Let’s be honest: our talent level is bottom 15 in the league

[CowboyRoy]

Depends on how you look at it. you have some good point, but one can look at it the opposite way and say good things as well.
However this team there are more good than bad, but that is where this lame coaching staff comes in play. That difference between a win and a loss is on them, and there have been more losses than wins because of them.

QB-we don't know yet, but more good than bad. The bad being his accuracy, but there were circumstances that attributed to that. Lets see if that improves.
RB-top 3 in the NFL easily
WR- I would not say one of the worst, well without Dez it is a huge drop off. But this is a wait and see, they could be better than many think, but they are not one of the worse.
TE-Witten is not a back up, but he does need less plays, should be cut in half. His plays, not Witten...LOL...
OL- yes, depth is a big problem, but they addressed some of that. The key here is can someone emerge or be drafted to get them back to form. This is where the new OL coach can help. Look at the talent, not injuries, as it is a given for any position that injuries can derail an entire unit. and this is for most teams, not just us.
DL - yes, getting better, and agree , we been missing that 1-tech for years, which shows you how stupid this FO and coaching staff is. Just ignore it, plug a guy in. But they do seem to be better than they have been for a very long time.
LB - yes, yuck, but with a stub LB from the draft and 2 more for depth, they can be decent, depending Smith and his 2nd full year. Wilson is not as bad as many think
CB- a very pleasant surprise, and with Jones now moving to CB, they are pretty well set.
S- yes we need help here, Heath is serviceable as a back up, but not a starter, Frazier was coming around, and Woods showed promise. But still need help.

So maybe our record is middle of the pack, our talent is not. Remember this team still have most of the players that went 13-3 in 2016 with 2 rookies leading the way. Too bad the coaching staff blew it against GB, but GB did defend some of those over used gadget plays very well. Their coaches won that game for them.

many of us know how good Dak is. Being a Romo apologist, thats probably harder for you to see. Dak has NO accuracy problem.

 

[zrinkill]

LB- Yuck. just yuck

Has Sean Lee as an avatar

 

[Stash]

Its a joke to say QB is middle of the road. Dak is young, thats it. And no QB will do will if the receivers suck, the oline cant block, and no run game to protect him. And oh yah the coaching staff stinks too.

The rest I have to agree with.

I don't think it's a "joke."

I think that if you ranked them, Prescott would rank 15th or below based on what he did in 2017.

 

[CowboyRoy]

I think this list is a bit on the pessimistic side, but it's not totally off-base either.

QB - Let's face facts, Dak Prescott stands at a career crossroads. He's not utter trash like some will claim, but he's not a proven franchise quarterback like other want to claim either. He needs to show exactly wjo he isn't in 2018. If he and the passing game don't improve this year, this team isn't going anywhere.

RB - Great talent? Sure. But it would be nice if he's actually available for 16 games, and it would be nice if it doesn't take him the first month of the season to get going.

WR - The group with the most to prove, even before they released their best receiver. Inevitably tied to the performance of the quarterback, this passing game has to be better, no matter how they get there.

TE - Witten needs to have his snap counts reduced significantly. I'm not writing off the whole group because, like all of the other TE's this team has had in the Witten era, nobody else gets a chance to show exactly what they can do. Give some of these guys the opportunity to show what they can and can't do and have an informed decision for the future.

OL - They still have the potential to be the league's best, but it will depend on two things - Smith's health, and finding a good left guard. People want to minimize Cooper's loss so they can feel better, but he helped solidify the line after Leary's departure, and the offense was playing well with him out there, until Smith went down. Hopefully, if called upon, Fleming is a better swing tackle option than Green or Bell were.

DL - A group with depth, but still lacking a true force at nose tackle. The Marinelli philosophy of minimizing that position and role needs to be changed.

