CFZ The fastest way we could build a real contender

[rambo2]

That would be an improvement over last draft, where Dallas got zero starters with their first 3 picks.

That's not a bad plan BTW, but leaves little help for the defense.

And Overshown could be a starter this year. They can get a dtackle in the draft and sign a free agent. They will get some linebackers from somewhere.

 

[Rockport]

Most of us watched that SB game Sunday night and thought, “As currently constructed, our roster isn‘t nearly good enough to compete with these teams.” We have quite a ways to go to be on that level.

So what would be the fastest way we could be able to build a roster that is complete enough to compete for a championship? (I didn’t say “BEST” way. I said “fastest“ way) I know many Cowboys fans will say “Get a new QB”, but we know that isn’t happening. Others will say, “Get a new GM.” Sadly, that isn’t happening anytime soon either. So what can we do this off-season?

Here are two things we must first understand:

• Without a great QB, you must have a great defense. Period. Or at least one that can get critical stops in critical moments. Dak is a good QB IMO, just not a great one. You can win playoff games with him with a great defense. Without it, forget it.
• Without a great QB, you must also have a very good running game. Thats a non-negotiable. A good running game takes a lot off your QB and also allows your defense to rest while your offense eats some clock.

So…with that in mind, here’s what we must do this off-season to get to that next level:

• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 2 excellent starting LBs. Big enough to stop the run but quick enough to drop back into some coverages. We cannot go into 2024 with small LBs anymore.
• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 2 excellent DTs. Big, strong run stuffers than can start and be effective immediately. No Day 3 developmental projects. Either first or second rounders that are plug and play and/or one stud FA. I Know lots of people like Hankins as a re-sign FA but he’s just ok. We like him because he’s better than anything we’ve had but that doesn’t make him great or indispensable.
• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 1 excellent starting OL. Our OL is aging and injury prone (Tyron, Zack Martin and Terrance Steele have all missed games last two years) and we are probably losing Tyler Biadaz to FA. We need to either draft a good C or develop one who’s already here and draft another young starter.
• Either by draft of FA- acquire an excellent starting RB- Pollard is likely gone (too expensive) and they misused him last yr anyway. He’s best when he has 12-15 touches max. I would draft a RB in rounds 3-5 that can play right away and pair him with an affordable vet FA in a committee approach. Our current guys like Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn are not worth much IMO. Maybe keep one.
• Make some key June 1 cuts to save cap space.
  • Cut Michael Gallup. No brainer.
  • Cut Cooper Rush. Trey Lance is now the backup and will need lots of preseason action.
  • Cut LVE. He’s a big injury risk and won’t cost much to cut but will save some.
  • Cut Nashon Wright. He’s terrible. That simple.
  • Several others not mentioned

So in short, in order for this team to put together a true contender that can seriously compete in the playoffs, we need to get much better on defense, (need 2 top notch LBs and 2 quality DTs that are ready to play NOW) and much better in the running game (add a quality OL and 2 good RBs that can start and play well NOW) Add improved coaching too.

The changes above give us a chance. Running it back without the above changes? Not a chance.

I’d argue that EVERY QB needs a running game and a great defense.

 

[Bobhaze]

So what you're saying Bullet is a rebuild.

Well G, unfortunately the BEST kind of rebuild, Jerry won’t allow. So my plan is the fast route which isn’t as good but with JJ it’s probably all we have.

 

[Bobhaze]

It's inconceivable that enough improvement could be made in the rest of the team to contend with the current QB. Dallas simply does not have the cap space, and does not have the draft capital, to significantly upgrade the DL, OL, LB, RB, etc....

I just don't see how the plan laid out in the OP can be executed given the current limitations in resources.

No disrespect here, but I would argue that is Stephen Jones kind of thinking. Chiefs GM Brett Veach is a very aggressive GM with the biggest contract in the NFL. It can be done.

 

[Brax]

Most of us watched that SB game Sunday night and thought, “As currently constructed, our roster isn‘t nearly good enough to compete with these teams.” We have quite a ways to go to be on that level.

