What do you expect for 2019?

[xwalker]

Thinking about the upcoming season, it's really hard for me to get a gauge on what might happen. I can see things going really well, and the team loading up for a significant run at a championship, or I can see a crash and burn scenario where they crash and burn.

Either way, what I don't see is a middle of the road, 8-8 season coming.

Do we start with the good news or the bad news first? Let's start with the bad news and end on a high note.

We're looking at another year under Jason Garrett's coaching, with a totally inexperienced offensive coordinator in Kellen Moore being handed the reigns. That inexperience could be a recipe for disaster. There are an awful lot of moving parts in coordinating an entire offense, and this guy has but one year out of the game in coaching. If someone has an example of another team doing that, let me know because I've never seen it before, certainly not in the modern era. What if both Moore and Garrett buckle under the obvious pressure? Or can't figure out how to make things better? What if Frederick can't return to form and the offensive line continues to struggle?

Then there are the various contract situations. Demarcus Lawrence is obviously at the top of that list as he is currently out of contract. And he either needs to be tagged or signed long term. If it's long term? No problem, he'll obviously be happy and available. If not? Does he accept another tag or does he grumble, miss the offseason, or even possibly hold out for some games?

Then there are Prescott and Elliott. While both are under contract, it's rumored that both are looking for new deals. If they don't get them, might either or both also holdout? If so, that could be even more bad news. And missing either and certainly both, could totally derail the season.

Now for the good news. What if Kellen Moore is as good as many people say? What if we do have the league's next wunderkind? What if he's able to realize what this offense's strengths are and play to them? What if this offensive line, that was so screwed up under the Paul Alexander debacle, returns to form? What if Frederick is healthy and back to being himself? What if an offseason in the system and practicing together helps to make Dak, Cooper, and Gallup a better passing game? What if Jarwin and Schultz continue to develop and improve? There's certainly a lot of potential upside there.

If you can pair a potent, multi-faceted offense with the defense we had for much of last year - and they've worked out their tells - you might truly have a team to contend with. And if you were able to add an Earl Thomas to the mix to improve what I feel is that defense's biggest weakness, and maybe an upgrade at defensive tackle? Yeah, it wouldn't take much to convince me that this team would be a contender.

And that's my point, I think this upcoming season can go one of two ways, either really good, or really bad. But I don't see an in-between.

What say you?

The one thing that is predictable is that the general consensus in terms of fans/media is almost always wrong, especially in terms of specifics.

There was not a big concern last year about the OLine. The general thought was they'll plug somebody in between All-Pro Tyron and Frederick and have minimal issues, especially once they signed a veteran backup OT.

LB on the other hand was a big concern because it had been a disaster in 2017 with Lee and Hitchens both getting injured and Jaylon looking terrible for much of the season.

There was concern at WR and that proved to be an issue early in the season but ended up being a high point with Cooper added and Gallup progressing quite well in the 2nd half.

The group-think for the Rams game was the Rams passing offense and the Cowboys running game being the big problems for each defense. It turned out the opposite.

The worst case is a good but not great season. With a losing season, they'll start planning on a Garrett replacement early. With a good not great season Garrett might stay and even if fired, they might not be prepared to get the best replacement.

My concerns:
1. Distractions. Either player contract issues or too much media focus on Moore as OC and Garrett with no contract extension.

2. OT. If Tyron has a season ending injury in training camp, they might as well just focus in getting a top 10 pick in 2020 because they're not winning by just re-signing Fleming.

3. Offensive play execution. I'm confident Moore can design and call plays as well as Linehan or better; however, more complicated plays require more practice reps to perfect. Offensive execution has not been a strength with Garret as the HC. Only the OLine execution when Bill Callahan was the OL coach was elite. They do have smarter players with Cooper/Gallup over the years with Dez/TWill. Getting Frederick back is huge. He's the smartest guy on the team. Looney's individual play was good-enough but they really really missed Frederick's game knowledge and leadership.

4. DT. Other teams will copy what the Rams did to the Cowboys DL if they don't make DL scheme adjustments and/or add more talent.

5. Not really a worry per se, but what happens at DC? The media will make it a distraction if Kris Richard is NOT promoted to DC. I don't think Richard can do much about the DL problems that came up in the Rams game if he is not the DC.

 

[75boyz]

Thinking about the upcoming season, it's really hard for me to get a gauge on what might happen. I can see things going really well, and the team loading up for a significant run at a championship, or I can see a crash and burn scenario where they crash and burn.

Either way, what I don't see is a middle of the road, 8-8 season coming.

Do we start with the good news or the bad news first? Let's start with the bad news and end on a high note.

