A vision or philosophy is needed to build a winner

[Bobhaze]

The late great Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne once famously said, “I don’t play my 11 best players- I play my best 11.”

I want to ask a serious question- What is this team built to be? Or what is this team trying to become? Honestly, I’m not at all sure.

Answering that question 4 years ago was not that difficult. In 2016, this team was built around a top OL and running game, built to impose its will on opponents by controlling the clock and wearing people out. The defense had the traditional “bend but don’t break” philosophy, taking few chances, while keeping everything in front of them.

Now? I’m not sure when I watch the 2020 version of the Dallas Cowboys what it is built to be. It seems like a bunch of players without a vision.

One way this franchise could get back to its glory days (even if we’re stuck with the Jones FO) is to have a simple and clear vision of what it is trying to be. Then draft and sign players that align with it. In other words, build a team that knows how to play together.

But unfortunately, the Jones boys have a bad habit of running this team like a fantasy football owner. Just draft some talented guys, especially flashy ones that sell jerseys and tickets, and see what happens.
Here are some steps this FO that can do to help turn this thing around:

• Make a commitment to a vision of what you want to be as a team. A team is built, it is not just thrown together. All the great Cowboys teams of the past were built with a blueprint in mind.

• Stop loading cap space with position players that are traditionally easier to find similar talent at a cheaper price. Like don’t sign Amari Cooper for big bucks. Having him right now is not the key to getting better. I know that’s not a popular opinion around here, but we could be 2-3 right now without Amari Cooper’s $20 mil a year salary.

• Stop using high draft picks on guys with health risks or off field problems. Stop drafting guys in the first two rounds who have injury problems or behavioral issues! Jaylon Smith and LVE are very talented players but both had injury risks when drafted. Randy Gregory. Nuff said. Trysten Hill may eventually work out, but what an unnecessary risk in round two. Even before his injury, he’s been meh at best. These kinds of risky draft moves are stupid and they kill your chance to get better.

• Talk less. Yes, no front office talks as much as these clowns in Jones costumes. Radio talk shows (2 per week), TV shows (1 per week) and any other time a camera or notepad appears, these guys start jabbering. Just shut up and work. This is the laziest front office in football. Work hard. Keep your mouth shut. That should be in granite on the walls at the Star.

If we are ever going to return to glory as team, it starts with a vision for the kind of team we want to be. Top to bottom. Then build it and shut up while you’re doing it. You can crow all you want while hoisting a Lombardi. There’s nothing quite like a bunch of rich guys with lifetime contracts with all the time in the world to be on radio or TV.

In other words- To the Jones FO: Stop playing fantasy football and get to work.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

To win the Forbes most valuable sports franchise Super Bowl again

 

[GenoT]

“We like our guys.” — Jerry

 

[Bobhaze]

To win the Forbes most valuable sports franchise Super Bowl again

That vision has been firmly in place for a quarter century.

 

[cowboyec]

i still think our identity moving forward(big picture) is Dak and WRx3.
don't think we need to forget the run game...balance is best.
but we need to let McCarthy establish our identity...and it looks to be #4 and WRx3.

i also think with McCarthy here...some long neglected areas on defense will get some much needed attention.

 

[Bobhaze]

i still think our identity moving forward(big picture) is Dak and WRx3.
don't think we need to forget the run game...balance is best.
but we need to let McCarthy establish our identity...and it looks to be #4 and WRx3.

i also think with McCarthy here...some long neglected areas on defense will get some much needed attention.

I guess what I’m looking for is some team identity based on how it builds itself. Especially early in the Garrett years, there was seemingly a philosophy that guided drafts. It seems like the last 2-3 drafts, it’s back to Jerry style fantasy football drafts.

 

[Parcells4Life]

The late great Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne once famously said, “I don’t play my 11 best players- I play my best 11.”

I want to ask a serious question- What is this team built to be? Or what is this team trying to become? Honestly, I’m not at all sure.

Answering that question 4 years ago was not that difficult. In 2016, this team was built around a top OL and running game, built to impose its will on opponents by controlling the clock and wearing people out. The defense had the traditional “bend but don’t break” philosophy, taking few chances, while keeping everything in front of them.

Now? I’m not sure when I watch the 2020 version of the Dallas Cowboys what it is built to be. It seems like a bunch of players without a vision.

One way this franchise could get back to its glory days (even if we’re stuck with the Jones FO) is to have a simple and clear vision of what it is trying to be. Then draft and sign players that align with it. In other words, build a team that knows how to play together.

