Rave Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 Broaddus: Comparing The Tape On Dez Bryant And Atlanta’s Julio JonesMonday, July 06, 2015 4:58 PM CDTBy Bryan BroaddusFootball Analyst/Scout@BryanBroaddus IRVING, Texas – Like many of you, I found it interesting that, when the NFL Network ran last week’s segment of its Top 100 players, Julio Jones was voted ahead of Dez Bryant. The Falcons’ star made the list at No. 13, while Bryant came in just behind at No. 15.I have to admit that I had not studied much Atlanta tape from last season, so my views of Jones were only from those highlight shows that run after the games each Sunday night. With that in mind, I decided to grade some tape and judge the rankings for myself.In both players you see a passion and love for the game in which they play. They compete no matter what the score is. They play with an extreme physical and mental toughness that other receivers don’t have.Jones shows more foot quickness and initial burst, which helps him in his separation while running routes, especially up the field. Where Bryant is equal to Jones is when routes are run inside -- such as slants or crossing underneath.When there is no separation -- this is when Bryant has an advantage, because he is more accomplished making the contested play. Bryant is simply stronger when he has to deal with a defender in tight coverage and is more likely to come down with the ball in those situations.Both players can be devastating finishing runs with the ball in their hands in the open field – so I would say that their physical strength is equal. Both have outstanding body control and balance, but where Bryant gets Jones is his ability to play the ball in the air.There were snaps where Jones had opportunities to play over the top of a defender and he was unable to leap and judge the ball in flight, which gives Bryant an edge.When it comes to route running and consistency of it, Jones has the advantage. Right now he has a much better feel for how to work defensive backs and set them up to get open. The best example of this I saw was when both receivers faced Patrick Peterson of the Arizona Cardinals last season. Peterson can be a handful to deal with due to his athletic ability and physical style, but Jones did a much better job of breaking him down and hitting him for some plays. I realize that Bryant didn’t have the advantage of his quarterback playing in the game, but he also didn’t generate the space in that game that Jones was able to gain.In the area of natural hands and the ability to catch in them, I give the nod to Bryant. Both receivers have shown the ability to be clutch and extend for the ball no matter where they are on the field, but Bryant’s catch radius is better than Jones’. There were more of those special, adjusting plays in his game.A play that stands out to me was against the Ravens where Matt Ryan threw a vertical route along the right sideline where the ball came down a little short. It was a play that I had seen Tony Romo throw dozens of times to Bryant and nine times out of ten he would come down with the ball. Jones was unable to make that play and in other games had some adjustment problems. There was a point early during my study where I blurted out to David Helman and Nick Eatman that I thought the players were right in having Jones over Bryant – but the more I watched the less I believed that.Both Dez Bryant and Julio Jones are dynamic players, but in this case the NFL players that voted Jones over Bryant for the show in my opinion missed the boat. Julio - quicker, better routes, separationDez - stronger, playing the ball in the air, making adjustments, hands, catch radiusI think this finally proves Dez is the better WR. As Ive always said, and now backed by a former pro scout, all JJ has on Dez is his speed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share Posted July 7, 2015 After the playoff game and hands you say? Come on Rave I thought we already agreed to disagree? IMHO the only thing Dez has is more TDs but we cannot blame Julio's lack of redzone opportunities on Julio but rather on his former coaching staff!Let's not turn this into another Roddy vs Colston thread pleaseI find it funny that you turn to stats when there is a pro scout that says ON TAPE Dez is better.I realize you are a homer dude, but come on.Will you at least admit that a pro scout knows more than you do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share Posted July 7, 2015 Rave, what stats did I bring up.Yes, I will admit there are probably some scout that know more than meI will also say I can find a scout that says Julio is better for every scout you can find that says Dez is betterTDs are a stat.There are some things that JJ does better than Bryant. However, I never understood the belief that JJ's overall game is better than Bryant's.I actually thought Julio was equal to Dez in his ability to attack the ball in the air. Until I read this review of him on tape. Its kind of funny that a 6'4" WR would have trouble catching a ball at its highest point. Also, Dez having a bigger catch radius is kinda funny too, seeing as Julio is taller.I do, however, find it interesting that a scout would back the very argument Ive made in this debate for years.Outside of pure speed, Julio Jones, has nothing on Dez Bryant. Other than straight line speed Dez is either as good or better than Julio in every category.Thats a fact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falconcheff Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 TDs are a stat.There are some things that JJ does better than Bryant. However, I never understood the belief that JJ's overall game is better than Bryant's.I actually thought Julio was equal to Dez in his ability to attack the ball in the air. Until I read this review of him on tape. Its kind of funny that a 6'4" WR would have trouble catching a ball at its highest point. Also, Dez having a bigger catch radius is kinda funny too, seeing as Julio is taller.I do, however, find it interesting that a scout would back the very argument Ive