So what would be the fastest way we could be able to build a roster that is complete enough to compete for a championship? (I didn’t say “BEST” way. I said “fastest“ way) I know many Cowboys fans will say “Get a new QB”, but we know that isn’t happening. Others will say, “Get a new GM.” Sadly, that isn’t happening anytime soon either. So what can we do this off-season?

Here are two things we must first understand:

• Without a great QB, you must have a great defense. Period. Or at least one that can get critical stops in critical moments. Dak is a good QB IMO, just not a great one. You can win playoff games with him with a great defense. Without it, forget it.
• Without a great QB, you must also have a very good running game. Thats a non-negotiable. A good running game takes a lot off your QB and also allows your defense to rest while your offense eats some clock.

So…with that in mind, here’s what we must do this off-season to get to that next level:

• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 2 excellent starting LBs. Big enough to stop the run but quick enough to drop back into some coverages. We cannot go into 2024 with small LBs anymore.
• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 2 excellent DTs. Big, strong run stuffers than can start and be effective immediately. No Day 3 developmental projects. Either first or second rounders that are plug and play and/or one stud FA. I Know lots of people like Hankins as a re-sign FA but he’s just ok. We like him because he’s better than anything we’ve had but that doesn’t make him great or indispensable.
• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 1 excellent starting OL. Our OL is aging and injury prone (Tyron, Zack Martin and Terrance Steele have all missed games last two years) and we are probably losing Tyler Biadaz to FA. We need to either draft a good C or develop one who’s already here and draft another young starter.
• Either by draft of FA- acquire an excellent starting RB- Pollard is likely gone (too expensive) and they misused him last yr anyway. He’s best when he has 12-15 touches max. I would draft a RB in rounds 3-5 that can play right away and pair him with an affordable vet FA in a committee approach. Our current guys like Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn are not worth much IMO. Maybe keep one.
• Make some key June 1 cuts to save cap space.
  • Cut Michael Gallup. No brainer.
  • Cut Cooper Rush. Trey Lance is now the backup and will need lots of preseason action.
  • Cut LVE. He’s a big injury risk and won’t cost much to cut but will save some.
  • Cut Nashon Wright. He’s terrible. That simple.
  • Several others not mentioned

So in short, in order for this team to put together a true contender that can seriously compete in the playoffs, we need to get much better on defense, (need 2 top notch LBs and 2 quality DTs that are ready to play NOW) and much better in the running game (add a quality OL and 2 good RBs that can start and play well NOW) Add improved coaching too.

The changes above give us a chance. Running it back without the above changes? Not a chance.

Bob, you have to first decide what you want to be, right now and for many years it’s a offensive driven team, cap wise and talent wise, not sure how you flip the switch and make D a priority when you are committed to the offense, draft a RB , let Pollard walk, lot of dollars on the O side and it’s not getting any better

 

[Diehardblues]

I’d suggest giving our dynamic duo Father & Son a shorter list. Like pick 2 key elements for them to focus on.

Find a RB… and beef up middle of defense with LB.

Those key weaknesses could boast us running the ball and stopping the run. Fix those two and it could be a sharp improvement.

 

[Diehardblues]

Bob, you have to first decide what you want to be, right now and for many years it’s a offensive driven team, cap wise and talent wise, not sure how you flip the switch and make D a priority when you are committed to the offense, draft a RB , let Pollard walk, lot of dollars on the O side and it’s not getting any better

Unfortunately this is accurate. We can’t say we are paying our QB market price contract but yet need a defense to carry him.

If we have over evaluated our QB then it will ultimately cost us cause you can’t afford to have both .

Our investment with our QB, WR and OL will out weigh our investment on defense. Our QB and offense will need to be our strength. If it’s not then it will come up short.

 

[shabazz]

Most of us watched that SB game Sunday night and thought, “As currently constructed, our roster isn‘t nearly good enough to compete with these teams.” We have quite a ways to go to be on that level.

So what would be the fastest way we could be able to build a roster that is complete enough to compete for a championship? (I didn’t say “BEST” way. I said “fastest“ way) I know many Cowboys fans will say “Get a new QB”, but we know that isn’t happening. Others will say, “Get a new GM.” Sadly, that isn’t happening anytime soon either. So what can we do this off-season?

