Playmakers needed

[Bobhaze]

As the bummer known as the 2017 season unfolded, one thing became abundantly clear: This team is sorely lacking in “playmakers” on both sides of the ball, and it must be addressed this offseason if we are going to step back into contention for playoff glory.

Here’s a decent working definition for an NFL playmaker: A playmaker is a player who makes impactful plays at crucial times in a game. On offense, it can be a play that keeps the chains moving, a scoring play or a huge yardage play when needed most and has a huge impact on the game’s outcome. On defense, it’s a guy who gets sacks, turnovers, tackles or passes defended at key moments. They make plays that often determine the outcome of the game.

We do have some playmakers, but upon scrutiny, clearly not enough.

Here are the guys who could be considered playmakers in 3 categories...Consistently, occasionally, and once in a while.
Offense- Consistently make plays
1. Zeke Elliott- a potential home run on every play. Just the threat of him in the backfield scares defenses.
Before naming anyone else, it is clear, there is a huge gap between Zeke and anyone else...
Occasionally make big plays...
2. Dak Prescott- again...a very distant second. Occasionally makes big plays
3. Tie- Jason Witten, Cole Beasley, Dez Bryant- Occasionally make big plays. Certainly not consistently.
Once in a great while
4. T-Will, Brice Butler- These guys barely register.

Defense- Consistently makes plays-
1. Sean Lee- would be All Pro if he could stay healthy. Best tackler and best at getting TOs.
2. DeMarcus Lawrence- Consistently pressures the QB.
Occasionally makes big plays-
3. David Irving- he makes plays but not consistently. Needs to stay eligible and healthy more.
Once in a great while-
4. Tie- Malik Collins, Jourdan Lewis, Byron Jones...maybe a few others.

It is pretty clear that this team desperately needs some playmakers through the draft of FA...OR...some excellent coaching is needed to move some of the “occasional playmakers” to become more consistent. (It’s obvious we cannot count on the coaching being that helpful, if history is any indication)

So, it appears this offseason’s priorities should definitely be focused on bringing some impactful playmakers to this roster. On both sides of the ball. This roster appears sorely lacking in guys who are impactful game changers.

Agree or disagree?

 

[big dog cowboy]

Generally impact players come from the first round. The Cowboys invested in their OL and have a good if not great one as a result. If you don't think Tyron, FredBeard and Martin aren't impact players, your wrong.

 

[Bleu Star]

If they would go out and actually shop at Publix instead of Pic & Save, we might actually be able to get some FA playmakers in here to supplement our draft.

 

[Bobhaze]

Generally impact players come from the first round. The Cowboys invested in their OL and have a good if not great one as a result. If you don't think Tyron, FredBeard and Martin aren't impact players, your wrong.

Fair point. I like our OL and they certainly set the table for our offense. I would argue that Ty Smith was the best OL until his injuries took away a lot of his effectiveness.

 

[Carter]

Hard to find Playmakers only through the Draft, especially if you invest most High Picks in the O-Line recently. Those Plays get unnoticed most of the Time.

We are burried again in the Cap Space Department even if we could free up some we are bottom third again.

You Need to add Quality FAs every now and than to have a Chance or make good trades. But we dont do any.

 

[Carson]

Hard to find Playmakers only through the Draft, especially if you invest most High Picks in the O-Line recently. Those Plays get unnoticed most of the Time.

We are burried again in the Cap Space Department even if we could free up some we are bottom third again.

You Need to add Quality FAs every now and than to have a Chance or make good trades. But we dont do any.

Good thing is this year, we move cap back a bit. Our cap space jumps from around 15-20 million to 80+ million next season

 

[buybuydandavis]

Once in a great while
4. T-Will, Brice Butler- These guys barely register.

Butler was the highest yards per target, by a wide margin. We just didn't target him much. I remember Collingsworth talking him up as a breakout star early in the season.

I thought Butler looked good playing, and the numbers show he produced. I wish we had done more with him. Some other team is going to get a good WR cheap.

One thing about play makers - you also have to keep in mind disaster makers. T-Will's numbers always look really good, but they don't include the tips for INT.

