Recap: JJT Whispers From The Star 6/05

[gjkoeppen]

That’s the thing.

I love Dak as a leader and as a person.

And I think he’s a good QB who can lead a very talented team with good coaching to a Super Bowl.

But he’s not an elite QB so it’s hard to align the contract demands with the actual on field play. He seems like the kind of person who realizes he needs to leave a little on the table to spread the wealth to teammates and to build a contender. Especially given we went 8-8 last year and he’s not a tier 1 QB.

Love Dak. Just don’t love the contract demands.

It is so old and tiring for people to continue to place ALL the blame for last year's 8-8 record on Prescott. Lets review a couple of things. The Cowboys receiving corp led the league in drops. Elliott had 6 subpar games of 60 yards or less, one he had only 35 yards on 18 carries. The defense was towards the bottom of the league in getting 3 and outs which meant that the Cowboys had long fields to get TD's when they finally got the ball. That same defense ranked 31st in turnovers. The Cowboys had one of the worst special teams in the league often giving the opponents great position to start drives on. There's a lot of blame for that 8-8 record besides Prescott. I'm not saying Prescott didn't have some bad moments, but he's far far from the entire blame for last season's record.
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[PJTHEDOORS]

Well, I thought Aikman was overrated as well. Lol.

He was also very good. Better than Dak, at this point. But I don’t think Troy was ever an elite QB.

But he also won 3 Super Bowls and won a ton of playoff games. Will Dak? I hope so. But he hasn’t yet. So why should he be paid as so?

Better at what? Clutch in 4th quarters? No. Aikman had Emmitt to lean on. Where was Zeke in our losses last year? Emmitt didn't quit like Zeke did against stacked boxes. Zeke refused as always to use his speed on the outside. He is stubborn and keeps running up the middle. Emmitt was smart to follow his fullback and blockers. And we know playoff success is team success. Dak wasn't the reason for the playoff losses. Coaching, defense were.

 

[gjkoeppen]

Well, I thought Aikman was overrated as well. Lol.

He was also very good. Better than Dak, at this point. But I don’t think Troy was ever an elite QB.

But he also won 3 Super Bowls and won a ton of playoff games. Will Dak? I hope so. But he hasn’t yet. So why should he be paid as so?

There's only been a couple of QB's over the last 20 years that won Super Bowls while playing under their rookie contract so to use that as the measuring stick to not pay Prescott is unrealistic.
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[gjkoeppen]

Better at what? Clutch in 4th quarters? No. Aikman had Emmitt to lean on. Where was Zeke in our losses last year? Emmitt didn't quit like Zeke did against stacked boxes. Zeke refused as always to use his speed on the outside. He is stubborn and keeps running up the middle. Emmitt was smart to follow his fullback and blockers; And we know playoff success is team success. Dak wasn't the reason for the playoff losses. Coaching, defense were.

You're right. The divisional round in 2018 the defense didn't just let the rams 1 running back rush for more than 100 yards, they let TWO running backs rush for over 100 yards. There are some that have and will say that Prescott should have done more to overcome that terrible defense instead of saying that the defense cost the Cowboys that game.
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[TheSkaven]

That’s the thing.

I love Dak as a leader and as a person.

And I think he’s a good QB who can lead a very talented team with good coaching to a Super Bowl.

But he’s not an elite QB so it’s hard to align the contract demands with the actual on field play. He seems like the kind of person who realizes he needs to leave a little on the table to spread the wealth to teammates and to build a contender. Especially given we went 8-8 last year and he’s not a tier 1 QB.

Love Dak. Just don’t love the contract demands.

Finally some sanity!! I hate that this has been framed as pro and anti Dak. We all root for the QB1 under center with a star on his helmet.

If there was no salary cap, I wouldn’t give a rat’s behind how much money he gets. And I like Dak a lot and think he’s a very good quarterback who can win a Super Bowl with the right team around him.

But he’s not a quarterback that can take a team on his back when they lack talent and will them to victory like Rodgers can. And he can’t overcome bad coaching either, as we saw during the collapse last year, like Russel Wilson can.

Anyway great distinction there, you can like and support Dak while hoping that he doesn’t get a $40M per year contract.

Great post OP, this summary was excellent. McCarthy is going to take us to the promised land, I can feel it in my bones.

 

[PAPPYDOG]

It is so old and tiring for people to continue to place ALL the blame for last year's 8-8 record on Prescott. Lets review a couple of things. The Cowboys receiving corp led the league in drops. Elliott had 6 subpar games of 60 yards or less, one he had only 35 yards on 18 carries. The defense was towards the bottom of the league in getting 3 and outs which meant that the Cowboys had long fields to get TD's when they finally got the ball. That same defense ranked 31st in turnovers. The Cowboys had one of the worst special teams in the league often giving the opponents great position to start drives on. There's a lot of blame for that 8-8 record besides Prescott. I'm not saying Prescott didn't have some bad moments, but he's far far from the entire blame for last season's record.
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When an offense is unable to score points that pretty much falls on its leader and QB.

