BIGDen's Take On The Cowboys

[BIGDen]

Many will view this as a "rose-colored glasses" thread and that's fine. I'm not going to sit here and say that Dallas doesn't have its warts (like a majority of teams in this league). The Cowboys have work to do. However, I just shake my head when I read things about how Dallas sucks, isn't competitive, etc.

Despite having half of their defense injured last year, Dallas was 8-8. They played for the division championship the final game of the season despite have guys off the street playing on D, a poor OL, and a non-existent running game. Dallas will lose no significant players in FA. They will likely improve some weaknesses through the draft and even FA after this initial wave of signings is complete. There will likely be plenty of solid vets available at reasonable prices in the coming months. Just returning last year's squad with a healthier defense will make for a more competitive team IMO. Even with a poor OL and decimated defense last year, Dallas was certainly competitive. This is the era of parity. Teams like last year's Ravens (and 2007 and 2011's Giants) won SBs despite being just above average teams. Even the ordinary 2008 Cardinals were a play away from winning a SB. The Packers in 2010 wouldn't have even made the playoffs if it wasn't for the crazy Desean Jackson punt return against the Giants. The list of "good but not great" teams winning or competing for recent SBs is not a short one. No matter how "great" people think the Niners and Seahawks are, there simply are no great teams anymore. Despite the constant cries of "We have been terrible since 1996!", it is simply not true. Although the Cowboys have had their ups and downs in recent years, they have been mostly competitive since 2006. Over the past 7 years Dallas has had a couple of division titles, a few playoff appearances, a playoff victory, a couple of close playoff losses, and a couple of years when it came down to the final game of the season to determine the division champ. WE ALL want more success than that, but teams that suck (or are not competitive) do not accomplish the things I've just listed. This team has NOT gotten over the hump and the window is closing for a few of its stars, but a good draft and a couple of solid signings, as well as the development/improved health of some young players, could easily have this team contending this year and next. Our drafting has improved in recent years and this year's draft is deep where we have needs. We are strong at the skill positions but need to fortify the trenches and the safety position this offseason. Will the team be without weaknesses this season? No. However, the good news is that NO TEAM will be without weaknesses in this modern era of football. We have been a competitive team in recent years (from 2005-2012 Dallas has had one losing season - 2010 when they lost their QB and fired the HC). I'm not glorifying Dallas' success over the past 6 or 7 years, this team should have accomplished more IMO. However, what Dallas did in 2000-2002 for example has nothing to do with what this team has been in recent years or what potential they have for this coming season. Things may not look so great right now but, IMO, thing are not nearly as bad as many here believe.

 

[ShiningStar]

great read, thank you bigden

 

[xwalker]

Good stuff, but I had to add paragraphs before reading it.

Many will view this as a "rose-colored glasses" thread and that's fine. I'm not going to sit here and say that Dallas doesn't have its warts (like a majority of teams in this league). The Cowboys have work to do. However, I just shake my head when I read things about how Dallas sucks, isn't competitive, etc.

Despite having half of their defense injured last year, Dallas was 8-8. They played for the division championship the final game of the season despite have guys off the street playing on D, a poor OL, and a non-existent running game.

Dallas will lose no significant players in FA. They will likely improve some weaknesses through the draft and even FA after this initial wave of signings is complete. There will likely be plenty of solid vets available at reasonable prices in the coming months. Just returning last year's squad with a healthier defense will make for a more competitive team IMO.

Even with a poor OL and decimated defense last year, Dallas was certainly competitive. This is the era of parity. Teams like last year's Ravens (and 2007 and 2011's Giants) won SBs despite being just above average teams. Even the ordinary 2008 Cardinals were a play away from winning a SB. The Packers in 2010 wouldn't have even made the playoffs if it wasn't for the crazy Desean Jackson punt return against the Giants. The list of "good but not great" teams winning or competing for recent SBs is not a short one. No matter how "great" people think the Niners and Seahawks are, there simply are no great teams anymore.

Despite the constant cries of "We have been terrible since 1996!", it is simply not true. Although the Cowboys have had their ups and downs in recent years, they have been mostly competitive since 2006. Over the past 7 years Dallas has had a couple of division titles, a few playoff appearances, a playoff victory, a couple of close playoff losses, and a couple of years when it came down to the final game of the season to determine the division champ.

WE ALL want more success than that, but teams that suck (or are not competitive) do not accomplish the things I've just listed. This team has NOT gotten over the hump and the window is closing for a few of its stars, but a good draft and a couple of solid signings, as well as the development/improved health of some young players, could easily have this team contending this year and next. Our drafting has improved in recent years and this year's draft is deep where we have needs. We are strong at the skill positions but need to fortify the trenches and the safety position this offseason.

