blocking, but he will surprise with 3-5 TD's...imo. Noty sure I agree with the O-line opinion either. Why do you think the O-line will regress further this year....it can't get much worse than last year. After Flo went down there was a swinging gate at both tackle positions.I don't think Fasano will hurt Witten. I think the main reason for drafting him was to help block at the second level to keep the O-Line's (which is young in Allen's old position) focus on the D-Line. Fasano is great at blocking out LB's and DB's. He still needs work against DE's and DT's but he has the size and strength to get better. I think TO will be responsible for bogarting targets away from Witten much moreso than Fasano. Dallas knew the O-Line would regress after losing Allen so they're attempting to compensate for this. Fasano is also a good receiver which will help if a blitz is spotted on his end. However, I don't think that was the primary reason for selecting him.I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO. Parcells might be running a two TE set a lot this year with the lineup he has, which should decrease Witten's targets. He should see way less coverage, but I see him topping out at about 70 targets and about 45-50 catches.
Very good observation to cause/effect. It makes me wonder why Parcell's didn't use him more over the whole season. Obviously he has great ability which he proved in that stretch. It was basically him and Keyshawn and Witten still went off. If Fasano can improve noticably as a blocker and Julius stays healthy as well as keeping a 4+ ypc, then turn TO, Glenn, and Witten loose to create absolute fits in the secondary off standard pro formations! Talk about a great play action!I forget where I wrote/posted it, but Witten had a stretch with other guys out of the lineup that inflated his 2004 totals.
In Weeks 7-10 in 2004 with Glenn hurt, Jones hurt, Bryant just traded, George hurt, and Quincy Morgan seemingly lost in the offense, Witten put up 32-426-4 in those 4 games. Basically, 8-107-1 per game.
Looking at all his other games in 2004 + 2005, Witten has averaged 4.3-46.8-0.29 the rest of the time. That works out to a season of 69-749-5 (which is almost exactly what he had last year (66-757-6).
I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO.
Perhaps regress is the wrong term. A better way to describe the O-Line would be to say it's still a point of emphasis with Larry gone. They did give up a large amount of sacks and only averaged 3.6 on the ground. Point taken.Don't underestimate the kid Fasano. Notre Dame ran a pro style offense under Weiss. I view Fasano like Heath Miller last year. I think he be a sneaky red zone target. He is a solid pass catcher as well as a blocker. I do agree that his primary duties will be blocking, but he will surprise with 3-5 TD's...imo. Noty sure I agree with the O-line opinion either. Why do you think the O-line will regress further this year....it can't get much worse than last year. After Flo went down there was a swinging gate at both tackle positions.I don't think Fasano will hurt Witten. I think the main reason for drafting him was to help block at the second level to keep the O-Line's (which is young in Allen's old position) focus on the D-Line. Fasano is great at blocking out LB's and DB's. He still needs work against DE's and DT's but he has the size and strength to get better. I think TO will be responsible for bogarting targets away from Witten much moreso than Fasano. Dallas knew the O-Line would regress after losing Allen so they're attempting to compensate for this. Fasano is also a good receiver which will help if a blitz is spotted on his end. However, I don't think that was the primary reason for selecting him.I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO. Parcells might be running a two TE set a lot this year with the lineup he has, which should decrease Witten's targets. He should see way less coverage, but I see him topping out at about 70 targets and about 45-50 catches.
Flo is back and healthy.
Kosier.....like him or not was highly pursued by other teams and will be an upgrade over Allen
Centre...no change
Rivera should be heathier with another year removed from back surgey
More depth at RT (Fabiani/Pettiti/Columbo)
I think this group is going to surprise.
I have to respectfully disagree. The 2 TE sset is all about creating mis matches on the field. They will line up like this:TO..............Fasano..................Witten..............GlennExactly what I'm thinking. Plus, in Parcells' run-first offense with two solid RBs, the passing offense may be limited in terms of opportunities after TO gets his.I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO. Parcells might be running a two TE set a lot this year with the lineup he has, which should decrease Witten's targets.
