Ok Positive/Logical Guys, What do you do?

[boss man]

Okay, let's be realistic and logical.

This disturbing trend of playing poorly in December has been going on for a while now. The Eagles simply made it very public this time by TOTALLY dominating 44-6.

This was a collection of athletes that counted 13 Pro Bowlers among it. It had the best record in 2007 and added a few FA's this season designed to get to the Super Bowl.

So what happened?

1) First of all please note I used the term "collection of athletes" and not the term TEAM. Dallas is NOT a team in the true sense of the word. It is a hodgepodge of skilled athletes and some journeymen to put 11 men on the field on any given play.

This is because of Jerry Jones bewildering habit of adding poisonous team destroying players to the club and extending contracts out of sheer loyalty. TO reverted to form this year by leading the WR revolt after the Steeler loss. Garrett and Wade showed EXTREMELY POOR JUDGEMENT by giving tacit approval in allowing him, Williams, and Crayton a private venue to rant about their QB. Adam Jones has been a circus sideshow during his entire duration on the club. WR Williams was made the 2nd highest paid WR in the game by mensa candidate Jones and he brought his Detroit losing demeanor and lack of effort. OT Adams and SS Williams should be cut due to lack of productivity.

So, the first order of business is to weed out the vets who no longer pull their weight, low character losers and players who care only about their quoto or share of the glory.

2) Phillips must go. This team does not need a grandfather type to coddle them anymore. That just doesn't cut it in Dallas. These players must be driven to perform up to their capabilities. The HC does not need to be loved but he will be respected. He also MUST be a leader. Phillips is NOT the HC for this franchise.

Pay Cowher or someone with instant autority what it takes to crack the whip down in Dallas. Otherwise all is lost. If the new coach wants to keep Garrett - fine. If not, cut the losses and let him go too.

3) Jones needs to look in the mirror and determine if he should hire a GM and then get out of his way.

Remember he now gets to sell those high priced PSL's at Cowboy Park with a team prone to late season implosions and collapses. His dream of selling seats for a Super Bowl participant in his new playpen is now destroyed.

Money talks and BS walks. This might push him to make the decision to go for an established GM.

4) Romo might be beyond salvaging. The past three years have taken a toll on him, with each one getting worse:
- road playoff loss at Seattle where he butterfingers the game winning FG try.
- home playoff loss as # 1 seed after he spent time in Mexico with girlfriend during off week.
- today's humiliating 44-6 meltdown where he contributed a pick and three fumbles.

Let's not forget he has also had to keep his lips sealed about any reaction to the weekly TO prima donna show. He has had to endure the abuse of losses even though injuries took away key players.

He has to go into another long off season with that stigma of CHOKING in the crunch time; still a playoff win virgin while rookie QBs in Atlanta and grizzled vets in Arizona move on into January.

There is serious money invested in # 9. He has been taking some serious abuse and his emotional rehab will be tough. Romo has to be fully aware of his poor December and January statistics and record. It will be hard to come back again.

5) All championship teams are tough in the middle and in both lines. Dallas needs to get some young and mean OL and DL, another killer inside LB to go with James, and a headhunting safety. RB Barber needs to get healthy and commit to 2009.

Dallas needs to also seek to re-establish the running game. The division is physical and the running game must be in place to win it.

 

[silver]

we need all the injured players back for starters. we ended up playing trey battle at ss for crissakes. he's smaller than pacman and ends up playing a lot of ss in what amounts to be a playoff game. we need all those guys back: kosier, roy, felix, mcbriar etc.

we need to move henry to fs permanently. that would allow scandrick to start with newman and we would field our best players.

i woud get rid of pacman instantly. he adds very little and subtracts a whole lot. dump him already. we were 5-2 without him and 4-5 with him.

i would bring a vet qb to back up romo, somebody like derek andersen would be nice. and i would draft another qb high. preferably in the second round to groom for the future.

 

[Doomsday]

We need to get more athletic at LB and we need to do whatever it takes to fix the online. As much as we missed Kosier Flozell has also been a big liability.

Henry needs to go, I am excited to see how Jenkins and Scandrick progress.

Id like to see them pass on Pacman, but dont think that is going to happen.

