Cowboys are Lifting the Floor not Raising Their Ceiling

[gimmesix]

They had their best seasons when they would wait until week 4 or when comp picks are no longer a consideration to doing what they have done in week 1.

This is lifting the floor as opposed to raising the ceiling but in an attrition league that is hugely important. LB and RB injuries and roster neglect at those positions were particularly bad for us last year. We are unlikely to have it that bad again.

They still have plenty of issues all over the offense's starting group. OG takes a step back. OT is a trainwreck. Skill position outside of Lamb is devoid of playmakers.

We have 1 starting DT and questionable backups. We have issues at range at S. Hooker is one of my favorite players but he is losing his step. Cover 3 is going to be that much more demanding.

We have a ways to go. Way I see it we need guys like Mazi, Schoon, and Guyton to play up to their draft status and players come back strong from injury and 2+ draft picks hit at positions of need and these FA be able to improve special teams and injury replacements and the team take to the new coach strong in year 1.

Then we might compete with the Chiefs, Eagles and Lions in the playoffs.

I agree to some extent, but we're still scraping the supposed scum off the floor and hoping it's not scum. What we pay means we either get low-cost players who have not proven worthy of much compensation (Turner, Elam, Sanborn, Murray, Williams, Campbell, Jones) or players nearing the end of their career (Thomas, Sanders, Fowler).

It's understandable that you have to add some of those kind of FAs, but that doesn't mean you've improved the position. You may have just swapped one low-quality player for another and in some cases, you may have gotten worse (Lewis for Elam, Turner for Lawrence/Golston, for instance).

Now, we still have the draft to go, but we didn't use free agency to clearly improve the roster. Our pro scouts/coaches have to be proven to have been right about their evaluations of these low-cost FAs for that to happen. Of course, like you said, at least this time we seemed to be picking the low-cost FAs that we wanted from the start instead of waiting for them to be picked through and then choosing from what was left. We'll see if that changes anything.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

They had their best seasons when they would wait until week 4 or when comp picks are no longer a consideration to doing what they have done in week 1.

This is lifting the floor as opposed to raising the ceiling but in an attrition league that is hugely important. LB and RB injuries and roster neglect at those positions were particularly bad for us last year. We are unlikely to have it that bad again.

They still have plenty of issues all over the offense's starting group. OG takes a step back. OT is a trainwreck. Skill position outside of Lamb is devoid of playmakers.

We have 1 starting DT and questionable backups. We have issues at range at S. Hooker is one of my favorite players but he is losing his step. Cover 3 is going to be that much more demanding.

We have a ways to go. Way I see it we need guys like Mazi, Schoon, and Guyton to play up to their draft status and players come back strong from injury and 2+ draft picks hit at positions of need and these FA be able to improve special teams and injury replacements and the team take to the new coach strong in year 1.

Then we might compete with the Chiefs, Eagles and Lions in the playoffs.

the floor was below ground....now its almost at ground level....so what's the big deal? we replaced on JAG RB, with two JAG RBs, its quality over quantity. we had such a depleted LB group and got a bunch of other JAGs, maybe a decent starter, losing Kendricks and replacing him with Murray....
as you said Tackle is a mess. now guard is in need of a starter. WR group is a mess and TE is iffy. DTs stil suck. who are the DEs? who are the CBs? who are the safties?

hmmm, I changed my mind. the cowboys floor is lowered.

 

[Verdict]

I don't recall that.

We waited and spent less the last two years. They spent more and didn't wait this year. Maybe he said that and maybe he didn't but real is real. People change their minds. I am not saying you have to be wrong either.

I actually think what you are talking about and what I am talking about are in accord. The lack of depth led to injuries to DE, LB, CB, QB, etc derailing the 2024 season. they are taking active steps to prevent that by adding all these depth pieces.

I think the piss poor result last year made them reevaluate. What and to what extent I do not know but it allows a wide range of possibilities.

I think last season was the most irrational, haphazard jacked up situation imaginable. If the Cowboys had an actual plan last year, I would like to know what it was.

It was like Jerry and Stephen said how low can we lower the bar and still keep the fan base intact last year. Their decision making last year was as irrational as a committee of crackheads.