I think I have more of an issue with the designation of "possession" WR and "non-possession WR(?)". Both recievers will do what they do best. With Witten and Fasano working in the middle of the field, we'll see TO still running his slants and his his deep routes.Well...I think it's fair to say that they won't use Glenn as the possession WR. Therefore, TO will catch more short and possession type of stuff. Glenn isn't limiting so much as everyone doing what they do best. Witten will lose targets.....imo.T.O. = single coverage for Glenn (Who is almost uncoverable 1 on 1).I severely doubt Glenn's presence will limit what the Cowboys allow TO to do in the passing game.Does T.O. steal balls from him this year, or does his presence mean more balls for Witten?
With Terry Glenn in the picture, I see T.O. being used as more of a possession receiver. Therefore, I see Witten's value decreasing. Opinions?
Fasano is a threat to the Cowboys' #3 WR...likely Crayton...not to Witten.I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO.![]()
Good point! I think that further emphasizes why they picked Fasano and not a O-Lineman. It gives the Dallas offense a much better chance to freeze defenses, keep them honest, create mis-matches, and prevent loading/attack/agressive defensive play-calling.I have to respectfully disagree. The 2 TE sset is all about creating mis matches on the field. They will line up like this:TO..............Fasano..................Witten..............GlennExactly what I'm thinking. Plus, in Parcells' run-first offense with two solid RBs, the passing offense may be limited in terms of opportunities after TO gets his.I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO. Parcells might be running a two TE set a lot this year with the lineup he has, which should decrease Witten's targets.
So...where do you roll your safety?
Dallas will be a throwing team this year. They will audible to the run when teams sit back or play nickel or dime. Remember that Julius runs best out of a single back set. Most of his big plays are on draws and delays, which will work very well out this base formation.
Good insight, but just curious what makes you see the Cowboys as a throwing team when Bill seems to like pounding the ball/controlling the clock?As for the mismatches, I agree, but it seems like Julius got a lot of short dumpoffs. When you factor in a bunch of those along with TO getting a lot of targets, I just don't see a ton of targets left for Witten.I have to respectfully disagree. The 2 TE sset is all about creating mis matches on the field. They will line up like this:TO..............Fasano..................Witten..............GlennExactly what I'm thinking. Plus, in Parcells' run-first offense with two solid RBs, the passing offense may be limited in terms of opportunities after TO gets his.I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO. Parcells might be running a two TE set a lot this year with the lineup he has, which should decrease Witten's targets.
So...where do you roll your safety?
Dallas will be a throwing team this year. They will audible to the run when teams sit back or play nickel or dime. Remember that Julius runs best out of a single back set. Most of his big plays are on draws and delays, which will work very well out this base formation.
From a target standpoint I agree. From a TD perpective Crayton didn't catch TD's, Witten will lose some to Fasano.Fasano is a threat to the Cowboys' #3 WR...likely Crayton...not to Witten.I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO.![]()
Outstanding post.Last year, Witten finished at #6. This season, I think his numbers will be similar, as DY projected, which will place him in the same range. But I also think that there will be a cluster of TEs in the 90-115 pts. range for the season. I expect Cooley (#4 '05) slips, and Gonzalez (#7 '05) moves up, and maybe Heath Miller or Troupe makes a challenge for top 5. That's how I see it.I forget where I wrote/posted it, but Witten had a stretch with other guys out of the lineup that inflated his 2004 totals.
In Weeks 7-10 in 2004 with Glenn hurt, Jones hurt, Bryant just traded, George hurt, and Quincy Morgan seemingly lost in the offense, Witten put up 32-426-4 in those 4 games. Basically, 8-107-1 per game.
Looking at all his other games in 2004 + 2005, Witten has averaged 4.3-46.8-0.29 the rest of the time. That works out to a season of 69-749-5 (which is almost exactly what he had last year (66-757-6).
I suspect Witten may see a slight decreas, so I would beg him in the TE 6 or 7 range depending upon how some of the other TE progress this season.