LB - I think they need to draft a number of players to restock what is obviously a paper thin (and aging) group. But not in the first round of the draft. Not for a guy who will play 30% of the time I feel he's lucky. But they owe it to the player and the investment to play Jaylon Smith a lot.

CB's look like the strongest position group on the defense right now. The corners look strong and deep.

S - Potential and question marks. While I'm eager to see what Woods and Frazier can do, I'd also like to have other options ifthey can't handle the starting roles.

Dak stands at no crossroads. He is a great young QB that won rookie of the year and was on his way to another record breaking season before the offense fell apart around him.

 

[CowboyRoy]

I don't think it's a "joke."

I think that if you ranked them, Prescott would rank 15th or below based on what he did in 2017.

Dak was on pace for better numbers the in 2017 before the injuries and suspensions. And why would anyone base a ranking on selected data like ONLY 2017? If you read and listen to the experts they back Dak.

 

[Stash]

Dak stands at no crossroads. He is a great young QB that won rookie of the year and was on his way to another record breaking season before the offense fell apart around him.

OK, your judgement is obviously clouded here for some reason.

 

[dragon_mikal]

many of us know how good Dak is. Being a Romo apologist, thats probably harder for you to see. Dak has NO accuracy problem.

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

So, tell us if Wentz has an accuracy problem? Since his accuracy 1st 2 seasons is worse than Daks. 62% his rookie year, 60% last year.

 

[Stash]

Dak was on pace for better numbers the in 2017 before the injuries and suspensions. And why would anyone base a ranking on selected data like ONLY 2017? If you read and listen to the experts they back Dak.

Nobody's forgetting about 2016. But 2017 is his most recent body of work. Half of his career totals to this point. That can't be minimized or disregarded any more than 2016 would be. Two equal halfs ofe the whole of his two year career.

The fact is that the Cowboys offense struggled mightily in 2017, including Dak Prescott. And the team set franchise records for offensive futility with him at quarterback. That can't be disregarded either

Again, it's not about singling out one player or one season, but it's part of a bigger picture, and a picture where nothing is decided yet. It's not decided where Dak is a "bum" like some want to claim, but it's not decided that he's this team's undisputed "franchise quarterback" either.

 

[Captain-Crash]

does Wentz throw hand offs. lmao I don't fell like looking up the distance on his passes but I would think they are further than 7-9 yards.
and I don't know why people are crying about Witten, his routes are at Daks max accuracy range.

 

[CowboyRoy]

OK, your judgement is obviously clouded here for some reason.

Im not clouded in the least buddy. I clearly understand the exact situation and why things went south last year. It was plainly obvious. I also understand the struggles that young QB's go through. I also understand the dynamics of the coaching staff and its shortcomings.

If you think he is at a crossroads then thats up to you. This kid is going to be our QB for a very long time. If you listen to the FO they know it also. Dak is just beginning to make his mark in this league.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Fire Garrett!! Love that. How did you get that under your name?

 

[CowboyRoy]

Nobody's forgetting about 2016. But 2017 is his most recent body of work. Half of his career totals to this point. That can't be minimized or disregarded any more than 2016 would be. Two equal halfs ofe the whole of his two year career.

The fact is that the Cowboys offense struggled mightily in 2017, including Dak Prescott. And the team set franchise records for offensive futility with him at quarterback. That can't be disregarded either

Again, it's not about singling out one player or one season, but it's part of a bigger picture, and a picture where nothing is decided yet. It's not decided where Dak is a "bum" like some want to claim, but it's not decided that he's this team's undisputed "franchise quarterback" either.

See, this is where your theory losses luster. The offense was fine the first 8 games. It didnt struggle "mightily" at all. Now you want to talk about the last 8 games, no problem. But there direct and obvious reasons why that all happened. Plain as day.

Now if we are going into the season with Chaz Green replacing Smith and scrub RB's then I would certainly be more concerned.

 

[CowboyRoy]

So, tell us if Wentz has an accuracy problem? Since his accuracy 1st 2 seasons is worse than Daks. 62% his rookie year, 60% last year.