I still don’t get paying Dak all that money —and then not putting anything of substance around him. I’m anti Dak at this point, but none of that made any sense. I don’t get the impression that the Cowboys are playing 4d chess here.

 

[Sydla]

They added a bunch of depth/warm bodies to the roster. That's it. Yes, it will help to have some depth, especially at some key positions but the reality is that hey have added no one who moves the needle or improves upon last year's situation at any position. While most teams tend to use FA to grab a quality vet or two or three to fill a clear need, we once again ignore that reality thinking that the draft will solve what ails us.

It's a failed strategy that for some reason Jerry and his son can't seem to understand.

They needed to bring in some real help this FA period. A guy like Poona Ford was sitting out there and would have provided a real good DT to line up next to Osa. Mazi slides into a rotational position with the hope that he continues to develop. Now you have the makings of a quality DT rotation. Instead, barring us using a top pick on a DT that is a stud right from the get go, we are going to run out basically the same caliber DT rotation we've had for a few years and has never been good enough.

 

[kskboys]

I would like to point out a few things, and they are just IMO.

1. Jerry and Stephen are not picking the FA's. I think maybe it is Shot and his staff
Doing the shopping, but on a budget.
They pick then McClay goes and gets them, or tries to.

2.They picked early to get the guys they wanted, with little or no competition.
3. I think they think they can get the 1st round busts to play better than they have previously.

4.As for WR a good #2, I think they want to get that in the draft. Also a RB, and more
Defensive guys.
I say that because most of the combine visits were with Defensive guys.

5. Shot wants a good run game,so thats why I think he will draft a RB, how high I dont know.
And It seems like he wants to beef up the defense, hence getting fowler back.
They had 10 draft picks, So likely they draft a corner since lewis leaving was a surprise.

6. I dont see anything wrong with the guys they have signed so far, not much $ spent,
and some will definitely help, and some are just going to have to show something by end of TC.
This so far is better than spending it all on some beat up or old big name FA who cant play a whole season.

7. To judge all this, there is still about 6 weeks of FA left, then see who and what they draft.
Then look at FA and draft combined.
If they get a good #2 qb, good RB, good #2 wr , and good corner in draft, that will change this team a lot.


8. the main thing is they changed their FA a lot, last year they did nothing, and this time
they were active, just no big names signed but fowler. I think after draft is over we will
be able to see if this team got better and how much better.
They cant catch up to certain top teams, as they are too far behind those teams.
They just need to improve a significant amount , just so they can be competitive.

Well done.

Jerry improved this team enough to win 9 games(or so). Jerry is an expert at putting together 9-8 teams.

 

[Sydla]

the floor was below ground....now its almost at ground level....so what's the big deal? we replaced on JAG RB, with two JAG RBs, its quality over quantity. we had such a depleted LB group and got a bunch of other JAGs, maybe a decent starter, losing Kendricks and replacing him with Murray....
as you said Tackle is a mess. now guard is in need of a starter. WR group is a mess and TE is iffy. DTs stil suck. who are the DEs? who are the CBs? who are the safties?

hmmm, I changed my mind. the cowboys floor is lowered.

And this is the problem.

It is impossible to fill all those needs in one draft. It just is. Yet they try to do it this way every single offseason.

This team will likely be better in 2025 than 2025 but that will largely be due to the fact I suspect they'll be healthier. But nothing they've done in FA has moved the needle or made this team "better" or filled a clear need at a position where we needed help.

It's the same exact strategy from previous years only this year they signed these JAGs early and just signed more of them.

 

[kskboys]

We need too many things to go perfectly to compete.
Don't see it honestly.

Yeah, we'd pretty much have to find some disruptive studs w/ all those 5th rounders.

 

[kskboys]

They added a bunch of depth/warm bodies to the roster. That's it. Yes, it will help to have some depth, especially at some key positions but the reality is that hey have added no one who moves the needle or improves upon last year's situation at any position. While most teams tend to use FA to grab a quality vet or two or three to fill a clear need, we once again ignore that reality thinking that the draft will solve what ails us.

It's a failed strategy that for some reason Jerry and his son can't seem to understand.

