Why I'm Still Angry and Why I Have a Little Hope - Dallas Cowboys Forum

EndGame · 01-24-2013

Like many of you, I'm still sore about how the season went and how Jerry is working to "fix" the problems that led to the Cowboys going 8-8 and missing the playoffs. Specifically, I'm angry because...

-It doesn't take a football genius to know that the main problem on offense was the offensive line. It sucked horribly at the beginning of the season, partially due to injuries. As it improved at the end of the season, the team started winning games. Even as the team started winning games, however, the offensive line neeeded a LOT of improvement. If Tony Romo weren't a magician, he'd be permanently injured due to being sacked 500 times.

-It also doesn't take a football genius to know that the main problem on defense was injuries. While there are positions on the defense that could stand an upgrade (find me a team where that's not true), if Lee, Carter, Church, Scandrick, and Ratliff had been healthy this season we would have seen a very, very much improved unit.

I would bet my car that if you could eliminate the two problems above, the Dallas Cowboys win the NFC East.

And so, given that anyone with a brain can see these two problems, it's horrifying to see what Jerry Jones is doing. Like him or not, Rob Ryan's scheme was not the reason this team went 8-8. Like him or not, Jason Garrett's play calling was not the reason this team went 8-8. On the defensive side it was bad luck, and on the offensive side it was poor drafting.

So ... given the vitriol above, why am I hopeful?

Despite the fact that they weren't necessary, I think the moves on the defense will improve the Cowboys. Initially I was concerned about Kiffen's age, but with the hiring of Rod Marinelli we have an insurance policy should 73 truly turn out to be too old to be an NFL coordinator.

I think we have a lot of the pieces in place for a very good 4-3 defense. Sean Lee and Bruce Carter have potential to be superstars in this offense, and imagine what Demarcus Ware will do if coverage really isn't his problem anymore. Additionally, it will be easier to replace Anthony "Not Almost Anymore" Spencer if we're in a 4-3.

The other reason I have hope is that this draft appears to be strong on offensive linemen ... specifically interior linemen. There are several who are worthy of a first round grade, and at least one of them will be available at the 18th pick. Hopefully Jerry gets one for us.

Finally, I'm hopeful that taking offensive play calling responsibilities allows Jason Garrett to blossom as a leader. Based on how the team responded to the Jerry Brown tragedy, I think he's already a fantastic leader. If he doesn't have to have as big of a hand if game planning and play calling, he'll be free to manage the game better ... and we all know that's been a problem of his.

Okay ... I'm done ... flame away.

**Idgit** · 01-24-2013

It's really hard to tell what was going on behind the scenes with that coaching staff. I'm reluctant to believe rumors that get spread after the fact. At the same time, given that Rob was pretty much the only coach from that part of the staff who was let go outright, I'm willing to bet there was an issue in terms of either preparation or effort on defense. I also suspect that that move, anyway, had Jason's full support and that we're just not hearing the skinny behind what went down and why.

LittleD · 01-24-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by EndGame

Like many of you, I'm still sore about how the season went and how Jerry is working to "fix" the problems that led to the Cowboys going 8-8 and missing the playoffs. Specifically, I'm angry because...

-It doesn't take a football genius to know that the main problem on offense was the offensive line. It sucked horribly at the beginning of the season, partially due to injuries. As it improved at the end of the season, the team started winning games. Even as the team started winning games, however, the offensive line neeeded a LOT of improvement. If Tony Romo weren't a magician, he'd be permanently injured due to being sacked 500 times.

[View Full Quote]-It also doesn't take a football genius to know that the main problem on defense was injuries. While there are positions on the defense that could stand an upgrade (find me a team where that's not true), if Lee, Carter, Church, Scandrick, and Ratliff had been healthy this season we would have seen a very, very much improved unit.

I would bet my car that if you could eliminate the two problems above, the Dallas Cowboys win the NFC East.

And so, given that anyone with a brain can see these two problems, it's horrifying to see what Jerry Jones is doing. Like him or not, Rob Ryan's scheme was not the reason this team went 8-8. Like him or not, Jason Garrett's play calling was not the reason this team went 8-8. On the defensive side it was bad luck, and on the offensive side it was poor drafting.

So ... given the vitriol above, why am I hopeful?

