Cowboys Over-Performed?

[AsthmaField]

I think they will. Fact is that they were ready to do it last year, and send a second round pick for the privilege. They would undoubtedly have extended Thomas then, so the money was already accounted for.

They can dump Sean Lee tomorrow and have most of the cost of Earl Thomas' 2019 contract accounted for.

I know what you're saying about their recent approach to free agency and you're 100% right. But I also think it's clear that Thomas is an exception to that rule as well.

We’ll see soon enough I expect. Frankly, either way wouldn’t surprise me. I’d like to see him in Dallas but I’m a little skeptical that they’ll spend that money at that position.

I do hope that they bring in a couple of middle to high free agents this year.

 

[AsthmaField]

I mention Thomas if he comes at a bargain rate. I agree and said if he demands from Dallas what he was demanding in Seattle then I don't see it happening

Yes. And I agree for the most part.

 

[Crown Royal]

Cooper was huge. I disagree with @xwalker that this was the most talented team since 1996, but I do think it was the most balanced team since then. The offense was pretty ho-hum talent wise, but it's also very young and had a down year for the OL, so that should improve. The defense is the best we've seen since 2009, but needs a few more pieces.

I agree with the concept of the article - this team could have easily been a 5-8 win team and a combination of grit by the players who never quit and the coaching staff to understand the limitations of talent and coach around it probably contributed to a slight over achievement.

As for next year, the schedule is REALLY REALLY REALLY hard compared to this year, so the team needs to consider the following to continue to compete:

• I appreciate why they want to keep the coaching staff as is, but they had best work their heads off this offseason to install some new and better concepts to help the passing game and play call strategy.
• Quality control needs to improve on both sides of the ball (tendencies). Too many reports of teams knowing what the Cowboys were going to do.
• They are really counting on their young talent progressing. I think that's a bold move - I think you generally know what you have and the degree of change/improvement is limited, but I've been proved wrong with people like Jaylon Smith, Byron Jones, all the TEs, etc.
• THEY MUST address holes in free agency. The more I hear about Stephen Jones saying that's not their strategy the more foolhardy I think it is. I read that the Rams offered a 1st and a 3rd for KHalil Mack because they KNEW the window is now. Waiting for the window to come is the same as watching it pass by. Use your resources, acquire talent, and then trust the process.

This off season will be the biggest in a long time, and history says the Cowboys get complacent with success. 2009 exposed some SERIOUS shortcomings with the Offensive Line and defense in the playoffs, and 2010 suffered because of it. 2014 we SAW what happens with Brandon Weedon as the QB and took no real action to find a reliable backup QB. 2017 was an off year, but I'm not sure what opportunities were available then anyway.

It looks like the front office will repeat the mistake - they "like the team" so they'll ride with it, but that's just non-aggressive and I don't like. I like the team too, but you have got to think creatively of ways to improve up and down.

 

[Diehardblues]

Are you suggesting that their plan was to fix the problem midway through the season all along??

Nope .. Cooper was a desperation move after the fact.

Problem was they must have thought the receivers by committee was going to be enough and they wouldn’t miss Dez production and talent.

 

[Diehardblues]

Cooper was huge. I disagree with @xwalker that this was the most talented team since 1996, but I do think it was the most balanced team since then. The offense was pretty ho-hum talent wise, but it's also very young and had a down year for the OL, so that should improve. The defense is the best we've seen since 2009, but needs a few more pieces.

I agree with the concept of the article - this team could have easily been a 5-8 win team and a combination of grit by the players who never quit and the coaching staff to understand the limitations of talent and coach around it probably contributed to a slight over achievement.

As for next year, the schedule is REALLY REALLY REALLY hard compared to this year, so the team needs to consider the following to continue to compete:

• I appreciate why they want to keep the coaching staff as is, but they had best work their heads off this offseason to install some new and better concepts to help the passing game and play call strategy.
• Quality control needs to improve on both sides of the ball (tendencies). Too many reports of teams knowing what the Cowboys were going to do.
• They are really counting on their young talent progressing. I think that's a bold move - I think you generally know what you have and the degree of change/improvement is limited, but I've been proved wrong with people like Jaylon Smith, Byron Jones, all the TEs, etc.
• THEY MUST address holes in free agency. The more I hear about Stephen Jones saying that's not their strategy the more foolhardy I think it is. I read that the Rams offered a 1st and a 3rd for KHalil Mack because they KNEW the window is now. Waiting for the window to come is the same as watching it pass by. Use your resources, acquire talent, and then trust the process.

This off season will be the biggest in a long time, and history says the Cowboys get complacent with success. 2009 exposed some SERIOUS shortcomings with the Offensive Line and defense in the playoffs, and 2010 suffered because of it. 2014 we SAW what happens with Brandon Weedon as the QB and took no real action to find a reliable backup QB. 2017 was an off year, but I'm not sure what opportunities were available then anyway.

It looks like the front office will repeat the mistake - they "like the team" so they'll ride with it, but that's just non-aggressive and I don't like. I like the team too, but you have got to think creatively of ways to improve up and down.