That is Parcells preference, but he will play to his team's strengths. Look back to Bledsoe's #'s in New England. I can't quote the actual numbers but I believe Bledsoe set a record for attempts.2006 OutlookGood insight, but just curious what makes you see the Cowboys as a throwing team when Bill seems to like pounding the ball/controlling the clock?As for the mismatches, I agree, but it seems like Julius got a lot of short dumpoffs. When you factor in a bunch of those along with TO getting a lot of targets, I just don't see a ton of targets left for Witten.I have to respectfully disagree. The 2 TE sset is all about creating mis matches on the field. They will line up like this:TO..............Fasano..................Witten..............GlennExactly what I'm thinking. Plus, in Parcells' run-first offense with two solid RBs, the passing offense may be limited in terms of opportunities after TO gets his.I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO. Parcells might be running a two TE set a lot this year with the lineup he has, which should decrease Witten's targets.
So...where do you roll your safety?
Dallas will be a throwing team this year. They will audible to the run when teams sit back or play nickel or dime. Remember that Julius runs best out of a single back set. Most of his big plays are on draws and delays, which will work very well out this base formation.
Parcells plays to his team's strengths, not to a personal philosophy. His team is set up well to throw the ball this year; hes not going to try to turn them into a running team.Good insight, but just curious what makes you see the Cowboys as a throwing team when Bill seems to like pounding the ball/controlling the clock?As for the mismatches, I agree, but it seems like Julius got a lot of short dumpoffs. When you factor in a bunch of those along with TO getting a lot of targets, I just don't see a ton of targets left for Witten.I have to respectfully disagree. The 2 TE sset is all about creating mis matches on the field. They will line up like this:TO..............Fasano..................Witten..............GlennExactly what I'm thinking. Plus, in Parcells' run-first offense with two solid RBs, the passing offense may be limited in terms of opportunities after TO gets his.I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO. Parcells might be running a two TE set a lot this year with the lineup he has, which should decrease Witten's targets.
So...where do you roll your safety?
Dallas will be a throwing team this year. They will audible to the run when teams sit back or play nickel or dime. Remember that Julius runs best out of a single back set. Most of his big plays are on draws and delays, which will work very well out this base formation.
If I were Bill I think this is the route I'd take. You have, arguably, the best WR in the game so yeah, I would start with the pass and make teams stop you in the secondary. Use the pass to set up the run, so to speak. You have the tools with TO (strong possession guy) to run the slant, make catches in traffic using his body, and still go deep, Glenn as a speedster that can consistently get behind a D, and Witten who can work the center very effectively, so why not start there. Really open things up for Jones and Barber.That is Parcells preference, but he will play to his team's strengths. Look back to Bledsoe's #'s in New England. I can't quote the actual numbers but I believe Bledsoe set a record for attempts.2006 OutlookGood insight, but just curious what makes you see the Cowboys as a throwing team when Bill seems to like pounding the ball/controlling the clock?As for the mismatches, I agree, but it seems like Julius got a lot of short dumpoffs. When you factor in a bunch of those along with TO getting a lot of targets, I just don't see a ton of targets left for Witten.I have to respectfully disagree. The 2 TE sset is all about creating mis matches on the field. They will line up like this:TO..............Fasano..................Witten..............GlennExactly what I'm thinking. Plus, in Parcells' run-first offense with two solid RBs, the passing offense may be limited in terms of opportunities after TO gets his.I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO. Parcells might be running a two TE set a lot this year with the lineup he has, which should decrease Witten's targets.
So...where do you roll your safety?
Dallas will be a throwing team this year. They will audible to the run when teams sit back or play nickel or dime. Remember that Julius runs best out of a single back set. Most of his big plays are on draws and delays, which will work very well out this base formation.
-Swtiched to a Base Offense that promotes a passing game.
-Have an immobile but effective pocket passer.
-Have an average to below average blocking O-line.
-Add the arguably best WR in game now.
They will be a passing team...imo.
Can you elaborate? It could get any worse than last year.Tuckeri'm not sold that the Cowboys OL is really improved.
that has two affects on Witten.
1. he will need to stay in block more.
