I can't quite put my hoof on it

[Ironicalicon]

Fur sure, but yeah, and it's why I like how I think it was @Praxit basically described it as basically a mini Herschel Walker. Sure, it's not nearly the amount we got in return. But, the weapons that we've gotten for that deal have been great additions. That trade has given us an opportunity to reset and build a potential contender. Now, we just need to make sure RT isn't going to be a problem, keep penalties to a minimum, and try to avoid injuries.

Like others here, I'm pretty much certain they're gonna roll with Steele. We've seen this with him before. He'll be borderline-awful then he "bounces back" after a little. I just hope he does so to a level where his run-blocking is good and he can survive the pass rush with help from TEs and RBs—I don't know how optimistic anyone really is, but man, they're really hoping. Seems risky to me.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Like others here, I'm pretty much certain they're gonna roll with Steele. We've seen this with him before. He'll be borderline-awful then he "bounces back" after a little. I just hope he does so to a level where his run-blocking is good and he can survive the pass rush with help from TEs and RBs—I don't know how optimistic anyone really is, but man, they're really hoping. Seems risky to me.

Yeah, we do NOT need him getting Dak hurt. That's my biggest concern when it comes to Steele.

 

[acr731]

I agree, the Quinnen deal clearly changed things. It's almost seeming like Jerry has finally (or accidentally) found what made the 90s Cowboys good.

No he hasn't

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

No he hasn't

I mean, one of the biggest changes has been the emphasis on the defence. As good as Aikman, Emmitt, and Irvin were, that defence was amazing. I'm not saying Schotty is Jimmy, but I think Schotty is a very good coach. It seems like we have competent coaches. So, yeah, it may not result in a dynasty, but I love what Jerry's done this offseason. Now we just need to make sure Steele isnt too much of a liability.

 

[triplets_93]

The feelings I have are about a rising defense. I love it when Dallas is dominate on defense! I think that is the unknown that will bode well for this season.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

The feelings I have are about a rising defense. I love it when Dallas is dominate on defense! I think that is the unknown that will bode well for this season.

Me too, especially with our offense, a dominant defence AND offense with Aubrey and Anger? Should make for a really fun season (especially once the defence gets in gear). It's part of the reason why I think, if we win the division and snag at least a 3 seed, we might legitimately be one of the scariest teams in the playoffs.

 

[DandyDon52]

I know we Cowboys fans like to think next year is different and so forth. That said. I can't quite put my hoof on it, but something just feels different. Ever since the Quinnen Williams trade, it seems that Jerry has been more......focused?

Have you noticed that we haven't really had a lot of..... controversies this offseason? Even the Pickens stuff got sorted before it became a massive issue. We haven't really had any bad things or massive media headlines happen. Ironically, Philadelphia has been the d word (not trying to jinx it lol) capital of the division this year.

It feels to me like, maybe this is the closest I can get to what feels different, maybe the way that Parsons showed him up on the training table, the way the trade got panned, and how poor our defence was last year seems to have gotten something sparked in Jerry that I haven't seen in a while. You ever notice how sometimes a situation will happen where Jerry gets petty and tries to prove something? If that's what's going on, I hope he continues with it.

Either way, something feels more positive than normal. Something just feels, different to me.

It is the "Shotty effect"

 

[kskboys]

I will always believe that he blamed his core players ( leadership players ) for that loss. One that should have been an easy win; they read their clippings and did bother to prepare and it showed....big time. Notice how everything Jerry did (or didn't do) the next offseason seemed like he was punishing the players, even Dak. Also notice that all are gone except Dak and Lamb.

Sure, but the D was 28th that year. They played like they'd been playing all season.

 

[kskboys]

It is the "Shotty effect"

I think so. It sure does appear that Jerry gave him free rein this off.

 

[JayFord]

Do I expect us to win a SB? No
Do i expect us to go to one? No
Do i expect playoffs? Yes
Do i expect to win a game in the playoffs? No

Do i expect a smart team, that knows what sport theyre playing at ALL times and having a fire lit in them? Yes

Thats ALL that makes me happy….if this team goes 8-9 and they just get beat by teams who execute better then so be it, thats competition

What i wont accecpt is the bullcrap that i saw last season

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Thats two good preseason games in. I'm encouraged by what I'm seeing, and something definitely feels different in a good way. The team looks prepared.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

I think so. It sure does appear that Jerry gave him free rein this off.

I think so too. I think he's letting the coaches do their jobs.

 

[Rayman70]

I know we Cowboys fans like to think next year is different and so forth. That said. I can't quite put my hoof on it, but something just feels different. Ever since the Quinnen Williams trade, it seems that Jerry has been more......focused?

