If I had things my way...

[jday]

Many of my latest threads have ultimately been about having hope for 2009. However, as people start to respond, I find myself defending the individual members of this team that could in fact detract from that becoming reality rather than the actual point of my contribution. So this thread is for those of you who view me as the apologist, the optomist, the Wade/T.O./Jerrah/J.G. defender and the naive blinded-by-hope fan.

Contrary to this belief, despite my need for hope, I do see the big picture. There is likely not an article on the web about the Cowboys that I haven't read. Just about any website that is Cowboy's related is on my list of favorites that I visit on a daily basis, minus Saturday and Sunday. I know my Cowboys! That having been said, the following is to set the record straight detailing if I had my way, which I think most likely mirrors the vast majority of individuals on this sight, despite our many different views.

If I had my way, the face of this Cowboy's team would probably be very different. I would be more concerned with bringing in guys who interview like Witten, Barber, Choice, Scandrick, and Felix. The high character, vocal and action leaders, respectful, soft spoken, high work ethic, strong spirit, team-oriented type of players. Of course, you can't always have those types of players and be talented as a team; that just doesn't happen, so I'm sure I would have a few different types of players, but, ultimately, I would want an atmosphere that fostered their approach to the game. I don't think that our current roster makes that type of situation impossible, which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, we wouldn't have signed T.O. to begin with. Clearly, his antics involving the star fueled my disgust of this player, but his statements in trying to turn the team and fans against McNabb made me hate what he represented as a player. I was against it from day one. While I do believe much of what happened in 08 is not completely his fault, considering the negative attention he inspires, if I had my way, we would be rid of him, looking to replace him with someone like Boldin, T.J. Housh, etc. But there is the rub, you have to replace him with someone else who gives defensive coordinators pause. Because at the end of the day, dc still gameplan against him. That speaks volumes, which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, we wouldn't have traded for Roy Williams during the season. I was against that trade from the beginning. I was happy with the weapons we already had and, like Jerry repeatedly said in the preseason, receivers and QB's have to develop a rhythm together to truly be effective. This was clearly a knee-jerk reaction to the losses teamed with the suspension to Pacman. We should have, at least, waited until he became available in the offseason. I'm not even sure I would have taken him then, based off of what we have seen thus far. But that story is yet to be told, which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, Jerry Jones would not be the General Manager. I too feel as though he treats this team like the ultimate Fantasy Football League. But considering how pissed off at the world he has been in the wake of this disappointing season, I know he wants to win. I know it's not about the money for him; he has had no problem spending money on trying to put what he thought and was advised is the best product on the field. That, and he has seen and known success in his personal endeavors, tells me he is capable of adapting to change when necessary. Which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, Wade would be the defensive coordinator, but only if the coach hired to do the job approved of that. I too am in favor of the coach that never smiles until he's about to lift the Lambardi trophy in the air. I like the Jimmy Johnson's/Bill Cower-esque coaches of the world. But Wade does know the 3-4 better than most any coach available. And while I'm more of a fan of the 4-3, I do see the advantages that can be created with the 3-4 given the proper application. Wade has now been named our defensive coordinator slash head coach, which makes his position all the more precarious, which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, Jason Garrett would be an assistant and Tony Sparano would be the Offensive Coordinator, once again provided that the Head Coach was fine with that choice. I wasn't really impressed with Jason in 07 because I felt that the vast majority of big plays were because of Romo's ability to keep plays alive. But Jason has the respect of alot of coaches and former players around the league, despite the Cowboys dismal showing this year. He has been described as very intelligent, very prepared, and very gifted at placing the right players on the field in the right place. Which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, Flozell Adams, Anthony Henry, and Roy Williams (SS) would be trade bait for draft picks right now. There is no excuse for the mental errors that Flozell has made, Anthony Henry is undersized and has lost a step as a CB, and Roy Williams has lost his edge and confidence as a SS. I realize I might not get much for them, but I too am in favor of churning the roster in an effort to consistently develop younger players. But the offseason isn't over and aged players have proved me wrong before, which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, I would be looking to restructure the contract of a few players who underperformed in 08, including T.O, in an effort to resign Zach Thomas, Chris Canty, Tank Johnson, Demarcus Ware, and Kevin Burnett. I know many of you will disagree with me, but that's a huge chunk of our defense that is comfortable with the system. You will not find a true replacement in Free Agency or the Draft for any of these players, particularly the DL. That is the major issue of the 3-4 versus the 4-3. Your positions become more specific to size and you ask your DL to become more invisible than the OL. That's not an easy position to accept for any player. But until Free Agency and the Draft, we won't know how the Cowboys make this roster work, which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, some of the members on this forum would like what I have to say and let me know as much and some would take issue with it and intelligently argue their beliefs. At least I have one thing my way...which is why I still have hope.