But unfortunately, the Jones boys have a bad habit of running this team like a fantasy football owner. Just draft some talented guys, especially flashy ones that sell jerseys and tickets, and see what happens.
Here are some steps this FO that can do to help turn this thing around:

• Make a commitment to a vision of what you want to be as a team. A team is built, it is not just thrown together. All the great Cowboys teams of the past were built with a blueprint in mind.

• Stop loading cap space with position players that are traditionally easier to find similar talent at a cheaper price. Like don’t sign Amari Cooper for big bucks. Having him right now is not the key to getting better. I know that’s not a popular opinion around here, but we could be 2-3 right now without Amari Cooper’s $20 mil a year salary.

• Stop using high draft picks on guys with health risks or off field problems. Stop drafting guys in the first two rounds who have injury problems or behavioral issues! Jaylon Smith and LVE are very talented players but both had injury risks when drafted. Randy Gregory. Nuff said. Trysten Hill may eventually work out, but what an unnecessary risk in round two. Even before his injury, he’s been meh at best. These kinds of risky draft moves are stupid and they kill your chance to get better.

• Talk less. Yes, no front office talks as much as these clowns in Jones costumes. Radio talk shows (2 per week), TV shows (1 per week) and any other time a camera or notepad appears, these guys start jabbering. Just shut up and work. This is the laziest front office in football. Work hard. Keep your mouth shut. That should be in granite on the walls at the Star.

If we are ever going to return to glory as team, it starts with a vision for the kind of team we want to be. Top to bottom. Then build it and shut up while you’re doing it. You can crow all you want while hoisting a Lombardi. There’s nothing quite like a bunch of rich guys with lifetime contracts with all the time in the world to be on radio or TV.

In other words- To the Jones FO: Stop playing fantasy football and get to work.

The vision was fine at the beginning of the year. Losing your two top tackles on the OL and your best 3T on defense hurts your battle on the line of scrimmage.

The philosophy was actually sound going into the year trying to copy the chiefs.

1) Have a dynamic offense that can kill you in multiple ways - check

2) Have athletic players on the defensive end - Tank, Jaylon, LVE and Aldon at least have athleticism on their resume - check

3) Employ an aggressive defensive scheme designed to maximize number of possessions - either get turnovers, sacks or die quickly. Don’t do the bend but don’t break while time bleeds.

The goal when you think you’re the most talented is like basketball up the number of possessions and trust over the length of the game that talent will win out.

The problem is that aggressive scheme causing turnovers only works when you have enough time to practice it. Think about Steve Spagnuolo/Jimmy Johnson’s Chiefs/Giants/Eagles defenses. They always had guys running free in secondary. The bet was you’d get them before they saw the open guy.

When you don’t have time to practice that and you lose 5 starters on defense then the scheme won’t work. On draft weekend the plan was sound. Everyone thought they’d at least get some minicamps or OTAs in June/July.

I can’t fault the FO for trying to maximize the talent instead of going into a shell like we saw last 6 years.

 

[cowboyec]

i look at drafting Lamb...the growth of TE Dalton Schultz and WR Cedrick Wilson...also Noah Brown.
i credit McCarthy for that.
giving these guys opportunities.
plus the young kids on the oline.
the blueprint is being laid...right now.

 

[Bobhaze]

The vision was fine at the beginning of the year. Losing your two top tackles on the OL and your best 3T on defense hurts your battle on the line of scrimmage.

The philosophy was actually sound going into the year trying to copy the chiefs.

1) Have a dynamic offense that can kill you in multiple ways - check

2) Have athletic players on the defensive end - Tank, Jaylon, LVE and Aldon at least have athleticism on their resume - check

3) Employ an aggressive defensive scheme designed to maximize possessions - either get turnovers, sacks or die quickly. Don’t do the bend but don’t break while time bleeds.

The goal when you think you’re the most talented is like basketball up the number of possessions and trust over the length of the game that talent will win out.

The problem is that aggressive scheme causing turnovers only works when you have enough time to practice it. Think about Steve Spagnuolo/Jimmy Johnson’s Eagles defenses. They always had guys running free in secondary. The bet was you’d get them before they saw the open guy.

When you don’t have time to practice that and you lose 5 starters then the scheme won’t work. On draft weekend the plan was sound. Everyone thought they’d at least get some minicamps or OTAs in June/July.

I can’t fault the FO for trying to maximize the talent instead of going into a shell like we saw last 6 years.

