CFZ The fastest way we could build a real contender

[DandyDon1722]

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 I always appreciate the amount of detail and thought put into your posts. I’ll be a little more succinct.

It is crucial Charlotte takes over as president of the Dallas Cowboys because finally ego will be put aside over competence.

I think it’s the only true culture change we can hope for.

 

[big dog cowboy]

You thought TE was a priority position in the draft last year?

The Cowboys did because they wanted to improve the blocking on offense and special teams (they did) and bring a receiving threat (and once he develops - they did again).

 

[big dog cowboy]

The FO already has us at 16 mil over the cap. How are they going to bring in 3 or more starter quality players?

Seriously? You already know how.

 

[Captain-Crash]

Bob I always appreciate the amount of detail and thought put into your posts. I’ll be a little more succinct.

It is crucial Charlotte takes over as president of the Dallas Cowboys because finally ego will be put aside over competence.

I think it’s the only true culture change we can hope for.

 

[khiladi]

Swap jerseys with the Chiefs…

 

[buybuydandavis]

Like Trey Lance?

Obviously not. That's considered a *failed* pick. Which is the point.
A first round pick that doesn't turn out to be a quality starter is a failed pick.

You want guarantees in picking up new personnel? You think you get guarantees in free agency?

 

[blueblood70]

Back then we had the barbershop instead of the internet.

Ohh man that brings back memories of all the newspapers I had to clip.. Waiting for all the stats and the stories etcetera etcetera using my highlighter for the cowboys stuff and seeing how they stacked up and only Espn back then for story's,

Now there are literally hundreds of social medias sports in real time notifications & about 20 sports channels and TMZ following people around 24/7

its crazy now that i can be watching a game and pull up stats or get home and have my app hit Key pays and watch it al quickly.. these players are under far more pressure and being comped minute by minute most made up nonsense to create story lines. add in analytics and other stuff, tougher on this generation of athletes for sure.

 

[Chasing6]

Obviously not. That's considered a *failed* pick. Which is the point.
A first round pick that doesn't turn out to be a quality starter is a failed pick.

You want guarantees in picking up new personnel? You think you get guarantees in free agency?

Well technically it was 3 failed picks for the Niners. Only 1 for Jeruh.

 

[rambo2]

Well technically it was 3 failed picks for the Niners. Only 1 for Jeruh.

How is it a fail for the Cowboys? He will start playing in this training camp.

 

[Chasing6]

How is it a fail for the Cowboys? He will start playing in this training camp.

Can't help ya. I guess you need more time to figure it out.

 

[rambo2]

Can't help ya. I guess you need more time to figure it out.

You need to watch this summer and see for yourself. McCarthy worked with him for a year and he has the tools. So, we will see.

 

[KJJ]

There’s no fast way to build a true contender or every team would be doing it. The cap and high player salaries certainly makes it difficult. It all starts with the QB. I still believe ours is good enough but the rest of the team around him isn’t, especially the defense. I have little confidence we’ll build a great defense anytime soon that can hold up in the playoffs. The defense is the biggest issue in postseason. Our 5 championship teams all had great defenses. We’re not even close defensively. Our best defensive player has yet to show up in the playoffs. We’re too undersized and not nearly physical enough. Mental toughness with the entire team is a huge problem.

 

[AyeAtey]

Get 2 of the nastiest interior linemen. 1 each, OL, DL. And they should be placed right in the middle of the line.

 

[Chasing6]

You need to watch this summer and see for yourself. McCarthy worked with him for a year and he has the tools. So, we will see.

I have seen enough. Complete waste of time, a 4th and $5M+, on top of 3 first and a 3rd.

Biggest flop in NFL history. Not even sure that is the correct definition. Worst evaluation in NFL history is more like it. Kid barely played in HS.

 

[Chasing6]

You need to watch this summer and see for yourself. McCarthy worked with him for a year and he has the tools. So, we will see.

What is going to happen in the Summer?

Dak will be extended. Then what? Are we going for pick up his 5th year option at $25M for an emergency QB?

 

[Chasing6]

You need to watch this summer and see for yourself. McCarthy worked with him for a year and he has the tools. So, we will see.

McCarthy worked with him? The McCarthy that is on a 1 year deal? So the plan is to keep them together? Really?

 

[rambo2]

What is going to happen in the Summer?

Dak will be extended. Then what? Are we going for pick up his 5th year option at $25M for an emergency QB?

What's going to happen is that Lance is going to play.

 

[RonWashington]

The 90’s Cowboys dominated both lines of scrimmage . Simple mandate get help at OL DL & LB in the draft and FA . Enough collecting Tight ends like baseball cards .

 

[Calvin2Tony2Emmitt2Julius]

Have you seen the schedule? You might want to rethink that.

Yea I see 13 wins !!!!!

 

[Chasing6]

What's going to happen is that Lance is going to play.

For the first time in 2 years. So excited. How come we here all these rumors of QB's being traded, but nothing about Trey Lance???