Tuesday, May 22, 2012

A Letter to Mr. Jenkins

Dear Mike,

So, I hear that you are planning to hold out of OTA's and you want a trade.  Really?  I must say that you have been in the league a total of four less-than-stellar years and now suddenly you think you have the right to holdout on the team? 

Disappointing!

In the four years you have been in the league you have made one Pro Bowl, started all 16 games only twice out of your four short years in the league, and your production has dropped off each of the last two years.  Last year, the Cowboys secondary couldn't cover a dead bug and you think you have the right to holdout this year?  Listen, Mike, you had one pick last year with only 24 tackles in only 12 games; this was your worst production since your rookie year.  The secondary was seemingly the primary reason for the team's drop off last year which ultimately cost your team the division title and the playoffs.

THIS INCLUDES YOU! 

I can't understand how you can possibly feel a sense of entitlement after you have done...well, NOTHING!!  You have never been someone who provided much run support and the most INTs you ever had in a season is five.  Since then, you have had one pick in each of the last two years.

So the team brought in some secondary help via the draft and free agency and now you wanna cry, stomp your feet, and quit on the team?  Who do you think you are, Albert Haynesworth?  C'MON!

Winners rise to the occasion and stare a challenge in the face not go to bed and pull the covers over their head.  Nobody said you were going to be cut from the team; the team just brought in some players to create some competition and add some depth to an otherwise swiss cheese secondary. 

Last night I made some macaroni and cheese and asked my wife to hand me the strainer so I could drain the water; she told me I should just use the Dallas Cowboy secondary instead of the strainer.

Let me clue you in on something, Mike: Teams get better by adding depth to their roster thus creating competition.  That's how teams grow stronger.  That's how teams make it to the Super Bowl.   

Instead of using this to make yourself better you want to stick your head in the sand? You're like Lebron James in the fourth quarter...you're wilting away like a dead flower.

This is what is wrong with the Cowboys as a whole.  Certain players think they are the best thing since the invention of beer and wine, and when posed with a challenge you decide not to show up.  Good thinking!  That makes you look REEEAAL good to the other 31 teams in the NFL, Mike.  I wouldn't want someone who avoids a little competition and I am sure the other 31 teams in NFL don't want someone like that either.

I can see you on a job interview now with your highly mediocre resume in hand: 

"Mr. Jenkins, when posed with a challenge, how do you typically respond?"

"Well, first, I cry a little. Then when I run out of tissues I usually like to threaten to quit my job if things aren't done my way.  Finally, when nobody listens to me, I typically enjoy not showing up to work at all." 

"Thank you, Mr. Jenkins.  NEXT!"

I cant help but ask, Mike, do you pee sitting down? 

Man-Up, find your sac, and get your butt to work where you belong.  The team needs you.  This is where you got your start in the NFL and if you really think you are deserving of being a holdout why don't you show up to camp and let everyone see what you are actually capable of.  Here's an idea, stay healthy for a whole year.

Yeah, I get it - you were hurt for much of last year and still did what you could to stay on the field despite your injury.  Congratulations!  That's the equivalent of me telling my boss I should get a raise because I came to work even though I had a cold for a week.  Big Deal!!  Who cares!  Your supposed to do that.  ITS YOUR JOB!  You automatically assume that responsibility when you accept your job.

With the attitude you are showing everyone I would rather have Helen Keller take your spot.  I know she can't see but she probably has a better sense of smell so she can just use her nose to find the ball. 

You are part of a "team." Act like it! 

Being in the NFL is a privilege; not a right.  You are entitled to NOTHING and you need to show that you have what it takes to make it in the NFL before you "take your ball and go home" just cause things didn't quite go the way you want them to.

Get to camp.  Show "pick 6" what its like to play corner in the NFL and help the team win a Championship.  Nobody likes a quitter.  If you want to whine, cry, stomp your feet, and create a feud then we will work on getting you a part on the Real Housewives of Dallas.

