ESPN: Cowboys among non-playoff teams primed to bounce back in 2016

[erod]

So you're saying that the addition of a pro bowl quarterback could propel this team into the playoffs next season?

Genius. Why didn't I think of that?

I guess this guy had 10 minutes to write a story.

 

[daveferr33]

I didn't write the article. But I do agree with it. If you disagree say so in a constructive way.

I guess I missed your constructive analysis as to why you agree with it. But I guess if a post doesn't agree with the PR talkinging points, it must be something you deem high level analysis to be acceptable.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

The mentality of chalking up this abomination of a season to injuries and bad luck is something I have no doubt is the idea floating around the halls at Valley Ranch.

I would agree with some of that... And there is some of that which is the reality of the situation.

But there's been acknowledgement from the higher-ups that the back-up QB situation was bungled, so there is that.

 

[jazzcat22]

I found it interesting the headline speaks of "Dallas" but the story ledes with "Detroit." And then they want to make you pay to see what the story says about "Dallas."

It's all about marketing. ESPN knows EXACTLY what it's doing, which is why from here until the draft we're going to hear/read stories about Manziel to the Cowboys.

You can't spell The Dallas Cowboys without S-E-L-L-S!!!

I guess we will see many live reports from Dallas on and before draft day....this means seeing / hearing a lot of Jerry speak with JWB in hand...

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I guess I missed your constructive analysis as to why you agree with it. But I guess if a post doesn't agree with the PR talkinging points, it must be something you deem high level analysis to be acceptable.

I think what jobber was responding to is that many will flog the notion that Dallas could very well have a bounce-back year in 2016– without adding one-iota of support why they won't be successful.

If you want a succinct list of why they will be successful in '16 here it is:
-Will be playing a last place schedule
-Will still be in the weak NFC East
-Will have a healthy Tony R and Dez B back
-Will have further maturation of the offensive and defensive lines
-The hugely negative turnover difference will normalize to the average of the league
-Will draft before most other teams in each round of the draft
-Will have first crack at released players before most other teams
-Will not have a complacency from coming off of a successful season

I think that's a pretty good list to start.

 

[daveferr33]

I think what jobber was responding to is that many will flog the notion that Dallas could very well have a bounce-back year in 2016– without adding one-iota of support why they won't be successful.

If you want a succinct list of why they will be successful in '16 here it is:
-Will be playing a last place schedule
-Will still be in the weak NFC East
-Will have a healthy Tony R and Dez B back
-Will have further maturation of the offensive and defensive lines
-The hugely negative turnover difference will normalize to the average of the league
-Will draft before most other teams in each round of the draft
-Will have first crack at released players before most other teams
-Will not have a complacency from coming off of a successful season

I think that's a pretty good list to start.

Nice list. I agree that the Cowboys could have a bounce back year in 2016. If Romo stays healthy, I expect it.

But that was not what my objection was about.

 

[Alexander]

But there's been acknowledgement from the higher-ups that the back-up QB situation was bungled, so there is that.

Masters of the obvious.

 

[CCBoy]

I think what jobber was responding to is that many will flog the notion that Dallas could very well have a bounce-back year in 2016– without adding one-iota of support why they won't be successful.

If you want a succinct list of why they will be successful in '16 here it is:
-Will be playing a last place schedule
-Will still be in the weak NFC East
-Will have a healthy Tony R and Dez B back
-Will have further maturation of the offensive and defensive lines
-The hugely negative turnover difference will normalize to the average of the league
-Will draft before most other teams in each round of the draft
-Will have first crack at released players before most other teams
-Will not have a complacency from coming off of a successful season

I think that's a pretty good list to start.

A question up front. Given the number four draft pick, would you risk having a true key player on what will initially become a backup quarterback for a few years?

 

[MichaelWinicki]

A question up front. Given the number four draft pick, would you risk having a true key player on what will initially become a backup quarterback for a few years?

It would depend upon the talent available and my board.

If the Cowboys feel as if a QB is there at #4 and is a franchise-leading QB, then yeah I say pull the trigger and let him back-up for a couple years.

However if they do not feel that way about a QB being available at #4, then roll with a player at another position.

One way or the other whoever is at #4 is probably not going to be the reason the team has a turn-around in '16.

 

[Sydla]

No doubt in my mind they could be a playoff team in '16.

Won't list the reasons why but there are several.

I would say the odds of them being a playoff team are greater than not being a playoff team.

Why they could be:

1) Healthy Romo
2) Healthy Dez
3) With some smart free agents/draft picks the defense could be very good
4) Should have a good to great OL.
5) Last place schedule (although this tends to get overhyped IMO).

Why they could not be:

1) Romo is old and an injury concern
2) Fact is Garrett is roughly a .500 NFL coach. He's proven little that would refute maybe 2014 was just a fluke.
3) Jones meddling in a way that hurts the team

 

[JoeBoBBY]

they could easily make the playoffs with Romo. And maybe with a lot and I mean a great deal of luck, make a run at a SB,

I think their ceiling is winning a wildcard game.

