How would you feel about an 11-5 no playoffs season?

[Seven]

I'd still be in limbo. I still have concerns about the defense and will all off season.

The draft is a crap shoot. I don't have much faith in Lawrence. There's just 'something' about him. Strictly my opinion.

McClain (DT), Melton could go away. Carr and Claiborne, too.

While Mincey and Hayden try their little ***** off.........nah. They need replaced. Safety, CB's..........where do they start.

Realistically, for me, I wouldn't miss half the guys on defense, TBH.

While I love a hustle kind of athlete, Dallas has too many of those. They need talent somewhere along the line.

Dallas lucked out in a couple of games too. That happens I know, but you can't rely on that.

On the flip side of all this regurgitation.........there was no quit in the team this season.

The big change for me......... we didn't lose games because we couldn't get out of our own way. Pretty solid football.

My favorite game this season was the Rams game. Quite the display and a turning of a tide, IMO.

So, long story short, I'd be elated with an 11-5 record. Means something.

What that is, I'm not completely sure of.

 

[Idgit]

Good thread, btw.

I'd feel largely the way I've felt at the end of each of the last four seasons: happy with the overall direction of the team, and very disappointed with the outcome of the season. But, in the big picture, 11-5 with some good young players on offense and such obvious opportunities to improve on defense is not a bad position to be in for next season. If only we didn't also have a hole at the QB position that's so difficult to fill.

 

[LOBO7]

As long as the last loss wasn't the Skins.
If that were the case and we missed out all bets are off.

 

[egn22]

It would suck but I'd be happy for my Boys. That's a strong record and a step in the right direction. Hell I'm already proud of them

 

[perrykemp]

My $0.02 is the team ending 11-5 without making the playoffs could only be viewed as a failure.

This is my reasoning:

• First and foremost, I don't think JG is a particularly good coach, I don't think he gives the Cowboys any advantages on gameday and with today's league enforced parity in terms of talent (salary cap, etc), coaching and the front-office are the biggest differentiators available to teams. I wanted JG gone after last year and while he the team has finally broken out of the 8-8 mold this year I can't say I've seen a whole lot to make me think he is some sort of hot shot coach. By going 11-5 the Cowboy will likely extend JG which IMHO means the Cowboys have to live with a mediocre coach for at least the next 3-4 years. Really no progress there.

• What is typically every team's goal coming out of the offseason? It's not expressly achieving a winning record -- the first goal is ALWAY to win the division. In this scenario, the Cowboys will have failed to win the division for the 5th year in a row. Really no progress there.

• 2nd goal is to make the playoffs. In this scenario the Cowboys will fail to make the playoffs in JG's 4th (full) year in a row. Really no progress there.

• Time is ticking away for Romo and Witten. Romo is running on fumes -- he has to injected 10 ways to Tuesday each and every week, and is basically held together with duct tape and bailing wire. I am hoping that his back injury is something he can recover from this offseason but if this past off-season was any indicator, Romo is in the terminal phase of his career.

There it is. In this 11-5 / no playoffs scenario I personally end the season pleasantly surprised that the team won more games, I throughly enjoyed the ride (especially the Seattle game), however, I don't go into next season feeling like the Cowboys are ready to challenge the Eagles for the divison title -- mainly because I think Chip Kelly is 2x the coach JG is and the fact that Romo's spectacular career is coming to a close. I'd feel much better about things if they draft a QB of the future in rounds 1-2 this offseason.

 

[Crown Royal]

I don't know that our defense can't be significantly improved in one offseason. Note that I didn't say the could go from bad to great in one year, just that they can significantly improve. Whether you agree that Lee can be counted on or not, the opportunity is there for him to make a big difference at LB next year. I hope we keep RoMac and if we do, I think a full offseason will help him come back to be a major force next year. None of us know how the draft will pan out, but I would hope that they will be looking at finding a bonafide DE and/or DLineman and/or CB and/or Safety. We may also get some help in FA. Really, we're so weak in just about every area on defense that we can't help but improve significantly. Now will it all get fixed in this one offseason? No. But it should significantly improve. Just my 2 cents.

I guess I shouldn't say can't, but it is so very hard with so little talent. We need to find effective DE help, hope that Lee can come back, see if we can afford McClain AND hope he can keep playing this way, improve the secondary (at every position, save maybe Scandrick), get 1-2 good linebackers. There isn't a position on the DL except maybe MLB and DT that are strong right now. Everything else needs help. Finding good players is tough.