Garrett needs help he is still too green and inexperienced, hopefully he will continue to mature as a play caller.

 

[CalCBFan]

Here's my take:

1. Go back to TC at Wichita Falls and find the players and coaches that can be tough and finish.

2. Find a coach that can bench players when they are not doing well. McNabb has played lights out since his benching. The 49ers have won 4 out of 5 since Singletary sent Hill and Davis to the showers in the middle of the game. This is the kind of action that Jimmy would have taken.

3. Practice in pads and helmets. That way the team gets the idea they are gonig to a game not another practice.

I doubt any personnel can be changed because these losers are signed until 2011-13 and I don't know what can be done to make them play.

We are going to be the laughing-stock of the NFL for years to come. Get used to it.

 

[sacase]

Here are my thoughts.

QB - We need a real vet backup who has a strong are and who can make plays. As much as TO will hate it, a Jeff Garcia type could get us through a few games, but I would refer someone a bit younger.

RB - I think we are set

TE - We are set

OL - We need some backups, OG we an anomoly how often do you have two guys in the same position go down. Kozier or Holland would have kept the Oline functioning.

WR - We are set. Romo get protection then he can get the ball to people.

Defense

NT - I wouldn't mind a plug up the middle guy here, even though Rat has excelled.

DE - Not to bad here, no real complaints

OLB - I think we need to get a pass rush specilist since Ellis is probably gone

MLB - We need someone here as well as a backup. Carpenter should not be on this team anymore along with Zack.

CB - Has the potential to be a great group. Pac, Newman, Scandrick and Jenkins can handle it

S - We got hit hard, I think we draft RW38 replacement although I do not think he is gone just yet, I think he has one more year left in Dallas. A True FS would really help. Watkins hasn't shown a whole lot. We keep trying to make SS's into FS's.

Coaches - Steuart -Gone, Ried - Gone, Houch - Gone. Garrett - gets some help. Wilson - Gone.

 

[goshan]

Here are my thoughts.

QB - We need a real vet backup who has a strong are and who can make plays. As much as TO will hate it, a Jeff Garcia type could get us through a few games, but I would refer someone a bit younger.

RB - I think we are set

TE - We are set

OL - We need some backups, OG we an anomoly how often do you have two guys in the same position go down. Kozier or Holland would have kept the Oline functioning.

WR - We are set. Romo get protection then he can get the ball to people.

Defense

NT - I wouldn't mind a plug up the middle guy here, even though Rat has excelled.

DE - Not to bad here, no real complaints

OLB - I think we need to get a pass rush specilist since Ellis is probably gone

MLB - We need someone here as well as a backup. Carpenter should not be on this team anymore along with Zack.

CB - Has the potential to be a great group. Pac, Newman, Scandrick and Jenkins can handle it

S - We got hit hard, I think we draft RW38 replacement although I do not think he is gone just yet, I think he has one more year left in Dallas. A True FS would really help. Watkins hasn't shown a whole lot. We keep trying to make SS's into FS's.

Coaches - Steuart -Gone, Ried - Gone, Houch - Gone. Garrett - gets some help. Wilson - Gone.

I just don't see how we can go into next season with the exact same Offensive starters. We are missing something in the passing game. I guess we could hope it is all scheme and coaching, but I think we need to mix up the WR group.

 

[Scranton Tiger]

I will be very happy with starting out healthy again. Not an excuse, this team still should have made the playoffs. Can't help but wonder though "what might have been" had we stayed as relatively healthy in 08 as we did in 07.

 

[sacase]

I just don't see how we can go into next season with the exact same Offensive starters. We are missing something in the passing game. I guess we could hope it is all scheme and coaching, but I think we need to mix up the WR group.

Personally I think that Kozier and holland going down really hurt us. When Kozier was in our offense picked up. Then when Holland came it, it picked up again until he went down.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Adam, Hostile...the intelligent, positive guys.
And all you other logical guys, what specifically do you do in the offseason knowing salary caps, percentages, Jerry, etc.?