Its much more likely , something bad happens, and we cant overcome it, or we go 8-8, 9-7 and pray and hope the other NFCE teams are bad too, and maybe we get a tie breaker and win the East,,,..................yay Cowboys!!! go Cowboys.

edit: I wanted to add.... I dont think Gruden, Cousins is a fluke. There is something to Captain Kirk that I think makes the skins a team to deal with......I dont think they go away. But , its easy to say that now. They have their problems, their owner and their history which is worse then ours imho.....but, I think Cousins is legit. And the Gruden name is strong.

 

[chicago JK]

they could easily make the playoffs with Romo. And maybe with a lot and I mean a great deal of luck, make a run at a SB,

I think their ceiling is winning a wildcard game.

Its much more likely , something bad happens, and we cant overcome it, or we go 8-8, 9-7 and pray and hope the other NFCE teams are bad too, and maybe we get a tie breaker and win the East,,,..................yay Cowboys!!! go Cowboys.

edit: I wanted to add.... I dont think Gruden, Cousins is a fluke. There is something to Captain Kirk that I think makes the skins a team to deal with......I dont think they go away. But , its easy to say that now. They have their problems, their owner and their history which is worse then ours imho.....but, I think Cousins is legit. And the Gruden name is strong.

You may be right with Gruden and Cousins but they are not my main worry. My worry is the GM they brought in. All teams have good scouts but Washington has been in no mans land for a long time because they lacked a really good GM. The GM they got has had some personal problems but most say he is really good finding talent. It has only been one year but their draft was excellent and some of their bargain free agents worked out as well. You can really remake your team with 2-3 good drafts. If you find talent in rounds 3-7, you can rebuild your roster or replace older and more expensive players quickly.

Long term, I think the Giants are the bigger challenge in the division, but there is no doubt the Commanders look legit if they found the right GM.

 

[viman96]

You may be right with Gruden and Cousins but they are not my main worry. My worry is the GM they brought in. All teams have good scouts but Washington has been in no mans land for a long time because they lacked a really good GM. The GM they got has had some personal problems but most say he is really good finding talent. It has only been one year but their draft was excellent and some of their bargain free agents worked out as well. You can really remake your team with 2-3 good drafts. If you find talent in rounds 3-7, you can rebuild your roster or replace older and more expensive players quickly.

Long term, I think the Giants are the bigger challenge in the division, but there is no doubt the Commanders look legit if they found the right GM.

Totally agree. He was a huge part of the the success for the 49ers and Seahawks. He will find talent for the Skins.

 

[StarBoyz83]

Only if Romo stays healthy which I have my doubts. Doesn't matter who the backup is when garret will just handcuff him anyways.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

This mentality will doom our offseason. Mark it down.

I agree this could absolutely be what we're headed for.

I do believe this mentality will cause them to pick up JF or RGIII for the QB spot. Which is obviously our biggest need, to make sure we have a quality back up/future replacement for Romo.

That will keep them from drafting a QB high in the draft and that would doom us going forward.


Now as for bouncing back next season and making the playoffs....yeah it easily could happen. It'll be as easy as keeping Romo healthy all year long. That's a task at his age and due to his shoulder having now been banged up a bunch.

If Romo stays healthy, and then Bryant does too, then yes this team could absolutely make the playoffs next season. No question about that.

 

[RS12]

You may be right with Gruden and Cousins but they are not my main worry. My worry is the GM they brought in. All teams have good scouts but Washington has been in no mans land for a long time because they lacked a really good GM. The GM they got has had some personal problems but most say he is really good finding talent. It has only been one year but their draft was excellent and some of their bargain free agents worked out as well. You can really remake your team with 2-3 good drafts. If you find talent in rounds 3-7, you can rebuild your roster or replace older and more expensive players quickly.

Long term, I think the Giants are the bigger challenge in the division, but there is no doubt the Commanders look legit if they found the right GM.

I agree with this.

 

[silver]

The pimping has started. It wont stop until we're mathematically eliminated again.

 

[jobberone]

I wasn't referring to you. Espn at it again so soon. Relax

Same thought process. I cant prove it one way or another but I'd bet more people believe we'll be at least playoff contenders next year than not.

 

[rick2248]

Generally 4-6 new teams that make the playoffs each year after failing the year before.

I'll be surprised if we aren't one of those teams.

PS: If anyone has the entire article from Insider I'd really appreciate your PMing me a copy.

Don't bet on it we need to find out if Duz is still a star WR and if Romo can stay upright for 16 games !

 

[jobberone]

Don't bet on it we need to find out if Duz is still a star WR and if Romo can stay upright for 16 games !

We need Romo for sure. A healthy Res helps a lot. Most teams losing their QB don't go anywhere.