Team Philosophy and Objectives

[Cowboy06]

I would contend that Jerry wants to make a splash and that the majority of the fans and certainly the media wants to see that happen. However, I hope that this draft and the next draft is the foundation of a successful team. I submit that you don't build a house starting with the roof. You level the ground and pour the foundation and let it cure. That isn't exciting. There is little fanfare with that. Drafting linemen such as guards and DTs are seldom sexy. I would love a Clowney or Donald, but not if I have to reach for them. In a deep draft let the talent fall to you. This team has so many holes that you could draft any position of need and come away looking like winners. However, don't reach for talent.

So what is this team? What type of offense and defense should this team stride to be?

For offense, it wants to be dynamic and score tons of points. I suggest you go counter to that philosophy and find a running back. I don't believe in Murray though I want to. He drags his feet and is often caught behind the line of scrimmage. Tell him he's being replaced and don't extend his contract even if he runs for 1500 yards, scores tons of points. We don't need another Miles Austin on the offensive side of the ball. You want a player that will be there 16 games and is seldom hurt. So I want to be a running team that CAN throw. Control the clock, but be able to go up top if you drop eight or nine in the box. Have a line that can just kill a defense and if necessary break the will of the defense and just be nasty. I want the quarterback to say "I am going to drop 7 yards, make my reads and you can't touch me.." Wishful thinking? I contend you draft well for two guards and tell Free allow more than two sacks in the first half of the season and put your house on the market because you won't be here. Also, make sure that Smith and Frederick know that they are replaceable as well. There is no safe positions.

I believe that Garrett wants to be like Air Coryell, but I would rather see a Bill Walsh circa 1980-85 offense with a mindset that you will spread the ball and just tired the defense. You make sure you have a good core meaning, two good guards and center and you get good tackle play, but you don't hold the ball long, you get rid of it quickly and get back to the line fast. Put Romo in a position to not have to over think. Let him know in clear terms trust is earned and consistent play is required to keep your position. Don't cover for him. He messes up, tell the media. If he's weak minded tell him that. He's paid to take the blame and not accept the credit. While you're at it, find his replacement. Draft a QB this year and even next year. Restock and let the best man win. You don't have to draft one in the first round...see Seattle and San Fran.

Bottomline, make sure that everyone on offense is aware that change is going to take place and that being average is being replaced

What about defense? Send a message and draft for the line and give Mo the same treatment you would for any player that isn't playing well. Tell him that he's not playing well and that you will most likely cut him when the time is right unless you see something better. What about Carter? Tell him the same thing. But make this defense play going downhill. No zone, no seating back and thinking. See wall, crash wall. Play through the whistle. Make sure the QB gets hit on each pass. No bounty gate, but inflict pain. Don't talk trash, but hit hard. I didn't like the cushion the CBs gave up last year. Perhaps the team just didn't have talent, but accept a quick death, don't drag it out. So I'm hoping they draft a few linemen and rotate them all game long. I want to see the offensive linemen for other teams giving up. Give the back 7 time to cover and take chances. Don't expect miracles. Make your own miracles by making sacks, pressure and letting the LBs play fast. All too often Sean Lee and his merry men had to do too much. Let the front four create so much pressure that other teams will not want to drop back and try for long passes, they will want to pass quickly and if you crowd the line of scrimmage you have the chance for pop ups and incomplete passes. Easier said than done, but Seattle did it. They had a so so defense three years ago and last year you just knew you had to bring your A game to even look average.

For special teams, I can't say much. I love Dan Bailey. I like the return game and just the overall effort. What I want to see is consistency. Don't hope for great plays. Hope for for very good play each and every team. Give the team good field position. When you always swing for the fences you often strike out (sorry for the baseball analogy). However if you just put the ball in play good things happen. This team over strides and for each great play that are often just as bad awful plays if not more. The talent is not there for that yet. So just do your job. Draft players that are good. It does you no good to have one or two great players and a cast of so so players. Draft ton of good players that can learn to play as a team that is great. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I don't care if you were undrafted, found in the 7th round or the number one draft pick. If you make the team better you should start. Stop looking for a flash in the pan.

