Official 4th and Long Thread...

[Spursfan092120]

In a day when great football players are sometimes found in the late rounds, and sometimes not even drafted at all, can a show like 4th and Long bring in a decent player for the Dallas Cowboys? Michael Irvin has put together this show with 6 WRs and 6 CBs. Jerry Jones has guaranteed Michael one roster spot for the player he chooses. I think this could mean something to the Cowboys. It can't hurt, if nothing else. I'm starting this thread as I watch the opening of the show, after DVRing it so I could watch Monday Night Raw. some of these guys are older..some aren't. They are guys who either got hurt, got screwed by their agents, or were thought of as too small..things of that nature. I'm watching these guys, and they have a LOT of ability from what I can see. One of the players was the MVP of the Semi Pro League last year. Another was projected to go 3rd round as a wideout, but tore his hamstring his senior year. Sure, the show can be entertaining...but can it lead to a player that can help the Boys? We'll see.....

[Spursfan092120]

Wow...don't think I've ever seen this much puking on a tv show..lol

[BUMP]

I was watching the end of this at a friends house but was confused exactly what it was. Thanks for the info :tu

Reminds me a lot of Knight School

[Spursfan092120]

I was watching the end of this at a friends house but was confused exactly what it was. Thanks for the info :tu

Reminds me a lot of Knight School
Yeah..they have some talent on the show...not sure if they have the heart yet..but some pretty decent players...I'm sure we've got worse on our practice squad than a couple of these guys.

[BUMP]

Wow, as a Cowboy fan watching this show makes me a little depressed. Irvin is such a badass and seeing him again just reminds me again what is missing with our team these days. The burning passion and desire.

If every player on our team played with the passion that Irvin did, we'd be going for about 10 super bowls in a row. I wish he'd have some sort of roll on the team's coaching staff.

[Spursfan092120]

Wow, as a Cowboy fan watching this show makes me a little depressed. Irvin is such a badass and seeing him again just reminds me again what is missing with our team these days. The burning passion and desire.

If every player on our team played with the passion that Irvin did, we'd be going for about 10 super bowls in a row. I wish he'd have some sort of roll on the team's coaching staff.
lol..shit..I was thinking the exact same thing. I just finished watching it, and I was like "Mike..try these pads on, will ya? Come on..just give it a try.." That was some serious projectile vomiting though... those guys were sick as shit..lol. Hopefully we'll have someone in our locker room this year with fire like Mike...doubt it though.

[BUMP]

I'm sure it kills him inside to see the Cowboys underachieve the way they did last year. You can tell this guy bleeds silver and blue the way he poured his heart and soul into the franchise.

Going through an average Irvin workout will be tougher than the hardest day at Wade's camp thats for sure.

:lol My favorite part was when that one white guy asked "Is he allowed to like.....put your hands on your helmet and stuff?" And Joe's like "What sport do you play?"

[manufan10]

:bang Man I can't believe I forgot to DVR this show!! I knew I wanted to see it and I forgot. Oh well, maybe I'll catch a rerun of it.

[Spursfan092120]

:bang Man I can't believe I forgot to DVR this show!! I knew I wanted to see it and I forgot. Oh well, maybe I'll catch a rerun of it.
I'm sure you will..but it's a series...it'll be on every Monday...

[Spursfan092120]

I'm sure it kills him inside to see the Cowboys underachieve the way they did last year. You can tell this guy bleeds silver and blue the way he poured his heart and soul into the franchise.

Going through an average Irvin workout will be tougher than the hardest day at Wade's camp thats for sure.

:lol My favorite part was when that one white guy asked "Is he allowed to like.....put your hands on your helmet and stuff?" And Joe's like "What sport do you play?"
Mike talks about it on his show a lot. He's VERY frustrated with the Cowboys..even said it in the beginning..Cowboys had a hard year last year..you know he had to bite his tongue to keep from saying "Cowboys sucked ASS last year." Jerry did a lot for Mike...and Mike loves him for that. And a Michael Irvin workout would absolutely fucking kill me..lol..I mean..I'm in good shape and all..but after that shit, I'd be dead. You could see it in Mike's eyes when those guys were down on their knees after the first part of the workout...he just wanted to slap the shit out of them. After watching the show though, there's some promise in a few of those players..especially in the DB position.

