How we go from good to great

[windward]

Change is unrealistic with Jerry at GM.

You're right. Nothing changed from 08 to 09.

 

[Joe_Fan]

We're not the Commanders. Thankfully.

At least the Commanders have appeared to open their eyes somewhat and hire a real GM and coach.

How much input Snyder will still have remains to be seen but after years of being inept they appeared to have made a positive change in their organization which disgusts me.

 

[brickman]

Build through the draft. Young, talented players come in ...... not hasbeens that we pay big bucks for.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Like Andy Reid?

Please, anyone who doubts Phillips' ability to lead this team had their eyes closed down the stretch.

Wow. So the Cowboys record is really, really good under Wade. Soo... Wade gets ALOT of credit for the wins. Ok, I am following...

BUT when we lose and LOSE BAD, LOSE BIG. No big deal right? Do I understand this?


Sorry, the team he inherited was chock full of talent. Even more talent now. He doesnt get the job done. The team wins IN SPITE of him. Very similar to Jimmy and Barry. Jimmy built and Barry won. The difference is... Bill built and fixed and Wade just lets the team play and when they win they win and when they lose, "its OK".

This contract is a COLOSSAL failure. We are wasting the primes of players. Romo, Witten, Ware etc.

Too bad....... for us

 

[camelboy]

Establish Wade as the real HEAD COACH and give him the authority
to boss Garret and force him to make changes and/or adjustment
anyhow anywhere anytime

Better yet, fire JG and let Wade bring his own man. I trust his
selection of football people

 

[btcutter]

First of all, a disclaimer. I think this team is good enough with what it has to be a Super Bowl contender. From that standpoint, I don't expect Dallas to make many, if any, changes to its starting lineup heading into next season.

However, I do believe there are some weaknesses on this team that can be addressed to make it a stronger team. Not necessarily glaring weaknesses, but just areas where we could possibly do better.

Those areas, starting with defense but not listed in an order of preference, are:

1) Ballhawking free safety Ken Hamlin does an excellent job of setting the secondary and handling his assignment as a center fielder and is a better tackler than he's given credit for (although he likes to go for the big hit), but he has never been a ballhawk going back to his days at Arkansas. He's just not a guy who finds the ball well (only two out of seven seasons with four or more interceptions). Not having that center fielder who goes and gets the ball is one reason Dallas' interception numbers haven't been better.
OPTION ON ROSTER? Mike Hamlin Although Hamlin is often viewed as more of a strong safety because he supports the run well but has limited cover skills, he better fits what Dallas is doing at free safety. He is more of a ballhawk (14 interceptions in college) who doesn't match up well in the one-on-one duties the Cowboys demand of strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh.
DRAFT NEED Usually, one of the top-tier safeties is available around the time that Dallas picks in the first round, but don't expect the Cowboys to select one then. Most likely, the Cowboys are going to re-sign Sensabaugh and will have good money invested in all four starters in the secondary. A pick from the fourth round on to compete for the fourth or fifth safety spot is a realistic expectation.

2) A younger, faster Keith Brooking Brooking gave the Cowboys more than could be expected this season with his know-how, drive and leadership. He is part of the heart and soul of this defense, and there is no way Dallas is going to replace him. However, the reality is that while Brooking was very good in his first season with the Cowboys, he is not the player he was when he came into the league. The wear and tear shows at times, which should be expected, and he doesn't always have the legs to keep up with his motor. The impossible task would be to find someone who does have those legs, but also has Brooking's knowledge and energy.
OPTION ON ROSTER? Jason Williams The best we can hope for is for Williams to learn from Brooking and become that younger, faster option in a couple of years. Williams appears to have the intensity, and he certainly has the speed, but there's a lot of work to be done on his know-how.
DRAFT NEED It will be a surprise if Dallas adds an inside linebacker after drafting two last year who should make the roster. Of course, 3-4 coaches seem to collect linebackers, so it could happen.

3) More complete nickel linebackers Bobby Carpenter did a much better job in his nickel role than he's often credited for, excelling in coverage for the most part. He also got some pressure when used on blitzes, but wasn't consistent enough in that area and didn't always support the run well. The other nickel job was split by Bradie James and Keith Brooking (although it seemed that Brooking was used more as the season progressed). Neither is an ideal coverage linebacker, although they make up for deficiences through effort more than great coverage skills. Dallas needs to have players in those positions who not only excel in coverage but are excellent blitzers and strong in run support.
OPTIONS ON ROSTER? Jason Williams and Stephen Hodge Williams has the speed to handle covering backs and tight ends, but has to get acclimated to the job. He showed his ability as a blitzer in the preseason and was strong in run support in college. Although we didn't get to see much of Hodge, reports were that the former hybrid safety was playing well in coverage, and showing ability as a blitzer and in run support.
DRAFT NEED Again, it's doubtful we draft any ILBs unless it appears Hodge won't be able to bounce back from surgery.