He is probably still pouting over Romo quitting and Dez getting cut.

 

[Cowboy4ever]

many of us know how good Dak is. Being a Romo apologist, thats probably harder for you to see. Dak has NO accuracy problem.

That's laughable. Dak is a bum. He is a mental midget. But he is what he is and we have him so I root for him every Sunday but It is painfully obvious that he is a game manager, not a game changer. He proved last year that when you need him to rise up and be the "man" he curls up in a fetal position and crys like a little school girl. If Dak is going to be the Franchise QB, then they better spend every last draft pick and cap resource on the D. The only way a team can win it all with a QB like Dak is to have a dominant D, like the Ravens did with their D or Denver did with their D a few years ago.

 

[Sandyf]

Qb- middle of the road
RB- great
WR- One of the worst units in the league
TE- Witten is a backup at this point and there’s no other starting caliber TE on the roster
OL- IF Tyron is healthy it’s still a very good unit. Big if and there is still 1 starter missing
DL- Getting better, but still middle of the road. 1 tech is still (perpetually) missing. Depth is also an issue behind the injury prone Lawrence.
LB- Yuck. just yuck
DB- Young CB’s are a breath of fresh air, but is there a #1 guy amongst the group? Very debatable
S- Little to no talent here. Minimum 1 starter still needed. Heath is just barely passable enough but should also be replaced if possible.

Discuss

I guess we all have varying opinions and that is good. You know glass half empty or glass half full type of thing for each fan and how they view it. For what it is worth, here's mine.

QB- One guy who has had best two starting years of almost any QB in NFL history yet the book is still out on him just as it was at Mississippi St and feel he will again prove himself. Number two guy was good enough to warrant team not picking up a has been vet and just may have something worth while in trade value in a couple of years.

RB- Yep, great as long as he can keep out of trouble (i.e. grow up), still need a change of pace type guy of smaller statue to me, 2nd guy is a beast with limited snaps

WR- Probably the most debatable of all groups but better teams have made do with far less and the draft is upon us so maybe we draft one guy there. If three receivers reach 800 yards each with 6 to 9 touchdowns each then no one will care who is called the #1 guy. Believe Noah Brown may show people he is much better than anticipated especially for such a late round pick.

TE- The key to this group is going to hinge on what Gathers brings to the table. It appears coaching staff feels it will be quite a bit based on only interest in one TE in the draft and he looks like a UDFA type. Also there is a reason they brought Jarwin up late and didn't want a team (i.e. Philly) to poach him.

OL- Smith appears to be healthier than the last 3 years, Martin should sign long term before the season starts, Frederick is one of the best OC in the league, Collins improved as the season wore on at RT and Fleming was a key signing. Regardless of what the draft brings we have a better swing tackle and a young guy in Marcus Martin that could surprise at LG. My bet is Dallas draft an OT and either an OT or OG to fill the LG spot. They brought Connor Williams OT Texas who projects best to OG. How many teams have four really good starters like the Boys and with the right pick, 5 great starters. (From a fan favorite issue would love Dallas to get Larry Allen OG Harvard and find out he is as good as his Dad)

DL- Really liking the DE now with the additions and who has any clue if Gregory will ever be anything but hope spring eternal and if he comes back and plays like he did in college then the DE spot will be one of the best in the league. Now the DT spot has questions. Collins is a good 3 tech, Irving can be great at the 3 tech, Price until his injury looked pretty good at stopping the run but a true 1 tech and a 3 tech should be priorities in the draft. Guess we will see how that plays out.

LB- Guess I have more faith that Lee and Smith are going to be just fine and Lee is still one of the best LB in the league (when healthy). Still would like to see a MIKE guy early in the draft that would move Smith to the SAM. Two good LB would be great but we need one for sure.