[Spursfan092120]

Fourth and Long - Dallas looking for their Vince Papale
by Kyle Strittholt (http://bleacherreport.com/users/69938-Kyle-Strittholt)

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/03DUg99aMueXO/610x.jpg

A lot of people seen the movie Invincible, when Mark Wahlberg played former walk on to the Philadelphia Eagles Vince Papale.
Papale came to a publicly open tryout to become a member of the Eagles team. It wasn't expected, and in a big way Vince Papale got a huge second chance.
Now Spike TV is hosting a new show where former college and arena stars who didn't get their chance in the NFL will have the chance to be on the Dallas Cowboy's roster.
The show is called 4th and Long hosted by Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Michael Irvin. The first episode aired last night, and will be on Spike every Monday at 10 p.m.
In the show they have a split between receivers and defensive backs. For all of them this is their second chance.

If you watched the show last night you seen some talent in the beginning, but then it turned into a barf fest when they started running sprints, and you have to wonder if these athletes will make it one week in the NFL.
I highly doubt that you will see any of the players on the field on Sundays.
So, the question is why is Jerry Jones even allowing this?
It will be an entertaining show to watch, but fans of the show have to know that there's a better chance of a couple staying together after the Bachelor as them starting in the NFL.
You look at these players without pads on and you see some quickness and speed, but some are over weight, too small, or not great with pads on—which is a must.
It will be interesting to see who will win, but fans don't get your hopes up there's a small chance of any of these players being the Cowboy's Vince Papale.
In essence, I see this show as a waste of time.
If Jerry Jones wanted his team to have so much publicity, then why get rid of Terrell Owens?
One things for sure, if they don't want the players ruining the field with their dinner, they should have more trash cans on the sidelines.

[manufan10]

Irvin also said the player from his reality TV show, 4th and Long, who wins the final spot on the Cowboys’ 80-man roster for training camp will have a legitimate shot at making the team since he’s been so well prepared for what takes place during camp.
“I guarantee you that guy will have an opportunity to play football with the Dallas Cowboys,” Irvin said.
The biggest drawback, though, because of the timing of the 10-part series, will be the winner’s inability to participate in any of the team’s off-season practices since the secrecy of the show must be protected.
If you want to hear more from Irvin, show up Monday night at Joe Avezzano’s Hat Tricks for the watch party debut of 4th and Long (9 p.m. CT on Spike TV). Irvin is scheduled to be a special guest at Coach Joe’s Lewisville, Texas, establishment, 101 East Corporate Dr.


http://www.truebluefanclub.com/blogs/writers_block

[manufan10]

The second episode of SpikeTV's 4th And Long is in the books, and one of the remaining 11 Cowboys hopefuls has been sent home.

DallasCowboys.com is here with quick observations of the Michael Irvin-led competition to search for a player who can fill that final Cowboys' roster spot.

Review of last week's premiere episode:

Two wide receivers (Montrell Jones and Steven "Speedy" Gonzalez) and one defensive back (Stephen Andrews) were called to the War Room. Andrews was sent home, leaving the defensive backs a man down. Because they narrowly avoided being cut, attention will be on Jones and Gonzalez in Episode 2.
When Jones and Gonzalez return from the War Room, the wide receivers are overjoyed. But shouldn't the defensive backs be happier, seeing as one of the guys competing directly with them was sent home?
The jerseys Irvin gave to the survivors have numbers on them, which is the significance. One step closer to being a Cowboy.
So now it's on to Episode 2, and time for one-on-one coverage drills, in which the wide receivers have a decided advantage since they have the entire field with which to work and the defensive backs get no coverage help or pass rush. Here's how each player did:

In the only matchup we get to see with him, wide receiver Luke Swan beat defensive back Eddie Moten, on a sliding, comeback route.
Wide receiver Andrew Hawkins, only 5-foot-7, beat defensive back Moses Washington on a crossing route.
Wide receiver Jesse Holley lets defensive back Ahmaad Smith get an interception over him in his first run at the drill. In his second turn, though, he beats the jam of defensive back Erick Jackson for an over-the-shoulder catch.
Jones is up next. In his first try against defensive back Donte Gamble, Jones has a poor release and drops the pass. Wide receivers coach Joe Avezzano takes him aside, does some teaching, and on his second go, Jones beats Moten for an impressive sideline catch.
Gonzalez has a poor "escape," as Avezzano puts it, against Moten, almost allowing Moten to get an interception. After the drill is over, Smith calls out Gonzalez, who beats him but doesn't catch up to the deep pass.
Wide receiver Preston McGann misses the catch against Washington in his first rep, although the throw seemed a little off. The second rep is a deep route against Jackson, but Avezzano chides him for going half-speed.
So let's take inventory after that drill. Stocks up for defensive backs Smith and Moten, who both got interceptions. Stocks also up for wide receivers Swan and Hawkins, but stocks down for McGann, Jones, Gonzalez and Holley.