I’d agree it was the most talented team since 90’s with a few key exceptions. At WR until we acquired Cooper, TE and on OL with our Pro Bowlers nursing injuries and Center out. And of course our least talented key position on offense, QB.

 

[Sydla]

Cooper was huge. I disagree with @xwalker that this was the most talented team since 1996, but I do think it was the most balanced team since then. The offense was pretty ho-hum talent wise, but it's also very young and had a down year for the OL, so that should improve. The defense is the best we've seen since 2009, but needs a few more pieces.

I agree with the concept of the article - this team could have easily been a 5-8 win team and a combination of grit by the players who never quit and the coaching staff to understand the limitations of talent and coach around it probably contributed to a slight over achievement.

As for next year, the schedule is REALLY REALLY REALLY hard compared to this year, so the team needs to consider the following to continue to compete:

• I appreciate why they want to keep the coaching staff as is, but they had best work their heads off this offseason to install some new and better concepts to help the passing game and play call strategy.
• Quality control needs to improve on both sides of the ball (tendencies). Too many reports of teams knowing what the Cowboys were going to do.
• They are really counting on their young talent progressing. I think that's a bold move - I think you generally know what you have and the degree of change/improvement is limited, but I've been proved wrong with people like Jaylon Smith, Byron Jones, all the TEs, etc.
• THEY MUST address holes in free agency. The more I hear about Stephen Jones saying that's not their strategy the more foolhardy I think it is. I read that the Rams offered a 1st and a 3rd for KHalil Mack because they KNEW the window is now. Waiting for the window to come is the same as watching it pass by. Use your resources, acquire talent, and then trust the process.

This off season will be the biggest in a long time, and history says the Cowboys get complacent with success. 2009 exposed some SERIOUS shortcomings with the Offensive Line and defense in the playoffs, and 2010 suffered because of it. 2014 we SAW what happens with Brandon Weedon as the QB and took no real action to find a reliable backup QB. 2017 was an off year, but I'm not sure what opportunities were available then anyway.

It looks like the front office will repeat the mistake - they "like the team" so they'll ride with it, but that's just non-aggressive and I don't like. I like the team too, but you have got to think creatively of ways to improve up and down.

I agree with some of this stuff.

We say it every year but next year really could be the make or break for Garrett.

I also agree that that FO will repeat their mistakes of the past where they overrate their roster and just think a few bargain bin guys and our draft picks will make a difference in the next season. Not that I'd want them to go crazy in FA but there are ways to play FA that can help you improve without breaking the bank.

You could also get creative............. like how's this for an outside the box FA move? Let Lawrence walk and sign Frank Clark to likely a lower contract and then spread some of that money around. Like for example, if you could get Clark and say Grady Jarrett for a few million more than what it would cost you to get Lawrence (I have no idea how feasible but for poops and giggles bear with me), I'd do that in a heartbeat.

 

[Stash]

We’ll see soon enough I expect. Frankly, either way wouldn’t surprise me. I’d like to see him in Dallas but I’m a little skeptical that they’ll spend that money at that position.

I do hope that they bring in a couple of middle to high free agents this year.

I'm only countin on the one. And like I said, given the safety market and his injury, I can't see Thomas breaking the bank.

But personally, I wouldn't mind seeing them sign Sheldon Richardson to a contract like the Vikings did last year to help shore up the middle of that defensive line. If I remember correctly, the Cowboys did have some level of interest in the past. But I'm not getting my hopes up.

 

[Diehardblues]

Based on most preseason expectations the 2018 season definitely out performed. Garrett rallied the troops again avoiding a total collapse.

A historic season overcoming the worst start in Cowboy history to make the playoffs.

 

[visionary]

Interesting read for those without to much hate in their heart to ready something positive about their team.

JG would not get credit for over-performing; he's just the coach.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/201...8-and-could-be-headed-for-a-course-correction

Yes, this team that your savior 'built' in 9 years still does not have the talent to be 9-7

 

[Diehardblues]

The Garrett era is a story about 2 different dilemmas.

The first is about a prolific QB without a talented enough team.

The second is about a more talented team without a prolific QB.

 

[Doomsday101]

Cooper was huge. I disagree with @xwalker that this was the most talented team since 1996, but I do think it was the most balanced team since then. The offense was pretty ho-hum talent wise, but it's also very young and had a down year for the OL, so that should improve. The defense is the best we've seen since 2009, but needs a few more pieces.

I agree with the concept of the article - this team could have easily been a 5-8 win team and a combination of grit by the players who never quit and the coaching staff to understand the limitations of talent and coach around it probably contributed to a slight over achievement.

As for next year, the schedule is REALLY REALLY REALLY hard compared to this year, so the team needs to consider the following to continue to compete:

• I appreciate why they want to keep the coaching staff as is, but they had best work their heads off this offseason to install some new and better concepts to help the passing game and play call strategy.
• Quality control needs to improve on both sides of the ball (tendencies). Too many reports of teams knowing what the Cowboys were going to do.
• They are really counting on their young talent progressing. I think that's a bold move - I think you generally know what you have and the degree of change/improvement is limited, but I've been proved wrong with people like Jaylon Smith, Byron Jones, all the TEs, etc.
• THEY MUST address holes in free agency. The more I hear about Stephen Jones saying that's not their strategy the more foolhardy I think it is. I read that the Rams offered a 1st and a 3rd for KHalil Mack because they KNEW the window is now. Waiting for the window to come is the same as watching it pass by. Use your resources, acquire talent, and then trust the process.