So bottom line, what is this team? Average? on the cusp of greatness? What type of players should they draft? I want players that just love football and will be on the field playing as a team. Attack, go for the kill. Don't try to outsmart people. Call your shorts and break their will by saying we are running or throwing THERE...and do it and refuse to let them stop you. Be the team that doesn't celebrate a first down and jump up and down over a sack. It's your #@$@ job. Act like you've been there and that you will be back. Hit the receivers running across the middle and watch the arms of those receivers look like a wildlife show (alligator arms). Never help an opposing player up. If you spent all the energy to knock them down, let them help themselves up. Never give up. Find the players that want to be a star because they can play as a team.

So Jerry the field is wide up, the draft is deep. Even a blind pig finds an acorn, so root around and just draft the best guy. Don't reach, just let the game come to you. Create the image and let us know what we are...hopefully better than 8-8.

 

[Phoenix]

However, I hope that this draft and the next draft is the foundation of a successful team. I submit that you don't build a house starting with the roof. You level the ground and pour the foundation and let it cure. That isn't exciting. There is little fanfare with that. Drafting linemen such as guards and DTs are seldom sexy.

How about a Center? Is that sexy? If not, then I contend the foundation work started LAST draft...

 

[Denim Chicken]

Lost me at not believing in Murray.

 

[jnday]

Lost me at not believing in Murray.

I can understand not being sold on Murray. I feel the same way. I want to like him, but the injuries are a problem.

 

[TrailBlazer]

I can understand not being sold on Murray. I feel the same way. I want to like him, but the injuries are a problem.

He's very solid. I liked him coming out of Oklahoma. But his vision in the open field is lacking. Too many times he runs straight into defenders instead of making them miss. He hits the hole well and I like his physical running style. But I want to see him extend some of his runs. Instead of 4 yards and a cloud of dust.

 

[Denim Chicken]

I can understand not being sold on Murray. I feel the same way. I want to like him, but the injuries are a problem.

I have a different take than most on the injury prone label people put on players. Unless it's the same injury getting re-injured, I don't buy it. It's just bad luck.

Murry had a fractured ankle his first season, foot injury his second, and MCL last year.

Same with Sean Lee. He has varying injuries that are unrelated.

Romo has has injured ribs, finger, & back that made him miss time. I don't see anyone labeling him injury prone.

Miles on the other-hand I agree with the label.

 

[Rockport]

I would contend that Jerry wants to make a splash and that the majority of the fans and certainly the media wants to see that happen. However, I hope that this draft and the next draft is the foundation of a successful team. I submit that you don't build a house starting with the roof. You level the ground and pour the foundation and let it cure. That isn't exciting. There is little fanfare with that. Drafting linemen such as guards and DTs are seldom sexy. I would love a Clowney or Donald, but not if I have to reach for them. In a deep draft let the talent fall to you. This team has so many holes that you could draft any position of need and come away looking like winners. However, don't reach for talent.

So what is this team? What type of offense and defense should this team stride to be?

For offense, it wants to be dynamic and score tons of points. I suggest you go counter to that philosophy and find a running back. I don't believe in Murray though I want to. He drags his feet and is often caught behind the line of scrimmage. Tell him he's being replaced and don't extend his contract even if he runs for 1500 yards, scores tons of points. We don't need another Miles Austin on the offensive side of the ball. You want a player that will be there 16 games and is seldom hurt. So I want to be a running team that CAN throw. Control the clock, but be able to go up top if you drop eight or nine in the box. Have a line that can just kill a defense and if necessary break the will of the defense and just be nasty. I want the quarterback to say "I am going to drop 7 yards, make my reads and you can't touch me.." Wishful thinking? I contend you draft well for two guards and tell Free allow more than two sacks in the first half of the season and put your house on the market because you won't be here. Also, make sure that Smith and Frederick know that they are replaceable as well. There is no safe positions.