Will the team be without weaknesses this season? No. However, the good news is that NO TEAM will be without weaknesses in this modern era of football. We have been a competitive team in recent years (from 2005-2012 Dallas has had one losing season - 2010 when they lost their QB and fired the HC). I'm not glorifying Dallas' success over the past 6 or 7 years, this team should have accomplished more IMO. However, what Dallas did in 2000-2002 for example has nothing to do with what this team has been in recent years or what potential they have for this coming season. Things may not look so great right now but, IMO, thing are not nearly as bad as many here believe.

 

[LittleD]

Hope springs eternal and that ray of sunshine is just around the corner. Much of what you said is true from a "glass half full" perspective. Some of us on the board after 17 years of frustration view the glass as perpetually half empty.

Of course, many of us are probably swayed to a degree by the avalanche of negative Dallas media who firmly believe that things will never truely improve and long as the Jones family owns the Cowboys. It seems to some of us that the organization is not very deft at hiring coaches, developing players or drafting new talent past the second round. Lots of us lived thru the Landry and Jimmy years and have endured the less than mediocre results throughout recent history and no real plan that fans can detect for persistant improvement.

I suppose you need both sides of every viewpoint to make an informed Cowboys board.

 

[cowboyvic]

One of only 3 teams in the NFC, that has not been to at least the NFC championship game in the last 16 years.(Lions and Commanders are the other 2)that is sad/pitiful. and the OP think we have been just fine.what some of you think is fine/Ok these days is just sickening. Cowboys really have fallen to new lows.now even the fans have become use to losing.

 

[visionary]

So if the rose colored glasses version comes down to:

No team is without weaknesses so what if we have many?

And

We are not as bad as some think we are

I would hate to think what a not rose colored glasses assessment would be

 

[cowboyvic]

So if the rose colored glasses version comes down to:

No team is without weaknesses so what if we have many?

And

We are not as bad as some think we are

I would hate to think what a not rose colored glasses assessment would be

As the big Tuna use to say. WE ARE WHAT OUR YEAR RECORD SAYS WE ARE.

 

[BIGDen]

One of only 3 teams in the NFC, that has not been to at least the NFC championship game in the last 16 years.(Lions and Commanders are the other 2)that is sad/pitiful. and the OP think we have been just fine.what some of you think is fine/Ok these days is just sickening. Cowboys really have fallen to new lows.now even the fans have become use to losing.

"The OP thinks we have been just fine..." Really? That's what you got out of what I wrote? Wow...

I apologize about the poor formatting. It didn't look too bad on my computer but it looks terrible on my phone. Thanks for adding paragraphs xwalker.

 

[erod]

When you step back and look at the needs of the team, they are addressable, and they're not nearly as numerous as when Wade left.

Two offensive lineman, one defensive lineman, and a safety. That's the need. And some of that MIGHT be on the roster now (Parnell, MJohnson, and they still think Costa or Bernadeau could be the answer at center soon).

Better blocking and a pass rush. There's the Achilles heel. The specialty parts are in place other than safety.

( That's why I'd take a chance on Ed Reed.)

 

[cowboyvic]

"The OP thinks we have been just fine..." Really? That's what you got out of what I wrote? Wow...

I apologize about the poor formatting. It didn't look too bad on my computer but it looks terrible on my phone. Thanks for adding paragraphs xwalker.

No problem. bottom line is this team has been terrible for much of the last 16 years. one stat says it all. one playoff win in going on 17 years for the Dallas Cowboys. even the pitiful Jags have 4 more playoff wins. it's really sad.

 

[BIGDen]

So 16 years is the number by which all franchises are measured? Why not just go back a few more years and brag about our 3 Super Bowls in the 90s? The point is that we have been competitive (not great and certainly no fan is satisfied) in recent years and what happened in 2000 is as irrelevent as what happened in 1995.

 

[cowboyvic]

So 16 years is the number by which all franchises are measured? Why not just go back a few more years and brag about our 3 Super Bowls in the 90s? The point is that we have been competitive (not great and certainly no fan is satisfied) in recent years and what happened in 2000 is as irrelevent as what happened in 1995.

Think about it this way.we have an overall 500 record in the last 16 years and 1 playoff win. that,s sad/Bad no matter how you spin it. all Cowboys fans have now are Memories of all most 20 years ago. and that is really sad. a Generation of young cowboys fans have grown up seeing the team being a 500 club with 1 playoff win.that's bad.

 

[jjktkk]

No problem. bottom line is this team has been terrible for much of the last 16 years. one stat says it all. one playoff win in going on 17 years for the Dallas Cowboys. even the pitiful Jags have 4 more playoff wins. it's really sad.

I guess its how one preceives terrible. Maybe the terrible is that Dallas hasn't won a Superbowl in 16 years, but they haven't had terrible teams for 16 years.

 

[Mr Cowboy]

Two offensive lineman, one defensive lineman, and a safety. That's the need. And some of that MIGHT be on the roster now (Parnell, MJohnson, and they still think Costa or Bernadeau could be the answer at center soon).

The same problems, different year. What makes you think it will finally be addressed?

 

[jjktkk]

The same problems, different year. What makes you think it will finally be addressed?

Hope.