made in this debate for years.Outside of pure speed, Julio Jones, has nothing on Dez Bryant. Other than straight line speed Dez is either as good or better than Julio in every category.Thats a fact.No, that's how you INTERPRET one scout's opinionated observations...Example. Your article states:When there is no separation -- this is when Bryant has an advantage and you interpret that to be advantage Dez; but I interpret that as to say, "of course Dez HAS to be better without separation, considering Julio GETS separation and Dez does not...: hence, advantage Julio FOR his separation... See?? Personally, I'd rather have the guy who constantly runs by his coverage than the guy who has to fight for the ball all the time, which is probably why THE PLAYERS disagree with your scout.Again, you're taking the contrary argument because it speaks to your opinion, while I'm taking the primary argument because it agrees with mine.Thing is, I'm right... PRIMARY argument outweighs contrary argument...Another example: your article says: but where Bryant gets Jones is his ability to play the ball in the air.to that I say, "I'm sorry that your qb throws ducks that Dez has to adjust to, rather than throwing a guy open in stride," again, BECAUSE OF HIS SEPARATION ability. Obviously, the main point of this article is that Dez simply does not have JJ's ability to get open and receive a smooth, uncontested, in stride ball...ERGO, JJ is the better receiverBasically, your article might as well have said, "Rudy was a better linebacker than LT because he had to try harder." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Des-pool Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 Umm, did you just use the Dallas Cowboys.com beat writer as a reliable, unbiased source concerning the Julio vs Dez debate??Hahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahaha"Red phone rings in dallascowboys.com main office""Yes sir, Jerry sir!! What can we do for you today, sir??""John, are you seeing this gd mularkey? The NFL players have got that boy from Atlanta rated higher than Dez!!! Whatnot the sam hill are they thinking??? Don't they know he is a Cowboy???""Ummm, not sure sir...and I am Brian...you, Umm, parted ways with john last wee..""Look John, you get something released on this and you do it right now, ya hear me?? Find someone that sounds official and you squash this thing now!! Don't they know that Dez is a dang cowboy?????""Umm, sir yes sir, we will get right on that. We got just the guy, he was a former scout that we hired him to write articles to make them sound more official and stuff.""You do that John, get right on that. Now I got to go, the partybus and the refs are calling me back." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share Posted July 7, 2015 No, that's how you INTERPRET one scout's opinionated observations...Example. Your article states:When there is no separation -- this is when Bryant has an advantage and you interpret that to be advantage Dez; but I interpret that as to say, "of course Dez HAS to be better without separation, considering Julio GETS separation and Dez does not...: hence, advantage Julio FOR his separation... See?? Personally, I'd rather have the guy who constantly runs by his coverage than the guy who has to fight for the ball all the time, which is probably why THE PLAYERS disagree with your scout.Again, you're taking the contrary argument because it speaks to your opinion, while I'm taking the primary argument because it agrees with mine.Thing is, I'm right... PRIMARY argument outweighs contrary argument...Another example: your article says: but where Bryant gets Jones is his ability to play the ball in the air.to that I say, "I'm sorry that your qb throws ducks that Dez has to adjust to, rather than throwing a guy open in stride," again, BECAUSE OF HIS SEPARATION ability. Obviously, the main point of this article is that Dez simply does not have JJ's ability to get open and receive a smooth, uncontested, in stride ball...ERGO, JJ is the better receiverBasically, your article might as well have said, "Rudy was a better linebacker than LT because he had to try harder." You are trying too hard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share Posted July 7, 2015 Umm, did you just use the Dallas Cowboys.com beat writer as a reliable, unbiased source concerning the Julio vs Dez debate??Hahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahaha"Red phone rings in dallascowboys.com main office""Yes sir, Jerry sir!! What can we do for you today, sir??""John, are you seeing this gd mularkey? The NFL players have got that boy from Atlanta rated higher than Dez!!! Whatnot the sam hill are they thinking??? Don't they know he is a Cowboy???""Ummm, not sure sir...and I am Brian...you, Umm, parted ways with john last wee..""Look John, you get something released on this and you do it right now, ya hear me?? Find someone that sounds official and you squash this thing now!! Don't they know that Dez is a dang cowboy?????""Umm, sir yes sir, we will get right on that. We got just the guy, he was a former scout that we hired him to write articles to make them sound more official and stuff.""You do that John, get right on that. Now I got to go, the partybus and the refs are calling me back."That was hilarious.However, the writer you described is Mickey Spagnola. He toes the company line.Broadus was a scout for Green Bay for years.However I'm sure you'll never believe he's nonbiased. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Des-pool Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 Dude....HE IS PAID BY JERRY JONES!!What more needs to be said? