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

[Bobhaze]

Not wrong but elite covers warts and in Jerry’s case you can’t beat stupidity. If you believe Dak is going to carry this team like Mahomes dollar for dollar then failure is in the cards. There’s only 4 or 5 QBs that can carry a team and Dak at max cap dollars isn’t one of them not remotely.

I agree. I’m just saying cap space is not an excuse for this FO. They just don’t know what they’re doing.

 

[kskboys]

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.

They are getting it done by acquiring Defense, Defense, Defense.

 

[kskboys]

That chiefs D has been underrated all year. Without their gritty performance all through the playoffs, the chiefs don’t win with even their generational QB.

2nd in the NFL.

 

[kskboys]

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.

KC has the best DLine in football.

 

[75boyz]

Not meaning to sound like the a**hole contrarian Bob, but the counter to your OP is quite simply that the better QB was the deciding factor.

That SF roster is absolutely stacked and their d-line played absolutely well enough to have won the game.

The difference being the Mahomes skillset in understanding when to run and just his generational football IQ in clutch moments and no doubt passing skill.

Romo did a good job explaining all the subtle nuances of what the SF dline needed to do and what they did do for the most part.

No other QB beats SF yesterday.

Regardless of ALL other team factors.

The surround the middle tier QB like Garropolo or Purdy(if he's considered middle tier) with a team concept got beat once again and remains the outliers to the pedigreed QBs leading their teams to victory.

The overall SB victory numbers prove this. The outliers are the bus drivers winning.

Mountaineer's OP post of " If you dont have the QB you better find it" could not be more accurate in todays QB based NFL.

jmo

 

[MyFairLady]

Mahomes does much more than just what you see on the field. Much like Brady he sets the entire tone of the franchise. When players see him run for the first down when it matters the most they know he will do whatever it takes to win. When your best player is your hardest worker there is no excuse for anyone else. When your best player is the most prepared there is no excuse for anyone else. When your best player is the most locked in there is no excuse for anyone else.

Kadarius Toney gets benched in Kansas City and they win the Superbowl. In Dallas he would be rewarded with a pay raise.

Mahomes does not accept excuses. This can not some from the coaching staff. The players make millions more than the coaches. The players have to set the tone. They have to set the expectations. They have to maintain accountability.

Like it or not Dak, Zeke, D Flaw, Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, Parsons, Diggs and Lamb do not appear to be "that guy". They love everything that comes along with being a star player on the Dallas Cowboys. Fame, fortune, etc. Did Dak like trying to keep Zeke focused and motivated? Did D Flaw like trying to keep Sam Williams focused and motivated? These guys are why we "succeed" but they are also a big part of why we fail.

 

[Bobhaze]

Not meaning to sound like the a**hole contrarian Bob, but the counter to your OP is quite simply that the better QB was the deciding factor.

That SF roster is absolutely stacked and their d-line played absolutely well enough to have won the game

The difference being the Mahomes skillset in understanding when to run and just his generational football IQ in clutch moments and no doubt passing skill.

Romo did a good job explaining all the subtle nuances of what the SF dline needed to do and what they did do for the most part.

No other QB beats SF yesterday.

Regardless of ALL other team factors.

jmo
The surround the middle tier QB likecGarropolo or Purdy(if he's considered middle tier) with a team concept got beat once again and remains the outliers to the pedigreed QBs leading their teams to victory.

The overall SB victory numbers prove this. The outliers are the bus drivers winning.

jmo

Yes Mahomes is a generational talent and showed it last night. I’m just saying without that great defense to support him, he wouldn’t have had the chance to show us how great he is.

 

[davey999]

They truly believe they are the smartest guys in the room. Won't make any difference.

 

[kskboys]

Not meaning to sound like the a**hole contrarian Bob, but the counter to your OP is quite simply that the better QB was the deciding factor.

That SF roster is absolutely stacked and their d-line played absolutely well enough to have won the game

The difference being the Mahomes skillset in understanding when to run and just his generational football IQ in clutch moments and no doubt passing skill.

Romo did a good job explaining all the subtle nuances of what the SF dline needed to do and what they did do for the most part.

No other QB beats SF yesterday.

Regardless of ALL other team factors.

jmo
The surround the middle tier QB likecGarropolo or Purdy(if he's considered middle tier) with a team concept got beat once again and remains the outliers to the pedigreed QBs leading their teams to victory.

