First Impressions are Sometimes Right

[Jumbo075]

Going back to January, in the immediate aftermath of the season, these were my thoughts then

• Offensively, the Cowboys need
  • Backup QB
  • Backup RB
  • Starting Oline - preferably OT, and move Collins back to OG
  • Resign FB - (Replacing with Jamize Olawale is acceptable)
  • Stand pat at WR and TE, because the issue with the drop off in pass production had more to do with bad play by Dak (who is still developing) than the receiving Corps
  • Hopeful that Rico Gathers bounces back, and becomes the heir apparent to Witten
• Defensively, the Cowboys need
  • Three new Linebackers
  • Resign Irving and Lawrence
  • No way Hitchens was staying
  • Draft a 1-tech
  • Need a true free safety
  • Stand pat at DE and CB, allowing the young players to further develop
  • Admittedly, I still believe that Gregory will come back, and take over the starting RDE position, although I'm sure he'll have to work his way into the rotation
• Special Team, the Cowboys need
  • Better return game
  • resign Ladouceur
  • Stand pat with Bailey and Jones as kickers

Those were my thoughts in January. Then I started hearing all the ruckus about Wide Receiver upgrades, and I was very disappointed to find out the Cowboys were so intent on that. I still don't believe the Cowboys problems in the passing game are the fault of the receivers. Dak doesn't throw with anticipation. You can brag all day about his tight window throwing percentage, but one of the reasons he has so many tight window throws is he doesn't throw receivers open. He waits for them to get open, and then reacts. By the time he makes the throws, those windows tighten back up.

I like that Dak is so careful to try to take care of the football. But sometimes, he tries to be too safe. He doesn't trust the receiver to uncover BEFORE he makes the throw. He waits. That led to more sacks last year, and also lower production by the recieving corps. He MUST get better.

The good news is that Dak is the type of player who will commit himself to getting better. The bad news is we, as fans, still don't really know if he'll take that next step in his development. Like many others, I think he greatly benefitted from Romo being on the sideline in 2016. I'm rooting for Dak. Regardless of my fond memories of Romo, it was time for him to retire. I would like to have fond memories of Dak 10 years from now. But Dak is a work in progress.

I've come to grips with the idea (even if I don't like it) that the Cowboys are serious about upgrading the WR corps. I hope it doesn't come at the expense of improving the middle of the Cowboys defense, which is easily the weakest part of the team. And the LB corps needs a serious infusion of talent.

I still think my first impressions were correct.

 

[jazzcat22]

The FO did a very nice job in filling some holes as to the depth which was so badly needed. There was really no FA LB's out there that could help, other than Bowman, and he is still out there.

They added depth to the OL, and possibly a starter in Fleming. Replaced the FB with a slightly better option. Addressed some depth at WR though many are still not happy, but what else is new. LOL.

We need defense. They did not address S, but maybe they did not like the options, and / or the price tags were too high. Same for DT.
But there is still time for any S's to be brought in.

They did bring in Ealy, and maybe he plays some on the inside as well.

I think they see how the draft falls, get LB's, DT's, S's as a priority. Over OL and certainly WR.
A 3rd RB can be drafted in the later rounds as well.

LB / Dt whichever is the BPA first, then the other, then another LB, S, then OL.
After that they can go S or RB, or even another LB

 

[Point-of-the-Star]

Going back to January, in the immediate aftermath of the season, these were my thoughts then

• 
  
• • 
    
  • Stand pat with Bailey and Jones as kickers

Those were my thoughts in January. Then I started hearing all the ruckus about Wide Receiver upgrades, and I was very disappointed to find out the Cowboys were so intent on that. I still don't believe the Cowboys problems in the passing game are the fault of the receivers. Dak doesn't throw with anticipation. You can brag all day about his tight window throwing percentage, but one of the reasons he has so many tight window throws is he doesn't throw receivers open. He waits for them to get open, and then reacts. By the time he makes the throws, those windows tighten back up.

I like that Dak is so careful to try to take care of the football. But sometimes, he tries to be too safe. He doesn't trust the receiver to uncover BEFORE he makes the throw. He waits. That led to more sacks last year, and also lower production by the recieving corps. He MUST get better.

