plasticman
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 13,401
- Reaction score
- 21,458
We've seen it before.
On paper, a team looks as though they are practically unbeatable before a "series of unfortunate events" sends them reeling in the opposite direction.
The Cowboys have multiple examples of this phenomenon. The most recent examples are 2010 and 2015, both coming off successful years that indicated a bright future.
However, the best example in Cowboys history was the 1986 season.
The offseason that year was filled with excitement for Cowboys fans. A miracle had occurred. The new league, the United States Football League (USFL) had folded. The Cowboys, in their typical foresight, had drafted a generational RB they knew had signed a contract to play in this new league. They drafted Hershel Walker in the 5th round of the 1985.
The Cowboys still had Tony Dorsett, although past his prime. He was still dangerous as both a runner and receiver. Walker's presence would allow them to use Dorsett more judiciously, making him more effective and reducing his workload.
In addition, the Cowboys had just drafted a dynamic WR in the 1st round of the 1986 draft. Mike Sherrard was a speedster from UCLA where he became their leading receiver in history. His mother was an Olympic gold medalist in track.
The Cowboys started strong before experiencing devastating injuries and macabre events.
Herschel was everything a Cowboys fan would have dreamed for. After 8 games, the Cowboys stood 6-2 and was ranked 2nd in both offense and defense.
After that, everything that could go wrong went wrong. They lost their veteran starting quarterback, Danny White for the rest of the season and the new starter was former 5th round pick Steve Pelluar. He threw 7 TDs to 18 INTs
There were close losses in which the Cowboys had a commanding lead in yards and 1st downs but made terrible mistakes and beat themselves.
There was the "Pozderac" game in which a series of big plays were sent back due to penalties created mostly by that one O-lineman.
The Cowboys lost 7 of their last 8 games, four of them by four points or less.
My point is, what looks good on paper doesn't always play out on the field. Stuff happens.
Believe it or not, stuff even happens to other teams besides the Cowboys. There are injuries, bad bounces, and terrible mistakes that cost games.
There is no guarantee that the Packers 1st round picks are going to be in the bottom 25%, none at all!
Some of you are in favor of the Cowboys using one of those picks for help now. How would you feel if the Cowboys traded for an above-average starter with a Packers 1st round pick and Green Bay ended up 4-13 with the 4th pick in the draft?
Operation PackersCrash begins tomorrow. Their first opponent is the dangerous Lions. Their next game will be the Washington Commanders.
Just as it was in 1986 regarding Herschel Walker, even the addition of a generational player is no sure bet.
An 0-2 start for the Packers would certainly change perceptions regarding the Parsons trade, don't you agree?
On paper, a team looks as though they are practically unbeatable before a "series of unfortunate events" sends them reeling in the opposite direction.
The Cowboys have multiple examples of this phenomenon. The most recent examples are 2010 and 2015, both coming off successful years that indicated a bright future.
However, the best example in Cowboys history was the 1986 season.
The offseason that year was filled with excitement for Cowboys fans. A miracle had occurred. The new league, the United States Football League (USFL) had folded. The Cowboys, in their typical foresight, had drafted a generational RB they knew had signed a contract to play in this new league. They drafted Hershel Walker in the 5th round of the 1985.
The Cowboys still had Tony Dorsett, although past his prime. He was still dangerous as both a runner and receiver. Walker's presence would allow them to use Dorsett more judiciously, making him more effective and reducing his workload.
In addition, the Cowboys had just drafted a dynamic WR in the 1st round of the 1986 draft. Mike Sherrard was a speedster from UCLA where he became their leading receiver in history. His mother was an Olympic gold medalist in track.
The Cowboys started strong before experiencing devastating injuries and macabre events.
Herschel was everything a Cowboys fan would have dreamed for. After 8 games, the Cowboys stood 6-2 and was ranked 2nd in both offense and defense.
After that, everything that could go wrong went wrong. They lost their veteran starting quarterback, Danny White for the rest of the season and the new starter was former 5th round pick Steve Pelluar. He threw 7 TDs to 18 INTs
There were close losses in which the Cowboys had a commanding lead in yards and 1st downs but made terrible mistakes and beat themselves.
There was the "Pozderac" game in which a series of big plays were sent back due to penalties created mostly by that one O-lineman.
The Cowboys lost 7 of their last 8 games, four of them by four points or less.
My point is, what looks good on paper doesn't always play out on the field. Stuff happens.
Believe it or not, stuff even happens to other teams besides the Cowboys. There are injuries, bad bounces, and terrible mistakes that cost games.
There is no guarantee that the Packers 1st round picks are going to be in the bottom 25%, none at all!
Some of you are in favor of the Cowboys using one of those picks for help now. How would you feel if the Cowboys traded for an above-average starter with a Packers 1st round pick and Green Bay ended up 4-13 with the 4th pick in the draft?
Operation PackersCrash begins tomorrow. Their first opponent is the dangerous Lions. Their next game will be the Washington Commanders.
Just as it was in 1986 regarding Herschel Walker, even the addition of a generational player is no sure bet.
An 0-2 start for the Packers would certainly change perceptions regarding the Parsons trade, don't you agree?
