2 things in my opinion

[Venger]

Ryan was fired - in my opinion - as much for his social incompatibility with the org as for his defense. He just didn't fit personality wise. I was never keen on the hire but if the word scapegoat didn't exist, his firing would have coined it.

 

[FLCowboyFan]

Relatively healthy in 2012???!!! Not sure which team you watched in 2012 but you're not talking about the team I watched which was the Cowboys. And even with all the injuries in 2012 (Lee, Carter, Ware, Ratliff, etc.)Ryan didn't set team and NFL records for atrocious play.

Not a big fan of Ryan but, again, he didn't set records for pitiful play.


Monte Sliger

I think Ryan was really fired because he and Garrett didn't work well. Remember the reports saying he didn't show up to meetings, etc. I suspect that is why he left.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

I think Ryan was really fired because he and Garrett didn't work well. Remember the reports saying he didn't show up to meetings, etc. I suspect that is why he left.

He went up Garrett on sidelines during a game and mouthed/expressed with body language something to the effect, "that's how do it" or "I told you we needed to do that more" to which Garrett said yeah yeah, gave him a semi-look from corner of his eyes and moved away from Ryan.

Disrespectful and yet right at same time.

 

[Alexander]

Losing Dunbar hurt a lot.

Given the fact he was barely utilized until the Thanksgiving game, great point.

 

[50cent]

Fair enough. I like the we-have-all-we-need-right now approach- but something isn't clicking.

Still need a safety.

The passing game isn't clicking!

 

[xwalker]

The passing game isn't clicking!

The Cowboys offense was 5th in points per game.

 

[50cent]

T

The Cowboys offense was 5th in points per game.

That is an offensive PPG stat, not a passing PPG stat last time I checked. I do believe rushing TDs and defensive score plus Dan bailey might be part of that equation as well!

 

[TrailBlazer]

T


That is an offensive PPG stat, not a passing PPG stat last time I checked. I do believe rushing TDs and defensive score plus Dan bailey might be part of that equation as well!

Yeah that stat is very skewed. We didnt have the fifth best offense this year.

 

[50cent]

Yeah that stat is very skewed. We didnt have the fifth best offense this year.

Word!

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

Two things happened this year in my opinion.

1. Realization that Careers are coming to an end 2. Football could be the most important thing in and NFLers life.

 

[AdamJT13]

Yeah that stat is very skewed. We didnt have the fifth best offense this year.

There was nothing skewed about it. The offense was fourth in points per possession and fifth in touchdowns per possession. We had a top-five scoring offense.

 

[AdamJT13]

That is an offensive PPG stat, not a passing PPG stat last time I checked. I do believe rushing TDs and defensive score plus Dan bailey might be part of that equation as well!

We were third in "passing points per game."

 

[big dog cowboy]

1. Defense- obvious. Letting Ryan go was foolish. The multitude of injuries were unfortunate.

He could have done better with less talent this year?

 

[50cent]

We were third in "passing points per game."

This doesn't surprised me, I mean we did pass it a lot to get to 8-8! Especially in the red zone. Games with 8 rushes, fewer than 6 in multiple 2nd halts plays a part so this doesn't surprise me one bit. Lack of runs in quarters 1-3 plays a part. It's truly sensational having these loafty passing stats year after year and no playoffs to show for it!

 

[BigStar]

1. Defense- obvious. Letting Ryan go was foolish. The multitude of injuries were unfortunate. The ever present lack of a good safety in Dallas remains a major hole/weakness. This offense can and will usually score, with good field position. They need personnel/strategy to get the games back for them when they falter (particularly when having a lead and/or late in the game) Defense. Obvious.

2. A pass-catching RB and scheme to match- this team needs a different style of RB (has for a long time; throughout the Romo era) and a gameplan which focuses on utilizing the RB in such ways. A pass-catching back whom is ultilized for... ahem... catching passes out of the backfield (moving the chains; an everpresent check down option)

This team should really follow the Saints model of relying on Offensive talent to control TOP and an adequate opportunistic D, not world beaters. The D, outside of CB, needs to be rebuilt anyhow, this is the logical direction for the team considering the personnel. Good post!

 

[nicomachus]

We were third in "passing points per game."

How is that calculated?

 

[gimmesix]

What strikes me is this. Ryan, Kiffin, Phillips, it doesn't matter if the players are not of the caliber to make the defense work.

You can draw X's and O's until you are red in the face, but if the player cannot complete his assignment, then the name of the DC is unimportant.

Yes. I don't think Ryan would have done any better with this defensive unit. And everyone would be saying, "We should have gotten rid of Buddy's son last year!"

I had no issues with getting rid of Ryan. I think he's a good, not great, defensive coordinator. I think history shows that Kiffin is just as good, if not better.

But if the injuries persist and the talent isn't upgraded, it really isn't going to matter who Dallas' DC is. I'm all for getting the absolute best one available, but he's got to have the parts to assemble a top-notch defense.

 

[blindzebra]

This doesn't surprised me, I mean we did pass it a lot to get to 8-8! Especially in the red zone. Games with 8 rushes, fewer than 6 in multiple 2nd halts plays a part so this doesn't surprise me one bit. Lack of runs in quarters 1-3 plays a part. It's truly sensational having these loafty passing stats year after year and no playoffs to show for it!

Might not want to complain about redzone offense being that we were 3rd in the league with almost a 20% increase from the year before.

 

[Oh_Canada]

No...what this team needs is four/five physical defensive lineman at least two of which are very good pass rushers.

 

[jobberone]

1. Defense- obvious. Letting Ryan go was foolish. The multitude of injuries were unfortunate. The ever present lack of a good safety in Dallas remains a major hole/weakness. This offense can and will usually score, with good field position. They need personnel/strategy to get the games back for them when they falter (particularly when having a lead and/or late in the game) Defense. Obvious.

2. A pass-catching RB and scheme to match- this team needs a different style of RB (has for a long time; throughout the Romo era) and a gameplan which focuses on utilizing the RB in such ways. A pass-catching back whom is ultilized for... ahem... catching passes out of the backfield (moving the chains; an everpresent check down option)

I don't think Ryan's defense was most of the problem. I think there was more than football issues going on. But the team should win enough to be at least in the playoffs if not contend.

I think Dunbar is the kind of back you are wanting. Murry is good enough as a check down back. We need some missem' and speed out there. We need more playmakers.