SPORTSDAY

Posted by sinclair @ 6:06 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

Tank has talent that may help in the 2nd half, but I don't see him as being a disruptive force in the locker room. There are too many quality characters on the team to allow him to come in and ruin a good thing. If the leagues biggest locker room cancer couldn't do it, then I doubt Johnson will.

Posted by evilinc @ 6:11 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

Sad, but true. And look, if we can just teach him some discretion, he should be fine. You know, maybe if he could, I don't know, purchase, say, a private piece of property, a house for instance, and do his partying there, rather than the night clubs. You know, the kind of place a guy could, run his ho's through, all respectable like. I wonder, is there anyone who could help him, or offer suggestions, on such an option? Hmmmmm.

Posted by L.J @ 6:11 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

GOOD.WHAT NUMBER IS HE GONNA BE????99 IS TAKEN.

Posted by Mark @ 6:12 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

These guys may think the world is their oyster when they make it to the NFL. Like they are better than the other 99% of us. But when they screw up and get a taste of reality, and the taste of no paycheck to keep their new lifestyles, most will wake up and smell the coffee.

I say give him a chance, like we gave T.O. one. Let Tank's on field play speak for itself. If he chooses to screw up again, then he has no one to blame but himself. I like that Jerry takes this approach to players. Some just don't have good guidance, and I am not saying Jones is the next Freud, but I am sure he has a firm but fair answer to their problems, and lets them know if they make an effort, so will he.

Posted by gary @ 6:13 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

Tank's a Bumb Phillips' Elvin Bethay.....
Wade will show him the way!
And he'll push the qb (McNab) to Ware and Spencer!

g n oregon

Posted by Melonhead @ 6:18 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

Tim,

This is one of your better posts recently. Nice work.

I'm not a big fan of the move, but hopefully the price is right (any news of the terms of the deal?) If the defense can get healthy, this team has a chance to be special.

Posted by William @ 6:31 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

Shoot, I don't care about his character. In fact, I'm ready to celebrate his arrival by firing my gun in the air.

Posted by trey w @ 7:37 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

Is Tank even capable of playing the nose in a 3-4 Defense? His playing weight is right at 300lbs.

I guess it's a low risk move, surely he's getting the minimum. Wish we could find a guy with some size to complement Ratliff's lack of it.

Posted by BamBam @ 7:38 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

Assuming the guy shows up in shape and keeps his nose clean, how good is he? I'd like to hear the scuttlebutt from some anonymous league scouts.

Posted by rusty shackleford @ 7:49 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

Very sound argument Tim. Nobody "deserves" another chance. But Tank's talent has apparently provided him one (in football at least).

Posted by DougO @ 8:29 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

If I knew Tank was really a nasty, violent guy I wouldn't want him on the Cowboys. However, it looks like he's just made a lot some dumb mistakes and has been in the wrong place, mixing with the wrong people. I only know what I read, and I know that half of that is innacurate. So let's find out what kind of guy he really is. I'm sure there are other bad apples already on the team that none of us really know about.

Posted by derek @ 8:34 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

Just curious, i saw where the Miami Dolphins are considering a trade for Jason Taylor. i think he could help the Defensive End spot considering Canty or Spears isnt doing to much for us do you see this possibly happening? They probably would want a 1st round pick but considering his age do you see them accepting anything less? Sure would be nice having Taylor on one end and Ware on the other with Johnson in the middle gives me goose bumps, sounds like a Patriot caliber team.

Posted by Saint Jimmy @ 8:59 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

I'm not concerned about Tank's past. Even though he's got a contract to play for the Cowboys he's still not a Cowboy yet. That takes several years. So should he get into trouble it wouldn't be a black eye to the organization.

Posted by Patrick @ 9:00 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

I can see it now ... about 9:30 p.m. Central Time on Feb. 3, as Jerry snatches the Lombardi out of Wade’s hands, he says, “We couldn’t spell Super Bowl until Tank Johnson got here.”

Posted by Rodney in Nashville @ 9:06 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

Surely he can stay out of trouble now. This is his last chance.

Posted by BigTexKahuna @ 9:12 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

Let us welcome The Tank! He played good ball for 'da Bears, didn't he? Maybe some of y'all would know better than me, but I would think he has the talent to pick up on "The Phillips 3-4"... whatever that is, and whenever it decides to show up. I still haven't seen a pass rush that would put the fear of Doomsday in any opposing QB, yet...

Having said all that... I figure as long as there's language in his agreement which says something to the effect that, "If you screw this up, Terry, you ain't getting squat, and you can kiss your NFL big butt goodbye! Do we understand each other?"

