Is trying to run back 2016 our only hope?

[Risen Star]

I meant 2022 not 2021. Year we beat the Bucs 1st round

Every one of McCarthy's teams got dominated in their playoff loss. Nobody impartial watched those games and felt the Cowboys should have won it.

Even Rockport thought it should have been a tie.

 

[ATXSRT]

If we're going to be running with Dak then yes. Dak is what he is... he's not a flashy QB or a QB that can take over games, especially against top talent. He's also coming off a 2nd major leg injury which will make him even less mobile. We have to revert back to 2014/2016 days of a massive mauling o-line and a great run game.

 

[UncleRico]

Every one of McCarthy's teams got dominated in their playoff loss. Nobody impartial watched those games and felt the Cowboys should have won it.

Even Rockport thought it should have

I mean I disagree but right on

 

[Risen Star]

So it's Jeanty or bust for me but if I was a fan of any other team I wouldn't want him that high in the draft.

This is what Jerry does to you.

 

[75boyz]

Looking for any reason for hope this year? Maybe this is it.

Let me ask you a question. When were we the closest during the Prescott years of breaking this near 30 year drought since a Championship game appearance?

I would argue it was his rookie season. Which makes no sense but we're talking about Prescott here. You could say the McCarthy teams were better but they got outclassed in every playoff defeat. They shouldn't have won those games. The 2016 team didn't get outclassed. They should have won it. They were better. They were closer. They were Championship Game caliber.

How did they get there? Dominant run game and a top 5 defense.

Now I know now is when you say no crap, we all want to do that with Prescott. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out ...and you can get away with talking to me that way safely outside of the range of my fists.

But don't forget one of the biggest keys to that 2016 "success" (as much as you can get with Jerry). A truly transcendent talent at running back. What he's become is sickening but that dude was special when he entered the league. He should have won 3 straight rushing titles his first three years in the league if not for a bogus suspension.

So I'm not talking about merely beefing up the lines and drafting an Omarion Hampton or TreVeyon Henderson in the draft. Really good players who should improve the offense and be productive pros. I'm talking about getting the guy who is advertised as special. The unique one. The guy who can make everyone around them instantly better by his presence. That's what Ezekiel Elliott did. He was the alpha that carried his QB beta.

Now the two teams won't be exactly the same. We almost certainly won't have as good of an offensive line even with improvement and we won't have Prescott's mobility but this team will have some advantages over that one too. Namely at pass rusher and the return and kicking game. (Turpin comes back in this scenario)

I don't believe it's usually a good long term decision to draft a RB high in the first round of the draft but I'm wondering with this team and this group of coaches and players if focusing on the run game and defense as well as drafting Ashton Jeanty is not only the best shot but the only shot we have in 2025.

I think it is.

It's the absolute ceiling of the offense and only way to be competitive with where the Commodes and Eagles are at.

The same problem still exists a decade later tho when defenses stack the box and stop the run and dare you know who to beat them.

But at least the team might win a few early season smashmouth, TOP run games like the 2016 version did before the run game is shut down and forced to depend on the same inept QB.

So, you are right the 2016 offense is about the only way this offense competes this year but ultimately like that same 2016 version, and now even more physically limited, the QB leading it won't be enough to get the job done.

 

[StarOfGlory]

Looking for any reason for hope this year? Maybe this is it.

Let me ask you a question. When were we the closest during the Prescott years of breaking this near 30 year drought since a Championship game appearance?

I would argue it was his rookie season. Which makes no sense but we're talking about Prescott here. You could say the McCarthy teams were better but they got outclassed in every playoff defeat. They shouldn't have won those games. The 2016 team didn't get outclassed. They should have won it. They were better. They were closer. They were Championship Game caliber.

How did they get there? Dominant run game and a top 5 defense.

Now I know now is when you say no crap, we all want to do that with Prescott. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out ...and you can get away with talking to me that way safely outside of the range of my fists.