This off season will be the biggest in a long time, and history says the Cowboys get complacent with success. 2009 exposed some SERIOUS shortcomings with the Offensive Line and defense in the playoffs, and 2010 suffered because of it. 2014 we SAW what happens with Brandon Weedon as the QB and took no real action to find a reliable backup QB. 2017 was an off year, but I'm not sure what opportunities were available then anyway.

It looks like the front office will repeat the mistake - they "like the team" so they'll ride with it, but that's just non-aggressive and I don't like. I like the team too, but you have got to think creatively of ways to improve up and down.

I do think there will be a bigger emphasis on the passing game during the off season. I have no doubts about Garrett wanting this team to be balanced and I agree with the need to be balanced, but I do not think Garrett is stupid or blind to the fact they need to show more consistency within the passing attack and clean up the sacks.

 

[Crown Royal]

I agree with some of this stuff.

We say it every year but next year really could be the make or break for Garrett.

I also agree that that FO will repeat their mistakes of the past where they overrate their roster and just think a few bargain bin guys and our draft picks will make a difference in the next season. Not that I'd want them to go crazy in FA but there are ways to play FA that can help you improve without breaking the bank.

You could also get creative............. like how's this for an outside the box FA move? Let Lawrence walk and sign Frank Clark to likely a lower contract and then spread some of that money around. Like for example, if you could get Clark and say Grady Jarrett for a few million more than what it would cost you to get Lawrence (I have no idea how feasible but for poops and giggles bear with me), I'd do that in a heartbeat.

It's going to be make or break for Garrett (as in, NFC Championship or bust) but I really can't see him being successful at that. Much harder schedule and without infusion of a couple of talent bits, I don't see it happening.

I would go for that in an instance (Clark + Jarrett), but I don't think it's feasible. No scenario in which both Seattle and Atlanta, respectively, let them go. Jarrett was my number one FA target so I went and looked at articles about Atlanta and guess what, he's their number one priority as well.

 

[Crown Royal]

I do think there will be a bigger emphasis on the passing game during the off season. I have no doubts about Garrett wanting this team to be balanced and I agree with the need to be balanced, but I do not think Garrett is stupid or blind to the fact they need to show more consistency within the passing attack and clean up the sacks.

I do too. I'm certain it was a group decision (Garrett, Linehan, etc.) to limit the passing attack and focus on running the ball, keeping games close, but I also think they realize they can't possibly repeat that successfully next year, even with an improved OL.

Fortunately, I DO think Dak got better as the season went on, and that's not just because of Cooper. A few adjustments and improved pass blocking I think we see an improved passing attack and offense overall.

 

[Swagger]

The Cowboys 2018 roster was 1 of the most talented versions since about 1996. Definitely top 3 in that span, if not #1.

Quite. Plus the relatively speaking, easy schedule.

All joking aside we should have finished 14-2 but for the reasons that have spewed out again and again (lack of adjustments in coaching especially at half time, poor quarterback play especially during the opening three quarters until opposing teams play prevent defense, etc).

 

[Runwildboys]

Every team's season turns on 4 or 5 key plays. Identical articles could be written for any team that lands with less than 12 wins.

Not taking into consideration close losses @ WAS, @ HOU skews the argument for the author to discredit the Cowboys season.

The team earned a Division Title and beat a 10 W Seahawks team in the playoffs. It lost to the NFC Champs in the postseason due to one of it's 3 worst Defensive performances of 2018.

This was a legit 10 W club. Can it do better- time will tell. But to predict a complete collapse when TFred returns and emerging players like Gallup, Jayson, LVE, Jarwin gain even more experience is foolish IMO.

Most teams don't have ten games decided by one score.

 

[Swagger]

Most teams don't have ten games decided by one score.

Well a lot of those should have been blow outs (in our favour)...

 

[Runwildboys]

Well a lot of those should have been blow outs (in our favour)...

In which case we under performed.

 

[Dre11]

a lot of that stuff wouldnt happen with better coaching during the week.

That's stupid, you have no idea what kind of coa hing is going on during the week, matter of fact I'd say you're wrong, because I've heard players say they go over the very things they that they blow in games.

 

[Dre11]

And as evident by this post, it's never his fault with someone like you.

Call it what you want, ultimately the players on the field decide outcomes, I'm not the only one who says it. Current and former players across the league say it, coaches say it,

 

[Sydla]

Call it what you want, ultimately the players on the field decide outcomes, I'm not the only one who says it. Current and former players across the league say it, coaches say it,

Then why even have a HC? Just hire a couple of guys to call offensive and defensive plays and some position coaches to run drills during the week.

Because apparently, according to your view of how football works, that's all a team would need.

I also bet that not one of those people you mention above would also take the position that coaching isn't important on Sundays and that it's no surprise that the teams with the better coaches are more successful than the ones with middling or bad coaches.