Despite the fact that they weren't necessary, I think the moves on the defense will improve the Cowboys. Initially I was concerned about Kiffen's age, but with the hiring of Rod Marinelli we have an insurance policy should 73 truly turn out to be too old to be an NFL coordinator.

I think we have a lot of the pieces in place for a very good 4-3 defense. Sean Lee and Bruce Carter have potential to be superstars in this offense, and imagine what Demarcus Ware will do if coverage really isn't his problem anymore. Additionally, it will be easier to replace Anthony "Not Almost Anymore" Spencer if we're in a 4-3.

The other reason I have hope is that this draft appears to be strong on offensive linemen ... specifically interior linemen. There are several who are worthy of a first round grade, and at least one of them will be available at the 18th pick. Hopefully Jerry gets one for us.

Finally, I'm hopeful that taking offensive play calling responsibilities allows Jason Garrett to blossom as a leader. Based on how the team responded to the Jerry Brown tragedy, I think he's already a fantastic leader. If he doesn't have to have as big of a hand if game planning and play calling, he'll be free to manage the game better ... and we all know that's been a problem of his.

Okay ... I'm done ... flame away.

I'm happy for you that you have some hope... Most of us crazy fans have had hopes & dreams for 17 years but reality slaps us in the face when we wakeup from the nightmare.

To address some of your points: Sean Lee and Bruce Carter were drafted where they were for a reason...They are injury prone and have yet to make it a whole season. Neither one, at this point, would be equivalent to the 49'rs LBs.

I agree that we need to focus on offensive line, defensive line, safety, lb and a new QB to groom. I have no hope that Jerry will draft a guard in the 1st round. He just won't do it. He thinks you can find pro bowl lineman in the 5th or 6th round. He probably draft a DT in the 1st and I can live with it. We vitally need a safety to play in Kiffen's Tampa Two scheme and I hope we can find one he likes... Will Jerry pull the trigger on a safety in the 1st 3 rounds...Probably not.

We have more losing seasons to go, but I'm glad you're hopeful.

Supercowboy1986 · 01-24-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleD

I'm happy for you that you have some hope... Most of us crazy fans have had hopes & dreams for 17 years but reality slaps us in the face when we wakeup from the nightmare.

To address some of your points: Sean Lee and Bruce Carter were drafted where they were for a reason...They are injury prone and have yet to make it a whole season. Neither one, at this point, would be equivalent to the 49'rs LBs.

I agree that we need to focus on offensive line, defensive line, safety, lb and a new QB to groom. I have no hope that Jerry will draft a guard in the 1st round. He just won't do it. He thinks you can find pro bowl lineman in the 5th or 6th round. He probably draft a DT in the 1st and I can live with it. We vitally need a safety to play in Kiffen's Tampa Two scheme and I hope we can find one he likes... Will Jerry pull the trigger on a safety in the 1st 3 rounds...Probably not.

We have more losing seasons to go, but I'm glad you're hopeful.

Enough with the injury prone nonsense, this is a contact sport and injuries happen. Ray Lewis and T sizzle was injured and missed quite a few number of games of this year does that mean they are injury prone? Also, back to Carter/Lee the injuries they sustained weren't even injuries they had before so to label them as injury prone doesn't make any sense.

LittleD · 01-24-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supercowboy1986

Enough with the injury prone nonsense, this is a contact sport and injuries happen. Ray Lewis and T sizzle was injured and missed quite a few number of games of this year does that mean they are injury prone? Also, back to Carter/Lee the injuries they sustained weren't even injuries they had before so to label them as injury prone doesn't make any sense.

They were injury prone in college and have been injury prone each year in the league. If you want to think they're great...so be it. But lots of teams passed on them because Lb's have to bring it and Ray Lewis has been pretty healthy except for the last couple of years at the end of his career. I think we will be exposed again and our defense will likely be worse with the changes...at least for a year or two. IMHO...

Supercowboy1986 · 01-24-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleD

They were injury prone in college and have been injury prone each year in the league. If you want to think they're great...so be it. But lots of teams passed on them because Lb's have to bring it and Ray Lewis has been pretty healthy except for the last couple of years at the end of his career. I think we will be exposed again and our defense will likely be worse with the changes...at least for a year or two. IMHO...

