What you’ve liked disliked so far?

Dak is really showing a great poise and command of the huddle - he's been getting tagged by opposing pass rush with an struggling make shift OL but he is still making impressive pre-snap adjustment and quickly getting ball out to targets before these pass rushes can touched him, he's been sacked just one each in two games, but becuz he's quickly rid of ball, teams haven't been able to sack him as they should have.

- Gone are the dayz where i used to get so frustrated that many of his passes were all over the field instead of the targets.
Ever since coaches such as Mussenheimer and Moore took over and 1 year ex QB coach Kitna added help, he's been
a very marked improved passer and decision maker.

- He has incredible leadership intangibles and capability to bring his team back into chances to win at the end.

- Another element i love about Dak, extremely durable, takes a lickin' and still keeps on tickin' ... no concussion vs a wicked illegal hit
and right back in to finish the game....

- Next step up ? i'd like to see Dak excel against the better defenses ... ala Ravens, Niners, Steelers, that will be on team's upcoming schedule

xwalker said:

I'll comment when I feel like commenting.

A 3 point stance vs standing up, blah blah blah.

DL dropping into coverage.

Fans just need something super simplistic that they they can easily see that is different in order to complain about it and blow it out of proportion.

The defense is designed as a complete entity. Fans want to change bits and pieces without understanding the reasons the coaches use specific techniques or alignments.

The Cowboys #1 problem last season and going back to the Rams playoff game was run defense. The pass defense only became a problem when they shifted all resources from pass defense to run defense.

Nolan is focused on resolving the problems with the run defense.

When teams get a big lead like Atlanta did, they want to burn clock by running the ball. Nolan wisely did not abandon run defense and go all in with the pass rush (stunting/blitzing included) like fans wanted.

Jaylon has covered ok when he actually covered.
He is ok physically. He just has a low IQ.

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I like everything that’s happening and taking shape

Diehardblues said:

The coaching has been the biggest disappointment so far.

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You'r e right, it has, however...

MM and the other new coaches came into week 1 only knowing what little they had seen of players on the practice field and game tape of some of the squad from previous seasons under the old coaching regime.

I can see us and especially the coaching improving quickly week on week.

I have said in other threads, I don't see us getting anything from Seattle but that is because it's week 3 and not week 6 or 7 etc..

By seasons end we shall be a much more effective team, on both sides of the ball, than the team we saw week 1. This will be because of the new coaching staff which is on a massive learning curve, not as coaches but as new employees of the Dallas Cowboys.

I had zero faith in anything ever changing under JG etc, this is very much not the case now.

Hagman said:

Going for it on 4th down/fake punts. I just sit there slack-jawed wondering what in the **** they are thinking.

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This is both my favourite and least favourite thing so far this season.

I love that they have adopted a go for it mentality

I hate that the execution at such times has been poor.

I guess the theory that you make your own luck is total BS.

Don't forget of course that the weirdest onside kick ever that won us the game against Atlanta came from the same thinking as going for it on 4th down and trying fake punts. You don't get one without the other.

Technically these first two games were preseason games for new coach MM. Can't judge him nor the team so early.

That said. What I've "liked so far" is the signing of both Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe, our Cowboys improved upon the defensive tackle spot, and avoided having to use draft capital on the position.

"dislikes".... Kellen Moore!

I've enjoyed having a HC who has been willing to show faith in his players, rather than overly conservative like so many other's we've had.

I've liked this team's willingness to sign promising veteran free agents and draft talented players, rather than risking picks on red flag duds.

I've disliked having to tolerate CZ members who constantly prefer to criticize our players rather than being patient enough to allow respect.

I've disliked Mike McCarthy's costly situational 4th down playcallings, plus Mike Nolan's terrible defensive schemes.

I dislike what's being called and when in the running game. Seems like everything Zeke runs is between the tackles. What happened to the power sweep and taking the edge?

I like what I've seen in the ST play, outside of the 2 fake punt tries, which was based mostly on how far we were behind in the game at that point.

DanA said:

What have you seen that you like/dislike.

For me;

I like the aggression and use of analytics in the play calling. I know it’s caused some controversy but I’m down with every decisions so far except the 4th down Thompson run. Go for it there, just not with that play.

I like the hard counts. Dak has caught a few offsides and sniffed out some blitzes and holes in the defense...keep it up.

I don’t like the lack of pre-snap motion. It’s something we can utilize a bit more, especially with Lamb and Pollard.

I hate us dropping linemen into coverage. It must have happened a dozen times last game. That **** needs to stop.

I like the two gapping. It’s had some success against the run.

I want to see our edge rushers primarily rush from a 3 point stance and running more stunts. Not asking for Rod levels but guys like Crawford, Lawrence, and Gallimore are stunting specialists. It needs to be a part of the defense.

I hate how often we are putting Jaylon in man coverage against TE’s that are quality route runners. We’ve got some tough TE’s coming up (Browns, Giants, Eagles, and 49ers). Please stop.

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My dislikes

- the hype associated with this team
as to expectations, seriously does anyone know how to grade talent
- the excuse of injuries
as a reason for poor performance... reality check every team has injuries!
- the coaching staff...
McCarthy should have stayed out to pasture, not an improvement over carrot top
His decision making would be improved if he used a magic 8 ball
- the Dak hype.
.. yes he plays with a lot of heart and has improved, but does anyone understand his team is usually playing from behind? Atlanta threw the game because they are more inept than the cowboys.
- paying top dollar for overpriced and useless talent
D-laugh is nonexistent and Jaylon out of position is a joke
- the entire secondary...
can anyone assess talent on this team? The majority of these jokers would not even make the practice squads of most teams. But hey we don’t need an Adams or Thomas we are just fine. Anyone miss Jeff Heath?
- The o-line issues...
When’s the last time Smith played an entire season?
Sticking with Williams when there are obviously better choices to develop
- The idea this team can win it all
Reality is this team will most likely not even win the East
It’s amazing how people forget this is the same offense that was inept in a must win against a depleted philly team.
What’s their win loss record against teams with winning records?