But don't forget one of the biggest keys to that 2016 "success" (as much as you can get with Jerry). A truly transcendent talent at running back. What he's become is sickening but that dude was special when he entered the league. He should have won 3 straight rushing titles his first three years in the league if not for a bogus suspension.

So I'm not talking about merely beefing up the lines and drafting an Omarion Hampton or TreVeyon Henderson in the draft. Really good players who should improve the offense and be productive pros. I'm talking about getting the guy who is advertised as special. The unique one. The guy who can make everyone around them instantly better by his presence. That's what Ezekiel Elliott did. He was the alpha that carried his QB beta.

Now the two teams won't be exactly the same. We almost certainly won't have as good of an offensive line even with improvement and we won't have Prescott's mobility but this team will have some advantages over that one too. Namely at pass rusher and the return and kicking game. (Turpin comes back in this scenario)

I don't believe it's usually a good long term decision to draft a RB high in the first round of the draft but I'm wondering with this team and this group of coaches and players if focusing on the run game and defense as well as drafting Ashton Jeanty is not only the best shot but the only shot we have in 2025.

I think it is.

No. We have too many holes to fill and our GM won’t be able to fill those holes. In addition, we have to somehow hold off an emerging Washington team and deal with an Eagle team that is stacked more than a room full of porn stars—and that’s just in the NFCE.

 

[nobody]

The problem is, the book on defeating Prescott is written. Take away the run and pressure Dak with trying to make him air it out to win it. Unless we have a stacked O-line to protect him for insane amounts of time, he'll choke it away. You're right, that's our only chance for 2025, but it's really no chance at all given the requirements the team has to emulate the 2016 team personnel-wise.

There are too many needs to stack the team for THIS season to do that kind of ball.

 

[alicetooljam]

Looking for any reason for hope this year? Maybe this is it.

Let me ask you a question. When were we the closest during the Prescott years of breaking this near 30 year drought since a Championship game appearance?

I would argue it was his rookie season. Which makes no sense but we're talking about Prescott here. You could say the McCarthy teams were better but they got outclassed in every playoff defeat. They shouldn't have won those games. The 2016 team didn't get outclassed. They should have won it. They were better. They were closer. They were Championship Game caliber.

How did they get there? Dominant run game and a top 5 defense.

Now I know now is when you say no crap, we all want to do that with Prescott. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out ...and you can get away with talking to me that way safely outside of the range of my fists.

But don't forget one of the biggest keys to that 2016 "success" (as much as you can get with Jerry). A truly transcendent talent at running back. What he's become is sickening but that dude was special when he entered the league. He should have won 3 straight rushing titles his first three years in the league if not for a bogus suspension.

So I'm not talking about merely beefing up the lines and drafting an Omarion Hampton or TreVeyon Henderson in the draft. Really good players who should improve the offense and be productive pros. I'm talking about getting the guy who is advertised as special. The unique one. The guy who can make everyone around them instantly better by his presence. That's what Ezekiel Elliott did. He was the alpha that carried his QB beta.

Now the two teams won't be exactly the same. We almost certainly won't have as good of an offensive line even with improvement and we won't have Prescott's mobility but this team will have some advantages over that one too. Namely at pass rusher and the return and kicking game. (Turpin comes back in this scenario)

I don't believe it's usually a good long term decision to draft a RB high in the first round of the draft but I'm wondering with this team and this group of coaches and players if focusing on the run game and defense as well as drafting Ashton Jeanty is not only the best shot but the only shot we have in 2025.

I think it is.

Finally, a like I dont mind throwing you.

I agree, but I have zero confidence in the Cowboys’ front office recognizing this is the right move, making the best decisions if they do, or actually having the pieces to execute it successfully, even if they somehow get it right. Shouldn’t this have been done at least two years ago?

 

[NEODOG]

Prescott was mobile in '16 - hence our struggles
Opposing Defenses didn't really game plan that ability back then

Remember his rollout completion %? Or he'd takeoff for a timely run

 

[Blitzen]

Looking for any reason for hope this year? Maybe this is it.