The good news is that Dak is the type of player who will commit himself to getting better. The bad news is we, as fans, still don't really know if he'll take that next step in his development. Like many others, I think he greatly benefitted from Romo being on the sideline in 2016. I'm rooting for Dak. Regardless of my fond memories of Romo, it was time for him to retire. I would like to have fond memories of Dak 10 years from now. But Dak is a work in progress.

I've come to grips with the idea (even if I don't like it) that the Cowboys are serious about upgrading the WR corps. I hope it doesn't come at the expense of improving the middle of the Cowboys defense, which is easily the weakest part of the team. And the LB corps needs a serious infusion of talent.

I still think my first impressions were correct.

This is all spot on IMO, and I mean SPOT ON !

I too think WR is not the dire need most on this board says it is. We could stand pat with what we have and address more pressing needs . . . and your list was perfect. Let Dez declare himself this year. As I've posted I think he has a chance to be productive this year. Strengthen our D and OL are THE priorities. Good post !

 

[glimmerman]

We need a Defense draft but if we could grab a quality OG in the third I would be ok.

 

[charron]

We absolutely need a backup qb. Strange how this front office puts such little draft capital at the most important position in football.

 

[blueblood70]

Going back to January, in the immediate aftermath of the season, these were my thoughts then

• Offensively, the Cowboys need
  • Backup QB
  • Backup RB
  • Starting Oline - preferably OT, and move Collins back to OG
  • Resign FB - (Replacing with Jamize Olawale is acceptable)
  • Stand pat at WR and TE, because the issue with the drop off in pass production had more to do with bad play by Dak (who is still developing) than the receiving Corps
  • Hopeful that Rico Gathers bounces back, and becomes the heir apparent to Witten
• Defensively, the Cowboys need
  • Three new Linebackers
  • Resign Irving and Lawrence
  • No way Hitchens was staying
  • Draft a 1-tech
  • Need a true free safety
  • Stand pat at DE and CB, allowing the young players to further develop
  • Admittedly, I still believe that Gregory will come back, and take over the starting RDE position, although I'm sure he'll have to work his way into the rotation
• Special Team, the Cowboys need
  • Better return game
  • resign Ladouceur
  • Stand pat with Bailey and Jones as kickers

Those were my thoughts in January. Then I started hearing all the ruckus about Wide Receiver upgrades, and I was very disappointed to find out the Cowboys were so intent on that. I still don't believe the Cowboys problems in the passing game are the fault of the receivers. Dak doesn't throw with anticipation. You can brag all day about his tight window throwing percentage, but one of the reasons he has so many tight window throws is he doesn't throw receivers open. He waits for them to get open, and then reacts. By the time he makes the throws, those windows tighten back up.

I like that Dak is so careful to try to take care of the football. But sometimes, he tries to be too safe. He doesn't trust the receiver to uncover BEFORE he makes the throw. He waits. That led to more sacks last year, and also lower production by the recieving corps. He MUST get better.

The good news is that Dak is the type of player who will commit himself to getting better. The bad news is we, as fans, still don't really know if he'll take that next step in his development. Like many others, I think he greatly benefitted from Romo being on the sideline in 2016. I'm rooting for Dak. Regardless of my fond memories of Romo, it was time for him to retire. I would like to have fond memories of Dak 10 years from now. But Dak is a work in progress.

I've come to grips with the idea (even if I don't like it) that the Cowboys are serious about upgrading the WR corps. I hope it doesn't come at the expense of improving the middle of the Cowboys defense, which is easily the weakest part of the team. And the LB corps needs a serious infusion of talent.

I still think my first impressions were correct.

IM not sure backup rb and qb are NEEDS..Insurance policys maybe but right now Zeke is here Rods backing him up, having the 3rd guy is great but if we got desperate you can go find a solid rb on the street or that can be traded for, see Philly, and get the job done behind this line.. QB it would be nice to have vet hold a clip board as an emergency 3rd guy and if you want that go get Sanchez or someone like him.. Now i say stand pat and if Dak goes down for more than game, i might get shot for this but bring in Kapernick hes a great backup QB maybe the second best (Foles is obvious 1)and only one available and might still be available in the season..how about after game 2 so he can be cut without any repercussions should he go full ****** on us..?? LMAO how about bring him and Reid back together..IMO Rush could be the guy but you wont know until after preseason and when you see him play a full meaningful game..

