The roster building messages the SB teams made clear to Cowboys last night

[ShortRound]

While watching that great SB game last night played by two excellent teams, there were some clear messages sent about how to build a Super Bowl roster. If only the Cowboys front office could ever de-code them we would have a better chance to play in a SB again.

Here are some of those roster building messages:

• Just having a great QB without some dominating players in the defensive trenches is not enough. This is a fundamental truth the Jones boys never seem to understand. Yes having a Pat Mahomes is HUGE. But without that great DL the chiefs don’t win that SB. Below are some great, even dominating QBs that underperformed in the playoffs because they did not have a great D.
  • Aaron Rodgers- won only one SB because he didn’t have enough help on defense. That simple.
  • Peyton Manning- an all time great that won 2 SBs, but lost a bunch of AFC championships and a SB because until he was with the broncos, he didn't have a great D.
  • Dan Marino- arguably the greatest passer in NFL history but never won a SB because he never had a great D.
  • Joe Burrow- he’s great. But if the bengals don’t get a better D around him, he’s another Marino.
  • Putting this point another way, if the Cowboys had Mahomes vs the pack in January, we only lose 48-45, lol.

• Toughness matters a ton. Both the niners and chiefs are physically tough as nails. The niners are the most physical team in the NFL. Their defense punishes opponents. The chiefs are also physically tough. Their defense was vastly underrated this year. The mental toughness of the chiefs to stay in the game despite their offense being sluggish is testament to their mental toughness.

• Having a defense capable of keeping you in the game until the offense comes alive. The chiefs D kept them in the game when their offense was terrible the first half. How many times did we see Dallas‘ defense crumble while the offense was struggling.

So what are the implications for the Cowboys?

1. Get better in the front 7 on defense. We need some major help at DL, LB. Secondary is ok. (Everyone screams for a new QB but unfortunately that ain‘t happening now and even if it was, we don’t have enough defensive support for any QB)
2. Get better at OL and RB. We desperately need a running game.
3. Stop wasting second round picks on medical or mental rehabs because the GM wants to look smart. Draft guys that can play NOW.

As I watched that SB last night, it was crystal clear that the Cowboys aren’t nearly as close as we fans want to believe. The most important upgrade these team needs right now is some dominating beasts at DT and LB and an improved running game. There will be no cavalry rescue of this team at QB next year. So better get a better D and running game or even if we had Mahomes he couldn’t save this team.

I think Jerry’s problem is his emotional attachment to players. His regret of not getting it done with Romo, Witten, Dez is causing him to hang on too long with the current players. Every player should be tradeable. And every position plug and play.

 

[Bobhaze]

I think Jerry’s problem is his emotional attachment to players. His regret of not getting it done with Romo, Witten, Dez is causing him to hang on too long with the current players. Every player should be tradeable. And every position plug and play.

That is an excellent observation.

 

[CT Dal Fan]

While watching that great SB game last night played by two excellent teams, there were some clear messages sent about how to build a Super Bowl roster. If only the Cowboys front office could ever de-code them we would have a better chance to play in a SB again.

Here are some of those roster building messages:

• Just having a great QB without some dominating players in the defensive trenches is not enough. This is a fundamental truth the Jones boys never seem to understand. Yes having a Pat Mahomes is HUGE. But without that great DL the chiefs don’t win that SB. Below are some great, even dominating QBs that underperformed in the playoffs because they did not have a great D.
  • Aaron Rodgers- won only one SB because he didn’t have enough help on defense. That simple.
  • Peyton Manning- an all time great that won 2 SBs, but lost a bunch of AFC championships and a SB because until he was with the broncos, he didn't have a great D.
  • Dan Marino- arguably the greatest passer in NFL history but never won a SB because he never had a great D.
  • Joe Burrow- he’s great. But if the bengals don’t get a better D around him, he’s another Marino.
  • Putting this point another way, if the Cowboys had Mahomes vs the pack in January, we only lose 48-45, lol.

• Toughness matters a ton. Both the niners and chiefs are physically tough as nails. The niners are the most physical team in the NFL. Their defense punishes opponents. The chiefs are also physically tough. Their defense was vastly underrated this year. The mental toughness of the chiefs to stay in the game despite their offense being sluggish is testament to their mental toughness.

• Having a defense capable of keeping you in the game until the offense comes alive. The chiefs D kept them in the game when their offense was terrible the first half. How many times did we see Dallas‘ defense crumble while the offense was struggling.

So what are the implications for the Cowboys?