4) A dynamic defensive end Now that not as many fans are demanding that All-Pro nose tackle Jay Ratliff be moved to a position he doesn't want to play, it's time to look for another all-around standout to man one of the end spots. Make no mistake, one of the reasons the Cowboys were so good against the run this year was because of the play of ends Marcus Spears and Igor Olshansky. However, the ends also need to be able to pressure the passer in Phillips' version of the 3-4, and the only one who showed much ability to do that was backup Stephen Bowen, who's not as good against the run.
OPTION ON ROSTER? Marcus Dixon This one's a real long shot because Dixon just didn't live up last preseason to the hype heaped on him by Jerry Jones. But maybe Jones and the coaching staff were seeing signs that might materialize on the field this season.
DRAFT NEED Since the uncapped year is looming, it's doubtful Dallas loses any of its ends in free agency, which makes it doubtful Dallas drafts any. A small-school guy with potential could be grabbed in the later rounds to compete for a backup/practice squad spot, but that's all that's likely.

5) A Moose-like fullback There is nothing wrong with Deon Anderson's blocking ability, but it is clear that Dallas doesn't see him as anything other than a blocker. The Cowboys toyed with giving him the ball some in short yardage and throwing to him some out of the backfield, but has done little to establish him as a threat to the defense. A more complete fullback would give defenses one more thing to worry about.
OPTION ON ROSTER? John Phillips Phillips assumed quite a bit of Anderson's load at fullback and appeared to be just as good, if not better, as a blocker. He also has given Dallas reason to trust him as a receiver, so even though it's unlikely he'll run with the ball, at least Phillips gives us a dual-threat at the position. Expect his playing time at the position to increase next season because of it.
DRAFT NEED If there is a stud all-around fullback available, it would be worth Dallas pulling the trigger in the second or third round, but because the Cowboys have Anderson and Phillips, the position isn't likely to be addressed.

6) Better production from the No. 2 receiver Roy Williams will be given every chance to prove that he can be a productive No. 2 option, and he should be. Dallas has to work to see if their investment will ever pay off as well as it should, but be willing to give someone else a chance if Williams doesn't step up quickly next season. I'm not as down on Williams as many are because I believe he's capable of a lot more, but the numbers do speak for themselves: Dallas has to have more from the No. 2 spot.
OPTION ON ROSTER? Kevin Ogletree Although we have no idea how he'd handle a starting role, Ogletree showed plenty to like during his rookie season. He has separation speed, good hands, good field awareness and he runs tight routes. The kid looks like an undrafted free agent find, and Dallas shouldn't hesitate to see if that comes to fruition if Williams has another rocky start.
DRAFT NEED The Cowboys have five guys they feel good about, but should not pass up any steals in any round. This is not strictly a need position, but one where an upgrade could lead to the Cowboys finding a better No. 2 option. However, there is no reason to pick a receiver just to pick one. Dallas can ride with what it's got.

7) A more mobile/agile offensive line The Cowboys' line is a brute force. If the linemen get their hands on defenders, it's over. The trouble is that four of the five linemen have limited mobility/agility to match defensive linemen with good quickness or to make solid second-level contact. Finding linemen with that mobility and the strength to stone defensive fronts is not that easy. Dallas doesn't want five Kyle Kosiers, because Kosier has trouble handling big interior linemen. But there are certain games that show the brute squad is not the way to go, either, and Dallas needs to heavily invest in quicker linemen.
OPTIONS ON ROSTER? Doug Free and Robert Brewster Free's play at right and left tackle left little doubt that the future is now for the fleet backup. He might still lack ideal power, but he's tough for ends to get around and showed on one dramatic play how he can get downfield to make blocks. Everything we've heard about Brewster is similar to what we've heard about Free: He's got great feet/athleticism but needs to get stronger. That's what he's been working on, so it's possible we'll see another backup who could offer us more than what we're getting from a starter. Either inside or outside, Brewster could be an upgrade.
DRAFT NEED This has to be the top priority. If a top lineman is available in the first round, Dallas needs to take him to eventually rebuild a line that's showing its age and lack of athleticism. Where the Cowboys are drafting, it will probably be easier to land one of the top interior players, but no matter what, the Cowboys have to keep their eyes out for linemen.

8) A reliable kicker We really thought we had this wrapped up with Nick Folk. In his first two years, he looked like a clutch player who would be among the best in the league for years to come. Then, it all fell apart after his hip surgery in the off-season, and Shaun Suisham proved to be similarly off his game.
OPTIONS ON ROSTER? None The Cowboys' best bet is going to be either bringing back Folk and getting his problems straightened out or signing a veteran. I've got to believe that Folk will find his form again, but there are no guarantees. Even if Folk returns, there has to be some quality competition for the spot.
DRAFT NEED Dallas could probably get the top kicker available in the fourth or fifth round, but I don't think the Cowboys will want to rely on a rookie or use another draft pick on a kicker.