Have you noticed that we haven't really had a lot of..... controversies this offseason? Even the Pickens stuff got sorted before it became a massive issue. We haven't really had any bad things or massive media headlines happen. Ironically, Philadelphia has been the d word (not trying to jinx it lol) capital of the division this year.

It feels to me like, maybe this is the closest I can get to what feels different, maybe the way that Parsons showed him up on the training table, the way the trade got panned, and how poor our defence was last year seems to have gotten something sparked in Jerry that I haven't seen in a while. You ever notice how sometimes a situation will happen where Jerry gets petty and tries to prove something? If that's what's going on, I hope he continues with it.

Either way, something feels more positive than normal. Something just feels, different to me.

It's the calming effect of year 2 in the shotty system. It's his coaching style and how he communicates. Couple that with CP then you got two dudes, one on each side of the ball who know how to check the temp in the room, and they demand honesty & they tell the players why they are doing it.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

It's the calming effect of year 2 in the shotty system. It's his coaching style and how he communicates. Couple that with CP then you got two dudes, one on each side of the ball who know how to check the temp in the room, and they demand honesty & they tell the players why they are doing it.

That sounds about right, and I really think we have an excellent coaching staff, finally!!! As good as McCarthy was, there were glaring issues like clock management. I don't have that same concern with our coaches. They understand clock management. The team is looking better disciplined. And, when they get beat in games, it's not something that's a coaching issue, but something that the other team did better than us on. For once since the Parcells days, coaching actually appears to be an ADVANTAGE for us.

 

[kskboys]

Do I expect us to win a SB? No
Do i expect us to go to one? No
Do i expect playoffs? Yes
Do i expect to win a game in the playoffs? No

Do i expect a smart team, that knows what sport theyre playing at ALL times and having a fire lit in them? Yes

Thats ALL that makes me happy….if this team goes 8-9 and they just get beat by teams who execute better then so be it, thats competition

What i wont accecpt is the bullcrap that i saw last season

Since our D has had a complete makeover, not sure why you'd think you'll see the same as last year. Starting w/ the Clark trade, who is left? Couple youngsters in Shamar/Revel/EZ.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Since our D has had a complete makeover, not sure why you'd think you'll see the same as last year. Starting w/ the Clark trade, who is left? Couple youngsters in Shamar/Revel/EZ.

That and I think the team just looks more out together. The eye test so far is showing that we look improved over last year, and I'd argue more rapidly than expected.

 

[Whyjerry]

Beat the NY Giants week 1.

 

[ArtClink]

I know we Cowboys fans like to think next year is different and so forth. That said. I can't quite put my hoof on it, but something just feels different. Ever since the Quinnen Williams trade, it seems that Jerry has been more......focused?

Have you noticed that we haven't really had a lot of..... controversies this offseason? Even the Pickens stuff got sorted before it became a massive issue. We haven't really had any bad things or massive media headlines happen. Ironically, Philadelphia has been the d word (not trying to jinx it lol) capital of the division this year.

It feels to me like, maybe this is the closest I can get to what feels different, maybe the way that Parsons showed him up on the training table, the way the trade got panned, and how poor our defence was last year seems to have gotten something sparked in Jerry that I haven't seen in a while. You ever notice how sometimes a situation will happen where Jerry gets petty and tries to prove something? If that's what's going on, I hope he continues with it.

Either way, something feels more positive than normal. Something just feels, different to me.

As far as I’m concerned, it’s business as usual until we play in the NFC championship game. Any gains or losses, short of that, or nothing more than rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Until we reach the conference championship game, it will never feel different.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

As far as I’m concerned, it’s business as usual until we play in the NFC championship game. Any gains or losses, short of that, or nothing more than rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Until we reach the conference championship game, it will never feel different.

I don't know about that. I'd love for us to finally make it there, but, compared to 2023 until last year, I think winning a playoff game would be an impressive season imo. I love the way the team is being put together, and I think it's close. But things like injuries and RT are still a concern to me. However, overall, I think the team is much better constructed than it has been for a while.

 

[ArtClink]

I don't know about that. I'd love for us to finally make it there, but, compared to 2023 until last year, I think winning a playoff game would be an impressive season imo. I love the way the team is being put together, and I think it's close. But things like injuries and RT are still a concern to me. However, overall, I think the team is much better constructed than it has been for a while.

I agree that after missing playoffs several seasons that making the playoffs and winning a game would be a step up. To balance that, I have never lowered my expectations for the Cowboys.