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share Posted July 7, 2015 Dude....HE IS PAID BY JERRY JONES!!What more needs to be said?OK...you may want to remind him of that...because he constantly says negative things about the players when it's warranted. I guess he didn't get the "You work for Jerry you must be biased" memo.It really makes me laugh that you all refuse to see that a player just might be better than a guy on your roster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shredman Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 Julio - quicker, better routes, separationDez - stronger, playing the ball in the air, making adjustments, hands, catch radiusI think this finally proves Dez is the better WR. As Ive always said, and now backed by a former pro scout, all JJ has on Dez is his speed.lmaothe best wr to ever play the game was known for what ????Route Runningwhich imo trumps pretty much ever other skill set when talking WRJones had the op to learn from 2 of the best (R White and Gonzo)he just took it to another LevelJ Jones will always get the Nod over Dez because of his team first Attitude, saying one does this better, one does that better , who really cares ??? both are Elite and belong in the same convo as far as pure Talent...Julio is just the better team guy, which imo makes him the better Football Player, and the guy others would want more on their team...IMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share Posted July 7, 2015 lmaothe best wr to ever play the game was known for what ????Route Runningwhich imo trumps pretty much ever other skill set when talking WRJones had the op to learn from 2 of the best (R White and Gonzo)he just took it to another LevelJ Jones will always get the Nod over Dez because of his team first Attitude, saying one does this better, one does that better , who really cares ??? both are Elite and belong in the same convo as far as pure Talent...Julio is just the better team guy, which imo makes him the better Football Player, and the guy others would want more on their team...IMOHe never said he ran better routes. He said his quick feet allowed him to get separation on his routes.He said on inside routes (slants, etc) he and Dez were equal.Basically, as I've said all along, when Julio can use his speed he's deadly, take that speed away and he's an average WR. He drops passes, has trouble tracking the ball, and has trouble making adjustments to the ball. If Julio ran a 4.4 40 or below no one would even know his name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Des-pool Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 Lol, Julio just sucks, right. Can't catch, can't track balls, can't make adjustments...Oh, and the most yards averaged per game in the history of the NFL so far is an illusion also. We should cut him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share Posted July 7, 2015 Lol, Julio just sucks, right. Can't catch, can't track balls, can't make adjustments...Oh, and the most yards averaged per game in the history of the NFL so far is an illusion also.We should cut him.His speed allows him the seperation needed in order to catch the ball and get YAC. However, the rest of his game is average.I never said he sucks, I just said hed be an average WR without his elite speed. His only elite attribute is his speed.Why is it that you all refuse to accept any criticism of Jones? Dez doesn't have elite speed, but makes up for it in other ways. I can accept that. However, its like anyone that brings up a flaw in Jones' game and some of you turn into 5 year olds throwing a temper tantrum. Jones' speed makes up for his being average in other aspects of his game. How is that saying he sucks? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shredman Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 its not just his speed, Jones is a Big Strong dude too, and his hands are getting better, still it does seem like he drops the easy ball some times, but man he has made some incredible over the back shoulder and toe tapping end zone grabs, i mean next level kinda Grabs... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shredman Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 and this one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share Posted July 7, 2015 This post says it all.I attribute some of Jone's eye popping stats to (A) the Falcons not having a running game ( Playing from behind.An example of this from this past season is where the Packers jumped out to a 31-7 lead by the end of the 2nd quarter. Game was basically over at half time. Packers turtled up and played prevent. The Falcons threw all caution to the wind and throw it all around the yard and score 36 points in the 2nd half (they still lost 43-37). Julio Jones still ended up with 11 receptions for 259 yards -- most of it in the 2nd half.While this is an extreme example of a Falcons game last season, it is somewhat representative of 'why' Jones production was so sky high. He was the top offensive talent on a poor team that couldn't run the ball. He is a very talented player, however, I personally feel his 'impact' isn't anywhere in the same neighborhood of Dez's.This is a point Ive made quite a lot. Playing mostly against a prevent defense Julio put up huge numbers. How many games like this did Atlanta play in last year? Yet people don't get why I don't put a lot of value into catches and yards. When you are on a bad team, that is playing a lot from behind, of course your team will pass more and in turn you rack up catches and yards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share Posted July 7, 2015 its not just his speed, Jones is a Big Strong dude too, and his hands are getting better, still it does seem like he drops the easy ball some times, but man he has made some incredible over the back shoulder and toe tapping end zone grabs, i mean next level kinda Grabs...