Besides, Calvin Hill, as well as his teammates ought to have a positive effect on 'ol Tank... set him in the right direction... kinda remind him that it's not in his best interest, being a very large black man, to be foolin' around with an arsenal of guns in Texas! That statement was meant in a good way, out of concern for a young man who just might be a little unfamiliar with the way things can get in a very different part of the good 'ol USA. As long as he keeps himself in shape by the time he can show up to Valley Ranch, I think Tank will work out fine, and will get resigned for next season and beyond...

Posted by palo @ 10:01 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

whats next for the Cowboys, Pacman Jones for CB position LOL LOL

Posted by Robert @ 10:42 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

This Defense is becoming a mush with players out of position -- all cuz Jerrah is bad GM. Let us summarize:

Roy Williams can't play SS so he needs to play LB in a nickel. Big contract though -- courtesy ESPN Jacked Up.

Hamlin is a natural SS but needs to play FS when Roy is SS.

Henry is a bad cover guy and better FS candidate.

Glenn, our best cover guy after Newman, is cut in favor of four (4) 7th round CB. 1 of which is now cut to make room for Tank.

Davis and Watkins are both SS types playing FS.

Carpenter is a SOLB but must play ILB because we drafted Spencer.

Spencer is an SOLB who can't cover but can rush so he really is a WOLB.

Ware is a WOLB who is not a great rusher but is a great all round LB who should be the SOLB.

Burnett is not on the field b/c we are backlogged in big contracts at the ILB and OLB spot.

Spears can't rush but plays the run well so instead of NT he is at DE.

Tank is 4-3 Tampa II DT penetrator and now he is going to be a "Nose Tackle" in a 3-4.

Ratliff is a great penetrator who should be a DE but he is at NT b/c Fergie is down.

We did not draft any CB or NT help in the last 3 drafts outside of the 6th and 7th rounds. Nice.

Classic Jerrah Jones. Worst GM in football. Splattering of talented players playing in the wrong spot. Then we wonder why the Defense stinks inspite of 7 First Round Picks and 3 High Priced Free Agents .....

Posted by Stan in W-Falls @ 10:50 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

Why Tank's a good fit in Texas:

1. When he feels the love and support of Jerry & Co, he will turn his life around.
2. Other states have ponds, Texas has 'tanks'.
3. Six guns and 500 rounds of ammo is below the per capita average

Posted by mcindallas @ 10:51 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

what about McNabb's character. he always seems to fall for the race card trap. check out yahoo news to see the latest. is that his way of trying to defer criticism of his game?

Posted by DefCon1 @ 11:14 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

"Just because you are a character doesn't mean you
have character"

MR. WOLF

go Tank !

Posted by E @ 11:30 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

I'm sorry but Tank's character concerns are more than just what is in Tank's best interest. If this guy screws up the cowboys could be held responsible for giving this guy work.

Even though we need this guy, he is a guy who has demonstrated in the past that he doesn't make good decisions. We can all hope that he has grown up, but this could end up biting us hard.

Posted by Kingcapper just made love with wife @ 11:35 PM Tue, Sep 18, 2007

I don't care if he slapped his mother, long as he helps us to number 6!

Posted by mcindallas @ 12:34 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

This is long but bear with me.

After reading the article on his rap sheet i've come to the conclusion that maybe Tank really is a good guy, as described by his former teammates, and his problems are the result of the people he hung out with. His guns were purchased in Arizona and registered there, no one has disputed that so it must be true. He gets charged with weapons violations for not registering them in Chicago.

Correct me if i'm wrong but i do belive that if any of gun owners happen to get pulled over in another state you could be facing a weapons violation even if they are registered in your state and your licensed to carry a concealed weapon. Not all states allow concealed weapons.

so what if he was there when his friend was killed. if he didn't face any charges in relation to the case then maybe, just maybe, he had nothing to do with it and someone was only after his buddy. it's possible. i haven't heard that the gunman pointed at Tank causing his friend to heroically jump out in front.

one thing that IS his fault is the DUI charge that was dropped because he wasn't at or above the limit. he shouldn't have placed himself in that situation BUT since he wasn't legally drunk he gets a pass.

I think Terry Johnson wants to do things the right way now. Look at Pacman's actions since his suspension and look at Tank. Which seems more focused on getting back on track?

i was against Tank being allowed to play in the Super Bowl last year and against him coming to Dallas when he was released but I think if the players are ok with it then we should be ok with it. they need to sit him down for a talk and let him know what is expected. It would be a HUGE statement if Romo did it himself.

Posted by Andre @ 8:16 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

'know what ? I'm tired of all this rubbish of comparing Tank to T.O. T.O. is a childish, selfish, arrogant etc etc etc, though he appears to have left all that behind him in PHA, and is proven to be a hell of a good influence around the Dallas Cowboys. Tank on the other hand is nothing but a proven C R I M I N A L. Maybe the league should insist on a search each time he runds out on the fieled. Cowbodys have enough with Ratlif and Ayodele to make it to the Super Bowl. There's something moraly evasive about ignoring this guys criminal record and bringing him in.