1. Get better in the front 7 on defense. We need some major help at DL, LB. Secondary is ok. (Everyone screams for a new QB but unfortunately that ain‘t happening now and even if it was, we don’t have enough defensive support for any QB)
2. Get better at OL and RB. We desperately need a running game.
3. Stop wasting second round picks on medical or mental rehabs because the GM wants to look smart. Draft guys that can play NOW.

As I watched that SB last night, it was crystal clear that the Cowboys aren’t nearly as close as we fans want to believe. The most important upgrade these team needs right now is some dominating beasts at DT and LB and an improved running game. There will be no cavalry rescue of this team at QB next year. So better get a better D and running game or even if we had Mahomes he couldn’t save this team.

Excellent points. This is what so many fans fail to understand.

The quarterback is an easy target, especially when he plays poorly. But it is an easy and lazy excuse to blame just the QB when the rest of the team is equally as bad.

They are called football teams for a reason. Dak was bad against the Packers. But let's not pretend that changing one player suddenly fixes everything.

 

[Chuck 54]

In a way we did see that in the regular season:

• SF 42- Dallas 10
• Buff 31- Dallas 10
• Packers 48- Dallas 32

Even Arizona. When your defense is weak up the middle and can’t stop the run, and the DL has no discipline while they chase sacks, even a sub par team can take you to the woodshed. We gave up 222 yards on the ground to the Cardinals.

 

[Starforever]

I seriously doubt we can build a better team than SF or Balt and prob Buffalo. And Balt and Buffalo definitely have greater QB’s.

So if we can’t build better teams than the top teams in NFL and don’t have as good or greater QB how do we expect to overcome?

This is prob about as good as it gets with our organization and QB.

Building is one thing. Smarts and tenacity has to come from within. This is a yakkety yak organization. Talk is cheap, it takes money to buy land.

Culture is the biggest change needed. It felt like they were turning the corner last year and fell flat in the playoffs. They regressed, in my opinion.

Dak had a good statistical year, so did the offense, but same culture. The same could be said for the defense and special teams.

I would like to hear and see videos after each loss. We only see the winning videos. Tough teams bully Dallas; no matter the record.

 

[NoLuv4Jerry]

In a way we did see that in the regular season:

• SF 42- Dallas 10
• Buff 31- Dallas 10
• Packers 48- Dallas 32

Theses types of results is where the evaluation of this team should start. How we perform against good teams is where REAL fans should look when trying to gauge how good/bad this team is. We are far....and I do mean far.....from winning 4 straight games in the postseason. The ownership/fanbase talking Super Bowl don't seem to get that we have not won 2 games in a row in the postseason since 1995. This team is not physical on either side of the ball. We don't have anyone on defense that scares the opposition...we don't have anyone on offense that the opposition gets tired of tackling.

Legendary ex-players have said players would mysteriously get the "flu" when Larry Allen came up on the schedule. Eric Williams was guy no one wanted to play. Micheal Irvin would just slap DBs around. Charles Haley was feared by everyone on the other sideline AND everyone on his own sideline. Darren Woodson was feared. He may have had a few warts...but everyone on the opposing offense knew Roy Williams was someone to avoid. And I could bring it up to more modern day Cowboys football....but Dez could not be tackled and dominated secondaries with physicality. Marion Barber was someone that the defense got tired of tackling. Zeke was someone that the defense got tired of tackling.

This team does not have one scary physical player. A player that sets the tone of physicality throughout the Lockeroom and helps this team establish a reputation as a team you dread playing.

I mean think about this. With a 53-man roster..we can't have one....one...neanderthal?! I mean, this is football.....right?!

 

[Nova]

KC has arguably the best secondary in football. They are fantastic at staying with their guys. As you said we need to fortify the middle of this D and we could be really good as well. And without a running game this thing isn’t going anywhere ever. We’ve always had stud RB’s. Tony, Emmitt, Barber, Demarco, and Zeke. It’s time to get another bell cow. And it doesn’t have to be a high pick. Just find one.

Their defense was so underrated this year.

Spags could dial up those Jim Johnson blitzes and the back end would hold up just find.

 

[Nova]

A QB+OL+ Strong Defense = Super Bowl.

It's always been this way, though I would recommend more of an investment in skill positions than KC.

Mahomes may be the only guy who can overcome that much of a disadvantage at the WR position.

 

[Bobhaze]

Theses types of results is where the evaluation of this team should start. How we perform against good teams is where REAL fans should look when trying to gauge how good/bad this team is. We are far....and I do mean far.....from winning 4 straight games in the postseason. The ownership/fanbase talking Super Bowl don't seem to get that we have not won 2 games in a row in the postseason since 1995. This team is not physical on either side of the ball. We don't have anyone on defense that scares the opposition...we don't have anyone on offense that the opposition gets tired of tackling.

