CFZ Fixing the Cowboys for 2024

[Creeper]

You make some good points. I agree with you about our big problems up the middle on D. I disagree with you about how close we are, but hey I’m wrong all the time!

The fixes have to start with the recognition that this defense is weak against the run and it has been that way for a very long time.

Physical teams that can run the ball and also have outstanding LBs against our Offense give us trouble. Having a DL that is undersized and lacks a run stuffer is still a glaring need. Mazi Smith has so far shown us very little. We need to see if he can grow a lot in year two before casting him aside as a bust. But he must get better. I would still strongly consider drafting a DT early this year.

Honestly, I think the defense and Its inability to impose its will when you must have it (like when your team is behind) is a glaring problem.

Offensively, like many here, I’m tired of watching #4 not get it done in big games. I would not object to moving on from him. But it will require a rebuild this FO is completely unwilling or unable to do. When was the last time this FO said, “We need to rebuild”? Is Trey Lance any good? Who knows? We know Cooper Rush is never going to be anything more than a decent back who requires a good running game, which we currently don’t have. Would they trade Dak if Dak was agreeable to a destination? His contract situation is a problem.

One thought on moving on from Dak is to gamble the way the packers did this year. They really didn’t know what Jordan Love was really before this season. They just released Aaron Rodgers and ate a ton of cap space doing it. And with all that dead money they killed us in the playoffs and were a possession away from beating the niners.

The problem with doing what the packers did is we don’t have a FO that takes gambles anymore. They live in semi-reality hoping against all odds and history that they roll snake eyes at the Vegas table. Because 28 years of history tell us they don’t know how to build a roster than can win playoff games.

I don't think we are that far off each other's position. I think the Cowboys can fix their problems, but it requires Jerry to do something that he has been stubborn about for a long time. There are some really good free agents available in 2024 a positions of need. I think DT is one position where free agency makes more sense because rookies DTs take too long to develop. Look at Justin Madubuike. He is having his best year for Baltimore, but guess what/ He is a free agent! Maybe Mazi will develop into something by year 4. But in the meantime, they can't stop the run, even with Hankins because Hankins is one guy. Get a stud next to him, like Wilkins, and we will see a huge difference. Leave the DL as it is, and no LBs will succeed because they will not be protected by the DL. Jerry not being willing to take a risk on a top free agent is a big hill to climb. But if he does it once or twice this year, I think we can get right back in the mix next year. The offense not having a running game has to be fixed too, but a defense that can make some stops will keep us in games.

 

[atlantacowboy]

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.

You could save, copy, and repost most of this every year for the past 15.

 

[kskboys]

You help Dak by putting a supporting cast around him. Most GM's understand the concept of complimentary football.

Dak is not a DT or a LBer.

Now that I think about it, it be easier to fix the Cowboys than help you understand football.

Your last sentence is beyond sad. When you turn to cheap personal insults, you're admitting you just got owned. Didn't think it would be that easy. Your lack of understanding is glaring.

 

[kskboys]

it doesn't matter, who gets cut, and drafted? The crap is never changing. One flunky will replace the other one and so on and so on. You can only hope one of the freaks get lucky and by some miracle gets the right players in here. So far none, none, has mattered.

Yeah, we know all that, but you're off topic.

 

[DandyDon1722]

Build a winner? Sure. My simple solution…


New owner.

The thread should and does end here.

Every other opinion pales in comparison.

 

[kskboys]

The thread should and does end here.

Every other opinion pales in comparison.

Not really, it's off topic.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

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.

In other words, your mind is made up. Fine, we're all entitled to our opinions.

Though I'd be pleased to know how long you've known Dak personally and how often you've heard him say what's more important to him.

You know, some objective support for your statement....

 

[Gambit]

It seems like the board would be ok with a small rebuild and would be ok giving Lance an audition. The problem is the Joneses would never do this because they want the Cowboys in the news. The reason why the Joneses believe they made the right decision bringing the band back together is because all the national media attention it brought. If the Cowboys traded Dak what type of attention would Jones get from the national media if the Cowboys are a 7-8 win non playoff team.

Dallas would make the news regardless of MM brought back. Just a silly take.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

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

The draft is a crap shoot. Every year, every player. The history of the NFL is littered with high draft pick busts, and not just quarterbacks. Now you can improve your chances with good draft research, but how many teams are all proud of themselves when picking a no. 1 pick? They did what they thought was great research but got burned in the end. So probably there is no such thing as being "reasonably sure".

