You are a guy, like me, who understands and lived the motto "Freedom isn't Free". But if you are going to patronize me, then be prepared to get it back. You are incorrect on your SINGLE guy theory. The ENTIRE unit has to step up. This DL is not just ONE unknown exploding out of nowhere for the team to field a championship contender. You can list all these unproven guys ad nauseum, this is the NFL, having a DT and/or a DE "step up" and be "solid" is not enough, if the goal is to win in the postseason.
Even if ONE guy explodes for double digit sacks, it means nothing unless the D can get off the field. That means the DL has to put constant and consistent pressure on opposing offenses, not just be stable. Thornton has fewer than 5 sacks his entire career, DLaw is coming off a back injury in addition to his suspension of 4 games and Crawford is a gamer, love his passion, but he's always dinged up. This is your stable platform?
Love Irving and this is the guy who gives me the most hope. He reminds me so much of Leon Lett, but even Big Cat didn't generate double digit sacks in any season of his career. Mayowa, Russell, Tapper, McAdoo, Jenkins and even Gregory are all kids, and they are raw, raw, raw. Like you, I want a miracle to occur with one of these guys but unlike you I also understand that if Cowboys really are invested in winning while Romo can still play, then they need to INVEST in some proven and productive players. You don't take a new recruits into battle and expect them to singlehandedly win a war. You need to make sure the supply lines are secure, air support is available and some proven first shirts in your unit to guide the kids (or kick their ace). Otherwise all your talk of winning is Bravo Sierra.
Errr
Christ, guy...there is a starting point for observation of strength. Three strong candidates for the front four, at the start of camp...is a stone to build upon.
If a discussion is pursued, discuss content.
There is a likelihood of another one or two defensive ends to stand up.
This article, OP, was about this being a make or break season for Jason Garrett and the concept of building through a draft...primarily.
The team has judiciously gone to the draft to build from. Both of the past two drafts have been targeted at the defensive side of the ball.
Value has also been applied at the tops of drafts as well. Lawrence, Gregory, Jones, Smith...Tapper, Russell, Collins...Hitchens, Wilson, Frazier, and Anthony Brown...all have been added.
If one doesn't want to acknowledge that in that group are some real and developing talent...then stick in the zone of discontent.
That doesn't remove that this season will serve as a huge indicator. If the needle isn't pointing up at it's conclusion, the both Marrinelli and Garrett will be gone!
I think that one more defensively heavy draft, and this team is set...and still under both Marinelli and Garrett.
But I'm not plugging into some abstract 3 of 4 or top league producer. Matter of fact, Sean Lee and Orlando Scandrick are the heart of this defense. They will be aided by Jones, Claiborne, Carr, Hitchens, Lawrence, and someone that will rise to the opportunity. That actually is a significant group there...but more talent is on the roster as well.
I'm not about to take a yoke of attitude of disappointment as any type of progressive view of this team. Last season ended in January...and one has to look to change, just to keep up with the rotation of new teams that use just those kind of opportunities to become contenders in their own right.
This team is young and it is hungry...and I don't think as far as a pass rush, expecting a single defensive end to stand up to opportunity is that big of a gamble.
The past be damned, until opportunity is played out in the here and now.
As to Bravo Sierra, Forged in Fire was our motto in the 3rd ACR in Desert Storm...not a chest full of Audie Murphy medals.
It Shall be Done...as you were.
To the point, this is NOW, exciting times...go figure, pass rush/failure...NAW I'm not plugging into that venue of gloom..all players they brought in are good athletes.
Me, I'm calling Irving as a starter for the start of the regular season, at defensive end. Oh yea, and sharpen the corner.
There is a football side and a franchise side...Jason Garrett has been given directional controls of football operations. If there is a toss up between coaches/scouts...then, Jerry can decide based upon what is presented. Stephen oversees his father on football issues...and has inforce cash flow in the cap, for highly talented players. What worked in the offensive line, should also show strong results in the defense. Offense is primary in Dallas, and is given that edge in selection processes. But all under control of Jason Garrett.