I think the Cowboys will be rebuilding more than most think

Proof

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We have a good oline when healthy but to pretend there are not some issues is silly. I do not expect big changes personnel wise, but I want to get back to a scheme that puts the opposing Dline on the ground, especially on run plays. Go rewatch some 2016 games. Two or three Dline players were on the ground before Zeke hit the line/hole. That 2016 line was special. Three additional years of wear and tear on our key lineman have taken a toll. Still like the group as a whole and hope the new coaching/scheme makes us less predictable.

i don't think any one's pretending that the oline has issues, just that whatever issues there are are way down on the list. As far as our needs, and in relation to the issues nearly 31 other teams have with their oline
 

Irvin88_4life

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This talk about Dak not being with the Cowboys this season is utterly ridiculous and you Dak haters need to stop. It's not happening, Dak will be the QB of the Cowboys for at least 10 more years. Time to jump on the Dak train so the next decade y'all ain't complaining, whining and moaning that Dak took Romo job.
 

tm1119

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Uh, why'd you filter for Rush? The whole point is that you're supposed to change the call at the line.

They use it less than I thought, relative to other teams, but it doesn't really change the point.

Because we were talking about a RB running against a stacked box? Regardless, the Cowboys weren’t even top 10 in the league in running 11 personnel.

I actually don’t even know what you’re trying to say at this point because you’re backpedaling and moving the goal posts so much. Your whole point was that Zeke wasn’t as effective as he should have been because he was constantly running against a stacked box. I’ve now proved in multiple ways that that’s not true, and that he ran against 8+ or out of 11 personnel at only a slightly above average rate.
And now what are you saying? It’s Dak’s fault because he didn’t audible enough? You clearly have a predetermined agenda that you’re not going to come off of no matter what evidence is presented to you.
 

cowboygo

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I'm gonna dress this one up a little bit and try to make the reading a little easier. I think the Cowboys are going to find that they will be deeper into a rebuild than even they planned for.
  • The offensive and defensive lines both need work. The offensive line is showing weakness, and will inevitably be adjusting to new blocking schemes under McCarthy. New blood and beef will be needed fast if the Cowboys want to count on having Ezekiel Elliot's big contract pay dividends.
  • The defensive line needs beef and depth. With running backs like Saquan Barkely, Derrick Henry, and our own Ezekiel Elliott, teams cannot rely on smaller, faster linemen and speedy linebackers to stand up to the pounding an offense committed to the run can dish out. While McCarthy has used great players such as Clay Matthews at linebacker, he is not one to allow his defensive line to be pushed around.
  • With Sean Lee likely retiring and Jaylon Smith not completely dependable at linebacker, this group will need work, too.
  • Stephen Jones is a proponent of using younger guys in the secondary rather than keeping higher paid veterans because of the NFL's agreement with the players that allow for them to be paid less. This has been a staple of the Cowboys salary cap management for years. Don't look for that to change, as the Cowboys seem focused on offensive contracts in the offseason and a total of 23 unrestricted free agents.
  • Kai Forbath was a late addition, and while he looked good in limited opportunities, the Cowboys are nowhere near set at the kicker position. There will inevitably have to be a competition for the job.
The situation with Dak Prescott has the Cowboys in a pickle. Prescott's play hasn't justified the top money he is wanting, and with his contract expired he will likely receive the non-exclusive tag. And teams like Tampa Bay might very well jump at the opportunity to sign him. Jamis Winston is pretty much in the same situation, having failed to show that he is the guy in Tampa. Indianapolis is likely looking, too.
  • No one expects Dak to leave Dallas, but contract issues still make this a possibility.
  • I think the Cowboys MUST go after Case Keenum or Marcus Mariota and solidify the quarterback position. Then they can deal with whatever issues Dak's contract creates with security at the position.
  • The Cowboys have a need for a burner at receiver that can change the game and dictate coverages that open up the game for the rest of the Cowboys receivers.
  • Jarwin appears to be the best young tight end, but the Cowboys will need depth and will likely add a couple to the mix.
  • How McCarthy approaches the run game will likely mean changes in personnel. I look for him to add a receiver/running back that can throw defenses off their game.
I think the Cowboys have their hands full for this off season, as the new schemes and philosophy of McCarthy's vision for the team inevitably create changes.
It will be interesting to see how in depth these changes affect the team, and McCarthy will want to remain competitive:
Because the NFL will most assuredly not miss the opportunity for a ratings bump by scheduling the Cowboys vs the Packers early in the season on a Sunday night.
It will only be a rebuild if we enter Week 1 2020 with a new starting QB in the lineup.
 

