We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

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  • RoundingThird
    Leyenda
    • Aug 2012
    • 3468

    #1

    We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)


    Once again, football's most interesting man has relocated. After getting his roots in the college game, as head coach of Bowling Green State University, Sam Freday has blossomed in the NFL, despite jumping quickly between jobs, from Cleveland to Minnesota, to his favorite team, the New York Jets. The biggest thing Freday has been able to prove? Well, the man's a winner. He knows how to get his teams moving in the right direction, and staying there. But, with the Jets, his last stop, he took a bigger role, in the front office. While this may seem like a promotion, and the step in the right direction, Freday quickly realized that he wasn't very good in this role, having a quick trigger, frequently pulling locker rooms apart, trading anybody and everybody he thought was slowing the team's progress. Understandably, the players and coaches in New York grew tired of these actions very quickly, but the team kept winning, so nobody made a big deal out of it. Nonetheless, as the coaching wunderkind moves on to his next stop, he has decided to go back to coaching, and just coaching. All player transactions will be handled by the general manager, and not Freday.

    So, who wants Freday now? America's Team. Jerry Jones, one of the league's newest hall of famers, and world class owner, president, and GM of the Dallas Cowboys wanted to add even more spice to his franchise. The team that everybody always talks about to begin with, has just gotten more controversial, trendy, and fascinating. Last season's 13-3 regular season wasn't good enough, because, as has happened in recent years, Dallas couldn't finish the job. Another playoff fizzle out, against the Packers (again), and the Cowboys were left licking their wounds and looking for answers. The rookie duo of Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott had taken the league by storm. Either one could have made a case to win Rookie of the Year, although it was Prescott taking the title. But, there's more to it than that. With arguably the best offensive line in the league, paired with one of the more reliable tight ends of all time, in Jason Witten, and the personality that the locker room needs in Dez Bryant, how could this team be so lackluster in the Postseason. You can't always blame the cold, because, well, it's Dallas, and we're indoors. Of course, some of the road losses have been played in tough elements, but last year's squandered lead to Green Bay was played right here in the Jones Mahal. The bottom line is, with an offense this strong, the defense must be the reason the Cowboys can't get over the hump. That, my friends, is why Jerry Jones called in Sam Freday. He has become a defensive wizard. And since Freday will serve exclusively as head coach, nobody in Cowboys Nation has to worry about the impulsive trades that Freday has become famous for.


    So, get ready for the new Greatest Show on Turf, because with the drama of the Cowboys, along with the quality of play, and the personality of Freday on the sidelines, this team is going to be must watch TV week after week. America's Team is back, baby! We're back with big offense, and what hopes to be big defense. After a spectacular 2016 regular season, the vast majority of the roster remains the same, save for the new rookie acquisition. The way things are set up, there is reason in the Big D to believe that every year for the near future is Super Bowl or Bust. I said hol' up, hol' up, we dem boyz. Hol' up, hol' up, we making noise. Let's do this thing. How 'bout them Cowboys?


    I've been playing Madden every year for as long as I can remember. Madden 18 G.O.A.T. Edition drops on August 25th, which strangely enough, is the day I start college. I see no better way to honor this big change in my life than to celebrate by playing the game I've spent my childhood conquering. And then, there's this project. Every project I put up here on OS is met with a ton of support, and for that I am eternally grateful. Every 'chise I do, I have more and more run doing, tweaking my style here and there, attempting to further enhance its readability and enjoy-ability for you, my grateful audience. But, this year, I can honestly say I'm more excited for a 'chise than ever before, even more than last year, when I embarked with my beloved New York Jets. As is the case with me, you will never see me do a rebuilding project. I'm not obsessed with winning; as you know, I've taken some huge losses in my days. I play a very realistic style of play, and in order to do that, I find it much more fun for me to do a team that's not necessarily supposed to be terrible. The Cowboys, as you know, are expected to contend for a Super Bowl this year, and they have probably the most fascinating roster in the NFL, which in recent days, has just been giving another storyline. Quite simply, I'm a storyteller, just sharing with my gaming experiences with you. But, this year, is different. Like most, I'm having mixed emotions regarding the start of college, and since I'll be trying to balance this 'chise with every other college responsibility, I don't know that I can guarantee updates at the same constant rate that I've always done. When I go home for holidays and breaks, except for perhaps Winter Break, I will most likely not be bringing my XBOX home with me. It seems weird to me to think about it like that, but that's how it's going to have to be. But, the bottom line is that I love sports, I love sports gaming, and I love posting these 'chises on this forum, so I will keep coming back, no matter where life takes me.