We're looking at another year under Jason Garrett's coaching, with a totally inexperienced offensive coordinator in Kellen Moore being handed the reigns. That inexperience could be a recipe for disaster. There are an awful lot of moving parts in coordinating an entire offense, and this guy has but one year out of the game in coaching. If someone has an example of another team doing that, let me know because I've never seen it before, certainly not in the modern era. What if both Moore and Garrett buckle under the obvious pressure? Or can't figure out how to make things better? What if Frederick can't return to form and the offensive line continues to struggle?

Then there are the various contract situations. Demarcus Lawrence is obviously at the top of that list as he is currently out of contract. And he either needs to be tagged or signed long term. If it's long term? No problem, he'll obviously be happy and available. If not? Does he accept another tag or does he grumble, miss the offseason, or even possibly hold out for some games?

Then there are Prescott and Elliott. While both are under contract, it's rumored that both are looking for new deals. If they don't get them, might either or both also holdout? If so, that could be even more bad news. And missing either and certainly both, could totally derail the season.

Now for the good news. What if Kellen Moore is as good as many people say? What if we do have the league's next wunderkind? What if he's able to realize what this offense's strengths are and play to them? What if this offensive line, that was so screwed up under the Paul Alexander debacle, returns to form? What if Frederick is healthy and back to being himself? What if an offseason in the system and practicing together helps to make Dak, Cooper, and Gallup a better passing game? What if Jarwin and Schultz continue to develop and improve? There's certainly a lot of potential upside there.

If you can pair a potent, multi-faceted offense with the defense we had for much of last year - and they've worked out their tells - you might truly have a team to contend with. And if you were able to add an Earl Thomas to the mix to improve what I feel is that defense's biggest weakness, and maybe an upgrade at defensive tackle? Yeah, it wouldn't take much to convince me that this team would be a contender.

And that's my point, I think this upcoming season can go one of two ways, either really good, or really bad. But I don't see an in-between.

What say you?

I am that really sucky fan that would rather lose to get Tua or Fromm in April 2020's draft. Preferably Tua. Just me.

 

[Hadenough]

I really don't see anything looking different. Moore might be a little bit better than Linehan but we still have Garrett and that means no game planning or scheming for opponents. Dak isn't suddenly going to be more accurate. I think the Cowboys have a chance at winning the NfC east and maybe a playoff game but that's it. They don't have the coaching to prepare this team for big games and Dak is avg.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

We are now a consistent 9-10 win team IMO depending on injuries to certain positions. Think about it, we won 10 games this past season despite FO screw up with Alexander and WR by committee, injury to Fred and Linehan presence. I see Moore taking the league by storm, similar to what did Garrett did in 2007 his first year OC. He may be young and a bit green, but he's seen it all and I expect to see an offense that's bold, aggressive and unpredictable. One that attacks and pushes the ball downfield. Someone on Twitter reminded us of the advantage Moore has of knowing what got Linehan fired. See don't expect any drop off from the D at all.

Bottom line IMO....we are a 10 win team right now w/o any additional upgrades. Upgrade TE, DT and S we are a contender.

 

[CCBoy]

Thinking about the upcoming season, it's really hard for me to get a gauge on what might happen. I can see things going really well, and the team loading up for a significant run at a championship, or I can see a crash and burn scenario where they crash and burn.

Either way, what I don't see is a middle of the road, 8-8 season coming.

Do we start with the good news or the bad news first? Let's start with the bad news and end on a high note.

We're looking at another year under Jason Garrett's coaching, with a totally inexperienced offensive coordinator in Kellen Moore being handed the reigns. That inexperience could be a recipe for disaster. There are an awful lot of moving parts in coordinating an entire offense, and this guy has but one year out of the game in coaching. If someone has an example of another team doing that, let me know because I've never seen it before, certainly not in the modern era. What if both Moore and Garrett buckle under the obvious pressure? Or can't figure out how to make things better? What if Frederick can't return to form and the offensive line continues to struggle?

Then there are the various contract situations. Demarcus Lawrence is obviously at the top of that list as he is currently out of contract. And he either needs to be tagged or signed long term. If it's long term? No problem, he'll obviously be happy and available. If not? Does he accept another tag or does he grumble, miss the offseason, or even possibly hold out for some games?

Then there are Prescott and Elliott. While both are under contract, it's rumored that both are looking for new deals. If they don't get them, might either or both also holdout? If so, that could be even more bad news. And missing either and certainly both, could totally derail the season.

Now for the good news. What if Kellen Moore is as good as many people say? What if we do have the league's next wunderkind? What if he's able to realize what this offense's strengths are and play to them? What if this offensive line, that was so screwed up under the Paul Alexander debacle, returns to form? What if Frederick is healthy and back to being himself? What if an offseason in the system and practicing together helps to make Dak, Cooper, and Gallup a better passing game? What if Jarwin and Schultz continue to develop and improve? There's certainly a lot of potential upside there.

