Now that the regular season has reached it's conclusion, there's going to be lots to discuss. It's funny, because as the season crashed to an inglorious ending, it was becoming more and more difficult to author worthwhile topics. With the arrival of the offseason comes the arrival of possibilities. The end of 2011 leaves little doubt in anyone's mind that there is plenty of building left to be done. However, we now have months on months to analyze and espouse on what we think the best schedule of change will be.
Last offseason was what is called in the technology field as a "one-off" scenario. A one-off is basically whenever a tried and true cookie-cutter methodology of attacking tasks cannot be applied to the current situation. Your solution can use the general parameters of the template, but specifics will be one-off from the norm. The 2011 Lockout changed everything.
Teams couldn't supplement their rosters with free agent signings as soon as the season concluded. This meant clubs entered the amateur draft process with many more holes to fill than they would in previous seasons. Once the rookies were acquired, teams weren't allowed to sign them or UDFA's, but more importantly, every rookie was locked out of the all-important OTA's and mini-camps. Heck, only first-round picks were given playbooks. No minicamps or open facilities meant no off-season conditioning program, so a six-time Super Bowl champion like Mike Woicik saw his impact minimized.
Speaking of those workouts, teams with new coordinators and systems, like say the Cowboys and defensive head hauncho Rob Ryan, weren't able to teach their schemes to the new or current chess pieces. Once the lockout was finally lifted, free agency became a mad scramble and new acquisitions didn't have a full offseason to digest their playbooks or acclimate to their new neighbors. Teams were also forced to make quick judgment calls on players that they considered moving on from, such as the Cowboys did with several members of their offensive line.
In reality, the 2011 offseason was probably a ten-off, but you get the point. Obviously these circumstances affected each of the 32 NFL teams, but just as obviously some were more affected than others.
Head coach Jason Garrett knows all too well what he had to navigate to reach the 2011 season, and what decisions he had to make in short order. For what it's worth, Garrett defended his preseason roster moves that may have hurt the team in the short run, but were made with long-term ramifications in mind.
"We said it right from the outset: We made some decisions in our organization where we moved on from some older players that probably would have given us maybe a better chance to win right now, because we wanted to take it in a different direction," Garrett said. "We did that for a lot of different reasons. We understood that. You heard me stand at this podium and say, 'There are going to be some growing pains with Tyron Smith, with some other (young) guys.' That's a part of the league. That's happening in 32 cities around this league. I'm not saying that's specific to us, but you just have to understand that situation. You make those moves, and you move forward."
-CBS Sports
More...
Garrett would go on to mention that he is excited about the core of young players that this team has to develop around.
"When you think about some of the younger guys we've added to our program in the last couple of years we do believe there's another level coming," Garrett said. "You think about Sean Lee, you think about Dez Bryant, you add Tyron Smith, DeMarco Murray and some of these guys that we drafted, they can be the cornerstones of our team as we go forward. To add those to the more veteran guys that we mentioned who are really some of the elite players in the league, we feel like there is a foundation that's been developed throughout our team.
Unfortunately, outside of those guys and the requisite superstars Tony Romo, DeMarcus Ware, Jason Witten and Jay Ratliff, the Cowboys really only have a bunch of JAGs. There are some that show potential, like oft-injured cornerback Mike Jenkins who hurt his shoulder, again, defensive ends Jason Hatcher and Sean Lissemore and even soon-to-be right tackle Doug Free. But potential gets coaches fired.
The Cowboys young star that is probably the most-maligned is second-year wideout Dez Bryant. Bryant's ability to absorb the playbook and expand his route tree is often referenced when he's being slighted. Yet most would be hard pressed to find a player that fights any harder than he does while on the field. The Cowboys drafted him to be their number one receiver; well to be at least 1B to Miles Austin's 1A, but a headliner nonetheless. Dallas will need even more production out of Pro Football Focus' 11th rated receiver (as measured going into the season finale).
Dez says he feels like he did OK in his second year, though some may wonder if his assessment of the season indicates he realizes where the team really stands.
"I feel like I did OK," Bryant said Monday. "I feel like it could have been 10 times better, but as a team, we played well. In a couple of our games earlier in the season we fell short in games we should have won. If we won those games we would have never got to this point, but you know, things happen."
-DMN
Playing in 15 games, albeit a couple early ones slowed with a leg injury, Dez accrued 63 catches for 928 yards and nine touchdowns. Those are decent stats on the surface, but one only needs to look at Terrell Owens' 2007 (81 catches, 1,355 yds, 15 TDs) or Miles Austin's 2009 (81 catches, 1,320 yards, 11 TDs in 12 starts) campaigns to witness what can be accomplished by a top receiver in Jason Garrett's offense.
With as tumultuous a 2011 offseason as Dez had, all eyes will assuredly be on him and the progress he makes toward those benchmarks. Folks should remember, that although he has played two seasons, Dez has never had a full off-season regiment to digest this Cowboys offense. It should finally happen in 2012.
Another of the young stars of the 2011 season had his campaign cut short. Rookie running back DeMarco Murray was lost for the year on December 11th due to an ankle injury. Regardless of the success Felix Jones had in the first couple of games where he returned to starter status, the Dallas offense definitely missed the vision that Murray displayed. Fortunately for the Cowboys, his rehab appears to be right on schedule.
Murray wouldn't discuss the specifics of his rehab only to say things are going well. He's not expect to run for six weeks but should be on time for the start of the offseason program that begins in the spring.
"Yeah, I’m doing fine just going along with what we planned," Murray said. "It's looking good."-ESPN
Regardless of what anyone says, the Cowboys are in the process of trying to rebuild their organization. The lost 2011 offseason affected them as much or more than any other organization. Regardless of the fact that every fan knew this, you still see people wanting drastic change made throughout the organization. For my money, now that Dallas will have access to the entire offseason calendar on top of a season of going to war, it will be interesting to see what they can build on top of this foundation.
"We just have to get better and that's what we told our team," Garrett said. "It starts with me as the head coach, our coaching staff needs to get better, our players need to get better. And that starts when we come back and reconvene in March. There were a lot of good things that happened to our football team this year. There were a lot of disappointing things as well. We didn't play consistently good enough football throughout the year and we'll go back and evaluate all that stuff and get better as an organization."
1 recs | 400 comments
On Dez
I dont think that you can really point to Austin and T.O. as examples of what is expected from a top guy in this offense. Those performances happened years ago. The offensive is evolving, the quarterback is evolving. Romo seems a lot more willing to take what is given. And then there is the unexpected emergence of a Laurent Robinson. Take a look, Witten’s numbers are down a bit too.
In short, Im very pleased with Dez’s progress. Im not buying what people say about his work ethic, route running, or knowledge of the playbook. The coaches praise him, and the quarterback trusts him. I damn sure don’t see him taking plays off or passing on a chance to fight for the football, or an extra yard. He needs to make better decisions with his money, but outside of that he looks like a cornerstone piece to me.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - January 3, 2012
It's unfair to make comparisons to TO and Austin
because TO was already a 12-year superstar veteran and Austin had 3-years in the system before his breakout 2009. As any fantasy football afficiando knows, most WR’s have breakout years in their third season. I am not expecting any less from Dez in 2012.
DavidH22 - January 3, 2012
Wasn’t saying that Dez should have accomplished those numbers at this point, only that they are possible to do within Garrett’s offense.
I’m hoping to see that kind of production out of him in 2012.
KD Drummond - January 3, 2012
breakout year for Dez in 2012
calling it right now
thats my boy and third year WR’s breakout
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
im just glad
he’s going to get a full off season with the team
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
He will have to become a much better route runner
Thats the reason Robinson was more productive, Romo trusted him to be where he was supposed to be…Dez, not so much.
Terry - January 3, 2012
No, that wasn't it at all...
Robinson got single coverage most of the time, versus the opponent’s 2nd or 3rd corner. Dez often drew the opponent’s top corner, with safety help. Heck, in the first game, the Jets took Revis off of Miles and put him on Dez because Dez was killing Cromartie. Romo has shown a reluctance all year, specifically after the Detroit game, to challenging double coverage. Romo was either instructed to take what the defense gave him or he made that decision himself. As a result, Robinson was targeted more often.
LDVFootball - January 3, 2012
it is not reluctance
the idea behind having 2-3 really good WR’s is that you don’t have to throw into double coverage….
to point if you know that Dez and Austin are doubled, why throw it to them? throw it to Robinson, and if the defense pulls coverage off Austin or Dez, then you throw it to them
I am Ironman!!! - January 3, 2012
Yeah, that is the game we have been playing...
But it doesn’t lead to the opposing D’s pulling coverage off of Austin or Dez and putting it on Robinson. Review some of the games and you will see what I mean. For whatever reason, opposing DC’s are not scared of Robinson. Everything else being equal, they don’t think Robinson can beat them alone. They come in thinking Dez can do that to them and put and keep their No. 1 corner on him, roll a safety over the top or down, and thus take him out of the game. What I don’t understand is why JG allows that to happen. You can beat double coverage, either by design or execution. In the last game, the Giants did it with superior execution. See the ball Cruz caught between two defenders. I’ve been watching a lot of Bengals games lately. Dalton throws it to AJ Green versus double coverage all the time, with virtually no separation on Green’s part, but with superior accuracy. When Dez gets double coverage, either pre or post-snap, the ball is automatically going to the other side.
LDVFootball - January 3, 2012
the problem for Garrettt is the def cord knows in time if he doublews dez.....
the ball will be going other side, you still have to work a few passes into dez anyways to keep em guessing.
IRONRAVEN - January 3, 2012
Well Considering that Robinson scored 11 tds in 14 games
I would say that as long as Dez and Austin are happy with “Being Decoys”, then keep throwing it to Robinson…
Dez and Austin will bet their receptions and touches regardless….
