Important STAT from NFL Network: 4th Youngest Team in League

[LarryCanadian]

It's one reason for optimism. We need to learn to step up in the playoffs yes, but this year at least during the regular season we stepped up and won some big games against the division and Green Bay, Chicago, etc. We also learned to come back and not give up in games.

We need to learn how to win a playoff game (or 3 or 4), but the fact that this team is still really young still sometimes gets overlooked.

Lets look at 2 of our oldest players, 2 that have been with the Cowboys the longest. Ellis and Flo. When did they win a playoff game last? Or have they. This team lacks veterans with winning playoff experience.

If we keep filling our holes with young talent, the team has a future. It needs coaching and leadership. Perhaps Parcells was too conservative and too harsh (read negative). Perhaps Phillips is too easy going, and not demanding enough (need to stay on a young team that hasn't proven ability to win in the show).

There are some big question marks with regards to our oldest players. Flo might not return. Ferguson might not (though I think the should). Glenn might not be able to, or we might need to go younger at WR and use his salary elsewhere. Ellis is likely to stay another year now, but we have Spencer in the wings if changes have to be made after next year.

4th youngest team in league and 3 draft picks (barring trading up) in the top 60 picks of the draft (and 4 in top 90). I'm guessing we try and grab a younger WR in FA. This team still has upside. It can improve. That will be the key to the offseason. Improving strengths, removing weaknesses.

LarryCanadian

 

[parchy]

I know you mean well, and this stuff will probably mean something to me when training camp starts up, but it just sucks too bad to care about all that silver lining crap right now.

I know it sounds off, but I just want to be miserable and pissed right now.

 

[phildominator]

Problem is that we're oldest at pass-rushing LB (Ellis), LT (Flozell) and our #1 WR (Terrell Owens).

Those positions, after QB, are probably the toughest to fill.

 

[ladiewolve]

Problem is that we're oldest at pass-rushing LB (Ellis), LT (Flozell) and our #1 WR (Terrell Owens).

Those positions, after QB, are probably the toughest to fill.

I think TO is in incredible shape and still has a few good years in him.

 

[utrunner07]

Problem is that we're oldest at pass-rushing LB (Ellis), LT (Flozell) and our #1 WR (Terrell Owens).

Those positions, after QB, are probably the toughest to fill.

I think Spencer will more than replace Ellis. TO has two years of top level play left IMO, and well its going to be harder than almost any one on here seems to think to replace Flozell...

 

[phildominator]

I think TO is in incredible shape and still has a few good years in him.

1. I agree. I think TO has two more years as an elite WR. However, WR is a position that notoriously takes long to develop.

2. Even if we develop a WR, chances are they won't be as elite as Terrell Owens.

 

[LarryCanadian]

I've been routing for Flo to be re-signed for as good a deal as we can swing for 2-3 years. BUT if we don't do it, that's many millions we can use pursuing WR, and Safety/CB help. Pro-bowl LT's cost about 5-7 Million a year, so that is probably a couple of real solid players we can plug in. But then again, getting impact free-agents is difficult if you subscribe to the "if they are so good, why did their team let them go theory". Then again shouldn't the team that picks up Flo feel that way?

Toughtest choice this offseason for sure. How much better can we get if our new LT is even 20% less effective than Flo? Not much, I'm guessing, unless we get 30% better in the secondary or something to offset it.

As for Ellis, I think Spencer has shown a ton of promise and has some real upside. Looks like a fast, savy player, that needs seasoning. Playmaker type, like Ware.

TO should have a couple more years as he is a genetic freak, but you need to start planning for succession at WR with him, and with Glenn all but worn out. TO's play might start to diminish, although I really think his leg did limit him today. Easier to get injured and slow down in your mid 30's though.

Still, a young team. Many of our pro-bowlers this year are really young or in their prime. Ware, Witten, Barber, Romo are pretty young. Gurode, Newman, and Bigg should have a number of years at prime play still. Hamlin is young, hopefully re-signed. You can build with that type of core!

LarryCanadian

 

[AdamJT13]

Problem is that we're oldest at pass-rushing LB (Ellis), LT (Flozell) and our #1 WR (Terrell Owens).

Those positions, after QB, are probably the toughest to fill.

Pass-rushing linebacker already is filled. Ware is the best one in the league, and Spencer showed promise as a first-round draft pick.

Owens was arguably the second-best wide receiver in the league this season. And from all indications, he'll be back next season. There's still time to find a future No. 1 receiver before Owens is gone, either through free agency, the draft or even a trade.

