Future Expectations under HC Garrett?

[CoCo]

We've been thinking SB since 2007 and the majority opinion is that TO & Wade were the biggest reasons we have only 1 playoff win (unless you count the 2007 bye ) to show for it.

So forgetting that interim still applies at this point and that labor uncertainty looms, what are the achievement probabilities for the Cowboys in 2011 and beyond? Not possibilities, as in we could, but probabilities as in we should.

Some folks believe our 2010 record would look dramatically different had Garrett been HC from the start. 8-3, 9-2, etc. Yet few believe we can beat Indy, or the Eagles the rest of this year.

So how good is our current talent and can this team (coaches & players) be reloaded in one offseason to become a serious SB contender in 2011. Anything is possible, but just what do you believe is probable for 2011 and beyond?

 

[SDCowboy]

I think we'll definitely be back in the mix next season. I think a decent playoff run should be expected for next year with Garrett.

 

[wileedog]

I wouldn't even take a stab at this until we go through Free Agency and the draft. And that's not even getting into what we do with the coaching staff.

I will say this is a big, big draft for this team, and I admit I'm worried its in the hands of Jerry and a very inexperienced HC.

 

[CoCo]

I think we'll definitely be back in the mix next season. I think a decent playoff run should be expected for next year with Garrett.

Which seems to imply that you believe the criticsm of our O-line, our ILB's, our Safeties and maybe even our CB's is being overstated. That, or you believe that we should expect one whale of a roster transformation in one offseason. (forgive my overstating, but you get the gist).

 

[SDCowboy]

Which seems to imply that you believe the criticsm of our O-line, our ILB's, our Safeties and maybe even our CB's is being overstated. That, or you believe that we should expect one whale of a roster transformation in one offseason. (forgive my overstating, but you get the gist).

I believe there are going to be some key moves and a good draft. Of course everything isn't going to be fixed but I think the new faces to this team plus another off season of much better coaching than before will do wonders.

 

[CoCo]

I wouldn't even take a stab at this until we go through Free Agency and the draft. And that's not even getting into what we do with the coaching staff.

I will say this is a big, big draft for this team, and I admit I'm worried its in the hands of Jerry and a very inexperienced HC.

Realistically, the 2010 draft will maybe bring one or two players that have any significant impact on the 2011 season. That is not a criticism of our draft team, but more that I think your rookies don't add a lot to your team in their first year. How many of the last 10 Cowboy drafts have had a significant year 1 impact?

 

[burmafrd]

If we can get 2 better players for our O line; one good FS, and get another good DE from somewhere, then we are in pretty good shape. That to me is the MINIMUM we need to get from the coming offseason.

 

[wileedog]

Realistically, the 2010 draft will maybe bring one or two players that have any significant impact on the 2011 season. That is not a criticism of our draft team, but more that I think your rookies don't add a lot to your team in their first year. How many of the last 10 Cowboy drafts have had a significant year 1 impact?

FA could have significant impact though. The coaches will have some.

And given how terrible the right side of the line and safety play has been, it is possible some rookie may be asked to step in and make an impact immediately.

That said if I did take a stab at it then I think no, we can't go to the SB. Our lines are too weak on both sides of the ball, and that's tough to fix in one offseason even without the other glaring holes in the secondary and LBer. Maybe we scrape into the playoffs on a wildcard, but not too much further on from there.

2012 is more promising.

 

[CoCo]

FA could have significant impact though. The coaches will have some.

And given how terrible the right side of the line and safety play has been, it is possible some rookie may be asked to step in and make an impact immediately.

That said if I did take a stab at it then I think no, we can't go to the SB. Our lines are too weak on both sides of the ball, and that's tough to fix in one offseason.

Serious question here, with the CBA in limbo will there even be a meaningful free agency opportunity this offseason. Draft should go on as usual but I don't know what this labor uncertainty does to free agency.

 

[bmzt31]

Yeah we most def will be back to the Cowboys we expect! With the coach change it wil do a worlds of difference. Wade cudnt get it done,he lost the respect of players and they didnt want to play that hard for him any more. But with JG, he has demanded that they play hard and he wont put up with any of their crap.

 

[sonnyboy]

Tough question.

I still see this roster as elite yet out of balance. More than enough talent in many areas, yet sub par in a few.

You have to start by answering the question of why are we 3-8 and out of the post season parade by Thanksgiving.
Before you can make an assesment of where we should be in 2011:

1) Poor Coaching/Leadership
2) Soft training camp and in season practice.
3) Early season bad luck/ bad breaks
4) Romo's injury

I'll give Garrett the benefit of the doubt that he's the real deal. Been a believer/supporter of the guy since 2007, so that's not a stretch for me.

I'll also give the whole organization the benefit of the doubt in improving the team's more significant weaknesses. OL, FS.

I expect us to be a 12 or better win team in 2011. We should be in the race for the top seed.

 

[CoCo]

Tough question.