 

[jday]

Kinda quiet in here...color me suprised!

 

[Rampage]

tl/dr

 

[Future]

If I had my way, there would be no cap on the Cowboys and the triplets would still be in their prime...

 

[jday]

If I had my way, there would be no cap on the Cowboys and the triplets would still be in their prime...

tl/dr? Translation, please?

 

[jday]

If I had my way, there would be no cap on the Cowboys and the triplets would still be in their prime...

Word.

 

[Rack]

If I had my way the original post would not have been so long and I would have actually taken the time to read it.

 

[the kid 05]

tl/dr

started to read but when he said he wanted people who interviewed like Barber i stopped

 

[DCBoysfan]

If I had my way the original post would not have been so long and I would have actually taken the time to read it.

I was thinking the same thing, I need a short recap of the orginal post

 

[Typhus]

tl/dr? Translation, please?

too long / didnt read

 

[jday]

too long / didnt read

Oh...thanks.

dc/fo

started to read but when he said he wanted people who interviewed like Barber i stopped

I'm referring to their combine interview...not how they interview with the press. :shoot6:

I was thinking the same thing, I need a short recap of the orginal post

Unfortunately, I don't do CLEP notes. In the future, however, I am hoping this sight will afford me the option to include a virtual coloring book, to assist me in maintaining the attention of my special audiences. Until then, you may have to skip entries initiated by me, as I tend to write books as a forfeiture of time.

 

[Verdict]

Many of my latest threads have ultimately been about having hope for 2009. However, as people start to respond, I find myself defending the individual members of this team that could in fact detract from that becoming reality rather than the actual point of my contribution. So this thread is for those of you who view me as the apologist, the optomist, the Wade/T.O./Jerrah/J.G. defender and the naive blinded-by-hope fan.

Contrary to this belief, despite my need for hope, I do see the big picture. There is likely not an article on the web about the Cowboys that I haven't read. Just about any website that is Cowboy's related is on my list of favorites that I visit on a daily basis, minus Saturday and Sunday. I know my Cowboys! That having been said, the following is to set the record straight detailing if I had my way, which I think most likely mirrors the vast majority of individuals on this sight, despite our many different views.