2. he will be a dump off target.
end result: I look for him to repeat his numbers from last season.
look for him to get most of his targets in the 4th quarter when the Cowboys are ahead and trying to keep drives alive.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Qtr....look for lots of T.O. and running game.
i think your list answers your own question. it may not be worse, but it certainly doesn't look better.Can you elaborate? It could get any worse than last year.Tuckeri'm not sold that the Cowboys OL is really improved.
that has two affects on Witten.
1. he will need to stay in block more.
2. he will be a dump off target.
end result: I look for him to repeat his numbers from last season.
look for him to get most of his targets in the 4th quarter when the Cowboys are ahead and trying to keep drives alive.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Qtr....look for lots of T.O. and running game.
Allen
Gurode and Johnson
Rivera (Hurt)
Pettiti
They now have:
Flo
Kosier
Gurode and Johnson
Rivera (Should be healthier)
Fabiani
Keep in mind that TO runs a ton of slants to the middle of the field, but I know what you are saying about the middle being open. Here's how I see it. When the middle looks "soft" Fasano and Witten will run routes that take the LB's away from the LOS (middle). They then run up the gut. As I mentioned earlier.....JJ runs his best when he runs out of a single backfield or "Ace Tight" as they will call it. The draw play has been his bread and butter. Chicago Thanksgiving game and the Seattle and Carolina games....all draws or delays.The middle of the field is going to be wide open, given the presence of Glenn and Owens. Put yourself into a defensive coordinator's position. Do you...
Take away the outside; anything behind the FS; show early double on TO and keep the play in front of you, while leaving the TE in single coverage with a LB or do you account for the TE and take a DB out of coverage to shade; leave one or more WR with 1 v. 1 match-ups and give up the security on the out, in and anything deep/behind?
Considering the threat that Owens and Glenn represent, Witten's going to have plenty of room to operate in that offense between the hash marks. Technically, yes there are only so many snaps, attempts and receptions available in an offense. Yes, at a surface level it looks like there may not be enough attempts and receptions to go around. Dig a little deeper and it becomes evident either Witten or Glenn will be the pass catcher with the likelihood of having the best 1 v 1 match-up over the course of the game and, ultimately, season.
Parcells' offense is predicated on clock control and not turning the ball over. Bledsoe is not a QB that forces the play. Thus, I do not see him bypassing reads in Witten or Glenn that will be in his favor versus making sure Owens gets his. Witten will be open...often...and see the football.
I am of the belief that Owens' arrival will aid Witten.
Ummm no....Looks way better to me. Tell me what I am missing. I'm not saying there are not questions, but looks quite respectable to me.i think your list answers your own question. it may not be worse, but it certainly doesn't look better.Can you elaborate? It could get any worse than last year.Tuckeri'm not sold that the Cowboys OL is really improved.
that has two affects on Witten.
1. he will need to stay in block more.
2. he will be a dump off target.
end result: I look for him to repeat his numbers from last season.
look for him to get most of his targets in the 4th quarter when the Cowboys are ahead and trying to keep drives alive.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Qtr....look for lots of T.O. and running game.
Allen
Gurode and Johnson
Rivera (Hurt)
Pettiti
They now have:
Flo
Kosier
Gurode and Johnson
Rivera (Should be healthier)
Fabiani
fasano makes witten MORE dangerous, not less dangerous..last year, the Cowboys had to keep Witten in to block , due to o-line injuries..I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO. Parcells might be running a two TE set a lot this year with the lineup he has, which should decrease Witten's targets. He should see way less coverage, but I see him topping out at about 70 targets and about 45-50 catches.
Fixed.fasano makes witten MORE dangerous, not less dangerous..last year, the Cowboys had to keep Witten in to block , due to o-line injuries..I'd be more worried about Fasano than TO. Parcells might be running a two TE set a lot this year with the lineup he has, which should decrease Witten's targets. He should see way less coverage, but I see him topping out at about 70 targets and about 45-50 catches.
Fasano is a good blocker, so that'll help out along the o-line..
Witten will carve it up in '06 since teams can't account for him,and he should be involved in more pass plays with T.O. around, not less..
Parcells loves his TE's to win, and won't change that whatsoever.
Fasano stays in to do what Witten did last year, i.e., block, allowing Witten to work on passing plays over the middle of the field..