The next drill is presided over by former Cowboys tight end Jay Novacek, who was known for not making mistakes. The drill is a test of the receivers' ability to hold onto the ball, with three zones for each player to run through with a ball in each hand. In each zone are defensive backs ready to strip those balls. Never seen this drill before, and you wonder whether coaches actually use this drill or if Novacek just created it for the show.

Here's how each receiver did, and keep in mind that in this drill the deck is stacked in favor of the defensive backs:

Hawkins loses one ball in the only rep of his we see. The fact that we're not seeing much of him suggests he won't get cut.
McGann loses one in his only rep, and really got knocked around in the process.
Holley holds onto both balls throughout the drill.
Gonzalez loses both balls in his first rep, goes again twice, losing a ball both times.
Jones loses one ball and has some trouble getting up.
For some reason, we don't see Swan go at all, suggesting that he won't be cut either.
The "depth chart" shifts a little bit after that drill. Stock up for Holley, stocks further down for Jones and Gonzalez. Irvin really likes Jones' strength, I mean is really enamored of it, but Novacek points out that he's not giving effort. Irvin tells both players that they need to find some heart if they want to stick around.

So let's go back for a second to that drill, or more specifically Irvin appearing out of nowhere in the middle of it. We need some more of that in this series.

Learning from defensive backs coach Bill Bates that they'll be doing the same drill in two hours, the players head to the training room to get warm, and BAM! There's the most attractive trainer, Holly, that you'll ever see. But you learn pretty soon that she didn't get here based on looks alone, as she's all business in dealing with these players.

It's becomes time for the same Strip Ball drill, but this time in the rain and mud. Here's how each receiver did:

Hawkins loses both balls.
Swan loses one ball in the middle section of the drill.
McGann loses one ball in the first section, and looks incredibly tired toward the end. *
Holley miraculously keeps a hold of both balls, despite the DBs openly gunning for him after he was a bit too celebratory in the first drill. * Gonzalez loses one ball in the second section of the drill. * Jones takes forever to get through the drill, but when he does, he has two balls in his hands.
So here's your DallasCowboys.com stock report:

Stock rises again for Holley, stock down for Hawkins, and Jones picks himself off the very bottom by holding onto both balls.

Now Irvin, Bates and Avezzano enter the War Room to evaluate the players. Irvin is peeved Gonzalez hasn't stood out and is still getting tired, and no one likes how easily McGann gets knocked down. Everyone agrees that Jones is surprisingly quick for his size, but is still out of shape.

As for the defensive backs, Bates says Smith has yet to do anything noticeable, good or bad. He loves Gamble, but is concerned about his lack of size.

Nate Newton comes to call players up to the War Room, tabbing McGann, Jones and Gonzalez. Newton really deserves a bigger role in this show. He's such a colorful personality.

Gonzalez is told that he's a really polished receiver, but needs to hold onto the ball better. Irvin tells him that he's safe.

McGann points out that he never lost two balls in the Strip Ball drills, but Irvin criticizes that he didn't use his size to go through defenders, instead trying to go around them.

Jones reveals some marijuana issues he had in college, and Irvin tells him that he heard he has a reputation of being lazy, which he's shown at certain points in the first two episodes.

And going home is . . . Preston McGann.

Jones and the other survivors get playbooks now, which if they lose, Irvin says, they will be cut immediately.

So that's it for the second episode. We can look forward to seeing a full-fledged football game in Episode 3, which should really give insight into who shows up when it really matters.

Eliminations:
Preston McGann, WR (Episode 2)
Stephen Andrews, DB (Episode 1)

Power Rankings, DBs
1. Donte Gamble
2. Erick Jackson
3. Eddie Moten
4. Moses Washington
5. Ahmaad Smith

Power Rankings, WRs
1. Jesse Holley
2. Luke Swan
3. Andrew Hawkins
4. Montrell Jones
5. Steve Gonzalez

Power Rankings, Overall
1. Jesse Holley, WR
2. Donte Gamble, DB
3. Erick Jackson, DB
4. Eddie Moten, DB
5. Luke Swan, WR
6. Moses Washington, DB
7. Andrew Hawkins, WR
8. Ahmaad Smith, DB
9. Montrell Jones, WR
10. Steve Gonzalez, WR

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/news.cfm?id=7FEBD61A-B35C-E2B9-4ABEC18610724D27

[to21]

I'm sure it kills him inside to see the Cowboys underachieve the way they did last year. You can tell this guy bleeds silver and blue the way he poured his heart and soul into the franchise.