Here are two things we must first understand:

• Without a great QB, you must have a great defense. Period. Or at least one that can get critical stops in critical moments. Dak is a good QB IMO, just not a great one. You can win playoff games with him with a great defense. Without it, forget it.
• Without a great QB, you must also have a very good running game. Thats a non-negotiable. A good running game takes a lot off your QB and also allows your defense to rest while your offense eats some clock.

So…with that in mind, here’s what we must do this off-season to get to that next level:

• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 2 excellent starting LBs. Big enough to stop the run but quick enough to drop back into some coverages. We cannot go into 2024 with small LBs anymore.
• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 2 excellent DTs. Big, strong run stuffers than can start and be effective immediately. No Day 3 developmental projects. Either first or second rounders that are plug and play and/or one stud FA. I Know lots of people like Hankins as a re-sign FA but he’s just ok. We like him because he’s better than anything we’ve had but that doesn’t make him great or indispensable.
• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 1 excellent starting OL. Our OL is aging and injury prone (Tyron, Zack Martin and Terrance Steele have all missed games last two years) and we are probably losing Tyler Biadaz to FA. We need to either draft a good C or develop one who’s already here and draft another young starter.
• Either by draft of FA- acquire an excellent starting RB- Pollard is likely gone (too expensive) and they misused him last yr anyway. He’s best when he has 12-15 touches max. I would draft a RB in rounds 3-5 that can play right away and pair him with an affordable vet FA in a committee approach. Our current guys like Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn are not worth much IMO. Maybe keep one.
• Make some key June 1 cuts to save cap space.
  • Cut Michael Gallup. No brainer.
  • Cut Cooper Rush. Trey Lance is now the backup and will need lots of preseason action.
  • Cut LVE. He’s a big injury risk and won’t cost much to cut but will save some.
  • Cut Nashon Wright. He’s terrible. That simple.
  • Several others not mentioned

So in short, in order for this team to put together a true contender that can seriously compete in the playoffs, we need to get much better on defense, (need 2 top notch LBs and 2 quality DTs that are ready to play NOW) and much better in the running game (add a quality OL and 2 good RBs that can start and play well NOW) Add improved coaching too.

The changes above give us a chance. Running it back without the above changes? Not a chance.

Getting ALL those players "fast" is Impossible.

It would take a ton of cap space, a top shelf GM and a lotta LUCK.

We have none of those things

 

[Diehardblues]

Interesting that last year he averaged 14.5 touches per game and this year 18.0 touches.

Last year the mantra was he needed more touches and Zeke needed less.

I never imagined those extra 3.5 touches per game and different scheme and some bad play calling would look like it did this year.

Pollard was always a complimentary back. And a damn good one. We over evaluated him , misused him and it cost us.

 

[Mikexike]

Most of us watched that SB game Sunday night and thought, “As currently constructed, our roster isn‘t nearly good enough to compete with these teams.” We have quite a ways to go to be on that level.

So what would be the fastest way we could be able to build a roster that is complete enough to compete for a championship? (I didn’t say “BEST” way. I said “fastest“ way) I know many Cowboys fans will say “Get a new QB”, but we know that isn’t happening. Others will say, “Get a new GM.” Sadly, that isn’t happening anytime soon either. So what can we do this off-season?

Here are two things we must first understand:

• Without a great QB, you must have a great defense. Period. Or at least one that can get critical stops in critical moments. Dak is a good QB IMO, just not a great one. You can win playoff games with him with a great defense. Without it, forget it.
• Without a great QB, you must also have a very good running game. Thats a non-negotiable. A good running game takes a lot off your QB and also allows your defense to rest while your offense eats some clock.

