Somebody talk me down

JoeKing

Diehard
Messages
35,601
Reaction score
31,055
Don't forget the ultimate ruiner of all things, gosh darn bad luck.
That much bad luck is called a curse. It's part of the deal with the devil that Jerry Jones made in exchange for 3 SBs in 4 years. It was a 20 year deal so this is it's last year. Or maybe it ended last season.
 

JohnsKey19

Well-Known Member
Messages
18,774
Reaction score
17,292
I'm not usually the most "glass half full" fan and most of you guys know that (all too well!), but in looking at this team, what they accomplished in 2016, their youth, and the players they're adding in both the draft and free agency, my hopes are SKY HIGH!

I'm just seeing signs for improvement and reasons for optimism each and every place I look.

I need a dose of reality from some fellow fans to tell me what I should be worried about. (Other than backup QB, that one might be legit based on the Romo, no-Romo beliefs)

But the more I look at this team, the more excited for what they can be in 2017 and beyond I get.

Someone talk me out of it!

Ok. I'll play along.

Exhibit A - The first 3 games on the schedule. We're playing a divisional opponent that beat us twice last season in a Week 1. Followed by 2 road games where the Cowboys will likely be slight underdogs.
 

Verdict

Well-Known Member
Messages
26,078
Reaction score
20,274
I'll respectfully disagree.

I think it's an enormously far stretch to say that this team will get "close to zero" from either one, much less both.

Ridiculous in fact.

I think we will get something out of Tapper. I really think he wins that right end job. As for Taco, I think his most likely scenario is depth or left DE.
 

Stash

Staff member
Messages
78,382
Reaction score
102,326
CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
I think we will get something out of Tapper. I really think he wins that right end job. As for Taco, I think his most likely scenario is depth or left DE.

And that's fine with me. Either way, it's an improvement and a net gain.
 

Silver N Blue

Well-Known Member
Messages
8,290
Reaction score
8,805
I'm not usually the most "glass half full" fan and most of you guys know that (all too well!), but in looking at this team, what they accomplished in 2016, their youth, and the players they're adding in both the draft and free agency, my hopes are SKY HIGH!

I'm just seeing signs for improvement and reasons for optimism each and every place I look.

I need a dose of reality from some fellow fans to tell me what I should be worried about. (Other than backup QB, that one might be legit based on the Romo, no-Romo beliefs)

But the more I look at this team, the more excited for what they can be in 2017 and beyond I get.

Someone talk me out of it!
Red
 

darthseinfeld

Groupthink Guru
Messages
32,173
Reaction score
36,624
CowboysZone LOYAL Fan
I'm not usually the most "glass half full" fan and most of you guys know that (all too well!), but in looking at this team, what they accomplished in 2016, their youth, and the players they're adding in both the draft and free agency, my hopes are SKY HIGH!

I'm just seeing signs for improvement and reasons for optimism each and every place I look.

I need a dose of reality from some fellow fans to tell me what I should be worried about. (Other than backup QB, that one might be legit based on the Romo, no-Romo beliefs)

But the more I look at this team, the more excited for what they can be in 2017 and beyond I get.

Someone talk me out of it!
2015 draft netting "Three first rounders" and an ensuing 4-12 season.

We get hit with injuries the same way and it could be a lost year just the same. However 2015 was probobly an anomoly, but you never know when bad luck will strike
 

ActualCowboysFan

Well-Known Member
Messages
6,416
Reaction score
9,498
Ok. I'll play along.

Exhibit A - The first 3 games on the schedule. We're playing a divisional opponent that beat us twice last season in a Week 1. Followed by 2 road games where the Cowboys will likely be slight underdogs.
Dallas is favored in 12 games rn. 2 pick ems (Denver is one of these). 1 loss (Atl). 1 nothing (Eagles in Week 17)
 

Texas_Pete

Well-Known Member
Messages
7,730
Reaction score
15,732
I'm not usually the most "glass half full" fan and most of you guys know that (all too well!), but in looking at this team, what they accomplished in 2016, their youth, and the players they're adding in both the draft and free agency, my hopes are SKY HIGH!

I'm just seeing signs for improvement and reasons for optimism each and every place I look.

I need a dose of reality from some fellow fans to tell me what I should be worried about. (Other than backup QB, that one might be legit based on the Romo, no-Romo beliefs)

But the more I look at this team, the more excited for what they can be in 2017 and beyond I get.

Someone talk me out of it!
Nope. Can't do it because I am right there with you. Broaddus liked what he saw so far in rookie mini camp:



I'm excited! :D
 

Jake

Beyond tired of Jerry
Messages
36,067
Reaction score
84,350
Tougher schedule, not sneaking up on anyone this year, and the experience lost in the secondary is being greatly undervalued by some fans. The number one overall seed thing doesn't just happen every year. The Cowboys missed an opportunity last season, and will have a difficult task trying to get back there this season.

With all of the youth in the secondary I won't be surprised to see the team take a step backwards this season, but the prognosis over the next few years looks good.
 

CowboyRoy

Well-Known Member
Messages
57,924
Reaction score
38,930
I'm not usually the most "glass half full" fan and most of you guys know that (all too well!), but in looking at this team, what they accomplished in 2016, their youth, and the players they're adding in both the draft and free agency, my hopes are SKY HIGH!