If you can pair a potent, multi-faceted offense with the defense we had for much of last year - and they've worked out their tells - you might truly have a team to contend with. And if you were able to add an Earl Thomas to the mix to improve what I feel is that defense's biggest weakness, and maybe an upgrade at defensive tackle? Yeah, it wouldn't take much to convince me that this team would be a contender.

And that's my point, I think this upcoming season can go one of two ways, either really good, or really bad. But I don't see an in-between.

What say you?

Stash, this is the off season that I say Jerry should go all in and pay for his players, as well as a quality safety and defensive tackle.

Jerry had better think that he is this close and close the deal...

 

[Stash]

Stash, this is the off season that I say Jerry should go all in and pay for his players, as well as a quality safety and defensive tackle.

Jerry had better think that he is this close and close the deal...

I'm in total agreement with you on this one.

My own guys ticketed are

Earl Thomas for safety - I think it happens

and

Sheldon Richardson at defensive tackle - they've flirted with acquiring him several times and in fact he played for Kris Richard in Seattle.

And if you saw my other thread about TE, Tyler Eifert is my boom-or-bust TE reclamation project. There's an article about their leaked 2013 draft board and they really liked both of these guys, and Eifert is Martin's brother-in-law and college roommate so I consider that a plus too.

Those are my own three free agent acquisitions to put the team over the top for 2019, or at the least give a coach on his last chance, the best chance to succeed.

 

[CCBoy]

I'm in total agreement with you on this one.

My own guys ticketed are

Earl Thomas for safety - I think it happens

and

Sheldon Richardson at defensive tackle - they've flirted with acquiring him several times and in fact he played for Kris Richard in Seattle.

And if you saw my other thread about TE, Tyler Eifert is my boom-or-bust TE reclamation project. There's an article about their leaked 2013 draft board and they really liked both of these guys, and Eifert is Martin's brother-in-law and college roommate so I consider that a plus too.

Those are my own three free agent acquisitions to put the team over the top for 2019, or at the least give a coach on his last chance, the best chance to succeed.

That blows the draft wide open with possibilities.

 

[Stash]

That blows the draft wide open with possibilities.

I think so. And adding the veterans gives you quick returns, rather than having to wait on a rookie draft pick. A team that could be in complete transition if things don't go well can't afford to wait.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

2019? Same as it has been for years: If we stay very healthy and have a favorable schedule, we'll win our share of games. If we hit any injury, schedule, or bad luck adversity, we'll be average or worse.

IOW, it's a roll of the dice. If we have significantly superior talent, we'll win, and if we don't we won't. Garrett won't get more wins than the talent should dictate like the good coaches will.

 

[Daktozekecoop]

I think we win, or come very damn close to winning the super bowl.

 

[CCBoy]

I think so. And adding the veterans gives you quick returns, rather than having to wait on a rookie draft pick. A team that could be in complete transition if things don't go well can't afford to wait.

Adding a strong veteran presence as you suggest, will speed the elements of binding the team at a very aggressive level. It also adds elements to stiffen run defense as well as turning the ball over for a Dallas advantage. More points also means more offensive effectiveness for the Cowboys.

Having a full open draft, even if for three rounds...and based up recent successes, should provide strong and developing depth for future cap relief as well.

Jerry owes his fans an unhindered and full out attempt at fielding a top notched team...as it doesn't possess a Brady, Rodgers, or Brees.

Suggestion for Jason Garrett in Training Camp...work hard on turn-overs and open field tackles.

 

[Stash]

Adding a strong veteran presence as you suggest, will speed the elements of binding the team at a very aggressive level. It also adds elements to stiffen run defense as well as turning the ball over for a Dallas advantage. More points also means more offensive effectiveness for the Cowboys.

Having a full open draft, even if for three rounds...and based up recent successes, should provide strong and developing depth for future cap relief as well.

Jerry owes his fans an unhindered and full out attempt at fielding a top notched team...as it doesn't possess a Brady, Rodgers, or Brees.

Suggestion for Jason Garrett in Training Camp...work hard on turn-overs and open field tackles.

Exactly, and these free agents don;t have to be huge, long term investments. They can be quality bridge players until the players you do draft are ready.

 

[CCBoy]

Exactly, and these free agents don;t have to be huge, long term investments. They can be quality bridge players until the players you do draft are ready.