    So buckle up and enjoy me on my newest project! I'll be honored to have you as my audience. Just do me this: Please do not post until I give the okay.
    Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn
  • RoundingThird
    Leyenda
    • Aug 2012
    • 3468

    #2
    Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)



    Season Recaps:

    2017:

    Spoiler
    Last edited by RoundingThird; 02-04-2018, 01:11 AM.
    Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

    Comment

    • RoundingThird
      Leyenda
      • Aug 2012
      • 3468

      #3
      Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)



      Head to Head Records:

      AFC East:

      New England Patriots: 0-1
      February 4, 2018: L 36-33 (Super Bowl LII)

      AFC South:

      Tennessee Titans:
      2018 (TBD)

      Indianapolis Colts:
      2018 (TBD)

      Jacksonville Jaguars:
      2018 (TBD)

      Houston Texans:
      2018 (TBD)

      AFC West:

      Denver Broncos: 1-0
      September 17, 2017: W 19-14

      Kansas City Chiefs: 1-0
      November 5, 2017: W 17-13

      Los Angeles Chargers: 1-0
      November 23, 2017: W 38-35

      Oakland Raiders: 1-0
      December 17, 2017: W 38-27

      NFC East:

      New York Giants: 1-1
      September 10, 2017: L 20-14
      December 10, 2017: W 52-7
      2018 (TBD)
      2018 (TBD)

      Washington Redskins: 2-0
      October 29, 2017: W 21-16
      November 30, 2017: W 45-17
      2018 (TBD)
      2018 (TBD)

      Philadelphia Eagles: 1-1
      November 19, 2017: W 45-24
      December 31, 2017: L 45-23
      2018 (TBD)
      2018 (TBD)

      NFC North:

      Green Bay Packers: 1-0
      October 8, 2017: W 31-7

      Detroit Lions:
      2018 (TBD)

      NFC South:

      Atlanta Falcons: 0-1
      November 12, 2017: L 37-34
      2018 (TBD)

      New Orleans Saints: 1-0
      January 21, 2018: W 26-13 (NFC Championship)
      2018 (TBD)

      Carolina Panthers:
      2018 (TBD)

      Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
      2018 (TBD)

      NFC West:

      Arizona Cardinals: 0-1
      September 25, 2017: L 34-20

      Los Angeles Rams: 1-0
      October 1, 2017: W 33-5

      San Francisco 49ers: 1-0
      October 22, 2017: W 32-20

      Seattle Seahawks: 2-0
      December 24, 2017: W 27-10
      January 14, 2018: W 24-19 (NFC Divisional Playoff)
      2018 (TBD)
      Last edited by RoundingThird; 02-04-2018, 01:21 AM.
      Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

      Comment

      • RoundingThird
        Leyenda
        • Aug 2012
        • 3468

        #4
        Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)



        Awards:

        End of Season Awards:

        MVP:
        Dak Prescott - 2017

        NFC Defensive Player of the Year:
        DeMarcus Lawrence - 2017

        Best Running Back:
        Alfred Morris - 2017

        Best Offensive Lineman:
        Zack Martin - 2017

        Best Defensive Lineman:
        DeMarcus Lawrence - 2017

        Best Defensive Back:
        Byron Jones - 2017



        Weekly Awards:
        DeMarcus Lawrence - NFL Defensive POTW - Week 1 2017: 12 tack, 3 sacks
        Alfred Morris - NFL Offensive POTW - Week 5 2017: 19 car, 145 yards, 3 TD, 4 rec, 66 yards
        Alfred Morris - NFL Offensive POTW - Week 8 2017: 19 car, 221 yards, 3 TD, 3 rec, 24 yards
        DeMarcus Lawrence - NFL Defensive POTW - Week 10 2017: 7 tack, 5 sacks, FF
        Dak Prescott - NFL Offensive POTW - Week 11 2017: 17-21, 209 yards, 2 TD, INT, 12 car, 104 yards, 2 TD, FUM
        Sean Lee - NFL Defensive POTW - Week 11 2017: 11 tack, FUM, TD
        Dak Prescott - NFL Offensive POTW - Week 13 2017: 25-33, 271 yards, 3 TD, INT, 9 car, 87 yards, TD
        Alfred Morris - NFL Offensive POTW - Week 14 2017: 14 car, 136 yards, 2 TD, 5 rec, 53 yards, TD
        DeMarcus Lawrence - NFL Defensive POTW - Week 14 2017: 14 tack, 4.5 sacks, FF
        Dak Prescott - NFL Offensive POTW - Week 16 2017: 25-36, 284 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT, 6 car, 69 yards
        Last edited by RoundingThird; 01-26-2018, 09:47 PM.
        Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

        Comment

        • RoundingThird
          Leyenda
          • Aug 2012
          • 3468

          #5
          Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)



          Table of Contents:

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          Last edited by RoundingThird; 02-06-2018, 08:52 PM.
          Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

          Comment

          • RoundingThird
            Leyenda
            • Aug 2012
            • 3468

            #6
            Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

            That should do it for setting up! You guys can post now, so feel free to speak your minds.
            Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

            Comment

            • TheOtherPotterGuy
              Master of Disguise
              • Apr 2014
              • 757

              #7
              Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

              Heck yeah! A Dallas Cowboys chise being done by one of the best chisers here? You know I am following. I can't wait to see what you do with America's Team.
              From Friday to Sunday: The Playing Career of Jace Williams

              NFL:Dallas Cowboys
              NCAA:Texas Tech
              NBA:Houston Rockets
              MLB:Texas Rangers

              Comment

              • RoundingThird
                Leyenda
                • Aug 2012
                • 3468

                #8
                Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

                Originally posted by TheOtherPotterGuy
                Heck yeah! A Dallas Cowboys chise being done by one of the best chisers here? You know I am following. I can't wait to see what you do with America's Team.
                Appreciate the kinds words, Potter! Always makes it more fun for me when there's a real life fan of my team following along!
                Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

                Comment

                • RoundingThird
                  Leyenda
                  • Aug 2012
                  • 3468

                  #9
                  Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)



                  What to do with Ezekiel Elliott


                  Jeanna Thomas (@jeannathomas), SB Nation

                  August 18, 2017-- On Aug. 11, the NFL finally announced a six-game suspension for Ezekiel Elliott to start this season, after an investigation spanning more than a year. The suspension stems from domestic violence allegations made against Elliott in July 2016.

                  A woman who identified herself as Elliott’s ex-girlfriend filed a police report claiming Elliott had been abusive over the course of five days in July 2016. She filed two separate reports with the Columbus Police Department. Witnesses who claimed to have been present did not corroborate her statements, and police and prosecutors decided not to bring charges against Elliott.

                  Elliott filed his appeal on Tuesday, as expected. The NFL and NFLPA are publicly at odds over this situation, and this thing could drag on for some time.

                  Here’s where things stand for Elliott and the Cowboys moving forward...

                  ...Six games is the baseline punishment for first-time offenders who commit domestic violence. This standard was established after the league botched its handling of the Rice situation.