Going through an average Irvin workout will be tougher than the hardest day at Wade's camp thats for sure.

:lol My favorite part was when that one white guy asked "Is he allowed to like.....put your hands on your helmet and stuff?" And Joe's like "What sport do you play?"He ripped a lot of the players as they came into the tunnel after the last game EVER to be played at Texas Stadium.

"You guys are a fucking embarrassment to the Star!"

[samikeyp]

Ok, I need to start watching this.

Irvin, Avezzano and Bates? Damn....I dare any of these kids to half ass it.

If Jerry is smart, put them all on the staff now. He should have never let Joe and Bill go to begin with and I wanted Mike to be WR coach for a long time. I am not sticking up for Irvin for his off-field problems but on the field nobody out worked him and nobody had more passion than he did.

[to21]

Ok, I need to start watching this.

Irvin, Avezzano and Bates? Damn....I dare any of these kids to half ass it.

If Jerry is smart, put them all on the staff now. He should have never let Joe and Bill go to begin with and I wanted Mike to be WR coach for a long time. I am not sticking up for Irvin for his off-field problems but on the field nobody out worked him and nobody had more passion than he did.Have you ever read this?

http://www.amazon.com/Boys-Will-Be-Cowboys-Dynasty/dp/0061256803

[samikeyp]

No but I have wanted to.

[BlackSwordsMan]

the black guy is gonna win

[Spursfan092120]

Holley is a good player..most definitely. Montrelle Jones has a good shot at it, if he'll stop being so lazy...very strong..imagine speed with TE strength. Gamble and Jackson are definitely odds on favorites in the DB area...very focused and they hit hard.

[Whisky Dog]

I think at this point Irvin was hoping to get Jones into shape and working his ass off as he has the most upside of any of these guys. Gamble is a hard worker but is too damn small but Jackson has a legitimate shot. He was a good player at UT and as a safety could have a shot at making the team. Same for Jones at WR if he shapes up. You know Irvin wants this guy coming out of his camp to make the 53 man roster as that would surely lead to season 2.

I just wish Jerry made every new draft pick and rookie free agent go through Irvin's camp before they get to camp marshmallow.

[Spursfan092120]

I just wish Jerry made every new draft pick and rookie free agent go through Irvin's camp before they get to camp marshmallow.
:tu
Bring his ass in as a coach. If Jones doesn't consider it, he's an idiot.

[Whisky Dog]

Irvin isn't an X's and O's coach, but the Cowboys don't need that. They have Garrett for the brainiac side of football. They need Irvin for the cock and balls side of football. Irvin is one of the few people that could motivate a fat chick away from a cake. The guy can MOTIVATE.

[Spursfan092120]

Irvin isn't an X's and O's coach, but the Cowboys don't need that. They have Garrett for the brainiac side of football. They need Irvin for the cock and balls side of football. Irvin is one of the few people that could motivate a fat chick away from a cake. The guy can MOTIVATE.
EXACTLY...he should be the Cowboys WRs coach...period.

[samikeyp]

Amen.

Finally watched my first episodes tonight. :tu

and damn, Nate Newton as the turk? Awesome!!

[Spursfan092120]

For those who haven't watched this show..it's fantastic..these guys are athletes...there are a few guys that really could do something..but we'll have to see how they adapt.

[Dre_7]

Luke Swan is an amazing route runner. His SR season was cut short by a torn hamstring, but he has potential. I havent seen the show though, so I am just going by what I have seen from Swan in his Wisconsin career.

[Spursfan092120]

Luke Swan is an amazing route runner. His SR season was cut short by a torn hamstring, but he has potential. I havent seen the show though, so I am just going by what I have seen from Swan in his Wisconsin career.
He kinda hurt his groin tonight, but he didn't get cut, so he's still around. He's doing good.

[gaKNOW!blee]

Thought they made a mistake by not bringing back Preston Mcgowan...he deserved another shot imo after his 9 catch 150 yd 2 td performance.

#82 is the favorite to make it IMO....it just looks like he belongs on an nfl football field more than the other guys.

[spursfan1000]

I watched the first 2 shows of this but forgot all about it, im guessing it ended, what position ended up taking it all?

[Whisky Dog]

It's not over. They just cut little cb Dante gamble after Preston McGann whipped his ass all over the field.

They should have brought McGann back and cut Gamble and Moses Washington cause they suck.


Seriously though... Irvin wants a guy who has a shot at the roster and the only guy like that on the show is that big WR Jones. His size and strength as a wideout are things the Cowboys could use. I'd be shocked if he didn't win it

[scottspurs]

I think Andrew Hawkins or Jesse Holley will win the Competition. It will most likely be a WR in my opinion. I doubt any of them make the team.

