Friday Mailbag! Time to start our new tradition!

At the end of every week, I will grab 20 questions from you and answer them to the best of my ability.

Every new tradition has its origin. Therefore, let the record show that on August 4, 2023, we inaugurated the mailbag. Starting in September, the privilege of leaving questions will be exclusively reserved for those supporting this SturmStack with paid subscriptions. However, my belief is that we will eventually make it a free-for-all, allowing everyone to read and participate, thus expanding our family here.

I want this platform to become an opportunity for you to ask me anything you desire. So, let's embark on this journey together and see where it takes us. I'm eagerly awaiting the first 20 questions from you, so let the questioning begin... NOW!

1. From our dear friend, hero, and the man who can spin his arm around a guitar like nobody else, Rhett Miller:

   Even in its most seemingly fallow stretches, the Dallas sports landscape can be pretty noisy; The Rangers are in first place; The Mavericks are insane; The Cowboys are the Cowboys.

   My question concerns what is arguably the best-run, most consistently upward-trending franchise in town, the Dallas Stars.

   Now that we are a mere six weeks away from training camp, how would you rate the Dallas Stars' off-season? Do you think Duchene will be a good fit/valuable asset? Finally, the question I feel bad even asking… After the way, the playoffs ended, is there any chance the Stars name a different captain for the 23/24 season? Last season was a big bounce-back for Jamie Benn, but that playoff exit was rough, not at all what you want or expect from your number one team leader.

Thanks, Rhett. First, let's talk about Matt Duchene; this acquisition has the potential to be amazing, and it's astonishing that he was available for just $3 million this season. The buy-out in Nashville came as a shock to him, and the Stars wasted no time in seizing the opportunity. It reflects the fact that the Stars have become an attractive destination for players like Duchene. Comparing him to Max Domi, I believe Duchene is a more favorable short-term investment.

If we examine the last two seasons as a somewhat arbitrary sample size for pure scoring production, Duchene has amassed an impressive 142 points in 149 games. In contrast, Domi scored 95 points in 152 games, showcasing a noticeable difference in skill level for the same $3 million contract. The Stars initially offered Duchene the same deal they proposed to Domi, which Max found unacceptable. While they were waiting for Domi's decision, Duchene swiftly secured the deal, leading to the Stars getting a better player at an unbelievably low price.

Regarding Benn, I understand that fans are still upset about the stunt he pulled during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against Vegas. However, I don't believe the Stars even considered letting him go because of it. Moreover, I think his teammates won't let that one incident overshadow what they know Benn truly is - a mostly textbook captain.

Admittedly, it was probably the lowest point of his career, but that doesn't mean the team doesn't want him to bounce back. I hear your concerns, but it's likely that he will remain the captain until his contract expires at the end of 2024-25, and there's a possibility he might continue even longer if he chooses to extend his contract.

2. From Sandy

   I literally loved the Decoding Linehan, Moore, Marinelli reports but losing the videos was a big bummer. Can we assume that's coming back (I know you alluded to this in your opening column). Would you consider doing some longer form dissection of plays a la Kurt Warner and QB School? Thank you.

Yes. In a perfect world, I want to do long form reviews of film and I am planning on some technology additions as we get going (with support from many of you). But for now, I plan on bringing back Decoding McCarthy and the DQ Report and each will have a decent dose of film. To prove it, here is Micah Parsons' TD from the Chicago game last year.

ITS BEAUTIFUL TO BE BACK, BABY!!!!

3. From Jake

   You’ve talked before about the trend of emphasizing YAC (49ers and Chiefs as good examples of teams being good at manufacturing YAC). With McCarthy taking the reins of the offense, do you think the Cowboys move to a more YAC focused scheme to get their playmakers the ball on the move (Lamb, Cooks, Pollard, etc.), as opposed to the Moore/Garrett style of stop routes/curls, etc.?

100%. Now, how do we do that best?

Well, we get better play-makers. So, you trade for Brandin Cooks, you get Tony Pollard healthy, you use Kavontae Turpin more as a receiver, and you draft Deuce Vaughn. If you are lucky, Michael Gallup gets some twitch back in his legs.

Next, we use the horizontal and vertical stretches of the field. We take the top off with deep shots and that backs off the defensive backs. In turn, you have more room to run underneath the safeties. Then, you use route combinations to find free space as well as the flats for screen games and deception.

All of these elements combined with routes that are on the run and not stationary should help Dallas climb from 24th into the Top-10 in YAC. Now, yards after catch is not the most important stat in the NFL, but it does tell you how much you ask of your offense and your QB to make every yard happen. You want easy yards, big plays, and explosive scores. Dallas can and should be better this year.

