Just some thoughts that have been stewing in my brain for the last 3 weeks or so.
Like a lot of Cowboy fans, last year took us all by surprise. No one expected the season we had. I thought we were still a season, maybe 2 away from being in the thick of it - it really was a great surprise.
Fast forward to the off season and draft, again, it seemed like the Dallas brain-trust had finally figured it out. Sound decisions i.e. letting Murray walk. Thought they would have played a little more hardball with Carr. Signing Hardy for the structured contract etc. Picking up McFadden on the cheap. Bringing back RoMac on another structured deal. All seemed like solid FO moves. The draft followed, And although I did not agree with the Jones pick, (I see he is and will be a good player for us) Man, walking away with three 1st round talents in Jones, Gregory and Collins. I was perfectly giddy. The rest of the draft seemed solid, smart picks - who I still see as potential players for us. So all in all, the happy meter was pointing up. Training camp comes along, everyone looks to be working out. Hell, even Claiborne looked better !
We lose Scandrick, a few niggling injuries, but generally I'm a pretty happy camper.
But, Now with the injuries we have had so far, and the paly of several players (Weeden etc.) I have come to believe the off season was floored.
It's my belief that the front office never intended to take a RB in this draft - at all. No matter how they spin it. There was no, it just didn't fall to us BS. They thought the line, Randle, McFadden and Dunbar was enough - Strike one. Fatal flaw. all can see now RBBC does not work with the backs we have, and then I think OK, they realize the flaw, go out and trade for Michael - but whet the hell is this ! 1 play per game and yank him - Strike two. Loading up on DE's was great and needed, but again neglecting the DT position is yet another fatal flaw (No. 3) And that has also played out. No FS drafted or picked up. We all know we are playing with 2 SS, but they chose to ignore that - yet again. Church has regressed from last year, and will not return next year, leaving Wilcox to move inside where he should be. And leaving another big hole that we have to throw a high pick at to get a quality FS that can come in and start. Fatal flaw # 4.
QB, yes it is apparent that the FO decision to stick with Weeden was the wrong one. I was of the opinion that he would progress this year. Hell no ! He is done, we need to move off of him, and no matter what happens the rest of this year - Cassel, Romo when he's healthy. It is now a pressing need to draft and prep. a young QB behind Romo. We are running out of time ! Fatal Flaw # 5.
What I thought was such a promising off-season appears to have been smoke and mirrors. And what I perceived to be a solid run for the next few years, with smart FO thinking - now still feels the same 2-3 years away. we have literally and figuratively wasted the Romo years.
I could go on and on about coaching, play calling, the apparent big step back from Callahan. But this is already long. Like all you, I love our team and want nothing but the best.
Seems like the decisions of the off season, headed in a different direction. And we don't have enough high picks to rectify them in one off season. Another Romo year will go by, and he does not have many left.
Thoughts ?
