10 things I think I think week 1 primer

[jterrell]

1. I think I have zero concern about going 0-4 in pre-season. Whatever issues Dallas will face this season, and I feel certain there will be many, failing to win pre-season games will have zero to do with that. Dallas, likely realizing health is key to the season, rested people aggressively.

2. I think fans need to reduce those rookie DB expectations. Those guys may be very good late rin the year or next year but for Game 1 its the old heads who will start and play heavily.

3. I think it's OK to question the team's depth but the tilting at windmills over the play of guys we will not makes little sense. Teams look bad when you play your 3rd stringers versus another team;s 1st string. Every time.

4. I think this offense will be fine but week 1 is always strange and Tampa has a championship caliber defense. If the team goes out and loses 24-21 it'll be OK. This isn't that unlike starting versus the Rams last year.

5. I think CeeDee is going to be insane. He's grown now into a more well-rounded WR. Would not surprise me if he led the team in catches, receiving yards and TDs.

6. I think this defense will be much better. I'm not sure there is enough quality to be great but there is enough talent and enough scheme fits to be very solid. Micah will be fun to watch and the nickel and dime get major boosts from faster LBs.

7. I think it is so long coming to get to week 1 and Cowboys fans getting slapped in the face with Tampa week 1 is just cold. But hold on fellas, better days are coming.

8. I think Dallas is the class of the NFCE. WFT should be very competitive but until you have a QB all you can do is play hard and challenge people. NYGiants and Eagles might not even do that.

9. I think Zeke could have a banner year. He looks quick and engaged. He's definitely matured in how he attacks the off-season.

10. I think Dak will be fine and end up 2nd or 3rd in passing yards. When you know you can pass it, it becomes really hard to stay focused on the run. And Zeke/Pollard are both threats on quick passes.

 

[NotForLong]

1. I think I have zero concern about going 0-4 in pre-season. Whatever issues Dallas will face this season, and I feel certain there will be many, failing to win pre-season games will have zero to do with that. Dallas, likely realizing health is key to the season, rested people aggressively.

2. I think fans need to reduce those rookie DB expectations. Those guys may be very good late rin the year or next year but for Game 1 its the old heads who will start and play heavily.

3. I think it's OK to question the team's depth but the tilting at windmills over the play of guys we will not makes little sense. Teams look bad when you play your 3rd stringers versus another team;s 1st string. Every time.

4. I think this offense will be fine but week 1 is always strange and Tampa has a championship caliber defense. If the team goes out and loses 24-21 it'll be OK. This isn't that unlike starting versus the Rams last year.

5. I think CeeDee is going to be insane. He's grown now into a more well-rounded WR. Would not surprise me if he led the team in catches, receiving yards and TDs.

6. I think this defense will be much better. I'm not sure there is enough quality to be great but there is enough talent and enough scheme fits to be very solid. Micah will be fun to watch and the nickel and dime get major boosts from faster LBs.

7. I think it is so long coming to get to week 1 and Cowboys fans getting slapped in the face with Tampa week 1 is just cold. But hold on fellas, better days are coming.

8. I think Dallas is the class of the NFCE. WFT should be very competitive but until you have a QB all you can do is play hard and challenge people. NYGiants and Eagles might not even do that.

9. I think Zeke could have a banner year. He looks quick and engaged. He's definitely matured in how he attacks the off-season.

10. I think Dak will be fine and end up 2nd or 3rd in passing yards. When you know you can pass it, it becomes really hard to stay focused on the run. And Zeke/Pollard are both threats on quick passes.

I agree entierly

 

[jazzcat22]

About point #3.

3. I think it's OK to question the team's depth but the tilting at windmills over the play of guys we will not makes little sense. Teams look bad when you play your 3rd stringers versus another team;s 1st string. Every time.

This was so evident last season as players went down with injuries. Sadly, but expected, the usuals fail to admit / realize this going into this year. Same old doom and gloom from them.

 

[McKDaddy]

Solid list

8 - I need to see some real games before I declare us the "class" of anything. I do not overlook the WFT in any way. They prevent some tough matchups.

10 - IF the OL & running game are humming, I could see less opportunity for Dak so I think his numbers might be a "little" down compared to the league but that could be a good thing for the team. Chunk plays should be available.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

2. I think fans need to reduce those rookie DB expectations. Those guys may be very good late rin the year or next year but for Game 1 its the old heads who will start and play heavily.

Agree 100%......but what/who are the options on the other side of Diggs? I'm guessing Brown to start the season. Either way, we better get it figured out.

 

[AsthmaField]

1. I think I have zero concern about going 0-4 in pre-season. Whatever issues Dallas will face this season, and I feel certain there will be many, failing to win pre-season games will have zero to do with that. Dallas, likely realizing health is key to the season, rested people aggressively.

