Well, here's just some blathering on issues that may prove to be moot, never coming to fruition. It's ******* pre-season, but, I will still take a calculated stab at what may unfold.
For whatever it may be worth, Jerry Jones has stated that he's wanted to make a strong showing of support for Emmitt Smith, by "coming out and putting on a show", or what-have-you.
Yeah, well, this may not be that meaningful, but he has been a bit preemptive in the past when wanting to have a "strong" start right-off-the-bat when playing in the American Bowl in years past.
I know, it's a bit ridiculous to think this "deeply" about an exhibition game, but I'm just so damned excited to see some football and get back into betting form.
I think I'll have a standard play on Dallas-moneyline (+120).
Good luck to all.
For whatever it may be worth, Jerry Jones has stated that he's wanted to make a strong showing of support for Emmitt Smith, by "coming out and putting on a show", or what-have-you.
Yeah, well, this may not be that meaningful, but he has been a bit preemptive in the past when wanting to have a "strong" start right-off-the-bat when playing in the American Bowl in years past.
- The starters may see 2 series, as will Cincinnati's; Romo-Kitna-McGee-Nichols; Palmer-O'Sullivan-Palmer.
- Tashard Choice may still yet be on the trade block, albeit, it may be a remote possibilty as the notion has been refuted by Jones. Though, it could still behoove Dallas to have him in a more-than-substantive role here. Keeping his value visible and alluring should be in the cards, if any significant injuries in the next few weeks occur throughout the League.
- Gary Zimmer fielded a strong unit last season, but his line was one of the least efficient in terms of sustained success on a play-by-play basis (profootballfocus.com). Jonathan Fanene is a de-facto starter pretty much and should give Robert Brewster/Sam Young some trouble later on in the game. Antwan Odom is back at it, and it should be a good match-up to see against the much-touted Doug Free. Kyle Kosier may see a series or two as the back-up center.
- The only strong-side 'backer on Cincy's roster that'll be ready to go on Sunday could be Michael Johnson, an uber-athletic, angular conversion whom could be stationed for a long set to see how his coverage skills are, and to see if he can get his hips to open up. If this is so, I think it could make it all the more likely that Witten/Bennett are targeted by Romo/Kitna to get a quality down-field series against live competition.
- Jonathan Joseph will be out. Morgan Trent will get more quality time, and surprised last season in package use.
- Jermaine Gresham, it seems at this point, as been made the 4th TE out of principle, but should see some time in the 2nd-half.
- Andre Smith is fat.
- Dennis Roland and Nate Livings will be in for the aforementioned Smith and the convalescing Evan Mathis respectively. I think there'll be much focus on their base blocking to see how they can handle head-up responsibilities; they will be a bit outmatched with Jason Hatcher/Stephen Bowens in my opinion.
- The impressive, but untested, Victor Butler is in for Anthony Spencer. He & Brandon
SharpeWilliams will be on full-tilt for a good portion of the game so as to gauge their ability to log significant time spelling Spencer/Ware, and in other multiple-rusher formations. - Sean Lee may be implemented earlier than previously thought, as the Cowboys, however geniunely they may be, have touted him as the highest graded linebacker prospect since Patrick Willis.
- Jason Williams and Leon Williams will get the call, though, when James/Brooking leave the game --- lots of speed.
- Orlando Scandrick/Cletis Gordon/Jamar Wall/Bryce McCann will have the spotlight on them, as it's been mentioned that the prime focus of this game could likely be their assignments in multiple looks.
- David Buehler should get some chances at 55-60 yards-plus here.
- Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell will be given looks to see if they'll ever get past "potential" terriotry.
- There won't really be a true fullback for Cincy here with Fui Vakapuna having shoulder issues. Cue Daniel Coats again, Bengal fans.
- Aside from the hyperbole of how much tougher this year's training camp has been for Dallas compared to recent years, blog reports have noted that this game has been anticipated by the coaches by dramatically scaling down contact, treating the following 3 days afterward as more of a break, before coming back from Oxnard to match-up with Oakland during Week 1 of NFLX.
I know, it's a bit ridiculous to think this "deeply" about an exhibition game, but I'm just so damned excited to see some football and get back into betting form.
I think I'll have a standard play on Dallas-moneyline (+120).
Good luck to all.
