DMN: Bob Sturm: Why I believe Cowboys are playoff team and how many more losses they can afford

[jobberone]

Bob Sturm: Why I believe Cowboys are playoff team and how many more losses they can afford

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Published: 29 October 2015 10:21 PM
Updated: 29 October 2015 10:27 PM
Special contributor Bob Sturm answered questions in a chat Thursday. Here are some highlights.

Question: How many more losses until you rule the Cowboys out of the playoff hunt?

Bob Sturm: I think they have 3 more losses to work with. That isn't much when you have 10 to play, but I have maintained that 9-7 gets them the division title, so I am not going to change my tune now.

Question: Even after Sunday's loss, why will the Cowboys make the playoffs?

Bob Sturm: Well, I write about these topics every day so although this is a short answer that I elaborate on at my blog entries- That said, let's start here - the offense on Sunday resembled the 2014 offense better than at any other time this season. They ran the ball, they were balanced, they dominated the clock, and they built drives. I like all of that. On defense, they are able to get a better pass rush and Greg Hardy looks like a real difference maker. He is a top 5 player at his position and this helps. As does Randy Gregory's return and the emergence of Byron Jones more and more. And finally, Dez and Tony Romo are returning soon. Dez on Sunday, I suspect and Romo in Miami. I think this team is a really good 2-4 team if that makes sense. I still believe in this group, and the fact that they play in a silly division helps quite a bit.

Question: is the starting RB job McFadden's to lose?

Bob Sturm: I think he certainly has it right now. That could last 2 series or quite a while. Christine Michael is in the mix and we don't know what will become of Randle, but overall, the guy with the job has the advantage and since McFadden is coming off a real strong game, I see no reason to make a case that it is anyone but DMC's job.

Question: I can't decide if I think the Cowboys' defense is good or bad. Where do you stand?

Bob Sturm: They are good, but they cannot be considered good until they get those big plays up. Takeaways for sure, but even more sacks are needed, and the idea that they can get off the field on 3rd downs. 3 takeaways though is horrendous. But, I said today that their negative ability to get takeaways is unsustainably bad. They are due and overdue for turnover luck. I think it is a matter of time.

http://www.***BANNED-URL***/sports/...-and-how-many-more-losses-they-can-afford.ece

 

[elcowboi]

I really hope they can start to get turnovers on defense. That will really help the offense out quite a bit.

 

[Galian Beast]

I really hope they can start to get turnovers on defense. That will really help the offense out quite a bit.

If the offense could get a solid lead, you would see turnovers as a result of more aggressive play by opposing offenses.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

So he says 7 losses can take the division. I don't disagree. But I think that means we need to go 2-1 in these next 3 games with Cassell. I just can't see that happening. 1-2 is more likely. We play a lot of good teams when Romo returns. Going 5-2 in those games will be quite an accomplishment. The more we lose without Romo, the more we'll need to win with him. Let's give him a little help by winning some of these next games.

 

[romothesavior]

If the offense could get a solid lead, you would see turnovers as a result of more aggressive play by opposing offenses.

Didn't happen in the Atlanta game. Or in the New Orleans game when Brees threw it 40+ times.

Our offense has its struggles, but let's not blame them for the defense's lack of playmaking.

 

[Galian Beast]

Didn't happen in the Atlanta game. Or in the New Orleans game when Brees threw it 40+ times.

Our offense has its struggles, but let's not blame them for the defense's lack of playmaking.

The offense gave away the lead in the Atlanta game with turnovers of its own. We didn't have a solid lead in the New Orleans game either.

You have to force a QB to be aggressive and no one is afraid of our offense. It allows teams to take what the defense gives them with the idea that if they don't score, they can try again on another set of downs.

 

[HoustonSucks]

Bob Sturm: Why I believe Cowboys are playoff team and how many more losses they can afford

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Follow @SportsSturm bsturm@***BANNED-URL***
Special contributor

Published: 29 October 2015 10:21 PM
Updated: 29 October 2015 10:27 PM
Special contributor Bob Sturm answered questions in a chat Thursday. Here are some highlights.

Question: How many more losses until you rule the Cowboys out of the playoff hunt?

Bob Sturm: I think they have 3 more losses to work with. That isn't much when you have 10 to play, but I have maintained that 9-7 gets them the division title, so I am not going to change my tune now.

Question: Even after Sunday's loss, why will the Cowboys make the playoffs?

Bob Sturm: Well, I write about these topics every day so although this is a short answer that I elaborate on at my blog entries- That said, let's start here - the offense on Sunday resembled the 2014 offense better than at any other time this season. They ran the ball, they were balanced, they dominated the clock, and they built drives. I like all of that. On defense, they are able to get a better pass rush and Greg Hardy looks like a real difference maker. He is a top 5 player at his position and this helps. As does Randy Gregory's return and the emergence of Byron Jones more and more. And finally, Dez and Tony Romo are returning soon. Dez on Sunday, I suspect and Romo in Miami. I think this team is a really good 2-4 team if that makes sense. I still believe in this group, and the fact that they play in a silly division helps quite a bit.