If I had my way, the face of this Cowboy's team would probably be very different. I would be more concerned with bringing in guys who interview like Witten, Barber, Choice, Scandrick, and Felix. The high character, vocal and action leaders, respectful, soft spoken, high work ethic, strong spirit, team-oriented type of players. Of course, you can't always have those types of players and be talented as a team; that just doesn't happen, so I'm sure I would have a few different types of players, but, ultimately, I would want an atmosphere that fostered their approach to the game. I don't think that our current roster makes that type of situation impossible, which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, we wouldn't have signed T.O. to begin with. Clearly, his antics involving the star fueled my disgust of this player, but his statements in trying to turn the team and fans against McNabb made me hate what he represented as a player. I was against it from day one. While I do believe much of what happened in 08 is not completely his fault, considering the negative attention he inspires, if I had my way, we would be rid of him, looking to replace him with someone like Boldin, T.J. Housh, etc. But there is the rub, you have to replace him with someone else who gives defensive coordinators pause. Because at the end of the day, dc still gameplan against him. That speaks volumes, which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, we wouldn't have traded for Roy Williams during the season. I was against that trade from the beginning. I was happy with the weapons we already had and, like Jerry repeatedly said in the preseason, receivers and QB's have to develop a rhythm together to truly be effective. This was clearly a knee-jerk reaction to the losses teamed with the suspension to Pacman. We should have, at least, waited until he became available in the offseason. I'm not even sure I would have taken him then, based off of what we have seen thus far. But that story is yet to be told, which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, Jerry Jones would not be the General Manager. I too feel as though he treats this team like the ultimate Fantasy Football League. But considering how pissed off at the world he has been in the wake of this disappointing season, I know he wants to win. I know it's not about the money for him; he has had no problem spending money on trying to put what he thought and was advised is the best product on the field. That, and he has seen and known success in his personal endeavors, tells me he is capable of adapting to change when necessary. Which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, Wade would be the defensive coordinator, but only if the coach hired to do the job approved of that. I too am in favor of the coach that never smiles until he's about to lift the Lambardi trophy in the air. I like the Jimmy Johnson's/Bill Cower-esque coaches of the world. But Wade does know the 3-4 better than most any coach available. And while I'm more of a fan of the 4-3, I do see the advantages that can be created with the 3-4 given the proper application. Wade has now been named our defensive coordinator slash head coach, which makes his position all the more precarious, which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, Jason Garrett would be an assistant and Tony Sparano would be the Offensive Coordinator, once again provided that the Head Coach was fine with that choice. I wasn't really impressed with Jason in 07 because I felt that the vast majority of big plays were because of Romo's ability to keep plays alive. But Jason has the respect of alot of coaches and former players around the league, despite the Cowboys dismal showing this year. He has been described as very intelligent, very prepared, and very gifted at placing the right players on the field in the right place. Which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, Flozell Adams, Anthony Henry, and Roy Williams (SS) would be trade bait for draft picks right now. There is no excuse for the mental errors that Flozell has made, Anthony Henry is undersized and has lost a step as a CB, and Roy Williams has lost his edge and confidence as a SS. I realize I might not get much for them, but I too am in favor of churning the roster in an effort to consistently develop younger players. But the offseason isn't over and aged players have proved me wrong before, which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, I would be looking to restructure the contract of a few players who underperformed in 08, including T.O, in an effort to resign Zach Thomas, Chris Canty, Tank Johnson, Demarcus Ware, and Kevin Burnett. I know many of you will disagree with me, but that's a huge chunk of our defense that is comfortable with the system. You will not find a true replacement in Free Agency or the Draft for any of these players, particularly the DL. That is the major issue of the 3-4 versus the 4-3. Your positions become more specific to size and you ask your DL to become more invisible than the OL. That's not an easy position to accept for any player. But until Free Agency and the Draft, we won't know how the Cowboys make this roster work, which is why I still have hope.

If I had things my way, some of the members on this forum would like what I have to say and let me know as much and some would take issue with it and intelligently argue their beliefs. At least I have one thing my way...which is why I still have hope.

I will attempt to provide you with a substantive reply to your post, since that seems to be what you are looking for. I read your post from start to finish. Contrary to what some are already saying, I didn't think your post was too long, but maybe some of th posters who are complaining are still in grammar school, and it takes them too long to read it.

I like the theme of your post, which seems to be that just because you are optimistic doesn't make you a complete homer. I agree with that sentiment. You also did a nice job of giving examples of supporting your underlying premise, even though I really don't necessarily agree with all of it, for practical reasons.

Your premise that you would build the roster out of "high character guys" sounds great in theory. I personally am torn on the T.O. deal, and always have been. In fairness to both sides of the issue, I'm not sure if there is a right or wrong answer. The NFL is a game which requires talent. I think that sometimes there is a delicate balance between taking a questionable player who has undeniable talent. As a team, you have to be more right more often than you are wrong to be successful. I 'm not sure we can replace T.O. with a comparable player of comparable skills if we were to cut him, but there is no denying that controversy follows him wherever he goes. Personally, at this point, I would lean toward getting rid of him, but that's just me.

I personally wouldn't have traded for Roy Williams either, but it might turn out to be a great trade for us. I hope it turns out for us. It was great insurance to allow us to cut T.O. if we choose to do so, but it buried Austin, unless we let T.O. go. In hindsight if he turns out to be a very good #1 WR for us, it was a good move, if not, well then it was a bad deal in more ways than one.