I'm just seeing signs for improvement and reasons for optimism each and every place I look.

I need a dose of reality from some fellow fans to tell me what I should be worried about. (Other than backup QB, that one might be legit based on the Romo, no-Romo beliefs)

But the more I look at this team, the more excited for what they can be in 2017 and beyond I get.

Someone talk me out of it!

I have to say that after the draft, I too am much more optimistic. It seems this FO really has gotten down the drafting process and the defense is finally looking up. NO reason NOT to be optimistic about our future.

But I will caution two things:

Most of the defensive guys are rookies or players that were out all year last year with injuries that were rookies.

And then several people beat me to it. Garrett is still our head coach. Surely that would put a damper on any franchise.

If Bellichek and Garrett switched teams what would be the outlook for each team? Surely Dallas would be the SB favorite. Would the Patriots even make the playoffs? Probably with Brady leading the way.
 

Stash

Staff member
Messages
78,382
Reaction score
102,326
CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
I have to say that after the draft, I too am much more optimistic. It seems this FO really has gotten down the drafting process and the defense is finally looking up. NO reason NOT to be optimistic about our future.

But I will caution two things:

Most of the defensive guys are rookies or players that were out all year last year with injuries that were rookies.

Despite not being on the field physically, I have to think that a year's worth of exposure to meetings, game plans, and the business of being an NFL player has to have benefitted them.

And, given the success of Anthony Brown, and the marked improvement of all of the secondary players, I have great faith that the coaches now in place will get these young guys well prepared.

And then several people beat me to it. Garrett is still our head coach. Surely that would put a damper on any franchise.

If Bellichek and Garrett switched teams what would be the outlook for each team? Surely Dallas would be the SB favorite. Would the Patriots even make the playoffs? Probably with Brady leading the way.

A valid concern. The talent is there, now these coaches need to put them in the best position for success.
 

DenCWBY

Well-Known Member
Messages
7,117
Reaction score
5,864
Im worried about the secondary and the lack of depth at linebacker.

We're relying on 2-3 rookies to guard the likes of Obj, Amari Cooper, Alshon Jeffrey, Demaryius Thomas, and Julio Jones.

At LB we have Sean Lee, Jaylon Smith (who likely will be playing with a brace) and very little else.

This. Lots of unproven parts that need to step up (secondary specifically CB and a tackler of the likes of Church at safety). Filler for Leary on the OLine is not an easy act to follow. JSmith's injury - health totally unproven to this point. Lee has to stay healthy again this year. We have to find a viable back up TE. Still if all of these variables above come through ok, can JG coach them past the first round of the playoffs?
 

Doomsday101

Well-Known Member
Messages
107,762
Reaction score
39,034
I'm not usually the most "glass half full" fan and most of you guys know that (all too well!), but in looking at this team, what they accomplished in 2016, their youth, and the players they're adding in both the draft and free agency, my hopes are SKY HIGH!

I'm just seeing signs for improvement and reasons for optimism each and every place I look.

I need a dose of reality from some fellow fans to tell me what I should be worried about. (Other than backup QB, that one might be legit based on the Romo, no-Romo beliefs)

But the more I look at this team, the more excited for what they can be in 2017 and beyond I get.

Someone talk me out of it!

I see nothing wrong about being excited about the prospect of this team. Granted it is up to the players and coaches to meet the expectations but as a fan who has no control over anything all I can do is show my approval the directions they are taking and the excitement of this upcoming season. I'm a grown man I can deal with disappointment but my expectations for this team is very high and will remain so until they prove otherwise.
 

CowboyRoy

Well-Known Member
Messages
57,924
Reaction score
38,930
Despite not being on the field physically, I have to think that a year's worth of exposure to meetings, game plans, and the business of being an NFL player has to have benefitted them.

And, given the success of Anthony Brown, and the marked improvement of all of the secondary players, I have great faith that the coaches now in place will get these young guys well prepared.



A valid concern. The talent is there, now these coaches need to put them in the best position for success.

These kids have way more talent then Carr, Wilcox, or any of the guys that left. I did really like Claiborne in spots when he was healthy last year. But the growing pains will be there. I wouldnt expect a lot in the first half of the year.

And Tapper. Why are you so pumped about Tapper?
 

Stash

Staff member
Messages
78,382
Reaction score
102,326
CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
These kids have way more talent then Carr, Wilcox, or any of the guys that left. I did really like Claiborne in spots when he was healthy last year. But the growing pains will be there. I wouldnt expect a lot in the first half of the year.

I'm expecting competency, from whomever they put in the field. Even if the rookies aren't all ready, this team has options to play until they are.

And Tapper. Why are you so pumped about Tapper?

Not sure I'd call it "pumped", but I'm cautiously optimistic about him. The guy had great measurables and he has a year of off-field experience, knowing the defense, what Marinelli wants, and how to train like a pro. That counts for something.

And, if you believe Mickey Spagnola's claims, Tapper had earned a starting role last season before he was injured. Unless that happens again, he should be able to contribute. Even if it's just a little, it's a little more than last year.
 

Reverend Conehead

Well-Known Member
Messages
9,938
Reaction score
11,822
To keep stuff in perspective:
1. They're rookies.
2. No guarantees in this league.

That said, we do have a good chance at having a good year.
 
Top