Future

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Because we were talking about a RB running against a stacked box? Regardless, the Cowboys weren’t even top 10 in the league in running 11 personnel.

I actually don’t even know what you’re trying to say at this point because you’re backpedaling and moving the goal posts so much. Your whole point was that Zeke wasn’t as effective as he should have been because he was constantly running against a stacked box. I’ve now proved in multiple ways that that’s not true, and that he ran against 8+ or out of 11 personnel at only a slightly above average rate.
And now what are you saying? It’s Dak’s fault because he didn’t audible enough? You clearly have a predetermined agenda that you’re not going to come off of no matter what evidence is presented to you.
Yes, they run 11 less than I thought, overall. But we're talking about what they run against specific defenses.

But you aren't connecting the number of runs from 11 into a 7-man box, relative to others. It's got nothing to do with Zeke being effective, it has to do with the run game being effective. Which, a) it's one of the better run games in the league and b) the struggles are because they consistently run into negative fronts.

The number of 8- or 7-man fronts, individually, is irrelevant. The number that matters is % of runs into a negative front. Nobody tracks that, but the 8-man number paints an unrealistic picture b/c of the packages Dallas uses.
 
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DRella

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Oline is one of the best in football. And we still have young players like McGovern and Williams that will develop. So other then some late round additions in the draft or some undrafted free agents I do not see much changing on that front other then getting and keeping healthy.

Backup QB position to be shouldn't be touched. No need to replace Rush. He's developing and if there is anyone that can teach him a thing or 2 its McCarthy. Money better spent elsewhere then on a backup position that will rarely play.

RB we are solid.

WR we resign both Cooper and Cobb, we will be fine. No need for a burner as some suggest. Cooper, Cobb, Gallup are one of the best if not best WR starting corps in NFL. Keep developing late round picks and others on roster (D. Smith, C. Wilson, and others)

TE is where I can see the Cowboys making an acquisition. If the Chargers don't sign Henry to a tag the Cowboys should be all over this. Replace Witten with him. Henry, Jarwin and Schultz is great TE depth.

Defense is where I believe you will see turnover. Players like Lee and Crawford will be gone. Quinn needs to be resigned. Gregory will be re-instated. Defensive tackle position needs a stud. Without one players like Lawrence, Quinn, Gregory and Armstrong cannot fully utilize their skills. If there is a way to acquire via trade, sign via free agency, or draft a big bodied defensive tackle that can disrupt the run and get pressure on the QB. This will be one of the main changes to the D. Team needs to resign Collins to play next to new DT acquisition.

LB will need upgrading. As long as LVE is healthy and Smith continues to make progress we have a great foundation. Both are young. But we can definitely use another difference maker that can cover TE as this is where we were lacking. Resigning Thomas or Malcom Smith as depth is a good idea. But we need to sign a FA or draft another difference maker for the LB core.

CB position to me was strong this season. I know resigning Jones is huge. But I like the development of others on team. Drafting more CB's with flexibility is a sure bet. But as long as we can bring both Jones and Lewis back we are ok there. Get more pressure on QB and our CBs will be fine.

Safety position is a must. Along with DT, safety upgrade is necessary as priority 1B. Get a strong punishing safety to put next to Woods. A reek havoc. Heath cannot come back unless its as a backup only.

Special teams: Resign Forbrath or find suitable replacement. Draft special team players (returners, etc)

Changes or Renewals:

Resign- Dak, Cooper, Cobb, Collins, Quinn, Jones, Lewis, Thomas (Depth Linebacker)

Reinstated- Gregory

Draft or sign as FA - New DT, New Strong Safety, New 3rd LB, more CB, TE replacement for Witten (Henry)

Release\Retired - Lee, Crawford

With about 80 million in cap space, they should have enough to get it all done.
 