4. From Marcus Mitchell

   With an unbiased lens, what are the pros and cons of reuniting with Ezekiel Elliott? Furthermore, were you to have the reins, would you sign him for a small one year contract?

I must admit that I am not unbiased at all when it comes to this player. My perspective is influenced by watching every carry of his career, and from what I've observed, his performance over the last 2-3 years has been quite disappointing to the naked eye. Given these factors, I don't believe reuniting with him would be a wise decision. Not only do I think he isn't very good on the field, but his imposing presence can also create an overwhelming spotlight on the Cowboys.

Having a prominent figure like him can lead to a barrage of questions and concerns about his role and opportunities, which might overshadow other players who may be more deserving at the moment. Personally, I would prefer to see more of Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn, as I find them both to be far more explosive currently.

5. From Michael Traylor

   Who is the greatest Cowboy since 2000? These would seem to be the most reasonable choices:

   -Tyron Smith

   -Zack Martin

   -DeMarcus Ware

   -Jason Witten

These are four Pro Football Hall of Famers, without a doubt. Thus, even the fourth spot is remarkable. However, in my estimation, I would rank them as follows: 1. Ware, 2. Witten, 3. Martin, 4. Smith. It's astonishing to see Tyron Smith placed fourth on a list like this because, in my opinion, he's undoubtedly a no-brainer for the Hall of Fame and arguably one of the best left tackles in history. Michael, that's a truly challenging question to answer.

6. From K Rice

   Sorry to change the subject from the Cowboys, but I would be interested in your thoughts on the Pac-12 and how it may impact the Big 12. Are Arizona and ASU a package deal? Any chance of Oregon and Washington joining the Big 12? Would SDSU be a better addition to the Big 12 than Utah?

As you're aware, this situation is rapidly evolving. As of this morning, Arizona seems to have joined the Big 12, while Arizona State and Utah appear to be falling behind in the process. However, it seems that they are the last two targets for the Big 12 to poach at the moment. In my opinion, I expect Oregon and Washington to head to the Big 10.

The future of the Pac 12 remains uncertain. While I assume the name and regional identity will endure, the conference's landscape has become almost unrecognizable compared to what we were familiar with. It's a new day for college athletics, and the Pac 12 seems to have been left without a significant seat when the music stopped. This kind of dramatic and destructive change is something I never thought would happen after decades of stability.

7. From Joshua Flanagan

   Thanks for this Bob. Why does it seem like everyone on the coaching staff is talking up Rico Dowdle but nobody in the media or any fans are?

Joshua, I have learned over the years that if this is happening – a coaching staff is loving on a player like Rico Dowdle this year – it is often because he has shown the willingness and ability to help on special teams.

We often minimize special teams when we evaluate players because we want guys to help the offense or defense. But, coaches know the value of those 20 snaps or so on special teams and the players who can help them there while offering utility on the game-day roster.

One issue with Kavontae Turpin and Deuce Vaughn is that while they can both be return men, they cannot cover kicks or punts (I assume). That means two more players who cannot help special teams much and that puts the rest of the roster in a bind. It may not sound like much, but unless you are a starter who can play 600+ snaps, you better help “teams” or you run out of players on Sunday. This may require more elaboration in a special teams essay soon. So, Dowdle is probably a better RB, but I were to guess, they trust him more in other ways.

8. From Koji

   Bob, do you think 'this year is different' for Luka and the Mavs?

Is this code for “winning it all” like our 2011 heroes?

If so, I wouldn’t bet on it.

But, I really cannot wait for Mavericks season. They need one more trade, in my estimation, to get one more big piece in here, but we have a few months to work with. I don’t think we are looking at the final Mavs roster right now.

9. From Cristobal

   Bob, a deep dive into English football and outlook on top 4 would be amazing.

One thing this SturmStack will have, is English football references, thoughts, and even an occasional essay.

If you know me, you know I love the Premier League. I wrote this morning in a Liverpool T-Shirt and I cannot wait for the season opener one week from today! Burnley hosts Manchester City at Turf Moor and we are off yet again.

10. From Whit Richardson

    Bob, have the cowboys been moving Micah around at practice? Or is he strictly running at edge?

Hello, Whit! For now, it has all been at edge from what I have seen. And mostly right edge. He looks great and he looks mad.

Watching Micah Parsons is a true pleasure as he is a special, special player. Another elite season seems to be on tap.

11. From Brian May

    Bob, I don't know much about all the contract stuff but I am curious. My limited understanding is that Matt Judon in New England is in camp, but he's a "hold in" so that he doesn't get fined. Am I understanding that correctly and if so, why doesn't Zack Martin do the same thing? Love your writing and thanks -

Yes, this has become the new approach adopted by a considerable number of players. They show up to camp, but then create a situation where they claim to be dealing with an injury or express their unwillingness to participate in practice. Nevertheless, they often remain present and may even attend team meetings and other activities.