Otherwise, this is football; show us you got a pair and get to work!!

Signed,

SikandTiredof UrOvrInflatedViewofUrself

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

2012 Post Draft Thoughts

With the 2012 draft behind us and young athletes dreams having been realized; I thought it was time for the SportsT4nk to storm back onto the scene with some judgements and considerations.

First, we must address the obvious: The Cowboys.

Long story short; I give them a draft grade of B.  I never thought they would draft Morris Claiborne because I thought he would never be there at 14 and I never thought they would trade up 8 spots to get him, so he was not someone that I even considered as an addition to a very inept secondary.  Truth be told, I was clamoring for Mark Barron...you're welcome Tampon Bay!!!

Short story longer; I am a cautiously optimistic about this pick.  I think he has potential to be a great defensive back in this league for years to come, but "potential" never won me nothin.  "Potential" is merely an unopened beer; it wont tickle your taste buds and it sure wont get your drunk. 

It just concerns me slightly that they moved up 8 spots and gave up a second round pick to draft someone who is coming off wrist surgery, is wearing a cast on his hand as we speak, and wont even be able to participate in rookie training camp which opens up this weekend.  He likely wont even be able to participate until the full training camp opens this July.  Not to mention, the Wonderlic test.  Do I care that the kid got a 4 on the test?  NO!  No, I do not.  Not at all.  What does concern me is the fact that he said to himself, "Well, I know I am expected to take this test along with every other rookie prospect, but i don't feel like it.  Nah.  It doesn't ask one football question and it says NOTHING about who I am nor how I play football so I don't think I'm gonna take this stupid-ass test."  Now, not that I think the Wonderlic is important, but its the "attitude" he has that made him decide not to put forth any effort that concerns me.

I feel that very attitude translates to not wanting to study game film.  Not wanting to participate in team meetings.  And, eventually not wanting to listen to coaches because he feels he is 'Above the Law.'  I don't know that this will be how he carries himself as a professional football player, but in my best estimation this is definite cause for concern.  Especially, when the all-too-egotistical and "lazy" Dez Bryant sits in the same locker room.  Do me a favor Jason Garrett, don't put their lockers beside each other and don't let their pompous attitudes become a standard in your underachieving locker room.  Thanks!

In 2011 the Cowboys secondary couldn't cover a dead bug, but one other glaring issue was their overall attitude.  The team as whole seemed to have a sense of entitlement which was brought on by the high expectations of the fans, media,coaching staff, and the idiot owner.  I think they need high character guys who are concerned with putting forth effort, practicing hard, and maintaining a high level of conditioning while operating as a "team."

With all that said, THEREIN lies my cautious optimism with the #6 pick in this years draft.  God Speed, young Morris Claiborne....GOD SPEED, my son.  I'm rooting for you.

Other than the obvious BIG NAME pick in this years draft there were a few other guys that I am rather hopeful for.  One guy who was on my draft board that we actually took was Kyle Wilber from Wake Forest.  I like his size and he seems to fit well within the 3-4 scheme.  He isn't much of a pass rusher but he is a run stuffer and should be able to cover pretty well underneath.  I think he helps create a lot of competition at the linebacker position and he will hopefully have some production as a Cowboy.

I like the "value" we got with Safety Matt Johnson from Eastern Washington.  This guy is big, fast, and had 17 interceptions while in college.  Its too early to truly tell, but I feel pound-for-pound that he is the best pick we had that wasn't an undrafted free agent.  The guy can cover, hit, and should be a starter for us within the next year or two.  I think he has the great character that Morris Claiborne apparently lacks and that should translate into a future defensive leader.  My only concern is a torn bicep that he endured in his college career, but hopefully that doesn't mean he has a penchant for injuries.

Between the last two draft years I almost feel as though the Cowboys have drafted FAR TOO MANY players who seem to spend more time in the trainers room than the trainers themselves.