Let me ask you a question. When were we the closest during the Prescott years of breaking this near 30 year drought since a Championship game appearance?

I would argue it was his rookie season. Which makes no sense but we're talking about Prescott here. You could say the McCarthy teams were better but they got outclassed in every playoff defeat. They shouldn't have won those games. The 2016 team didn't get outclassed. They should have won it. They were better. They were closer. They were Championship Game caliber.

How did they get there? Dominant run game and a top 5 defense.

Now I know now is when you say no crap, we all want to do that with Prescott. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out ...and you can get away with talking to me that way safely outside of the range of my fists.

But don't forget one of the biggest keys to that 2016 "success" (as much as you can get with Jerry). A truly transcendent talent at running back. What he's become is sickening but that dude was special when he entered the league. He should have won 3 straight rushing titles his first three years in the league if not for a bogus suspension.

So I'm not talking about merely beefing up the lines and drafting an Omarion Hampton or TreVeyon Henderson in the draft. Really good players who should improve the offense and be productive pros. I'm talking about getting the guy who is advertised as special. The unique one. The guy who can make everyone around them instantly better by his presence. That's what Ezekiel Elliott did. He was the alpha that carried his QB beta.

Now the two teams won't be exactly the same. We almost certainly won't have as good of an offensive line even with improvement and we won't have Prescott's mobility but this team will have some advantages over that one too. Namely at pass rusher and the return and kicking game. (Turpin comes back in this scenario)

I don't believe it's usually a good long term decision to draft a RB high in the first round of the draft but I'm wondering with this team and this group of coaches and players if focusing on the run game and defense as well as drafting Ashton Jeanty is not only the best shot but the only shot we have in 2025.

I think it is.

I think you are hoping for a chance to be interested in the 2025 season. If Dak still had the use of his legs and throwing arm, this method would have a sliver of a chance at an NFCCG. I think we all know the next two seasons could get very ugly-much worse than mediocre.

 

[daveferr33]

We got abused in the playoffs that year.

The 2016 team lost a Championship game berth by a historic late throw by a HOF caliber QB for a game deciding FG.

A team that we beat on their field earlier in the season.

The 2016 team was much closer.

The 2016 team was a benched franchise qb away from a deep run.

 

[MikeT22]

Yeah because free agency and the draft are already over

Yeah but we need one or two DT's, another pass rusher, probably a couple of LB's especially if stopgap Kendricks leaves. Still don't have a high end CB. Diggs doesn't like contact and while I like Bland, he gets burnt far too often. Also could use an upgrade at safety.

Throw in the possible picks on offense like RB and WR and we don't have enough resources nor competence in the FO to adequately fill all these holes in the roster.

 

[MikeT22]

Yup, but where we gonna get 3 all pro lineman?

Yeah, the key would be a dominant OL and run game plus a great defense. We aren't going to go far relying on Dak. But we are a long way away from having the OL of 2016 or a dominant defense. That OL with Murray in 2014 and then even better in 2016 with Zeke were two of our best seasons. But it'll take alot to get back to that plus add an elite defense.

 

[ThatJerryKid]

Looking for any reason for hope this year? Maybe this is it.

Let me ask you a question. When were we the closest during the Prescott years of breaking this near 30 year drought since a Championship game appearance?

I would argue it was his rookie season. Which makes no sense but we're talking about Prescott here. You could say the McCarthy teams were better but they got outclassed in every playoff defeat. They shouldn't have won those games. The 2016 team didn't get outclassed. They should have won it. They were better. They were closer. They were Championship Game caliber.

How did they get there? Dominant run game and a top 5 defense.

Now I know now is when you say no crap, we all want to do that with Prescott. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out ...and you can get away with talking to me that way safely outside of the range of my fists.

But don't forget one of the biggest keys to that 2016 "success" (as much as you can get with Jerry). A truly transcendent talent at running back. What he's become is sickening but that dude was special when he entered the league. He should have won 3 straight rushing titles his first three years in the league if not for a bogus suspension.