To combat this trend, the league has implemented mandatory fines for hold-outs, and when the deal is eventually settled, the accumulated fines are enforced. In the past, teams would sometimes forgive fines as a last concession to the player, but this practice lacked teeth. The owners have since become astute and united in implementing new arbitrary rules to eliminate such practices they don't approve of.

In Martin's case, he is currently being fined $50,000 every single day, and the total bill is now significant since this has been ongoing for approximately ten days. The amount owed is $500,000 and continues to increase until the situation is resolved.

12. From Francois Gentis

    Bob, plenty of good Stars and F1 questions here. So, what are your thoughts on the Aggies going into this year? How hot will Jimbo’s seat be this season if he doesn’t put up a 10 win season?

In my opinion, this is another crucial year for the team, and the expectations on Jimbo Fisher and new OC Bobby Petrino are quite substantial. Enduring the last two seasons has been extremely challenging, particularly due to the subpar QB play following Kellen Mond's departure to the NFL. While Mond had his struggles, the drop in performance from him to the subsequent quarterbacks has been undeniably brutal.

Looking ahead to 2023, there is some hope with Connor Weigman, but it feels like a tipping point for Fisher's tenure. The team possesses significant talent, which has been the case for some time now. However, what they truly need are tangible results to restore a sense of belief and direction. Over the past 24 months, that sense has been lost, and a turnaround is essential to regain confidence in the team's trajectory.

13. From Mark Ramos

    Bob, is my long-held “Super Bowl or bust” stance obtuse, stubborn or earned? (BTW, in the interest of transparency, I exist on the periphery of the Fellowship of the Miserable.)

Mark, let's first explain the concept of "Super Bowl or bust" for the audience. When I arrived in town in 1998, this phrase was popularized by Mike Rhyner and the Hardline. According to Rhyner's definition, it means that every year, the Cowboys team from that era would give their all to achieve another Super Bowl. However, when it became evident to the rank and file of the roster that they weren't going to make it, their effort would diminish.

Now, do I believe that the Cowboys of 2023 still adhere to that mentality? Not really. From an outsider's perspective, it might seem fitting, but the current-day Cowboys can't even envision a Super Bowl in their future. Rhyner seemed to imply that those who had previously won it had set a high standard for expectations, which diminished when the roster underwent significant changes under Dave Campo and later Bill Parcells.

If you, as a Cowboys fan, adopt the "Super Bowl or bust" mindset, that's different. It means you won't consider a season successful until the team holds a Lombardi Trophy once again. It sets a high bar, and I understand that perspective. However, it can also make following the team and enjoying the journey a tough endeavor

14. From KSC23

    Thoughts on Messi signing with Inter Miami. He should dominate the MLS, no?

I have plenty and will have a full piece on Messi publishing in the next few days. But, the spoiler is that it is huge and he is dominating.

15. From Philip Moser

    Bob, have you received even one apology from friends, family or listeners about how right you have been over the past 8 years or all they all gonna sweep it under the rug and pretend like it didn’t happen?

I need Philip to elaborate here. I am right a fair amount, but I also have my losses. Tyler Smith is a big one. I try to acknowledge both. I think he is goofing on me, but not positive.

16. From Brad C.

    Compare each position group to the Eagles. J. Hurts has one great year and two good years, Dak has had one great year and many good years, how do these two and other stack up. Everybody likes Philly O Line but to me they are old and at the edge of falling off. How WRs and DBs stack up? Philly lost both coordinators, how does coaching match up?

To save Sean from spending his entire weekend editing this piece, I'll hold back on elaborating on certain aspects for a future article. However, I believe that, at the moment, Dallas compares quite favorably in various areas. With Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson, the Eagles need to keep a close eye on the age of their top players and their salaries. Yet, they seem aware of this issue and have been adept at drafting potential successors. Howie Roseman deserves considerable credit for his work over the past several years.

While the Eagles have many positions to fill on defense, the roles of their coordinators are also crucial. Despite that, most people anticipate them to be the top team in the NFC, and with the right draft choices, they can remain competitive for a considerable period. While Jalen Hurts is a promising young player, his new price point might reveal some limitations relative to his percentage of the cap – a scenario that might sound familiar to many in the community.

17. From Aimee

    I'm a Stars fan who lives in DC. Stars are my #1 but as long as they're not playing the Stars, I also root for the Caps. But with Ovechkin approaching Gretzky's goals scored record, I'm hearing a lot of Caps fans talk about how Ovi is a better natural goal scorer than Gretzky due to the eras in which they played. I find this somewhat ridiculous but what does SportsSturm think?