                  With Rice, the league issued a two-game suspension that was later changed to an indefinite ban after the video of Rice knocking out his then-fiancee went public. Rice’s wife, the victim, was present at his disciplinary hearing and gave a statement in support of her husband.

                  Goodell admitted he “didn’t get it right” with Rice’s discipline, and the league revised its domestic violence policy as a result and instituted that six-game threshold for players who violate it.

                  Greg Hardy was accused, and initially convicted, of domestic violence against a former girlfriend. The complaint alleged that Hardy hit her, dragged her, and threw her on a futon covered with firearms. Hardy’s conviction was overturned on appeal, in part because his accuser did not cooperate with prosecutors.

                  She also did not cooperate with the league’s investigation. Still, Hardy was suspended for 10 games, which is more than the baseline. The policy allows for that if there are “aggravating factors.” But his suspension was reduced to four games on appeal.


                  Perhaps the most shocking application of the personal conduct policy was the league’s decision to issue a one-game suspension to former Giants kicker Josh Brown after he was arrested for domestic violence against his wife. Brown referred to the incident that led to his arrest as “just a moment,” but police records showed that Brown had been accused of more than 20 acts of violence against his now-former wife.

                  The NFL defended the minimal consequences for Brown based on the fact that his former wife did not cooperate with the league’s investigation. The league later re-opened its investigation when documents were released in which Brown admitted to abusing his wife repeatedly.

                  Elliott’s accuser did cooperate with the league’s investigation into her allegations. She met with league investigators, who found her version of events credible even when taking into account her false statement to police on July 22.

                  The letter to Elliott announcing his suspension also noted that a lack of cooperation from Elliott wasn’t a factor. If Elliott had failed to cooperate, his suspension might have been longer...

                  ...The decision to suspend Elliott was Goodell’s alone.

                  Goodell notably did not participate in the interviews conducted with Elliott or his accuser, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. Harvey also said that the group of advisers spoke to Goodell individually to give him their opinions. Article 46 of the current collective bargaining agreement gives Goodell absolute power over player discipline...

                  ...Elliott’s suspension doesn’t kick in until the regular season starts. Elliott is able to remain with the Cowboys and practice until the regular season begins. He is also permitted to play in preseason games. Once the regular season begins, he won’t be allowed in the facility or to participate in any team activities.

                  Elliott officially filed an appeal on Tuesday. The hearing will take place on Aug. 29. But once the hearing is completed, there’s no timetable for a decision from the NFL.

                  A foundation of Elliott’s appeal will be to call his accuser’s credibility into question, according to Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The woman’s false statement to police about the events of the night of July 22, 2016, as well as her request that her friend lie to police on her behalf will surely be a part of it.

                  The information Hill obtained was part of the league’s 160-page report detailing the findings of the investigation. According to those documents, Lisa Friel, the NFL’s lead investigator, believed Elliott’s accuser also misled the NFL during its investigation. As a result, Friel would not endorse the woman’s credibility.

                  Included in the league’s report of its findings is the revelation that the woman admitted to discussing the possibility of releasing videos of herself and Elliott having sex, according to Yahoo! Sports’ Charles Robinson. She and a friend spoke via text about using the videos for blackmail or selling them for a profit. The woman told investigators that she did not intend to blackmail Elliott, but this is likely to come up in Elliott’s appeal as well.

                  Elliott filed a report with the Frisco, Texas Police Department in Sept. 2016 alleging that his accuser had harassed him, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Elliott said she called him more than 50 times over the span of a few hours and had hacked into his email account. That case is no longer active.

                  The appeal could have been heard either by Goodell or by an arbitrator Goodell designated. Goodell selected Harold Henderson, who also heard the appeals of Hardy and Adrian Peterson.

                  Henderson has three options: overturn the suspension, uphold the six-game suspension, or reduce the number of games Elliott is suspended. If the suspension is upheld or reduced, Elliott could file a federal lawsuit and get an injunction that would let him play until the case is litigated. But with Week 1 of the season just around the corner, time is running short.

