Are the Cowboys just a better defense away from being contenders?

[jnday]

The offense is great but has had problems showing up In The 1st half for a while.

I think the slow starts is a much bigger problem than most fans realize. I don’t think the offense is as good as they are given credit for. The offense looks great when facing really bad teams or scoring during the garbage time of games. When facing good teams, the offense disappears.

 

[HungryLion]

The offense is more than good enough to win a Super Bowl.

it’s the defense.


Now, whether the Jones’ boys can actually build a good defense. That remains to be seen. The last time defense was truly worth much was the ones Parcells built and Wade maintained for a few years.

 

[Brax]

I think the slow starts is a much bigger problem than most fans realize. I don’t think the offense is as good as they are given credit for. The offense looks great when facing really bad teams or scoring during the garbage time of games. When facing good teams, the offense disappears.

But but the homers say Dak puts up 40 burgers every week now so there is nothing to worry about. They also say DQ will have the boom boom D. There will be only W’s next year with super Dak burgers and the DQ boom booms.

 

[Diehardblues]

We didn’t make the playoffs because we were a mediocre team that got decimated by injuries.

We weren’t good when healthy and we were more trash due to injuries.. Pretty simple stuff.

We started 1-3 and were a watermelon kick from 0-4 and struggling against a awful Giants team in week 5. The Cowboys were trash.

Most critics would argue we were good enough to win division without the injuries.

Remember that those early 3 losses were all to playoff teams. Which we usually lose regardless of injury riddled or not.

But it also arguable that without the injuries we aren’t swept by Wash and possible win a couple more if not decimated by injuries. 8 wins would have been enough.

 

[StarMan2112]

We’re a good GM away from being contenders.

 

[Captain43Crash]

This offense gained a bunch of yards in garbage time before Dak got hurt. The offense was part of the problem. I think the offense will play well this year, but don’t act like this offense was an efficient offense last year before Dak’s injury.

 

[CATCH17]

Most critics would argue we were good enough to win division without the injuries.

Remember that those early 3 losses were all to playoff teams. Which we usually lose regardless of injury riddled or not.

But it also arguable that without the injuries we aren’t swept by Wash and possible win a couple more if not decimated by injuries. 8 wins would have been enough.

Yeah I don’t disagree with any of that.. Which is why I’m picking them to win the division this year. Not because I believe in the team but because the division is trash just like last season.


Which is also why I think Dallas can be a mediocre team and still make the playoffs and potentially win a wildcard game even though they aren’t anything special.

Now.. Opinions do change as time goes on.. With more information I may change my thoughts on the team but as of today I see them as mediocre but division winners.

 

[CATCH17]

This offense gained a bunch of yards in garbage time before Dak got hurt. The offense was part of the problem. I think the offense will play well this year, but don’t act like this offense was an efficient offense last year before Dak’s injury.

Dude there is a lack of common sense on this site at times.

People love to leave out context and just want you to dumb it down to a box score.

There are people on this site that actually think Dak and our offense were some type of juggernaut because some stat told them so.

 

[cowboyblue22]

this team is a good defense away from being a superbowl challenger this year with the way the nfl is set up any more u can turn around a team totally in a year

 

[Diehardblues]

Yeah I don’t disagree with any of that.. Which is why I’m picking them to win the division this year. Not because I believe in the team but because the division is trash just like last season.


Which is also why I think Dallas can be a mediocre team and still make the playoffs and potentially win a wildcard game even though they aren’t anything special.

Now.. Opinions do change as time goes on.. With more information I may change my thoughts on the team but as of today I see them as mediocre but division winners.

And that potentially makes us contenders.

 

[Diehardblues]

Dude there is a lack of common sense on this site at times.

People love to leave out context and just want you to dumb it down to a box score.

There are people on this site that actually think Dak and our offense were some type of juggernaut because some stat told them so.

It’s a very subjective description and discussion. Normally if a QB and offense put up the numbers ours did early in season, most would probably describe them as juggernaut.