Anyone know a place with "QB Rating when thrown to"?

 

[Tristan]

Optimistically the Defense has already added several guys who look ready to become playmakers, Im hopeful that the following will be making consistant big plays for us starting this year...

1 Jordan Lewis
2 Taco Charlton
3 Chido Awuzie
4 Jalen Smith
5 Xavier Woods

Its the offense that needs that same influx of couple studs bad!

Dez has the ability to make huge plays at huge moments, his drops and fumbles last year were all on big third downs on game altering drives.

So concerning that I think he had some kind of hand issue he didnt talk about, hes had great, great hands his whole career. I also think Dak expects dez to be exactly where he should be, he thinks logically, by the book and fires, if dez is off then it will be frustrating for all.

Beasely is a big playmaker imo! Shame on the coaches for not counter adjusting to defenses scheming against Bease, not like everbody else was running wide open as a result of bease being "double covered"

Could become impact playmakers already added..

Ryan Switzer, he was a consistently dynamic playmaker in college, gave defense fitz all over the place and made big play after big play as a wr and returner, very excited to see what this speedster can add

Rico Gathers, yuuuge if, but if the speed and ability to "Moss" fools he was starting to show keeps coming along then "Zuess" could actually become a nightmare for defenses and I could see him making one of those big tds per game, I could also see him retiring to nuckleheadville so well see, but man can this dude snatch the ball like a pig among guinne pigs!

Butler and T Will are the kinds of players 5-11 teams have on their team, waste of good space. We need a (droool) Tyrek Hill or Will Fuller type. Im all for a Sammy Watkins signing, he's dripping with big tyme playmaking ability, big, fast, larry fizgeraldesque hands, id love to replace those two mouth breathers with Sammy! finally stayed healthy could be ready to splode!

We need a young bucking bronco rb that runs like marion barber used to when he gets to spell zeke, someone who can score anytime he touches the ball as well, I actually liked dunbar but think we can do better.

Whatever we do we cant add wr's that are dumb or have iffy hands!

 

[Tristan]

Butler was the highest yards per target, by a wide margin. We just didn't target him much. I remember Collingsworth talking him up as a breakout star early in the season.

I thought Butler looked good playing, and the numbers show he produced. I wish we had done more with him. Some other team is going to get a good WR cheap.

One thing about play makers - you also have to keep in mind disaster makers. T-Will's numbers always look really good, but they don't include the tips for INT.

Anyone know a place with "QB Rating when thrown to"?

Butler has always had big tyme playmaking skills , even w the raiders he was 6'3" and ran 4.3. His problem is his inconsistant hands, for every big catch he has a big drop and ive had enough of the butterfingers bs

 

[TwoDeep3]

Generally impact players come from the first round. The Cowboys invested in their OL and have a good if not great one as a result. If you don't think Tyron, FredBeard and Martin aren't impact players, your wrong.

The health of Tyron Smith changes this dynamic greatly.

 

[Diehardblues]

Hopefully the new playmakers come on defense. We’re going to need a Doomsday to carry us in this upcoming era.

 

[Nightman]

As the bummer known as the 2017 season unfolded, one thing became abundantly clear: This team is sorely lacking in “playmakers” on both sides of the ball, and it must be addressed this offseason if we are going to step back into contention for playoff glory.

Here’s a decent working definition for an NFL playmaker: A playmaker is a player who makes impactful plays at crucial times in a game. On offense, it can be a play that keeps the chains moving, a scoring play or a huge yardage play when needed most and has a huge impact on the game’s outcome. On defense, it’s a guy who gets sacks, turnovers, tackles or passes defended at key moments. They make plays that often determine the outcome of the game.

We do have some playmakers, but upon scrutiny, clearly not enough.

Here are the guys who could be considered playmakers in 3 categories...Consistently, occasionally, and once in a while.
Offense- Consistently make plays
1. Zeke Elliott- a potential home run on every play. Just the threat of him in the backfield scares defenses.
Before naming anyone else, it is clear, there is a huge gap between Zeke and anyone else...
Occasionally make big plays...
2. Dak Prescott- again...a very distant second. Occasionally makes big plays
3. Tie- Jason Witten, Cole Beasley, Dez Bryant- Occasionally make big plays. Certainly not consistently.
Once in a great while
4. T-Will, Brice Butler- These guys barely register.