2. I think fans need to reduce those rookie DB expectations. Those guys may be very good late rin the year or next year but for Game 1 its the old heads who will start and play heavily.

3. I think it's OK to question the team's depth but the tilting at windmills over the play of guys we will not makes little sense. Teams look bad when you play your 3rd stringers versus another team;s 1st string. Every time.

4. I think this offense will be fine but week 1 is always strange and Tampa has a championship caliber defense. If the team goes out and loses 24-21 it'll be OK. This isn't that unlike starting versus the Rams last year.

5. I think CeeDee is going to be insane. He's grown now into a more well-rounded WR. Would not surprise me if he led the team in catches, receiving yards and TDs.

6. I think this defense will be much better. I'm not sure there is enough quality to be great but there is enough talent and enough scheme fits to be very solid. Micah will be fun to watch and the nickel and dime get major boosts from faster LBs.

7. I think it is so long coming to get to week 1 and Cowboys fans getting slapped in the face with Tampa week 1 is just cold. But hold on fellas, better days are coming.

8. I think Dallas is the class of the NFCE. WFT should be very competitive but until you have a QB all you can do is play hard and challenge people. NYGiants and Eagles might not even do that.

9. I think Zeke could have a banner year. He looks quick and engaged. He's definitely matured in how he attacks the off-season.

10. I think Dak will be fine and end up 2nd or 3rd in passing yards. When you know you can pass it, it becomes really hard to stay focused on the run. And Zeke/Pollard are both threats on quick passes.

I always enjoy reading your stuff JT. However, I think you’re off on the Giants. I think they’re going to be among the teams fighting for the division… which by that I mean everyone except Philly.

I do think there is a small chance that the Giants could implode if the players aren’t buying into Judge’s message, but I think they are.

Other than that, I agree with everything pretty much.

 

[Cowboyny]

Agree 100%......but what/who are the options on the other side of Diggs? I'm guessing Brown to start the season. Either way, we better get it figured out.

Many forget, Diggs had his struggles for 1/2 the season last yr. We need to be patient.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Many forget, Diggs had his struggles for 1/2 the season last yr. We need to be patient.

Oh, I agree.......as long as we don't start either one at this time.

 

[AsthmaField]

Many forget, Diggs had his struggles for 1/2 the season last yr. We need to be patient.

This group is not the most patient fanbase in the world…

 

[PAPPYDOG]

1. I think I have zero concern about going 0-4 in pre-season. Whatever issues Dallas will face this season, and I feel certain there will be many, failing to win pre-season games will have zero to do with that. Dallas, likely realizing health is key to the season, rested people aggressively.

2. I think fans need to reduce those rookie DB expectations. Those guys may be very good late rin the year or next year but for Game 1 its the old heads who will start and play heavily.

3. I think it's OK to question the team's depth but the tilting at windmills over the play of guys we will not makes little sense. Teams look bad when you play your 3rd stringers versus another team;s 1st string. Every time.

4. I think this offense will be fine but week 1 is always strange and Tampa has a championship caliber defense. If the team goes out and loses 24-21 it'll be OK. This isn't that unlike starting versus the Rams last year.

5. I think CeeDee is going to be insane. He's grown now into a more well-rounded WR. Would not surprise me if he led the team in catches, receiving yards and TDs.

6. I think this defense will be much better. I'm not sure there is enough quality to be great but there is enough talent and enough scheme fits to be very solid. Micah will be fun to watch and the nickel and dime get major boosts from faster LBs.

7. I think it is so long coming to get to week 1 and Cowboys fans getting slapped in the face with Tampa week 1 is just cold. But hold on fellas, better days are coming.

8. I think Dallas is the class of the NFCE. WFT should be very competitive but until you have a QB all you can do is play hard and challenge people. NYGiants and Eagles might not even do that.

9. I think Zeke could have a banner year. He looks quick and engaged. He's definitely matured in how he attacks the off-season.

10. I think Dak will be fine and end up 2nd or 3rd in passing yards. When you know you can pass it, it becomes really hard to stay focused on the run. And Zeke/Pollard are both threats on quick passes.

I respect the effort you put here but you're selling dreams that will never materialize.

HC is another glorified YES man and that includes the rest of the coaching staff esp the DC who is years away from any success he has had.
The defense is raw and young and will be blown up for big plays weekly.
The pass-happy Dak you mention only appears when the defense is in prevent and we have pretty much lost the game. It's a proven fact he has major issues moving the ball against a good defense.
Offline is one injury away from hell and ya bet your bottom dollar (as they're old now) injuries will happen.
We have zero depth.
The NFC East isn't the pushover anymore and wins against D.C. and N.Y. trust me will not come easy. In fact, I predict D.C. will once again sweep us as their defense will devour panic in the pocket Prescott.
7 wins max will end up being this team's story this coming season!
Get your excuses ready as trust me they will be in high demand once again!