I believe that Garrett wants to be like Air Coryell, but I would rather see a Bill Walsh circa 1980-85 offense with a mindset that you will spread the ball and just tired the defense. You make sure you have a good core meaning, two good guards and center and you get good tackle play, but you don't hold the ball long, you get rid of it quickly and get back to the line fast. Put Romo in a position to not have to over think. Let him know in clear terms trust is earned and consistent play is required to keep your position. Don't cover for him. He messes up, tell the media. If he's weak minded tell him that. He's paid to take the blame and not accept the credit. While you're at it, find his replacement. Draft a QB this year and even next year. Restock and let the best man win. You don't have to draft one in the first round...see Seattle and San Fran.

Bottomline, make sure that everyone on offense is aware that change is going to take place and that being average is being replaced

What about defense? Send a message and draft for the line and give Mo the same treatment you would for any player that isn't playing well. Tell him that he's not playing well and that you will most likely cut him when the time is right unless you see something better. What about Carter? Tell him the same thing. But make this defense play going downhill. No zone, no seating back and thinking. See wall, crash wall. Play through the whistle. Make sure the QB gets hit on each pass. No bounty gate, but inflict pain. Don't talk trash, but hit hard. I didn't like the cushion the CBs gave up last year. Perhaps the team just didn't have talent, but accept a quick death, don't drag it out. So I'm hoping they draft a few linemen and rotate them all game long. I want to see the offensive linemen for other teams giving up. Give the back 7 time to cover and take chances. Don't expect miracles. Make your own miracles by making sacks, pressure and letting the LBs play fast. All too often Sean Lee and his merry men had to do too much. Let the front four create so much pressure that other teams will not want to drop back and try for long passes, they will want to pass quickly and if you crowd the line of scrimmage you have the chance for pop ups and incomplete passes. Easier said than done, but Seattle did it. They had a so so defense three years ago and last year you just knew you had to bring your A game to even look average.

For special teams, I can't say much. I love Dan Bailey. I like the return game and just the overall effort. What I want to see is consistency. Don't hope for great plays. Hope for for very good play each and every team. Give the team good field position. When you always swing for the fences you often strike out (sorry for the baseball analogy). However if you just put the ball in play good things happen. This team over strides and for each great play that are often just as bad awful plays if not more. The talent is not there for that yet. So just do your job. Draft players that are good. It does you no good to have one or two great players and a cast of so so players. Draft ton of good players that can learn to play as a team that is great. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I don't care if you were undrafted, found in the 7th round or the number one draft pick. If you make the team better you should start. Stop looking for a flash in the pan.

So bottom line, what is this team? Average? on the cusp of greatness? What type of players should they draft? I want players that just love football and will be on the field playing as a team. Attack, go for the kill. Don't try to outsmart people. Call your shorts and break their will by saying we are running or throwing THERE...and do it and refuse to let them stop you. Be the team that doesn't celebrate a first down and jump up and down over a sack. It's your #@$@ job. Act like you've been there and that you will be back. Hit the receivers running across the middle and watch the arms of those receivers look like a wildlife show (alligator arms). Never help an opposing player up. If you spent all the energy to knock them down, let them help themselves up. Never give up. Find the players that want to be a star because they can play as a team.

So Jerry the field is wide up, the draft is deep. Even a blind pig finds an acorn, so root around and just draft the best guy. Don't reach, just let the game come to you. Create the image and let us know what we are...hopefully better than 8-8.

Nice post Cowboy06. Build the trenches on both sides of the ball so that we can run the football, protect the QB, stop the opposing team from running the football and get some pressure on the QB. That's how you build winning football teams. Football is physical. If you're not physical, you're not going to win consistently.

 

[DogFace]

Pigs eat acorns? Guess they eat everything.

