News: Cowboys Draft Dilemma: Winning Now Or Later?

[CCBoy]

Cowboys Draft Dilemma: Winning Now Or Later?

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016/2/29/11129704/cowboys-draft-dilemma-winning-now-or-later



...Tony Romo will be 36 years old when the 2016 season begins. And then he'll be 37 the season after that. And then the following year...well, you know how math works. He's basically a year away from the age Roger Staubach called it quits and even Captain America didn't have a lot of mileage since he didn't join the Cowboys until age 27. So how much longer can Tony Romo go? If you ask Jerry Jones, he says four to five more years. Such an approximation is not impossible as the soon-to-be Hall of Famer, Brett Favre played until he was 41. Granted, he was throwing a lot of picks in two of his final three seasons. So having Romo around doesn't mean fans are going to see the talented, play-making Romo we have grown accustomed to watching.

So what do you do if you are Dallas?

If pick four gets here and there is a player on the Cowboys board that stands out above all others, then clearly - it's an easy choice. But what if it's real close? Do you bite the bullet and take the safer choice of a quarterback that has the best chance to become a future franchise quarterback? Or do you go with an impact defensive player than can help the team right now?

The Cowboys have worked hard to get their salary cap in much better shape. They've shown a lot of patience in building the team through the draft. They haven't pushed themselves into a corner and they seem to make decisions without any sign of panic. Jason Garrett, who most thought was in the hot seat a couple years ago, was as cool as Fonzie when DeMarcus Ware was cut and Pro Bowler Jason Hatcher wasn't resigned. He proceeded to lead the team to a 12-4 record, an NFC East division title, and only the teams second playoff win in over a gazillion years (give or take a year, depending on which meme you are reading).


But last year showed us that the team's success is very Romo-dependent. So the front office needs to either have another strong quarterback waiting in the wings or strengthen the team so that they're not so reliant on Tony.

While this is a going to be a tough decision for Dallas, Will McClay and company need to trust their board. The best thing for the Cowboys at pick four is the best player. If it's a quarterback, then great - the team has their future QB. If not, then that's great too because they'll still get a superstar collegiate player. Only time will tell how this will play out, but if I'm Tony Romo I would sneak into Jerry's office and leave a note on his desk that reads...

...

 

[pacy]

And me, as Jerry, would reply: 16+ games. No matter what.

 

[LittleD]

Cowboys Draft Dilemma: Winning Now Or Later?

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016/2/29/11129704/cowboys-draft-dilemma-winning-now-or-later



...Tony Romo will be 36 years old when the 2016 season begins. And then he'll be 37 the season after that. And then the following year...well, you know how math works. He's basically a year away from the age Roger Staubach called it quits and even Captain America didn't have a lot of mileage since he didn't join the Cowboys until age 27. So how much longer can Tony Romo go? If you ask Jerry Jones, he says four to five more years. Such an approximation is not impossible as the soon-to-be Hall of Famer, Brett Favre played until he was 41. Granted, he was throwing a lot of picks in two of his final three seasons. So having Romo around doesn't mean fans are going to see the talented, play-making Romo we have grown accustomed to watching.

So what do you do if you are Dallas?

If pick four gets here and there is a player on the Cowboys board that stands out above all others, then clearly - it's an easy choice. But what if it's real close? Do you bite the bullet and take the safer choice of a quarterback that has the best chance to become a future franchise quarterback? Or do you go with an impact defensive player than can help the team right now?

The Cowboys have worked hard to get their salary cap in much better shape. They've shown a lot of patience in building the team through the draft. They haven't pushed themselves into a corner and they seem to make decisions without any sign of panic. Jason Garrett, who most thought was in the hot seat a couple years ago, was as cool as Fonzie when DeMarcus Ware was cut and Pro Bowler Jason Hatcher wasn't resigned. He proceeded to lead the team to a 12-4 record, an NFC East division title, and only the teams second playoff win in over a gazillion years (give or take a year, depending on which meme you are reading).


But last year showed us that the team's success is very Romo-dependent. So the front office needs to either have another strong quarterback waiting in the wings or strengthen the team so that they're not so reliant on Tony.

While this is a going to be a tough decision for Dallas, Will McClay and company need to trust their board. The best thing for the Cowboys at pick four is the best player. If it's a quarterback, then great - the team has their future QB. If not, then that's great too because they'll still get a superstar collegiate player. Only time will tell how this will play out, but if I'm Tony Romo I would sneak into Jerry's office and leave a note on his desk that reads...

...

