For the Cowboys to win in the playoffs, they're going to have to...

[Doomsdayblitz]

make some tough decisions.

The first is switching roles of their running backs. Anyone watching the Cowboys this season can see that they are a much better, tougher team when MBIII is in the game. I hate to quote Deion, but even he mentioned it several times in the Atlanta game, how much better the team was with Barber running the ball. He is not only stronger & can break tackles, he has the speed & vision to get to the outside and gain additional yardage. Maybe by playing behind Barber, JJ will learn what it takes to be a true #1 starter in this league.

#2, they must replace Marco Rivera with a road grader like Manuel Ramirez, OG/OC, Texas Tech. The guy can play just about any position on the OL, and can already BP 550 lbs. Has a mean streak, and loves to kick butt too.

#3, they are going to have to push Spears & Canty to learn new and better pass rushing techniques. Also get the speed up on their initial moves. If they are just not able to, then one or both needs replaced. We must get a much better pass rush to take it to the next level.

#4, in order to make sure the above DEs feel the heat, drafting a pass rushing DE is mandatory. If Jamaal Anderson is still there at the 23rd pick, he's our man. At 6-6, 280, with 13.5 sacks on the season, he is for real.

#5, finding a FS like Piscitelli or Gattis to put into the mix in the secondary is also needed. As a unit, I once thought our secondary was one of the best. The last 4-5 games of the season, they looked like the Keystone Kops. Probably firing whoever is supposed to be coaching them wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

#6, last but not least, get a new HC. These guys are sick of listening to BP by now-I know I am. We need a fresh face with a fresh perspective who can come in & stay for at least 5 years to create stability. The way the Gators whipped my Buckeyes, I think Urban Meyer is an excellent candidate. His offense was so diverse, I can't believe his players can remember all of those schemes & formations. I know facing an offense like that would have to be a nightmare. He knows how to bring the rush to the passer too. Ya gotta love his coaching. He reminds me a lot of Bobby Bowden, how you never know what he's going to throw at you.

 

[zrinkill]

I have been critical of JJ like everyone else .... but he was one of the few who came top play against Seattle.

120+ yards

 

[Future]

I agree with all but #1 and #5, assuming that Pat Watkins becomes the player I think he should/could be.

 

[wileedog]

make some tough decisions.

The first is switching roles of their running backs. Anyone watching the Cowboys this season can see that they are a much better, tougher team when MBIII is in the game. I hate to quote Deion, but even he mentioned it several times in the Atlanta game, how much better the team was with Barber running the ball. He is not only stronger & can break tackles, he has the speed & vision to get to the outside and gain additional yardage. Maybe by playing behind Barber, JJ will learn what it takes to be a true #1 starter in this league.

#2, they must replace Marco Rivera with a road grader like Manuel Ramirez, OG/OC, Texas Tech. The guy can play just about any position on the OL, and can already BP 550 lbs. Has a mean streak, and loves to kick butt too.

#2 will go a long way towards fixing #1. I would also be looking for eventual replacements for Flo, or potential upgrades for Gurode.

Romo helped hide it for a while, but the line is still not fixed.

I've been critical of JJ as well, but with an above average line he can be a good back IMO. If we don't address the line well enough then make the switch to Barber.

#3, they are going to have to push Spears & Canty to learn new and better pass rushing techniques. Also get the speed up on their initial moves. If they are just not able to, then one or both needs replaced. We must get a much better pass rush to take it to the next level.

Hugely agree. I think Ware and Carpenter or Ellis (if he can come back) can be effective enough edge rushers, but we simply must get more push from the DEs. Ferguson too, he was great against the run this year but rarely managed any sort of push up the middle against the pass.

#4, in order to make sure the above DEs feel the heat, drafting a pass rushing DE is mandatory. If Jamaal Anderson is still there at the 23rd pick, he's our man. At 6-6, 280, with 13.5 sacks on the season, he is for real.

Don't forget Hatcher, who in his first year showed a lot more burst than either Spears or Canty.

#5, finding a FS like Piscitelli or Gattis to put into the mix in the secondary is also needed. As a unit, I once thought our secondary was one of the best. The last 4-5 games of the season, they looked like the Keystone Kops. Probably firing whoever is supposed to be coaching them wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

Pressure will go a long way to fixing that, and don't forget Henry played hurt down the stretch and it showed.

Watkins also looked much better down the stretch.

Roy needs to lose a little weight and stop looking for the highlight reel hit.

#6, last but not least, get a new HC. These guys are sick of listening to BP by now-I know I am. We need a fresh face with a fresh perspective who can come in & stay for at least 5 years to create stability. The way the Gators whipped my Buckeyes, I think Urban Meyer is an excellent candidate. His offense was so diverse, I can't believe his players can remember all of those schemes & formations. I know facing an offense like that would have to be a nightmare. He knows how to bring the rush to the passer too. Ya gotta love his coaching. He reminds me a lot of Bobby Bowden, how you never know what he's going to throw at you.

I think the last thing this team needs is a 900 page playbook.

Also, just to add #6, someone needs to take a long hard look at our MILB.