Legendary ex-players have said players would mysteriously get the "flu" when Larry Allen came up on the schedule. Eric Williams was guy no one wanted to play. Micheal Irvin would just slap DBs around. Charles Haley was feared by everyone on the other sideline AND everyone on his own sideline. Darren Woodson was feared. He may have had a few warts...but everyone on the opposing offense knew Roy Williams was someone to avoid. And I could bring it up to more modern day Cowboys football....but Dez could not be tackled and dominated secondaries with physicality. Marion Barber was someone that the defense got tired of tackling. Zeke was someone that the defense got tired of tackling.

This team does not have one scary physical player. A player that sets the tone of physicality throughout the Lockeroom and helps this team establish a reputation as a team you dread playing.

I mean think about this. With a 53-man roster..we can't have one....one...neanderthal?! I mean, this is football.....right?!

Excellent post.

 

[Diehardblues]

Theses types of results is where the evaluation of this team should start. How we perform against good teams is where REAL fans should look when trying to gauge how good/bad this team is. We are far....and I do mean far.....from winning 4 straight games in the postseason. The ownership/fanbase talking Super Bowl don't seem to get that we have not won 2 games in a row in the postseason since 1995. This team is not physical on either side of the ball. We don't have anyone on defense that scares the opposition...we don't have anyone on offense that the opposition gets tired of tackling.

Legendary ex-players have said players would mysteriously get the "flu" when Larry Allen came up on the schedule. Eric Williams was guy no one wanted to play. Micheal Irvin would just slap DBs around. Charles Haley was feared by everyone on the other sideline AND everyone on his own sideline. Darren Woodson was feared. He may have had a few warts...but everyone on the opposing offense knew Roy Williams was someone to avoid. And I could bring it up to more modern day Cowboys football....but Dez could not be tackled and dominated secondaries with physicality. Marion Barber was someone that the defense got tired of tackling. Zeke was someone that the defense got tired of tackling.

This team does not have one scary physical player. A player that sets the tone of physicality throughout the Lockeroom and helps this team establish a reputation as a team you dread playing.

I mean think about this. With a 53-man roster..we can't have one....one...neanderthal?! I mean, this is football.....right?!

Yep and we basically are not hangin round the rim against the better teams.

Great stat of the season in NFL…
Ravens beat 10 teams this year with a winning record. 1st time in NFL history. Wow!

 

[Diehardblues]

Building is one thing. Smarts and tenacity has to come from within. This is a yakkety yak organization. Talk is cheap, it takes money to buy land.

Culture is the biggest change needed. It felt like they were turning the corner last year and fell flat in the playoffs. They regressed, in my opinion.

Dak had a good statistical year, so did the offense, but same culture. The same could be said for the defense and special teams.

I would like to hear and see videos after each loss. We only see the winning videos. Tough teams bully Dallas; no matter the record.

Dak is enough to roll up 10-12 wins to make the playoffs but with his contract level he has to carry us more into the playoffs.

He can’t throw multiple interceptions and pick 6. Our team is financed heavy on offense .

And we’ve been trying to build a top 10 defense which we did. But it’s not enough to overcome an offense which gives up so much.

If we have over evaluated our QB which is intended to carry us then we will have to live with the results.

We can’t be over invested in our QB and offense and then expect our defense to carry the load. That’s what we’d define as mismanagement. And this is what you get.

 

[Diehardblues]

I think Jerry’s problem is his emotional attachment to players. His regret of not getting it done with Romo, Witten, Dez is causing him to hang on too long with the current players. Every player should be tradeable. And every position plug and play.

Yea that’s part of it. But what’s driving Jethro to stay with these core stars is they are enough for him to maintain his relevant playoff contender .

He doesn’t have the concerns we do in taking it to the next level. He’s already there in his mind “hangin round the rim”.

 

[Jarv]

Mahomes eats a ton of cap space. They are somehow getting it done. Obviously Mahomes is way better but the chiefs have figured a way to have a great supporting cast with the most expensive player in the league.

The chiefs also have one of the best GMs in the league - Brett Veach. When you look at their roster construction vs ours, it’s embarrassing.

Yep, KC has a good GM and players wants a championship so they come to play with Mahomes.

On the flip side, look what SF did in the last 2 years.

1. Traded for CMAC during the season.
2. Got Sweat for a buffalo head nickel mid season.
3. Picked up Gregory mid-season too.

Very close game obviously, either strategy could have won the championship.

We don't have a strategy.