CB- Best overall group of CBs we have had in a long time. Awuzie is going to be great and possibly Lewis also. Brown is a good slot corner and it will be interesting to see in camp how Coach Richard handles Jones who could very well really surprise.

S- Believe we got a sleeper pick in Woods who I expect to start. Frazier is a good backup and spot starter. For all the Heath haters, he still has been the most consistent S we have had. Could be trade for Earl Thomas, seems likely, could we move up for James, probably if he falls in the 13 to 15 range, or could Tarvarius Moore be the sleeper pick that turns out to Kam Chancellor who was drafted in the 5th round when he came out. Any of the three would be good. Strange but seems James projects more of a SS than FS but that would be okay also.

Different take and reason why I see it as better. Most of the media folk have us again at 9-7 which is fine in what they think, just see us as much better with Zeke all year, a healthier OL, probably much more RPO options in the offense, Irving for a full year and the secondary with a year under their belt. Heck as a fan I want 16-0 but reality says most likely not but easily could see us at 11-5 and hopefully better.

Yep, more of a glass half full guy.

 

[CowboyRoy]

That's laughable. Dak is a bum. He is a mental midget. But he is what he is and we have him so I root for him every Sunday but It is painfully obvious that he is a game manager, not a game changer. He proved last year that when you need him to rise up and be the "man" he curls up in a fetal position and crys like a little school girl. If Dak is going to be the Franchise QB, then they better spend every last draft pick and cap resource on the D. The only way a team can win it all with a QB like Dak is to have a dominant D, like the Ravens did with their D or Denver did with their D a few years ago.

Like I said in my other thread I started. I really look forward to watching Dak chase you haters back under a rock this year.

And as far as a great D he is no different than Romo in that regard. With this coaching staff we need a team that is markedly better than anyone else. You arent stopping the Bradys and Rogers of the world with the D we have been trotting out there the last 10 years. Nothing to do with Dak.

Now if you want to talk about Dak, then yah, the younger he is, the more he needs better pieces around him to be successful. I would expect that to not be the case as he gets older.

But unless something changes in Dallas he will fail just like Romo. NOt with these clowns running things.

 

[CowboyRoy]

That's laughable. Dak is a bum. He is a mental midget. But he is what he is and we have him so I root for him every Sunday but It is painfully obvious that he is a game manager, not a game changer. He proved last year that when you need him to rise up and be the "man" he curls up in a fetal position and crys like a little school girl. If Dak is going to be the Franchise QB, then they better spend every last draft pick and cap resource on the D. The only way a team can win it all with a QB like Dak is to have a dominant D, like the Ravens did with their D or Denver did with their D a few years ago.

And I couldnt agree more on defense. I like a top D and a strong run game. Nothing to do with the QB. Wanted that with Romo as well. But we all know they are going to do something stupid and take a WR with the first pick.

 

[Stash]

Im not clouded in the least buddy. I clearly understand the exact situation and why things went south last year. It was plainly obvious. I also understand the struggles that young QB's go through. I also understand the dynamics of the coaching staff and its shortcomings.

I hope you also understand that some of the struggles were Dak's fault as well.

If you think he is at a crossroads then thats up to you.

He's got questions to answer coming off of his 2017 season, that's not debatable.

This kid is going to be our QB for a very long time.

I sincerely hope you're right, but because he's proven it and not because someone continues to hope for it.

If you listen to the FO they know it also. Dak is just beginning to make his mark in this league.

What would you expect the front office to say? We're looking for a quarterback?

 

[Stash]

See, this is where your theory losses luster. The offense was fine the first 8 games. It didnt struggle "mightily" at all. Now you want to talk about the last 8 games, no problem. But there direct and obvious reasons why that all happened. Plain as day.

Tell me more about week 2...

Now if we are going into the season with Chaz Green replacing Smith and scrub RB's then I would certainly be more concerned.

As I said there were numerous factors, not just one. But Dak himself is included among those factors, he doesn't get a free pass.