Am I alone? I believe this team will go to the SB if we stay healthy

[percyhoward]

I think #5 certainly played a part in #4. I think what played a bigger part was that we were up a lot with the offense rolling and the run game dominating. Teams were playing catchup and had to take more chances knowing that we were going to put up points. It also made them more one dimensional with the pass and we could tee off more on D.

That's all true, but keep in mind it's easier to get into that pattern when opposing offenses are turnover-prone and don't score a lot of points anyway. Good offenses don't get themselves in nearly as many desperate situations.

 

[percyhoward]

Last year was a disaster in terms of never playing with leads and I believe percy's provided stats that suggested we played an inordinate number of teams in the top-10 last season in terms of ball control. Take a team that doesn't turn over the football, and then don't put them in a position where they're behind in a game, and you get 11 total takeaways on the way ot 4-12.

In 2014, we played 12 games against teams that ranked in the bottom 10 (or ties) in fewest turnovers.

In 2015, we played 4 games against such teams.

 

[Idgit]

In 2014, we played 12 games against teams that ranked in the bottom 10 (or ties) in fewest turnovers.

In 2015, we played 4 games against such teams.

Ok, so it was the reverse, where we'd played a lot of turnover-prone teams the year prior.

Man, i cant' wait for the season to start so we can get banish all recollection of that damn 2015 season.

 

[TheFinisher]

It really depends on our pass rush and the defenses ability to play with a 2nd half lead.

Which means Randy Gregory's ability to remove his head from his *** could determine whether or not we're a contender.

 

[KJJ]

There will be no SB's in the Cowboys future until they start making the playoffs consistently which isn't going to happen until they build a solid defense and the coaching improves. They've only made it to the playoffs once the past 5 years with only one winning season which would get most head coaches fired. Despite how efficient and consistent Romo has been during his 10 years as the starter the team has only made it to the playoffs 4 times. We haven't gotten past the second round of the playoffs in 20 years and only have 3 playoffs wins since our last SB win in 1995. With time running out on Romo the Cowboys SB chances are running out with him because once he's done finding his replacement won't be easy along with winning games. Too many things are working against the Cowboys including Romo's age, lack of durability and their head coach. The team has defensive issues that never seem to go away and an offensive system that won't allow a backup QB to be successful. We're 1-14 without Romo the past 3 seasons that points to issues that go beyond the backup QBs we've had.

The Cowboys have a lot of strengths but they have weakness that real good teams and elite QBs are able to expose in critical games. We've seen it in season finale elimination games and in the playoffs over the years. The NFC is the strongest conference with a number of solid teams. The NFC East is arguably the weakest division in the entire league and the Cowboys have only won the division twice since 2009. Going from the basement in the NFC East to the SB is not only a lot to ask, it's dreaming. I stopped thinking SB's with the Cowboys a long time ago, that was the mindset during the 70s/early 80s and early to mid 90s but now I just hope for a playoff spot. When you've missed the playoffs as much as the Cowboys have since the late 90s all you hope for is making the tournament and having a chance.

Every SB team the Cowboys have had you could see it coming except for the 75 team. The Cowboys had missed the playoffs in 74 and no one was expecting much in 1975. It was the Cowboys drafting of the "dirty dozen" that propelled the team the next few years. There's just too many holes defensively for the Cowboys to go deep. Romo isn't likely to play a full 16 games and our backup QB situation looks shakier now than it did last year at this time. I may not see a SB in 2016 but I feel we have a good shot at the playoffs due to the division we play in and provided Romo doesn't miss an extended period with an injury.

 

[gimmesix]

Every SB team the Cowboys have had you could see it coming except for the 75 team. The Cowboys had missed the playoffs in 74 and no one was expecting much in 1975. It was the Cowboys drafting of the "dirty dozen" that propelled the team the next few years. There's just too many holes defensively for the Cowboys to go deep. Romo isn't likely to play a full 16 games and our backup QB situation looks shakier now than it did last year at this time. I may not see a SB in 2016 but I feel we have a good shot at the playoffs due to the division we play in and provided Romo doesn't miss an extended period with an injury.

In this day and age, there are more "surprise" Super Bowl teams than in the past because it's hard to build those consistently dominant teams and keep them together. I won't count the team out from that standpoint, but the defense definitely puts us on shaky ground, enough so that I wouldn't feel comfortable predicting a Super Bowl appearance even if we stay healthy.

I do think we'll return to being a playoff contender if we stay healthy and frankly, if you can get into the playoffs, a few good breaks can put you in the Super Bowl. Dallas is going to have to be just as good as it was on offense in 2014, though, to get into a position where those breaks can happen.

