CFZ Fixing the Cowboys for 2024

ArtClink

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Let’s talk about what it will take to build this team into a true contender for a championship. So…What does this team need (besides a new GM?, lol) In order to fix this team’s many weaknesses, here are my big picture roster recommendations:
  • Before talking about any specific player, the first thing this team needs OVERALL is to recognize they aren’t as close as they like to think. This team is STILL way too soft, too small on defense, not nasty enough at DL, and still incapable of imposing its will on either side of the ball. DT, LB, OL, and RB are huge needs for this team.

  • Everyone talks about needing another QB. And honestly, I’m ready to consider that. Dak is not as bad as way too many here think, but sometimes when your QB can’t seem to raise his level of play in the biggest moments, it becomes that much harder to make it happen the next time. BUT…then I start thinking about who will be his replacement? Ugh. It’s not that easy.
    • Trey Lance? Are we willing to just throw him the keys without any test drive? The guy the niners gave up on is our new starter? I’m not ready to say that.
    • The draft? Don’t see how with the 24th pick we can be reasonably sure that can produce someone who can step in and win playoff games. Besides the Jones front office somehow refuses year after to even consider drafting a QB early.
    • Cooper Rush? Please.
    • I wouldn’t mind seeing a trade for Dak because I guarantee there are teams who would like his services. He would have to approve it but he may be ready to consider it. I would if I were him. But his contract situation is complicated. If Dak would approve a trade to a willing partner in a “sign and trade” type deal, some teams might do that for a first round pick.
    • But again…who is your QB then?
  • For everyone screaming for Dak to go…have you thought this through? I’m tired of watching Dak suck in big games but do we have better options with this front office?
  • This next point is big IMO. The biggest need for this team is for guys who can bring a physical and tough presence. And those positions of need include DT, LB, G, C and Tackle. Because watching that packer team completely dominate the LOS and impose their physical will on a supposedly better team was eye opening. Remember the Buffalo game? The bills just rammed it down our throats all day long. It was like watching a bully steal lunch money.
    • Only a blind homer would say the Cowboys are a physical team. We aren’t.
    • For those saying our defense dominated at times last year, I say not unless two things happened: 1. We get multiple turnovers and 2. Got a two score lead. When this team had to rely on its defense to keep them in the game while behind, it could not do it.
    • The running game was anemic all year. We need an upgrade to the OL and a new RB.

There are tons of players that could help this team. But as I watch the playoff games this weekend, it seems pretty clear the Cowboys - as they are currently constructed - are NOT that close.

The guy who is the dominant face of this franchise by design has had three decades to build a roster he selected, and coached by coaches he is “comfortable” with. And we have 4 wild card wins to show for all that. I only bring this up to remind us that when he says “we are close”, forgive me if I don’t have any confidence in that statement.

We need to get bigger, tougher and if many fans have their way, miraculously find a QB who is an improvement. That’s a tall order. But it starts with being honest, something this front office never seems to do. The Star needs a lot of mirrors these days when it comes to figuring out the problems. But they CAN be fixed if they recognize what they really need.
Excellent post! Your point of having soft players is spot on but I think I know a contributing factor. We have soft players because they have zero fear of the hc. Why should they fear the hc who lacks the power to fire them? The result is they only fear Jerry and he loves his top players to a fault. Soft players are a product of players only needing to keep Jerry happy. It’s not 100 % due to that, but Jerry has created a culture where it’s fine to lose in playoffs and lose without being accountable to the football experts (hc, assistant coaches, etc).
 

Birch_Wood

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Let’s talk about what it will take to build this team into a true contender for a championship. So…What does this team need (besides a new GM?, lol) In order to fix this team’s many weaknesses, here are my big picture roster recommendations:
  • Before talking about any specific player, the first thing this team needs OVERALL is to recognize they aren’t as close as they like to think. This team is STILL way too soft, too small on defense, not nasty enough at DL, and still incapable of imposing its will on either side of the ball. DT, LB, OL, and RB are huge needs for this team.

  • Everyone talks about needing another QB. And honestly, I’m ready to consider that. Dak is not as bad as way too many here think, but sometimes when your QB can’t seem to raise his level of play in the biggest moments, it becomes that much harder to make it happen the next time. BUT…then I start thinking about who will be his replacement? Ugh. It’s not that easy.
    • Trey Lance? Are we willing to just throw him the keys without any test drive? The guy the niners gave up on is our new starter? I’m not ready to say that.
    • The draft? Don’t see how with the 24th pick we can be reasonably sure that can produce someone who can step in and win playoff games. Besides the Jones front office somehow refuses year after to even consider drafting a QB early.
    • Cooper Rush? Please.
    • I wouldn’t mind seeing a trade for Dak because I guarantee there are teams who would like his services. He would have to approve it but he may be ready to consider it. I would if I were him. But his contract situation is complicated. If Dak would approve a trade to a willing partner in a “sign and trade” type deal, some teams might do that for a first round pick.
    • But again…who is your QB then?
  • For everyone screaming for Dak to go…have you thought this through? I’m tired of watching Dak suck in big games but do we have better options with this front office?
  • This next point is big IMO. The biggest need for this team is for guys who can bring a physical and tough presence. And those positions of need include DT, LB, G, C and Tackle. Because watching that packer team completely dominate the LOS and impose their physical will on a supposedly better team was eye opening. Remember the Buffalo game? The bills just rammed it down our throats all day long. It was like watching a bully steal lunch money.
    • Only a blind homer would say the Cowboys are a physical team. We aren’t.
    • For those saying our defense dominated at times last year, I say not unless two things happened: 1. We get multiple turnovers and 2. Got a two score lead. When this team had to rely on its defense to keep them in the game while behind, it could not do it.
    • The running game was anemic all year. We need an upgrade to the OL and a new RB.

