RustyBourneHorse
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After had some time to think about the Mike McCarthy situation and do some research (including hearing some interesting things about Andy Reid on the Pat McAfee Show), I've come to the conclusion that I'm okay with Mike McCarthy staying. Firstly, and I did not know this until it was mentioned on the show, Mike actually has a similar record to other well respected coaches. This is in the tweet above.
Secondly, they mentioned about how sometimes, it can take time for a coach to have his message settle and playoff collapses happen. Chuck Pagano, who used to coach the Colts and does segments on the PMS pointed out about how even Andy Reid had questions after a few years when he started there. I'm sure many of you who want Mike out would take Andy Reid in a heartbeat. Don't forget, his first year with the Chiefs, they blew a 38-10 lead early in the 3rd Quarter (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Kansas_City_Chiefs_season) following an 11-5 record. I'd imagine some here would probably have wanted the seat to be hot for Reid if this happened here. His next season was a 9-7 record where they completely missed the playoffs. Following this, they went 11-5 and lost in the division round. Then they were 12-4 as the first seed (2016) and choked losing to the Steelers 18-16. By this point, you would have seen fans here screaming for Reid out. Oh, but then they go 1 and done AGAIN in 2017 losing to the Titans. Now, tbf, they had just drafted Mahomes that year, but the point remains. The fanbase here would have rioted had Andy Reid stayed past the 2016 season (and let's be honest, Mahomes was a bit of an unknown in 2017 when he was drafted). So, Pagano, as he explained that, pointed out how the Chiefs patience with Reid (along with getting Mahomes) paid off.
I don't know what the FO is going to do with Dak. I could see one of four things happening. One they extend Dak and intend to keep him here longer term and do nothing else at QB in the draft. Perhaps seeing if Mike's message is getting through to Dak a bit more. Afterall, this regular season was Dak's best yet. I know we want playoff success, but this is something to go on that I can see.
Two, they could extend Dak with the intention of using a June 1 cut on him at a later time to then draft his replacement. This, I think, may be the most likely move. Some of the younger QBs coming into the draft the next few years do look enticing. The next few drafts, including this one, could be very good with QB. Given what Mike was able to do to improve Dak, perhaps we can get a younger QB in to wait behind Dak knowing that he'll have about two or three years to grow in the McCarthy system. You don't just sack a coach who has had an impact on improving your QB. Especially one that has experience in developing QBs. So, I could see a Mahomes or Jordan Love situation happening where Dak, like Rodgers, is allowed to stay a bit longer while they develop a QB taken in round 1. Then, when the time is right, use the June 1 option to let the QB take over completely. I know many here want instant results, but this would actually be my favourite of the options that I see happening. This means that we could have the QB of the future enter the roster this year, while giving them time to develop.
Three, Dak gets a June 1 cut, this is an extreme option, but it could be used if they have a QB right now that they like. However, they'd be basically hoping that QB is immediately what Mahomes is now. Bear in mind, Mahomes did need a bit of development. So, I'm not sure if this is done, but this is a risky move.
Four, the Cowboys do nothing with Dak's contract. Highly doubt this happens given the contract impacts this season with the cap.
So, to boil down what I'm saying here, I'm fine with keeping Mike for now. I know the collapse was bad, but every coach has moments where the team collapses. Maybe, by being Jerry being patient, it can warrant success, as it has with other top coaches. I think the Cowboys next move should be to draft a QB this year to see if we can get a Mahomes or Jordan Love situation brewing. Especially given Mike's ability to develop a QB. If this is done, who knows where the team goes from there, and we might be thankful that Jerry actually was patient with Mike. So, given this, I am fine with Mike staying.