We may have grabbed some undrafted free agents that could prove to be true assets to the team at some point in the future.  I would have absolutely been smitten with CB Eddie Whitley from Va Tech if he didn't tear his ACL.  The kid can cover and play multiple positions in the secondary, he is tall, fast, and knows how to defend, BUT I don't like that kind of injury. Running back Lance Dunbar might be an interesting project out of North Texas, but the guy who I think was the very best pick in the draft was Adrian Hamilton from Prairie View A&M. 

This guy had unbelievable stats in college and he looks great on film.  I realize he is from a small school but you cant deny his stats and he may be the guy that Anthony Spencer never was.  Without a doubt, I will be watching him VERY closely.

Hopefully, this draft proves to help grow the Dallas defense into the playoff contender they should have been last year.  If the defense fails miserably AGAIN this year it will be obvious that the problem lies with the fat, unshaven, unkempt D Coordinator.

As far as the rest of the league, congrats to the Browns for getting the future of the running back position in the NFL.  Now they just need to somehow acquire more weapons on offense so they don't wear him out like the Kardashians wear out "fake."  Shame on the Dolphins for drafting a one year starter at QB who happens to be a converted wide receiver with more blown leads in the fourth quarter in one year than any team in NFL franchise history with the 8th pick in the draft.  Don't worry Matt Moore, your job is safer than Bill Gates.  The Colts may have drafted a franchise QB but they so wildly dismantled this team in an effort to rebuild that it will take another 3-4 years for them to even be relevant again.  Speaking of relevance, the complete and utter debacle that is the Saints have successfully managed to become the "Aints" again for the next year or more.  Break out the brown bags.  I think the Eagles had a great draft and that upsets me because when you look at that roster loaded with talent; I feel they are primed to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this year.  The Giants took David Wilson who I feel will be a good back along with Rueben Randle at wideout while Carolina stole WR Joe Adams in the late rounds.  The Rams did a great job finding a back to lessen the load on an aging and worn Steven Jackson in Isiah Pead and may have taken some key players to help on defense as well.  The Cardinals were smart to take Michael Floyd to compliment Fitz and I feel confident John Skelton will have a breakout year with the weapons he now has in the passing game.  He just needs Chris "Glass-Beanie" Wells to stay healthy.  I am ecstatic that the Redskins took RGIII since he is merely a great athlete but completely lacks the ability to be an NFL QB and will likely be taking your order at the Wendy's drive-thru within the next 3-4 years.  The ironic thing is that the best QB on the Redskins roster was drafted in the fourth round well after the coveted RGIII, his name is Kirk Cousins. 

Speaking of QB, Russell Wilson now rides on the Seahawk train and will have some time to sit behind Matt Flynn for a year (give or take 8 games) before he takes the NFL by storm.  Someone please tell me how the best QB in the draft never got picked up until round three?  Really?!?!  Am I the only person on the planet that knows how to conduct the trusty "eye test"?  Do these scouts, GM's, and NFL coaches watch football with their eyes open, or do they just use "The Force"?  This guy was overlooked due to his size, but nobody bothered to measure the size of his heart, his leadership ability, nor his love of the game.  Here's to you R. Dub!!  I BELIEVE!

Overall, I feel there was a tremendous infusion of talent into the NFL with this years draft class; more so than years past, and I think we are in store for an incredible season.  I firmly believe there will be a TON of parity this year and division leads will likely change from week to week.  I think it will come down to the final 2-3 weeks of the season before playoff teams are firmly locked in.  Many teams got better.  Many teams clearly recognized their flaws and necessarily improved one side of the ball over another through the draft (i.e. the Pats, Pack, and Cowboys).  And many teams will be in contention as the season draws to a close.  Many teams that most were not expecting.

Here's to football.  Here's to the Cowboys improved defense.  And here's to drinkin frosty cold ones while sittin on the couch on Sundays.  The season cant get here fast enough and the beer cant be cold enough for September 5th!

Go Cowboys!!!

FIN