There are tons of players that could help this team. But as I watch the playoff games this weekend, it seems pretty clear the Cowboys - as they are currently constructed - are NOT that close.

The guy who is the dominant face of this franchise by design has had three decades to build a roster he selected, and coached by coaches he is “comfortable” with. And we have 4 wild card wins to show for all that. I only bring this up to remind us that when he says “we are close”, forgive me if I don’t have any confidence in that statement.

We need to get bigger, tougher and if many fans have their way, miraculously find a QB who is an improvement. That’s a tall order. But it starts with being honest, something this front office never seems to do. The Star needs a lot of mirrors these days when it comes to figuring out the problems. But they CAN be fixed if they recognize what they really need.
Good stuff. I agree.
I do not think it's impossible to draft a great QB. Even if not good odds Ive grown weary of Jerry's diamond in the ruff philosophy of getting QB's. I'd rather roll the dice at this point with a high draft pick vs. Quincy Carter, worn out drew bledsoe, Ryan leaf, Anthony Wright, Chad Hutchinson, Stephen McKee, Matt Cassell, and on and on it goes.
 

IceStar-D7

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If we played Micah as a true LB, there wouldn't be teams rushing on us like this.
They constantly make him rush the QB. He is extremely good at reading plays and committing.

They need to put him back to straight rushing the QB over and over and over... to doing it on specific times.

Put him back where he can stop these 10-20yd runs that happen to us so much.
Yep. And Micah needs to stay at MLB. You can't learn to be a great MLB while trying to be a great DE...
 

ArtClink

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There is no fixing it without getting a GM. We've already traded out QBs, traded out all manners of players, got new Jerry friendly coaches, etc.

The culture will remain the same, we'll get the same soft coaching and we'll only go into the season trying to build through the draft and wonder why we got bounced again. Nothing changes without an actual accountable GM.
This
 

IceStar-D7

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As far as Dak goes... now you have CeeDee's mom, and CeeDee appearing not to be happy, Micah may not be happy with Dak.

Those 2 are worth way more than Dak to this team.

Dak doesn't want a ring unless it can come to him with a maxed contract. His contract being huge is way more important to him than a ring.
No one can convince me it isn't.
Really????? :facepalm: He get's that same contract whether he wants it or not. So, you really think Dak is throwing games to get a max contract?? Please explain to me how this works?
 

zerofill

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Really????? :facepalm: He get's that same contract whether he wants it or not. So, you really think Dak is throwing games to get a max contract?? Please explain to me how this works?
I didn't say he was throwing games... That was totally in reference to him caring if he has the players around him he needs to succeed.
He doesn't care enough about a ring if it is going to cost him money.
 

Whyjerry

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Well I will try to fix the roster. Same crappy coaching. Same crappy GM. Same crappy owner. Here you go and this assumes I stuck with Dak.

1. Not extending Dak so I am in cap hell. Good news is that expectations are low and we know how to dumpster dive.

2. Draft DT, OT, C, LB and RB. Best available at those positions.

3. I am trading Parsons. That’s right. I hate his makeup and I need to choose between he and Lamb. I choose Lamb. Plus Bland is going to get paid too. Parsons has to go.

4. I get 2 first rounders for him at least. Those are spent on the front 7 and next year’s QB in round one.

5. I don’t care how well Dak plays this is his last year. If I can trade him great, if not I let him walk. Lance and a 2025 first rounder are competing for the starting job.

6. Overshown is going to be a big add. I am playing 2/3 actual LBs. No more safeties. No more 11 at DE.

7. Goodbye Lawrence.

8. Odiggyziggy to DE. Mazi and Hankins in the middle. I want size on the DL.

9. I let the coaching staff walk after the season. All of them. I am hiring a Ben Johnson type. A young successful coordinator is my next coach. We are playing 21st century football from now on.

10. I let Pollard walk. I am drafting a big back in rounds 3 or 4. Dowdle stays. Bring in another vet. Big backs.

11. Cap hell improves in 2025 and I am spending it on the trenches.
 

IceStar-D7

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I didn't say he was throwing games... That was totally in reference to him caring if he has the players around him he needs to succeed.
He doesn't care enough about a ring if it is going to cost him money.
Would you take a pay cut for your fellow workers-wherever you work??? Your boss comes and tell you - you've earned a raise and you're going to tell him. "For the company sake...I decline???? Ok......
 

