Our season probably hinges on these areas

[cowboybish]

I agree with you about somewhat neglecting the upgrade of the offense. At RB, Javonte Williams is a stud. But the depth behind him is a real concern.

I totally agree. Williams is a good back but we need a hammer to compliment him. I don't think Mafuh is the guy and not convinced Blue is good enough.

 

[kskboys]

His combine was a HUGE part of why he was drafted in the 1st round.

Out of ALL the tackles:

Guyton ranked 3rd in the 3 [email protected], 3rd in the vertical leap at 34.5in., 4th. in the 20 yd [email protected],10th in the 10 yd split@ 1.76.
And an 8'11" broad jump and 5.19 sec. 40.
His overall RAS-Relative Athletic Score- is 9.73.
That ranks him 38th out of all the 1,377 offensive tackles tested between 1987 and 2024..
Thats Ever.

Now check Booker.
And get back with me about traits.

No, it wasn't. He was already considered a 1st round talent. It's in print.

 

[75boyz]

No, it wasn't. He was already considered a 1st round talent. It's in print.

I say IF he had the same combine as Booker they wouldn't have taken him in the first. You say otherwise. Agree to disagree. No worries.

My over/under for him losing his job due to poor performance OR injury is at 10 games.
What say you?

 

[JonesBoys]

I believe the Cowboys have upgraded their roster and coaching staff this off-season in several areas. We’ve added much needed talent on defense, and added an innovative young Defensive Coordinator along with some new blood assistants to support him.

On paper this has been a decent off-season, certainly compared to recent years. The key will be translating what’s on paper to the field and the scoreboard.

IMO, the success of the 2026 season will hinge on four player positions along with the ability of our new DC to build a consistent defensive scheme, and our second year HC to build some team chemistry and culture.

THE FOUR POSITIONS

• LEFT TACKLE - arguably the second most important position on offense is LT. And our Cowboys desperately need 2024 first round pick Tyler Guyton to show us a lot more than he has his first two seasons. His physical talent is there but the commitment to being a consistent pro hasn’t. If Guyton can become more consistent, our offense can be special. If he can’t, he’s on bust watch and we have a big hole at LT.
• LINEBACKER - we’ve added some talent but the depth is paper thin. DeMarvion Overshown is a real talent but he hasn’t been healthy long for any season yet. The addition of Dee Winters is an upgrade, but after those two there are a ton of question marks. Third round pick Jaishawn Barham is talented but raw. And they are all in a new scheme. IMO this position needs some veteran presence.
• EDGE RUSHER - we’ve added a good player in Rashon Gary. He’s a good run stopper and an above average pass rusher. We drafted a talented young pass rusher in Malachi Lawrence. And 2nd year rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku emerged late last year. None of these guys are great pass rushers. We have to hope we can get a pass rush by committee.
• CORNER - some of the biggest question marks are at this position. Veteran Deron Bland has been really good at times but has also had two foot surgeries the last two years. We added a FA good corner in Cobie Durant on a 1 yr cheap deal. And 2nd year Shavon Revel must show he can be healthy enough to play well. This position may also need a late addition veteran.

COACHING

• NEW DC CHRIS PARKER - our new DC appears to be just what the Dr ordered. He’s bringing a much better scheme and has a great rapport with the players. But he’s also 34, and has yet to call a play as a DC. He may need some time to grow and learn.
• HC BRIAN SCHOTTENHEIMER- his second year as HC needs to be a breakout. His first year he showed some offensive chops but he was handed a terrible defensive roster and DC. IMO he needs to lay off the cheesy “Bro Language” he throws out and prove he is a cohesive leader of men.

I’m excited to see what this team will be. The 2024 and 2025 seasons gave us a 14-19-1 record with no playoffs. This team’s talent has certainly been upgraded and hope is real. But as the saying goes, “Hope is not a strategy”.

We are just six weeks away from real football and finding out what this team really is. Can’t wait.

I’m certainly more excited going into this season than last.

 

[kskboys]

I say IF he had the same combine as Booker they wouldn't have taken him in the first. You say otherwise. Agree to disagree. No worries.

My over/under for him losing his job due to poor performance OR injury is at 10 games.
What say you?

Booker is an OG. OG's and OT's are worlds apart in combine numbers.

The combine only certified what the scouts already knew, that Guyton has a topnotch skillset to play OLT. Only remains to be seen if he can play.

Man, that's a tough one. I'm actually thinking he will be a viable starter by that time.

 

[Gambit]

And how does Schottenheimer progresses with the offense, and as a HC as well.
Teams have a year of film to dissect now. So can he be innovative and throw in some wrinkles to counter that.

Fair point. I know he's talked about working Pickens in the slot more. Also think they had a vision for Blue that never fully materialed last year. Those 2 alone should help. Id also like to see Flournoy get some reps at slot.

 

[Gambit]

My gut feeling tells me Guyton will get zero Pro Bowl votes but will be acceptable. I’d probably sign for that since the rest is pretty good.

Same here. Im actually more concerned by RT.

But neither of those, as of today are concerns id rate higher than LB. Need some vet experience there badly.

 

[Gambit]

Pass rush is #1 for me.

Could be mediocre or could be bottom five in the league. Eze has to take a huge leap.

In a Fangio system, the design is to get the rush in interior flushing QB into edges.

I know CP will have his own wrinkles. Id also lean heavily on Marcus Dixon coaching. Traditionally his DLs have LB clean giving them more freedom.

EZ moving to outside LB along with a serious Peanutbutter offseason should help him immensely.

 

[DarkVader33]

Jerry won’t let it go.

He thinks he can train up Guyton.

That’s why Tyron tried to help.

Guyton has been training offsite with trainers.

It won’t help.

His PFF ratings stink.

So you haven’t really watched him and just go by the PFF like it’s gospel.

 

[ShortRound]

 

[Pentagruel]

I think it hinges on two things in relation to last year:

One is the offensive line and specifically left tackle as you mentioned. Can the offensive line do a better job of pass protection than last year? If so then I like the chances the offense continues to produce or even improve.

The second is the defensive backfield. Though there have been many complaints about the pass rush and defensive line, I actually think that was not the issue last year. The line produced pressure at the 6th highest rate in the league, only modestly below the league leading Eagles. The pressure led to very little sacks because the secondary was so futilely terrible that there was always somewhere to go with the ball for opposing QB’s. The biggest question for this season is can the secondary dramatically improve via both better coaching and new player personnel? If the answer is yes then I think we could have a very strong season.