                  In Hardy’s case, Henderson determined that the 10-game suspension issued by the league was excessive. Henderson reduced Hardy’s suspension to four games. Henderson upheld Peterson’s suspension. Both Peterson and Hardy were suspended before the league adopted its current domestic violence policy in Dec. 2014.

                  If Elliott’s six-game suspension stands, he will lose $559,193 in game checks.

                  Taken from: https://www.sbnation.com/2017/8/18/1...estic-violence

                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                  Author's Note:

                  While it likely makes the most sense to wait and find out the arbitrator's verdict, I, like many others with Madden 18, am jumping at the bit to get this thing started. Therefore, I will enforce the original six game suspension, largely because I don't think it will get overturned or shortened, since it is the new baseline punishment for the league. So, for Sam Freday's Cowboys, there will be no Zeke for the first six games.
                  Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

                  Comment

                  • RoundingThird
                    Leyenda
                    • Aug 2012
                    • 3468

                    #10
                    Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)



                    Coach Freday Arrives at Training Camp


                    August 21, 2017

                    Oxnard, CA --- After much anticipation, new Cowboys head coach Sam Freday finally arrived to Cowboys Training Camp on Monday. Fresh off a flight from New York, Freday left his role in the Jets front office, giving all ownership power back to U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Woody Johnson. For all those wondering, you can own an NFL team while serving in public office. But I digress. Freday arrived at The Ford Center in Oxnard at approximately 9 AM PDT, in plenty to time to watch his team's afternoon practice. But, there were more important matters to attend to first. Upon arrival, Freday went straight to the locker room to meet the players, sharing pleasantries with everyone from Dak Prescott to Sean Lee, to fellow UConn product Byron Jones. At 9:30, Freday took part in his first press conference as Dallas Cowboys head coach, before heading out onto the main practice field with every member of the organization, from the players and coaches to the training staff and equipment managers, to watch the solar eclipse, although of course, the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area only got to witness a partial solar eclipse. Similar to the Titans' Mike Mularkey, Freday wanted to use the eclipse to get to know some of his players, and allow them to form tighter bonds with each other. In this day of political and newfound racial tension and uncertainty, there is no better way to make sure everybody on the team is on the same page than to work past their social differences, even work past college rivalries, and all get along. Nothing will contribute more directly to a positive performance on the field than making sure everybody respects each other, and understands the backgrounds of every person in uniform.

                    After the eclipse party, Freday and his coaching staff settled in for a pre-practice meeting over lunch. They discussed each other's style and tendencies, while Freday emphasized that the hybrid West Coast offense he brings with him from New York is very flexible, and open to slight variation. Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan quickly read through Freday's playbook, and was, for the most part, impressed. The foundation for this unique style of offense is a mobile quarterback (check) and a power runner (check), so the Cowboys should have a relatively easy transition into the new offense. The new problem that emerges here, though, is that in order to learn the new offense, the Cowboys might have to play their offensive starters in both remaining preseason games, vs the Raiders, and then at Houston, instead of following tradition and taking the final preseason game off. That's a huge risk, so we'll see how it all goes down.
                    Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

                    Comment

                    • RoundingThird
                      Leyenda
                      • Aug 2012
                      • 3468

                      #11
                      Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)



                      House Rules:



                      Game: Madden 18 G.O.A.T. Edition (Digital Copy)
                      Console: Xbox One
                      Skill: All-Madden
                      Game Style: Simulation
                      Quarter Length: 12 minutes
                      Game Speed: Normal
                      Mode: Coach Mode
                      Relocation?: Everyone
                      Pre-Existing Injuries: On
                      Sliders: My personal set, see below

                      Madden 18 has a new feature this year where you can start your CFM from any point in the season that has already passed. Thus, we will be starting the file at week 2 of the Preseason.