BTW maybe you should save this post until after the draft than see where we are in filling in your lists.. I too am holding out hope for Uncle Rico LOL

 

[Jipper]

IM not sure backup rb and qb are NEEDS..Insurance policys maybe but right now Zeke is here Rods backing him up, having the 3rd guy is great but if we got desperate you can go find a solid rb on the street or that can be traded for, see Philly, and get the job done behind this line.. QB it would be nice to have vet hold a clip board as an emergency 3rd guy and if you want that go get Sanchez or someone like him.. Now i say stand pat and if Dak goes down for more than game, i might get shot for this but bring in Kapernick hes a great backup QB maybe the second best (Foles is obvious 1)and only one available and might still be available in the season..how about after game 2 so he can be cut without any repercussions should he go full ****** on us..?? LMAO how about bring him and Reid back together..IMO Rush could be the guy but you wont know until after preseason and when you see him play a full meaningful game..

BTW maybe you should save this post until after the draft than see where we are in filling in your lists.. I too am holding out hope for Uncle Rico LOL

Absolutely disagree on kapernick...hes not the type of back up we need....he doesn't have the accuracy or approach that dak need a to work on as he has relied a lot on his legs too...

 

[Kevinicus]

I'd change backup QB to starting QB. We have one, maybe two (who knows what Cooper is at this point?) backup Qbs on the roster.

I also am not thrilled with the investments at WR.

 

[Jipper]

I'd change backup QB to starting QB. We have one, maybe two (who knows what Cooper is at this point?) backup Qbs on the roster.

I also am not thrilled with the investments at WR.

Dak is a starter on more than half the team's in the nfl....

 

[CapnB]

DL or LB has to be the pick of the first rd. So it will be WR

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

DL or LB has to be the pick of the first rd. So it will be WR

Unfortunately you're probably right.

 

[G2]

How can you not say the WR's are also responsible for the drop off, who do we have that's a game changing elite WR? Dez is mental, Witten is getting older, Williams has a flash here and there.... We DO need WR help. Last season wasn't ALL on Dak either. The entire offense underachieved.

 

[TonyS]

Dak is a starter on more than half the team's in the nfl....

So, you're also saying he'd be a backup or worse for the other half of teams. Not sure if you're agreeing with the Poster or arguing against his position.

 

[Jipper]

So, you're also saying he'd be a backup or worse for the other half of teams. Not sure if you're agreeing with the Poster or arguing against his position.

What I'm saying is that he is not a "backup" caliber qb....if you want to be technical based on how you said it then only the best qb in the NFL would be a starter....

Dak is a starter in the NFL and better than at least half of the other starters out there and I would take him over most due to his potential

 

[Kevinicus]

Dak is a starter on more than half the team's in the nfl....

Disagree.

 

[Jipper]

Disagree.

Disagree with your disagree and raise you a your wrong

 

[cern]

dez's skills are diminishing. it's visible to the naked eye. those not seeing it need optical evaluation. the coaching staff reeks. in an effort to coddle and placate their little dez, they made dak throw to him more often. that hurt dak and even dez as his poor route running and propensity for dropping passes became more and more evident. other than that, I agree with the rest of the op's musings. we lost a great lb in hitch. we lost possibly the best o-line coach in the biz, frank Pollack, as jg and linehan needed a scapegoat. the fo continues to be a problem as long as jerry is the penultimate decision maker. that is all.

 

[Jipper]

dez's skills are diminishing. it's visible to the naked eye. those not seeing it need optical evaluation. the coaching staff reeks. in an effort to coddle and placate their little dez, they made dak throw to him more often. that hurt dak and even dez as his poor route running and propensity for dropping passes became more and more evident. other than that, I agree with the rest of the op's musings. we lost a great lb in hitch. we lost possibly the best o-line coach in the biz, frank Pollack, as jg and linehan needed a scapegoat. the fo continues to be a problem as long as jerry is the penultimate decision maker. that is all.

I think green did as much to hurt dak as anybody else did....he was shaky after those 8 sacks against Atlanta

 

[cern]

I think green did as much to hurt dak as anybody else did....he was shaky after those 8 sacks against Atlanta

the Atlanta game was a qb's worst nightmare. but he was getting a strong rush in his face all year long. in such an instance, it is incumbent upon the coaching staff to come up with game plans to make it easier for him to get rid of the ball quicker. but being forced to throw to dez who can't get separation, having Beasley double covered, and with defenders knowing the routes t.will and brice were running before the snap made life miserable for our qb.

 

[America's Cowboy]