The obvious need is the DL, but finding really good pass rushers at the end is not a simple proposition, especially considering where we are going to be picking the draft.

 

[CowboyChris]

I dont think anyone can say they would be happy at 11-5 and missing the playoffs, its would be very unfortunate to say the least.

The one thing i cant be sure about that 11-5 record..... is what to expect next year from this team?

I cant ever remember an offseason with so many major decisions that needs to be made regarding players (Dez, Murray etc etc) and coaches all in one offseason.

add to all that a major overhaul defensively, cause i firmly believe we need at least 4-5 new starters next year on defense to turn it around.

 

[Crown Royal]

My $0.02 is the team ending 11-5 without making the playoffs would be VERY VERY bad.

• What is typically every team's goal coming out of the offseason? It's not expressly achieving a winning record -- the first goal is ALWAY to win the division. In this scenario, the Cowboys will have failed to win the division for the 5th year in a row. Really no progress there

Actually this is a really good point. It's tough to feel great about the season when at best you went 3-3 in the division.

 

[Floatyworm]

Here is your dose of reality......

I'm going to assume we get beat on Sunday, lose to the playoff bound Colts and finish off the Commanders burning house. Finish 10-6

That being said.....

We were lucky to beat Seattle. Down 23-20 late in the 4th quarter...only a miracle 3rd & 20 conversion saves us from defeat.

We were down 21-3 to the Rams on the road...and had no business coming back in that game. but managed to take advantage of a backup QB throwing blind INTs....Hard to believe we came back in that game considering the Rams beat Seattle, SF and Denver in their house. If that game was played a few weeks later no way we make that comeback.

Take those 2 victories away and what do you got? Another lousy 8-8. Some people see progress.....Some people see taking advantage of a soft schedule.

Cowboys right now have played the 3rd easiest strength of schedule as of this week. Only Pittsburgh and Houston have had it easier.

1 Tampa Bay 2-11 .478
2 Tennessee 2-11 .488
3

Jacksonville 2-11 .517
4 NY Jets 2-11 .553
5 Oakland 2-11 .587
6 Washington 3-10 .500
7 NY Giants 4-9 .519
8 Carolina 4-8-1 .498
9 New Orleans 5-8 .483
10 Chicago 5-8 .522
11

Minnesota 6-7 .478
12 St. Louis 6-7 .538
13 Houston 7-6 .440
14
Cleveland 7-6 .454
15 Miami 7-6 .505
16 Kansas City 7-6 .519
17 Cleveland (from Buffalo) 7-6 .524
18 San Francisco 7-6 .538
19 Baltimore 8-5 .474
20 Dallas 9-4 .452
21P Atlanta 5-8 .474
22P Pittsburgh 8-5 .445
23P San Diego
8-5 .510
24P Cincinnati 8-4-1 .493
25P/F Philadelphia 9-4 .474
26P/F Indianapolis 9-4 .474
27P/F Detroit 9-4 .474
28P Seattle 9-4 .541
29P Green Bay 10-3 .483
30P New England 10-3 .512
31P Denver 10-3 .526
32P Arizona 10-3 .529


So w/ all that being said.. I say it's time to move on and blow this thing up...because it's not gonna get better. Better to get on w/ the rebuilding now than let this thing fester. We have seen the Tony Romo era and it's about over. Considering all our key people are free agents...and they are gonna want to get paid.

All the issues this team has.....it's a mirage that we are even talking playoffs.

Offensively....

Romo's back issues aren't going away.

Murray is a FA. Cowboys are running him into the ground because they intend to let him walk away in FA.

Dez/Cowboys can't work out a long term deal...So watch Dez get franchised... which is gonna be fun to watch. People thought the T.O. show was fun to watch.

We have a WR (Williams) who is better suited to be a #3 WR instead of #2.

Witten is slowing down.

The only thing we have to hang our hat on right now is the O-line play...but Free is a free agent and I think they are gonna let him walk as well.

Defensively....Sounds like they are gonna let about a half dozen guys walk in free agency or cut. Carter, Carr, Melton, Selvie, Lee, and Spencer.

And we stiill have holes to fill @ FS, LDE, DT and CB. I mean look @ reality. This thing is far closer to being a major rebuild than a championship club. We have zero depth on defense. And no money to spend to help fill holes.

