I think we are getting to unfamiliar territory for the Jones’ in how to direct/plan for the team’s future. I think both wanted to see more playoff success this past season-not just because of stroking their egos but also because it would make marketing and future planning so much easier. If any season was set up for a deep playoff run (at least CCG)-it was this past one. Don’t have to face SF till that game. Plus, you could endlessly market the fact that you finally broke the 28 year drought even if SF destroyed the team yet again.
I think that GB game actually bummed Jerry out. I think he and Stephen see that the squad has plateaued with Dak, and last season was the best chance they will ever get to market him as a guy that can help advance Dallas in the postseason. That makes planning any future with Dak way more tenuous. It is extremely unlikely that Dak plays more than 5 seasons as a starter (and I think it likely that could plummet if he gets poor or just average offensive line play even for one season-which might happen this season).
I think both Jones’ are unsure with how to even approach a retool season without an apparent future QB to plan around. It has been awhile since they had to start over with a complete unknown (before Romo).
If what I say is true, we fans will not get any public acknowledgement from either Jones (because of the ensuing marketing disaster). They will speak in meaningless platitudes, but may not extend Dak before the season (all but assuring his last season with Dallas).
Excellent analysis. IMO, Jerry has only been part of 2
intentional rebuilds.
1. When he bought the team, Jimmy led a brilliant and fast rebuild from 1989-91.
2. When Parcells was hired after going 15-33 under Dave Campo, he led a rebuild between 2003-06.
IMO, those are the only two times Jerry has been committed to an intentional rebuild. There was an
accidental rebuild in 2016 when they had the quick infusion of new blood in that draft including Dak.
So in my view, Jerry is now looking at one of two things- either a 2016 style draft (that might include a QB he got lucky with again) or the beginning of an intentional rebuild.
If it’s a rebuild there is one HUGE problem for Jerry and SJ: neither has ever led a successful rebuild here. Jimmy and the Big Tuna led both rebuilds of the past. The Jones boys literally don’t know how to do it and although their monstrous egos will never allow them to admit it, they know they don’t know how.