The Eye of the Storm

[jday]

Recently Hostile contributed a thread (different blog) entitled The Perfect Storm. In short, he surmised that despite a question-mark-riddled defense, the strength of the Cowboys’ offense should be more than enough to compensate for what ails the other side of the ball (referring to not just the abject stupidity that seems to prevail there lately but the otherwise lack of overall talent…on paper). Honestly, I couldn’t agree more with his assertion. I do believe that the Cowboys offense has the potential to peel the paint off of the opposition as they go by in what looks to be the most potent offense they have had since 1995.

Romo/Dez/Zeke/Witten/Beasley/OL – therein is perhaps the strongest and savviest collection of talent in the NFL playing on the same side of the ball on the same team. Bold statement, I know, but I stand behind it…far enough behind it that I can run away with a decent head start should someone decide to bring stats to the conversation. I don’t dismiss stats completely; they have their uses. I just think in most cases stats don’t belong in a conversation that compares teams that play different teams on different days in different weathers given a whole set of different circumstances. If you insist on using stats, you should ensure that the two pieces of data being compared were established in controlled environments thus ensuring one set of data does not have an unfair advantage (see Scientific Method).

Anywho, if the upcoming season is The Perfect Storm, right now very well could be considered the Eye of the Storm. On one side of the Eye, you have this past offseason, which was unfortunately not without a series of damning headlines involving our Cowboys basking in negative lights. On the other side of where we presently stand are Training Camp, Preseason, Regular Season, Post Season, and the Super Bowl. In the movie The Perfect Storm (with Clooney and Wahlberg) the storm that (spoiler alert) eventually ridded itself of anyone who could recount the true story (which does bring into question that whole based on a true story bit, but I digress) was the result of 3 massive storm systems meeting in the Atlantic. For the Cowboys, those 3 storm systems would be Romo, Dez and Zeke. Some of you might be asking yourself right now, what about the Offensive Line? Romo and company may as well be the sunken ship crew without them. Agreed. The Offensive Line is the ocean…an ocean where said storms would not have materialized without that big body of water…feel better? What’s that? You’re ashamed because you didn’t give me the benefit of the doubt? Well, you should be.

So here we are, in the eye of the storm, twiddling our thumbs and nervously pacing as we await the slow trickle of news to turn into a tumultuous downpour as the Cowboys take the practice field in Oxnard to see what they really have versus what “on paper” suggest. The difference therein has a tendency to be all over the page. From one year to the next, truth be told, you really never know what your team has or doesn’t have until they put the pads on and even then what you think you know going into the regular season, is just that: What you think you know. And the same can be said of everyone who has an opinion…which is everyone.

But the reality of what a team has in terms of overall talent, skill and physicality depends on several variables, none more important to consider than the one aspect of this game that rarely if ever comes to light: what did the individuals on a given team do to get better (or worse) during the offseason. Did they stay in shape? Did they get in better shape? Or are they counting on training camp to get back in shape? If the latter, the most you can hope for is status quo and that depends heavily on the talent of the player.

Another fluctuating caveat to consider are the additions via Free Agency and the draft. How will they gel with the team? Are they an upgrade or downgrade in comparison to their predecessor? Can the new millionaires keep their ego’s and wallet’s in check? With the proverbial microscope firmly zoomed in on Dallas like the Eye of Sauron from Lord of the Ring, the Cowboys cannot afford to see more headlines cataloguing further stupidity from a player.

It’s crazy. There are so many factors to consider when hazarding a guess at what a team is prior to the pads coming on. In my opinion, if nothing else, the Cowboys offense got immeasurably better simply by turning in Ezekiel Elliott’s card on draft day. Pairing a top tier running back with a top tier offensive line does not happen often; particularly the caliber of OL and RB that the Cowboys presently have. This isn’t just simply combining great talent with great talent; no, no this is combing great talents that excel within the same type of scheme. What many casual fans don’t seem to understand is that Zeke would not have had a great year on just any team. His physical skillsets begs for a Zone Blocking Scheme. And running backs that flourish in that system are somewhat rare, so there is that to consider. Then consider the individual talents of each offensive lineman that comprises what is considered the best OL in football. They were handpicked not just for their physical ability but also their football IQ and therefore their ability to adapt to various defensive look’s, and strive in the ZBS. So understand, when the Cowboys opted to select Zeke, they weren’t simply drafting the best player available…they drafted the best player available who happens to also be the best possible fit for the Cowboys run-scheme. On paper, it looks like the greatest possible marriage of collective talent that the Cowboys have had since Emmitt was paired with the Great Wall of Dallas in the early 90’s.

