CFZ This team has done some good things. What it should do now to take the next step

[Streifenkarl]

I don’t expect anything different either. But I enjoy at least putting it in writing for my own psyche, lol.

This is, what this forum is, isn't it? Therapy.

 

[Zordon]

When your GM looks at his players like a proud Dad instead of looking at them with a discerning eye, the last 27 years happen.

Your GM is supposed to be devil's advocate when looking at the roster not a cheerleader admiring his work. I agree w/ you, the lack of a critical eye in that seat is really hampering us from getting over the hump.

 

[Blackrain]

I agree Bob we have done some good things we have made some progress.
But are division rival the eagles seem to do more good things faster.

This just seems to leave us all sitting wondering what happened we thought we were on our way to a super bowl and all of a sudden the eagles blast past us for the second time in like 5 years because their front office pulls all the stops out and makes it happen while we play a conservative game with our cap and our use of free agency.

 

[CowboyoWales]

Depends on the definition of close. To be one of the final 8 in a 32 team league is at least worth considering that this team is somewhat close.

However, I don’t buy for a second that we haven’t won a divisional playoff game in 27 years just because we haven’t been lucky. In fact, our GM is the biggest reason. But we’re stuck with him.

I do think this team is close enough that a couple or three impactful players could push us to at least a conference championship game.

Fair, but on the field we're only close in the bubble of a perfect world. The 49er's game cemented the fact that whilst this team looks decent on paper, as soon as something goes wrong certain players capitulate...rather than step into the breach.

When we restructure Dak (which appears inevitable), we arent getting 3 impactful players, that money will be spent on holding onto the existing roster. For fans who point to the increased Based CAP Allowance, well that applies to EVERY team, all that does is mean all 32 teams have more money and inflates the salary of FA's.

 

[CowboyoWales]

Well yeah. But Bob, on the field there is one big liability at the games most important position. FO, coaching, upgrading a few other areas are all great but not likely to overcome the liability when you face the best competition.

Yep......Capitulation after the Pollard injury, or 12 months earlier when he had the ball twice with 2:30 minutes to go to beat the 49ers in the WC game and failed.....even on the last play, rushing between the hashes and running the clock down.

He just doesn't have that winning mentality when it matters.....and imo the CAP saving of restructuring his contract isnt going to provide him with the armchair ride he needs....hasn't shown it yet, so why are we expecting it as he ages.

 

[noshame]

Promote Quinn. Draft a QB or 2.
Superbowl 2025
Seriously if Quinn can cause every defensive player to take ownership of their responsibilities and leave it all on the field, play as a unit, gang tackling like I haven't seen in years. There's no reason he can't spread that enthusiasm across the team.
The offense has been unmotivated under MM since he's been here,
He was supposed to fix penalties from 2021 where we LED THE LEAGUE in penalties. Well done mike this year we were 4th FROM THE WORST with 113 penalties. How many drives and games did penalties kill? Sorry, but MM is a fruad along with the clown assistants he brought with him. He was brought in because he was weak and would let Jerry run over him.

Quinn will not be a yes man but he will bring in a winner.

Happily Jerry knows this.

 

[McKDaddy]

They had 6 wins against playoff teams.

yes they did, but it isn't nearly as impressive when you go to each game and look at the team they faced on that day.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Whatever any Cowboys fan may feel after another disappointing end to a season, this team has done some very good things in the last five years. Here’s a quick review of the positives:

• Making the playoffs in back to back years for the first time in 15 years
• Making the playoffs in 3 of the last 5 seasons, going 2-2.
• Won a road playoff game for the first time in 30 seasons.
• Drafts have improved the last 5 years, giving us 13 of our 22 starters from the last 5 drafts.
• We improved our defense from the worst in team history to one of the best in the NFL in 2 years.
• Hired a real NFL head coach. Whatever you think of Mike McCarthy, he’s way better than Jason Garrett who apparently can’t get a head coaching job at any level.

BUT…let’s also put this in context with some of this organization’s BAD habits and results the last three decades.

• Since our last SB appearance in the 1995 season, the Cowboys have made the playoffs only 12 of the last 27 seasons (about 40%)
• In the first 36 seasons of Cowboys football, the team won 31 playoff games. In the last 27, they have won 5.
• Two of the team’s biggest division rivals have been to 5 Super Bowls with 4 different head coaches and 4 different QBs since the Cowboys last won a divisional playoff game.
• Teams winning conference championships and SBs tend to be more aggressive these days.

So…what must this organization do NOW to take the next step to more seriously pursue a championship?

• If this organization feel like it is CLOSE to a championship, it MUST be willing to to take some risks in Free Agency, and not act like the “future cap“ is their master. The draft alone is no longer enough.
• We should pursue 2 impactful FAs at certain key positions where our weaknesses are clear. Such as interior DLinemen, OL, maybe WR.
• Be more open to making impactful trades too.
• Go for it now if you’re close. Makes zero sense not to!