So…with that in mind, here’s what we must do this off-season to get to that next level:

• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 2 excellent starting LBs. Big enough to stop the run but quick enough to drop back into some coverages. We cannot go into 2024 with small LBs anymore.
• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 2 excellent DTs. Big, strong run stuffers than can start and be effective immediately. No Day 3 developmental projects. Either first or second rounders that are plug and play and/or one stud FA. I Know lots of people like Hankins as a re-sign FA but he’s just ok. We like him because he’s better than anything we’ve had but that doesn’t make him great or indispensable.
• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 1 excellent starting OL. Our OL is aging and injury prone (Tyron, Zack Martin and Terrance Steele have all missed games last two years) and we are probably losing Tyler Biadaz to FA. We need to either draft a good C or develop one who’s already here and draft another young starter.
• Either by draft of FA- acquire an excellent starting RB- Pollard is likely gone (too expensive) and they misused him last yr anyway. He’s best when he has 12-15 touches max. I would draft a RB in rounds 3-5 that can play right away and pair him with an affordable vet FA in a committee approach. Our current guys like Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn are not worth much IMO. Maybe keep one.
• Make some key June 1 cuts to save cap space.
  • Cut Michael Gallup. No brainer.
  • Cut Cooper Rush. Trey Lance is now the backup and will need lots of preseason action.
  • Cut LVE. He’s a big injury risk and won’t cost much to cut but will save some.
  • Cut Nashon Wright. He’s terrible. That simple.
  • Several others not mentioned

So in short, in order for this team to put together a true contender that can seriously compete in the playoffs, we need to get much better on defense, (need 2 top notch LBs and 2 quality DTs that are ready to play NOW) and much better in the running game (add a quality OL and 2 good RBs that can start and play well NOW) Add improved coaching too.

The changes above give us a chance. Running it back without the above changes? Not a chance.

All I ask for is exactly what you have stated, If they don't acquire any talent in FA then we can kiss the season good bye.

 

[charron]

Sell the team.

New owners, new GM, new HC and let the new FO set the tone that losers will not be rewarded.

 

[Diehardblues]

The core problem is we are paying our QB like he’s the strength of the team and offense is going to carry us.

Which Dak much like Romo did. The problem is they aren’t great enough to carry us deeper in playoffs without a great defense.

Both QB’s were over evaluated and paid as such and not great enough to carry a defense we couldn’t invest as much in.

We had a window while Dak was on his Rookie contract but we didn’t recognize soon enough Dak needed more support. Now it’s too late if he’s not enough.

We will go as far as he can take us. That’s something we are going to have to live with.

 

[Captain-Crash]

I keep hearing about Wonder Boy Will McClay. Why doesn't he know we have major holes? What does it do? Does he give Jerry a list of big-name players and call it a day. I keep hearing he's some genius.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Pollard was always a complimentary back. And a damn good one. We over evaluated him , misused him and it cost us.

3.5 more touches a game is misusing him?

Wow tough crowd.

That isn't what cost the Cowboys. Terrible blocking scheme and bad play calling cost the team far more than those very few extra touches. It wasn't Pollards fault he got hit or behind the LOS so frequently this season.

 

[Diehardblues]

3.5 more touches a game is misusing him?

Wow tough crowd.

That isn't what cost the Cowboys. Terrible blocking scheme and bad play calling cost the team far more than those very few extra touches. It wasn't Pollards fault he got hit or behind the LOS so frequently this season.

I meant misusing him by making him the lead back. Never thought he was strong enough to carry the load.

Hes not a between the tackles type of RB which starters have to be to some extent.

I’m not denying the blocking or play schemes could have been better but I thought it was a poor decision.

 

[CTcowboy203]

Get us a big fat boy DT….have Jerry go full Deion recruit mode for Chris Jones. That’ll never happen so go after Madubuike (Dallas kid) or Wilkins. Huge drop off from Jones to those guys and there’s other options like reader and the guy from the colts but we need a game changing run stuffer who can generate pressure up the middle.

Focus on the o line in the draft early. I really don’t think we need stud line backers- although you look at teams like San Fran and Baltimore and say well look at that, but if we just had real linebackers who have played the position it would have made a huge difference. Guys that can run the the junk and not get caught behind o line men and pushed around.

 

[gimmesix]

So what you're saying Bullet is a rebuild.

What he's saying is there's no chance if we need to add six "excellent" players. We know the Joneses are not going to do that in free agency, so what's the probability of six draft picks turning out to be excellent?