 

[jnday]

I have a different take than most on the injury prone label people put on players. Unless it's the same injury getting re-injured, I don't buy it. It's just bad luck.

Murry had a fractured ankle his first season, foot injury his second, and MCL last year.

Same with Sean Lee. He has varying injuries that are unrelated.

Romo has has injured ribs, finger, & back that made him miss time. I don't see anyone labeling him injury prone.

Miles on the other-hand I agree with the label.

Injuries aside, I would hate to see Jerry sign him to another contract. I look at RBs as a one and done position with the exception of AP.

 

[jnday]

Nice post Cowboy06. Build the trenches on both sides of the ball so that we can run the football, protect the QB, stop the opposing team from running the football and get some pressure on the QB. That's how you build winning football teams. Football is physical. If you're not physical, you're not going to win consistently.

You make some good points. I would like to add speed with the physical traits. Take Church for example. He has borderline speed for his position and IMO the position can use an upgrade because of it. I value the physical and nasty traits just as much.

 

[Big D]

Can anyone definitively say what our philosophy is? Over the last couple of seasons I've heard JG run off about how important the run game is and how we were going to focus in on it. We then had a 70/30 pass to run ratio in most of our games.

 

[Rockport]

You make some good points. I would like to add speed with the physical traits. Take Church for example. He has borderline speed for his position and IMO the position can use an upgrade because of it. I value the physical and nasty traits just as much.

Good point. Speed is certainly necessary at positions such as CB and S as well as some others.

 

[Denim Chicken]

Injuries aside, I would hate to see Jerry sign him to another contract. I look at RBs as a one and done position with the exception of AP.

I agree, unless they could to agree to a moderate, cap friendly deal--than I would be OK with it.

The thought is that you can find similar production from a mid-round pick or a vet. However, Randle was a mid-round pick and I don't think he's ready to take them helm and a vet may cost a similar amount against the cap as a moderate contract would with Murray.

 

[xwalker]

I would contend that Jerry wants to make a splash and that the majority of the fans and certainly the media wants to see that happen. However, I hope that this draft and the next draft is the foundation of a successful team. I submit that you don't build a house starting with the roof. You level the ground and pour the foundation and let it cure. That isn't exciting. There is little fanfare with that. Drafting linemen such as guards and DTs are seldom sexy. I would love a Clowney or Donald, but not if I have to reach for them. In a deep draft let the talent fall to you. This team has so many holes that you could draft any position of need and come away looking like winners. However, don't reach for talent.

So what is this team? What type of offense and defense should this team stride to be?

For offense, it wants to be dynamic and score tons of points. I suggest you go counter to that philosophy and find a running back. I don't believe in Murray though I want to. He drags his feet and is often caught behind the line of scrimmage. Tell him he's being replaced and don't extend his contract even if he runs for 1500 yards, scores tons of points. We don't need another Miles Austin on the offensive side of the ball. You want a player that will be there 16 games and is seldom hurt. So I want to be a running team that CAN throw. Control the clock, but be able to go up top if you drop eight or nine in the box. Have a line that can just kill a defense and if necessary break the will of the defense and just be nasty. I want the quarterback to say "I am going to drop 7 yards, make my reads and you can't touch me.." Wishful thinking? I contend you draft well for two guards and tell Free allow more than two sacks in the first half of the season and put your house on the market because you won't be here. Also, make sure that Smith and Frederick know that they are replaceable as well. There is no safe positions.

I believe that Garrett wants to be like Air Coryell, but I would rather see a Bill Walsh circa 1980-85 offense with a mindset that you will spread the ball and just tired the defense. You make sure you have a good core meaning, two good guards and center and you get good tackle play, but you don't hold the ball long, you get rid of it quickly and get back to the line fast. Put Romo in a position to not have to over think. Let him know in clear terms trust is earned and consistent play is required to keep your position. Don't cover for him. He messes up, tell the media. If he's weak minded tell him that. He's paid to take the blame and not accept the credit. While you're at it, find his replacement. Draft a QB this year and even next year. Restock and let the best man win. You don't have to draft one in the first round...see Seattle and San Fran.