                      All actions on User-Controlled Team will be performed by me

                      Sliders:

                      USER:
                      QB Accuracy: 50
                      Pass Blocking: 50
                      WR Catching: 65
                      Run Blocking: 75
                      Fumbles: 50
                      Pass Defense Reaction Time: 65
                      Interceptions: 50
                      Pass Coverage: 65
                      Tackling: 70

                      CPU:
                      QB Accuracy: 35
                      Pass Blocking: 50
                      WR Catching: 50
                      Run Blocking: 40
                      Fumbles: 50
                      Pass Defense Reaction Time: 50
                      Interceptions: 50
                      Pass Coverage: 50
                      Tackling: 50

                      SPECIAL TEAMS:
                      FG Power: 50
                      FG Accuracy: 50
                      Punt Power: 50
                      Punt Accuracy: 50
                      Kickoff Power: 50

                      All PENALTIES and INJURIES are either ON, or at 50
                      Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

                      Comment

                      • thesportsguru11
                        Cooking With Sauce
                        • Feb 2014
                        • 5105

                        #12
                        Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

                        That's a neat little CFM feature that they've implemented this year... anyways just wanted to leave my first post here. I've already told you I'm excited to see how you work with the offense and I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Kettle Man.

                        P.S. .. Don't forget about Coach Freday's stop at UNLV as well.

                        6x Super Bowl Champion Patriots |Red Sox | Celtics | Bruins |Boston College | USC | NASCAR Young Guns

                        OS' biggest game show nut.

                        Comment

                        • RoundingThird
                          Leyenda
                          • Aug 2012
                          • 3468

                          #13
                          Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

                          Originally posted by thesportsguru11
                          That's a neat little CFM feature that they've implemented this year... anyways just wanted to leave my first post here. I've already told you I'm excited to see how you work with the offense and I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Kettle Man.

                          P.S. .. Don't forget about Coach Freday's stop at UNLV as well.
                          Oh jeez, I totally forgot about UNLV....

                          Yeah, the offense should be an interesting time for sure. My initial impressions of the game are mixed. There are some things totally different that I don't like, some things totally different that I DO like, but all in all, the in-game experience is very difference. The best side of the ball to watch, at least in the beginning stages, is the defense. There are new game modes in Madden 18, allowing the user to choose how realistic their experience is. The mode I'm in, simulation, is the most realistic, but it means that all defensive players are manually controlled, so if I decide to be a corner, I can't just hover around and let the CPU take control. My best bet might be just to stick with the D-line all the time, which is usually what I end up doing anyway. But, who knows? We'll see.
                          Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

                          Comment

                          • RoundingThird
                            Leyenda
                            • Aug 2012
                            • 3468

                            #14
                            Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)



                            Preseason Game Recap: Colts 17, Cowboys 16
                            Freday does it all in Cowboys debut... Except win

                            So, on the fly, Coach Freday decided to screw his own personal offense, and just make things easier for his players by keeping the same offense they had under Jason Garrett. After all, it wasn't Garrett doing the playcalling, it was Scott Linehan, who is still here. And we all know the Cowboys went 13-3 last year, so if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? So, instead, Freday used his team debut as a baseline to evaluate all his players. And, this offense that has been hyped up since last year? Well, not too shabby. Dak Prescott showed off improved chemistry with his two favorite targets, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, although it was Cole Beasley on the receiving end of Dak's only touchdown pass of the day, in the second quarter, right before the 1st team offense came out. Dan Bailey's extra point was blocked, which ended up being the difference in the game. On the whole, Dak looked pretty solid, finishing without a turnover. We will see how everybody looks next week against the Raiders, when the starters will be playing the first three quarters. Now, about the running game. Zeke was Zeke. He obviously wasn't going all out, which nobody on the Cowboys front is expecting him to do, but he found some holes, made people miss, and had a couple big plays, finishing with 8 carries for 60 yards, scoring the first Cowboys touchdown of the day at the end of the first quarter. As the world saw last year, Elliott just may be the glue that holds this team together, so it really is too bad that he will be suspended for the first six games of the season. Those first six games have the potential to make or break the season, so if for some reason, the Cowboys struggle in that span, it might be too late to make a move even when Zeke comes back.

