It isn't a lack of talent

[gimmesix]

I get tired of reading how Dallas' talent isn't as good as we thought anytime the Cowboys' struggle.

This team does not lack the talent necessary to win games, and lots of them. What it lacks is the creativity to not just rely on that talent ... because other teams have talent, too.

Look at the past two games against our defense. The Giants and Jaguars "outguessed" our defensive coordinator on various occasions. As one of the announcers said Sunday, teams can go off their initial look at the defense to know what the coverage is.

I used to trust in Phillips as a coordinator, but he's being outsmarted too many times instead of showing the creativity of his counterparts.

Our offense is also not doing enough to expose the weaknesses of the other teams' defenses, but relying too much on 'ours beating yours.' That worked well when Garrett was a backup on those dominant 1990s teams, but this team is never going to be that dominant in a watered-down league. Just a few years ago under Parcells and Sparano, Dallas showed some desperation in its offensive play-calling, but I don't think we're seeing that anymore.

So let's not suddenly believe Dallas lacks talent. It had the talent to be among the best teams in a better NFC last year. What it lacks is creative coordination, and that can make any talented team look mediocre.

 

[InmanRoshi]

I agree that we aren't lacking talent in the skill positions, but I would argue that we are lacking talent in the trenches on both sides of the ball. On defense we have Ratliff and a bunch of JAGs. On the OL we've got a bunch of decaying age and slow behemouths.

Ever since Parcells has left we've neglected drafting offensive and defensive linemen so Jerry can go chase his "Wow" players, and unfortunately games are still decided in the trenches.

 

[ReturnToGlory]

I'd say, Ratliff has also been playing like a JAG.

 

[wileedog]

I agree that we aren't lacking talent in the skill positions, but I would argue that we are lacking talent in the trenches on both sides of the ball. On defense we have Ratliff and a bunch of JAGs. On the OL we've got a bunch of decaying age and slow behemouths.

Ever since Parcells has left we've neglected drafting offensive and defensive linemen so Jerry can go chase his "Wow" players, and unfortunately games are still decided in the trenches.

Exactly. Its lacking talent in key places that is negating the talent we do have. The best WRs in the world don't mean squat if the QB is sacked in 2.5 seconds. The RBs may be great, but getting hit 3 yards behind the LOS takes a lot away from their production.

Its a poorly put together football team.

 

[dcfanatic]

I get tired of reading how Dallas' talent isn't as good as we thought anytime the Cowboys' struggle.

This team does not lack the talent necessary to win games, and lots of them. What it lacks is the creativity to not just rely on that talent ... because other teams have talent, too.

Look at the past two games against our defense. The Giants and Jaguars "outguessed" our defensive coordinator on various occasions. As one of the announcers said Sunday, teams can go off their initial look at the defense to know what the coverage is.

I used to trust in Phillips as a coordinator, but he's being outsmarted too many times instead of showing the creativity of his counterparts.

Our offense is also not doing enough to expose the weaknesses of the other teams' defenses, but relying too much on 'ours beating yours.' That worked well when Garrett was a backup on those dominant 1990s teams, but this team is never going to be that dominant in a watered-down league. Just a few years ago under Parcells and Sparano, Dallas showed some desperation in its offensive play-calling, but I don't think we're seeing that anymore.

So let's not suddenly believe Dallas lacks talent. It had the talent to be among the best teams in a better NFC last year. What it lacks is creative coordination, and that can make any talented team look mediocre.

Doug Free, Mike Jenkins, Anthony Spencer and Felix Jones are not as talented as we think.

 

[Avaj]

Doug Free, Mike Jenkins, Anthony Spencer and Felix Jones are not as talented as we think.

Especially Jenkins

 

[gimmesix]

I agree that we aren't lacking talent in the skill positions, but I would argue that we are lacking talent in the trenches on both sides of the ball. On defense we have Ratliff and a bunch of JAGs. On the OL we've got a bunch of decaying age and slow behemouths.

Ever since Parcells has left we've neglected drafting offensive and defensive linemen so Jerry can go chase his "Wow" players, and unfortunately games are still decided in the trenches.

I don't disagree that the offensive line needs upgrading badly, but I don't think it's any worse than many others in the league, and those teams still find a way to win. I mean, does anyone think the Eagles have a talented offensive line?

Other teams also get by with having a JAG or two on their defensive line by playing to the strengths of the defense, mixing and matching things so it is hard for an offense to attack those weaknesses. Dallas isn't doing that well.

 

[gimmesix]

I'd say, Ratliff has also been playing like a JAG.

And why is that happening, did Ratliff suddenly lose his All-Pro ability?

 

[BlueBandit]

Doug Free, Mike Jenkins, Anthony Spencer and Felix Jones are not as talented as we think.