I would keep Jerry Jones right where he is and wouldn't change a thing. It is true that Jerry does some really stupid things at times, and says some foolish things, but in reality, he is the best owner in sports. Most teams would die to have an owner like him, even with his quirks.

I agree that the coaching situation seems a little bit dicey, but if the head coach was changed, the entire coaching tree would probably be churned. I'm not sure continuity will prove to be successful, but neither is turnover. I can ride it out another year. I think that T.O. HAS to go if they keep the coaching staff intact.

As for your comments on Flozell, Henry and RW#38 I understand your thought process. We are not in a position to replace Flozell Adams, period. We are in a win now mode, and we will win or lose without him for two reasons. First trading or cutting him kills your cap, and second we don't have his replacement on the roster. We don't have a high enough pick to get his replacement in the draft. The best that we could do is draft a raw successor and groom him to be his replacement. Henry could end up on the scrap head, but the only way he goes is if we add another two or three db's to the roster either via free agency or the draft. His days appear numbered though. RW#38 is an enigma. I think we should restructure him and see if he can regain his prior form. I think the defense actually missed him when he was out last year. Keeping him helps you avoid dead money on the cap.

I'm not worried about letting Zac Thomas go, or Tank. Tank did not have anywhere near the success I thought he would. We can do better through FA or the draft. Zac Thomas was a great player in his prime, but I don't think he is big enough to be a really great LB in a 3-4 defense. He was just a band aid. We can do as well or better in FA or the draft.

I am in the minority here, but I would have let Barber walk last year. We could have had Michael Turner for the same money, and is a much better back. Yes. I said that long before Turner had the year he had. Barber is one of the better backs in the league at closing out a game, but he doesn't have true break away speed and he isn't going to hold up toting the rock for 25 times a game all season long. I think his cap money was worth more in other places. Another way of looking at this issue is if Barber had left via free agency last year, isn't it likely we would have received a high compensatory pick for him?

I will have to admit, I don't know enough x's and o's to decide whether to keep Canty or not. I think its a moot point, because he probably ends up getting paid by a different team this year. Maybe we end up getting a compensatory pick out of him next year.

 

[jday]

I will attemp to provide you with a substantive reply to your post, since that seems to be what you are looking for. I read your post from start to finish. Contrary to what some are already saying, I didn't think your post was too long, but maybe some of th posters who are complaining are still in grammar school, and it takes them too long to read it.

I like the theme of your post, which seems to be that just because you are optimistic doesn't make you a complete homer. I agree with that sentiment. You also did a nice job of giving examples of supporting your underlying premise, even though I really don't necessarily agree with all of it, for practical reasons.

Thanks. I, for one, am in favor of the long reads, as, at the moment, anything to kill the space of 7 months of no football, is a welcome sight. And you are right; this is the type of discussion I was hoping for. I honestly don't care if you agree or disagree, so long as you can state your argument's intelligently.

Your practical approach to arguing my ideas is appreciated, as I don't completely understand the weight of many of the decision my ideas make. The problem with the Cowboy's current situation, as many of sighted, is that the vast majority of this roster is locked into their positions making the release of them impropable, which I agree, most likely detracts from their overall want in performing and their focus. In other words, they are getting paid regardless, why play like they are in a contract year? Which brings me to your comments on Jerry Jones:

I would keep Jerry Jones right where he is and wouldn't change a thing. It is true that Jerry does some really stupid things at times, and says some foolish things, but in reality, he is the best owner in sports. Most teams would die to have an owner like him, even with his quirks.

No argument on keeping him as an owner. And, furthermore, I agree with the gag order issued. Despite how the media paints this move (likely stemming from being upset that they aren't being fed anything else to spin negatively), I have been favor of this orginization shutting up since close to when the season began. On the other hand, I'm not sure I like Jerry being our GM. One, I think he might be spread too thin with his myriad of responsibilities. Two, I'm not convinced he knows enough about football to be making the decisions he's making particularly in trade acquistions and drafting. Three, I don't like the fact that he is the figure head that the players answer to. The players should acknowledge the hierarchy of traditional football. As far they are concerned, their coach should be God and no communication should go any further than him. But that's just my opinion of that situation.