Here are my predictions right now:

OFFENSE
---
RB - all set. Choice/Barber share position. Felix - kick returner and 10-12 snaps as RB and wildcat.
Oline - My prediction is we will do nothing but sign a couple of backups.
QB - sign a strong backup. You can't give up on Romo. Have to hope he learns and comes back strong next year.
TE - nothing. All set.
WR - Have to sign a really quick #2 WR who can get quick separation in intermediate routes. TO and Williams are long striders and can't get open on quick routes. We need a Terry Glenn type receiver. I don't have a prediction on TO--although I wouldn't be surprised if he is gone.


DEFENSE
---
Seconday-Get another starting safety
LB-Get a starting Inside LB
CB-Nothing
DL-Nothing substantial, Canty will be resigned. Tank not signed. Couple of backups brought in.


COACHING
---
Stewart and Reede fired
A New QB coach/offensive assistant brought in to help Garrett. Someone creative who can also work more with Romo.
I think that is all that happens

1. If we are talking purely logical... then the right HC could right this ship.
2. I disagree on Roy and TO. That combination CAN work. Other teams have lesser combinations working for them
3. TO isnt going anywhere.
4. Reed and Stewart can go.
5. Wade as DC would be ideal but it aint happening.

 

[kai cyr]

The problem right now is that we have to identify that the problems are. And I'm not sure how, with the inconsistent body of work that was this season, you do that.

On paper the defense is solid, and we've got about 5 out of 16 games suggesting that it is an amazing unit-what what of those other games? We know Demarcus Ware is a stud, we know that Bradie James is a good player, and we've seen flashes from Orlando Scandrick-but what about the other eight starters? What about their backups? There's obviously a problem with this defense, but what is it? It can't just be coaching, because it was the same coaching that gave us those stout defensive performances. Inconsistency makes it near impossible to peg what the problem is, or how to fix it-and it leaves you making decisions based on suppositions that could easily be incorrect.

Likewise the offense should be unstoppable, again on paper. You've got one of the best OL's in the NFL, you've got the triple-threat of Owens, Roy Williams, and Witten paired with a ferocious back in Barber and contributing backups in Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Or do you have an underperforming OL, a "star" quarterback that is mistake prone and has been figured out by NFL defenses (duck and roll right under pressure anyone?), a prima-donna WR, and injuries waiting to happen at RB? Well, which is it-what do you have? Because if you're convinced you know, you're probably delusional. The body of work that has been the 2008 Dallas Cowboys season gives you ample evidence for both arguments, and again, that's the problem. What do you change?

Based on the staggering inconsistency this season, how can you logically figure out what the strengths and the weakness of this team actually are?
And if you can't figure out the problem, how can you figure out a cure?

What he said.

 

[Frosty]

I'm really not sure what you expect from the DL in a 3-4 scheme. That Ratliff had 7.5 sacks as the NT in a 3-4 defense is an oddity, and a testament to the player he is.

Generally speaking your OLBs are your pass rushers with your DL playing primarily run coverage in a 3-4, how much pressure do you expect from the DL?

Tonight the pressure was poor, but on the season the pressure was pretty damn good.

YES a big ugly, mean NT would be nice, You have to stop the run, the Cowboys have been embarr***** by the RUN, IE Baltimore

 

[SuspectCorner]

1. If we are talking purely logical... then the right HC could right this ship.
2. I disagree on Roy and TO. That combination CAN work. Other teams have lesser combinations working for them
3. TO isnt going anywhere.
4. Reed and Stewart can go.
5. Wade as DC would be ideal but it aint happening.

Oprah shows her appreciation for ole SuspectCorner.

 

[EPL0c0]

Adam, Hostile...the intelligent, positive guys.
And all you other logical guys, what specifically do you do in the offseason knowing salary caps, percentages, Jerry, etc.?

Here are my predictions right now:

OFFENSE
---
RB - all set. Choice/Barber share position. Felix - kick returner and 10-12 snaps as RB and wildcat.
Oline - My prediction is we will do nothing but sign a couple of backups.
QB - sign a strong backup. You can't give up on Romo. Have to hope he learns and comes back strong next year.
TE - nothing. All set.
WR - Have to sign a really quick #2 WR who can get quick separation in intermediate routes. TO and Williams are long striders and can't get open on quick routes. We need a Terry Glenn type receiver. I don't have a prediction on TO--although I wouldn't be surprised if he is gone.