 

[TwistedL0g1k]

No disrespect here, but I would argue that is Stephen Jones kind of thinking. Chiefs GM Brett Veach is a very aggressive GM with the biggest contract in the NFL. It can be done.

My pessimism stems from 2 areas:

1) Draft Capital. Dallas is picking late every round, and also has a reduced number of picks. Dallas has a weak hand. It's interesting that the two Super-Bowl teams each have one of Dallas's draft picks. SF has our 4th, and KC has our fifth. There's a limit to what can be reasonably expected from the draft.

2) Salary Cap. Want to talk about "Stephen Jones kind of thinking"? Well cap genius poorly restructured Dak, and now we're paying the price for that. $60M hit if Dallas does not hand Dak a new deal. Another VERY weak hand for Dallas. Dak holds all the cards. Gross mismanagement by an amateur to place the team in this position. There's no debate here- this is a constraint on Dallas's options in free agency. The referenced Chiefs may have a big cap hit, but they have something to show for it. (quality QB)

So it's difficult to imagine transformative improvement from the draft, and even harder to imagine high quality free agents coming in when Dallas has to pay Dak, Parsons, Lamb, etc...

Dallas could go further into debt I suppose- trading away future draft picks, and spending future salary cap dollars today. "All In" is dangerous, and frightening with JJ making the calls.

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

Most of us watched that SB game Sunday night and thought, “As currently constructed, our roster isn‘t nearly good enough to compete with these teams.” We have quite a ways to go to be on that level.

So what would be the fastest way we could be able to build a roster that is complete enough to compete for a championship? (I didn’t say “BEST” way. I said “fastest“ way) I know many Cowboys fans will say “Get a new QB”, but we know that isn’t happening. Others will say, “Get a new GM.” Sadly, that isn’t happening anytime soon either. So what can we do this off-season?

Here are two things we must first understand:

• Without a great QB, you must have a great defense. Period. Or at least one that can get critical stops in critical moments. Dak is a good QB IMO, just not a great one. You can win playoff games with him with a great defense. Without it, forget it.
• Without a great QB, you must also have a very good running game. Thats a non-negotiable. A good running game takes a lot off your QB and also allows your defense to rest while your offense eats some clock.

So…with that in mind, here’s what we must do this off-season to get to that next level:

• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 2 excellent starting LBs. Big enough to stop the run but quick enough to drop back into some coverages. We cannot go into 2024 with small LBs anymore.
• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 2 excellent DTs. Big, strong run stuffers than can start and be effective immediately. No Day 3 developmental projects. Either first or second rounders that are plug and play and/or one stud FA. I Know lots of people like Hankins as a re-sign FA but he’s just ok. We like him because he’s better than anything we’ve had but that doesn’t make him great or indispensable.
• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 1 excellent starting OL. Our OL is aging and injury prone (Tyron, Zack Martin and Terrance Steele have all missed games last two years) and we are probably losing Tyler Biadaz to FA. We need to either draft a good C or develop one who’s already here and draft another young starter.
• Either by draft of FA- acquire an excellent starting RB- Pollard is likely gone (too expensive) and they misused him last yr anyway. He’s best when he has 12-15 touches max. I would draft a RB in rounds 3-5 that can play right away and pair him with an affordable vet FA in a committee approach. Our current guys like Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn are not worth much IMO. Maybe keep one.
• Make some key June 1 cuts to save cap space.
  • Cut Michael Gallup. No brainer.
  • Cut Cooper Rush. Trey Lance is now the backup and will need lots of preseason action.
  • Cut LVE. He’s a big injury risk and won’t cost much to cut but will save some.
  • Cut Nashon Wright. He’s terrible. That simple.
  • Several others not mentioned

So in short, in order for this team to put together a true contender that can seriously compete in the playoffs, we need to get much better on defense, (need 2 top notch LBs and 2 quality DTs that are ready to play NOW) and much better in the running game (add a quality OL and 2 good RBs that can start and play well NOW) Add improved coaching too.

The changes above give us a chance. Running it back without the above changes? Not a chance.

That's it? Psssh...piece of pie! Easy as cake!

The most epic turnaround in the history of sports?

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

They can get a good portion of it in the draft.

Since we are SO good at it.