I am Ironman!!! - January 3, 2012
I'm with you. I don't give a flip if Bryant gets big numbers if he serves
a purpose. Remember what it was like when it was all about TO? After a while, it was unproductive; everyone knew where the ball was going. Like you said, why the hell force it into double coverage if someone else is singled up? Romo is doing exactly what he should be doing; taking what’s given. With Murray back next year, and, with any luck, a stronger O line, this could/should be a potent offense.
Fernie67 - January 3, 2012
That was the good thing about this Trio of Receivers
They played unselfishly. We didn’t have any prima donnas that demanded the ball, whether they were double or triple teamed. Romo spread the ball around to the open receiver. Unfortunately it takes time for the receivers to get open, so the opposing D had plenty of time to get through the line and chase Romo around.
sanhoo - January 4, 2012
exactly
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Romo: 30 TD, 10 INT
Dalton: 20 TD, 13 INT
Throwing into Double Coverage – Bad
tdships - January 4, 2012
Romo had 31 TDs.
Fernie67 - January 4, 2012
Hopefully
He just keeps getting better and better every year—God know he’s got the talent. It just has to be honed.
Cowboys Dominance - January 3, 2012
Yep
Just want him to become a complete receiver. Megatron draws double coverage, so if he can do it, so can Dez.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
one thing I love about Dez
he scores TD’s
his TD total for his first two years in the league is very good
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
I rip on Dez
but his scoring production is solid
I_miss_Switzer - January 3, 2012
His demeanor makes him seem lazy and fans don't like that.
If he puts his work in, he can have a huge career.
He just hired Rosenhaus, who some may not like, but I think really does steer guys like Dez in the right direction to perform.
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
I wonder about his fitness
and that makes me question his work ethic
I_miss_Switzer - January 3, 2012
I can believe that, with the cast of characters he surrounds himself with.
I think Rosenhaus will clean up a lot of things about Dez.
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
Even though I dislike Rosenhaus i think this is a sign of maturity on Dez's part.
Rosenhaus is always looking out for his clients bc they are his gravy train.
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
True, but Rosenhaus knows the numbers have to get better
in order to convince Jerry to tear up the rookie contract.
I see Rosenhaus as a guy that will steer Dez to do what needs to be done to get that contract.
Not saying Rosenhaus is doing it because he such a great guy.
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
Misread your comment Stros
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
It happens
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
Dez Sure Looks
. . . like he is fit; that body is ripped. I guess stamina could be something else. But Dez sure passes the eyeball test on fitness.
Iowacowboy - January 3, 2012
no doubt
but he often looks gassed on the sidelines and gets pulled for plays here and there. I wonder if he is like those ripped guys at the gym who get winded carrying in their groceries.
I_miss_Switzer - January 3, 2012
He gets pulled?
We don’t always have a package called that needs multi WR’s on the field. And it also can be a simple rotational to keep everyone fresh thing like on the DL.
Rena - January 4, 2012
When there are 2 receivers on the field Dez should be on
just my opinion.
I_miss_Switzer - January 4, 2012
We need Jerry to keep faith in Garrett's longterm plan,
hoping he does’nt panic after the 8-8 year .
interesting to see who is cut or not re-signed on the D
this will give the clue as to Garrett and Stephen’s control of the long
term future.
too many players are mediocre , they need to go now.
Coaches need replacing as well, Campo – joe d – maxie . failing units .
scotscowboyfan - January 3, 2012
I Believe in Garrett in the Long Term
Because he’s a smart guy and he’ll learn from his mistakes, but it worries me that Jerry will throw him under the bus at some point because as long as he’s GM, the Cowboys will always have the second worst GM in the NFL.
Lord Humungus - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Jerry worries me as well,
he still thinks he can draft and deal to another Superbowl run, he can’t anymore.
i’m hoping that Garrett and Stephen can fix our franchise.
scotscowboyfan - January 3, 2012
He's done nothing else but be in charge of the Offense for 5 years.
It doesn’t get that much longer than that. If he had not gotten lucky with Murray and Robinson, this team would have been the same as last year, if not worse.
sanhoo - January 4, 2012
The lockout didn't seem to adversely impact the 49ers
but yeah, it’s reasonable to conclude that the veteran teams fared better in 2011 with the lockout than teams that had significant coaching and player changes going into the season
DavidH22 - January 3, 2012
I am not a fan of the lockout excuse either
All 32 teams were in the same boat. This has much more to do with poor personnel decisions over the last 5 or 6 years.
eightball - January 3, 2012
Of the 12 playoff teams, 10 had a multi-year head coach, all except for San Fran and 8-8 Denver
KD Drummond - January 3, 2012
There are excuses, and there are factors.
I think the Suckitude was a bigger factor for Dallas than most, because of the decision to focus on the future.
Tom Ryle - January 3, 2012
Yep
I think Garrett had ideas in his head that he mulled over while having no access to the team. Then, once the lockout lifted he said “screw this, we’re going young and I’ll try to be as competitive as possible”.
KD Drummond - January 3, 2012
We were fighting for a playoff
Until the last day while going young. That has to mean something.
Antonio S - January 3, 2012
it meant that in a down year for the division, being competitive was good enough until the last day of the season.
Means that there is talent on this team, but not enough to have sealed the deal when they had the opportunity.
But at the end of the day, Dallas was the 14th worst team for the 2011 season. It is what it is, IMHO, and like Garrett says the team just has to get better.
KD Drummond - January 3, 2012
I can deal with the 14th worst team,
but KD we got swept by the Giants and Eagles. There should be some blood spilled for that alone.
oldboysfan - January 3, 2012
Young o-line, but everywhere else not so much.
DIRE WOLF - January 3, 2012
not exactly true
drafted Smith and Nagy, both started. Had a 2nd year center, started. There was no youth anywhere else on the team except for safety, and neither of those players (at the time) were making that much more than league minny.
We also went young at wide receiver (Bryant, Ogletree) and RB (Murray, Tanner)
KD Drummond - January 3, 2012
for the most part it worked out
our last 4 big draft picks are home runs
Dez, Lee, Tron and DeMarco
if Carter pans out, thats gold
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Lee and Carter both basically missed a year.
Can we draft a second round pick that can produce in the first year.
Can we stop using the 2nd round pick for guys with medical issues.
Sharksbreath - January 3, 2012
Lee was well worth the wait.
thebigham - January 3, 2012
Carter was considered a first round if not top 20 player in last
years draft but slid due to his knee injury. When he starts next year its like having picked two #1s in the draft this year. Im willing to take a flyer on a guy who slipped in the draft only due to an injury.
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
patience is key to rebuilding
trying to fix it all right now is not going to work
Musiccitynorm - January 3, 2012
I hope Carter works out
I know he and Lee situation are similar but Lee is an old school lb..Carter was labeled soft by many analyst, he’s not a big tackler either. Lee was also able to crack the line-up as a rookie..Carter couldn’t..Makes you wonder
BlueDeath - January 3, 2012
I watched in all through college
He is not soft…..by any means and makes you wonder….he did not play much because of his torn ACL in Dec ’10 typically 18 months to be back to full speed.
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 3, 2012
might just shoot myself in the face
if i hear one more person say that Bruce Carter is soft. I watched EVERY game for four freakin years. He aint soft gosh darn it!!!!
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
AMEN
As a Tar Heel like Paul we watched him every Saturday for 4 years…he is a stud. Let him get his confidence back from the knee injury and you will see how good he is.
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 3, 2012
He wasn't sure didn't look "soft" on special teams!
He made some impressive hits this year covering kicks, impressive enough for me to find out who made the hit.
His situation was very different from Lee’s. Lee was healthy in the offseason (before he hurt himself with a different injury). Carter missed the entire offseason and early part of the regular season. None of the coaches (or scouts who drafted him) expected him to do much more than special teams and a sub-package or two this year. I’m excited to see him next year.
Yoko Romo - January 4, 2012
Nor tying to fix it for the last 15 years will work. So be patient.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Carter should workout,
there is no reason to think otherwise. Tarheel Paul watched his career at UNC and loved the guy. Keep the faith.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
this is gospel
Everybody will love him.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
Now
Dallas needs to draft Vontaze Burfict at 14 to play the OLB spot vacated to almost Anthony….google him and watch the video….
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 3, 2012
that guy is a freaking mad man
Just the type of attitude we need on defense. But he also looks like a 15 yard penalty waiting to happen.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
steelers do fine with harrison
thebigham - January 4, 2012
oh i agree
every defense needs a crazy dude that everybody is scared of. See Charles Haley.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 4, 2012
See Randy White
tdships - January 4, 2012
Just telling a friend what an animal he is
But isn’t he projected as an ILB – 6’3’/252 4.65 40?
tdships - January 4, 2012
this team is finally getting younger
with a roster turnover at positions and the draft, we will get even younger
the Cowboys never played rookies in the past, its time to start implementing your young talent into the roster
basically S is the only area I dont see us upgrading at unless we draft Markelle Martin or Brandon Taylor
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Martin got beat badly last night, Chia.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
I still think he is one of the best safety prospects
great athletic specimen
but saying he is one of the best safety prospects in a weak safety class doesn’t mean I am in love with him
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Key is the O Line
First, can Costa or Nagy be a quality center? We really saw the loss of Gurode’s size and stregth this year in the number of times Romo was sacked/pressured up the middle. If Costa or Nagy can add the strength to overcome that next year and the young guards develop similarly, we could be OK. I really like Kosier but his future needs to be as a versatile backup. He simply can’t stand up to the beating he receives in a full season. Smith needs to be able to shift to LT and Free can go to RT. If all that works, we could have a good O line but that’s a lot of moving parts that has to come together. If the talent we have is simply not adequate on the O line, and I worry most about center, then it will impede our ability to bring in the new players we clearly need on defense.