Bottomline, make sure that everyone on offense is aware that change is going to take place and that being average is being replaced

What about defense? Send a message and draft for the line and give Mo the same treatment you would for any player that isn't playing well. Tell him that he's not playing well and that you will most likely cut him when the time is right unless you see something better. What about Carter? Tell him the same thing. But make this defense play going downhill. No zone, no seating back and thinking. See wall, crash wall. Play through the whistle. Make sure the QB gets hit on each pass. No bounty gate, but inflict pain. Don't talk trash, but hit hard. I didn't like the cushion the CBs gave up last year. Perhaps the team just didn't have talent, but accept a quick death, don't drag it out. So I'm hoping they draft a few linemen and rotate them all game long. I want to see the offensive linemen for other teams giving up. Give the back 7 time to cover and take chances. Don't expect miracles. Make your own miracles by making sacks, pressure and letting the LBs play fast. All too often Sean Lee and his merry men had to do too much. Let the front four create so much pressure that other teams will not want to drop back and try for long passes, they will want to pass quickly and if you crowd the line of scrimmage you have the chance for pop ups and incomplete passes. Easier said than done, but Seattle did it. They had a so so defense three years ago and last year you just knew you had to bring your A game to even look average.

For special teams, I can't say much. I love Dan Bailey. I like the return game and just the overall effort. What I want to see is consistency. Don't hope for great plays. Hope for for very good play each and every team. Give the team good field position. When you always swing for the fences you often strike out (sorry for the baseball analogy). However if you just put the ball in play good things happen. This team over strides and for each great play that are often just as bad awful plays if not more. The talent is not there for that yet. So just do your job. Draft players that are good. It does you no good to have one or two great players and a cast of so so players. Draft ton of good players that can learn to play as a team that is great. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I don't care if you were undrafted, found in the 7th round or the number one draft pick. If you make the team better you should start. Stop looking for a flash in the pan.

So bottom line, what is this team? Average? on the cusp of greatness? What type of players should they draft? I want players that just love football and will be on the field playing as a team. Attack, go for the kill. Don't try to outsmart people. Call your shorts and break their will by saying we are running or throwing THERE...and do it and refuse to let them stop you. Be the team that doesn't celebrate a first down and jump up and down over a sack. It's your #@$@ job. Act like you've been there and that you will be back. Hit the receivers running across the middle and watch the arms of those receivers look like a wildlife show (alligator arms). Never help an opposing player up. If you spent all the energy to knock them down, let them help themselves up. Never give up. Find the players that want to be a star because they can play as a team.

So Jerry the field is wide up, the draft is deep. Even a blind pig finds an acorn, so root around and just draft the best guy. Don't reach, just let the game come to you. Create the image and let us know what we are...hopefully better than 8-8.

The key is to build the team and not try to force a win now situation. This team does not need Will Allen types. They need to develop as many young players as possible.

They knew at the time that they cut Ware that they were unlikely to be a Super Bowl contender and might not be a Playoff contender.

They should be planning to keep the same defensive and offensive schemes past 2014. They can get a core of players well trained in this defense which is now in it's 2nd season.

They are in a different situation than most previous years in terms of older, expensive players and the salary cap. Most of the players are under contract past this season. The only currently over 30 players are Romo and Witten. In other words, they won't be losing much, especially on defense, to age, free agency or as cap casualties.

After this season, they could have the needs significantly narrowed down. If they're not losing players and a few draft picks hit and a few young players like Wilcox and Crawford hit, then the roster could be in really good shape by the end of the season. They could be going into 2015 with only a couple of needs. They will have cap space to fill those needs and top it off with one more draft.

They should have a Super Bowl contending roster by 2015 if just a few things go right in 2014. Romo is either healthy in 2014 with good projection for 2015, or he can't play in 2014 and they draft a QB in the 1st round in 2015. Either way, the roster should look really good.