TequilaCowboy

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Trade him now....seriously, why delay the process of finding his replacement.
Exactly, this FO has no urgency or never been good at being proactive and anticipating issues with player status/development. Collins, Cooper, Zeke and now Pollard all let go with no one in mind to replace. Tyron issue as well. This FO has to be forced into looking for outside options and it will be the same with Dak. I have no pity for them since they placed themselves in this predicament by never looking for any competent backup who could threaten him for playing time or push him to get better. Especially mentally. He is coddled and handled with kid gloves and now you are in the same position when Romo was up for his contract extension. Stuck over a barrel. Rip the band aid off, and look for someone.. in the meantime develop Lance who you have currently and you may need to resign Rush who we have seen can be adequate replacement for a while. Of course with MM's neck on the line this season, i am sure none of this will be considered and status quo will be the solution. Just saying, answers and solutions are there, but they can't handle the truth. So they deserve to be where they are.
 

IceStar-D7

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Exactly, this FO has no urgency or never been good at being proactive and anticipating issues with player status/development. Collins, Cooper, Zeke and now Pollard all let go with no one in mind to replace. Tyron issue as well. This FO has to be forced into looking for outside options and it will be the same with Dak. I have no pity for them since they placed themselves in this predicament by never looking for any competent backup who could threaten him for playing time or push him to get better. Especially mentally. He is coddled and handled with kid gloves and now you are in the same position when Romo was up for his contract extension. Stuck over a barrel. Rip the band aid off, and look for someone.. in the meantime develop Lance who you have currently and you may need to resign Rush who we have seen can be adequate replacement for a while. Of course with MM's neck on the line this season, i am sure none of this will be considered and status quo will be the solution. Just saying, answers and solutions are there, but they can't handle the truth. So they deserve to be where they are.
If Romo never would of gotten hurt. He'd still be the quarterback and you guys would be screaming for Dak :facepalm:
 

Ranching

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:facepalm:
Damn....some of are really consumed by this. Maybe Jerry is reading all of your ideas....who knows.
 

rags747

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Well in the scenario you mentioned “no worse off” means winning 12, winning the NFC east, and getting the #2 seed. If Trey Lance can’t at least get us to that we are actually worse off.

Look, I get that we all want a new QB. I’m ready for that too. But when you actually start thinking it through it’s just not a matter of getting rid of Dak and hoping for the best. Because whatever anyone thinks about him in the playoffs where he’s been very disappointing, he’s actually been pretty good in the regular season. Without a good regular season, there’s no chance in the playoffs.

I‘m not saying I don’t want a change. But I am saying a change that makes us better is extremely hard to do.
Everyone on this board has been crying for the past week. We went 12-5, won the East and people are still crying like little school girls. So, if the above is true then how is going 8-9 any worse? I much rather start Fresh right now. Roll the dice now and maybe you win, we will never know unless we try it. Sure keep Dak and we go 11-6 or 12-5, who wants that. I rather go 8-9.
 

zerofill

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Would you take a pay cut for your fellow workers-wherever you work??? Your boss comes and tell you - you've earned a raise and you're going to tell him. "For the company sake...I decline???? Ok......
A Super Bowl ring versus a regular job? One you are not remembered, the other you are a part of history, and always a Super Bowl winning QB? Especially when we are talking about taking $32mil versus $40 mil, when you already make another $20mil at least off endorsements?
People don't remember many QBs if they don't win a ring.
Their endorsement deals dry up often if they don't win a ring.

You have some that still make out like Romo, and a few others... but for the most part... not so much. Mahomes, Rodgers, Brady, Both Mannings, etc... they can make millions
any time they want.
 

Bobhaze

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The Dak thing has never seemed complicated to me. He can't do what he's paid to do. So move on and try the next guy. Whether that's Trey Lance or a draft pick. Why the soap opera goodbye?

We're not risking anything by letting him go. If the next guy is a flop we won't win. Just like we don't win with Prescott. I don't see the difference. In fact I'll trade you a meaningless division title and first round playoff exit for a higher draft pick and an opportunity to audition a new QB who may be the guy. I already know the guy we have now isn't him.

I don't get why this is even in question.

I also fully understand we have the worst owner in professional sports and this stiff will get a new contract.
I would be ok with a trade and moving on too. The real problem is twofold:

1. Jerry will never agree to a rebuild. Which is what moving on from Dak would mean. It might be exactly what this team needs but the clown in the owners box will never ever agree to that. I was ready to move on from Romo too but it took Romo turning into an injury machine for this org to move on from him.

2. I get that Dak is a big game major disappointment. But you can’t get in a big game in the playoffs without some regular season success. There are loads of teams in this league circling the drain every season because they don’t have even a decent QB. I just can’t see the Jones boys ever allowing that to happen.

Jerry and Giggles would rather have ten straight seasons just like the one we just had than have a season or two to rebuild and reload. They just won’t do it.
 
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