 

[75boyz]

Noone has Mahomes except KC so qb play aside, how can a regular team without a historic juggernaut of a qb win in the playoffs and SB? That's the heart of this discussion. And if you look around the league Burrow, Allen, Lamar, Dak, Aaron, Purdy, they can all win SBs if they have defenses and don't have to play Mahomes lol

Yeah, I don't put Dak in that group personally.
The rest yeah, although Lamar's playoff record looks a lot like Dak's so he might be borderline. And that's as a 2 time reg. season MVP too. Kinda weird.

 

[Starforever]

Dak is enough to roll up 10-12 wins to make the playoffs but with his contract level he has to carry us more into the playoffs.

He can’t throw multiple interceptions and pick 6. Our team is financed heavy on offense .

And we’ve been trying to build a top 10 defense which we did. But it’s not enough to overcome an offense which gives up so much.

If we have over evaluated our QB which is intended to carry us then we will have to live with the results.

We can’t be over invested in our QB and offense and then expect our defense to carry the load. That’s what we’d define as mismanagement. And this is what you get.

Both super bowl teams are much more balanced than the Cowboys. Who knows, with drafting, free agency, trades, cuts, etc., this team may just make the second round.

 

[Reverend Conehead]

While watching that great SB game last night played by two excellent teams, there were some clear messages sent about how to build a Super Bowl roster. If only the Cowboys front office could ever de-code them we would have a better chance to play in a SB again.

Here are some of those roster building messages:

• Just having a great QB without some dominating players in the defensive trenches is not enough. This is a fundamental truth the Jones boys never seem to understand. Yes having a Pat Mahomes is HUGE. But without that great DL the chiefs don’t win that SB. Below are some great, even dominating QBs that underperformed in the playoffs because they did not have a great D.
  • Aaron Rodgers- won only one SB because he didn’t have enough help on defense. That simple.
  • Peyton Manning- an all time great that won 2 SBs, but lost a bunch of AFC championships and a SB because until he was with the broncos, he didn't have a great D.
  • Dan Marino- arguably the greatest passer in NFL history but never won a SB because he never had a great D.
  • Joe Burrow- he’s great. But if the bengals don’t get a better D around him, he’s another Marino.
  • Putting this point another way, if the Cowboys had Mahomes vs the pack in January, we only lose 48-45, lol.

• Toughness matters a ton. Both the niners and chiefs are physically tough as nails. The niners are the most physical team in the NFL. Their defense punishes opponents. The chiefs are also physically tough. Their defense was vastly underrated this year. The mental toughness of the chiefs to stay in the game despite their offense being sluggish is testament to their mental toughness.

• Having a defense capable of keeping you in the game until the offense comes alive. The chiefs D kept them in the game when their offense was terrible the first half. How many times did we see Dallas‘ defense crumble while the offense was struggling.

So what are the implications for the Cowboys?

1. Get better in the front 7 on defense. We need some major help at DL, LB. Secondary is ok. (Everyone screams for a new QB but unfortunately that ain‘t happening now and even if it was, we don’t have enough defensive support for any QB)
2. Get better at OL and RB. We desperately need a running game.
3. Stop wasting second round picks on medical or mental rehabs because the GM wants to look smart. Draft guys that can play NOW.

As I watched that SB last night, it was crystal clear that the Cowboys aren’t nearly as close as we fans want to believe. The most important upgrade these team needs right now is some dominating beasts at DT and LB and an improved running game. There will be no cavalry rescue of this team at QB next year. So better get a better D and running game or even if we had Mahomes he couldn’t save this team.

The toughest thing is that many of these things are as obvious as Madonna's bad plastic surgery, but Jerry can't see them. Most of these things are not quick fixes, but even some things that are do not get acted upon by Jerry. For example, it was painfully obvious before the playoffs that we needed help at running back, and there were some good free agents available. Nothing against Pollard; he plays hard. But we needed a bruising running back to share duties with him. I thought we had turned the corner in 2014 when the fruits of drafting some quality O-linemen had really come together. With DeMarco Murray, we ran down other teams' throats, and that allowed our slightly below average defense to rest. I figured, build up the D-line and the defense overall, and this team will be a Super Bowl contender. Then in 2016, it was similar. The O-line was also great and we added a premiere running back to it. We could run great, and it opened up the pass so well that even our rookie 4th-round-quarterback could shred defenses. The D still wasn't there, but I thought they could focus mainly on the D in the offseason, and come back great. They can never get all of it together.
...
I don't think Patrick Mahommes would have helped us at all against Green Bay because I think he would have had to sit out the game injured. Our O-line holes would have practically gotten him killed in previous games.