I still see this roster as elite yet out of balance. More than enough talent in many areas, yet sub par in a few.

You have to start by answering the question of why are we 3-8 and out of the post season parade by Thanksgiving.
Before you can make an assesment of where we should be in 2011:

1) Poor Coaching/Leadership
2) Soft training camp and in season practice.
3) Early season bad luck/ bad breaks
4) Romo's injury

I'll give Garrett the benefit of the doubt that he's the real deal. Been a believer/supporter of the guy since 2007, so that's not a stretch for me.

I'll also give the whole organization the benefit of the doubt in improving the team's more significant weaknesses. OL, FS.

I expect us to be a 12 or better win team in 2011. We should be in the race for the top seed.

I'd like to believe your expectations are realistic. But recent history of this organization suggests that is more possibility than probability. Its interesting in your list that you do not mention talent deficiencies. You mention "subpar" in spots but not in the reasons why we are 3-8. That talent assessment is at the foundation of my question really. The opinions on this matter vary widely. Is our talent overrated or underrated? Opinions on both sides. How many of our current o-line could be part of a SB contender in 2011? If the answer is 1 or 2 then the SB is NOT a realistic possibility in 2011 because it is not reasonable to expect we're going to get 3 new starters on that 0-line in 1 year and performance wise be strong enough for a deep playoff run.

I'll qualify all the above with "I think" because I really don't know.

 

[Beast_from_East]

If we fix the o-line, I think we can get to 10+ wins next year.


If we dont do jack about our o-line, I see another 6 or 7 wins season.

 

[wileedog]

If we fix the o-line, I think we can get to 10+ wins next year.
.

Problem is if you put 2 or even 3 new guys on the line, chances are it might not be 'fixed.' Olines take often take some time to gel, especially when you may be replacing 40-60% of it.

 

[Mash]

There is so much parity.......you never know...

I dont see a dominate team this year.......some good ones.....but all have their weakness....

The Cowboys were supposed to have the most talent......but coaching lacked and IMHO players that needed to step up.....didnt....

We should have a makeover on our OL.....a safety...and better inside LB play.....but even if we do that......our supposed star players need to play better.....Newman....Jenkins...Spencer....Austin...Felix...etc....have to step up...

This team doesnt need to rebuild.....we just need to tweak some things....Hopefully Jerry and JG agree that certain players need to be axed...no matter what their salaries are....

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

I expect a Garrett tenure of no less than 5 years. Resulting in atleast ONE Super Bowl Win.

Yeah, I said it!

 

[DallasJ7]

I think 9-10 wins and a wild card berth is probable. if we're lucky with injuries, have the breaks go our way, and have a good draft, then i think 11 wins and a home playoff game is not out of the realm of possibility. but that's more "possible" than "probable" imo.

 

[jobberone]

There are a lot of IFs before getting this team to the next level.

The coaching staff is up in the air. I'd gamble some money Garrett will get his shot but that's not a fact. And Garrett needs an OC and a DC. I'm not certain they are on this team. In fact I hope they're not. And for God's sake get rid of Campo.

The offensive line needs at least a RT. I say it needs a RG, too. You can get one in FA and another in the draft. That's optimum and not a given for sure.

The defense needs a pass rush. That's either scheme and/or players. Maybe Butler is the answer. Maybe Spencer takes off with a new coach and/or coaching scheme. Maybe we draft a pass rusher. That's a lot of ifs, too.

We need a big NT to insert in the lineup when teams decide to run up the middle and Ratliff can't stop it.

Our ILBs can't cover well enough. Brooking is not stout enough against the run either. He's thru as a top flite WILB. Maybe Lee is the answer next year. Perhaps we get a replacement for the SILB in the next few years as well. More ifs.

The CBs when healthy and with a good enough pass rush can play at a probowl level. When put on an island and given a poor pass rush they are very ordinary esp when Newman is unhealthy which is often. I'd be surprised if we don't draft a CB with a top pick. Depends on how the draft goes.

The safeties are marginal. Sensi might be average with a decent pass rush and rush defense. Ball is marginal. Maybe a new coach and a better front seven and he looks at least average. Maybe. I'd be looking at a playmaking FS. Of course everyone is looking for one of those and they are difficult to come by. Don't count on safety getting better via the draft or FA. If that happens then great. Hope for a new DB coach, an improved front seven, and someone on the team to step it up including one Ball.

STs needs to take at least a small step forward esp consistency wise.

We need a FG kicker. Perhaps that is the Buehler. Maybe not. Another big if.

That's a lot to fix in one year. Look for an improved team next year (assuming there is a next year) and maybe a playoff run. It will take a lot to be a SB contender.

JMO.

 

[Dhragon]

Red as HC only = 10-12 wins and at least 1 playoff victory.
Red as HC and OC = 8-10 wins, possible WC but 1 and done.


Unfortunately I believe Red will be our OC again next year, so yet another wasted year as our window slowly closes.

 

[casmith07]

My future expectations:

CHAMPIONSHIP!!!