As for the Defense, as I have said far too many times in far too many threads now this offseason, that is another story. To be clear, though, we are still talking about what is on paper. The actual results for both sides of the ball could end up being the polar opposite of our expectations heading into the season. There are a myriad of possibilities…and from one week to the next…from one team to the next team we could be seeing a different team wearing the blue star in all 16 games. Such is the nature of effect when there are so many different variables driving the results. At any rate, I will remain on the side of optimism…I still believe this Cowboys offense will compensate for what is lacked on the defensive side of the ball and be too much for most teams this year to keep up with. Here’s hoping anyways…


Thoughts?

 

[zrinkill]

As long as Romo stays healthy we will be fine.

I just do not expect that to happen.

 

[Aven8]

I'm just going to enjoy the PS, and then the season like I always do. I worry about the pressure that is being put on Zeke, but I think he can handle it. He played in the horseshoe every week with way more fans then Jerry dome.

For the defense it is what it is. Very excited however to see Collins once he returns, and I think Tapper is going to be something. 4.6 speed from a dude that big?? I watch the Big 12 and have seen plenty of him and he was always wrecking something.

What I fear is health. But as long as we have #9 their will always be a chance.

We all thought we would suck in 2014 and look what happened, so who knows?

 

[zrinkill]

Great post by the way OP.

 

[jday]

As long as Romo stays healthy we will be fine.

I just do not expect that to happen.

I understand your lack of faith in Romo's health...concern is certainly warranted. But, at the same time, it is also completely out of our control so...it's a heck of a lot more fun to be optimistic then to sit back and wait for calamity...

 

[jday]

I'm just going to enjoy the PS, and then the season like I always do. I worry about the pressure that is being put on Zeke, but I think he can handle it. He played in the horseshoe every week with way more fans then Jerry dome.

For the defense it is what it is. Very excited however to see Collins once he returns, and I think Tapper is going to be something. 4.6 speed from a dude that big?? I watch the Big 12 and have seen plenty of him and he was always wrecking something.

What I fear is health. But as long as we have #9 their will always be a chance.

We all thought we would suck in 2014 and look what happened, so who knows?

Health, above all, is quite possibly the Cowboys biggest concern going into the season, so it could be worse...

 

[zrinkill]

it's a heck of a lot more fun to be optimistic then to sit back and wait for calamity...

I know ....... this entire off season has gotten under my skin

 

[John813]

Ignoring health, I think the Cowboys will be fine this year.

If we have Romo, we control the offense which will limit the time the defense has to be out there.

I see shades of 2014, if not better depending on how well Elliott can perform his rookie year.

Defensively, I'm not sure what to expect. We have some potential there, but potential isn't worth much if it can't be molded.

 

[tyke1doe]

I'm excited to see what this offense can do. We have the offensive line. We have the quarterback. We have the tight end. We have the receiver. And we have the running back.

We can play smash mouth, or we can light up the score board.

The key is health, starting with No. 9.

I fully expect us to be unstoppable on offense. Then, again, I said this last year so don't bet your home on my prediction.

 

[CCBoy]

jday, a great OP for us on site, with the team going to camp as we talk...

Molding of a team is dead in sights now...good post.

To those on site, let me upfront, openly ask that the negative associations all coming from the past, be left outside the door on this thread. Don't burden this discussion with agendas that are meant to insult or demean the entire organization. C'mon...let's discuss some of the factors about to kick in, without leaving it all to stupid management and ignorant posters. Use some adult discretion once in a while on discussion. A house is made up of many different pieces...so don't expect every single addition to carry the load of the entire house.

Timing and cohesion is a product of situations as well. Teams come together for many different reasons.

I was on a Falcon team, USAFA, that came together to make it all the way to playing Tennessee in the Sugar Bowl. How was this accomplished? We believed in ourselves and met challenges as they were presented...as a team.

