Mick's Mail

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Brian Cristiano, Ardsley, NY: I noticed Felix Jones not getting many carries in Sunday’s game. Is his injury still bothering him?

Mickey: A little, in fact he sort of irritated the knee on one of his carries and came off as if he was shaking something off. He is improving though, and I see this week he is practicing without the knee brace. He probably needs to get confidence in that knee that he can make all the cuts. Might be bothering him more mentally than physically at this point. I was told what he had probably would take at least six weeks to fully heal.

Kevin, Chesapeake, VA: Joe D has the special teams playing soooo well this year! I really believe that has a lot to do with the Cowboys success this year. Opponents are not starting at the 40, already two returns by Patrick Crayton for TD's. The defense seems to be feasting on the field position battle unlike last year and Mr. Buehler has been great kicking the ball deep and letting our coverage keep the opponents in tact. Whatcha think?

Mickey: Kevin I think you could make a strong case for Joe DeCamillis being the biggest addition to the team this year. You are spot on with your analysis, especially the part about field position. On the opponent drive charts I have there, they say the Eagles starting at their 36-yard line on the final possession of last Sunday’s game was the absolute best starting position following any of the 44 kickoffs this year, and other than that one and one starting at the 31, no possession after a kickoff has started beyond the 27 (three times). And 23 have not started beyond the 20. then when it comes to punts, get this: On Mat McBriar’s 35 punts, only six opponents’ possessions have started between their 42 and 49, one at the 37 and nothing else beyond the 27. In fact, 21 of them have started inside the 20. That is controlling field position with your kicking game.