The Biggest Obstacle...

[Verdict]

The biggest obstacle that I see the Cowboys facing next year is that this team appears to be essentially "set" for next year in terms of both coaching and the roster. I realize an infusion of rookie talent might help some, but the key positions aren't going to change that much.

That is both good news and bad news for the Cowboys. It is an accepted fact around the league that the Cowboys have one of the most talented, if not the most talented team in the NFL.

Cornerstone players like Roy Williams #38, MBIII, Kosier, and Felix Jones, as well as pro bowl punter McBriar will return and improve the state of the Cowboys union. None of the above however would seem to solve the Cowboys annual December collapse.

I theorize that the Cowboys December woes will only be remedied by a change in "coaching", but not necessarily a wholesale turnover in "coaches". Parcells style was ok, but wore thin. Wade Phillips' easygoing "players' coach" mentality has also thus far proved inept as well. Since we are "married" to most of the roster, the current talent will have to be "coached up" to make the run we all expected THIS year.

The solution I would propose will not happen, but probably IS workable, only because Wade Phillips is much like Dave Campo, and is likely willing to check his ego at the door. We need an authoritarian figure SOMEWHERE in the Cowboys organization, and I don't think it can be Jerry Jones, because it undermines the coaches too much. Jason Garrett should continue to be the OC for another year, and Wade Garrett should seize control of the defense. Stewart could be let go as his position would essentially be taken by Phillips. Essentially Phillips could be demoted and a head coach could be hired more in the Jimmy Johnson mold. Brian Billick, or someone like him could play that role, even if he were not named the head coach.

I don't think Wade Phillips instills confidence in his players when it is crunch time, when the game is on the line. We need that intimidating presense on the sidelines, to PUSH players to make the play when it is 4th and goal, not a cheerleader who cheers just like the rest of us after the play is over. Anyone can do that job.

 

[Beast_from_East]

Moot point, Jerry already handed out passes to everybody for next year.

Our only hope is that Detroit hires Garrett to be HC.

Our franchise QB and superstar WR already threw Garrett under the bus, basically said he didnt know what the hell he was doing so they will actually be happy to see Red Ball go.

 

[Silverstar]

The offense is not in sync and the play-calling is mediocre...this causes confusion and turnovers. I just don't think Garret is the answer at OC from what I've seen this year and there is plenty of talent out there to replace him IMO. My first choice would be Pete Carmichael Jr. from the Saints.

However, I do think Wade Phillips has improved the defense the last 2 years. The defense was ranked 9th last year and 8th this year, allowing less than 300 yards a game (294.3) for the 1st time since 2002. Not to mention, getting 59 sacks this year and 46 sacks last year. I think getting Zach Thomas to replace Ayodele was a bad move though and even Thomas stated, that he's better suited for the "mike" position and wasn't used properly at weak side. Thomas also stated, that Burnett could flourish at weakside LB and I agree with him. There are many UFA LB's available and perhaps a guy like Takeo Spikes for example would be better than resigning Burnett. Our pass rush is looking good, but we need a better run stuffer and tackler at weakside, because Thomas' best days are behind him.

 

[es22]

The offense is not in sync and the play-calling is mediocre...this causes confusion and turnovers. I just don't think Garret is the answer at OC from what I've seen this year and there is plenty of talent out there to replace him IMO. My first choice would be Pete Carmichael Jr. from the Saints.

However, I do think Wade Phillips has improved the defense the last 2 years. The defense was ranked 9th last year and 8th this year, allowing less than 300 yards a game (294.3) for the 1st time since 2002. Not to mention, getting 59 sacks this year and 46 sacks last year. I think getting Zach Thomas to replace Ayodele was a bad move though and even Thomas stated, that he's better suited for the "mike" position and wasn't used properly at weak side. Thomas also stated, that Burnett could flourish at weakside LB and I agree with him. There are many UFA LB's available and perhaps a guy like Takeo Spikes for example would be better than resigning Burnett. Our pass rush is looking good, but we need a better run stuffer and tackler at weakside, because Thomas' best days are behind him.

We cant get Spikes. His acquisition will guarantee that we dont make the playoffs.

 

[Kangaroo]

The offense is not in sync and the play-calling is mediocre...this causes confusion and turnovers. I just don't think Garret is the answer at OC from what I've seen this year and there is plenty of talent out there to replace him IMO. My first choice would be Pete Carmichael Jr. from the Saints.

However, I do think Wade Phillips has improved the defense the last 2 years. The defense was ranked 9th last year and 8th this year, allowing less than 300 yards a game (294.3) for the 1st time since 2002. Not to mention, getting 59 sacks this year and 46 sacks last year. I think getting Zach Thomas to replace Ayodele was a bad move though and even Thomas stated, that he's better suited for the "mike" position and wasn't used properly at weak side. Thomas also stated, that Burnett could flourish at weakside LB and I agree with him. There are many UFA LB's available and perhaps a guy like Takeo Spikes for example would be better than resigning Burnett. Our pass rush is looking good, but we need a better run stuffer and tackler at weakside, because Thomas' best days are behind him.

What is the excuse for the defense always arguing out of position. Kind of funny that all starts with the HC and his laid back approach this team lacks fundamentals and discipline. Until the HC changes it is all a moot point

 

[Silverstar]

What is the excuse for the defense always arguing out of position. Kind of funny that all starts with the HC and his laid back approach this team lacks fundamentals and discipline. Until the HC changes it is all a moot point

Wade is 22-10 in 2 years and that's not enough to fire him, when poor play-calling and key injuries were a major factor in some ballgames this year.
Change the HC and you change the entire staff and Jerry knows this. You might as well say, let's blow up the coaching staff after 2 years and start from scratch...again.