I'm sure that some people will say that it's the same old story that they're a year away every year, but this year is different with regards to the cap, roster age and limited future free agents.

 

[Cowboy06]

The key is to build the team and not try to force a win now situation. This team does not need Will Allen types. They need to develop as many young players as possible.

They knew at the time that they cut Ware that they were unlikely to be a Super Bowl contender and might not be a Playoff contender.

They should be planning to keep the same defensive and offensive schemes past 2014. They can get a core of players well trained in this defense which is now in it's 2nd season.

They are in a different situation than most previous years in terms of older, expensive players and the salary cap. Most of the players are under contract past this season. The only currently over 30 players are Romo and Witten. In other words, they won't be losing much, especially on defense, to age, free agency or as cap casualties.

After this season, they could have the needs significantly narrowed down. If they're not losing players and a few draft picks hit and a few young players like Wilcox and Crawford hit, then the roster could be in really good shape by the end of the season. They could be going into 2015 with only a couple of needs. They will have cap space to fill those needs and top it off with one more draft.

They should have a Super Bowl contending roster by 2015 if just a few things go right in 2014. Romo is either healthy in 2014 with good projection for 2015, or he can't play in 2014 and they draft a QB in the 1st round in 2015. Either way, the roster should look really good.

I'm sure that some people will say that it's the same old story that they're a year away every year, but this year is different with regards to the cap, roster age and limited future free agents.

From your mouth to God's ears my friend. I couldn't agree more. I just want the Cowboys to be relevant again. I want to know what type of team are we? I want to be able to draft and sign players that fit that mold. I want scouts to know what to look for and not change OCs like a teen age boy changes girlfriends.

 

[Cowboy06]

You make some good points. I would like to add speed with the physical traits. Take Church for example. He has borderline speed for his position and IMO the position can use an upgrade because of it. I value the physical and nasty traits just as much.

Here is my approach. There is no one safe on this team. Not Romo, not Witten, not T. Smith, etc. The players are just cogs. Sometimes you just don't fit the mold. However, what does this team want to be? Teams that can run and stop you from running force the action. The Cowboys want to be fancy, but they are neither tough enough nor smart enough to be that (in my opinion). I used to laugh at the Raiders for all the personal fouls they would get, but there was always a part of me that loved it from a pure football point of view. You want someone that would rather slap the @#$@% out of you, then to go gentle into the night. I want players that fight and will make you think they are unstable without saying a word. Think about how Charles Haley was viewed. He wasn't a big talker, but he would do odd things to people and even Jimmy Johnson had to "learn" what motivated him.

Who on this team or in the draft is someone you want to go to war with? Who on the offensive line will actually hurt a linemen trying to sack the QB? I don't mean dirty play, but he wants to make a DE or DT just give up and quit? Who on the DL will make OTs false start and have them guessing all day? Who can sack the QB and get up without jumping around. Who can act like "this is my job and I don't seek praise for doing just that?" I want someone that sacks the QB, doesn't help them up, doesn't say a word but gives them that quick look like "I'll be back so you may want to start worrying about the sideline and the icepacks you'll need."

I love the Cowboys and root for the team, but I don't care who makes and doesn't make the team. I want winners. If you have no fight, get cut and go stock groceries for all I care. Again, you start with players that are closest to the line of scrimmage. You want players that attack and play hard. Football IQ should be high. If you have to teach them to be aggressive, don't draft them, don't keep them and do your best to get them on someone else's team. They are losers and will give up. The mind controls the body not the other way around. If you think you can win, you can't. You have to KNOW.

While I'm at it...I would pay big money to see some coach to yell at Tony Romo the first time he pulls a "Romo" in a game and just blast him in person, in front of the team and in the media. Push the envelope. Think Parcells, Johnson, Walsh, Lombardi and even at times Landry. They didn't pull punches and would go down with the ship. Garrett needs to make it his team. If Jerry doesn't like it, fire him, but don't keep a man's testicles in your pocket and then complain he's not MANLY enough. I just want to see one voice on this team and Jerry isn't it.