First and foremost, it's astonishing to think that Ovechkin is now this close to Gretzky's once-unthinkable record. While he still needs 73 more goals to break the record, he has managed an impressive 92 goals in the last two seasons, despite being 37 years old. It's highly likely that he will achieve this milestone.

Gretzky was undeniably an extraordinary natural goal scorer, but his claim to greatness lies in his exceptional play-making abilities, which were often demonstrated through his numerous assists. On the other hand, Ovechkin's greatest gift and attribute have always been his goal-scoring prowess – that's what he excels at.

While Caps fans might be engaging in heated debates about this comparison, Gretzky will undoubtedly be remembered as the greatest offensive force the game has ever seen. He will have more career assists than any other player will have total points, a record that is unlikely to be surpassed by Ovechkin or anyone else. This debate may seem ridiculous on certain levels, but it's safe to say that both players have been generational game-changers in their own right.

18. From: Vijay Rajaji

    Sturminator! I’ve been around since Sturminator.blogspot! What do you think of the redo in the midfield for LFC? In Klopp we Trust of course but while I’m glad Hendo is gone (great guy in the room but easily replaced on the field), I’m a bit nervous about the defense with Trent moving into a box on offense and no real Fabinho replacement. Love your stuff and I’ll pay here just like I did for the previous spot sir, you’re the best!

Thanks, Vijay, for being with me that long.. It's been quite some time since Bob's Blog, but we're still going strong. The Liverpool rebuild has been long overdue, and they've had to make significant changes. However, the question remains whether they have enough in place to make an immediate return to the Top 4.

The two signings they made this summer appear promising, but the uncertainty surrounding the replacement for Fabinho raises concerns. Giving Curtis Jones a genuine opportunity seems essential, but the frustration with the transfer market remains. Liverpool doesn't spend as lavishly as some other clubs and often needs to sell players to acquire resources for new signings. Their financial limitations are evident, and the absence of Champions League revenue has further impacted their resources.

In summary (unlike this mailbag response), they undoubtedly have work cut out for them to get back to where they want to be!

19. From Russell Giles

    My question will probably be addressed in a forthcoming column but going to ask anyway. Last year, you set a very reasonable bar for Dak Prescott to be a thermostat instead of a thermometer. Without getting in the muck, he turned in one of his worst seasons (injury notwithstanding). Yet to open this season, your opening camp article describes the QB as “good enough”. This feels like lowering the bar again. I’ve seen the articles willfully criticizing the OC. But still, we only nibble at the edges of being critical of the QB. The closest you got was saying to press pause on extending him this off-season which you soon walked back (after playoff emotions cooled). I guess my question is - will the QB be held accountable in this space? I understand this being a place for optimism and positivity (I do), but this grace isn’t always extended to other players. You set a bar, he fell under it, and it seems like we’re again meeting him where he’s at versus asking for more.

I hear you and am planning on a big Dak piece again as I always do at the start and end of nearly every season.

But, two quick thoughts.

1) I always hold QBs accountable and was often accused of being too soft on Tony Romo and now on Dak Prescott. Look, it is an impossible position and the national conversation is ridiculous about them both. They both are over-criticized by everyone because they play QB for the Cowboys and Jerry Jones. I hold them accountable, but I am fair. Others are absurdly unfair and blame them both for things that they are not responsible for. That is a bar I will always hold for myself.

2) I would like to hear who I have been too tough on as a player (guys who don’t get grace extended). Again, I try to be tough and fair.

20. From Stu

    Bob, concerning our Rangers. I want to believe, but I’ve been hurt before. Is now our time?

Stu, this season has been an absolute blast, and the belief in the team should come naturally. With a stellar roster, a bold owner and front office, a stacked farm system, a state-of-the-art stadium, a top spot in the standings as of this morning, and a great chance to make it to this year's post-season even with .500 baseball the rest of the way, it's clear that the good times are back.

If you're a baseball enthusiast looking for a team that plays an engaging style, filled with intriguing stories, and boasts some incredibly talented players, then I highly recommend you hop on this exciting train. It's a thrilling ride! However, let's not forget that the journey itself is meant to be enjoyed, not just the end result of title parades. A return to playoff baseball is still a fantastic and achievable goal for 2023. So let's embrace the excitement and savor the journey as we move forward.

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Ok, 20 might be a very high number. We shall see. Sorry to the 50 questions or so I didn’t get to, but I will try to be mindful to get a huge variety of participants every time we do these. Enjoy your weekend and I think “Messi coming to Frisco” is my next piece sometime this weeknd.