DEFENSE
---
Seconday-Get another starting safety
LB-Get a starting Inside LB
CB-Nothing
DL-Nothing substantial, Canty will be resigned. Tank not signed. Couple of backups brought in.


COACHING
---
Stewart and Reede fired
A New QB coach/offensive assistant brought in to help Garrett. Someone creative who can also work more with Romo.
I think that is all that happens

@QB, I'm w/ you, we need a strong backup, though I'm not sure who.

@TE, I'd trade Jason Witten. Yes, I'm being logical and putting team first.
Trading Witten can snag enough draft picks to offset the RoyE trade. I have faith that Bennett can do what Witten does (plus it makes no sense to have two highly paid TEs if the 2nd is rarely used).

@WR, I think Johnnie Lee Higgins is a legit option. He easily replaces Stanback/Hurd and challenges for a #3 spot (possibly #2) plus gives Dallas a solid kick/punt returner that doesn't put a starter (Felix/Adam Jones) at risk for injury.

@LB, Channing Crowder (miami) coming off an injury or Howard THomas (Oak) not a FA, and an OLB right now but 6'3 240lbs, fast and active. I think he matches up wwell with Bradie James.

@Saftey, Dewan Landry (Baltimore) will be a FA, Jermaine Phillips (TB), but both are coming off injuries I believe. I hate to say it, but we may need to keep Roy around (for depth).

@DL, a legit NT, keep Tank for depth, slide Ratliff to DE. Only guy I can think of is Haynesworth but he'll be too pricey. I think Dallas can sign a guy like Bert Berry (who we should have signed in '04) then maybe Ratliff stays at NT but has solid help from his DE's.

Coaching, agreed about Stewart/Read. I'm not sure about Garrett. Next year we know we have THREE solid Rbs (all potential starters) so we need a run-first mentality. It takes pressure off of Romo; Garrett's biggest flaw may be being an ex-QB and maybe still having a Qb's pass-first mentality.

 

[Clove]

It's hard for me to start the process if we're keeping Wade on, because no matter what you do, if you don't force players to do what you say, they can go in any direction.

So ask me after Jerry has had a few beers, and his son gets in his ear and talks some sense in him.

Off the top of my head:
1.Romo needs true competition, may the best man win.
2.SPEED THREAT DOWN the field, obviously eitheir Austin can't do it, or the coaching staff forgot about him.
3.Start drafting tackles. BIG NOSE TACKLE AND 2 OFFENSIVE TACKLES.
4.Free Agent SS, and a MONSTER ILB next to James.
5.Move a huge NT in, moving Rat and Spears to the end position.
6.Ellis sits or is released, Spencer is the future, but bring in competition for Spencer also.
7.Better team scouting department. Seems like we are confused to what teams are doing every week.
8.I'm not a Garrett fan these days, we may need a new philosophy, someone with true experience.

 

[mmohican29]

1st: Wade stays: D showed improvement late. Continuity is important.

Offense: Garrett fired. If he'd be interested, Brian Billick would be a good fit.

QB- Romo, select by 4th round a talent that can push Tony. Bring back Bartel as temp # 2. Tony must find himself accountable for his play.

RB- We're good here. We just need to stay healthy. I would not be opposed to demoting Barber to a backup behind Jones or Choice.

OL- Need a Guard. Mid level free agent should do. Develop talent already on roster. Flozell needs pushing at tackle.

TE- We're fine here. Bennett must maintain intensity for 16 games, if he does this is one of the best tandems in the NFL.

WR- Sigh.... TO stays- quiet convo with him to get his mind right should be had though. Open up competition for the Number 2 spot. Austin/Williams should share time at the 2. If Williams is the player he thinks he is he will win the competition. Something tells me Austin is the WR that the team has forgotten that can be an impact guy. Crayton is the 3. No excuses for RoyE next year. Williams performs or else. Draft a JLH,DSJ type burner for depth and speed. Maybe a gem will fall to us in the draft.


Defense: can we lose Brian Stewart somehow? Ok he stays. Just cuz he's Wade's guy.