On D, we need an outside LB to replace Spencer, two CB’s with at least one being a good starter and the other a very solid backup, and another MLB. Adding a DT who could get more push in the pass rush wouldn’t hurt either. Filling all those needs would take most of our draft and FA opportunities given our salary cap. If we have to devote much to the offense, I fear we will not be able to do all that we need for the D.
Finally, we need an infusion of attitude. Attitude is why I would part way with Spencer and Bennett. They have all the physical tools but they don’t seem to care enough about winning and effort. We need some players with a nasty disposition who never take a play off and won’t let their teammates take a play off either.
swj010 - January 3, 2012
I like your line of thinking
and agree with all, especially the need to get better at C. Reading your words made me think that what we really need are multiple 2nd and 3rd round guys. We’ve done a decent job with those rounds for the most part. The way I see it, you can get a pretty good player with pick 14, or 2-3 good players by trading the pick. We’ve seen what a team with a few very talented players looks like. Let’s see what a team with lots of blue collar guys would look like. Give me a Lee, Carter, Murray anyday.
Silverblue - January 3, 2012
That sounds good if it works out. Belichick has done that repeatedly and hasn't really
hit on D. They’re worse than we are, so Trading down is OK, but do it if your targeted player is likely to be there and keep a pick in the first rounder
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
Yeah, always a gamble
but considering the odds of injury, the need for a bunch of decent players on D, and the down-the-road cost in dollars for a first rounder, I’m starting to back away from my initial inclination to go for best available CB with pick 14
Silverblue - January 4, 2012
Baily
I hope we found a dependable kicker. Although he had a couple of bad attempts when the games were on the line, I think he did a good job overall.
I think he is part of our young solid contributors that could stick for a while.
eightball - January 3, 2012
He's a keeper
Will be interested to see what happens to Kai Forbath (?) who I believe is on our IR and was a very
highly rated college kicker.
Would be great if either of these guys could punt well and give us 2 reliable PK’s/KO options and a punter to boot
oldtimer - January 3, 2012
Yeah we haven't had a good kicker in FOREVER and now we may have 2
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
I just want to see him do better on his kickoffs.
Then we won’t have to worry about having Buehler around anymore just to kick it deep.
mtibus - January 3, 2012
We could use all our picks on the D this year, hit on all of them ( that aint going to happen) and still be short.
DIRE WOLF - January 3, 2012
I disagree, I think IF we used our top 3 picks on defense and found 3 good starters it would make a huge difference.
Having another pass rusher opposite of ware and a solid cb would do a lot. Then you add in a solid safety and that’s it. A few pick ups in FA and the D could improve exponentially in one year. Jenkins showed he can be back to form when healthy and lee is a stud. That would give us 2 good CB’s to good pass rushers, a great anchor in Ratliff, a very good middle linebacker, and 1 good safety. Sounds pretty dang good to me.
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Two** good pass rushers
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
The problem is we need a good gaurd too.
Those are a little easier to find in FA though. A center wouldn’t hurt either.
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
DeCastro wouldn't hurt either.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
we need to
replace Newman, Ball, James, Brooking, Spencer on the defense. Those are 5 players that play alot in the defense.
On the offense, Costa, Kosar and Holland need to be replaced.
Thats 8 new players and we havent even talked about the Dline yet.
cmttx - January 3, 2012
also
Bennett will be gone, so we will be looking at tight ends.
cmttx - January 3, 2012
Getting rid of all that deadwood will help in the long term.
Antonio S - January 3, 2012
Phillips is still there
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Carter will start at inside linebacker Next yr, ball didn't start and sucks, and on offense we resign holland.
The other players are all mediocre and will be replaces with equal if not better players in FA. So as I said, if we get 3 solid starters in the draft for defense it will take us a long way. The other needs will need filled by free agency.
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
here is what I am looking at
let me start with Phil Costa, who I cant stand, but he has to be better in 2012, he cant get any worse
so if we indeed keep him, I could live with it I guess, he should improve
dont count Holland out, he could be a stop gap for a year
really the only OL we HAVE to replace is Kosier, and lets consider Nagy and more likely Arkin
so we should still draft or sign a FA OG
we can draft a backup TE, its not rocket science to grab one in the mid to late rounds
not a problem there and I think Phillips will have a great year with a full recovery and offseason under his belt
on defense
Kenyon Coleman has to go, Lissemore should replace him
Spears is a decent rotation guy
Hatcher is a great piece imo
regardless we could draft a nice five tech there to rotate in or start
Bruce Carter will start next to Sean Lee, I truly believe Carter will rise to the occasion
Orie Lemon can replace Brooking or James for depth and then we draft or sign a ILB
Spencer needs to be replaced, no way around that
draft a pass rusher high or sign one, I prefer to draft one high
Newman is gone, we need to sign a CB or draft one high
Ball has to go, he has been here too long and never developed, a veteran low key signing in FA or a draft pick could replace him and produce just as much
Mario Butler could replace him too, I like that kid
I really don’t think its crazy to think this can be turned around, maybe not every hole that is obvious but I guarantee we put out a better team next year
we improved 2 wins from 6-10 to 8-8, I see at least a 2 win improvement, that is not crazy to think we can go 10-6
8-8 is not that far away, and we lost games we had
I see a playoff team next year
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Same here as long as we draft smart and hungry players and sign a couple of dependable
FAs we are not that far from being very comepetitive.
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
i agree
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Just follow the plan that Belichick/Pioli did in 2000...
they went 5-11 in their first year together…then signed middle tier FA’s in the offseason to fill holes and drafted well. They went to the Super Bowl and won it the next year. And true, they had a lot of Parcells’ core players. But they built around them very nicely. Oh but then there was that thing about the cameras…ooops. Anyhoo, JG lost four or five games this year by 4 points or less. They aren’t that far away. Keep drafting well and sign quality FA’s if need be. Dynasty in the making.
TheCowboyFan - January 3, 2012
+1
mtibus - January 3, 2012
+1
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
A dynasty needs a good young qb. Dallas doesn't have that guy on the roster.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
I really don't see QB as an issue
31 TD’s, 10 INT’s 4,000 yards
I will take that
Super Bowls have been won with way less
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Keeping it real , Romo probably has 2 more stellar seasons.
Father time will begin to take it’s toll on Tony. I feel for Tony. Dude has been undermined by Jerry his whole career.. Tony is not a big guy like Roth.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
I think he has more than 2 years left
I see at least 3, maybe 4
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
+1
Rich Gannon was 40 when he took the Raiders to the Super Bowl. Romo is an athlete. He’s got 5 more years provided the O-line steps up and actually protects him.
TheCowboyFan - January 3, 2012
And Favre was how old?
mtibus - January 3, 2012
Didi u like all the game ending int's from Favre ?
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Yeah. And wasn't...
… John Elway like 37 and 38 respectively when he ended his career with back to back SB wins?
silverblue5 - January 3, 2012
Totally different kind of qb.
Romo Scrambles and gets hit, a lot.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
so did Elway
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Elway was bigger. Stronger arm. Mare talented player.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
more , too. lol
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Elway: 6-3, 215. Romo: 6-2, 227
One.Cool.Customer - January 4, 2012
oooh boom!
But Elway wasn’t as pear shaped..
thebigham - January 4, 2012
But Elway nevers win without...
…Terrell Davis and that mad running attack. Give Romo a running attack like that and he’ll have no problem bringing in a couple of Vinces.
By the time Romo is in his late 30’s he will have way less mileage then Elway did.
gee-roj - January 5, 2012
Agree, romo has at least 2 more good years possibly 3. Without any fall off.
Get a QB in 2014 after we win the Super Bowl
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
they need to get a young talent at QB to groom though
they are making the Aikman mistake all over again, McGee is not that dude
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
I don't know who to get though. Tom Brady's in the 7th round don't come around that often.
We can’t waste one of our 1st 3 draft picks this year. I said earlier I like Kellen more in the 4th or 5th. I think he has potential to take over and will be a solid backup at worst.
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
It's just hard to find a elite starter that isn't a first rounder. You have to really be able to judge a prospect.
I think the patriots made out again last year with Ryan Mallett at 74th last year. He looked really good in the preseason
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Find out who is third string on GB and get him now
they seem have have done a very good job over the last 15+ years with QB’s starters and young backups that go on to start elsewhere
BigBad Joe - January 3, 2012
i say snag Flynn from Packers, the kid is good .
IRONRAVEN - January 3, 2012
how? some team is gonna give him starter money
besides, he’s gonna want a chance to start
somebodyquiet - January 3, 2012
One game
and we are ready to sign him? Did we forget about Scott Mitchell?
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 4, 2012
It's Jerry-like, isn't it? Flynn plays one good game,
surrounded by the best offense in the league, and everyone wants to sign him. Someone is going to give him a fat contract. I hope it’s not JJ.
Fernie67 - January 4, 2012
LOL
that is why i said grab their 3rd stringer….not flynn, cheaper and time to develop :-)
BigBad Joe - January 4, 2012
Flynn played darn well vs the Pats when rodgers missed their game.
football mensa - January 4, 2012
Oh, two games. Give him 100 mil.