Saints=10 points
Packers=24 points(Garbage time)
Jets=22 (after the 3rd Q)
Vikes=24 (another garbage too little to late deal once again)
Pats= 9 Paints
Bills= 15 Points
Bears=24 (What smells??? Garbage
Eagles= 9 Points(Field goal anyone)

 

[dallasdave]

That’s the thing.

I love Dak as a leader and as a person.

And I think he’s a good QB who can lead a very talented team with good coaching to a Super Bowl.

But he’s not an elite QB so it’s hard to align the contract demands with the actual on field play. He seems like the kind of person who realizes he needs to leave a little on the table to spread the wealth to teammates and to build a contender. Especially given we went 8-8 last year and he’s not a tier 1 QB.

Love Dak. Just don’t love the contract demands.

Well said indeed Sir

 

[dallasdave]

Again, I like Dak. I think he’s about the 9th best QB in the league.

But he has elite weapons, an elite RB, an elite o-Line and whether we like it or not, QBs are judged by wins. And he went 8-8 and missed the playoffs. Had a terrible record and stats against playoff teams and great stats and record against bad teams. He’s 1-2 in the playoffs in 4 years.

QBs make big money cause they’re defined by wins/losses more than any position. And fair or not, that’s the biggest stat to look at when determining their contract.

I think Dak can have a great season with all the players around him and I would say he can be anywhere from the 7th best QB to the 12th best QB.
But with that being said , I think he can with this group of players win the Super Bowl .

 

[dallasdave]

Great to hear JJT thinks Gregory will be back.

We may be fine at DE after all.

DE could be a position of strength.

 

[gjkoeppen]

When an offense is unable to score points that pretty much falls on its leader and QB.

Saints=10 points
Packers=24 points(Garbage time)
Jets=22 (after the 3rd Q)
Vikes=24 (another garbage too little to late deal once again)
Pats= 9 Paints
Bills= 15 Points
Bears=24 (What smells??? Garbage
Eagles= 9 Points(Field goal anyone)

In the packer game how many points did the defense give up - 34. in the jets game how many points did the defense give up - 24, in the vikings game how many points did the defense give up - 28, in the bears game how many points did the defense give up - 31. There's 4 games if the defense played better the Cowboys could have won. The saints game Prescott could have put up more points but on the other hand if the defense made a couple more stops the Cowboys might have won that game too. The eagles game Prescott played with an injured throwing shoulder and with two backup offensive linemen, Gallup had 2 drops, Cobb 1 drop, Cooper 2 drops Elliott had only 47 yards rushing, the defense gave up over 300 yards passing and 118 yards rushing, allowed the eagles to convert on 44% of their 3rd downs and controlled the ball for 36.44 minutes or 13 more minutes than the Cowboys had the ball and special teams allowed a punt return to the Cowboys 39 yard line to start a series of plays. Seems like there's a lot more to blame on that eagles loss than just Prescott. Yes there were games Prescott could have done more and better but guess what, even the Bree's and Rodger's type QB have bad games too. Out of the 8 losses the Cowboys had last season the defense and/or special teams is as much or more to blame for 4 of those losses.
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[Typhus]

if Dak is such a great leader, why did Michael Bennett have to go off in the locker room after being with the team for a such a short time?

Nobody can be an influence or leader to Bennett, he is kind of crazy that way.

 

[Typhus]

Thanks for the help today brother! Good post!

My boss actually called me at 11:00 AM eastern today (we are all still working from home) and I missed the entire live segment. The lady also had some family in town today and we were tied up grilling out and drinking beers.

Glad to know others are genuinely interested in this content.

Your excuse seems valid enough...
Always enjoy and appreciate the content.

 

[DuncanIso]

I think we all knew Dak was a better leader than Romo.

Dak is in the middle of a hold out.

how can you lead when you are not?

 

[stilltheguru]

Paaa leeese, you mean the part of his statement that supports that hate group??? That's causing rioting and looting?

Shut up

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Not sure if @ClappingCarrot is available today and I love these threads so I thought I’d give it a go for y’all who look out for it. Here we go:

1. Dak, in JJT’s opinion, has put out the most powerful statement on the current events. JJT asked around the star to see how they felt about it. They all said “it speaks to Daks ability to be a leader. When he finally had something to say, it was as powerful as anyone else’s.” The power and specificity was highlighted. Regardless of what the public thinks, his teammates ride or die for Prescott because of his leadership. He brings everyone together regardless of cultural differences. JJT goes on to say that even though Dak is not yet a better player than Romo, he’s a much better leader.

In addition to the statement, sources identified Dak’s propensity to deflect praise to others while accepting criticism for himself. Seems like regardless of what you think of him as a player, there’s a unanimous adoration for Prescott in the locker room. JJT pointed at New Orleans and how Brees will have his work cut out for him to secure the locker room; Dak will have no such issues. Not new info for most of us, but some here still have questions for some reason.

well, this clearly debunks, from inside sources no less the craap that the troll leeblair put out a while back....Dak is the clear leader of this team and there hasn't been any denying of that....