Bottom Line: If this front office feels we’re really close to a championship they should GO FOR IT!!! Why wouldn’t you? If they don’t feel we are close, ok…then be conservative. If we keep doing what we’ve been doing, why are we going to get better results?

I honestly believe this off-season will determine if we make the playoffs for the third straight year or fall back to the old habits of making the playoffs 40% of the time.

Well said, and the Cowboys should have another motivation. Micah Parsons is going into his 3rd season. If we want Parsons to stay long term, we need a SB. We need to go all in. At the very minimum, we need to get some great free agents.

 

[cnuball21]

Whatever any Cowboys fan may feel after another disappointing end to a season, this team has done some very good things in the last five years. Here’s a quick review of the positives:

• Making the playoffs in back to back years for the first time in 15 years
• Making the playoffs in 3 of the last 5 seasons, going 2-2.
• Won a road playoff game for the first time in 30 seasons.
• Drafts have improved the last 5 years, giving us 13 of our 22 starters from the last 5 drafts.
• We improved our defense from the worst in team history to one of the best in the NFL in 2 years.
• Hired a real NFL head coach. Whatever you think of Mike McCarthy, he’s way better than Jason Garrett who apparently can’t get a head coaching job at any level.

BUT…let’s also put this in context with some of this organization’s BAD habits and results the last three decades.

• Since our last SB appearance in the 1995 season, the Cowboys have made the playoffs only 12 of the last 27 seasons (about 40%)
• In the first 36 seasons of Cowboys football, the team won 31 playoff games. In the last 27, they have won 5.
• Two of the team’s biggest division rivals have been to 5 Super Bowls with 4 different head coaches and 4 different QBs since the Cowboys last won a divisional playoff game.
• Teams winning conference championships and SBs tend to be more aggressive these days.

So…what must this organization do NOW to take the next step to more seriously pursue a championship?

• If this organization feel like it is CLOSE to a championship, it MUST be willing to to take some risks in Free Agency, and not act like the “future cap“ is their master. The draft alone is no longer enough.
• We should pursue 2 impactful FAs at certain key positions where our weaknesses are clear. Such as interior DLinemen, OL, maybe WR.
• Be more open to making impactful trades too.
• Go for it now if you’re close. Makes zero sense not to!

Bottom Line: If this front office feels we’re really close to a championship they should GO FOR IT!!! Why wouldn’t you? If they don’t feel we are close, ok…then be conservative. If we keep doing what we’ve been doing, why are we going to get better results?

I honestly believe this off-season will determine if we make the playoffs for the third straight year or fall back to the old habits of making the playoffs 40% of the time.

You are 100% correct in what we need to do. Problem is our FO won’t do this…which is why we haven’t made a run in 20+ years.

 

[Ranching]

Another hate Jerry thread....never gets old for some!

 

[Bobhaze]

Another hate Jerry thread....never gets old for some!

This is proof you didn’t read it, lol.

 

[Bobhaze]

Well said, and the Cowboys should have another motivation. Micah Parsons is going into his 3rd season. If we want Parsons to stay long term, we need a SB. We need to go all in. At the very minimum, we need to get some great free agents.

One of the biggest financial challenges this organization has will happen in the next year or two based on what they do with Lamb, Parsons, Diggs, and Steele and their soon ending rookie deals.

But the bottom line is they could/should take advantage of those rookie deals NOW. and and use the savings that won’t be there in a year or two.

 

[Ranching]

This is proof you didn’t read it, lol.

I have a poor attention span lol

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

One of the biggest financial challenges this organization has will happen in the next year or two based on what they do with Lamb, Parsons, Diggs, and Steele and their soon ending rookie deals.

But the bottom line is they could/should take advantage of those rookie deals NOW. and and use the savings that won’t be there in a year or two.

Exactly, especially since either the savings won't be there, or the players won't be here. I wouldn't expect Parsons to stay here if he feels he isn't going to win a SB here. He's got higher aspirations. Diggs seems to be wanting a new deal. So, if I'm Jerry, I'm going all in now. We've been knocking. Now we need to break the door down like a wolf standing in front of a straw house.

 

[CTcowboy203]

Whatever any Cowboys fan may feel after another disappointing end to a season, this team has done some very good things in the last five years. Here’s a quick review of the positives:

• Making the playoffs in back to back years for the first time in 15 years
• Making the playoffs in 3 of the last 5 seasons, going 2-2.
• Won a road playoff game for the first time in 30 seasons.
• Drafts have improved the last 5 years, giving us 13 of our 22 starters from the last 5 drafts.
• We improved our defense from the worst in team history to one of the best in the NFL in 2 years.
• Hired a real NFL head coach. Whatever you think of Mike McCarthy, he’s way better than Jason Garrett who apparently can’t get a head coaching job at any level.