Fernie67 - January 4, 2012
It is not just one game with the packer back ups
go look at who they had backing up farve, and where they ended up starting……they seem to have a knack for talent eval with QB’s, and not just recently
BigBad Joe - January 4, 2012
No, they need to get a qb this year or 2013. We don't need to sign baseball players and all that crap we went through before lucking out and finding Romo.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
its funny
Brandon Weeden was a Yankee’s prospect just like Drew Henson
they showed it last night and the first thing I thought of was Henson
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
I think Weeden is a bit older than Hensen was, more like Chris Wienke's age
dave33 - January 3, 2012
he's 28. we'd be drafting a player-coach, lol
wtshaolin - January 3, 2012 via mobile
I Suppose So
If you consider one playoff win in 6 years as a starter “lucking out”, well, more power to you!
Jimbohts - January 3, 2012
since when has Romo started playing defense and ST?
I’ve watched every game and haven’t noticed it
Terry - January 4, 2012
I would take one SB, dont have to have a dynasty.....
BigBad Joe - January 3, 2012
2012's a mettle-tester
tanstaafl - January 3, 2012
tan
you mean as in don’t test how much Jerry can mettle?
homonymic aint it?
CDMac24 - January 3, 2012
Homonymously so.
tanstaafl - January 3, 2012
Glad to know I'm not the only one that was having trouble finding topics.
And I know what you mean about all the ideas that now lie open.
Tom Ryle - January 3, 2012
Formulaic posts for $200, Alex.
KD Drummond - January 3, 2012
LOL!
Cowboys_Attack - January 3, 2012
SF did great with a new rookie HC.
I say Dallas should hire a new rookie HC and assts every year till we win the SB.
DIRE WOLF - January 3, 2012
#WINNING!
KD Drummond - January 3, 2012
It's true that SF won with a rookie coach...
But they didn’t revamp a whole offense and a defensive scheme like Dallas did. Plus, most of those players were there from the previous year.
mtibus - January 3, 2012
Agreed. Harbaugh had much more in the pantry to work with than in Dallas.
Garrett basically had to throw out a lot of spoiled food, before he could restock. And he’s not done throwing out the bad.
dave33 - January 3, 2012
its because they are meat and taters
run the ball, play defense
with DeMarco we can run the ball to setup the pass
if this defense is improved, we can win 10 games
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Without those mistakes...
We could have been 13-3 with this team…so JG is not that far off.
mtibus - January 3, 2012
exactly
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Still need some beef on the o line Chia.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
true
same thing for years
great run game, 3-4 defense same scheme
Harbaugh tinkered the offense with his system from Stanford but it worked
if you make them throw, you beat them
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Dallas didn't revamp the offense. It's the same Garrett offense = excuse.
Dallas has been playing the 3-4 since Bill’s second year…= excuse. What new players on d besides Elam wasn’t here last year ?
The no offseason malarkey doesn’t hold water.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Neither does anything you say.
TheCowboyFan - January 3, 2012
Aww another goggle wearing sheep.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Another goggle wearing clown.
TheCowboyFan - January 3, 2012
Send me a pic , what color hair do you wear ?
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Ding....your fries are done!
TheCowboyFan - January 3, 2012
Thanks. Put some salt on them while you are at.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
at it.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Do you think all 3-4 schemes are alike ?
BigBad Joe - January 3, 2012
No I don't,
None of them work in Dallas however.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
it does seem like we are 0 for 3
I_miss_Switzer - January 3, 2012
I really don't think its the scheme, but the players.
Now that being said, it is more difficult to find great 3-4 players than 4-3.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
it is for us
especially at ILB and DE. Other than Bradie James’ best years, it has been a whole lot of average at those spots.
I_miss_Switzer - January 3, 2012
SF had a monster draft
They built from the inside out, DL and OL,,,,, they are going to be good for a long time to come, give Harbaugh the credit if you want but Singletary drafted well
Musiccitynorm - January 3, 2012
Kinda like Dungee and Gruden.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
+1
Fernie67 - January 3, 2012
How 'bout Dallas trades Ware, Witten, Romo, Lee, Rat, Dez and Austin for draft picks.
Then blow all 16 games in 2012 and get the #1 pick.
DIRE WOLF - January 3, 2012
Why do you think the 9ers are so good now?
You are witnessing high draft picks that got good after a few years in the NFL.
mtibus - January 3, 2012
you agree?
DIRE WOLF - January 3, 2012
isn't obvious
Be bottom feeders for 15 – 20 years and then have one good season. Next year, SF will be this years Tampa Bay.
eightball - January 3, 2012
I agree with the latter part...
mtibus - January 3, 2012
I knew if I said enough stupid crap someone would agree.
Give the man a cigar.
DIRE WOLF - January 3, 2012
Read below Homes...
mtibus - January 3, 2012
I do not agree that Dallas should consider this.
mtibus - January 3, 2012
projecting to 2013 draft
who is the #1 overall? Barkley? Not sure taking a QB #1 is the answer as we still need a bunch of other groceries. Plus, I think Romo gives us plenty.
CDMac24 - January 3, 2012
Romo will be 34 in 2013. Dallas needs a legit new qb in the fold.
The history of 34 year olds winning superbowls is not very good.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
maybe 2013 is the year
to get a 1st round QB. I guess that decision will be mostly affected by what holes we do or don’t fill in 2012. There will be another 5 QB prospects that come out of the woodwork between now and then.
CDMac24 - January 3, 2012
Be nice if an Aaron Rodgers or his Backup Flynn fell to us they way they did for the Pack.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
Pack took 2 qb's the year they got Flynn. Flynn was picked in the last round.
Jerry doesn’t draft qb’s like that. He would rather pick one every 15 years.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
I think the other guy
was Brian Brohm in round 2. Yep, even the pack screw the pooch from time to time. But i get your point about drafting qb’s. I love the thought of drafting one every year no matter what.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
Exactly. Sooner or later u will hit on one.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
exactly
we should always bring in fresh qbs whether draft or udfa like romo
thebigham - January 4, 2012
Jerry owes it to Romo , Witten ,Ware and Rat to trade them to teams that have a real chance of winning a superbowl. Dallas doesn't.
Too many holes. Sub par coaching. The team has a could hanging over it. Jerry is the cloud and it has infested the players.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
DING DING DING
Give the man a cigar.
DIRE WOLF - January 3, 2012
Jerrah does not owe any of them anything.
eightball - January 3, 2012
Pay no attention, he says dumb sh!t like this all the time.
DIRE WOLF - January 3, 2012
And wolf goes baaaahhh like the other sheep.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
and mensa goes troooooooll
DIRE WOLF - January 3, 2012
Wolf stll baaaahhhhing.
LULZ. Can’t deal with the truth.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
And as a fan he doesn't owe you anything either.
SO be happy with the mediocrity that you continue to see every year.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Trade Romo Now.
Romo’s contract is difficult, but not impossible for him to be traded. In 2 years, I don’t think he will have any trade value. Look at Philly and the McNabb situation.Get rid of Romo now while he has value.
I agree that Romo is not the problem. But he may not be the solution either. In 05 he was dangled out there by Payton for a 3rd round pick. 9 years in the league and 5 as a starter with either a not good enough defense,bad OL,bad recievers,bad coaching,Owner,etc..has produced 1 playoff and plenty of excuses.
Sure, Romo stabilized the QB carousel, but how many years are going to be given to building around him. Hell, let’s start building around DeMarco Murray.
With all the needs to be filled in the Defense and the offense, the draft will never be the solution, especially with our history. If it’s going to be year 16 of another “rebuilding” year, let’s blow it up. Garrett blew up that OL and it got Romo killed this year. If Romo wants a ring, and if Dallas had any gratitude for his services, Jerry Jones would trade Romo to a legitimate contender. Dallas is years from getting out of it’s division, let alone becoming a legit contender. May as well blow it up now. We will be an 8-8 team until Romo leaves and then it will be the 6-10 years.
sanhoo - January 3, 2012
Romo is definitely the solution if he's given a good OL and defense
The SB rings will come in droves.
Garrett knows great teams are built around franchise qbs and we have one of the best in the biz, as long he is coaching the team Romo will be his qb until #9 decides to hang up the cleats for good.
Terry - January 4, 2012
droves?
you really think it is that easy?
I_miss_Switzer - January 4, 2012
I don't even think he needs a good defense...
just a really good OL… Ask Tom Brady and Brees.
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 4, 2012
plus the Joneses think the opposite of you
so thats another reason it would never happen
Terry - January 4, 2012
Trade Romo?
Then there’s no way we go 0-16. C’mon man, THINK!
Jimbohts - January 3, 2012
read the rest of the comments
DIRE WOLF - January 3, 2012
obviously you're incapable of doing just that
Terry - January 4, 2012
Well, the Niners did draft in the top 10 for eight years.
It is unconscionable what they did with terrible coaching. Harbaugh basically walked into a gold mine in the making.
TheCowboyFan - January 3, 2012
I think people are forgetting that
how many top 15 picks have they had in the last 5 years?
a lot
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Notice many of them were invested in the front seven and o-line.
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
That was my point in asking the question, " Is it better to have Boom years followed by Bust
years or to be mediocre all the time?"
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
Boom years followed by rebuilding and admitting you're rebuilding.
Tring to retool like Jerry has done doesn’t work.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
I posted something very similar above
Musiccitynorm - January 3, 2012
Upgrade the coaching staff
Fire Campo (so many years, so much fail) and l let RR bring in a different secondary coach of his own choosing. Let RR live or die with his own troops, so to speak.
Behind the lines - January 3, 2012
that will be the most interesting
thing to watch during the beginning of the off-season; if RR is given autonomy over the D and if so, who he cuts (players and coaches) and who he brings in.