 

[KJJ]

In this day and age, there are more "surprise" Super Bowl teams than in the past because it's hard to build those consistently dominant teams and keep them together. I won't count the team out from that standpoint, but the defense definitely puts us on shaky ground, enough so that I wouldn't feel comfortable predicting a Super Bowl appearance even if we stay healthy.

I do think we'll return to being a playoff contender if we stay healthy and frankly, if you can get into the playoffs, a few good breaks can put you in the Super Bowl. Dallas is going to have to be just as good as it was on offense in 2014, though, to get into a position where those breaks can happen.

If you're having to hold out hope every year that your team could end up being a "surprise" SB team then your team obviously isn't very good. There's several teams in the league that consistently contend almost every year. As long as Romo stays healthy and continues playing at a high level we'll have no trouble "contending" within the division unless someone turns into a perennial powerhouse in the next year or two.

 

[cowboyblue22]

when you have a franchise qb you should be a consistent contender year after year. I know their were injuries but this team couldn't figure out how to win more than one game with a backup qb. To me this defense needs to play top ten for the cowboys to be a contender. they also need to stay really healthy and the coaching needs to improve.

 

[NYNY]

Defense is going to struggle, so the team will be in several shootouts. Running game might have to be abandoned in those games making them one dimensional. I predict 9-7.

 

[gimmesix]

If you're having to hold out hope every year that your team could end up being a "surprise" SB team then your team obviously isn't very good. There's several teams in the league that consistently contend almost every year. As long as Romo stays healthy and continues playing at a high level we'll have no trouble "contending" within the division unless someone turns into a perennial powerhouse in the next year or two.

I agree that I want us to be a perennial contender. I think all of us want to build that kind of team. That doesn't mean in the meantime that we can't be a surprise team as several Super Bowl teams have been in this era.

For example, Carolina was 7-8-1 in 2014 before rising last year to make the Super Bowl. (The Panther did make the playoffs in 2014 and won their wild-card game.)

New York did it a couple of times. Although the Giants' record was 10-6 in 2010, they did not make the playoffs. The next year, they won the Super Bowl. In 2006, the Giants were 8-8. The next year, they won the Super Bowl.

I'm not expecting Dallas to make it there because of this defense, but I don't count anything out from year to year.

 

[big dog cowboy]

when you have a franchise qb you should be a consistent contender year after year.

It's still a team sport. If you don't have a franchise QB, making the playoffs is pretty hard. But having one doesn't mean you are an instant contender each year.

 

[KJJ]

I agree that I want us to be a perennial contender. I think all of us want to build that kind of team. That doesn't mean in the meantime that we can't be a surprise team as several Super Bowl teams have been in this era.

For example, Carolina was 7-8-1 in 2014 before rising last year to make the Super Bowl. (The Panther did make the playoffs in 2014 and won their wild-card game.)

New York did it a couple of times. Although the Giants' record was 10-6 in 2010, they did not make the playoffs. The next year, they won the Super Bowl. In 2006, the Giants were 8-8. The next year, they won the Super Bowl.

I'm not expecting Dallas to make it there because of this defense, but I don't count anything out from year to year.

The Giants surprised in 07 and 2011 by reaching and winning the SB and the Panthers surprised last season by reaching the SB because those teams had solid defenses that could rush the passer. Did you forget that? See how many teams you can name that went from a losing season to the SB the following year that accomplished that feat with a mediocre defense and a weak pass rush...good luck! The Giants had 53 sacks in 07 and 48 sacks in 2011. They had no chance against Tom Brady in those SB's without a consistent pass rush. Last season the Panthers made it to the SB due to Cam Newton having an MVP season and the Panthers #3 defense that produced 44 sacks.

In 2013 Denver had one of the most potent offenses in NFL history led by Peyton Manning who had a career year setting several NFL passing records but the Broncos got blown out in the SB because their 19th ranked defense played even worse than its ranking. Last season Denver won the SB in dominating fashion with an offense that wasn't remotely close to the offense they had in 2013 and with Manning having the worst season of his career because Denver had the #1 defense in the league that put up 52 sacks.

Since Ware's departure the Cowboys haven't had more than 31 sacks and that was with Greg Hardy. We simply don't have the pass rush or coverage ability to make it past the Cam Newton's, Aaron Rodgers or even the Russell Wilsons in the playoffs. Wilson dissected us in the final moments last season to move Seattle in FG range to beat us in a very important game to both teams. Until the defense SURPRISES and starts providing a CONSISTENT pass rush and is able to make stops in critical situations just making the playoffs is going to be difficult.