[j-6]

I think Andrew Hawkins or Jesse Holley will win the Competition. It will most likely be a WR in my opinion. I doubt any of them make the team.

I seriously doubt it will be Hawkins, though he's my favorite guy in the competition. There's spoilers out there if you want to know why.

[scottspurs]

I seriously doubt it will be Hawkins, though he's my favorite guy in the competition. There's spoilers out there if you want to know why.

What Spoilers? Go ahead and tell me. I really thought hawkins has shown the most talent. If he doesn't win it will be Holley for sure. The other two dbs left don't impress me. Smith is strong and tough, but has little athletic ability. Moten is a Bum. Has the winner already been revealed? One thing that I did see is on two different episodes Hawkins fumbled the ball without being touched. he has really small hands so that could hurt him. I still don't see any of these guys making the team, but I love the show. They should do it again next year, but with linebackers and fullbacks instead. They would have a better chance of making the team because they are special team type players. More so than WRs and Dbs. Cowboys already have athletes who are good on STs at those positions. It will intresting to see what happens.

[scottspurs]

DANG, I looked it up and it looks like Hawkins has signed with a CFL team. I will be suprised if anybody but Holley wins. I don't think he will make the team. He looks good on the show, but it's different when your going up against Newman, Scandrick, Jenkins, Hamlin, and Sensabaugh. I really liked the show though and I hope they do it again next year with linebackers and fullbacks. How Bout them Cowboys!!!!!

[j-6]

DANG, I looked it up and it looks like Hawkins has signed with a CFL team. I will be suprised if anybody but Holley wins. I don't think he will make the team. He looks good on the show, but it's different when your going up against Newman, Scandrick, Jenkins, Hamlin, and Sensabaugh. I really liked the show though and I hope they do it again next year with linebackers and fullbacks. How Bout them Cowboys!!!!!

I think Holley wins as well. There's only two WR's left, we know Hawkins is in Montreal, and in the commercial Irvin's holding up jersey #16.

[Spursfan092120]

Yeah..Pretty sure Holley's gonna win it...dude's a monster.

[scottspurs]

Tonight is the final show. My money is on Holley. Jerry Jones in the House.

[d3adpool]

when i looked at the 4th and long wikipedia page a few days ago it said Hawkins was the winner and holley the runner up, smith and moten were the first 2 cut, now today all that info was removed...........remember all of this when the show comes on in a couple hours.

[d3adpool]

i might add that i think hawkins is the best player by far out there.

[scottspurs]

And the winner is....................Jesse Holley. I hope he makes the team. He showed good hands and he has great size. He played basketball at North Carolina so we know he's athletic. In the end Hawkins was to small. How many 5'7' guys make it to the nfl. I liked his speed, but that fumble in the last game really must of hurt him. I don't think any of the DBs ever had a chance. In the end I think Holley is a extreme long shot to make the team, although it would be a great story.

How bout them Cowboys.

[kskonn]

Those catches he made in the final game were pretty impressive, however I would like to see him try to make those grabs or get that open on T-new ,or hold on to the ball with Hamlin coming at him to lay the wood. If he can do half of what he did on the show in camp I think he will have a good shot at making the team, but I doubt it.

[Spursfan092120]

I do like that the workouts they did in 4th and Long were tougher than what they do in the league..just to try to catch them up physical fitnesswise with the rest of the team by the time they get to camp. We'll see if Holley has what it takes.

[James Ford]

They should have picked hawkins, he could have made a it on special teams. Holly isnt fast enough to make the team as a reciever. I wouldnt be surprised if you see Montrell Jones in camp I think thats who they all wanted but he got hurt and fucked himself over.

[Spursfan092120]

They should have picked hawkins, he could have made a it on special teams. Holly isnt fast enough to make the team as a reciever. I wouldnt be surprised if you see Montrell Jones in camp I think thats who they all wanted but he got hurt and fucked himself over.
I can see Jones in camp as well, but Holley was the best pick..reminds me of a Stanback, but able to jump higher...he really could make this squad.

[j-6]

I think he can make the 53 or at least the practice squad - supposedly the show wrapped up a few months ago and Irvin's been training him since then. Both of them have a lot riding on this, obviously - Irvin, Avezzano, and Bates would love another season on Spike, and Holley doesn't want to be some gimmick act as a player.

This show was great for whetting my offseason football appetite, especially since Spike put full episodes up on their website the day after the show aired.