Those are good points. But I would argue even if that’s the philosophy, is that what this team was built to be? I don’t think so. In other words, it’s hard to be something you weren’t originally drafted to be. Maybe that gets better in the future?

 

[catiii]

It's simply Jerry's real-life Madden game is all it is.

 

[cowboyec]

I guess what I’m looking for is some team identity based on how it builds itself. Especially early in the Garrett years, there was seemingly a philosophy that guided drafts. It seems like the last 2-3 drafts, it’s back to Jerry style fantasy football drafts.

true...but im excited about the first draft under McCarthy...taking the best players.
im not saying garrett never had that as part of his philosophy...but there was an emphasis on "fit"....McCarthy wants good players.
if this 1st draft is an indication...i'm excited for the future.
i love what i've seen on offense yr 1.
i think his vision is being fleshed out now...we're used to garrett...this is different.

 

[Bobhaze]

It's simply Jerry's real-life Madden game is all it is.

I wish someone in the FO would take that Knute Rockne quote to heart. He said he played his “best 11” not his 11 best. Jerry seems to have it reversed. Find a bunch of talented guys and throw em out there. Winning organizations see players as fitting parts of a bigger whole.

 

[Parcells4Life]

Those are good points. But I would argue even if that’s the philosophy, is that what this team was built to be? I don’t think so. In other words, it’s hard to be something you weren’t originally drafted to be. Maybe that gets better in the future?

Yes it was. McCarthy said he wants to score as often and as fast as possible and not slow it down. Stephen said the Nolan hire was all about the turnovers and chaos on the QB. He never said the goal was to build an impenetrable wall.

As users here have stated, Nolan never has built an impenetrable wall. But his defenses have historically caused turnovers and sacks. Which when you think your offense can score at will, you want as many short fields as possible.

 

[The Fonz]

Not only Jerry but his son is worse than him...we are going no where with them running the show.....They are too involved and the players know that ..... and the coaches are nothing but YES men

 

[KB1122]

The defining vision of the Cowboys in the past 25 years has basically been "if we can just sneak into the playoffs, Tony can make a run."

Hope is not a strategy.

 

[waving monkey]

The late great Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne once famously said, “I don’t play my 11 best players- I play my best 11.”

I want to ask a serious question- What is this team built to be? Or what is this team trying to become? Honestly, I’m not at all sure.

Answering that question 4 years ago was not that difficult. In 2016, this team was built around a top OL and running game, built to impose its will on opponents by controlling the clock and wearing people out. The defense had the traditional “bend but don’t break” philosophy, taking few chances, while keeping everything in front of them.

Now? I’m not sure when I watch the 2020 version of the Dallas Cowboys what it is built to be. It seems like a bunch of players without a vision.

One way this franchise could get back to its glory days (even if we’re stuck with the Jones FO) is to have a simple and clear vision of what it is trying to be. Then draft and sign players that align with it. In other words, build a team that knows how to play together.

But unfortunately, the Jones boys have a bad habit of running this team like a fantasy football owner. Just draft some talented guys, especially flashy ones that sell jerseys and tickets, and see what happens.
Here are some steps this FO that can do to help turn this thing around:

• Make a commitment to a vision of what you want to be as a team. A team is built, it is not just thrown together. All the great Cowboys teams of the past were built with a blueprint in mind.

• Stop loading cap space with position players that are traditionally easier to find similar talent at a cheaper price. Like don’t sign Amari Cooper for big bucks. Having him right now is not the key to getting better. I know that’s not a popular opinion around here, but we could be 2-3 right now without Amari Cooper’s $20 mil a year salary.

• Stop using high draft picks on guys with health risks or off field problems. Stop drafting guys in the first two rounds who have injury problems or behavioral issues! Jaylon Smith and LVE are very talented players but both had injury risks when drafted. Randy Gregory. Nuff said. Trysten Hill may eventually work out, but what an unnecessary risk in round two. Even before his injury, he’s been meh at best. These kinds of risky draft moves are stupid and they kill your chance to get better.

• Talk less. Yes, no front office talks as much as these clowns in Jones costumes. Radio talk shows (2 per week), TV shows (1 per week) and any other time a camera or notepad appears, these guys start jabbering. Just shut up and work. This is the laziest front office in football. Work hard. Keep your mouth shut. That should be in granite on the walls at the Star.