The overall SB victory numbers prove this. The outliers are the bus drivers winning.

jmo

Agree. Great D and great QB. That's why they won.

 

[Creeper]

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.

All this I agree with. But what stands out for me, throughout all the playoffs, is the play of the LBs and how it helps the defense. As I sit here today, I can't believe knowing what I knew the Cowboys were playing at LB, that I believed they had a chance to get to the SB this year. That was my mistake and I own it.

Also, It is hard not to notice how aggressive good defenses are in situations where they need to make a play. Thinking back to how soft Quinn played in the same circumstances I am glad he is the coach somewhere else now.

 

[Bobhaze]

Agree. Great D and great QB. That's why they won.

In today’s NFL, it takes both. Only a fantasy football mindset says “all you need is a great QB”.

 

[MyFairLady]

FWIW the Niners may have lost but they battled like champions and took a generational talent and a dynasty all the way to overtime and forced them to need a TD to win. Brock Purdy has played 2 seasons and has been in the NFC Championship game and the Superbowl. Dude is an absolute beast of a football player. Those teams were incredible. They make us look like the self absorbed clown shows that we are.

 

[Desperado]

this roster has big holes. We need to buy a LB corps, a RB, and a refurbished OL. If everything else is the same, maybe that puts us in contention. But we have a QB contract problem that will likely reset the QB market. We have a WR that wants to reset the WR market. We have a pass rusher who will surely want to reset the pass rusher market. I don’t know how you do those things while also getting the groceries you need for the existing holes.

 

[CCBoy]

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 secondary had a bunch of very closely contested breakups. That isn't yet seen in Dallas. More interceptions and scoring plays there.

 

[freemanjc19]

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.

Absolutely, the Super Bowl often serves as a masterclass in roster building and team dynamics. Your breakdown of the importance of a strong defensive presence alongside a talented quarterback is spot on. The Cowboys' front office definitely has some lessons to learn in that regard.

Building a Super Bowl-worthy roster requires more than just a standout quarterback; it demands a balanced and formidable team on both sides of the ball. History has shown us time and again that even the most exceptional quarterbacks can struggle without a solid defense to back them up. Your examples of Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, and Dan Marino underscore this point perfectly.

Additionally, the emphasis on physical and mental toughness cannot be overstated. Both the 49ers and the Chiefs displayed resilience and grit throughout the game, traits that are essential for championship-caliber teams.

For the Cowboys, addressing the deficiencies in the front seven on defense and bolstering the running game are crucial steps towards contention. While the allure of a star quarterback is understandable, investing in the supporting cast is equally—if not more—important.

Your analysis serves as a sobering reminder that success in the NFL is not guaranteed by the presence of a single superstar player. It's about building a cohesive and well-rounded team capable of thriving in all aspects of the game. With the right adjustments and investments, the Cowboys can position themselves for future success on the gridiron.

 

[CCBoy]

FWIW the Niners may have lost but they battled like champions and took a generational talent and a dynasty all the way to overtime and forced them to need a TD to win. Brock Purdy has played 2 seasons and has been in the NFC Championship game and the Superbowl. Dude is an absolute beast of a football player. Those teams were incredible. They make us look like the self absorbed clown shows that we are.

The Cowboys are a good team...that's not on the table for debate. The team does need further development on defense and a running back.

Two years coming with the current Defensive Coordinator.

 

[Creeper]

Yes Mahomes is a generational talent and showed it last night. I’m just saying without that great defense to support him, he wouldn’t have had the chance to show us how great he is.

I also agree with this. I was pretty impressed with the way the KC DBs were covering the SF receivers all night. But KC was also very strong in the middle of the defense defending the run.

 

[CTcowboy203]

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.

to your first point….look at Chris Jones last night. Doesn’t get a ton of praise but he led the team in pressures and was right in Purdys face on the biggest play of the game for them in the red zone.

Will continue to agree to disagree on not being “nearly close”, the team has the means to get what we need, question is if they will.

 

[SlammedZero]

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.

Can somebody FWD this to the Jones' boys?

Thanks!

 

[kskboys]

I also agree with this. I was pretty impressed with the way the KC DBs were covering the SF receivers all night. But KC was also very strong in the middle of the defense defending the run.

That's because KC drafts behemoths for the DLine. Even their DE's are big.