They needed to bring in some real help this FA period. A guy like Poona Ford was sitting out there and would have provided a real good DT to line up next to Osa. Mazi slides into a rotational position with the hope that he continues to develop. Now you have the makings of a quality DT rotation. Instead, barring us using a top pick on a DT that is a stud right from the get go, we are going to run out basically the same caliber DT rotation we've had for a few years and has never been good enough.

For them, this is a successful strategy. They have now added the pieces to be in contention for the playoffs. To keep hope alive. To win 8 or 9 games to remain semi-relevant.

 

[_sturt_]

I don't recall that.

Were we talking about something of anything approaching world peace and the end to cancer, I'd bother to dig it out for you.

It's sports, though, of course, and my ego isn't so damaged if you just say, "Nah, you're lying" that I'd be motivated to spend some time doing that. Fine, I'm lying. It's all good.

(But, I'm not.)

 

[fivetwos]

the floor was below ground....now its almost at ground level....so what's the big deal? we replaced on JAG RB, with two JAG RBs, its quality over quantity. we had such a depleted LB group and got a bunch of other JAGs, maybe a decent starter, losing Kendricks and replacing him with Murray....
as you said Tackle is a mess. now guard is in need of a starter. WR group is a mess and TE is iffy. DTs stil suck. who are the DEs? who are the CBs? who are the safties?

hmmm, I changed my mind. the cowboys floor is lowered.

Clearly they are hoping to strike gold with names they still remember as top picks they were considering at one point.

The floor has definitely been lowered, and this looks to be about a 5-7 win team. Just a matter of whether they are able to pull the injury excuse again.

Those gimme division wins that they lived on are over. Probably even split with NY.

 

[goshann]

They had their best seasons when they would wait until week 4 or when comp picks are no longer a consideration to doing what they have done in week 1.

This is lifting the floor as opposed to raising the ceiling but in an attrition league that is hugely important. LB and RB injuries and roster neglect at those positions were particularly bad for us last year. We are unlikely to have it that bad again.

They still have plenty of issues all over the offense's starting group. OG takes a step back. OT is a trainwreck. Skill position outside of Lamb is devoid of playmakers.

We have 1 starting DT and questionable backups. We have issues at range at S. Hooker is one of my favorite players but he is losing his step. Cover 3 is going to be that much more demanding.

We have a ways to go. Way I see it we need guys like Mazi, Schoon, and Guyton to play up to their draft status and players come back strong from injury and 2+ draft picks hit at positions of need and these FA be able to improve special teams and injury replacements and the team take to the new coach strong in year 1.

Then we might compete with the Chiefs, Eagles and Lions in the playoffs.

I think it's a good analogy overall but I don't think the oline is in bad shape.

Steele was good in the 2nd half of season and is underrated by fans
Guyton needs to improve a lot but we have options if he doesn't

I suspect it will be a positional strength of the team.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

I think it's a good analogy overall but I don't think the oline is in bad shape.

Steele was good in the 2nd half of season and is underrated by fans
Guyton needs to improve a lot but we have options if he doesn't

I suspect it will be a positional strength of the team.

steele was not good. since his injury he has lost any lateral mobility specially to his left and he often gets beat inside. he compensates and thus gives leverage to the outside, hoping the QB steps up or he just pushes the defender further out.

Steele is cooked, but he is here to stay until end of his contract.

the tackle positions are in bad shape. now losing a veteran like Martin, although he was a shell of himself in the end....

 

[jterrell]

They had their best seasons when they would wait until week 4 or when comp picks are no longer a consideration to doing what they have done in week 1.

This is lifting the floor as opposed to raising the ceiling but in an attrition league that is hugely important. LB and RB injuries and roster neglect at those positions were particularly bad for us last year. We are unlikely to have it that bad again.

They still have plenty of issues all over the offense's starting group. OG takes a step back. OT is a trainwreck. Skill position outside of Lamb is devoid of playmakers.

We have 1 starting DT and questionable backups. We have issues at range at S. Hooker is one of my favorite players but he is losing his step. Cover 3 is going to be that much more demanding.

We have a ways to go. Way I see it we need guys like Mazi, Schoon, and Guyton to play up to their draft status and players come back strong from injury and 2+ draft picks hit at positions of need and these FA be able to improve special teams and injury replacements and the team take to the new coach strong in year 1.