DL: One of the following we can no longer afford. Spears and/or Canty. I say let Spears go, but either one is fine really, coin flip. Spears is a touch more versatile, but not as consistent. Ratliff takes the other End. Tank and his arsenal can go play in KC or wherever will take the bum. Sign a space eating, quality 3-4 NT. Draft his backup late. Keep Bowen for depth or search waiver wire for similar type player.


LB: Barney Rubble is gone... too slow, bad fit, concussed whatever I don't care he's not right Carpenter should be cut today, should have been cut out of TC THIS season. James is solid... I still question his "leadership" and heart. Burnett can go really but if we can keep him do so. Ellis is gone and Amen to that. Spencer and Ware start Outside. Burnett,James inside for starters... look to upgrade the ILB with a more stout athlete than Burnett for 1st and 2nd downs. Lots of good LB's go to free agency. Possibly Draft.

DB's- Pac can go, Jenkins and Newman are starters. Henry can go. KD is depth only. Hamlin remains a starter but he's on his last chance too. Draft best Free Safety prospect available with top pick. Scandrick is a stud, remains the nickel starter. Watkins is depth only and possible cut material. I liked what I saw from that Battle kid actually- he looks like a fighter at minimum.

ST- Read should be packing right now. NO chance to return. None. Possibly the worst ST's the Cowboys have ever fielded.

P-McBriar returns (Amen btw)
K- Folk is a stud still
KR- Felix returns
PR- Rookie or Jenks

Whatchas think?

 

[silver]

It's hard for me to start the process if we're keeping Wade on, because no matter what you do, if you don't force players to do what you say, they can go in any direction.

So ask me after Jerry has had a few beers, and his son gets in his ear and talks some sense in him.

we can only ray:

nah, continuity son, that's the ticket

 

[Oh_Canada]

If I were Jerry:

Small or Little Changes:

RB--Great depth here...but don't hand starting job to anyone until AFTER TC
QB-We all want to lynch Romo, but reality is he isn't that bad. Find a backup, Kyle Boller sounds good to me. Draft another in fourth or fifth rd.
TE-I like the group they have.

Moderate changes

WR-Find a speed reciever PLEASE. A Eddie Royal type will do. Good route runner who Romo can trust will be in the spot they are supposed to be.
LB-An 'inside backer is crucial and a young one in the draft would be nice. I also wold like to see depth at the OLB position.
DL-I personally would like to see Ratliff moved to DE and a monster in the middle instead. He seemed to wear down late in the season. Buh bye Tank and possibly Spears.
ST-Bring in someone to challenge McBriar in case his injury lingers. They also need someone to kickoff straight and deep.
CB-Nothing much here but probably cut Pac unless they rid themselves of Marshmellow HC and find a disciplinarian. If Pac stays move Henry to FS or just cut him.

Significant Changes

OL-Find a replacement for Flozell, I knew we would rue the day we re-signed him. The guy is not getting younger and is simply too undisciplined. Colombo is not much better, but one hole at a time....maybe Free or McQ can challenge him.

Safety-What a mess. They need a ball hawking FS in the worst way and no retreads please. Cut Roy Williams.

Coaching Staff

Please fire Wade Phillips and most of staff, but if possible retain Todd Gratham and Dave Campo (he did do a pretty good job with the young ones). Hire Mike Holmgren, Bill Musgrave (OC), and Dom Capers.

 

[fanfromvirginia]

YES a big ugly, mean NT would be nice, You have to stop the run, the Cowboys have been embarr***** by the RUN, IE Baltimore

I've been saying this for a couple years now. Ratliff is great but he'd be just as effective at end and as a backup NT.

 

[Grevus]

call scott pioli (rumor is he is available) tonight and make him GM.
then let him do the hiring and firing.

WP and JG definitely need to go.
Romo will be fine but needs a coach that will not accept mediocrity and the "aw shucks" attitude.

I like it!

 

[fanfromvirginia]

I've been saying this for a couple years now. Ratliff is great but he'd be just as effective at end and as a backup NT.

Here's what we're going to get:

Read and Stewart gone, a moderate churning of player personnel, and maybe a new OC. We could also wind up with a few other new position coaches here and there.

Because our draft picks have been picked through, we might see Jerry be pretty active in free agency again. I'd expect us to wind up with a decent backup QB, one of these fat-*** run-stuffing NTs on their last legs and an OL or two.