So I'm not talking about merely beefing up the lines and drafting an Omarion Hampton or TreVeyon Henderson in the draft. Really good players who should improve the offense and be productive pros. I'm talking about getting the guy who is advertised as special. The unique one. The guy who can make everyone around them instantly better by his presence. That's what Ezekiel Elliott did. He was the alpha that carried his QB beta.

Now the two teams won't be exactly the same. We almost certainly won't have as good of an offensive line even with improvement and we won't have Prescott's mobility but this team will have some advantages over that one too. Namely at pass rusher and the return and kicking game. (Turpin comes back in this scenario)

I don't believe it's usually a good long term decision to draft a RB high in the first round of the draft but I'm wondering with this team and this group of coaches and players if focusing on the run game and defense as well as drafting Ashton Jeanty is not only the best shot but the only shot we have in 2025.

I think it is.

Does Ezekiel Elliott in his prime make this team a Super Bowl team? Answer that question and you have the answer to your post.

 

[big dog cowboy]

It depends if they have a heart to add players

Heart? OK let me know how that turns out.

Look, it doesn't matter who the Cowboys sign and who they draft they won't field a defense that can win a super bowl this year.

 

[ScotsCowboy]

Yup, but where we gonna get 3 all pro lineman?

With some uncharacteristically wise use of FA.

For example: Stanley from Baltimore, Dalman from Atlanta, and Hernandez from Arizona would tie up LT, C and RG, buying Guyton and Beebe some breathing space in the process.

 

[Floatyworm]

Yes! And it’s been the formula for success even when we had Romo at QB. I just have this feeling that someone is going to take Jeanty before us. Like Chicago. Or dare I say…….SF.

New Orleans.....Kellen's revenge for not getting the job he was groomed for.

 

[diamonddelts]

How many playoff games did Dallas win in 2016? So you want to run it back for more mediocrity.

 

[garyo1954]

Looking for any reason for hope this year? Maybe this is it.

Let me ask you a question. When were we the closest during the Prescott years of breaking this near 30 year drought since a Championship game appearance?

I would argue it was his rookie season. Which makes no sense but we're talking about Prescott here. You could say the McCarthy teams were better but they got outclassed in every playoff defeat. They shouldn't have won those games. The 2016 team didn't get outclassed. They should have won it. They were better. They were closer. They were Championship Game caliber.

How did they get there? Dominant run game and a top 5 defense.

Now I know now is when you say no crap, we all want to do that with Prescott. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out ...and you can get away with talking to me that way safely outside of the range of my fists.

But don't forget one of the biggest keys to that 2016 "success" (as much as you can get with Jerry). A truly transcendent talent at running back. What he's become is sickening but that dude was special when he entered the league. He should have won 3 straight rushing titles his first three years in the league if not for a bogus suspension.

So I'm not talking about merely beefing up the lines and drafting an Omarion Hampton or TreVeyon Henderson in the draft. Really good players who should improve the offense and be productive pros. I'm talking about getting the guy who is advertised as special. The unique one. The guy who can make everyone around them instantly better by his presence. That's what Ezekiel Elliott did. He was the alpha that carried his QB beta.

Now the two teams won't be exactly the same. We almost certainly won't have as good of an offensive line even with improvement and we won't have Prescott's mobility but this team will have some advantages over that one too. Namely at pass rusher and the return and kicking game. (Turpin comes back in this scenario)

I don't believe it's usually a good long term decision to draft a RB high in the first round of the draft but I'm wondering with this team and this group of coaches and players if focusing on the run game and defense as well as drafting Ashton Jeanty is not only the best shot but the only shot we have in 2025.

I think it is.

I like this plan so much I might steal it and sell it to Booger as his plan

 

[Denim Chicken]

I don't think that can run the offense Linehan had for him in 2016. He's not mobile enough anymore for all the rollouts and out of the pocket stuff.