CDMac24 - January 3, 2012
if we fire Ryan, then they better damn have a replacement already in the wings to be hired
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
They won't fire RR, they'll give him the draft and at least 1-2 more years.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
Jerry said today he will not hire gm. He said and I quote " it would clutter the decision making process" . LMAO
Buckle in for 20 more years of what you see is what you get.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
I have no nice words to say here
hire a GM for the love of god Jerry, please
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Bringing in a real GM would admit failure
Jerry is not wired to admit failure. He will hang on just like Al Davis, … minus the crazy jump suits.
eightball - January 3, 2012
he should just man up and do it
now is the best time to do it, GM’s are getting fired all over the place
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
It will never happen as long as Jerry is alive.
DIRE WOLF - January 3, 2012
I know this
but I have major hope with Stephen taking over when that time comes
Archie Barberio - January 3, 2012
Why do we even talk about his hiring a GM?
We know it’ll never happen until SJ takes over and maybe not even then.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
grabs baseball bat, inserts spikes.....
jerry… JERRY !…. JERRRYYYYYY ! ill play for blood !
IRONRAVEN - January 3, 2012
Chris Jones
He was signed to a 3 year deal. Does that mean McBriar is done?
eightball - January 3, 2012
Possibly
Sad to see that, McBriar was a good soldier.
Antonio S - January 3, 2012
I'd say so, guess they went young and cheaper. Mcbriar is a FA.
DIRE WOLF - January 3, 2012
3 year is pretty standard
they could cut him tomorrow
I_miss_Switzer - January 3, 2012
I think Cowboys are erring on the side caution in case Mcbriar doesnt fully recover from
his injury.
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
yep
and if McBriar recovers the 3 year contract turns into a road map and an apple
I_miss_Switzer - January 3, 2012
Yeah it could be a 50 year deal if there was no guaranteed money,
which I’d have to hope there was not.
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
At least 10 New players. Maybe as many as 15 new players.
—Signt Mario Williams; he could replace the pass rush that we hoped for from Spencer.
—Draft 2 corners and promote Butler to replace Ball, Tnew, and Walker
—Draft ILB and promote Lemon to back up Carter and replace Brooking and James. A lot of draft services say Carter is a top 15 guy last year without the injury.
—Promote Mccray and draft someone to back him up. Say good bye to Elam; keep Church and Silva so we have 5 safeties.
—Keep 3 special teams guys; say goodbye to McBriar, injury concern.
—Let Harris do returns. Say goodbye to Ogletree. Try to resign Robinson.
—Say goodbye to Bennett; draft young TE or get UDFA.
—Resign Fiametta but keep Chapas on practice squad just in case.
—Make Murray the starter but keep Jones and Tanner. Put Washington on PS just in case.
—Say goodbye to Kitna; get young UDFA QB to prepare for 4 or 5 years down line. Romo’s got a lot of gas.
—Give Kowalski a chance; bench Costa, maybe move him to guard. Switch smith and free. Goodbye to Kosier.
—Goodbye to Camillis and Campo; maybe hire an OC.
—Keep Ratliff inside but give Brent and Lissemore a lot more playing time. Give Spears more time as well.
End result:
Team gets younger and more athletic; hopefully, only 6 30 year olds on the team— Witten, Ware, Spears, Ratliff, Ladoceur,…….. and Romo will be the oldest guy on team.
Seriously, we can afford Super mario cause it looks like Texans have to pay him more than 20 million to franchise him and people say they won’t do that.
We will have cap space next year assuming 129 million cap and cut TNew= as much as 35-45 million in cap space.
Why not Super Mario??
florida dodger - January 3, 2012
NFL network stated yesterday that the cap will stay around 120 mil
Antonio S - January 3, 2012
Thought Ladoceur was retiring this off season.
Rena - January 3, 2012
huh?
where did you hear that?
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
Thought several people posted that during the season a month or 2 back.
I will have to go back and do a search when I get home from work today, need to leave now.
Rena - January 4, 2012
Maybe I am mixing him up with someone else. I did a search and don't find anything.
I could have sworn I remembered reading several people talk about how he was going to retire after this season and spend time with his family.
Rena - January 4, 2012
Gentlemen Mario is a de. He doesn't want to play olb. Give it up.
He won’t sign to play olb in a 3-4.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
money talks dude.
florida dodger - January 3, 2012
It doesn't talk enough to play olb when u weigh 290lbs.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
5 sacks in 5 games says that he can play OLB
think about that… in 5 games he nearly matched Spencer’s season total……and that was in a brand new system with no Offseason….
I am Ironman!!! - January 3, 2012
LOL @ no offseason. Only in Dallas does it matter about no offseason.
To your point He doesn’t want to play olb. De’s make more money. Also the Texans have better de’s than Dallas. For some reason the Texans players were able to grasp the Wade d and the Cowboys were not. All they need now is a real nt. Having Smith and Watt opened things up for the olb’s.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
mensa- The lack of an off season hurt a lot of the younger and more raw players
across the league not just in Dallas.
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
A Star pass rusher is a star pass rusher... OLB or DE.
He’ll get paid the same if he’s tops in the league for sacks.
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 3, 2012
Star de's make more than olb's.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
at the moment but that is changing.
thebigham - January 3, 2012
All you have to do is look at the franchise tag.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
obviously
but in the passing league teams are now pay pass rushers top dollar regardless
thebigham - January 3, 2012
Williams has already stated he would like to return to houston
which means he will be playing OLB. His wanting to play DE has to do with his desire to get paid the franchise tag for DE and not OLB. Reportedly the Franchise tag will be over 16 mil just for the one year. I doubt houston will pay that for a player they don’t really need. He will hit the market, and I doubt he ends up in houston unless he just wants to give them a home town discount. If they were going to resign him, it seems like they would have when they were looking for cap room in the offseason.
just4fun - January 3, 2012
check that, his cap would be 21 mil
It was explained that with the new cba a franchise player gets the average of the top 5 at his position or 120% of his last year of salary, which was 18 mil. meaning Houston would have to dole out 21 mil this year to franchise him.
Some in Houston have mention a tag and trade deal, but I doubt anyone would trade for him, knowing Houston will have to let him go eventually. He is going to hit the open market. It’s a matter of where he lands. I don’t think it’s Houston. The quote about being a defensive end was obviously about money not playing on the field.
just4fun - January 4, 2012
He's a olb right now is he not?
Or are you just saying he doesn’t want to be?
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
He doesn't want to be. I live in Houston. I have Texan season tickets and keep up wiht the team.
He doesn’t like the position. He knows he can’t cover te’s.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
I knew it.
You’re a texan fan. Busted.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
This actually explains ALOT
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 3, 2012
Uh Paul I have netioned this before dude. I am not a Texans fan but I go to games to see other teams play.
First Texans game was vs the Quincy led Cowboys. The single most embarrassing moment of being a Dallas fan. In fact I sold my tickets for this weekend because I don’t want to hear it from the fans that sit around me. You have no idea how much crap I take being a Dallas fan.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
mentioned this before
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Uh Mensa,
believe it or not, not everybody reads everything that you comment on. I didn’t even know you lived in Texas. Second, I was pulling your chain.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
uh... oh yea... uh... me too...
with the whole chain pulling thing or whatever.
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 3, 2012
I've stopped reading anything he comments on. SSDD.
Fernie67 - January 3, 2012
I live in H too
People here are probably more excited that the Boys didn’t make it in than they are about being in the playoffs..it’s amazing.
Mensa is right though, Mario whined less than Greg Ellis on the 3-4 conversion but if he gets the chance, he’s gone to a 4-3. They might franchise him but I doubt it.
Talk about no excuses: Houston lost Mario Williams, Matt Schaub for the season and Andre Johnson for big part…their 3 best players and they found a way to keep going and get in. They converted to a 3-4 without benefit of offseason, mini camps etc. The fans are crying woe is me but the team gut checked and fought.
What they have is a great running game and an emerging, borderline great defense that plays full out; almost the antithesis of Green Bay and NE so there’s more than one tried and true way to get in but if the GM, head coach, and players are making excuses it’s all over but the crying.
nikeorlipstick - January 3, 2012
Nike , yup. Houston fans are more anti Dallas fans than Texan fans.
Only Dallas gets excuses. Houston did gut it out.
When the Texans beat Dallas , that stadium was the loudest I have ever been in.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
It didn't hurt Houston
that they played the jags, titans, and colts twice each.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
and BTW
lost their last 3 games…..
I am Ironman!!! - January 3, 2012
How good were the Rams, Bills and Skins ?
football mensa - January 4, 2012
Skins proved they aren't too shabby
We didn’t play the Rams and Bills twice. If we did then we would have one two more games. Giving us a 10-6 record just like the Texans.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 4, 2012
I was at that first Texan-DAL game as well
Just as you say – single worst embarrassment as a Cowboy fan.
tdships - January 4, 2012
Td I had to get people out of my face in the stands. They were coming down the stairs to get in my face.
I am not a docile guy by nature and it got a little testy there walking to my truck.
football mensa - January 4, 2012
In truth
It was my 10 yo nephew I wanted to pummel, he was mouthing off so much, but my brother would have disapproved. would have gladly settled for QC instead
tdships - January 5, 2012
yeah ive read over at the texans site and they say the same thing, he cant cover TE or RB out the back field.
IRONRAVEN - January 3, 2012
He was doing it this year, and doing it well prior to the injury
Nardfather - January 3, 2012
he's 280?
florida dodger - January 3, 2012
290.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
do we mind him as a de?
florida dodger - January 3, 2012
Quick name me all the 280lbs olb's .
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Mario Williams
BOOM
I am Ironman!!! - January 3, 2012
1. Just 1. And he doesn't want to play the position. Better keep looking. Boom !
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Greg Ellis was one and he didnt do too bad
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
Boom!