Defense- Consistently makes plays-
1. Sean Lee- would be All Pro if he could stay healthy. Best tackler and best at getting TOs.
2. DeMarcus Lawrence- Consistently pressures the QB.
Occasionally makes big plays-
3. David Irving- he makes plays but not consistently. Needs to stay eligible and healthy more.
Once in a great while-
4. Tie- Malik Collins, Jourdan Lewis, Byron Jones...maybe a few others.

It is pretty clear that this team desperately needs some playmakers through the draft of FA...OR...some excellent coaching is needed to move some of the “occasional playmakers” to become more consistent. (It’s obvious we cannot count on the coaching being that helpful, if history is any indication)

So, it appears this offseason’s priorities should definitely be focused on bringing some impactful playmakers to this roster. On both sides of the ball. This roster appears sorely lacking in guys who are impactful game changers.

Agree or disagree?

We invested heavy in the OL and DL like all the experts suggested and now we are a very slow team

Adding guys like Jaylon Smith and Rico Gathers are good first steps

We need a burner at WR and a 3rd down scat back(not Dunbar) and another playmaker in the secondary

Tyreek Hill wouldn't hurt

 

[northerncowboynation]

As the bummer known as the 2017 season unfolded, one thing became abundantly clear: This team is sorely lacking in “playmakers” on both sides of the ball, and it must be addressed this offseason if we are going to step back into contention for playoff glory.

Here’s a decent working definition for an NFL playmaker: A playmaker is a player who makes impactful plays at crucial times in a game. On offense, it can be a play that keeps the chains moving, a scoring play or a huge yardage play when needed most and has a huge impact on the game’s outcome. On defense, it’s a guy who gets sacks, turnovers, tackles or passes defended at key moments. They make plays that often determine the outcome of the game.

We do have some playmakers, but upon scrutiny, clearly not enough.

Here are the guys who could be considered playmakers in 3 categories...Consistently, occasionally, and once in a while.
Offense- Consistently make plays
1. Zeke Elliott- a potential home run on every play. Just the threat of him in the backfield scares defenses.
Before naming anyone else, it is clear, there is a huge gap between Zeke and anyone else...
Occasionally make big plays...
2. Dak Prescott- again...a very distant second. Occasionally makes big plays
3. Tie- Jason Witten, Cole Beasley, Dez Bryant- Occasionally make big plays. Certainly not consistently.
Once in a great while
4. T-Will, Brice Butler- These guys barely register.

Defense- Consistently makes plays-
1. Sean Lee- would be All Pro if he could stay healthy. Best tackler and best at getting TOs.
2. DeMarcus Lawrence- Consistently pressures the QB.
Occasionally makes big plays-
3. David Irving- he makes plays but not consistently. Needs to stay eligible and healthy more.
Once in a great while-
4. Tie- Malik Collins, Jourdan Lewis, Byron Jones...maybe a few others.

It is pretty clear that this team desperately needs some playmakers through the draft of FA...OR...some excellent coaching is needed to move some of the “occasional playmakers” to become more consistent. (It’s obvious we cannot count on the coaching being that helpful, if history is any indication)

So, it appears this offseason’s priorities should definitely be focused on bringing some impactful playmakers to this roster. On both sides of the ball. This roster appears sorely lacking in guys who are impactful game changers.

Agree or disagree?

Agree. We're not married to Dak just yet.Upgrade the skill positions if Dak is the guy or isn't. Although G or T wouldn't be considered play makers, games are won or lost on the line. We desperately need quality depth at LB'er and more than that if Hitch leaves. He isn't on your list but he plays well beside Lee. We do need a SS.

