While that’s true, it’s also never been as bad as Chicago has it, as Cleveland had it, as Washington was with Snyder. If Dallas was truly inept, they wouldn’t be interesting enough to has these leaguewide debates about.
Interesting? In what way? Concerning football? Or drama disguised as football?
What was the worst Cowboys season in the last 15-20 years with a healthy starting QB? 8-8? That’s the epitome of a 5
You have your perspective. I respect it. Your criteria:
- Healthy starting quarterback
- 15-20 years
- Worst Cowboys season
Here is my perspective as a Cowboys fan (circa 1974) using the above from 2004 (e.g. 20 years) to present:
2007. That season ended with Dallas starting to fall apart in the
first half of the NFC Divisional Round game, with less than a minute left before halftime, letting Eli Manning and the Giants offense drive the field via penalties and stupid mistakes.
For me, that was different from 2014, when Dallas self-destructed in the second half, with Demarco Murray carrying the ball like a loaf of bread through a WIDE OPEN lane that a Mini Cooper could squeeze through, and Dean Blandino delivering the fatal blow.
To me, it was worse than 2016, when a comeback attempt died against the same team, with a healthy veteran quarterback sitting on the bench.
Ditto for 2022, when the highlight of another shortcoming was watching Ezekiel Elliott squat over the ball at center to cap off a toothless offensive effort.
Me? I'm old school. 'Worst seasons' are not automatically judged by wins and losses. I can also see them as prematurely squashed opportunities to advance in the postseason. Squashed flat like a grape under a sledgehammer. Flatten like a 'very good regular season team' never belonged in the postseason in the first place.
I grew up as a fan, when Dallas had winning seasons that ended short of the Super Bowl, but also bowed out with competitive grace. All of the above are examples of seasons that were worst for me using your criteria. Not saying they are
the worst.
I could not care less if anyone disagrees with my assessment. My answer is meant for me and me alone. I am only sharing it with you since you asked.
And again. I disagree with giving a grade of 5. Jerry Jones/post Jimmy Johnson dysfunction does not measure
down to, say, the dysfunction I witnessed in the 1986 through 1988 seasons. Those are Dallas seasons I would label with a dysfunctional grade of 5.
Wait. I forgot your criteria...
Steve Pueller? 14 games? Healthy? meh. Close enough.
Allow me to modify my previous assessment. 1988 would get a dysfunction grade of 5 from me. It is nearly twenty years outside your criteria's range. Sue me.