plasticman
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How many years has Jerry Jones been the "GM" now? What is the advantage of experience? I always thought that being experienced means you know how to do things right, partially because you learned what happens when you do things wrong.
How many times has a backup RB looked impressive only to fail once they are given the starter role? How many times has Jerry Jones witnessed this in front of his very eyes?
In 2004 the Cowboys draft Julius Jones as their first pick, a 2nd rounder. He becomes Parcell's workhorse, averaging about 950 yards through his first three seasons. In 2005 They draft Marion Barber, who excels in short yardage as well as being a great 4th quarter closer. He is a physical back and his runs are exciting.
After the 2006 season Parcells leaves and after the 2007 season, Jerry decides that Julius can leave too. He decides that Barber will be his starter. After all, Barber's numbers were more impressive even though he never started a single game. Julius Jones leaves and Barber's productivity flatlines. His average before the season was 4.5 yards per carry but in 2008 it is 3.7. His TD's also drop. By 2010 his average is 3.3 yards per carry anbd he is gone.
In 2014 Demarco Murray breaks he Cowboys single season rushing record. It is his contract year but Jerry is convinced that his backup Joesph Randle, can do the same job. Randle even criticizes Murray, claiming he "left too much meat on the bone". The following season Randle is the starter and he plays great.....for one quarter. After the 1st quarter he averages 2.5 yards a carry. He is gone by the 7th game of the season.
This past season Jerry outdid himself. Not only did he deny his own experience but put all his cards on a backup returning from injury. far worse, he never even replaced the backup position vacated by Pollard. That is to say, he never addressed the issue with any serious effort. Every other RB on the roster was either untested or incapable of even playing. The Cowboys had plenty of opportunity to address her issue in free agency as well as the draft and all they ever did was a publicity stunt which, whether intended or not, failed to offer any depth to the position.
Clearly, the history was there. To add some comic relief, McCarthy claimed the team would rely more on the running attack. They then proceed to run the ball 44% of teh time compared to last season's 49% of the time.
In a way, the Cowboys were doomed from the start. A prolific passing attack can win many regular season games but we have experienced, again and again, the effect of the running game during the playoffs. The Cowboys were left practically one dimensional all season long. In close games against good teams. opponent coaches had no problem exploiting this.
How many times has a backup RB looked impressive only to fail once they are given the starter role? How many times has Jerry Jones witnessed this in front of his very eyes?
In 2004 the Cowboys draft Julius Jones as their first pick, a 2nd rounder. He becomes Parcell's workhorse, averaging about 950 yards through his first three seasons. In 2005 They draft Marion Barber, who excels in short yardage as well as being a great 4th quarter closer. He is a physical back and his runs are exciting.
After the 2006 season Parcells leaves and after the 2007 season, Jerry decides that Julius can leave too. He decides that Barber will be his starter. After all, Barber's numbers were more impressive even though he never started a single game. Julius Jones leaves and Barber's productivity flatlines. His average before the season was 4.5 yards per carry but in 2008 it is 3.7. His TD's also drop. By 2010 his average is 3.3 yards per carry anbd he is gone.
In 2014 Demarco Murray breaks he Cowboys single season rushing record. It is his contract year but Jerry is convinced that his backup Joesph Randle, can do the same job. Randle even criticizes Murray, claiming he "left too much meat on the bone". The following season Randle is the starter and he plays great.....for one quarter. After the 1st quarter he averages 2.5 yards a carry. He is gone by the 7th game of the season.
This past season Jerry outdid himself. Not only did he deny his own experience but put all his cards on a backup returning from injury. far worse, he never even replaced the backup position vacated by Pollard. That is to say, he never addressed the issue with any serious effort. Every other RB on the roster was either untested or incapable of even playing. The Cowboys had plenty of opportunity to address her issue in free agency as well as the draft and all they ever did was a publicity stunt which, whether intended or not, failed to offer any depth to the position.
Clearly, the history was there. To add some comic relief, McCarthy claimed the team would rely more on the running attack. They then proceed to run the ball 44% of teh time compared to last season's 49% of the time.
In a way, the Cowboys were doomed from the start. A prolific passing attack can win many regular season games but we have experienced, again and again, the effect of the running game during the playoffs. The Cowboys were left practically one dimensional all season long. In close games against good teams. opponent coaches had no problem exploiting this.