That's great, and believe me I really do respect your opinion (not trolling.) However someone on here already posted the injury history for both players and if I remember correctly they were only injured a few times, which isn't out of the ordinary for linebackers in general

LittleD · 01-24-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supercowboy1986

That's great, and believe me I really do respect your opinion (not trolling.) However someone on here already posted the injury history for both players and if I remember correctly they were only injured a few times, which isn't out of the ordinary for linebackers in general

I don't have a beef with fans who support the players and I too hope that they both have all pro seasons next year... Hope is all we've had for the Boys for years. I really like the Bruce Lee connection, but I fear the weight of the evidence is leaning against them until they prove otherwise.

nake · 01-24-2013

I've tried to figure it out, but I am completely stumped. I have no idea what the Cowboys are doing or why.

Primetime42 · 01-24-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supercowboy1986

That's great, and believe me I really do respect your opinion (not trolling.) However someone on here already posted the injury history for both players and if I remember correctly they were only injured a few times, which isn't out of the ordinary for linebackers in general

I'd venture to say they'll be less "injury prone" in a 4-3, what with not having to shed blocks from 320lb guards anymore.

zack · 01-24-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by EndGame

Like many of you, I'm still sore about how the season went and how Jerry is working to "fix" the problems that led to the Cowboys going 8-8 and missing the playoffs. Specifically, I'm angry because...

-It doesn't take a football genius to know that the main problem on offense was the offensive line. It sucked horribly at the beginning of the season, partially due to injuries. As it improved at the end of the season, the team started winning games. Even as the team started winning games, however, the offensive line neeeded a LOT of improvement. If Tony Romo weren't a magician, he'd be permanently injured due to being sacked 500 times.

[View Full Quote]-It also doesn't take a football genius to know that the main problem on defense was injuries. While there are positions on the defense that could stand an upgrade (find me a team where that's not true), if Lee, Carter, Church, Scandrick, and Ratliff had been healthy this season we would have seen a very, very much improved unit.

I would bet my car that if you could eliminate the two problems above, the Dallas Cowboys win the NFC East.

And so, given that anyone with a brain can see these two problems, it's horrifying to see what Jerry Jones is doing. Like him or not, Rob Ryan's scheme was not the reason this team went 8-8. Like him or not, Jason Garrett's play calling was not the reason this team went 8-8. On the defensive side it was bad luck, and on the offensive side it was poor drafting.

So ... given the vitriol above, why am I hopeful?

Despite the fact that they weren't necessary, I think the moves on the defense will improve the Cowboys. Initially I was concerned about Kiffen's age, but with the hiring of Rod Marinelli we have an insurance policy should 73 truly turn out to be too old to be an NFL coordinator.

I think we have a lot of the pieces in place for a very good 4-3 defense. Sean Lee and Bruce Carter have potential to be superstars in this offense, and imagine what Demarcus Ware will do if coverage really isn't his problem anymore. Additionally, it will be easier to replace Anthony "Not Almost Anymore" Spencer if we're in a 4-3.

The other reason I have hope is that this draft appears to be strong on offensive linemen ... specifically interior linemen. There are several who are worthy of a first round grade, and at least one of them will be available at the 18th pick. Hopefully Jerry gets one for us.

Finally, I'm hopeful that taking offensive play calling responsibilities allows Jason Garrett to blossom as a leader. Based on how the team responded to the Jerry Brown tragedy, I think he's already a fantastic leader. If he doesn't have to have as big of a hand if game planning and play calling, he'll be free to manage the game better ... and we all know that's been a problem of his.

Okay ... I'm done ... flame away.

I agree with everything said. There is still hope based on the above information.

blindzebra · 01-24-2013

Let me attempt to clear it up for you.

1) It was not about injuries or this season it was about 2 years and what failed to happen...turnovers.

2) It was about scheme...when the best pass rusher of the decade is dropping into coverage 20% of the passing downs you have issues.

3) It was about preparation and attention to detail...how many times did we have 9, 10 or 12 men on the field? How many times did the D look like a Chinese fire drill at the snap?

You add that up and it equals additional pressure on the offense. Long fields and TOP from defensive mistakes sustaining drives left the offense needing to do too much at times.

Yes the offense has issues but just because Garrett was not fired does not mean issues won't be addressed.

The NFL is not even officially in the offseason yet.

**big dog cowboy** · 01-24-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by EndGame

I would bet my car that if you could eliminate the two problems above, the Dallas Cowboys win the NFC East.

I won't take that bet.

GloryDaysRBack · 01-24-2013

defense wasnt that good when healthy

no idea what some of you guys were watching