Bryan: It’s not often that you face a line like the Rams or Colts during a season. Controlling the line is one of the reasons the Cowboys were in the playoffs. With that being said I felt like they were going to have to address the position regardless. Nothing against Caraun Reid or Daniel Ross but the depth just wasn’t there especially in that playoff game. There is no doubt in my mind they won’t let that happen again.

Rob: It wasn’t just the tackles. The linebackers had difficulty getting off blocks, though that was partly due to the Rams reaching the second level too easily. I still think this is a very good run defense – they’ve proven it too many times against very good running teams like the Saints – but they do need another tackle to keep Antwaun Woods and Maliek Collins fresh. David Irving should’ve been that guy.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/mailbag-finding-more-defensive-tackle-depth

Fix that problem and add Thomas...this fan gets pretty excited about those prospects.

 

[CATCH17]

With this team you always have to start with 8-8 regardless of how much talent we have or don't have. Garrett will play an 8-8 brand of football.

Then from there it depends on luck or health as to whether we will have a winning season or not.

Then if we get to the playoffs we will just get schooled by some other coach who doesn't ignore schemes.

 

[CCBoy]

Stash, my preference is take the two free agents, DT & S, as you suggested...and take a 2nd round defensive tackle and 3rd round safety in the draft. Trade around if need be...

 

[Hawkeye0202]

That’s my point, you strive to win consistently in the regular season then hope it’s “your year” in the playoffs.

Skill wins out over a 16 game schedule and good teams genealogy rise to the top. In a 3-4 game postseason sample size, luck plays a HUGE role.

How many times in the SB era has the best team that year win the title? Only 32 out of 53 times I think. About 40% of the time a team other than the one entering the playoffs with the best record has won it all.

Look at the Chiefs, they have entered the playoffs as one of the top 3 teams in the league 5 times in the last 25 years and have made 1 conference title with non SB appearances. The Giants have won two SBs as a wildcard in the last 12 years but only made the playoffs a total of 4 times.

^^^this

 

[StarBoyz83]

I am that really sucky fan that would rather lose to get Tua or Fromm in April 2020's draft. Preferably Tua. Just me.

Even if they went 1-15 they wouldn't take a qb in the 2020 draft. Dak will be signed this offseason. So you might as well root for wins.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

The one thing that is predictable is that the general consensus in terms of fans/media is almost always wrong, especially in terms of specifics.

There was not a big concern last year about the OLine. The general thought was they'll plug somebody in between All-Pro Tyron and Frederick and have minimal issues, especially once they signed a veteran backup OT.

LB on the other hand was a big concern because it had been a disaster in 2017 with Lee and Hitchens both getting injured and Jaylon looking terrible for much of the season.

There was concern at WR and that proved to be an issue early in the season but ended up being a high point with Cooper added and Gallup progressing quite well in the 2nd half.

The group-think for the Rams game was the Rams passing offense and the Cowboys running game being the big problems for each defense. It turned out the opposite.

The worst case is a good but not great season. With a losing season, they'll start planning on a Garrett replacement early. With a good not great season Garrett might stay and even if fired, they might not be prepared to get the best replacement.

My concerns:
1. Distractions. Either player contract issues or too much media focus on Moore as OC and Garrett with no contract extension.

2. OT. If Tyron has a season ending injury in training camp, they might as well just focus in getting a top 10 pick in 2020 because they're not winning by just re-signing Fleming.

3. Offensive play execution. I'm confident Moore can design and call plays as well as Linehan or better; however, more complicated plays require more practice reps to perfect. Offensive execution has not been a strength with Garret as the HC. Only the OLine execution when Bill Callahan was the OL coach was elite. They do have smarter players with Cooper/Gallup over the years with Dez/TWill. Getting Frederick back is huge. He's the smartest guy on the team. Looney's individual play was good-enough but they really really missed Frederick's game knowledge and leadership.

4. DT. Other teams will copy what the Rams did to the Cowboys DL if they don't make DL scheme adjustments and/or add more talent.

5. Not really a worry per se, but what happens at DC? The media will make it a distraction if Kris Richard is NOT promoted to DC. I don't think Richard can do much about the DL problems that came up in the Rams game if he is not the DC.

+1

 

[Kaiser]

This is still one of the youngest teams in the league and they won 7 of their last 8 games when Amari Cooper was onboard. They have a ton of salary cap room for this offseason and have drafted well recently.

So they should make the playoffs unless there is a crazy rash of injuries. Once you make the playoffs its an entirely different animal, but they definitely have the talent to play with anyone. Kind of a copout answer but that is where we are at in the salary cap parity-ball era.

 

[ChronicCowboy]

This team has too much talent to have a really bad year. I think we may finish 8-8 because of strength of schedule but can’t see worse than that. I say somewhere between 8-8 and 12-4.