Posted by Dan @ 8:35 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

So who in Texas does not have 10 guns lying around the house. What's the big deal. We need a little meanness on the front line and he is cheap. Debth is priceless. Good Move Jerry. If he really messes up, then he is out at the League Minimum. Second Chances are a gamble, but Dallas does them Right. Ex - Charle Haley

Posted by Robert @ 8:45 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

"When he feels the love and support of Jerry & Co, he will turn his life around."

Like Mike Tyson with Cuss D'Amato in that new Barney Video.

What vacuos, idiotic fans who really have no clue what football is ..... like Jerrah GM

Posted by Big Kev @ 8:48 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

I don't his character matters unless the Cowboys are a point where they have to count on him. Low risk contract. A few snaps a game at back-up NT, he'll be fine. Give him a big contract next year or put him into the starting rotation, they you'll have problems.

Posted by LL from Austin @ 8:57 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Thanks mcindallas...I was having trouble falling asleep....

Posted by tomthumb @ 9:53 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Hansen began his sportscast last night talking about does Tank deserve an 'eight chance' etc.

That's Hansen's go to move - be ultra-critical. Of course, if the Boys didn't bring in help on the DL, Hansen would criticize them for that. He's a world class jerk that way who lacks substantive reporting skills.

Posted by Jason Gold @ 12:36 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Yes, his character matters, but he is paying his debt to the league and society. If he screws up his second chance then worry. A back up available for 8 games is not a sign Jerry and the organization have reneged on their commitment to character. Relax...

Posted by Jim @ 8:56 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

It doesn't matter what a guy does as long as he plays well on Sunday and doesn't live next door Monday through Saturday.

Posted by trey w @ 2:41 PM Thu, Sep 20, 2007

What vacuos, idiotic fans who really have no clue what football is ..... like Jerrah GM

Hey Robert,

Your fixation on Jerry or Jerrah, as you like to call him, borders on obsessive. You are also the "anti-cowboy fan" on this blog. All of your posts reflect a venom for the team, it's ownership, and it's fan. Why don't you start your own, "I hate all things associated with The Dallas Cowboys" blog and post there.

Or you could just shrivel up and blow away. If I could somehow discard you myself from the blog, I'd do us all the favor, and raise the intelligence quotient of future posts.

I could be way off.....but are you one of those over the hill Landry sympathizers that's never forgiven Jerry for firing him? You sure sound like it. Oh yea...

I agree with you on most points on our personell except:

I don't know if you can call Hamlin a natural SS that needs to play FS when Roy is SS. Hamlin played free safety his whole career in Seattle, if he was a better strong safety, he'd have played there. Just because he hits hard doesn't mean he's better suited to SS, he's a quarterback on defense with high football IQ, typical of a FS.

"Davis and Watkins are both SS types playing FS.

NO WAY man, Watkins is a ball hawking, skinny, rangy type, that's perfect for centerfield, if he ever grasps NFL defensive packages. Davis I agree on.

Carpenter is a SOLB but must play ILB because we drafted Spencer. Head scratcher, but you can't have too many talented lb's in a 3-4. Hind sight 20/20 Robert.

Spencer is an SOLB who can't cover but can rush so he really is a WOLB.

Jury still out on this Spencer, too early to make assumption that he can't cover.

Ware is a WOLB who is not a great rusher but is a great all round LB who should be the SOLB.

WTF??? Ware can't rush??? Go smoke some more Robert. Brain dead comment, shows ignorance.

Burnett is not on the field b/c we are backlogged in big contracts at the ILB and OLB spot.

Uh....asssphyncter says what? Burnett played last week, and is active, and will play next week. Had some good pressure on Green last week. Where are you getting your info? Maybe you should read the blog sometime, before posting on it.

Spears can't rush but plays the run well so instead of NT he is at DE.

Tank is 4-3 Tampa II DT penetrator and now he is going to be a "Nose Tackle" in a 3-4.

Both of these comments are made with the mentality that we still need an anchor 3/4 nose, who just clogs the middle, and shuts down the run. FYI, Ferguson blitzed and stunted quite a bit in the opener----Reports on Tank is that he plays the run well, Bears D when he was there, didn't give up many rushing yards.

"Classic Jerrah Jones. Worst GM in football. Splattering of talented players playing in the wrong spot. Then we wonder why the Defense stinks inspite of 7 First Round Picks and 3 High Priced Free Agents ....."

This makes my point. Moronic, arm-chair draft experts. Hind sight is 20/20 there Robert, I think Jeff Ireland and others drafted the best players on the board, and I'd say we've drafted well over the past 4 years. You can't hit on all of em'.

You are either a closet eagles fan, or just need to get over some bitterness, but get your shizzle strait before you post. Get over the fixation with Jerra, time to support the boys, they could win it all this year.