Then we might compete with the Chiefs, Eagles and Lions in the playoffs.

Yes.
This team has retained a lot of players while adding a ton more.
I understand most of us tuned out last year; but I assure you they did not have NFL level depth and were signing guys off the street on a near weekly basis.

Last year they didn't do this|||
Dallas Cowboys roster moves:
Agreed to deal with DE Dante Fowler
Agreed to deal with WR Parris Campbell
Traded for CB Kaiir Elam (Bills)
Traded for LB Kenneth Murray (Titans)
Signed DT Solomon Thomas
Signed RB Javonte Williams
Signed OG Robert Jones
Signed DE Payton Turner
Signed LB Jack Sanborn
Signed RB Miles Sanders
Re-signed DT Osa Odighizuwa
Re-signed KR/PR/WR KaVontae Turpin
Re-signed C/G Brock Hoffman
Re-signed S Markquese Bell
Re-signed S Juanyeh Thomas
Re-signed LS Trent Sieg
Re-signed DE Tyrus Wheat
Re-signed ST C.J. Goodwin
Re-signed P Bryan Anger
Re-signed S Israel Mukuamu
Re-signed OL Dakoda Shepley

This doesn't make them a top contender by any means, but it gets them up off the mat as a bum team.
Ceiling raising will only come from this draft or large leaps by recent draft picks.
But this team has no business near any Super Bowl talk.
Again, the goal should be 1 playoff win.
Until they can do that, talking of anything more is criminal.

 

[kskboys]

Clearly they are hoping to strike gold with names they still remember as top picks they were considering at one point.

The floor has definitely been lowered, and this looks to be about a 5-7 win team. Just a matter of whether they are able to pull the injury excuse again.

Those gimme division wins that they lived on are over. Probably even split with NY.

That's the sign of an incompetent GM, signing players strictly due to them being high draft picks. It's dumb.

 

[BobSacamano]

Can anyone imagine if the Cowboys had waited to sign these low risk, low cost players? Holy hell.

 

[goshann]

steele was not good. since his injury he has lost any lateral mobility specially to his left and he often gets beat inside. he compensates and thus gives leverage to the outside, hoping the QB steps up or he just pushes the defender further out.

Steele is cooked, but he is here to stay until end of his contract.

the tackle positions are in bad shape. now losing a veteran like Martin, although he was a shell of himself in the end....

Nah
Like I said he was rated as an above average tackle at pass protection 2nd half of year and top 25 percent in run blocking
He finally showed progress recovering from injury

 

[jterrell]

I think it's a good analogy overall but I don't think the oline is in bad shape.

Steele was good in the 2nd half of season and is underrated by fans
Guyton needs to improve a lot but we have options if he doesn't

I suspect it will be a positional strength of the team.

If you don't have an LT, you can't say you have a good OL.
Tyler Guyton PFF rating last year 49.4 --60 is considered replacement level. Below 50 meana go get a real job.
Guyton has a high ceiling, but he has graded out as poor for every game at OT he has played college or pro for his entire life.

Steele is an average RT when he is healthy. He can buy you a season or two more there. --wreckem.

But Dallas needed a stud Swing OT or starting LT option. Sadly, this isn't the draft for O Tackles.

All that said the Dallas interior is excellent. Martin retired but the position was better the last two years when he was out. Dallas has hit on those guys inside.

I'd bring Tyron Smith back and let him battle for the LT job then retire a Cowboy.

 

[jterrell]

Can anyone imagine if the Cowboys had waited to sign these low risk, low cost players? Holy hell.

yes. we'd have seen half of them go elsewhere.
it's like going to a yard sale an hour before it closes.
you'll get the cheapest goods, but the good stuff was picked through already and you be paying for things they were going to set on the curb for free.

 

[jazzcat22]

Lifting the floor is not the same as lowering the ceiling.

At least "lift" means moving up. So there has been improvement on paper so far. That is what fans want. A sign of possible improvement. Though many can't see it that way. And yes, I can't blame them until we see it on the field.

But the effort is there. Far more than a year ago.

 

[CyberB0b]

They’re not raising the floor, they’re digging the hole deeper. None of the signings have improved the team in any meaningful way. Some have been clear downgrades.