We aren't one player away from a consistent play off run IMO. Can we expect that all of the needs will be met in this draft? No, not my expectation. Not my expectation that we'll go the FA route other than bottom 30% either. What is my expectation? A slight improvement on 2017, 10-6 maybe

 

[slick325]

Agreed @OP

 

[CF74]

DJ Moore in the second is one option:

 

[Verdict]

As the bummer known as the 2017 season unfolded, one thing became abundantly clear: This team is sorely lacking in “playmakers” on both sides of the ball, and it must be addressed this offseason if we are going to step back into contention for playoff glory.

Here’s a decent working definition for an NFL playmaker: A playmaker is a player who makes impactful plays at crucial times in a game. On offense, it can be a play that keeps the chains moving, a scoring play or a huge yardage play when needed most and has a huge impact on the game’s outcome. On defense, it’s a guy who gets sacks, turnovers, tackles or passes defended at key moments. They make plays that often determine the outcome of the game.

We do have some playmakers, but upon scrutiny, clearly not enough.

Here are the guys who could be considered playmakers in 3 categories...Consistently, occasionally, and once in a while.
Offense- Consistently make plays
1. Zeke Elliott- a potential home run on every play. Just the threat of him in the backfield scares defenses.
Before naming anyone else, it is clear, there is a huge gap between Zeke and anyone else...
Occasionally make big plays...
2. Dak Prescott- again...a very distant second. Occasionally makes big plays
3. Tie- Jason Witten, Cole Beasley, Dez Bryant- Occasionally make big plays. Certainly not consistently.
Once in a great while
4. T-Will, Brice Butler- These guys barely register.

Defense- Consistently makes plays-
1. Sean Lee- would be All Pro if he could stay healthy. Best tackler and best at getting TOs.
2. DeMarcus Lawrence- Consistently pressures the QB.
Occasionally makes big plays-
3. David Irving- he makes plays but not consistently. Needs to stay eligible and healthy more.
Once in a great while-
4. Tie- Malik Collins, Jourdan Lewis, Byron Jones...maybe a few others.

It is pretty clear that this team desperately needs some playmakers through the draft of FA...OR...some excellent coaching is needed to move some of the “occasional playmakers” to become more consistent. (It’s obvious we cannot count on the coaching being that helpful, if history is any indication)

So, it appears this offseason’s priorities should definitely be focused on bringing some impactful playmakers to this roster. On both sides of the ball. This roster appears sorely lacking in guys who are impactful game changers.

Agree or disagree?

We are paying Dez to take over games and carry the team on his back at crucial times, and to come up really big in big games. He should routinely play like superman at the salary we are paying him. When you think of Dez at his salary you should be thinking, best receiver in the league and second isn't even close.

At this point a pretty reasonable argument can be made that he isn't even in the top 50. If we weren't forcing him the ball, he might not even be top 100. What a waste of natural ability, and cap space. Great physical skills, but he must either be mentally lazy, or a mental midget. That's about the only thing that makes sense.

 

[Verdict]

As the bummer known as the 2017 season unfolded, one thing became abundantly clear: This team is sorely lacking in “playmakers” on both sides of the ball, and it must be addressed this offseason if we are going to step back into contention for playoff glory.

Here’s a decent working definition for an NFL playmaker: A playmaker is a player who makes impactful plays at crucial times in a game. On offense, it can be a play that keeps the chains moving, a scoring play or a huge yardage play when needed most and has a huge impact on the game’s outcome. On defense, it’s a guy who gets sacks, turnovers, tackles or passes defended at key moments. They make plays that often determine the outcome of the game.

We do have some playmakers, but upon scrutiny, clearly not enough.

Here are the guys who could be considered playmakers in 3 categories...Consistently, occasionally, and once in a while.
Offense- Consistently make plays
1. Zeke Elliott- a potential home run on every play. Just the threat of him in the backfield scares defenses.
Before naming anyone else, it is clear, there is a huge gap between Zeke and anyone else...
Occasionally make big plays...
2. Dak Prescott- again...a very distant second. Occasionally makes big plays
3. Tie- Jason Witten, Cole Beasley, Dez Bryant- Occasionally make big plays. Certainly not consistently.
Once in a great while
4. T-Will, Brice Butler- These guys barely register.