I miss John Madden
Musiccitynorm - January 3, 2012
He didn't weigh 280.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
John Madden did.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
After dieting he did !!! , try 350 : )
scotscowboyfan - January 3, 2012
so could mario be a 3-4 DE on the opposite side from where?
keep spencer if he is reasonable or draft a run stopper at the OLB position and have Mario smoking full time
burmafrd1944 - January 3, 2012
Mensa- he might have been slightly less than 280 but whos to say that Mario
wouldnt be willing to shed a few pounds make a great deal more money and maybe even extend his career a few years?
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
Burfict Vontaze....
….BOOM this is who we MUST draft at 14
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 3, 2012
I would sign him if we played a 4-3 like we should. However we already have 4-3 de's on this team. Too bad they don't get to play in a 4-3.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Mario would have gotten Peppers-type money if not for injury.
So he’ll get a bit less.
You really want to do that when asking him to switch positions?
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
Albert Breer just tweeted that Norv will return to SD next season
Hopefully Garrett will still get Sparano in his coaching staff
Antonio S - January 3, 2012
Wow. I can't believe he survived another sub par year there.
TheCowboyFan - January 3, 2012
Wonder How His Record Compares With JG This Year?
Oh yeah. Exactly the same. Even with our 6th year starter World Class Top 5 QB. Hmmm, I wonder who should survive?
Jimbohts - January 3, 2012
The same as Norv's all world top 5 qb.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
OMG
I actually agree with you on this one…..Rivers had a very bad year INT wise, he cost his team alot more than TR did this year…..
BigBad Joe - January 3, 2012
Rivers also has a playoff
W-L record of 3-4, but it doesn’t get mentioned that much
tdships - January 4, 2012
How come no one seems to think that Sparano wouldn't be a
candidate to get the full-blown play calling OC job elsewhere?
Why would he come here to work under JG as some sort of OL coach/running game coodinator thing?
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
Sounds like a plan,a good plan.
Of course JJ won’t follow it.
I will offer this, bundle Felix and Marty B and trade them for a DB who can cover.
Give Jerry his face time in the draft room but keep him from drafting his pet cats.
I too think an OC would help Garrett.If he had one we probably would be two more games up this year.
I really want Free to return to RT and put Tyron over to the left to give Tony more protection.Free seemed to do better at RT when he replaced Columbo.
I would hope Ryan can find a couple of FAs who fit his scheme.We can’t stop a decent passing attack at the end of the half or the end of the game.Outside of Ware not much pressureput on opposing QBs.
TCB Orange Dino - January 3, 2012
Wow, How About This!
Everyone’s consensus “not an NFL QB” is going to the playoffs… Our 6th year starter world class top 5 QB will be watching from his sofa…
Jimbohts - January 3, 2012
Broncos have a legit d. Jerry is not a Tebow fan.
Romo on the Broncos would make them top 5 in the afc it not higher. I wish the guy had a chance to play on a team like that.
It would be awsome to see him play with a coach who knows how to coach and a real d behind him.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
According to the playoff seeding, the Broncos are top 4 in the AFC with Timmy.
fs65 - January 4, 2012
UMMM
Von MIller + Elvis Dumervil> Demarcus Ware+ Anthony Spencer
I am Ironman!!! - January 3, 2012
and
+Champ Bailey
CDMac24 - January 3, 2012
oh and
BDawk was having a resurgence before he got hurt (Broncos lost last 3 with him out).
Defense may not be as important as it once was with all the flashy offenses and rules geared toward arial assaults but it still matters.
CDMac24 - January 3, 2012
Umm
Champ Bailey > all 4 starting db’s in Dallas on the field at the same time
football mensa - January 3, 2012
I was agreeing with Ironman
Just adding that their defense has higher quality players.
I think you’re saying that Champ by himself would be better that all of our guys on the field. 1 > 4
uhhh that’s CRAZY but I totally agree!
CDMac24 - January 3, 2012
John Fox > JG
football mensa - January 3, 2012
your an idiot
I try to just ignore you but it is soooooo hard, a lot like the retarded guy in the restaurant who is trying so hard to feed himself, you don’t want to look but you cant look away.
Musiccitynorm - January 3, 2012
Norm you are by far the easiest, to sucker.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
LOL Norm
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
toooooooo funny......still laughing
McLovin9 - January 3, 2012
LOL
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 3, 2012
Yeah, I had to rec that one.
Rena - January 3, 2012
Look at the little people too small to think outside of what Jerry tells them. LMAO
SMH feverishly.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
Psssssst.
They’re not laughing with you.
Nickthegrip - January 3, 2012
Keep trying.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
I think mensa is funny...
He’s also made some good points
LDVFootball - January 3, 2012
He makes good points at times.
His petulance wears on you.
Nickthegrip - January 4, 2012
Problem is, the good points get lost in the repetitive harping and
obvious pleasure when they lose. I’ve stopped reading his posts.
Fernie67 - January 4, 2012
No pleasure what so ever when they lose.
It burns in me when they lose. That’s why I rip on them. 15 years is long neough to rebuild. I keep seeing the same things over and over.
football mensa - January 4, 2012
How about going after LaRon Landry?
That would really be an upgrade at saftey and also deal a significant blow to Wash. That has to intrigue Jerry.
eightball - January 3, 2012
The guy who can't stay healthy?
No thanks
NYHorn - January 3, 2012
No way Jerry could out bid Danny
just4fun - January 4, 2012
oh he could
he’s just not that dumb. He’s dumb at times, but not that dumb.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 4, 2012
For those who haven't heard, Andy Reid is returning to Philly next season.
I couldn’t be happier for him, as this news guarantees another year of failure in the city of brotherly hatred.
KeyOfZ - January 3, 2012 via mobile
And as I look in my own backyard
I have the feeling the Giants are saying the same thing about us.
Sharksbreath - January 3, 2012
Mike Martz canned as OC in Chicago
That really surprises me. With a healthy Cutler and Forte they were really playing well.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
He was a headache
and actually he did not have a contract any longer than the 2011-2012 season, so not really a big surprise, now we will see if Lovie is kept or let go, will be the decision of the new GM…..interesting stuff here in Chicago
BigBad Joe - January 3, 2012
Profootballtalk.com says Lovie is being retained.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
Ugh is it march yet
thebigham - January 3, 2012
What's March?
I can live with basketball then baseball. A huge reason I need other sports is football. Football doesn’t last long. So you gotta find 3 main teams to root for.
Cowboys, Yankees, Knicks.
DCyanks21 - January 3, 2012
Nope NFL 365.
March is when the offseason starts, most notable free agency!
thebigham - January 3, 2012
Amen !! Would be nice to extend the game playing part more often though wouldn't it?
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
no way
16 games is plenty! The season is perfect, perfect time, perfect atmosphere, perfect layout, heck im against more thursday games but oh well ill get use to that part.
thebigham - January 3, 2012
Haha. I agree. I meant getting deep into the playoffs more often.
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
oh yeah totally. haha
I hate WC weekend when the cowboys just missed out.
thebigham - January 3, 2012
Thursday games are fine.
But get rid of Monday Night Football. Especially now that BSPN has helped destroy it.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
The revenue for the monday package is astounding.
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
I know
but the ratings have got to be horrible. I dont think it last another 5 years.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
Oh I can't stand it. I can't imagine the ratings are that bad though.
Excuse to get away from the wife for all too many American males :)
fivetwos - January 3, 2012
I can get that, or they could just do like me
I tell my wife im going to watch MNF just to get her out of the room then when im alone I turn it and watch whatever the hell I want to just so I can have peace and quite.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
you know their will be a thursday game every week now
if not 2012 then defn 2013
I don;t like that
thebigham - January 4, 2012
I like it when they start
it is like a bonus half way through the season
I_miss_Switzer - January 4, 2012
Pretty remarkable
How NBC/SNF has completely taken the appeal of MNF
tdships - January 4, 2012
well it isn't hard
ESPN didnt set the bar high
thebigham - January 4, 2012
on top of that its on cable vs nbc broadcast
thebigham - January 4, 2012
The espn broadcast is lame.
football mensa - January 4, 2012
Expect Incremental Improvement, Not Wholesale Improvement
I think that The Double J’s announcement that he won’t be relinquishing the GM role means that we need to temper our expectations for what will get done. With Jerry running the show, I think the best we can hope for is some incremental change and that Jerry won’t get another Roy William burr in his saddle and blow important resources on a guy who isn’t going to make a huge difference.
The good news is that I think this team can be a 10 or 11 win team with some incremental improvements in targeted areas. The main area that we need to address is the giant chicken-or-egg tangle of the anemic pass rush and the spasmodic secondary. The lack of a pass rush exposed the injury-diminished wheels of Terrence Newman and the not-particularly-good nature of Alan Ball. We need a pass rusher to play opposite of Demarcus Ware. While we can’t realistically overhaul our entire secondary in one season, I think that if you can replace Terrence Newman with someone who is at least a decent corner (in baseball parlance, a replacement level player), you’ll be upgrading your defense significantly. Or perhaps the way to go is to get a legit pass rusher (maybe Bruce Carter will be this guy?) to play opposite Ware and you keep Newman around. With a good pass rush, Newman won’t be exposed as much as he was this season.
I think the turning point of this season was losing both Murray and Tanner to injuries down the stretch. The discovery of Murray and semi-discovery of Tanner did more than just solidify the offense; it also kept the defense off the field which, in turn, kept teams from passing all over us for a few less minutes per game. A healthy Murray and healthy Tanner should allow us to have a running game from the very beginning of the season instead of waiting to discovery it halfway through the season.
So, my incremental priority list goes: 1) legit pass rusher opposite Ware, 2) replace Newman, 3) replace Ball. I think Jerry can do at least two of these three things.