1. OL upgrade especially at the T positions.
2. Younger, faster Brooking like you said. Physical but can drop back and stay with TE/RB.
3. Kicker

If we can find these answers for the next season, we are in great shape.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Establish Wade as the real HEAD COACH and give him the authority
to boss Garret and force him to make changes and/or adjustment
anyhow anywhere anytime

Better yet, fire JG and let Wade bring his own man. I trust his
selection of football people

That horse has left the barn, crossed many state lines and has now just boarded a cruise ship.

Closing the door now? Meh.......... :laugh2:

 

[Direwolf63]

We also need to improve the return game. So any WR or safety the team drafts should also have some punt/KO abilities. See DeSean Jackson.

 

[pancakeman]

I thought this was a great post.

Either inside or outside, Brewster could be an upgrade.

Might Brewster play tackle? I thought he was a guard only.

 

[Chief]

That's a good write-up, gimmesix.

 

[reddyuta]

1)i agree about the fullback.cricket had one catch and was not used for running the ball at all.We need to get a better all-round fullback.

2)offensive line-the most significant roadblock to our success.we need to get younger and have better depth at tackle ,center and guard.

3)Kicker-arrggghhhhhhh.
I dont if drafting anew kicker is a option but we need to bring in several kickers to camp(even folk)

4)KR/PR-we need to draft one.I would prefer a speedy WR .

5)CB-newman is ok but we need depth badly.

6)fianlly a safety who can actually hold on to interceptions will be critical.

 

[jazzcat22]

Like Andy Reid?

Please, anyone who doubts Phillips' ability to lead this team had their eyes closed down the stretch.

Great post and thread.

Right, I was waiting to see the comments about Coach Phillips, Jerry, etc.
But got to take the good with the bad.
I pretty much agree with everything. Especially the OL and drafting in the early rounds. I would use, if available and the BPA the 1st & 2nd round on OL.

I would like them to draft a WR, but not necessarily with the 1st, unless he is just that good to pass up.
The main reason I say a WR is SPEED...we need SPEED like a Jackson or Harvin.

An all around FB would be nice also, but I can live with Anderson back there.

Stay as is on Defense, uless someone drops that they can not, or should not pass on.

We have a good base foundation. FA and draft, to build more on to it.

 

[ZeroClub]

Nice analysis, G6. I agree with your premise ... the team isn't far from the top tier, but it may take a number of small improvements to get there.

I'm not conviced the Cowboys need a new FB, but I do think they could use a new short-yardage power RB.

 

[Doomsday101]

Outside of getting all these different position that are being listed I would think more focuse on correcting weakness in our play from short yardage to redzone offense. I felt we started showing signs of getting our penalties under control but of course that is something that should constantly be stressed to the team.

 

[brickman]

Outside of getting all these different position that are being listed I would think more focuse on correcting weakness in our play from short yardage to redzone offense. I felt we started showing signs of getting our penalties under control but of course that is something that should constantly be stressed to the team.

Yeah, that Razorback formation has worked real well, hasn't it? They definitely need to address that.

 

[Jimz31]

Yeah, that Razorback formation has worked real well, hasn't it? They definitely need to address that.

Either have it in there where TC actually hands the ball off or just do away with it. I don't think that the way that we run it fools anybody....we aren't Miami who runs it better than anybody.

 

[Rampage]

Either have it in there where TC actually hands the ball off or just do away with it. I don't think that the way that we run it fools anybody....we aren't Miami who runs it better than anybody.

that's cause we run the same play out of it everytime. a counter to the left with Bigg pulling everytime.

 

[Doomsday101]

Yeah, that Razorback formation has worked real well, hasn't it? They definitely need to address that.

It has worked well at time, heck Choice had a 60 some odd yard run for a TD with that play vs the Raiders. He has picked up some other tough yards as well. Not a play I want to see too often but I see nothing wrong with it and I do think we should be able to do some other things off of it as well. Because a reverse does not work all the time you don't stop using it. I think more people make too much out of the wildcat than need be.

 

[gimmesix]

Might Brewster play tackle? I thought he was a guard only.

He was a college tackle analysts believed would be moved to guard in the pros. Dallas played him at right tackle in the preseason, but part of the reason appears to be that Phillips didn't want him to have to absorb too much as a rookie.

At this time, it's hard to tell where he'll end up.

 

[gimmesix]

The team wins IN SPITE of him.

And you know this how? The defense that he coaches put up shutouts in the last two games of the regular season, then roughed up Philly again in the playoffs. It's a good thing they can do that in spite of Phillips.

The offense is another story. At times, it was everything we needed it to be. At other times, it could move the ball but failed to capitalize on its drives. I don't know if those failures a product of Phillips' coaching, though.

I see no evidence of Phillips being like Switzer because he didn't just come in and leave everything Parcells was doing intact. He came in, and with Garrett, changed the approach ... and his approach has gotten Dallas two playoff appearances in three years, the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and a playoff victory.

I'm not completely sold on the guy, but he gave reason for Dallas to retain him. His team showed determination and heart down the stretch, and the defense took it to another level. That's on him.

A loss in the playoffs doesn't wipe away all the good that he did, just like it doesn't for Norv Turner, Belichick, Andy Reid or any of the other coaches who lost in the playoffs.