http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives...-carpenter.html Moving from SILB to WILB. I know a lot of Cowboy fans are down on him. And there is some reason to be. But I do think Parcells and Wade have screwed it up in regards to Carpenter. Parcells drafted him to be a SOLB. He came in learning the position (in case Ellis couldn't make the transition to SOLB). When it became apparent Ellis was going to make the transition, Parcells moved Carpenter inside. Then, when Ellis went down with an achilles tear midway through the season, he moved Carpenter back outside. Carpenter started the last couple of games his rookie year. He played well against Atlanta (he was used as a spy on Vick). And in the Seattle playoff game, he was probably our best defensive player that game. Parcells retires, Wade comes in. Wade moves Carpenter to SILB. The reason for it was because he thought Carpenter was going to beat out Bradie James. At that point, it was reasonable to expect it, because the 2nd half of the 06 season, James sucked. Wade also told our LBers to lose weight; he wanted them flying to the ball; not engaging offensive lineman like Parcells's scheme does. James lost some 10-15 pounds, gained some of his speed/quickness back. Then James came into camp, played like he did in 05, and beat Carpenter out. Carpenter played well in preseason play, but got hurt. In the Minnesota game, he decided to play hurt, and he played poorly. Wade has admitted he made the decision based on that game. Its understandable to start James because James did really turn it around; but to move Carpenter out of rotation? Eh. The reality of it is, when Carpenter has played, he's done well (sans Minnesota preseason game). Now he is moving to WILB, where he will be allowed to flow to the ball and around traffic (which he is better suited for than taking on blockers). He's athletic and good in coverage (which was a problem last year for us). He won't beat Zach out, but he should get more playing time next year. And I think he still has the potential to be a good starting WILB for us when Zach does leave. I think he needs continuity. And I think the coaching staff needs to give him a fair chance. Because with all the position changes he has undergone (SOLB to WILB(?), back to SOLB, to SILB, and now to WILB), he hasn't had a chance to learn one position and really practice it. Maybe Carpenter will prove me wrong and he really is a bust. But I want to see him get situated into one position and really get a chance to show us whether or not he is capable. Because he really hasn't had a fair opportunity to do so.
I heard a rumour that Parcells originally tried to get Carpenter with Fasano, instead of Ayodele. I also tend to agree with you Vintage. He's sort of faded into insignificance and people unfairly assume that its because he's been a bust. In reality, he's never really felt any sort of consistency in respect to his role, and I don't think he's been given a fair chance yet. I was actually hoping he'd be given a chance to be a starter, before Dallas went out and signed Zach Thomas. The upside in all this is that, if Carpenter can come out of this situation successfully, he'll be a much more versatile linebacker than he was when he came out of Ohio State.
If last year's game against the seahawks was any indication, Bobby can make some plays. Long term, I'm curious about the 2nd string dynamic with Kevin Burnett. He's been solid for us and has always been on the cusp of being a starter. I guess Burnett would back up Bradie James?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GMJigga @ May 5 2008, 08:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>If last year's game against the seahawks was any indication, Bobby can make some plays. Long term, I'm curious about the 2nd string dynamic with Kevin Burnett. He's been solid for us and has always been on the cusp of being a starter. I guess Burnett would back up Bradie James?</div> That's the thing. If Carpenter isn't suited for SILB, then Burnett def. isn't. Burnett is a WILB in this system too. If something were to happen to James, I think Zach would slide over.... Zach is suited for WILB too; but he is a veteran and can probably handle it better.