Mister Naxal - January 3, 2012
Think the combination of
Jerry, JG and Steven in the war room is the best since the glory days of the 90’s. Word out of VR is JG is a good talent evaluator and can look at personnel from a scout perspective – not surprising considering his lineage. Steven still gives in to Dad’s impulses, but is controlling them better than anyone else has to date.
Year 2 of the rebuilding plan – JG is turning over the old guard while keeping as much of the performing core as he can. Next year – we absolutely must get faster on D. PHL overall and the NYG WR’s are built to run us all over the lot – and they do. The NFC Beast, Big Ugly days are a distant memory.
There’s too many holes to fill in this offseason(again), but we can emerge from this more competitive. All 3 OL Interior spots should be up for grabs, hoping one of the G’s is already on the roster; likely only one of the remaining 2 positions can come from the Draft, the other FA? Then the Draft needs to carpet bomb Defense – DL, and DB’s. If there’s an OLB in there somewhere, fine.
There were just too many holes to hide or scheme around – what does it say TNew got benched for Alan freakin Ball?
tdships - January 4, 2012
Safety is the most important position we need.
That makes up for a lot of mistakes.
Look at the last decade of Super Bowl champs.
They all had All Pro safeties.
Patriots, Saints, Colts, Packers, Steelers.
The only team to win a Superbowl without a top flight safety was the Giants.
You need that guy in the secondary who gets turnovers and makes big plays.
Anyone notice the Patriots have won a playoff game since Harrison left.
Sharksbreath - January 3, 2012
This is true.
You need an elite pass rush/safety and a very good safety/pass rush.
thebigham - January 3, 2012
I agree
though I cant help but want a RT and move Free inside
Musiccitynorm - January 3, 2012
Unfortunately
The value JJ places on S can be seen in the extension of Sensi. I am however grateful he did not overpay because the FA market was out of control this offseason. RR appears to play hybrid S a lot in his nickle/dime packages, which is why we so some much B Church this year, wouldn’t be surprised to see some later round picks to fit that profile.
Hopefully, we’ll get some sort of upgrade over our non play-making, but ‘knows the system’ other S
Overall, you are absolutely correct – building from the inside/out is the formula for success in today’s NFL. So, of course JJ builds from the outside/in.
tdships - January 4, 2012
Please draft the best Guard available with the 1st pick. A good o-line and this team is unstoppable. You can survive in this legue with an average defense. (See NE and GB.)
saidseven - January 3, 2012
you can survive with an average defense
but we aren’t even average right now. At least I dont think.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
Our Secondary is below average...
I’d say we’re at least average everywhere else. (not that that makes us a good defense… just saying.)
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 3, 2012
i agree with that
That is the worst secondary i have seen us have since 1991.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
This actually raises a very good question...
What would this team look like if we drafted the 2 best interior lineman available with our first and second round picks. We could “probably” land both Decastro from Stanford and Zeitler from Wisconsin. 2 guards that could come in and be IMMEDIATE impact players for our offense. Its almost scary to think what our offense would be able to do with a sure line.
At that point, we “almost” completely forget about the offense for the rest of the season. Rounds 3-7 draft ALL defense (maybe one TE) and adress the defense heavily in free agency.
I originally liked the idea of drafting the best available defensive player at our first pick, but now i think im sold on going interior lineman for both our first and second!!
descherle - January 3, 2012
I totally agree
Make our offense a jaugernaut like Green Bay and New Orleans by finishing our OL and the defense can continue to be a work in progress over the next few years.
At least with an high octane offense we’ll be able to make the playoffs and compete.
Terry - January 3, 2012
Rookies rarely fill the bill
First, I would like to know what we have in Nagy, Kowalski, Arkin and Costa. Linemen rarely start to show what they can do before the third year. Remember Gurode? There was talk of cutting him until the move to center in his third year and he became a perennial Pro Bowl player. So my first question is: what do we have in young guards/centers? Could a full off season in the weight room and OTA’s result in dramatic improvement? If so, I would hate to invest our first two picks in more guards, particularly when I see no one among the DB’s that I think could elevate their game and fill our secondary needs by developing young players on our roster. I think our best hope is to look to free agency and the draft to strengthen our defense. I also think we would be well served to replace some of the aging coaches who are marking time to retirement with young coaches still out to make a name for themselves in hope of becoming coordinators and head coaches in the future.
swj010 - January 3, 2012
Totally agree..
scotscowboyfan - January 3, 2012
Im still a little hesitant...
…to hope that the weight room will drastically help our young offensive line. In not saying it wont, im just saying i dont know…And it makes me nervous.
Im just looking at the opportunity to draft two studs, from two great programs that I beleive can come in right away and be absolute difference makers.
Kind of reminds me what San Fran did back in the 2010 nfl draft. With their two first round picks, they selected an OT and a OG…and now they have the best run offense in the league!
Maybe im thinking too much like JJ, but I think this team could put up PRIME TIME numbers in every game with a superior offensive line.
descherle - January 3, 2012
Maybe I should rephrase...
“IF” the opportunity presents itself (becuase you NEVER know what could happen on draft day) to draft our top 2 rated interior lineman, then I say we pull the trigger on that.
But do I feel like we should draft our 3rd and 5th rated interior lineman, just becuase I believe we need to fill those positions?? Not a chance…
descherle - January 3, 2012
I think drafting decastro is an option.
The way they talk he will come in and be a stud from day 1. Other than that there is no other gaurd we should take in the 1st or 2nd. We need a pass rusher and a lot of work in the secondary.
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
FA will decide our drafting policy imo,
we have to sign defensive help , it’s a major priority now.
still would take a guard with our 1st or 2nd pick though.
hoping our young guys can get stronger under Woicik’s off-season programme.
scotscowboyfan - January 3, 2012
I could never complain if we drafted both DeCastro and Zeitler.
We’d need to get Mario, Campbell, Avril, Jones or someone else in FA though.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
Campbell has already been talking extension with the cards
Mario will be super exspensive, but I really really like the idea of Cliff Avril. I think he could project really well to the 3-4. Who is Jones?
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
From the Titans.
football mensa - January 3, 2012
oh yea, gotcha, thanks
TARHEEL PAUL - January 3, 2012
I think that if you draft those guys, the D would look better immediately.
Those guys would lead to longer drives, more scoring, and better field position. That would also make Ware more effective, and the D as a whole would be better rested throughout games and the year. That would probably lead to us allowing 3 points less per game. That would move us to 5th in the league in points allowed this year. Think about it.
Baked Potato Soup - January 3, 2012
Lee, Smith, Murray, Bryant, Austin, Robinson and Jenkins are not JAGs
They are part of the core group along with Romo, Witten, Ware and Rat which will form our nucleus going forward and hopefully Garrett can add to this list in future drafts to come.
Terry - January 3, 2012
+100.000
salas88 - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Im glad you said Jenkins.
I thought he really had a bounce back year, and he showed some serious toughness. I could live without Austin though.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - January 3, 2012
Robinson can go.
Better than average but that’s it. VERY replaceable. NOT a part of our core. But a guy I would like to keep for cheap(which he won’t be)
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 3, 2012
I don't see how u say that. He was more consistent than even Austin was this year. I know Austin was hurt but I think we really need to try to resign Robertson
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Robinson**
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Would love to keep Robinson, but it probably will be impossible
Some team will pay him big money to be the #1 WR. I find it highly unlikely he would stay here to be a #3.
just4fun - January 3, 2012
I would like to keep him too..
Not willing to pay alot for him and we’d have to. He’s our 3rd best receiver and if you include Witten probably our 4th. He played well, I agree with that. But he also had the benefit of having no attention. I repeat a guy I’d like to keep but NOT a part of our core.
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 4, 2012
Keep Robinson
Wouldn’t overpay for him, but what he lacks in top shelf athletic ability he makes up for with desire. We need more players with the desire to make plays.
Silverblue - January 3, 2012
WTF, Robinson very replaceable?
The last 5 year of high draft picks and FA acquisitions would beg to differ. Very few receivers could have so seamlessly come to Dallas and filled in for a #1 receiver. First and foremost is connection with the QB. If the starting QB was McGee, who got 5yds of offense from Robinson, this season would have been over back in October. Good luck carrying the load with Ogletree, Dez, and Holley as your core.
sanhoo - January 4, 2012
Robinson is not very replaceable but...
He won’t be very re-signable. He will probably get #1 WR money, and we can only pay him #2 or #3 money. I’m also guessing he would rather go to a team that would make him the #1 guy. It’s very unfortunate we couldn’t resign him during the season (league rules prevent it but I’m not clear on the details).
just4fun - January 4, 2012
Maybe I shouldn't have used the word VERY, when I said replaceable...
but don’t overrate this guy. He isn’t a rookie, He’s a FIFTH YEAR VET!!!! He couldn’t make it in Atlanta after just two seasons. Couldnt’ stick in St. Louis, and their receiving core has been in shambles. He couldn’t even stick on our PRACTICE SQUAD here in Dallas as we released him and then picked him back up since NO ONE ELSE wanted to sign him. Now he fit in well with our system and with a really good QB in Romo developing chemistry with him, and with three other MORE TALENTED receivers on the team taking a considerable amount of attention he flourished. He played well but he’s replaceable. He’s a little bit better than a JAG and when he goes to whatever team he goes to, and they make him a #1 he will return to being Just Another Guy. And by year 8 we can sign him onto the practice squad again if we’d like to.
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 4, 2012
Yes, I agree Robinson would be a JAG on any other team.