 

[TwoCentPlain]

I always enjoy reading your stuff JT. However, I think you’re off on the Giants. I think they’re going to be among the teams fighting for the division… which by that I mean everyone except Philly.

I do think there is a small chance that the Giants could implode if the players aren’t buying into Judge’s message, but I think they are.

Other than that, I agree with everything pretty much.

I don’t know about the Giants. Their top OT drafted last year Thomas is playing bad. Gave up 2 sacks and some pressures. TE Engram got hurt. WR Toney is a huge question along with Barkley. Danny Dimes threw a pick and did not look good their last preseason game. A few injuries and that team could be drafting top 3.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

1. I think I have zero concern about going 0-4 in pre-season. Whatever issues Dallas will face this season, and I feel certain there will be many, failing to win pre-season games will have zero to do with that. Dallas, likely realizing health is key to the season, rested people aggressively.

2. I think fans need to reduce those rookie DB expectations. Those guys may be very good late rin the year or next year but for Game 1 its the old heads who will start and play heavily.

3. I think it's OK to question the team's depth but the tilting at windmills over the play of guys we will not makes little sense. Teams look bad when you play your 3rd stringers versus another team;s 1st string. Every time.

4. I think this offense will be fine but week 1 is always strange and Tampa has a championship caliber defense. If the team goes out and loses 24-21 it'll be OK. This isn't that unlike starting versus the Rams last year.

5. I think CeeDee is going to be insane. He's grown now into a more well-rounded WR. Would not surprise me if he led the team in catches, receiving yards and TDs.

6. I think this defense will be much better. I'm not sure there is enough quality to be great but there is enough talent and enough scheme fits to be very solid. Micah will be fun to watch and the nickel and dime get major boosts from faster LBs.

7. I think it is so long coming to get to week 1 and Cowboys fans getting slapped in the face with Tampa week 1 is just cold. But hold on fellas, better days are coming.

8. I think Dallas is the class of the NFCE. WFT should be very competitive but until you have a QB all you can do is play hard and challenge people. NYGiants and Eagles might not even do that.

9. I think Zeke could have a banner year. He looks quick and engaged. He's definitely matured in how he attacks the off-season.

10. I think Dak will be fine and end up 2nd or 3rd in passing yards. When you know you can pass it, it becomes really hard to stay focused on the run. And Zeke/Pollard are both threats on quick passes.

I think Brady, Evans, Brown and Godwin are licking their chops to play against those young CBs, specially with a lack of pass rush....this defense is going to make 1 play, 2 plays and then give up a big play and that will be our undoing. we just don't have the talent to keep Tampa's offense in check consistently...Tampa's offense is too experienced not to make the big plays.

that will in turn put pressure on Cowboys offense to keep up and make big plays. as capable as our offense is, tampa's defense is much better and will make more stops than our defense will do.....this game will resemble shades of 2020, with defense getting out matched....(and this board will over react as such accordingly after the game).

the key for us is to shorten the game and that comes by effectively holding the ball, running it, killing the clock....if we can't run effectively and are in 2nd, 3rd and long situations....we are not going to see much offensive success unless we convert 75% of third downs and that's going to be very hard against a defense like theirs....

the only flaw I see in Tampa's offense is they don't have a dominant RB, but with Brady and that scary short passing game, do they even need it...he is so used to completing those 5 yard dumps, which is almost like a long hand off.....

 

[Cowboyny]

Oh, I agree.......as long as we don't start either one at this time.

Nobody likes see Brown starting, but he serves as a bride player. Once the prospects are ready, he will be off the roster.

 

[MarcusRock]

1. I think I have zero concern about going 0-4 in pre-season. Whatever issues Dallas will face this season, and I feel certain there will be many, failing to win pre-season games will have zero to do with that. Dallas, likely realizing health is key to the season, rested people aggressively.

2. I think fans need to reduce those rookie DB expectations. Those guys may be very good late rin the year or next year but for Game 1 its the old heads who will start and play heavily.

3. I think it's OK to question the team's depth but the tilting at windmills over the play of guys we will not makes little sense. Teams look bad when you play your 3rd stringers versus another team;s 1st string. Every time.

4. I think this offense will be fine but week 1 is always strange and Tampa has a championship caliber defense. If the team goes out and loses 24-21 it'll be OK. This isn't that unlike starting versus the Rams last year.

5. I think CeeDee is going to be insane. He's grown now into a more well-rounded WR. Would not surprise me if he led the team in catches, receiving yards and TDs.