leeblair

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This talk about Dak not being with the Cowboys this season is utterly ridiculous and you Dak haters need to stop. It's not happening, Dak will be the QB of the Cowboys for at least 10 more years. Time to jump on the Dak train so the next decade y'all ain't complaining, whining and moaning that Dak took Romo job.
As I said, if he is signed I will back him.
But, I do not think he is the guy, and I do not think he should be signed.
He's a great athlete, but not a great quarterback.
The hard truth is that Case Keenum is available and would be a far better choice to lead the Cowboys.
Marcus Mariota would be better than Dak.
Cam Newton will be available.
The truth is, Dak is not the best available quarterback for the Cowboys- especially if they are going to be paying top money out.
 

dfense

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I guess it's all of those times Zeke was stopped for no gain or for a loss.
Nobody said they weren't pretty good. They just aren't what they once were. And they will be learning new schemes. To not add depth on the O-line would be a huge mistake.
I think the Oline needs some coaching up. Callahan had them rockin until he left. They need a real Oline coach.
 

BrassCowboy

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The idea that Zeke has lost a step is ignoring the context of how he's used. I don't know if he's lost a step or not, but it's impossible to tell with the system that they've run. People want to compare him to Kamara, McAffrey, but he's not used the same way. Give him the ball in space and then evaluate. That never happens, with any type of consistency, so it's impossible to say that he's lost anything.

I agree that they should get Pollard more involved, but that has nothing to do with Zeke.
Ok now I can agree with most of this, as I stated in an earlier post that I am happy columbo is gone and that we got a new offensive line coach who might bring in a new system more in line to Zeke's strengths.

I can tell you I'm watching to see what this year will bring in our running game.
 

Rockport

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I'm gonna dress this one up a little bit and try to make the reading a little easier. I think the Cowboys are going to find that they will be deeper into a rebuild than even they planned for.
  • The offensive and defensive lines both need work. The offensive line is showing weakness, and will inevitably be adjusting to new blocking schemes under McCarthy. New blood and beef will be needed fast if the Cowboys want to count on having Ezekiel Elliot's big contract pay dividends.
  • The defensive line needs beef and depth. With running backs like Saquan Barkely, Derrick Henry, and our own Ezekiel Elliott, teams cannot rely on smaller, faster linemen and speedy linebackers to stand up to the pounding an offense committed to the run can dish out. While McCarthy has used great players such as Clay Matthews at linebacker, he is not one to allow his defensive line to be pushed around.
  • With Sean Lee likely retiring and Jaylon Smith not completely dependable at linebacker, this group will need work, too.
  • Stephen Jones is a proponent of using younger guys in the secondary rather than keeping higher paid veterans because of the NFL's agreement with the players that allow for them to be paid less. This has been a staple of the Cowboys salary cap management for years. Don't look for that to change, as the Cowboys seem focused on offensive contracts in the offseason and a total of 23 unrestricted free agents.
  • Kai Forbath was a late addition, and while he looked good in limited opportunities, the Cowboys are nowhere near set at the kicker position. There will inevitably have to be a competition for the job.
The situation with Dak Prescott has the Cowboys in a pickle. Prescott's play hasn't justified the top money he is wanting, and with his contract expired he will likely receive the non-exclusive tag. And teams like Tampa Bay might very well jump at the opportunity to sign him. Jamis Winston is pretty much in the same situation, having failed to show that he is the guy in Tampa. Indianapolis is likely looking, too.
  • No one expects Dak to leave Dallas, but contract issues still make this a possibility.
  • I think the Cowboys MUST go after Case Keenum or Marcus Mariota and solidify the quarterback position. Then they can deal with whatever issues Dak's contract creates with security at the position.
  • The Cowboys have a need for a burner at receiver that can change the game and dictate coverages that open up the game for the rest of the Cowboys receivers.
  • Jarwin appears to be the best young tight end, but the Cowboys will need depth and will likely add a couple to the mix.
  • How McCarthy approaches the run game will likely mean changes in personnel. I look for him to add a receiver/running back that can throw defenses off their game.
I think the Cowboys have their hands full for this off season, as the new schemes and philosophy of McCarthy's vision for the team inevitably create changes.
It will be interesting to see how in depth these changes affect the team, and McCarthy will want to remain competitive:
Because the NFL will most assuredly not miss the opportunity for a ratings bump by scheduling the Cowboys vs the Packers early in the season on a Sunday night.
No rebuilding is needed at all. We have a top notch QB with all the weapons and our defense will finally play up to expectations.
 