I would just note that besides the obvious Tom Brady, we have Purdy as the last pick in a draft now having had his team in the NFC championship game in his rookie year, and has returned in his second year. Aaron Rodgers was the 24th overall pick. Joe Flacco was the 18th pick. Joe Montana was the 82nd pick. Ken Stabler was 52nd overall. Joe Thiesman was 99th overall. All won SBs as well as more playoff games.

It is more likely that a high drafted quarterback will win a SB or two or three than a low pick, but that's not a reason to just forget thinking about winning SBs just because you draft 24th.

 

[Chasing6]

I think

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.

Well we do have have our redshirt draft class from 2023.

 

[baltcowboy]

Dallas would make the news regardless of MM brought back. Just a silly take.

Yeah I guess 2020 season never happened. At the end of the season against the 49ers of all teams NBC flexed the game out. Why do you think Dak got his money coming off of a broken ankle. Jerry was just giving Dak top of market money for shoots and giggles.

 

[Chasing6]

Yeah I guess 2020 season never happened. At the end of the season against the 49ers of all teams NBC flexed the game out. Why do you think Dak got his money coming off of a broken ankle. Jerry was just giving Dak top of market money for shoots and giggles.

Jerry loves giving out big contracts to injured players.

 

[Gambit]

Yeah I guess 2020 season never happened. At the end of the season against the 49ers of all teams NBC flexed the game out. Why do you think Dak got his money coming off of a broken ankle. Jerry was just giving Dak top of market money for shoots and giggles.

Because that was going rate for QBs.

Good grief you'll reach for anything.

 

[conner01]

Cap you’ve made it crystal clear how you feel. And I’m open to moving on from Dak. But, for everyone screaming for Dak to go…have you thought this through? I’m tired of watching Dak suck in big games too but do we have better options with this front office? Seriously, just getting rid of Dak doesn’t fix the other giant holes on this team.

What do you think?

That’s the issue. I’d rather have Mahomes but that’s not possible. What actually possible is really what we have to fix and I don’t think QB is. Fix the oline, fix the run defense, those seem possible

 

[Chasing6]

That’s the issue. I’d rather have Mahomes but that’s not possible. What actually possible is really what we have to fix and I don’t think QB is. Fix the oline, fix the run defense, those seem possible

I would rather have a bus driver and a great team like the Niners.

 

[IceStar-D7]

Fixing Dallas defense is easy...... First you get Mazi fat again....330 to 340. Go out and free agent another nose tackle. Put Micha in the middle at LB. Let him learn how to play the position. Hell. Bring in Ray Lewis to tech him if necessary. Micah has no idea on how to be a MLB. Draft another pass rusher. I think we could use a vet safety and I think the young guys can hold the rest down. Corners just need to get more physical as the whole team does. But I like what I have there. Hire a DC that preaches physical play. And comes with a great scheme. You build the defense from nose tackle on back. Not physics here

 

[kskboys]

I would rather have a bus driver and a great team like the Niners.

100%.

 

[aikemirv]

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.

Can't fix with players - have to fix culture, then you find players. Can't fix culture with McCarthy and a hands on Jones. Can't fix with McCarthy and hands off Jones. next year is just a waste - probably get 10-11 wins but nothing is changing!

 

[Chasing6]

Fixing Dallas defense is easy...... First you get Mazi fat again....330 to 340. Go out and free agent a nose tackle. Put Micha in the middle at LB. Let him learn how to play the position. Hell. Bring in Ray guy to tech him if necessary. Draft another pass rusher. I think we could use a vet safety and I think the young guys can hold the rest down. Corners just need to get more physical as the whole team does. But I like what I have there. Hire a DC that preaches physical play. And comes with a great scheme. You build the defense form nose tackle on back. Not physics here

Past player available. Mazi May have been the best DT available and it was a need. But we tried to make him into something he was not.

He does not have a quick first step. Making him lighter did not help his game. Again trying to make someone into something they are it is only going to delay his development. We will cut him, then a team will use his strengths appropriately.

All we needed Mazi to do was hold his ground and eat up space. Keep our LB's clean and free to roam. Micah in the middle free to roam would cause serious damage and have 150+ tackles.

 

[TwentyOne]

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.

Dont overthink it.

Get a good QB.

Win.