Question: is the starting RB job McFadden's to lose?

Bob Sturm: I think he certainly has it right now. That could last 2 series or quite a while. Christine Michael is in the mix and we don't know what will become of Randle, but overall, the guy with the job has the advantage and since McFadden is coming off a real strong game, I see no reason to make a case that it is anyone but DMC's job.

Question: I can't decide if I think the Cowboys' defense is good or bad. Where do you stand?

Bob Sturm: They are good, but they cannot be considered good until they get those big plays up. Takeaways for sure, but even more sacks are needed, and the idea that they can get off the field on 3rd downs. 3 takeaways though is horrendous. But, I said today that their negative ability to get takeaways is unsustainably bad. They are due and overdue for turnover luck. I think it is a matter of time.

http://www.***BANNED-URL***/sports/...-and-how-many-more-losses-they-can-afford.ece

You posed this at 11:11. Faerie time. That is auspicious. Make a wish. I know what mine is.

 

[Sportsbabe]

Bob Sturm: Why I believe Cowboys are playoff team and how many more losses they can afford

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Follow @SportsSturm bsturm@***BANNED-URL***
Special contributor

Published: 29 October 2015 10:21 PM
Updated: 29 October 2015 10:27 PM
Special contributor Bob Sturm answered questions in a chat Thursday. Here are some highlights.

Question: How many more losses until you rule the Cowboys out of the playoff hunt?

Bob Sturm: I think they have 3 more losses to work with. That isn't much when you have 10 to play, but I have maintained that 9-7 gets them the division title, so I am not going to change my tune now.

Question: Even after Sunday's loss, why will the Cowboys make the playoffs?

Bob Sturm: Well, I write about these topics every day so although this is a short answer that I elaborate on at my blog entries- That said, let's start here - the offense on Sunday resembled the 2014 offense better than at any other time this season. They ran the ball, they were balanced, they dominated the clock, and they built drives. I like all of that. On defense, they are able to get a better pass rush and Greg Hardy looks like a real difference maker. He is a top 5 player at his position and this helps. As does Randy Gregory's return and the emergence of Byron Jones more and more. And finally, Dez and Tony Romo are returning soon. Dez on Sunday, I suspect and Romo in Miami. I think this team is a really good 2-4 team if that makes sense. I still believe in this group, and the fact that they play in a silly division helps quite a bit.

Question: is the starting RB job McFadden's to lose?

Bob Sturm: I think he certainly has it right now. That could last 2 series or quite a while. Christine Michael is in the mix and we don't know what will become of Randle, but overall, the guy with the job has the advantage and since McFadden is coming off a real strong game, I see no reason to make a case that it is anyone but DMC's job.

Question: I can't decide if I think the Cowboys' defense is good or bad. Where do you stand?

Bob Sturm: They are good, but they cannot be considered good until they get those big plays up. Takeaways for sure, but even more sacks are needed, and the idea that they can get off the field on 3rd downs. 3 takeaways though is horrendous. But, I said today that their negative ability to get takeaways is unsustainably bad. They are due and overdue for turnover luck. I think it is a matter of time.

http://www.***BANNED-URL***/sports/...-and-how-many-more-losses-they-can-afford.ece

I don't understand why winners don't look at things from a winning perspective. (I know wise guy ... because we've lost 4 in a row.) But as you think in your heart so are you. I only think about winning. Tell me how many more wins we have to work with .... other than that, I don't have time to listen to losing mentality.

 

[CF74]

We are gonna get healthy and go on a mad run, it's just that simple...

 

[RunDMC]

Just win a ******* game please. We've lost enough games. I truly believe we're a win away from possibly going on a roll. I think Dez being back will just loosen the guys up and get them over all these losses. We let last week slip away, but just forget about it and take the good from it like the offensive line play and run game, the big plays down field, the stingy third down defense, and just add to it. The Cowboys are a missed call and a couple of bad decisions from Cassel from putting up 30 points on the road. Eliminate the mistakes or at least lessen them, rely on the run game, throw a couple of rebounds to Dez, keep Wilson in the pocket, fill the holes and don't let Lynch run over us, and we will win this game.

 

[waving monkey]

I don't understand why winners don't look at things from a winning perspective. (I know wise guy ... because we've lost 4 in a row.) But as you think in your heart so are you. I only think about winning. Tell me how many more wins we have to work with .... other than that, I don't have time to listen to losing mentality.

But as you think in your heart

 

[dallasdave]

Bob Sturm: Why I believe Cowboys are playoff team and how many more losses they can afford

http://www.***BANNED-URL***/incoming/20151029-1446158855-_h3v0348.jpg.ece/BINARY/w940/1446158855-_H3V0348.JPG

Follow @SportsSturm bsturm@***BANNED-URL***
Special contributor

Published: 29 October 2015 10:21 PM
Updated: 29 October 2015 10:27 PM
Special contributor Bob Sturm answered questions in a chat Thursday. Here are some highlights.

Question: How many more losses until you rule the Cowboys out of the playoff hunt?