Defense- Consistently makes plays-
1. Sean Lee- would be All Pro if he could stay healthy. Best tackler and best at getting TOs.
2. DeMarcus Lawrence- Consistently pressures the QB.
Occasionally makes big plays-
3. David Irving- he makes plays but not consistently. Needs to stay eligible and healthy more.
Once in a great while-
4. Tie- Malik Collins, Jourdan Lewis, Byron Jones...maybe a few others.

It is pretty clear that this team desperately needs some playmakers through the draft of FA...OR...some excellent coaching is needed to move some of the “occasional playmakers” to become more consistent. (It’s obvious we cannot count on the coaching being that helpful, if history is any indication)

So, it appears this offseason’s priorities should definitely be focused on bringing some impactful playmakers to this roster. On both sides of the ball. This roster appears sorely lacking in guys who are impactful game changers.

Agree or disagree?

Receivers, corners, linebackers and rbs can often be found later in the draft. We need to make those later round picks count for something.or move up and use them to get the player we want earlier before they are taken.

 

[Bobhaze]

Agree. We're not married to Dak just yet.Upgrade the skill positions if Dak is the guy or isn't. Although G or T wouldn't be considered play makers, games are won or lost on the line. We desperately need quality depth at LB'er and more than that if Hitch leaves. He isn't on your list but he plays well beside Lee. We do need a SS.

We aren't one player away from a consistent play off run IMO. Can we expect that all of the needs will be met in this draft? No, not my expectation. Not my expectation that we'll go the FA route other than bottom 30% either. What is my expectation? A slight improvement on 2017, 10-6 maybe

One thing that concerns me about the FO is, despite the fact that it has gotten better at drafting, we have been saying “we are several players away” every year since Garrett has been here. When he puts on his salesman hat, Jerry always seems to indicate we “are just a player or two away”.
My questions are:
1. Are we better off personnel wise than we were in 2010 when Garrett took over? (I say yes- although he’s not been a great in game coach, Garrett has overseen an improvement in the talent)
2. If we are better off, how close are we to winning a SB, or at least getting to a NFC championship game? (That’s a tough question because of the coaching- I think we are fairly close if we have a decent draft and FA period, but this org’s leadership at the top is the unfortunate wild card)

 

[McKDaddy]

Hey Bob - good breakdown for us to ponder.

I'm going to go with .... yes & no. Certainly there are "playmakers" but i think the term is probably thrown around a little too much.

On offense, if we could have someone with ability to be dynamic besides Zeke, yes that would be awesome. To borrow a basketball term, "create off his own dribble". I would consider that a "playmaker".

On defense, i think it's more a function of adding talent. The more talent we get on the field the more opportunities will be created for someone to make a play. The person who makes the play may or may not be a "playmaker" but when the group as a whole creates the opportunity, they can capitalize on it. Conversely, a playmaker will not make many plays if the group as a whole isn't making the offense work & take chances.

Hope that makes sense.

As a side note, as much as i value veteran leadership as a rule, i think the secondary may be better off being young & hungry. I get the feeling none of them want to be viewed as the weak link so I think they are going to compete against each other and might very well be a group that creates a lot of plays in the process.

 

[Bobhaze]

Hey Bob - good breakdown for us to ponder.

I'm going to go with .... yes & no. Certainly there are "playmakers" but i think the term is probably thrown around a little too much.

On offense, if we could have someone with ability to be dynamic besides Zeke, yes that would be awesome. To borrow a basketball term, "create off his own dribble". I would consider that a "playmaker".

On defense, i think it's more a function of adding talent. The more talent we get on the field the more opportunities will be created for someone to make a play. The person who makes the play may or may not be a "playmaker" but when the group as a whole creates the opportunity, they can capitalize on it. Conversely, a playmaker will not make many plays if the group as a whole isn't making the offense work & take chances.

Hope that makes sense.

As a side note, as much as i value veteran leadership as a rule, i think the secondary may be better off being young & hungry. I get the feeling none of them want to be viewed as the weak link so I think they are going to compete against each other and might very well be a group that creates a lot of plays in the process.

Great response. I like the term “dynamic” for offensive playmakers. As the moment, Zeke is probably the only dynamic player we have.