Doomsday101

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Dallas will no doubt have some turnover in personnel as all teams do but the core group will remain in place. How quickly they get up to speed with what the coaches ask of them we will find out. I hope to see all players at the OTA voluntary or not as well as mini camps. Lots of stuff for this team to go over before training camp. I don't see a complete change of the defense to the 3-4, Nolan has worked in both 3-4 and 4-3 however I'm sure there will be things he will put in place that has been different than in past season. Complete rebuild of the team I don't see that happening. Now if we see key players getting traded for draft picks much like the raiders did then talking of rebuilding would be a reality
 

CB61

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We are definitely rebuilding. That doesn’t mean necessarily Mean players. It just means the entire staff scheme is going to change. And that in my opinion is a rebuild. Because everybody starting from scratch learning something new
Yepper it's going to be exciting but yet nervous at the same time
 

Irvin88_4life

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As I said, if he is signed I will back him.
But, I do not think he is the guy, and I do not think he should be signed.
He's a great athlete, but not a great quarterback.
The hard truth is that Case Keenum is available and would be a far better choice to lead the Cowboys.
Marcus Mariota would be better than Dak.
Cam Newton will be available.
The truth is, Dak is not the best available quarterback for the Cowboys- especially if they are going to be paying top money out.
At this point in their careers Dak is better than all 3 of those QBs and it's not close. Dak is top 10 QB in the league
 

JustChip

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I'm gonna dress this one up a little bit and try to make the reading a little easier. I think the Cowboys are going to find that they will be deeper into a rebuild than even they planned for.
  • The offensive and defensive lines both need work. The offensive line is showing weakness, and will inevitably be adjusting to new blocking schemes under McCarthy. New blood and beef will be needed fast if the Cowboys want to count on having Ezekiel Elliot's big contract pay dividends.
  • The defensive line needs beef and depth. With running backs like Saquan Barkely, Derrick Henry, and our own Ezekiel Elliott, teams cannot rely on smaller, faster linemen and speedy linebackers to stand up to the pounding an offense committed to the run can dish out. While McCarthy has used great players such as Clay Matthews at linebacker, he is not one to allow his defensive line to be pushed around.
  • With Sean Lee likely retiring and Jaylon Smith not completely dependable at linebacker, this group will need work, too.
  • Stephen Jones is a proponent of using younger guys in the secondary rather than keeping higher paid veterans because of the NFL's agreement with the players that allow for them to be paid less. This has been a staple of the Cowboys salary cap management for years. Don't look for that to change, as the Cowboys seem focused on offensive contracts in the offseason and a total of 23 unrestricted free agents.
  • Kai Forbath was a late addition, and while he looked good in limited opportunities, the Cowboys are nowhere near set at the kicker position. There will inevitably have to be a competition for the job.
The situation with Dak Prescott has the Cowboys in a pickle. Prescott's play hasn't justified the top money he is wanting, and with his contract expired he will likely receive the non-exclusive tag. And teams like Tampa Bay might very well jump at the opportunity to sign him. Jamis Winston is pretty much in the same situation, having failed to show that he is the guy in Tampa. Indianapolis is likely looking, too.
  • No one expects Dak to leave Dallas, but contract issues still make this a possibility.
  • I think the Cowboys MUST go after Case Keenum or Marcus Mariota and solidify the quarterback position. Then they can deal with whatever issues Dak's contract creates with security at the position.
  • The Cowboys have a need for a burner at receiver that can change the game and dictate coverages that open up the game for the rest of the Cowboys receivers.
  • Jarwin appears to be the best young tight end, but the Cowboys will need depth and will likely add a couple to the mix.
  • How McCarthy approaches the run game will likely mean changes in personnel. I look for him to add a receiver/running back that can throw defenses off their game.
I think the Cowboys have their hands full for this off season, as the new schemes and philosophy of McCarthy's vision for the team inevitably create changes.
It will be interesting to see how in depth these changes affect the team, and McCarthy will want to remain competitive:
Because the NFL will most assuredly not miss the opportunity for a ratings bump by scheduling the Cowboys vs the Packers early in the season on a Sunday night.
Cowboys won’t play the Packers unless it’s in the playoffs. They play the NFC West & the 2nd place teams in the North (Vikings) and South (Falcons).
 
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