Bob Sturm: I think they have 3 more losses to work with. That isn't much when you have 10 to play, but I have maintained that 9-7 gets them the division title, so I am not going to change my tune now.

Question: Even after Sunday's loss, why will the Cowboys make the playoffs?

Bob Sturm: Well, I write about these topics every day so although this is a short answer that I elaborate on at my blog entries- That said, let's start here - the offense on Sunday resembled the 2014 offense better than at any other time this season. They ran the ball, they were balanced, they dominated the clock, and they built drives. I like all of that. On defense, they are able to get a better pass rush and Greg Hardy looks like a real difference maker. He is a top 5 player at his position and this helps. As does Randy Gregory's return and the emergence of Byron Jones more and more. And finally, Dez and Tony Romo are returning soon. Dez on Sunday, I suspect and Romo in Miami. I think this team is a really good 2-4 team if that makes sense. I still believe in this group, and the fact that they play in a silly division helps quite a bit.

Question: is the starting RB job McFadden's to lose?

Bob Sturm: I think he certainly has it right now. That could last 2 series or quite a while. Christine Michael is in the mix and we don't know what will become of Randle, but overall, the guy with the job has the advantage and since McFadden is coming off a real strong game, I see no reason to make a case that it is anyone but DMC's job.

Question: I can't decide if I think the Cowboys' defense is good or bad. Where do you stand?

Bob Sturm: They are good, but they cannot be considered good until they get those big plays up. Takeaways for sure, but even more sacks are needed, and the idea that they can get off the field on 3rd downs. 3 takeaways though is horrendous. But, I said today that their negative ability to get takeaways is unsustainably bad. They are due and overdue for turnover luck. I think it is a matter of time.

http://www.***BANNED-URL***/sports/...-and-how-many-more-losses-they-can-afford.ece

Good post !!! Good read !!!

 

[cowboyuptx]

Damn Sturm, stop plagiarizing my posts! Just kidding... But I agree with what he's saying.

 

[DandyDon52]

So he says 7 losses can take the division. I don't disagree. But I think that means we need to go 2-1 in these next 3 games with Cassell. I just can't see that happening. 1-2 is more likely. We play a lot of good teams when Romo returns. Going 5-2 in those games will be quite an accomplishment. The more we lose without Romo, the more we'll need to win with him. Let's give him a little help by winning some of these next games.

agree, good post.
9-7 could win div, and it could be 8-8 or 7-9, and if so that is where tie breakers may decide.

I agree 3 more losses, but next 3 have to win 2 and I dont think we can beat seattle at this point.
It is possible but unlikely.
So that leaves the phil and TB games as must wins.

 

[Tusan_Homichi]

agree, good post.
9-7 could win div, and it could be 8-8 or 7-9, and if so that is where tie breakers may decide.

I agree 3 more losses, but next 3 have to win 2 and I dont think we can beat seattle at this point.
It is possible but unlikely.
So that leaves the phil and TB games as must wins.

And if we lose to Seattle, that will be a 5 game losing streak. No matter the reason, that's got to be hard to recover from. And not only that, but they will be expected to recover and win the final 2 games without Romo and go on a pretty significant streak to end the season just to salvage it.

That's hoping for a whole hell of a lot. This Seattle game strikes me as extremely important. We have to start turning it around and it needs to start now so that we have just that much more leeway in case things don't fall exactly right from here on out.

 

[Beast_from_East]

I agree, we probably got 3 losses to play with...........keep in mind we still have games against Carolina and Green Bay.

Bottom line is we have to start winning some games, especially this Sunday against the Seahawks. If we lose, it will be a 5 game losing streak and no Cowboys team in franchise history has ever made the playoffs with a 5 game losing streak

 

[Sportsbabe]

But as you think in your heart

....and that actually means mind

 

[cowboyblue22]

i think if they lose this weekend to seahawks its season over. I think its already over but if they could win this weekend maybe it goes the other way I don't think when tony comes back they only lose one game if they don't win soon I see this as a 6 and 10 or 7 and 9 team when uwatch them play you can see they are just not very good yet do to many things that losing teams do

 

[jazzcat22]

This is a must win this week. Another loss, I won't say it's over, but sure won't look good. But need 2 of the next 3 for sure to feel comfortable. Even 1 of 2, depending on what the other NFCE teams do.
But need this win, if for anything, to show they are capable of a win without Romo, but more for the team and it's psyche.

If we can be at 4-5 for when Romo returns, would be great. Obviously by some miracle, 5-4 would be fantastic.
If we are 3-6, that depends on the other teams so much more. But I would feel very good at 4-5.

If we can beat Seattle, I would feel very good going against Philly at home, and at TB, though even that may be a tough game, as they are up and down.
But I don't have a good or bad feeling against Seattle, more of just hope we can pull it out. I felt good about every game without Romo, except the NE game. But yet, somehow they manged to screw up and lose.
So I feel that they somehow will do the same, game after game, until they prove different. Play a complete game for once.

 

[Carson]

Win 2 of the next 3, we will win the East.