Every single year, in the past decade, there have been large numbers of doubters that have contributed little to objective and reasonable considerations, beyond a strongly stated disgust. Some are already racing to resurrect a negative expression that justifies their own anger and throw out an excuse used for more than the decade old reasons. Thus defining all other views and trumping all reasons not ending in a Lombardi.
Guess what, folks, no Lombardi is suddenly going to appear and justify your path of angst or the unending insults of people trying to be rational and actually, pretty effective in their varied attempts. Straight up, no one saw the end of the world, while supposing to be a Dallas Cowboys fan. Period...
And since one has already posted their current and animated displeasure, or is listening to what is actually presented....those of you remaining, let's go.
There is no game plan in the NFL that can succeed today, if there are not three things present. And if the owner tries to actually protect his players, he won't won't throw all theirs - to the curb and completely change his franchise...players, coaches, and GM - all inclusive.
Sorry, this fan doesn't insult or disrespect Jerry Jones for attempting to do all possible to protect and empower his players.
In the middle of a country wide financial crisis, Jerry Jones put together the finances to start the creation of a World Class facility at which the Dallas Cowboys could conduct their business. Not only was he able to do this in a financial world collapsing for a very long period of time, but the magnitude of accomplishment in that home, is truly a great venue to interact and share the play of our Dallas Cowboys. That deserves recognition and valid prestige as a backdrop...
This intro was provided, to get into the pictures, a concept of respect and Jerry Jones.
Enough of that. Let's talk football now...
Three things are needed for a successful team in today's NFL:
1. A strong and deep roster
2. A Cap Picture that is not overworked or prohibitive in player retention and roster value
3. Dependable evaluations of talent that continues player additions and gives both youth, and a continual group of quality players in numbers to support the demands of a single season.
What does all of that have to do with Jerry and our Cowboys?
This, at the lock-out year, Dallas/Jerry, had to make a decision as to course of travel and how to accomplish that very thing being changed. This the Cowboys did, painful or not, in transition.
Jerry and Stephen Jones, locked upon the concept that the cap had to be cleaned up, and that drafting the team's own talent were their strongest remedy and best course for policy.
Starting this season, the cap picture is both manageable and strong. That allows to pay and keep the preferred talent that is accruing on a yearly basis now.
As to team talent, the Scouting Department was changed and upgraded very significantly. They are very good and are actually listened to in decisions. For the past five seasons, they have provided the roster with strong to very good talent.
Bill Bellichick does his own decisions upon talent, even going to workouts. The Cowboys have a staff that listen to the coaching staff now. The talent levels are becoming very comparable as to what is going onto the turf for games. That is a strong statement, now.
Here, those who can't afford the box tops of cereal, to get a decoder ring...let's just cut to the chase and use the Cliff Notes:
The team's defense has been top 10 for the past two seasons.
When the receivers were not strong enough, the offensive production faltered.
How has that changed...today?
First, let's look at what makes both units function at a top level - their respective lines.
Starting with the offensive line...there is no stronger positional group stronger than what Dallas has, at present.
The first improvement, is the return of C Travis Frederick. Little needs to be said, when a multi-year All Pro returns to a unit. He is joined by perennial All Pro's, LT Tyron Smith, and RG Zach Martin. Let's see any team match up against that group.
But even that is not a complete picture. Additionally, at tackle, the Cowboys have La'el Collins, and swing tackle Cameron Fleming. That is a strong picture with depth...but not nearly a complete one.
The offensive line's interior, has a ton of depth and flex as well.
Joe Looney, Xavier Su's-Filo, and Connor Williams have been joined by newly drafted Connor McGovern.
That is a complete group of 9 offensive linemen on today's roster, and well could be the best and deepest positional group of offensive linemen ever assembled in the NFL.
With the offensive line projected to now be stable, everything else comes into view...
Let's look at the defensive line...
First, there has to be a source for constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The Cowboys now have proven defensive ends, DeMarcus Lawrence and Robert Quinn. They will more frequently be rotated with the likes of Taco Charlton, Tyron Crawford, Dorance Armstrong, Christian Covington, and just drafted Joe Jackson and Jalen Jelks.
I left as a special case - Randy Gregory. He is permanently suspended, and it would probably take a change in direction by the NFL, before he is allowed to return. That is a power extended to the Commissioner and likely to not go to change before a commitment by the Player's Association and giving some power to Roger Goddell.
To say that the defensive end group is solid, might just become an understatement.
Then, at defensive tackle, the group is currently set with:
Maliek Collins, Antuan Woods, Daniel Ross, and newly drafted Tryston Hill. One may also see the use of Crawford and Covington in with the defensive tackles. While there may not be any Pro Bowlers in that group of defensive tackles...one will still be impressed with what they accomplish. They are strong and better than last season, as well.
This group is stronger and now has a make-up of desireable character as well as ingrain hustle and are aggressibve in a Marinelli mold. The Defensive Coordinator now has a roster with valid talent to run his type of defense...and improve upon a top 10 status.
Both the offense and defense, have special skills players that have improved both in skill levels, and in talent/depth.
The wide receiver group is deep and much better. Heck, even this expands what is included now:
Bobby Belt @BobbyBeltTX
So new Cowboys WR Jalen Guyton is the only player in the entire 2019 pre-draft process to run a sub-4.4 40 yard dash and sub-7 3-cone at 200 pounds or more.
That's combine or pro days.
10:29 PM - 27 Apr 2019
I won't make this completely unmanageable, but the secondary, tight ends, running backs, and wide receivers have come a long way since the beginning of just last season.
Does anyone recall a player named Amari Cooper or even Randall Cobb...just CC for short?
Things have changed and do make for a reasonable direction for discussions!!