I love your comments and your football sense but, please read some of the evaluations on the top 3 QB's this year.
Many scouts have all 3 of them rated below the top 2 QB's in last year's draft. Bridgewater & Mariotta would be
much higher ranked than all these 3. We shouldn't take a QB just to take a QB. I want to get to a SB now. I could
care less about 5 years from now.

 

[Sydla]

I fail to see how taking a QB at 4 would be sacrificing wins now. Be smart in free agency, do better with their 2nd and 3rd round picks then they have been recently and guess what? You have a pretty good team capable of making some noise in the NFC if things break fairly for them.

Frankly, I find it somewhat funny that the focus on whether we should be thinking about winning now is on the 4th pick and not on the fact we have a coaching staff that probably is our biggest hinderance to winning big right now.

 

[LittleD]

I fail to see how taking a QB at 4 would be sacrificing wins now. Be smart in free agency, do better with their 2nd and 3rd round picks then they have been recently and guess what? You have a pretty good team capable of making some noise in the NFC if things break fairly for them.

Frankly, I find it somewhat funny that the focus on whether we should be thinking about winning now is on the 4th pick and not on the fact we have a coaching staff that probably is our biggest hinderance to winning big right now.

We can change things with FA and the draft for this year but, the coaching staff is out of reach. That ship has sailed and Jerry
voted them in for another year. Oh, by the way, his is the only vote that counts.

 

[CCBoy]

This off season is a very important off season for the entire Dallas Cowboys Franchise...

There are probably, max, only about this and one more top shelf seasons for the franchise quarterback, Tony Romo. Both in his thought process and delivery sequences on the field, Tony is at the very top of his professional career. He has taken lame shots and injury levels that would have choked a horse...literally. Yet, he has answered the bell, each and EVERY time it rang. He did all that he humanly could do.

Folks, that is top shelf class.

Well, he has walked on this journey, with his relief valve, Jason Witten. The mutual respect as well displayed play by these two, can match the hearts of any chosen pair in NFL history. Period.

Sports is all about the heart. It is a survival affair that is based upon toughness...not cruelty.

Jerry Jones has set about and loved his team, but above all, he has loved his players. That isn't a minor thing, as in all endevers in a professional arena, winning is a major part in satisfaction.

To Jerry, this is a chance for his own, and personal....hooooraaah. That isn't a minor piece for Jerry. Make no mistake, he is of a winner's mold.

Not only will Jerry want to win now for himself, but at this stage of his life, winning for the benefit of his players is front stage.

Now, with the influences that Stephen has pushed for, as to fiscal responsibility, I can see where a cash flow approach could be pursued on into the future. A continuous cap enhancing and manageable cash reserve be maintained and just continue the penny pinching ways of the recent past. But if anything, the top two teams, who butted heads in the Super Bowl...Denver and Carolina, showed that one has to fully throw in. That includes during free agency and the draft, to get the highest quality actually on the carpet at one time....not just sitting and looking pretty on the bench.

I am interested in how this very off season develops...because I know where Jerry's heart is!

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

There's no dilemma. The way people talk about quarterback is like we will never have a shot at drafting one again. These aren't once in a lifetime prospects at Qb. Go and get a top 5 player don't settle for one.

 

[cowboyblue22]

the thing that really hurts about winning now is even with a good draft they are still not superbowl contenders this year. IF the qb is really a franchise guy take him if not draft a position player and a qb later in the draft that you might want to develop if they are worthy.

 

[CCBoy]

A two year window is what we have here...no excuses accepted.

(side note: Little D, I have enjoyed your additions on site)

 

[JW82]

Its nuts. You would think this team is in year 5 of a dynasty. Get a starting DE and CB in Free Agency Draft best QB in 1st, best DT in 2nd then go RB and WR. Built to win now and for 10 years. Not crossing your fingers and hoping you win this year before Romo crumbles and you are in QB limbo for a decade.

I fail to see how taking a QB at 4 would be sacrificing wins now. Be smart in free agency, do better with their 2nd and 3rd round picks then they have been recently and guess what? You have a pretty good team capable of making some noise in the NFC if things break fairly for them.

Frankly, I find it somewhat funny that the focus on whether we should be thinking about winning now is on the 4th pick and not on the fact we have a coaching staff that probably is our biggest hinderance to winning big right now.

 

[CCBoy]

Its nuts. You would think this team is in year 5 of a dynasty. Get a starting DE and CB in Free Agency Draft best QB in 1st, best DT in 2nd then go RB and WR. Built to win now and for 10 years. Not crossing your fingers and hoping you win this year before Romo crumbles and you are in QB limbo for a decade.

