Playmakers needed

[cern]

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.

but not that much last year.

 

[Whyjerry]

In my opinion Dallas needs to address 1 thing on offense...speed. Dynamic WRs. Scat back. TE. They need guys that can turn 5 yard plays into 50. For years Dez was supposed to be that guy but if you really watched him he was more of a move the chains pass catcher. He does not have break away speed. Zeke had it then ate it away. Witten can’t do it. Beasley is a move the chains guy. They need guys that will prevent teams from playing on the line of scrimmage. It will make the whole thing better. SPEED!

 

[northerncowboynation]

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)

I'm not as down on JG as most. Yes I agree, he's not good at in game adjustments but what blows my mind is we blamed him for that as an OC... poor clock management, poor play calling. Are you telling me that the OC was to be blamed between 2007 and 2012 or 2013 when Linnehan assumed play calling responsibility and now the HC is to be blamed? Isn't that double indemnity in a way? Ok, I get that it's on both HC and OC to work through that during the game BUT who over rules whom? And under what conditions and situation?

I'll give you a home grown example. My brother and I farm together. Mostly I'm in charge of marketing, watching the markets, contacting and building relationships with our Asian clients. My brother looks after much of the farming practices with his crew (everything to do with the cropping to equipment maintenance and land purchase). I don't tell him how to do his job, he doesn't tell me how to do mine. We talk all the time, know exactly what's going on every day as far as markets and the crop stage but he overrules me as far as cropping practices and I over rule him on marketing. We each have our specialty. That''s the way it should be with Garrett and Linnehan. If Garrett over rules Linnehan on in game calls, don't you think the relationship would be a little stormy at the least and terrible at the worst? I know it would be in my home grown example. At the very least it would be inefficient

 

[JoeKing]

This team needs a better system that can plug and play players and keep going like the Eagles did. This building the team around playmakers isn't working because they get hurt or suspended and it hinders the game plan too much.

 

[northerncowboynation]

Are we better off in 2017 than 2010? I would say that consecutive years of winning are better than 6-10 then 8-8 so yes I'd say we're better off record wise. Talent wise? In ways we are, in ways we aren't. Back in 2010 and 2011 Romo had an all pro TE and new Dez but a crap O-line. Now it's the reverse, Dak has an old TE and an aging Dez and a good O-line. The defense is about on par. This is a better team moving the ball on the ground than the 2010, 2011 in talent and in execution. The 2011 and 2012 teams probably better at moving the ball through the air but then there's the 8-8 thing. It's a good discussion. Which is the better team,, talent wise, in your mind Bob, 2011 or 2017?

 

[ESisback]

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?

I agree! Good post Hazey! I'd like an OG, WR and a swing tackle on offense, and a DT and another LB on defense. That would go a long way, IMO!

 

[buybuydandavis]

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

Butler's catch rate was 65%, with a huge per target average, and he made some very difficult catches. His hands were one of the best things about him last year. He was great at controlling the ball to the ground. He'd keep it between both hands instead of shifting the crux of his elbow, so there would be no movement.

He does seem to have concentration problems on shorter passes. And some judgment problems with penalties. But his hands were much improved in 2017 compared to earlier in his career.

 

[kskboys]

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)

To become a legit champ game contender, we need to complete the D.

 

[hairic]

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.

https://cowboyszone.com/threads/bryan-broaddus-a-b-jones-fan.396502/page-2#post-7901617

"Splash play" rate for 2017:

Lawrence 5.54%
Irving 5.49%

Difference of 0.05%.

 

[big dog cowboy]

To become a legit champ game contender, we need to complete the D.

That is true. If the Cowboys can keep Hitch, DLaw gets his deal without a lot of drama, Collins get back on track, a true 1t shows up, Tapper finally shows up and say a Earl Thomas comes to town....the Cowboys are basically there.

 

[Bobhaze]

That is true. If the Cowboys can keep Hitch, DLaw gets his deal without a lot of drama, Collins get back on track, a true 1t shows up, Tapper finally shows up and say a Earl Thomas comes to town....the Cowboys are basically there.

Seems like we’re always just a few “ifs” away...We do have some young talent on the defense and IF they get better this year, we have a better D, at least in theory.

 

[Bobhaze]

https://cowboyszone.com/threads/bryan-broaddus-a-b-jones-fan.396502/page-2#post-7901617

"Splash play" rate for 2017:

Lawrence 5.54%
Irving 5.49%

Difference of 0.05%.

IMO, the problem with this graphic is David Irving only played in 8 games last year. A player cannot by definition be consistently anything when they only play half a season.