I could go on but why bother

The Likes
- Jerrah is getting older and will one day step aside, hopefully hiring a real GM
- As a lifelong Cowboys fan, must admit that blue and electric green combo is starting to get under my skin
- my expectations of this team being really low

DanA said:

What have you seen that you like/dislike.

For me;

I like the aggression and use of analytics in the play calling. I know it’s caused some controversy but I’m down with every decisions so far except the 4th down Thompson run. Go for it there, just not with that play.

I like the hard counts. Dak has caught a few offsides and sniffed out some blitzes and holes in the defense...keep it up.

I don’t like the lack of pre-snap motion. It’s something we can utilize a bit more, especially with Lamb and Pollard.

I hate us dropping linemen into coverage. It must have happened a dozen times last game. That **** needs to stop.

I like the two gapping. It’s had some success against the run.

I want to see our edge rushers primarily rush from a 3 point stance and running more stunts. Not asking for Rod levels but guys like Crawford, Lawrence, and Gallimore are stunting specialists. It needs to be a part of the defense.

I hate how often we are putting Jaylon in man coverage against TE’s that are quality route runners. We’ve got some tough TE’s coming up (Browns, Giants, Eagles, and 49ers). Please stop.

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I've disliked some of the coaching decisions. There's a fine line between aggressive and stupid and that line has been crossed a few times.

Bobhaze said:

Likes:

• Being less conservative
• Dak looks better than ever
• Coaches being able to “coach up” a backup player to at least be competent
• Jerry’s staying away from the post game locker room- no press conference that undermines his HC
• Zeke playing hard every play, not just 3/4 of them
• K Greg Zuerlein- much more dependable
• Better punt returns (means better field position)
• Having 14 rookies, most of which are already having some impact
• No excuses from McCarthy

Dislikes

• Jaylon Smith too often out of position
• Lack of a pass rush
• Injuries- obviously no one’s fault
• Lack of turnovers on defense
• Not showing many different looks
• Not using Pollard enough (put him on the field WITH Zeke)
• Chris Jones still not that great
• Falling behind early

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Nice post Bob..

I hate after 2 games the fans in here has just about every coach and player fired and talk far too much about how the seasons going.,.no grades needed its an I for incomplete

ITS TWO GAMES IN...

you dont know more then coaches or our gm so i hate the zoners who have the giant ego enough to constantly question the professional coaches and staffs decsions as if they know better..

I luv ie like we simply have football in 2020 and appreciate it obviously more then a lot of whiners in here

Ill wait until after game 10 to give an evaluation on the season and scheme , law of averages play out LONG TERM..

Slow starting offense.

Pompey-Cowboy said:

You'r e right, it has, however...

MM and the other new coaches came into week 1 only knowing what little they had seen of players on the practice field and game tape of some of the squad from previous seasons under the old coaching regime.

I can see us and especially the coaching improving quickly week on week.

I have said in other threads, I don't see us getting anything from Seattle but that is because it's week 3 and not week 6 or 7 etc..

By seasons end we shall be a much more effective team, on both sides of the ball, than the team we saw week 1. This will be because of the new coaching staff which is on a massive learning curve, not as coaches but as new employees of the Dallas Cowboys.

I had zero faith in anything ever changing under JG etc, this is very much not the case now.

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The immediate future is an unknown . All I can do is report on the current results. I don’t have a crystal ball and try not to base any predictions on speculation or hope.

But there are many fans who appear to be grasping change for the sake of change as they had lost all faith in previous regime . A new way of losing could be more acceptable until it isn’t.

Hate that we have been outplayed and don't look ready to play
Like CD and Zeke

America's Cowboy said:

I've disliked Mike McCarthy's costly situational 4th down playcallings, plus Mike Nolan's terrible defensive schemes.

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Don't call a pass to a DB on 4th down.

I like Chris Jones throwing passes, though. Should have thrown one last year against the Pats when they left a WR entirely uncovered with no punt returner back.

We should have crushed The Hoodie, but his Jedi Mind Tricks were just too strong. "This is not the wholly uncovered receiver you're looking for."

America's Cowboy said:

I've disliked Mike McCarthy's costly situational 4th down playcallings, plus Mike Nolan's terrible defensive schemes.

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Riverboat Mikes analytical tactics have been quite the surprise thus far in the season.

It’s already cost us an opportunity to tie and potentially extend the first game and if not for one of the biggest gaffs in the NFL with Falcons failed recovery of onside kick would have left Us at 0-2 headed to Seattle with playoff hopes and becoming a strong contender practically over in September as the odds of post season after 0-3 is abdominal at best. Something the Cowboys had never overcome.

That’s how close we were to a total collapse in this new regime . And as early in a season as I can recall with such high hopes. We were given a lifeline with the Falcons epic collapse . We shall see what we do with it.

buybuydandavis said:

You ain't the boss of me.

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you're right... I am.

Lack of pass rush

Lack of turnovers

I was hoping we'd be better in both areas. Hopefully with some of the adjustments Griffen and McCarthy were hinting at on the defensive side, both will get better.

I like the uptempo offense when were called the play right at the line, and the use of quick screens on the side of the pressure is coming from. Watched so many other teams doing it with much success and wondered why we never do.

What I don't like do far is the lack of stunts and full out blitzes on the defensive front. Think that is needed to catch olinemen of guard.

And like someone else mentioned, lack of presnap motion on offense.