I also played for a NAIA National Championship team, Texas A&I, that had a ton of professional level talent and a great coach, Gil Steinke. Players that went into the professional ranks and were in a Pro Bowl, included Ernest Price, Levi Johnson, Eldridge Small, Dwight Harrison, David Hill, and Don Hardeman. The offense was prolific, but the defense was known as the Border Bandits...and hit people without reserve.

This Cowboys team has the makings of an outstanding offense. That alone can keep the team into any regular season contest that is on the current schedule. That is potent stuff when mixed in with the makings of a team character.

Character is a high value ingredient in the making of the Dallas Cowboys. Yea, there have been a couple of players who have made mistakes...they are human. But don't let that pair dominate the building of a strong and future projecting team as well.

Leadership will be provided in the persons of Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, Doug Free, Travis Frederick, Sean Lee, Cedric Thornton, and Orlando Scandrick.

There will be an additional source of leadership...and this will be in the presence of a very vocal and interactive coaching staff. Marinelli is building a squad that has confidence and a work attitude, up front. He is assisted by coaches that walked into the Hall of Fame and were on Championship teams in their own right. They will be molding a team that achieves. Don't sell this group short, they are a very knowledgeable group and know directions and how to achieve results.

As to the players, don't sell them short as well. This group will eventually be seen as bad boys and show it on the carpet.

But this is the start of a growth period. Let's enjoy this run and see what it holds, not old memories of frustration.

It takes growth periods such as this, to forge a strong and projecting team. That is just the measure of greatness, meeting the challenge.

Let's watch the bumps and bruises and not throw out the baby with the birthing wastes.

I'm going to watch the merit as it evolves and follow the staff in what they achieve on the field. They are a valid group of football people and have earned the right to be in the NFL...

Myself, I can't wait.

 

[jday]

I know ....... this entire off season has gotten under my skin

Can't say that I blame you.

 

[erod]

This season needs three things:

1. A healthy Romo.

2. Zeke to be as advertised.

3. Two young defensive lineman to emerge as legitimate NFL starting caliber players.

 

[jday]

jday, a great OP for us on site, with the team going to camp as we talk...

Molding of a team is dead in sights now...good post.

To those on site, let me upfront, openly ask that the negative associations all coming from the past, be left outside the door on this thread. Don't burden this discussion with agendas that are meant to insult or demean the entire organization. C'mon...let's discuss some of the factors about to kick in, without leaving it all to stupid management and ignorant posters. Use some adult discretion once in a while on discussion. A house is made up of many different pieces...so don't expect every single addition to carry the load of the entire house.

Timing and cohesion is a product of situations as well. Teams come together for many different reasons.

I was on a Falcon team, USAFA, that came together to make it all the way to playing Tennessee in the Sugar Bowl. How was this accomplished? We believed in ourselves and met challenges as they were presented...as a team.

I also played for a NAIA National Championship team, Texas A&I, that had a ton of professional level talent and a great coach, Gil Steinke. Players that went into the professional ranks and were in a Pro Bowl, included Ernest Price, Levi Johnson, Eldridge Small, Dwight Harrison, David Hill, and Don Hardeman. The offense was prolific, but the defense was known as the Border Bandits...and hit people without reserve.

This Cowboys team has the makings of an outstanding offense. That alone can keep the team into any regular season contest that is on the current schedule. That is potent stuff when mixed in with the makings of a team character.

Character is a high value ingredient in the making of the Dallas Cowboys. Yea, there have been a couple of players who have made mistakes...they are human. But don't let that pair dominate the building of a strong and future projecting team as well.

Leadership will be provided in the persons of Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, Doug Free, Travis Frederick, Sean Lee, Cedric Thornton, and Orlando Scandrick.

There will be an additional source of leadership...and this will be in the presence of a very vocal and interactive coaching staff. Marinelli is building a squad that has confidence and a work attitude, up front. He is assisted by coaches that walked into the Hall of Fame and were on Championship teams in their own right. They will be molding a team that achieves. Don't sell this group short, they are a very knowledgeable group and know directions and how to achieve results.

As to the players, don't sell them short as well. This group will eventually be seen as bad boys and show it on the carpet.

But this is the start of a growth period. Let's enjoy this run and see what it holds, not old memories of frustration.

It takes growth periods such as this, to forge a strong and projecting team. That is just the measure of greatness, meeting the challenge.