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY0oN5SPAe8The occasional circus catch doesn't hide his body of work. He's a very inconsistent receiver. However it's almost like some are afraid to admit this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share Posted July 7, 2015 ....and that's not even touching on his being fragile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shredman Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 The occasional circus catch doesn't hide his body of work. He's a very inconsistent receiver. However it's almost like some are afraid to admit this.you dont become the NFLs all time Rec Yds leader for the first 4 yrs by being inconsistent dude, that is his body of work loldude, wake upJ Jones is Eliteand the numbers show it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share Posted July 7, 2015 you dont become the NFLs all time Rec Yds leader for the first 4 yrs by being inconsistent dude, that is his body of work loldude, wake upJ Jones is Eliteand the numbers show itHe has inconsistent hands but 4.29 wheels. His yards come from his ability to run away from people. Name 10 other players in the NFL that start at CB with that kind of speed.I'll wait... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shredman Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 He has inconsistent hands but 4.29 wheels. His yards come from his ability to run away from people. Name 10 other players in the NFL that start at CB with that kind of speed.I'll wait...and the numbers dont tell the whole storyyou have to consider, he had R White and Gonzo on his team all but 1 yr, and M Turner Carrying the load his first 2 yrs...which is why no1 that has any Football Knowledge Questions him being EliteOnly Haters or ppl with an agenda would even think about questioning it...Saints hate usthey hate everything about usbut you dont see any of them in here saying J Jones is not elite...do ya ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falconcheff Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 And you say I'M trying too hard!!? Your argument is, "Take away the one attribute that not only wide receivers, but dmn near every professional athlete in every professional sport covets (speed), and he's just an average guy..."Right.Take away Shaq's natural size and he's just an average basketball player... but with it, he's one of the most dominant players in the game's history. History doesn't take away a player's natural ability when giving their place, but apparently you do.Let me ask you this. We all agree that Cam Newton has natural size, skill and ability, right? Yet there are other QB's more highly esteemed than he, why is that? Because without maturity, growth, work ethic, etc, natural ability only takes you so far. So obviously Julio has combined his natural ability with the intangibles to make him a top wideout, and, again, better than Dez...But don't ask me... ask the players they play against... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shredman Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 And you say I'M trying too hard!!? Your argument is, "Take away the one attribute that not only wide receivers, but dmn near every professional athlete in every professional sport covets (speed), and he's just an average guy..."Right.Take away Shaq's natural size and he's just an average basketball player... but with it, he's one of the most dominant players in the game's history. History doesn't take away a player's natural ability when giving their place, but apparently you do.Let me ask you this. We all agree that Cam Newton has natural size, skill and ability, right? Yet there are other QB's more highly esteemed than he, why is that? Because without maturity, growth, work ethic, etc, natural ability only takes you so far. So obviously Julio has combined his natural ability with the intangibles to make him a top wideout, and, again, better than Dez...But don't ask me... ask the players they play against... ehhhhhi wont take anything away from DezI have said for 3 yrs now, its Him , Jones and CJ in a class by themselves , those 3 are head and shoulders above the restand its not just Julios Speed, Dezs Strength or CJs Hands that make them the top 3they all are pretty complete WRs, and they all Dominate .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share Posted July 7, 2015 and the numbers dont tell the whole storyyou have to consider, he had R White and Gonzo on his team all but 1 yr, and M Turner Carrying the load his first 2 yrs...which is why no1 that has any Football Knowledge Questions him being EliteOnly Haters or ppl with an agenda would even think about questioning it...Saints hate usthey hate everything about usbut you dont see any of them in here saying J Jones is not elite...do ya ...You all can fight over who is "elite" and who isnt. I have not, nor will I use that in my debate.However, I will say this, the definition of "elite" is the top 1%. That only leaves room for 1 WR in the league being "elite".So, you can see where arguing "elite" status is ridiculous. Which is why I dont participate in those debates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share Posted July 7, 2015 And you say I'M trying too hard!!? Your argument is, "Take away the one attribute that not only wide receivers, but dmn near every professional athlete in every professional sport covets (speed), and he's just an average guy..."Right.Take away Shaq's natural size and he's just an average basketball player... but with it, he's one of the most dominant players in the game's history. History doesn't take away a player's natural ability when giving their place, but apparently you do.Let me ask you this. We all agree that Cam Newton has natural size, skill and ability, right? Yet there are other QB's more highly esteemed than he, why is that? Because without maturity, growth, work ethic, etc, natural ability only takes you so far. So obviously Julio has combined his natural ability with the intangibles to make him a top wideout, and, again, better than Dez...But don't ask me... ask the players they play against... Chef, my point wasnt as absurd as you are making it. What I am saying is, some around here keep spouting off about Julio's yards. All Im saying is its easy to get yards when you can outrun 80-90% of every DB you go up against.However, these same people wont always admit that Jones has inconsistent hands, has trouble making adjustments, and has trouble tracking the ball.This isnt even mentioning his being fragile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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