Where to go from here?

[Plankton]

Originally Posted by Word Mofo

How can you suggest to rebuild the offensive line yet not suggest we draft a single O-Line player? Signing FA O-Line players is not this front office's strong suit

Did you miss the Braxston Cave pick? I also had them sign a replacement RG and RT in free agency.

[Mr Cowboy]

Originally Posted by CowboysYanksLakers

Draft a QB like Geno Smith and upgrade both lines on defense and offense.

I would take upgrading both lines and take my chances with Romo.

[Plankton]

Originally Posted by KJJ

I wish I would have sat down with whatever you were cuddling up with because I never believed that for even a second.

I can understand why you felt that way. This time felt different to me. I was at the Giant debacle in 2011, and felt like it was a loss all the way. To me, a hobbled Griffin meant a more limited offense from Washington.

It was just that - and the defense couldn't stop that single dimension. Couple that with the mind numbing play from Romo and the inability of the coaching staff to adjust, and you have the end of the season.

[punchnjudy]

I agree with a lot of what you said, but Romo just never looked comfortable in the pocket to me. After the early stages of the game, I really don't think it was the importance of the game that affected him. We can go round and round with that, but the constant in all the games people mention is that the teams that beat Romo and the Cowboys did a good job of disrupting his rhythm. NY, Minn, Philly, and Washington were all able to get in his face a lot. Had they played softer, I don't think he would have played poorly just because of the situation.

With that said, I agree that the offense won't be fixed just by upgrading the OL. They're an easy target (for good reason), but the top defenses are going to generate pressure with a blitz if necessary. Going forward, my question is whether the collective talents at qb, wr, rb, and the scheme itself allow for the offense to effectively handle a quality blitzing defense even with a competent OL. I think they need to step back and look at it holistically because for whatever reason this is an area where Dallas has struggled since its last super bowl. I can remember having discussions about Dallas' inability to burn the blitz well before Troy retired. So I don't have any answers, but I agree that there's more to it than adding a few quality fat guys (though upgrading the OL is a no-brainer).

I said last year they should rely on the running game more, and they definitely should, but until they can effectively strike fear into the more talented aggressive defenses I don't see them doing much in the post-season. That's doubly true if the defense still doesn't generate many turnovers, which it wasn't doing even when healthy.

[big dog cowboy]

Originally Posted by punchnjudy

I agree that the offense won't be fixed just by upgrading the OL.

Sure it will. Anything to improve the running game will only make the passing game stronger. It will also keep your QB from running for his life each game.

[punchnjudy]

Originally Posted by big dog cowboy

Sure it will. Anything to improve the running game will only make the passing game stronger. It will also keep your QB from running for his life each game.

Stronger doesn't equal strong. They ran the ball effectively against NY in '07. Wasn't enough to keep them off Tony when they threw it. The more talented teams can rush in ways that attack the run and the pass. Jim Johnson excelled at it. It's not as simple as beefing up the line and running it more. It will help some, but that's not enough.

[TheCount]

I completely and fundamentally disagree with the idea that the game was a complete breakdown by the team. We had quite a few players show heart with Romo being the most notable to have a complete meltdown.

The players were there and ready to pay for the most part. And a few f them, such as Murray and Harris showed up ready to ball.

[Mr Cowboy]

Originally Posted by TheCount

I completely and fundamentally disagree with the idea that the game was a complete breakdown by the team. We had quite a few players show heart with Romo being the most notable to have a complete meltdown.

The players were there and ready to pay for the most part. And a few f them, such as Murray and Harris showed up ready to ball.

280 rushing yards, 1 sack, no turnovers! Yeah, it's all on Romo!

[Westcoasthabsfan]

Originally Posted by Mr Cowboy

I would take upgrading both lines and take my chances with Romo.

Me too

[IrishAnto]

Originally Posted by Word Mofo

How can you suggest to rebuild the offensive line yet not suggest we draft a single O-Line player? Signing FA O-Line players is not this front office's strong suit

I agree.
You need to draft a least one OL in the first two rounds.

Throwing draft picks at this defense has not yet worked in Dallas so why would anyone think it will now?

[IrishAnto]

Originally Posted by Mr Cowboy

I would take upgrading both lines and take my chances with Romo.

I'd like us to give that a try too.

[Dave_in-NC]

Originally Posted by Mr Cowboy

I would take upgrading both lines and take my chances with Romo.

I hope Jerry thinks the same.

[Plankton]

Originally Posted by TheCount

I completely and fundamentally disagree with the idea that the game was a complete breakdown by the team. We had quite a few players show heart with Romo being the most notable to have a complete meltdown.

The players were there and ready to pay for the most part. And a few f them, such as Murray and Harris showed up ready to ball.

I would call the breakdowns in pass protection, poor ball placement and defensive recognition by the QB, poor tackling and run gap discipline by the defense and a lack of adjustments by the offensive and defensive staffs as being a complete breakdown. The only phase that the Cowboys won in this game was special teams.

I think the players played hard. They just didn't get it done.

[Plankton]

Originally Posted by IrishAnto

I agree.
You need to draft a least one OL in the first two rounds.

Throwing draft picks at this defense has not yet worked in Dallas so why would anyone think it will now?

One thing to keep in mind with drafting offensive linemen. If you look around the league, offensive line play is as bad as it has ever been. The NFC East offensive line play was horrible for 3 of the 4 teams, and merely average for the fourth team (Redskins). In the NFC North, 3 of the four teams had subpar line play (only the Vikings line was in the average to above average category). In the AFC, many supposed "contenders" had bad lines (Steelers, Chargers), and others were lousy at best (Jets, Titans).

I think we are now seeing the "benefits" of the spread offenses from college. Linemen are now playing as poorly as they have ever played before, and I believe that the spread schemes are producing players unprepared for playing the pro style on the lines. If the NFL adopts more of the college concepts, it may help the transition, but drafting guys high, and expecting an immediate return is not wise based on what we have seen of late. There are exception cases, but I would trust centers more than the other positions, especially in the run game.

[Zordon]

If we get rid of Miles Austin who is our 2nd receiver? I love LOVE harris, but in no way shape or form do i see him as a 2nd receiver.

I agree with you though, this team needs lots of help on the dline. if tyler wilson some how drops to the 2nd round i take him there too.