I’ve said this before about him leaving to play for another team. In Dallas, he has longevity catching throws from Romo. With any other quarterback, this won’t be the case.( I would be both surprised and relieved if he can duplicate the season he had this year, now that defenses around the league are clued in to him.) I do however wish Robinson well if Jerry Jones squanders the chance to resign him. He was a bright spot in what turned out to be a dismal season.
sanhoo - January 4, 2012
You've got two years to win a bowl with Romo
and Jason “Twinkle Toe’s” Witten.
Most likely we will have a chance in the 2nd year.
Teams normally are in the playoffs the year before they win a Super Bowl.
The last team I can remember that won a Bowl without being in the playoffs the year before were the Patriots when they won their 2nd Superbowl.
They missed the playoffs the year after they won the first one.
Sharksbreath - January 3, 2012
JG
please, just swallow your pride and hire an OC.
Longhorn - January 3, 2012
This.
DCyanks21 - January 3, 2012
Not as many changes needed as some think
Cut our mistakes in half, and all we’ll need to make the playoffs is adding 2, ideally 3, solid O Lineman, and one upgrade preferrably at CB, if not then at Safety. Not saying that will makes us Superbowl contenders, but I guarantee we cut our mistakes in half, upgrade the OL and DBs, and we’re a playoff team with a good chance of winning a game or two in the playoffs.
chamr - January 3, 2012
I think it would make us SB contenders.
Solidify the line, make it good to great, and keep the defense at status quo or slight improvement, and we are probably 12-4.
Baked Potato Soup - January 3, 2012
How about
eliminate 2 ST failures – 1, possibly 2, maybe even 3 wins right there.
tdships - January 4, 2012
Fastest way to improve.
Stock the OL first to rounds and Best defensive players available afterwards. Romo with Time, and Murray with Holes makes this offense unstoppable. If our Defense improves AT ALL we make a big jump. Our D is bad but NOT the worst in the league, not even close. That belongs to NE, and GB (Predicted SB Teams 2011).
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 3, 2012
Can't argue with looking like the Pack, Saints, and Pats.
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
*first two rounds.
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 3, 2012
so, anyone wanting Polian as GM
anyone go check out his drafts in the past 10 years? eww
Longhorn - January 3, 2012
Hell no.
Jerry has actually blown Polian out of the water in that department.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - January 3, 2012
I was reading about that earlier. He only has 3 out of his last 7 1st round draft picks even on the roster?
Can we say ouch?
Rena - January 3, 2012
What do you want two JJs making draft decisions?
pfloyd1 - January 3, 2012
Let's face it
There’s a certain amount of ego associated with success. Apparently, in football it turns into stubbornness and later, arrogance. The War Room isn’t big enough for both Polian and JJ’s heads at the same time. At least Polian’s success took place in the current Millennium
tdships - January 4, 2012
2012 Draft
Should be all about defense and depth on the line, we need it badly.Ratliff needs to be moved to de, he wears down at the end of the season. If we can’t pressure the qb we are doomed.
BlueDeath - January 3, 2012
DRAFT THIS GUY TO GET AFTER QB
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 3, 2012
Vontaze Burfict...google him
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 3, 2012
What's ur obsession with him? Lol he's a second rounder and an ILB which we don't need
We need to get a good pass rushing OLB or DE
Dynamicduo - January 3, 2012 via mobile
How about this record...
Record vs. Teams >.500 = 1 – 4
Record vs. Teams @ .500 = 0 – 4
Record vs. Teams < .500 = 7 – 0
Looks enough quality talent to overcome weak, marginal players on the field allowing us to win games against bad teams. Also enough top talent to make things interesting against the good teams, making games competitive, but not enough overall talent to win against the big boys. Better, more consistent play on both lines and in the secondary will get us to .500 against the better teams and expand the margin of victory against the bad teams.
Elkmgr - January 3, 2012
just something I threw together
I wanted to post this as a reply to a comment that I now can’t find, so I will post it here:
miles Austin: 10 games
43 recs- 579 yards 7 TDs
4.3 rpg 57.9 ypg 0.7 TDs
16 game pro:
69 rec 926 yards 11 tds
Dez BRyant:15 games
63 rec- 928 yards 9 TDs
4.2rpg 61.86 tpg 0.6 td
16 game pro:
67rec 989 yards 10 tds
Lauent Robinson: 14 games
54 recs 858 yards 11 TDs
3.85 rpg 61.28 ypg .78 tds
61 recs 980 ypg 12 tds
I am Ironman!!! - January 3, 2012
Bout as even as it gets right there.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - January 3, 2012
and the scary thing is Carl
look at those yardage totals…
926, 989, 980….
that is 105 yards off off 3000 yards Recieving….and that isn’t even factoring in Jason Witten….
I am Ironman!!! - January 3, 2012
It seems to me that as long as Eli and Coughlin are in NY, & Vick n Reid
are in Philly, we have little chance of ever going very far. I hate saying it, but we just aint got their brand of coaching or player talent and will.
CowboyMan - January 3, 2012
I know I shouldn't feed the troll but......
You mean the Coughlin and Reid that almost got fired? You mean the Coughlin and Reid with more talent than Garrett on defense and have basically the same record?
just4fun - January 3, 2012
What's "...almost got fired?" and "basically the same record" got to do with it. Both teams
beat us twice. We’re in a ditch and the Giants and Eagles are throwing dirt on top of us. Maybe, with Murray healthy it would not have been so bad, so I’ll give a point up on that, but, I think the Eagles and Giants consistency at the HC position, and our lack thereof, has much to do with our current situation within the NFCE. I hope I’m proven wrong on this.
CowboyMan - January 4, 2012
Too early to conclude its coaching
JG did beat Coughlin, Eli w J Kitna at QB recently
Talent, absolutely correct. Not surprisingly, they know how to exploit the mismatches, possibly because it’s the same ones every season
tdships - January 4, 2012
I hope you're right of course, but the coaching consistency in Philly and NY are the big difference between
those teams and the Cowboys.
CowboyMan - January 4, 2012
Go all out on the line, and then try to patch what you can on the Defense.
The current rules and makeup of the NFL favor teams with high powered passing attacks, like the Patriots, Saints, and Packers. Even the Giants, when they are able to protect Eli. It doesn’t matter what their defenses are like, as long as they can occasionally get a stop and make a play, as long as the offense can light it up. Only 3 teams went over 30 on our D, and only 2 without help from our offense. If we could light up the scoreboard to match our QB, WR, and TE talent, we could beat anyone, no matter what our D does. The only thing holding us back right now are the pathetic scrubs that currently man the interior of our line.
Baked Potato Soup - January 3, 2012
It's pretty clear what needs to be done on this team.
If Garrett is really in charge and if this team is going places we will see it this offseason. I heard from Broadus that Campo will not be retained. Maxie is likely to go to Houston who was denied talking to him last year. If they bring in Sparano and let go of Houck that will speak volumes as to where this team is going. Tough decisions need to be made. More fat needs to be cut. I can’t wait for the ax to start falling.
just4fun - January 3, 2012
That sound good
But in passing league, you must have some your DB’s make a play or two in the secondary. NFC clearly has the best QB’s right now, and more talent at WR then the AFC. We would be playing games where the last team with the ball wins. And that hasn’t really favoried us in a long time.
djthumpl - January 4, 2012
The real issue is stupidity.....
did anyone see Manning getting our D offsides? he succeeded what? 3 times? How many times did Romo try to do that? NONE…because our line would have fault started or because he doesn’t have the audacity to do so…….the problem is still in the leadership and the brain. The core of this team is corrupt and needs to change. Im done with Romo, Witt, Ware, etc. Bucnha nice guys who wont get it done.
ManTab - January 3, 2012
If those players played for the Jets they'd be superbowl contenders
I don’t think they are the ones with a stupidity issue.
just4fun - January 3, 2012
False start.
Not fault start. Your argument is dumb. A quarterback doesnt have to get a defense to jump offsides to be a leader. Are you serious. The problem isn’t Romo, Witten, or Ware.
BrickTop - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Good way to read the message and not just the examples!!!!! congratulations.....
The team as whole is corrupt……..not just those three players or one of them in particular…..when Romo has his best game, Ware jumps offsides twice on the last drive of the opponent…..and so on…….this is a stupid team, unpredictable and with zero consistency. The reason for that is because the core, half of the team is really stupid and then the few good ones have too much pressure to get the job done and have absolutely no room for error. Once you change the entire core of the team, the 3 examples I used will already be too old…….
The entire team needs to change and get younger…..
ManTab - January 4, 2012
I understand...
But go back and watch Mannings body motion…he spasms every time before the center snaps it to him. He should be flagged each time but isn’t.
TheCowboyFan - January 4, 2012
I still have nightmares
about that offsides from Ware against the Giants in that first game in 3rd and something.
One of the announcers phrased it as “a possible season deciding penalty”. And it was. DAMN
Elks83 - January 4, 2012
Injuries Were a Big Factor
This year (especially with the Oline) and HOPEFULLY that won’t be as much of a problem next year. In the offseason, I’d swap ends with Free and Smith and get rid of: Campo, Maxie, Spencer, Brookings, James, Ball, Newman and Bennett. IF Garrett doesn’t use the first draft pick on a pass rusher to help Ware and the secondary don’t expect much improvemnt on the defensive side. After that they NEED to go after DB’s; THEN they can look for depth for BOTH lines and at ILB. This is assuming that they are able to KEEP Robinson and Fiametta. Given the number of RB’s they now have, I’d KEEP Murray, Tanner and Morris and trade Felix Jones for more draft picks.
Howleyesque - January 5, 2012
Forgot to Mention
I AGREE with the “no calls” regarding Manning and that big jerk he gives on “the hard count”. That SHOULD be flagged and if I were Mike Smith I’d be pointing that out to the officials before the kickoff in the playoff game!
Howleyesque - January 5, 2012
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