2. Mike McCarthy and his return to coaching in the facility. JJT wants to offer a disclaimer, Mike hasn’t lost yet so all the reviews coming from those sources in the building are glowing, but here's why they are impressed. The biggest thing his sources have noticed that they love how McCarthy hasn’t bent at all for the Joneses. He tells them what he wants and they do everything they can to get it for him. He’s brought an authority and clear power structure to the Star. JJT adds (paraphrasing), if you aren’t just happy to have the job and are willing to work and demand standards are met, the Joneses are willing to give you all the support you need to be successful. Sounds like the opposite of Garrett.

An insistence on BPA (Ceedee mentioned here) and Fassel as ST coordinator amongst other hires are specifics JJT mentioned. Sources added that McCarthy doesn’t overthink things and trusts his football people and his knowledge. He takes the time to make sure his players are taken care of and doesn’t like physical practices throughout the year. He prefers keeping guys ready to go for Sundays physically while stressing mental prep during the week. JJT mentioned Garrett’s propensity to pound it with physical practices mid-week and how that might have been detrimental. Source added “he seems committed to a well-balanced plan of getting the work in without killing the players.” Haven’t lost yet so hard to say with finality, but first impression in the building is great so far.

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garrett learned under Johnson, who liked to run physical practices and seemingly he brought the same to his teams, except that back during the Johnson time we were a deep deep deep team with a lot of rotation on game day and next man up, was the next super star, and in today's NFL depth is limited....practices are limited, so adjustment in coaching style are needed

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3. JJT dug some on Amari Cooper and where he lines up during the season. Coop is a beast in the slot (numbers REALLY support this despite his lack of snaps there). Only ran 74 snaps from the slot, one of the lowest for starting WR’s. But only Michael Thomas averaged more yards per route and Coop was top 8 in ‘15 & ‘17 from the slot as well. JJT thinks Coop will have plenty of opportunities to make plays from the slot. His quickness and size give him an advantage in the slot. When JJT asked the source about why Coop didn’t play more in the slot, source replied “We had Randall Cobb so we didn’t really need to shift him inside.” (Talk about predictable lol). Scout also added that won’t be the case this year as Amari’s foot quickness, strength, size, and release ability make him virtually unguardable in there. Outside WR’s are limited by the boundaries and face the best corners, JJT seems to think Coop as the primary slot option is perfect, as the Hopkins mold Ceedee Lamb has the optimal traits for an outside WR. Doesn’t mean he won’t get snaps inside, but keep an eye on Coop as the main recipient on slot opportunities. Our slot WR’s period are “going to eat this year”.

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that's a scary thought for opposing defenses
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4. Randy Gregory update. JJT speculated that the reason his is taking a bit more time is because the league wants to see if a player is in a position to succeed in their after care program before they reinstate. Randy especially has failed many more tests than Aldon did for example. So his look into after care programs is requiring more scrutiny than Aldon’s who has a pretty well-connected network of after care support. Since Randy’s use has been documented as medicinal and he’s never been in trouble with the law, he should be fine.

JJT also adds that some questions popped up a little while ago about Randy’s desire to play ball. After his most recent suspension, JJT hears that his love for the game waned a bit. Though it’s somewhat understandable due to the constant cycle of suspensions he’s been in, people around him wondered if he had that same love for the game. While he’s always been verbal about his desire to play, his actions had to match that. Recently though, he’s been doing what he needs to do to get back in and people around him seem at ease with those concerns. Source feels like he’s doing everything he needs to do physically and mentally to get back in the league, but his delay with the league may have something to do with him taking his foot off the gas for a bit as well as the looks into the after-care program Randy is in.



Enjoy!

 

[stilltheguru]

Dak is in the middle of a hold out.

how can you lead when you are not?

Another one. Shut up

 

[big dog cowboy]

It is so old and tiring for people to continue to place ALL the blame for last year's 8-8 record on Prescott.

Suggesting that Garrett is getting a pass for the 8-8 last year?

That's why he was fired.

5 months later he still takes the blame in here on a daily basis.

 

[StuckMojo]

Better at what? Clutch in 4th quarters? No. Aikman had Emmitt to lean on. Where was Zeke in our losses last year? Emmitt didn't quit like Zeke did against stacked boxes. Zeke refused as always to use his speed on the outside. He is stubborn and keeps running up the middle. Emmitt was smart to follow his fullback and blockers. And we know playoff success is team success. Dak wasn't the reason for the playoff losses. Coaching, defense were.

You are saying Dak is a better QB than Aikman?

 

[Northern_Cowboy]

Aikman also had elite weapons. Why doesn't he get judged for that?

Aikman played in a time when you could still maul receivers, Aikman playing today would have a career completion percentage of 69-70% he was that accurate, anyone with any knowledge of football history should know that, as for Aikman playing with elite weapons, he is judged as playing with those weapons and with those weapons he won 3 SB's!!!!!!. MY god you like to step in it sometimes

 

[Jeffkills]

DE could be a position of strength.

Hell yeah, brother.

Gregory can still fly around the edge - quickest DE we have.