                            Biggest Positive:

                            The defensive line was suffocating all day, even when the starters came out. Coach Freday was impressed with guys that are locks to be starters, like DeMarcus Lawrence, as well as younger guys that still have something to prove. Specifically, Freday was impressed with Michigan rookie Taco Charlton and veteran Stephen Paea for their consistency both in stopping the run and pass rushing. Add that to the offense flowing on all cylinders, and so far, we have a mirror image of Freday's Jets.

                            Biggest Question Mark:

                            The running game after Ezekiel Elliott left? Well, not so good. Darren McFadden struggled to find openings, against the Colts' second team defense no less. Alfred Morris came in midway through the fourth, when the Cowboys were trying to air it out with Kellen Moore, down a single point, and struggled picking up blitzes. He didn't get any touches, but is the favorite moving forward to start during Zeke's suspension, unless he does something stupid in next week's game. Even if he proves to be the answer, it still might not be a bad idea to have a running back by committee for the first six games. Getting some "fresh meat" out there could go a long way to mixing up some of the better defenses in the league in those first six games. But, we'll get to that schedule later.
                            Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

                            Comment

                            • RoundingThird
                              Leyenda
                              • Aug 2012
                              • 3468

                              #15
                              Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)



                              Cowboys Offense Shines in Practice

                              August 23, 2017

                              Oxnard, CA-- Well, we thought it was an ordinary Wednesday practice, just Coach Freday's third practice, but then Dak Prescott decided to go off. Through both the drills and the intrasquad scrimmage, the Cowboys sophomore superstar never threw an incompletion. Afterwards, Coach Freday's biggest praise for Prescott was his poise, saying he is amazed at how confident Dak looks in the pocket, and how comfortable he is throwing on the run or into a tight window. Obviously, it's not ideal to do such things all the time, but since last year, Dak has seemed to develop his intangibles, allowing him to read the situation better, and know when it is okay to make that tough throw. The Cowboys coaching staff has been so impressed with Dak's arm this preseason, they aren't even emphasizing his ability to make plays with his feet. Ordinarily, a mobile quarterback that can get out of the pocket with ease is an integral part of Coach Freday's system, but, as we've already stated, this isn't his system. He was going to introduce it, but then realized that it would only screw everything up, making guys more confused than they should be at this stage of camp. So, maybe, using Dak as a pocker passer more exclusively could be the key. After all, it will certainly decrease injury chances. We've seen all the hits Cam Newton takes both in the pocket and outside of it, and even though he's managed to stay relatively injury free, injuries are not a predictable being. Furthermore, from what he's seen so far, Coach Freday doesn't see a need for Prescott to run, except when the play breaks down and he has no choice to run. But, for what it's worth, the Cowboys will likely struggle to run the ball for the first six games when Zeke is out, so maybe, some play action calls and designed runs can get the offense moving again if they should fall on hard times. But, speaking of Zeke...


                              He had a very impressive practice as well. On the play you're seeing above, he ran for 30 yards, breaking a tackle and throwing a massive stiff arm, before finally being caught up to by Byron Jones (31). Elliott has that unique combination to make him great, a combination only seen a couple times before, from the likes of Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, and Adrian Peterson. Zeke has the ability to accelerate through a hole, while bouncing off defenders with his size, strength, and stature. He can beat you with speed, and with power, and is really a joy to coach and watch. As long as the Cowboys' O-line can consistently block for him, he is likely to run over just about anybody and everybody he crosses path with. I can't believe he's gotta sit out the first six games. If he weren't, he would definitely be one of the favorites for MVP.

                              But, in summary, this offensive performance in practice was very encouraging. The defense has been struggling mightily, and Coach Freday still has no idea what to expect from them. If the Cowboys find themselves in a lot of shootouts, at least he knows he can count on his offense to tear up the town.
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