Why there is optimism for 2018 after all the real changes the Cowboys have made

[waving monkey]

It has been a whirlwind of an offseason for the Dallas Cowboys. It started with the gutting and remodeling of the assistant coaches. Then free agency wound up looking a lot more effective than in recent years. A couple of stunners came with the departures of Dez Bryant and Jason Witten. Add in what is looking like a quality draft and the very preliminary indications from the just concluded rookie minicamp, and this is shaping up to be a significantly different team than we saw last year.

It is very much a real shift in direction from last offseason, when the watchword was continuity. It made sense at the time, given the surprising success of the team with Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott in 2016, but things ran off the rails quickly. Some damaging suspensions, the drawn-out and draining court fight to try and overturn Elliott’s six game penalty, key injuries, and a spectacular failure in trying to make Chaz Green into a guard that also ruined him, at least for the season, as a tackle, combined to keep the team out of the playoffs. Many thought that the evident failure to build on the previous year would lead to the dismissal of head coach Jason Garrett and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, but the ownership elected to keep them. Skeptics and critics feel that what was done is not really enough. But a look at the big picture shows just how different things really are.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/201...bryant-kris-richard-tavon-austin-jason-witten

 

[jazzcat22]

I can get on board with all the changes and the sign pointing up.
Long overdue coaching changes, but not the ones we wanted changed, but that is for another time, like after the season if it doesn't go so well.

But with all the roster moves as well, this brings about many things to watch in TC. Who steps up, how do the new coaches do, what impact do the make.

I would normally look at it and think change is better, and in this case with the coaching it can't be any worse. But I still need to see it on the field before I get too hyped up about it. It will be interesting, and somewhat exciting to see. But will not expect a SB caliber team until they show it.

Not getting set up for another let down. Which is sad, because then I feel like a Browns fan, just hoping too win some games...LOL...ok, not that sad.

 

[Diehardblues]

Free agency , the draft, training camp and preseason is a time for renewed optimism. Reality doesn’t begin until after Labor Day.

I’m excited to see the progress of our defense. If it can become top 5 we could make a push for the playoffs. And if Dak can develop.

In the end in this disappointing and frustrating era Jerry Ball has provided I’m hopeful for 16 meaning games.

 

[Bullflop]

Yep, it kinda looks like the "continuity" mantra went down the drain this year, doesn't it? It was about time, that's for sure!

 

[CelticPunk]

I think it will be a different team this year. My biggest concerns were the LBs and the OL. In the past, we lived and died by the ability of our OL to dominate time of pos and keep our defense off the field. We lacked depth on def and injuries/suspensions consistently made that lack of depth an issue. I think we added depth on the OL and our LBs will ultimately be a stronger group. Despite what many here think, I believe Rod's defensive scheme is pretty solid as long as the offense can produce some points and sustain a few drives. The addition of Richard helps the young and talented secondary. I think Richard compliments Rod M and his hybrid Tampa 2 more than people think.

I'm excited about this season. My biggest remaining concerns are the lack of depth at FS and a potential Irving suspension. Otherwise, we're in pretty good shape. Just my 2 cents!

 

[Stash]

I think it will be a different team this year. My biggest concerns were the LBs and the OL. In the past, we lived and died by the ability of our OL to dominate time of pos and keep our defense off the field. We lacked depth on def and injuries/suspensions consistently made that lack of depth an issue. I think we added depth on the OL and our LBs will ultimately be a stronger group. Despite what many here think, I believe Rod's defensive scheme is pretty solid as long as the offense can produce some points and sustain a few drives. The addition of Richard helps the young and talented secondary. I think Richard compliments Rod M and his hybrid Tampa 2 more than people think.

I'm excited about this season. My biggest remaining concerns are the lack of depth at FS and a potential Irving suspension. Otherwise, we're in pretty good shape. Just my 2 cents!

I think you bring up good points about linebacker and offensive line.

Two of the three things that most negatively impacted 2017 were issues at linebacker and offensive line. When Sean Lee missed time, the defense noticeably struggled.

And when Chaz Green played anywhere, the offensive line struggled as well (along with Tyron Smith not looking like himself).

Not only did the team sign players in free agency to (hopefully) strengthen both areas, but they made it the focus of their two biggest draft investments with Vander Esch and Connor Williams.

 

[cowboyblue22]

I still think this is a 7 to 9 win team at best at least that's where my expectations are

 

[Doomsday101]

I'm optimistic because given all the distractions and suspension of Zeke this team still went 9-7. I fully expect Dak to work and correct mistakes he made last season and defensively I think this very young secondary will elevate their play this coming year as they continue to develop and gain experience.

 

[Bobhaze]

The thing I like most about what this FO has done in the offseason is not overreacting in the draft (they stayed put with their position and stayed true to their board) and not overpaying in FA. Too many fans were going crazy because we weren’t overpaying for FAs like other teams.

Obviously we won’t know for a while if their moves will pay off but I like the discipline this organization has shown.

 

[Stash]

The thing I like most about what this FO has done in the offseason is not overreacting in the draft (they stayed put with their position and stayed true to their board) and not overpaying in FA. Too many fans were going crazy because we weren’t overpaying for FAs like other teams.

Obviously we won’t know for a while if their moves will pay off but I like the discipline this organization has shown.

I definitely agree with that. They had visits with players and didn't pay out huge offers right off the bat. In some cases it worked and they got great deals - like with Fleming. And in other cases, it didn't - as with Terrell McClain. But they showed wise restraint that I believe will ultimately pay off.

The financial responsibility makes great sense, but now we have to wait and see if the moves like Fleming and Joe Thomas ultimately work out.

Another wise decision I feel they made was not overpaying for Earl Thomas. He's undoubtedly a great player, but the contract and Seattle's trade demands were ultimately too much to pay. Credit the Cowboys for a move not made.

 

[waving monkey]

The Cowboys are at the beginning of a whirl wind of new teaching techniques,staff, rookie players and veterans.
All of this log jam will be telling about our ginger coach. Did he get the new program organized and in place to instruct
the new system he and Linehan have chosen. Very big

 

[jazzcat22]

I definitely agree with that. They had visits with players and didn't pay out huge offers right off the bat. In some cases it worked and they got great deals - like with Fleming. And in other cases, it didn't - as with Terrell McClain. But they showed wise restraint that I believe will ultimately pay off.

The financial responsibility makes great sense, but now we have to wait and see if the moves like Fleming and Joe Thomas ultimately work out.

Another wise decision I feel they made was not overpaying for Earl Thomas. He's undoubtedly a great player, but the contract and Seattle's trade demands were ultimately too much to pay. Credit the Cowboys for a move not made.

They Jerry of old would have done that with Seattle, like the Roy Williams deal.
This is where Stephen taking the controls away from Jerry may help guide the ship to the SB planet...well, need to get rid of that process asteroid first.

 

[nobody]

I think the Cowboys will go at least 10-6 barring some major injuries. I also expect them to once again fail in the playoffs not because of the players or defensive coaching, but because I don't trust Linehan at ALL in playoff situations.

 

[Montanalo]

Like others, my optimism stems as much from what the FO didn't do as what they actually did in the off-season and draft.

No controversial off-season signings, no "aw-s**t moments in the draft, no reaching for the "shiny toys".

While the moves they made are not flashy, they are certainly talented players and address a need. On top of that, add some sound coaching changes and I can't help but be optimistic.

 

[Diehardblues]

We’ll go as far as our talent will take us.

I’ll congratulate our FO when the success comes in.

Better decisions must bring better results or they weren’t as sound as we thought.

It’s difficult to have success in this league against the elite teams and in the playoffs without a top 5 QB and or defense.