I agree that the coaching situation seems a little bit dicey, but if the head coach was changed, the entire coaching tree would probably be churned. I'm not sure continuity will prove to be successful, but neither is turnover. I can ride it out another year. I think that T.O. HAS to go if they keep the coaching staff intact.

I, too, am willing to ride this current administration for another year. But some of my reasons differ from yours. Changing coaches now would greatly hinder the Cowboys ability to make a push next season, having to learn a new system. And since T.O. is likely approaching his finals years as a player, I would like to see the Cowboy's get the most out of him, making all the drama we have experienced as a result of that acquisition, worth it. I know it seems unlikely that this current coaching staff and T.O. can coexist. But I think it can happen. A come-to-Jesus meeting would likely need to take place between T.O., Romo, Witten, Roy Williams, Crayton, and Jason Garrett, basically assessing who was in charge and who needed to step aside and shut up. I realize that most likely won't happen; I'm merely sighting that could happen and could be effective.

Your premise that you would build the roster out of "high character guys" sounds great in theory. I personally am torn on the T.O. deal, and always have been. In fairness to both sides of the issue, I'm not sure if there is a right or wrong answer. The NFL is a game which requires talent. I think that sometimes there is a delicate balance between taking a questionable player who has undeniable talent. As a team, you have to be more right more often than you are wrong to be successful. I 'm not sure we can replace T.O. with a comparable player of comparable skills if we were to cut him, but there is no denying that controversy follows him wherever he goes. Personally, at this point, I would lean toward getting rid of him, but that's just me.

I agree. In today's NFL it is almost impossible to have a team comprising of solely the high character. I admitted as much in my original entry. But, if you have enough of those guys with an alpha dog whose charisma is infectious enough to spread that attitude, obviously even the low morale guys can change.

Furthermore, I agree with your assessment of the T.O. situation. I am sick of seeing his initials in headlines. I love to read all things Cowboy's but hate to see some of my favorite columnist resorting to the ****-slinging contest involving his name and their limited opinion on how the Cowboys should proceed. On the other hand, as I said, I'm still not convinced that his dismissal would be addition by subtraction considering 1) that it would actually cost an additional 6K against the cap to cut him and 2) the fact that defensive coordinator still have to scheme to take him out of the game.

I personally wouldn't have traded for Roy Williams either, but it might turn out to be a great trade for us. I hope it turns out for us. It was great insurance to allow us to cut T.O. if we choose to do so, but it buried Austin, unless we let T.O. go. In hindsight if he turns out to be a very good #1 WR for us, it was a good move, if not, well then it was a bad deal in more ways than one.

Agreed.

As for your comments on Flozell, Henry and RW#38 I understand your thought process. We are not in a position to replace Flozell Adams, period. We are in a win now mode, and we will win or lose without him for two reasons. First trading or cutting him kills your cap, and second we don't have his replacement on the roster. We don't have a high enough pick to get his replacement in the draft. The best that we could do is draft a raw successor and groom him to be his replacement. Henry could end up on the scrap head, but the only way he goes is if we add another two or three db's to the roster either via free agency or the draft. His days appear numbered though. RW#38 is an enigma. I think we should restructure him and see if he can regain his prior form. I think the defense actually missed him when he was out last year. Keeping him helps you avoid dead money on the cap.

Admittedly, I don't know enough about how the Cap works and the impact of trading/cutting to make an intelligent assessment on these players. My suggestion outside of cutting these players is making it known to them that their position on the depth chart is in serious jeopardy. I would rather have a jack at these positions, than one who masters only one facet of their position: Roy Williams is great in run support, but a liability in coverage. Anthony Henry is a great CB, but lacks size and speed to keep up with the more dominant receivers. Flozell Adams is great in pass protection, but is not quick enough to get to the second level in the run, is consistently burned by speed rushers, and averages a false start per game, if not more.