If we are ever going to return to glory as team, it starts with a vision for the kind of team we want to be. Top to bottom. Then build it and shut up while you’re doing it. You can crow all you want while hoisting a Lombardi. There’s nothing quite like a bunch of rich guys with lifetime contracts with all the time in the world to be on radio or TV.

In other words- To the Jones FO: Stop playing fantasy football and get to work.

Mainly I agree with stop drafting injury prone players
talk less has never made sense to me. I dont know why it galls you guys so much [I like Jerry may be the difference] Parcells pressers were the only period that was better then Jerry's. But Bill was exceptional.

 

[Verdict]

The late great Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne once famously said, “I don’t play my 11 best players- I play my best 11.”

I want to ask a serious question- What is this team built to be? Or what is this team trying to become? Honestly, I’m not at all sure.

Answering that question 4 years ago was not that difficult. In 2016, this team was built around a top OL and running game, built to impose its will on opponents by controlling the clock and wearing people out. The defense had the traditional “bend but don’t break” philosophy, taking few chances, while keeping everything in front of them.

Now? I’m not sure when I watch the 2020 version of the Dallas Cowboys what it is built to be. It seems like a bunch of players without a vision.

One way this franchise could get back to its glory days (even if we’re stuck with the Jones FO) is to have a simple and clear vision of what it is trying to be. Then draft and sign players that align with it. In other words, build a team that knows how to play together.

But unfortunately, the Jones boys have a bad habit of running this team like a fantasy football owner. Just draft some talented guys, especially flashy ones that sell jerseys and tickets, and see what happens.
Here are some steps this FO that can do to help turn this thing around:

• Make a commitment to a vision of what you want to be as a team. A team is built, it is not just thrown together. All the great Cowboys teams of the past were built with a blueprint in mind.

• Stop loading cap space with position players that are traditionally easier to find similar talent at a cheaper price. Like don’t sign Amari Cooper for big bucks. Having him right now is not the key to getting better. I know that’s not a popular opinion around here, but we could be 2-3 right now without Amari Cooper’s $20 mil a year salary.

• Stop using high draft picks on guys with health risks or off field problems. Stop drafting guys in the first two rounds who have injury problems or behavioral issues! Jaylon Smith and LVE are very talented players but both had injury risks when drafted. Randy Gregory. Nuff said. Trysten Hill may eventually work out, but what an unnecessary risk in round two. Even before his injury, he’s been meh at best. These kinds of risky draft moves are stupid and they kill your chance to get better.

• Talk less. Yes, no front office talks as much as these clowns in Jones costumes. Radio talk shows (2 per week), TV shows (1 per week) and any other time a camera or notepad appears, these guys start jabbering. Just shut up and work. This is the laziest front office in football. Work hard. Keep your mouth shut. That should be in granite on the walls at the Star.

If we are ever going to return to glory as team, it starts with a vision for the kind of team we want to be. Top to bottom. Then build it and shut up while you’re doing it. You can crow all you want while hoisting a Lombardi. There’s nothing quite like a bunch of rich guys with lifetime contracts with all the time in the world to be on radio or TV.

In other words- To the Jones FO: Stop playing fantasy football and get to work.

If you don’t reach for need, and draft talented football players you will field a better team in the long run. We did the right think by drafting Lamb.

Right now the identity of this team is a blitzkreig offense with 3 or4 WR sets. We will have an attacking defense once the players figure it out and we get a few starters back. I like the aggressiveness this team is showing. It will pay off over time.

 

[Aviano90]

To win the Forbes most valuable sports franchise Super Bowl again

Going for a 6th straight title next July!

 

[DandyDon52]

Talk less. Yes, no front office talks as much as these clowns in Jones costumes. Radio talk shows (2 per week), TV shows (1 per week) and any other time a camera or notepad appears, these guys start jabbering. Just shut up and work. This is the laziest front office in football. Work hard. Keep your mouth shut. That should be in granite on the walls at the Star.

that was funny, if they tried to keep their mouths shut, that would be HARD WORK for them lol.
and I agree a team build needs a blueprint and philosophy, but jones boys are ad lib fixers, no real plan, just fix, plug and play.
I think this year, jones boys were all in on having a offensive power house, and they actually tried to make a good defense, but
mm hired the wrong DC, and has not corrected that mistake.

 

[Mattitude]

Our coaches are still getting a feel for what our players can and can not do! They will make changes and we will be better

When chido comes back our pass defense will be better because Lewis can not play the slot. If he’s in the game I hope they keep him on the outside and move chido inside