Left tackle is the big question for us this offseason. Maybe Doug Free or even Pat McQuistan is the answer. Maybe Adams will re-sign for a couple more years at a reasonable price. Maybe they'll decide to move Leonard Davis back to tackle. Or maybe we'll draft a top LT in the first round this year.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Obviously, this team is in very good shape for the future. The only way I'd say that isn't true is if Romo turns out to be a dud, but I don't think that's going to happen. At least, I sure hope not.

But I said -- not that I'm so smart -- even before the year that it was unfair to expect Wade to come in and totally transform a whole team of Parcells' big, strong, and slow prototype player that took literally YEARS to assemble into exactly the team he wanted, especially on defense. We need an infusion of speed and quickness, especially true now that the game is evolving before our eyes into more of a pass-happy league than ever before. We need some tweaks here and there, and now the coach has seen who needs to stay and who needs to be replaced.

But look at the Pats. It takes years of successful player acquisition plus a great QB before you're truly a championship team. Look at how many high picks and proven successful players are on their team. We just need to be patient and keep giving ourselves chances, and we'll be just fine.

In the short term, the two first rounders this year sure do help.

 

[Givincer]

You know what, say what you want, but this team has advanced further every year since 2004. We are getting closer and closer, no matter how disappointing this might seem.

2004 we missed the playoffs, but not by that much. 2005 we just missed, due to a late season swoon. 2006 we got into the wildcard round, albeit we lost, but it's progress. 2007 we were in the divisional championship round.

It's progress. Frusturating progress? Sure, but you can't deny that we're getting closer and closer.

 

[LarryCanadian]

Agreed Chocolate Lab.

Speed is a need on this team. We need some ball hawks in Secondary, doesn't matter what position, guys with range, anticipation, and burst. I don't care if they can't catch, just knock the thing down or disrupt the receiver.

Our defensive front 3 is young, talented and deep. Same for O-Lber. Inside needs some quickness and, although I thought he started the game fairly well today, Ayodele can be upgraded.

I think Stanback needs to get some field time. I don't care where. Situational RB even? Punt returner, can he learn it. We need a boost there. Can he cover on Special teams? Kick returner certainly. And sure some WR (reverses, slants, etc). He's apparently a Yard after Catch (and maybe handoff guy).

Secondary and WR, and RB are the concerns. Age and depth and playmaking and, like you said SPEED!! Quickness and Agility are included in the term SPEED.

Larry

 

[SacredStar]

Being young is no excuse....look at Green Bay, they are the youngest team , playing good ball, and in the NFC Championship game.

 

[windward]

Being young is no excuse....look at Green Bay, they are the youngest team , playing good ball, and in the NFC Championship game.

When Favre retires though, they are just another mediocre team. What I hope we do is build this team in the mold of the Patriots and Colts teams that are consistent winners and contenders year in and year out.

 

[LarryCanadian]

Wasn't using youth as an excuse at all. Using it as optimism for the future. Lots of talent. We need to become winners in the playoffs. Baby steps have been made each year since 2004 as has been pointed out, but it's frustratingly slow. Gotta show up and win during the post-season, plain and simple.

I do believe Green Bay is one of the younger teams than Dallas, not positive though. In another post I mentioned we have a ton of talent. Not sure we have the smarts and discipline that are needed though. That remains to be seen. Hope we can add some veteran leaders with winning experience that can help mold the young talent.

Youth often means upside. Can learn to execute better, make fewer mistakes, get tougher mentally, etc. Not a guarantee, but it's better than sitting here after the same loss, with a team that averages 30 years of age.

LarryCanadian

 

[windward]

Wasn't using youth as an excuse at all. Using it as optimism for the future. Lots of talent. We need to become winners in the playoffs. Baby steps have been made each year since 2004 as has been pointed out, but it's frustratingly slow. Gotta show up and win during the post-season, plain and simple.

I do believe Green Bay is one of the younger teams than Dallas, not positive though. In another post I mentioned we have a ton of talent. Not sure we have the smarts and discipline that are needed though. That remains to be seen. Hope we can add some veteran leaders with winning experience that can help mold the young talent.

Youth often means upside. Can learn to execute better, make fewer mistakes, get tougher mentally, etc. Not a guarantee, but it's better than sitting here after the same loss, with a team that averages 30 years of age.

LarryCanadian

Green Bay is young except at QB. It's his on field intelligence that helps them out so much.

 

[newlander]

parchy is right: just nothing that can console me right now. G.Bay is young too..........and our super bowl teams in 92 and 93 were young as well....there is just no leadership. that's how teams go seventy yards in fourty eight seconds: no leadership. which is why teams like n.england go and get players like seau and harrison. not the greatest physically, but they LEAD and know how to win. just saying I guess.