 

[dstew60105]

Many will view this as a "rose-colored glasses" thread and that's fine. I'm not going to sit here and say that Dallas doesn't have its warts (like a majority of teams in this league). The Cowboys have work to do. However, I just shake my head when I read things about how Dallas sucks, isn't competitive, etc.

Despite having half of their defense injured last year, Dallas was 8-8. They played for the division championship the final game of the season despite have guys off the street playing on D, a poor OL, and a non-existent running game. Dallas will lose no significant players in FA. They will likely improve some weaknesses through the draft and even FA after this initial wave of signings is complete. There will likely be plenty of solid vets available at reasonable prices in the coming months. Just returning last year's squad with a healthier defense will make for a more competitive team IMO. Even with a poor OL and decimated defense last year, Dallas was certainly competitive. This is the era of parity. Teams like last year's Ravens (and 2007 and 2011's Giants) won SBs despite being just above average teams. Even the ordinary 2008 Cardinals were a play away from winning a SB. The Packers in 2010 wouldn't have even made the playoffs if it wasn't for the crazy Desean Jackson punt return against the Giants. The list of "good but not great" teams winning or competing for recent SBs is not a short one. No matter how "great" people think the Niners and Seahawks are, there simply are no great teams anymore. Despite the constant cries of "We have been terrible since 1996!", it is simply not true. Although the Cowboys have had their ups and downs in recent years, they have been mostly competitive since 2006. Over the past 7 years Dallas has had a couple of division titles, a few playoff appearances, a playoff victory, a couple of close playoff losses, and a couple of years when it came down to the final game of the season to determine the division champ. WE ALL want more success than that, but teams that suck (or are not competitive) do not accomplish the things I've just listed. This team has NOT gotten over the hump and the window is closing for a few of its stars, but a good draft and a couple of solid signings, as well as the development/improved health of some young players, could easily have this team contending this year and next. Our drafting has improved in recent years and this year's draft is deep where we have needs. We are strong at the skill positions but need to fortify the trenches and the safety position this offseason. Will the team be without weaknesses this season? No. However, the good news is that NO TEAM will be without weaknesses in this modern era of football. We have been a competitive team in recent years (from 2005-2012 Dallas has had one losing season - 2010 when they lost their QB and fired the HC). I'm not glorifying Dallas' success over the past 6 or 7 years, this team should have accomplished more IMO. However, what Dallas did in 2000-2002 for example has nothing to do with what this team has been in recent years or what potential they have for this coming season. Things may not look so great right now but, IMO, thing are not nearly as bad as many here believe.

Talent isn't really the main issue with this team. It's that they don't know how to finish. The 2012 Cowboys are a foot(Baltimore) and finger(NY Giants) away from being 10-6 and in the playoffs. And that's with a sub par OL, no running game and a rash of injuries. The talent is here, the attitude is not.

 

[burmafrd]

So 16 years is the number by which all franchises are measured? Why not just go back a few more years and brag about our 3 Super Bowls in the 90s? The point is that we have been competitive (not great and certainly no fan is satisfied) in recent years and what happened in 2000 is as irrelevent as what happened in 1995.

and this is where the kool aid drinking comes in.

First you have to admit that we have been mediocre for a long time.

10, 15 years


that is a fact if you have the high standards cowboys fans SHOULD have with the history of this franchise from 1960.


Until you accept that it is kool aid drinking to claim we are close to winning a SB which is basically your argument.

 

[jjktkk]

Talent isn't really the main issue with this team. It's that they don't know how to finish. The 2012 Cowboys are a foot(Baltimore) and finger(NY Giants) away from being 10-6 and in the playoffs. And that's with a sub par OL, no running game and a rash of injuries. The talent is here, the attitude is not.

Well said.

 

[cowboyvic]

I guess its how one preceives terrible. Maybe the terrible is that Dallas hasn't won a Superbowl in 16 years, but they haven't had terrible teams for 16 years.

1997------6 and 10
1998----10 and 6
1999----8 and 8
2000---5 and 11
2001---5 and 11
2002---5 and 11
2003---10 and 6
2004---6 and 10
2005---9 and 7
2006---9 and 7
2007---13 and 3
2008---9 and 7
2009---11 and 5
2010---6 and 10
2011---8 and 8
2012---8 and 8
Like it or not, that's bad.it's a 500 record for 16 years with 1 playoff win.that is sad.

 

[AsthmaField]

Cowboys really have fallen to new lows.now even the fans have become use to losing.

"New Lows" would be a 0-16 season because Jimmy Johnson went 1-15 in his first year. "Low" would be 3-13 or 2-14.

This team went 8-8 the last two years and was playing to win the division.

Stop being hysterical. The Cowboys are and have been competing for the division crown.

Ridiculous.

As the big Tuna use to say. WE ARE WHAT OUR YEAR RECORD SAYS WE ARE.

Then we are an 8-8 team trying to get over the hump.

Why are you acting like we were the worst team in the league last year?

I feel like we should be drafting at #1 instead of 18 the way you are going on.