 

[MarkP88]

I think the slow starts is a much bigger problem than most fans realize. I don’t think the offense is as good as they are given credit for. The offense looks great when facing really bad teams or scoring during the garbage time of games. When facing good teams, the offense disappears.

I was thinking this same thing when I saw the thread title. The defense is obviously the biggest problem, and must be better - but the offense has to be better, too. There are a lot of if's there - if the O-line is healthy, if Zeke bounces back and is at least closer to his 2016/17 self - and there can't be any more slow starts, regardless of what the defense does. They need to be more efficient.

 

[CATCH17]

It’s a very subjective description and discussion. Normally if a QB and offense put up the numbers ours did early in season, most would probably describe them as juggernaut.

Yes but fortunately we got to watch the games and while I do think Dallas has a nice offense anyone trying to sell that as some juggernaut / greatest offense of all time is trying to get you to buy fools gold.

Especially with Dak who had a ton of volume against defenses that were some of the worst in football at the time when it comes to defending the pass.

But Box score guy just wants to dumb it down to a box score.. I will not buy. If you would like to then be my guest.

 

[Redline360]

While the defense is a crucial part of the game especially deep into the playoffs(duh) it's not the only key factor. Granted theirs always scenarios where a lock down defense can simply take over the game like last years Superbowl however in today's world it's getting less common.We need to stop getting off to horrendously slow starts, turning the ball over, and ToP.

I'm not sure how the defense can play any worse however to have a legitimate defense will take years to build and it will only be accomplished if you change the culture around here. Don't care if you have pro bowlers all over the field. without a culture change it wont me squat.

 

[Cowfan75]

And against good teams.

Dak thrives against terrible teams and plays poor against good teams. The numbers don't lie.

And in his last full season, he couldn't even thrive against some of the terrible teams.

 

[Diehardblues]

Yes but fortunately we got to watch the games and while I do think Dallas has a nice offense anyone trying to sell that as some juggernaut / greatest offense of all time is trying to get you to buy fools gold.

Especially with Dak who had a ton of volume against defenses that were some of the worst in football at the time when it comes to defending the pass.

But Box score guy just wants to dumb it down to a box score.. I will not buy. If you would like to then be my guest.

I certainly wouldn’t describe it as GOAT. I’m trying to recall anyone touting as such. Anyone credible .

Remember he put those numbers up early in those losses against playoff teams.

I don’t think anyone really cares what you buy into. But I’d argue on a Cowboys fan forum if you want any credibility you might consider providing a different approach . Unless of course you enjoy coming off like a Troll.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Just read a tweet from Cee Cee this morning predicting we easily win the division with a top 15 D and I agree but we have to be careful a bit with our expectations. Remember we were dead last. Going from 31st/32nd to top 10 may ask too much in one season.

I've posted in a few threads TWO defensive stats I once heard Belichick say he prioritize.......scoring and turnovers. If you recall, the last time our D was ranked in the top coz we kept opponents' TDs to a min.

As for OP question......If our offense picks up where we left off last season with Dak, top 15 D makes us a legit playoff contender, maybe more.

BTW....remember what MM said his overall gameplan was last year........score fast and early, then turn the game over to his DLine.

 

[Texasfootball21]

Special teams are important as well. Good field position can win you ball games. You what they say all three phases...

 

[Dre11]

Do you want to have to say anything inside the division or do you actually want to win a meaningfull championship ?

That's where it starts‍♂️

 

[Rockport]

Yes but fortunately we got to watch the games and while I do think Dallas has a nice offense anyone trying to sell that as some juggernaut / greatest offense of all time is trying to get you to buy fools gold.

Especially with Dak who had a ton of volume against defenses that were some of the worst in football at the time when it comes to defending the pass.

But Box score guy just wants to dumb it down to a box score.. I will not buy. If you would like to then be my guest.

Why do you always argue the negative side? Are you that miserable?