 

[gimmesix]

The Giants surprised in 07 and 2011 by reaching and winning the SB and the Panthers surprised last season by reaching the SB because those teams had solid defenses that could rush the passer. Did you forget that? See how many teams you can name that went from a losing season to the SB the following year that accomplished that feat with a mediocre defense and a weak pass rush...good luck! The Giants had 53 sacks in 07 and 48 sacks in 2011. They had no chance against Tom Brady in those SB's without a consistent pass rush. Last season the Panthers made it to the SB due to Cam Newton having an MVP season and the Panthers #3 defense that produced 44 sacks.

In 2013 Denver had one of the most potent offenses in NFL history led by Peyton Manning who had a career year setting several NFL passing records but the Broncos got blown out in the SB because their 19th ranked defense played even worse than its ranking. Last season Denver won the SB in dominating fashion with an offense that wasn't remotely close to the offense they had in 2013 and with Manning having the worst season of his career because Denver had the #1 defense in the league that put up 52 sacks.

Since Ware's departure the Cowboys haven't had more than 31 sacks and that was with Greg Hardy. We simply don't have the pass rush or coverage ability to make it past the Cam Newton's, Aaron Rodgers or even the Russell Wilsons in the playoffs. Wilson dissected us in the final moments last season to move Seattle in FG range to beat us in a very important game to both teams. Until the defense SURPRISES and starts providing a CONSISTENT pass rush and is able to make stops in critical situations just making the playoffs is going to be difficult.

I didn't respond to your comment to argue with you because our arguments are never-ending and we agree on this for the most part. So although I could continue to post examples and you could continue to move the target, I'll bow out.

 

[KJJ]

I didn't respond to your comment to argue with you because our arguments are never-ending and we agree on this for the most part. So although I could continue to post examples and you could continue to move the target, I'll bow out.

You're bowing out because you can't refute anything I just posted. I tore your post down piece by piece with a number of facts. No team is going from 4-12 to the SB In a pass happy league without a solid defense that includes a consistent pass rush.

 

[Fletch]

Defense is going to struggle, so the team will be in several shootouts. Running game might have to be abandoned in those games making them one dimensional. I predict 9-7.

I predict 12-4. Running game won't be abandoned any time soon. 10-6 at their worst.

 

[skinsscalper]

You're bowing out because you can't refute anything I just posted. I tore your post down piece by piece with a number of facts. No team is going from 4-12 to the SB In a pass happy league without a solid defense that includes a consistent pass rush.

False, again. The 2009 saints won the Super Bowl with the 20th ranked defense (in points) and a single player with double digit sacks (Will Smith with 13.5 the next best was Charles Grant with 5.5) and a total of 35 sacks for the entire team (barely over 2 sacks a game).

Though the Saints didn't go from 4-12 to Super Bowl, they DID go from 8-8 to Super Bowl without a consistent pass rush (and the league was as pass happy in 2009 as it will ever be). What fueled the Saints defense was turnovers. Other teams were forced to play "catch up" against the Saints #1 offense, forcing teams into pass heavy offense to try and keep up (significantly assisting in the TO opportunities for the defense even without a dominant pass rush). In contrast, the Broncos defense produced 52 sacks last season (that's an actual "consistent pass rush"). The Patriots in 2014? 40 sacks without a single player in the double digit sack category (under 3 sacks a game). The Seahawks from the year before that? 44 sacks (under 3 sacks a game). Again not a single player in the double digit sack category (Cliff Avril's 8 topped the team). The Ravens the year before that? 37 sacks (less than 2.5 sacks a game). Again not a single player in the double digit category.

Care to thrill the pants off of everyone with baseless jibberish again or, no?

 

[StarBoyz83]

I predict 12-4. Running game won't be abandoned any time soon. 10-6 at their worst.

I can see this if romo stays healthy even with the terrible dline. The schedule is so easy.

 

[KJJ]

False, again. The 2009 saints won the Super Bowl with the 20th ranked defense (in points) and a single player with double digit sacks (Will Smith with 13.5 the next best was Charles Grant with 5.5) and a total of 35 sacks for the entire team (barely over 2 sacks a game).

Though the Saints didn't go from 4-12 to Super Bowl, they DID go from 8-8 to Super Bowl without a consistent pass rush (and the league was as pass happy in 2009 as it will ever be). What fueled the Saints defense was turnovers. Other teams were forced to play "catch up" against the Saints #1 offense, forcing teams into pass heavy offense to try and keep up (significantly assisting in the TO opportunities for the defense even without a dominant pass rush). In contrast, the Broncos defense produced 52 sacks last season (that's an actual "consistent pass rush"). The Patriots in 2014? 40 sacks without a single player in the double digit sack category (under 3 sacks a game). The Seahawks from the year before that? 44 sacks (under 3 sacks a game). Again not a single player in the double digit sack category (Cliff Avril's 8 topped the team). The Ravens the year before that? 37 sacks (less than 2.5 sacks a game). Again not a single player in the double digit category.