And don't forget Garrett isn't under contract either......

The only other thing I can see happening is if we don't make the playoffs is this year is doubling down in the draft and go for it 100% as in trading 2016 and 2017 draft picks to secure players....and that's a big if.....if Romo continues playing.

For the long term success of the club....I think it's time to @ least try and find a new QB. Regardless of how this season turns out. You just can't continue to be held hostage by Romo's health every year.

 

[mrmojo]

This may be the first time in their storied history that the Cowboys could finish 11-5 and miss the playoffs. All in all though if that happens it has to be deemed a succesfulu season, they have already surpassed my expecatations. But that just sets up larger expectations for next year, from me and probably most of the fan base.

 

[percyhoward]

It was a good idea to ask that question before emotions cloud everyone's opinions.

If we go 11-5 and don't make it into the playoffs, there will be some talk about the team's improvement, some talk about the unfair playoff structure, and a huge amount of noise about the 5th loss that will continue through the off-season.

 

[Everson24]

11-5 would be nice and feel like quite an accomplishment considering where most people thought we'd be after the 49er loss. But it will irk me if they are sitting home while the Steelers are beating up on bad quarterbacks in the playoffs. I love the Cowboys and hate the Steelers with equal passion. My post-season would be relegated to cheering for a Steelrs loss. I would much rather be looking forward to a Cowboys playoff win.

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

I think we have benefited a lot this year from the parity in the NFL. I'll know more based on what happens in the next Philly game.

How would folks feel about a 10-6 season with losses to Philly and Indy and a meaningless win over the Commanders to close the season?

Prob worse than 8-8 the last 3 years because we started out 6-1 and 10-6 would indicate some level of failure IMO after the start.

 

[jrumann59]

Does one season indicate progress? Wade Phillips went 13-3 his first year hear. What happened in 2008? We have only 1 win against a winning opponent. We have had a cupcake schedule this year.

This is not NCAA where power or schedule matters especially when you play who the nfl decides you play. Out side of two games a year the schedule is pre-determined by the normal cycle of what afc and NFC division you ply outside your own. The eagles schedule is barely better than ours I mean they played Carolina and GB that is the only difference in their schedule.

 

[KJJ]

Having an 11-5 season would certainly be an improvement over the past 3 seasons and would have to be considered a step in the right direction despite missing the playoffs unless the Cowboys lose to Washington in week 17 with a playoff birth on the line. This season would be another failure despite 11 wins if the team loses for a 4th straight year in a season finale game that has a playoff spot riding on it especially to a bad Washington team that beat us earlier in the season. Other than that I would consider an 11-5 season as a pretty successful season considering many had the Cowboys finishing 8-8 or worse in 2014. Only two 11-5 teams the 85 Broncos and 08 Pats have ever missed the playoffs so it's a rarity but it would be just the Cowboys luck if it happened again when 9 wins would have won the Cowboys the division the past 3 seasons.

As for the future of the team it would still be up in the air because the Cowboys have been a surprise this season. What we've seen so far this year no one saw coming so it's hard to tell if this season has been a mirage or the arrow is pointing up. What we do know is the Cowboys have a promising young OL but the teams MVP this season Murray could be gone and at 34 with back issues who knows how much time Romo has left. The defense is still a long way from being a solid unit with plenty of holes that have to be addressed. If we saw this season coming I would feel much more comfortable in the direction the team is heading but to prove this season wasn't a fluke the Cowboys need to have another solid season in 2015. They solidified themselves as a mediocre team with 3 straight 8-8 seasons so one solid season where the team overcame some long odds doesn't necessarily mean a bright future is ahead.

 

[Staubacher]

Good thread, btw.

I'd feel largely the way I've felt at the end of each of the last four seasons: happy with the overall direction of the team, and very disappointed with the outcome of the season. But, in the big picture, 11-5 with some good young players on offense and such obvious opportunities to improve on defense is not a bad position to be in for next season. If only we didn't also have a hole at the QB position that's so difficult to fill.

Huh?

You mean backup?

 

[LandryFan]

I guess I shouldn't say can't, but it is so very hard with so little talent. We need to find effective DE help, hope that Lee can come back, see if we can afford McClain AND hope he can keep playing this way, improve the secondary (at every position, save maybe Scandrick), get 1-2 good linebackers. There isn't a position on the DL except maybe MLB and DT that are strong right now. Everything else needs help. Finding good players is tough.