I'm not worried about letting Zac Thomas go, or Tank. Tank did not have anywhere near the success I thought he would. We can do better through FA or the draft. Zac Thomas was a great player in his prime, but I don't think he is big enough to be a really great LB in a 3-4 defense. He was just a band aid. We can do as well or better in FA or the draft.

I realize Tank did not perform per our expectations, and I believe his contribution may have been overshadowed by Ratliff success. But, as I've said before, despite the negatives, we don't have a high enough draft pick to replace him nor the cap space to find someone in Free Agency, IMO.

Zach could very well be the Ray Lewis everyone's wanting. Because he was new last year, he didn't say much because he felt it wasn't his place. He was not nominated as a team leader and therefore felt it was the responsbility of those appointed to do what he had success doing in Miami. This year could be different. And you have to love his work ethic. He studied film last year more than any other player.

I am in the minority here, but I would have let Barber walk last year. We could have had Michael Turner for the same money, and is a much better back. Yes. I said that long before Turner had the year he had. Barber is one of the better backs in the league at closing out a game, but he doesn't have true break away speed and he isn't going to hold up toting the rock for 25 times a game all season long. I think his cap money was worth more in other places. Another way of looking at this issue is if Barber had left via free agency last year, isn't it likely we would have received a high compensatory pick for him?

Interesting point. Kudos to you for knowing before this year how he would perform. I, like the majority, was in the dark. I knew he was slow, but felt his punishing style would prevail over defenses and make up for that shortcoming. I did agree that he should remain that backup, but wasn't sure that a rookie could take on the role of primary carrier.

My only question about the Michael Turner acquisition is how he would perform behind our OL. Our Offensive Line is built predominately for the pass offense. They are too big and slow to move to the second level like many other offenses do well, which is why players like Barber come in handy.

I will have to admit, I don't know enough x's and o's to decide whether to keep Canty or not. I think its a moot point, because he probably ends up getting paid by a different team this year. Maybe we end up getting a compensatory pick out of him next year.

Again, I don't see how we can replace him considering the same points I made about Tank. And, as many have pointed out, Ware's success last year very well may have hinged on Canty's ability to occupy blockers. I, personally, really didn't see that, as many of Ware's sacks came as a result of out running and over powering blockers, but there very well may be some truth to that. I can say he prevented Ware from being double-teamed, which would still be a significant contribution.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

If I had things my way, I would be looking to restructure the contract of a few players who underperformed in 08, including T.O, in an effort to resign Zach Thomas, Chris Canty, Tank Johnson, Demarcus Ware, and Kevin Burnett. I know many of you will disagree with me,

I was generally nodding my head, trying to be objective, trying to see things from another perspective.

Then you go ask for a restructing of T.O.'s contract to resign . . . Zach, Canty, Tank and Burnett?

Are you crazy? Dis one of the greatest offensive weapons we have to accommodate these almost-average players? I repeat. Are you crazy?

 

[jday]

I was generally nodding my head, trying to be objective, trying to see things from another perspective.

Then you go ask for a restructing of T.O.'s contract to resign . . . Zach, Canty, Tank and Burnett?

Are you crazy? Dis one of the greatest offensive weapons we have to accommodate these almost-average players? I repeat. Are you crazy?

Perhaps I am crazy...it was just a thought. Tom Brady of the Patriots restructured his agreement after winning a Super Bowl for the betterment of the team. Asking doesn't hurt. Especially considering the fact that we really didn't get what we paid for out of him this last year. How much of that is his fault, of course, is debatable. But it's not like he's hurting for money.

Also, considering we are approaching an uncapped year, that might make it possible to compensate him for this sacrificed year, next year. Again, I don't know enough about how the cap works to make an intelligent argument out of this.

This thread is a compilation of my thoughts acknowledging the arguments many have made in response to my hopes for 2009. My stance of hope has to disregard my feelings about certain players, which is why I find myself defending them in many of my threads, in order to make said hope plausible.

I understand why it is difficult for many to have hope in regards to this team, considering the many issues that need to be addressed. But, on the other hand, many of the issues, I believe, are the result of the media trying to sell papers and magazine and are not as difficult to resolve as many have been made to believe. So take all my contributions how you like. In the end, it all depends on how you decide to perceive and the perspective you choose to have.