Care to thrill the pants off of everyone with baseless jibberish again or, no?

The only one trying to thrill the pants off of everyone with baseless Gibberish is you. You're so busy trying to prove me wrong you didn't comprehend my post. I told Gimme no team is going from 4-12 to the SB without a solid defense and a consistent pass rush and the Saints weren't a 4-12 team in 2008. I told him to see how many teams he could name that went from a losing record to the SB the following year that had a mediocre defense with a weak pass rush and neither you or him has named a single team. I never said there weren't any teams, I'm just seeing how many he or anyone else can name during the passing era. The 09 Saints 35 sacks were still more than the Cowboys have had the past 4 years. Every team you mentioned had more sacks and pressures than the Cowboys the past 3 seasons.

The Saints #1 offense in 2009 faced off against the Colts #18 overall defense that ranked 14th against the pass. The Colts defense had 34 sacks that season. The Colts only got to Brees once in the SB and allowed him to complete over 82% of his passes for almost 300 yards and 2 TD's. The Saints D stepped up in the SB only allowing Manning one TD pass and picking him off with the game on the line for a TD. Every good team the Cowboys have had under Romo their defense ends up being shredded by elite QBs in do or die games. We couldn't stop Eli in the playoffs in 07 allowing him to stay comfortable in the pocket all day converting one third down after another.

Favre shredded us for 4 TD passes in the 09 playoffs and a one legged Aaron Rodgers diced us up in the playoffs in 2014. As for double digit sackers who said you need a double digit sacker to have a great pass rush? You don't need a double digit sacker you just need a number of players who can apply pressure and contribute to sacks. Ware had big double digit sack seasons practically every year in Dallas but he was getting most of our sacks and pressures and our defense continued to falter in elimination games/playoffs. One great pass rusher isn't going to make a great unit it takes other players providing sacks and pressures. Now run along and see what else you can come up with that I can tear down with ease.

 

[Bullflop]

Super Bowl teams usually have a combination of highly capable offensive and defensive units. The Cowboys own only half of that.

 

[skinsscalper]

The only one trying to thrill the pants off of everyone with baseless Gibberish is you. You're so busy trying to prove me wrong you didn't comprehend my post. I told Gimme no team is going from 4-12 to the SB without a solid defense and a consistent pass rush and the Saints weren't a 4-12 team in 2008. I told him to see how many teams he could name that went from a losing record to the SB the following year that had a mediocre defense with a weak pass rush and neither you or him has named a single team. I never said there weren't any teams, I'm just seeing how many he or anyone else can name during the passing era. The 09 Saints 35 sacks were still more than the Cowboys have had the past 4 years. Every team you mentioned had more sacks and pressures than the Cowboys the past 3 seasons.

The Saints #1 offense in 2009 faced off against the Colts #18 overall defense that ranked 14th against the pass. The Colts defense had 34 sacks that season. The Colts only got to Brees once in the SB and allowed him to complete over 82% of his passes for almost 300 yards and 2 TD's. The Saints D stepped up in the SB only allowing Manning one TD pass and picking him off with the game on the line for a TD. Every good team the Cowboys have had under Romo their defense ends up being shredded by elite QBs in do or die games. We couldn't stop Eli in the playoffs in 07 allowing him to stay comfortable in the pocket all day converting one third down after another.

Favre shredded us for 4 TD passes in the 09 playoffs and a one legged Aaron Rodgers diced us up in the playoffs in 2014. As for double digit sackers who said you need a double digit sacker to have a great pass rush? You don't need a double digit sacker you just need a number of players who can apply pressure and contribute to sacks. Ware had big double digit sack seasons practically every year in Dallas but he was getting most of our sacks and pressures and our defense continued to falter in elimination games/playoffs. One great pass rusher isn't going to make a great unit it takes other players providing sacks and pressures. Now run along and see what else you can come up with that I can tear down with ease.

All of that is true, KJJ. The fact remains that even last year the Cowboys had 31 sacks. 4 off the pace of the Saints 2009 team and 6 off the pace of the Ravens 2012 team. Neither of those teams had what's considered a "consistent pass rush". They won the Super Bowl. Does the Cowboys pass rush and defense, in general need to be better? You bet. But that's not exactly rocket surgery you're performing there by figuring that out, Einstein. You, now, can run along.