6. I think this defense will be much better. I'm not sure there is enough quality to be great but there is enough talent and enough scheme fits to be very solid. Micah will be fun to watch and the nickel and dime get major boosts from faster LBs.

7. I think it is so long coming to get to week 1 and Cowboys fans getting slapped in the face with Tampa week 1 is just cold. But hold on fellas, better days are coming.

8. I think Dallas is the class of the NFCE. WFT should be very competitive but until you have a QB all you can do is play hard and challenge people. NYGiants and Eagles might not even do that.

9. I think Zeke could have a banner year. He looks quick and engaged. He's definitely matured in how he attacks the off-season.

10. I think Dak will be fine and end up 2nd or 3rd in passing yards. When you know you can pass it, it becomes really hard to stay focused on the run. And Zeke/Pollard are both threats on quick passes.

What do you think of our pass rush? That is the $10M question for me. Randy Gregory (everyone seems to think) and who else?

 

[AsthmaField]

I don’t know about the Giants. Their top OT drafted last year Thomas is playing bad. Gave up 2 sacks and some pressures. TE Engram got hurt. WR Toney is a huge question along with Barkley. Danny Dimes threw a pick and did not look good their last preseason game. A few injuries and that team could be drafting top 3.

Man, I hope so. That’d be great. I’d love to be wrong about that.

 

[john van brocklin]

1. I think I have zero concern about going 0-4 in pre-season. Whatever issues Dallas will face this season, and I feel certain there will be many, failing to win pre-season games will have zero to do with that. Dallas, likely realizing health is key to the season, rested people aggressively.

2. I think fans need to reduce those rookie DB expectations. Those guys may be very good late rin the year or next year but for Game 1 its the old heads who will start and play heavily.

3. I think it's OK to question the team's depth but the tilting at windmills over the play of guys we will not makes little sense. Teams look bad when you play your 3rd stringers versus another team;s 1st string. Every time.

4. I think this offense will be fine but week 1 is always strange and Tampa has a championship caliber defense. If the team goes out and loses 24-21 it'll be OK. This isn't that unlike starting versus the Rams last year.

5. I think CeeDee is going to be insane. He's grown now into a more well-rounded WR. Would not surprise me if he led the team in catches, receiving yards and TDs.

6. I think this defense will be much better. I'm not sure there is enough quality to be great but there is enough talent and enough scheme fits to be very solid. Micah will be fun to watch and the nickel and dime get major boosts from faster LBs.

7. I think it is so long coming to get to week 1 and Cowboys fans getting slapped in the face with Tampa week 1 is just cold. But hold on fellas, better days are coming.

8. I think Dallas is the class of the NFCE. WFT should be very competitive but until you have a QB all you can do is play hard and challenge people. NYGiants and Eagles might not even do that.

9. I think Zeke could have a banner year. He looks quick and engaged. He's definitely matured in how he attacks the off-season.

10. I think Dak will be fine and end up 2nd or 3rd in passing yards. When you know you can pass it, it becomes really hard to stay focused on the run. And Zeke/Pollard are both threats on quick passes.

Nice read !

 

[America's Cowboy]

Totally agree, bro @jterrell . Nice write up!

Since @Ranching 's troll/hater/homer/realist thread got unexpectedly deleted, I figured I might as well post this here...

I hope you don't mind @jterrell .

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

What do you think of our pass rush? That is the $10M question for me. Randy Gregory (everyone seems to think) and who else?

their effectiveness will be determined by how well DTs and LBs play....if the DTs are neutralized and singled, then they can roll protection against Randy and Lawrence....we need to blitz a lot more in this game to generate pressure and that's one way to rattle Brady. he doesn't like to be hit and when you do, he tends to rush his throws and is off target

 

[John813]

Good list. I think the NFCE will be a tough but winnable division as long as key guys stay healthy(QB/LT).

WFT will give us fits with their front 7 and Fitzpatrick is a wildcard any given Sunday even at his current age.
Giants, with a healthy Barkley will make Jones life easier and I think they can still be in contention later into the season.

I think the defense will be better too but expect some struggles at times from the corners/DT until Gallimore is healthy.

For once, I feel decent about the safeties and I think the new LBs will be a welcomed boost. And hey, if LVE or smith can bounce back that's an added bonus.

 

[jterrell]

Thanks for the comments in the thread.
When I post these I try to let them breathe a bit.

Depth: WR> LB> DL --- basically nothing else.
DB has young guys who will likely get better weekly but shouldn't play today.
No back up QB.
RB is Zeke and Pollard but RB is a position you can sign today to play tomorrow. So zero worry there.
OL has a really good top 6 but falls off a cliff after that 6. I'll be OL draft hive next year.