Let's watch the bumps and bruises and not throw out the baby with the birthing wastes.

I'm going to watch the merit as it evolves and follow the staff in what they achieve on the field. They are a valid group of football people and have earned the right to be in the NFL...

Myself, I can't wait.

Excellent post CC. Thanks for contributing.

 

[Aven8]

Health, above all, is quite possibly the Cowboys biggest concern going into the season, so it could be worse...

You mean like 3 supensions?

 

[jday]

You mean like 3 supensions?

lol. I still believe those suspensions in hindsight will be viewed as much ado about nothing. There are a few guys on that line that I think might just surprise some people come regular season...namely David Irving.

 

[Doomsday101]

lol. I still believe those suspensions in hindsight will be viewed as much ado about nothing. There are a few guys on that line that I think might just surprise some people come regular season...namely David Irving.

I think Dallas better add to that DL we all of a sudden got real thin along the DL. We can't afford to take injury and really have to hope for unproven players to step up. I think Dallas is making a big mistake not brining in a guy like Freeney to help offset the suspensions. Thankfully they did that at LB in bringing in Durant.

 

[Aven8]

lol. I still believe those suspensions in hindsight will be viewed as much ado about nothing. There are a few guys on that line that I think might just surprise some people come regular season...namely David Irving.

I am honestly more worried about #55 to be honest. Yes he's a headcase and you never know if he's up or down, but he's an enforcer in the middle. We don't have that now, and Hitch or whomever can't do what he can. I hope somebody comes out of nowhere!

 

[Stash]

I'm excited to see what this offense can do. We have the offensive line. We have the quarterback. We have the tight end. We have the receiver. And we have the running back.

We can play smash mouth, or we can light up the score board.

The key is health, starting with No. 9.

I fully expect us to be unstoppable on offense. Then, again, I said this last year so don't bet your home on my prediction.

This offense should be "unstoppable", barring injury of course. If the Cowboys coaches can't score 35 points a game given this talent and level of investment, I think they need to be seriously questioned. The offense now has a 'steak on every plate'. The team going so far as to not only sign a multi-time 1,000 yard, Pro Bowl running back to add to your 1,100 yard rusher from last season, but they went out and used their best draft resource in over 20 years to add another one!

Take a look at the 11 projected starters, and depending on which formation you choose, I don't think there's a player who either isn't a proven Pro Bowler or at worst a 4th round draft pick (Free). And please don't waste anyone's time mentioning Collins, everybody knows who he is, his talent level, and how he got here. He's another first rounder.

If this offense isn't top 5 minimum, we have to question the coaches involved.

But, given injuries, draft misfires, and suspensions, this defense is looking to be among the least talented in the league. Even the ascending young players have let the team down. About the only young player you can hope for vast improvement from is Byron Jones. Unlike the others, he's shown flashes and isn't set to be suspended.

Hopefully, a rookie like Tapper proves to be more than expected, or Ryan Russell or David Irving continue to develop, but at this point, that's what we have, a lot of hope on that side of the ball.

For this team to win, this offense needs to be dominant, to the tune of 28-35 points per game. If not, this define will struggle to keep them competitive and the offensive staff deservedly needs to be held accountable.

My belief is that the team is planning a throwback style of offense similar to the team's of the '90's, where they simply come out trying to bludgeon their opponents with a virtually unstoppable running game. The investments have certainly been made.

 

[DandyDon52]

Well really we cant judge the team at all till we see the pre season games, and even then we cant tell a whole lot.
The potential is there for a good season.
I think it depends on the coaches, they still have plenty of good players.

 

[Idgit]

It's all about the passing effectiveness differential. If we can be so good on offense that we negate the disadvantages our under-skilled defense gives us, we'll win. That's perfectly doable against bad or mediocre teams, because our offense ought to be as good as advertised. When you're up against another good offense, though, even if they're not as good as ours, there are so many ways for them to outperform us defensively it puts too much unnecessary pressure on Tony and company. Tony's good enough to pull it out once or twice in a row. But when you need to win four or more to get it done at the end of the season and into the playoffs, that's playing Russian roullette with half of the chambers loaded. Sure, we've got a shot. But we could have done a lot more to improve our odds and for some reason we chose not to this offseason.