 

[xwalker]

From your mouth to God's ears my friend. I couldn't agree more. I just want the Cowboys to be relevant again. I want to know what type of team are we? I want to be able to draft and sign players that fit that mold. I want scouts to know what to look for and not change OCs like a teen age boy changes girlfriends.

It is my belief that one of the biggest problems for the Cowboys has been trying too hard to "win now". That mentality ends up with stopgap veterans playing instead of developing young players. It ends up with an 8-8 record which just gets you to #16 or #18 in the draft and spending too much in years where the team has a low probability of being a Super Bowl contender.

Taking an intentional step back allows:
1. Most young players to get experience and possibly develop into quality starters.
2. Save some money under the cap to spend during a year where the probability of being a contender is higher.
3. Either win with young players OR get a top 10 draft pick.

They could have restructured other contracts and kept both Ware and Hatcher, but that would have added about 19M to the multiple year cap total just to have them on the roster in 2014. Now they can wait until the young core is more stable and then use the money saved to fill the 1 or 2 big remaining needs.

Some people will say that with Romo you have to try to win now, but they actually have a higher probability to win a Super Bowl if they take a step back in 2014 and target 2015 as the year to be Super Bowl contenders. Taking a step back does not doom them to failure. Things could go right and they could be better than in previous years, but they're just not trying to force the issue by keeping players like Ware or signing stopgap veteran Safeties.

 

[Cowboy06]

Lost me at not believing in Murray.

I am not a Murray fan and his running style behind the line of scrimmage. I also don't care for the oft injured player. I can love my own son, but if I am being honest I don't want him in a position to fail. I think Murray can be as good as health and mindset would have it, but I wouldn't bet on it. Again, don't let players feel safe, apply the pressure and see who succeeds. Just my opinion...that's all.

 

[Cowboy06]

Can anyone definitively say what our philosophy is? Over the last couple of seasons I've heard JG run off about how important the run game is and how we were going to focus in on it. We then had a 70/30 pass to run ratio in most of our games.

Garrett doesn't have a clue on what he wants to be. He says on thing and then gets in the game and abandons his goal. I want to like Garrett. There is something there, but it's almost like he's afraid to say "This is my team and I'd rather be fired for doing it my way than to sit here and try to please Jerry or anyone else..." If you believe in yourself you walk by faith and let the chips fall were they will.

 

[Cowboy06]

It is my belief that one of the biggest problems for the Cowboys has been trying too hard to "win now". That mentality ends up with stopgap veterans playing instead of developing young players. It ends up with an 8-8 record which just gets you to #16 or #18 in the draft and spending too much in years where the team has a low probability of being a Super Bowl contender.

Taking an intentional step back allows:
1. Most young players to get experience and possibly develop into quality starters.
2. Save some money under the cap to spend during a year where the probability of being a contender is higher.
3. Either win with young players OR get a top 10 draft pick.

They could have restructured other contracts and kept both Ware and Hatcher, but that would have added about 19M to the multiple year cap total just to have them on the roster in 2014. Now they can wait until the young core is more stable and then use the money saved to fill the 1 or 2 big remaining needs.

Some people will say that with Romo you have to try to win now, but they actually have a higher probability to win a Super Bowl if they take a step back in 2014 and target 2015 as the year to be Super Bowl contenders. Taking a step back does not doom them to failure. Things could go right and they could be better than in previous years, but they're just not trying to force the issue by keeping players like Ware or signing stopgap veteran Safeties.

This makes me wonder if they will trade out of the first round and stay cap friendly. I am not saying you need to do that, but if you get picks for next year when the cap won't be much of an issue you may be better off. Though if you believe Stephen Jones, the cap is NEVER an issue. In other related news, the sun still rises in the East and sets in the West except on draft days and on game days...