You have short circuited the analysis process here...

One goes for the very best starting 22, actually projected to compete with the very best in the NFL. You scramble to reinforce that group, but after the offense and defense compares at similar levels. Otherwise, resources aren't utilized at a top level. Only organization is managed in a general supportive manner if one manages too far into the future. Looks sweet, but did your Prom date in High School. Did you marry her?

 

[JW82]

This is a 4 win team with a brittle qb. You have the 4th pick. There is one qb, Goff and possibly 2 qbs in Wentz worthy of the pick. Not taking one of them is mindless. No other position will ever have the impact on your team than a qb. Jerry has been following the "win now" game plan for 20 years. Still waiting for it to work.

You have short circuited the analysis process here...

One goes for the very best starting 22, actually projected to compete with the very best in the NFL. You scramble to reinforce that group, but after the offense and defense compares at similar levels. Otherwise, resources aren't utilized at a top level. Only organization is managed in a general supportive manner if one manages too far into the future. Looks sweet, but did your Prom date in High School. Did you marry her?

 

[Doomsday101]

I expect to win now and later. I think Dallas can go after a QB with the 4th overall pick addressing a big part of the future of this franchise and address needs in FA and the remainder of the draft. I think this team still has a lot of talent on it which is why they played as well as they did in 2014. I have said before that I don't excuse last years melt down on injury alone but injury clearly played a significant role when losing the starting QB and playmaker at WR.

 

[CCBoy]

This is a 4 win team with a brittle qb. You have the 4th pick. There is one qb, Goff and possibly 2 qbs in Wentz worthy of the pick. Not taking one of them is mindless. No other position will ever have the impact on your team than a qb. Jerry has been following the "win now" game plan for 20 years. Still waiting for it to work.

Sending this just straight back to rework the initiating premise. This is not a four win team. It already is being looked upon as the best in the NFC East. That gets one onto the dance floor for the Big Dance.

As to the old 'jerry' routine, get off the Ripple at the burn barrel, and give up the stereotypes that are never on target...except in complaining about a burn barrel environment.

If one also needs a decoder ring from a cereal box: wake up.

 

[CCBoy]

I expect to win now and later. I think Dallas can go after a QB with the 4th overall pick addressing a big part of the future of this franchise and address needs in FA and the remainder of the draft. I think this team still has a lot of talent on it which is why they played as well as they did in 2014. I have said before that I don't excuse last years melt down on injury alone but injury clearly played a significant role when losing the starting QB and playmaker at WR.

The team usually lost late in the 4th quarters...exactly when missing the top offensive producer and quarterback would win the field.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

You can win now and later, take Jalen Ramsey or trade down for Elliot. Wins now!

and

Take a mid-round QB, Win later!

 

[CCBoy]

I fail to see how taking a QB at 4 would be sacrificing wins now. Be smart in free agency, do better with their 2nd and 3rd round picks then they have been recently and guess what? You have a pretty good team capable of making some noise in the NFC if things break fairly for them.

Frankly, I find it somewhat funny that the focus on whether we should be thinking about winning now is on the 4th pick and not on the fact we have a coaching staff that probably is our biggest hinderance to winning big right now.

Simple as this, actual 22 starters on the field...not sitting on the bench.

 

[Sydla]

You have short circuited the analysis process here...

One goes for the very best starting 22, actually projected to compete with the very best in the NFL. You scramble to reinforce that group, but after the offense and defense compares at similar levels. Otherwise, resources aren't utilized at a top level. Only organization is managed in a general supportive manner if one manages too far into the future. Looks sweet, but did your Prom date in High School. Did you marry her?

In the NFL you can never manage too far into the future.

 

[Doomsday101]

You can win now and later, take Jalen Ramsey or trade down for Elliot. Wins now!

and

Take a mid-round QB, Win later!

Why not settle for a different DB or RB instead of getting a second rate QB? I think most would agree the most important position in football, yet we are to roll the dice on some mid rd QB? if the success rate for 1st rd QB is not great as some say then the odds do not improve with later rd QB who are viewed with more short comings than those rated higher.

 

[Sydla]

Simple as this, actual 22 starters on the field...not sitting on the bench.

And when Romo goes down next year and it's career threatening, guess what? You now have 21 starters who can't do squat for the following 3 years because the Cowboys are scrambling to find a competent QB for the future.

If the QB is the best player on your board at 4........... you take him.