Free is probably out of position in his defense. Spencer doesn't play the run well at all, Felix Jones looks soft and I don't think Mike Jenkins, Scandrick, or Alan Ball are NFL players and I'm not so sure how many good team Sensabad would start for.

 

[gimmesix]

Doug Free, Mike Jenkins, Anthony Spencer and Felix Jones are not as talented as we think.

See, this is where I disagree. There are less talented people than them having better seasons because of how their coaches are using them.

And I think we'll see that when we have a change in coaching staff.

 

[28 Joker]

I agree that we aren't lacking talent in the skill positions, but I would argue that we are lacking talent in the trenches on both sides of the ball. On defense we have Ratliff and a bunch of JAGs. On the OL we've got a bunch of decaying age and slow behemouths.

Ever since Parcells has left we've neglected drafting offensive and defensive linemen so Jerry can go chase his "Wow" players, and unfortunately games are still decided in the trenches.

I've got a name for free agency, InmanRoshi.

LeRoy Harris C/G 6-3 303 (4th round pick; NC State) 2007 draft/108th pick

This guy is 26 and will play at 27 next year. Harris was a reserve for three years in Tennessee and starts at guard for them this year. He can play all three interior line positions, and was projected to play center this year. However, the Titans went with the more experienced Eugene Amano.

I've seen him play many times, and I remember how well he played at center in a divisional playoff game when Mawae was hurt. He's even played a game at RT.

Titans Hall of Fame offensive line coach (Mike Munchak) raves about him.

Here are some adjectives to describe him.

Physical (can push the pile)
Smart
Athletic
Thick
Strong
High Leverage Player (uses height)

I would make this guy my number 1 free agent target. He could play LG or C. The Titans really like this guy, but $ talks and the Cowboys have prestige as a franchise. The Titans have a rookie guard from Georgia behind him, and they are known for letting players walk. No doubt, they will try to keep him. He should be cheaper than Mankins.

The Titans gave G/C Eugune Amano a 5 year, $ 26.25 million dollar deal. They may want to give Harris a little more money.

The Titans have four draft picks starting on their offensive line and one free agent. They have a pipeline and feed the front.

 

[T-RO]

Lots of talent, sure...

But we have perhaps the worst o-line in football, and maybe the worst safeties.

Oh, and our ILBs can't defend the pass.

On top of that Spencer and Jenkins haven't been very good this year.

 

[InmanRoshi]

I don't disagree that the offensive line needs upgrading badly, but I don't think it's any worse than many others in the league, and those teams still find a way to win. I mean, does anyone think the Eagles have a talented offensive line?

Like willeedog said, I think the OL is just mixed and matched bad. Obviously not every team has 5 perfect players with no weaknesses on their OL, but I think most teams do a better job of assembling a unit who's strengths and weaknesses compliment each other better. You have Gurode playing next to Bigg, with almost identical flaws, which makes it exponentially easier for the defense to exploit. Big slow Leonard playing next to big, slow Colombo. Weaker at the point of attack Kosier playing right next to weaker at the point of attack Free. You don't have to exploit the weaknesses of just 1 player, you can exploit the weaknesses of an entire side of the OL.

 

[dadymat]

Doug Free, Mike Jenkins, Anthony Spencer and Felix Jones are not as talented as we think.

Especially Jenkins

i realize he is a popular whipping boy right now but......its ridiculous....Jenkins is a really good player......hes in a little slump right now but ummm...who on this team isnt.....he has alot of talent and is gonna be great for our future

last season was no accident ....

 

[28 Joker]

Mike Lombardi just stated (NFL Network) that Dallas' offensive line has deteriorated, and that is why they can't run the football.

It isn't breaking news here, but he knows the score.

Also, he said that he would open competition up...

Jobs on the line...

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

See, this is where I disagree. There are less talented people than them having better seasons because of how their coaches are using them.

And I think we'll see that when we have a change in coaching staff.

My thoughts exactly. You can't blame this year on the players when you lose most of your games by a score or less when playing your starting QB.

1-6 is on the coaches--no one else.

 

[dadymat]

Doug Free, Mike Jenkins, Anthony Spencer and Felix Jones are not as talented as we think.

Especially Jenkins

i realize he is a popular whipping boy right now but......its ridiculous....Jenkins is a really good player......hes in a little slump right now but ummm...who on this team isnt.....he has alot of talent and is gonna be great for our future

last season was no accident ....

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

Doug Free, Mike Jenkins, Anthony Spencer and Felix Jones are not as talented as we think.

Talent doesn't mean anything when you don't have coaching. Talent can be coached. No one thought RW had any talent either. Now someone turned him around. The thing is other players aren't getting the coaching they deserve.