The obvious need is the DL, but finding really good pass rushers at the end is not a simple proposition, especially considering where we are going to be picking the draft.

Agree with everything you just said.

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

Here is your dose of reality......

I'm going to assume we get beat on Sunday, lose to the playoff bound Colts and finish off the Commanders burning house. Finish 10-6

That being said.....

We were lucky to beat Seattle. Down 23-20 late in the 4th quarter...only a miracle 3rd & 20 conversion saves us from defeat.

We were down 21-3 to the Rams on the road...and had no business coming back in that game. but managed to take advantage of a backup QB throwing blind INTs....Hard to believe we came back in that game considering the Rams beat Seattle, SF and Denver in their house. If that game was played a few weeks later no way we make that comeback.

Take those 2 victories away and what do you got? Another lousy 8-8. Some people see progress.....Some people see taking advantage of a soft schedule.

Cowboys right now have played the 3rd easiest strength of schedule as of this week. Only Pittsburgh and Houston have had it easier.

1 Tampa Bay 2-11 .478
2 Tennessee 2-11 .488
3

Jacksonville 2-11 .517
4 NY Jets 2-11 .553
5 Oakland 2-11 .587
6 Washington 3-10 .500
7 NY Giants 4-9 .519
8 Carolina 4-8-1 .498
9 New Orleans 5-8 .483
10 Chicago 5-8 .522
11

Minnesota 6-7 .478
12 St. Louis 6-7 .538
13 Houston 7-6 .440
14
Cleveland 7-6 .454
15 Miami 7-6 .505
16 Kansas City 7-6 .519
17 Cleveland (from Buffalo) 7-6 .524
18 San Francisco 7-6 .538
19 Baltimore 8-5 .474
20 Dallas 9-4 .452
21P Atlanta 5-8 .474
22P Pittsburgh 8-5 .445
23P San Diego
8-5 .510
24P Cincinnati 8-4-1 .493
25P/F Philadelphia 9-4 .474
26P/F Indianapolis 9-4 .474
27P/F Detroit 9-4 .474
28P Seattle 9-4 .541
29P Green Bay 10-3 .483
30P New England 10-3 .512
31P Denver 10-3 .526
32P Arizona 10-3 .529


So w/ all that being said.. I say it's time to move on and blow this thing up...because it's not gonna get better. Better to get on w/ the rebuilding now than let this thing fester. We have seen the Tony Romo era and it's about over. Considering all our key people are free agents...and they are gonna want to get paid.

All the issues this team has.....it's a mirage that we are even talking playoffs.

Offensively....

Romo's back issues aren't going away.

Murray is a FA. Cowboys are running him into the ground because they intend to let him walk away in FA.

Dez/Cowboys can't work out a long term deal...So watch Dez get franchised... which is gonna be fun to watch. People thought the T.O. show was fun to watch.

We have a WR (Williams) who is better suited to be a #3 WR instead of #2.

Witten is slowing down.

The only thing we have to hang our hat on right now is the O-line play...but Free is a free agent and I think they are gonna let him walk as well.

Defensively....Sounds like they are gonna let about a half dozen guys walk in free agency or cut. Carter, Carr, Melton, Selvie, Lee, and Spencer.

And we stiill have holes to fill @ FS, LDE, DT and CB. I mean look @ reality. This thing is far closer to being a major rebuild than a championship club. We have zero depth on defense. And no money to spend to help fill holes.

And don't forget Garrett isn't under contract either......

The only other thing I can see happening is if we don't make the playoffs is this year is doubling down in the draft and go for it 100% as in trading 2016 and 2017 draft picks to secure players....and that's a big if.....if Romo continues playing.

For the long term success of the club....I think it's time to @ least try and find a new QB. Regardless of how this season turns out. You just can't continue to be held hostage by Romo's health every year.

A dose of reality? Really? From a realist point of view no doubt.

What meds are you on?

 

[Avery]

Nobody in their right mind would have thought that we'd be 11-5 at the end of this season with a defense that was predicted to be one of the worst to ever see the field.

11-5 should be good enough to hit the playoffs, but that's accentuated by the fact that the winner of the NFC South might be 6-10 which is a problem in itself.

 

[links18]

If we miss the playoff at 11-5, I want the NFC South winner having the worst possible record making the NFL think long and hard about changing the playoff format.