BUT…let’s also put this in context with some of this organization’s BAD habits and results the last three decades.

• Since our last SB appearance in the 1995 season, the Cowboys have made the playoffs only 12 of the last 27 seasons (about 40%)
• In the first 36 seasons of Cowboys football, the team won 31 playoff games. In the last 27, they have won 5.
• Two of the team’s biggest division rivals have been to 5 Super Bowls with 4 different head coaches and 4 different QBs since the Cowboys last won a divisional playoff game.
• Teams winning conference championships and SBs tend to be more aggressive these days.

So…what must this organization do NOW to take the next step to more seriously pursue a championship?

• If this organization feel like it is CLOSE to a championship, it MUST be willing to to take some risks in Free Agency, and not act like the “future cap“ is their master. The draft alone is no longer enough.
• We should pursue 2 impactful FAs at certain key positions where our weaknesses are clear. Such as interior DLinemen, OL, maybe WR.
• Be more open to making impactful trades too.
• Go for it now if you’re close. Makes zero sense not to!

Bottom Line: If this front office feels we’re really close to a championship they should GO FOR IT!!! Why wouldn’t you? If they don’t feel we are close, ok…then be conservative. If we keep doing what we’ve been doing, why are we going to get better results?

I honestly believe this off-season will determine if we make the playoffs for the third straight year or fall back to the old habits of making the playoffs 40% of the time.

I agree with everything you said. The disconnect? I don’t think the organization will be committed to making the right moves either via free agency or trade to get us to the next level. They have a belief they can get guys for cheap off then scrap heap plug them in and have success.

The problem is they have done this with ok results but it never translates to getting to the next step but been decent enough to teas them with hope to think they can. I’m not a guy who blames Jerry for everything at all but when he makes comments about “trading everything away for the future” it really makes me upset. The future is right now….every year now starts with a number attached to it that represents the last time we made it to a super bowl or championship game if you won’t go for it right now when will you ?

I just don’t think they will. I think they will resort back to hoping we get internal improvements from guys like Tolbert, hoping guys they sign for cheap get in the system and play well and hoping that dak will correct himself by being in a new system instead of actually giving him more weapons. The big splash I bet is obj which is also more “hope”- hoping he’s back to his old self.

I just don’t think Jerry has it in him anymore and Stephen is way too conservative.

 

[Aven8]

What’s funny is they were close last offseason and in reality went backwards. I think they were surprised that we won 12 games. They will be active in FA but it will be resigning our own which in Stephen’s mind is being active. We have so many FA’s that it’s going to be interesting to make it all work. Losing Schultz, starting LG, starting safely, kicker, top RB, backup QB etc is a big fill.

Having said that they need to take advantage of the youth that is this defense and go all in while the iron is hot.

 

[3rdEyewarrior]

Whatever any Cowboys fan may feel after another disappointing end to a season, this team has done some very good things in the last five years. Here’s a quick review of the positives:

• Making the playoffs in back to back years for the first time in 15 years
• Making the playoffs in 3 of the last 5 seasons, going 2-2.
• Won a road playoff game for the first time in 30 seasons.
• Drafts have improved the last 5 years, giving us 13 of our 22 starters from the last 5 drafts.
• We improved our defense from the worst in team history to one of the best in the NFL in 2 years.
• Hired a real NFL head coach. Whatever you think of Mike McCarthy, he’s way better than Jason Garrett who apparently can’t get a head coaching job at any level.

BUT…let’s also put this in context with some of this organization’s BAD habits and results the last three decades.

• Since our last SB appearance in the 1995 season, the Cowboys have made the playoffs only 12 of the last 27 seasons (about 40%)
• In the first 36 seasons of Cowboys football, the team won 31 playoff games. In the last 27, they have won 5.
• Two of the team’s biggest division rivals have been to 5 Super Bowls with 4 different head coaches and 4 different QBs since the Cowboys last won a divisional playoff game.
• Teams winning conference championships and SBs tend to be more aggressive these days.

So…what must this organization do NOW to take the next step to more seriously pursue a championship?

• If this organization feel like it is CLOSE to a championship, it MUST be willing to to take some risks in Free Agency, and not act like the “future cap“ is their master. The draft alone is no longer enough.
• We should pursue 2 impactful FAs at certain key positions where our weaknesses are clear. Such as interior DLinemen, OL, maybe WR.
• Be more open to making impactful trades too.
• Go for it now if you’re close. Makes zero sense not to!

Bottom Line: If this front office feels we’re really close to a championship they should GO FOR IT!!! Why wouldn’t you? If they don’t feel we are close, ok…then be conservative. If we keep doing what we’ve been doing, why are we going to get better results?

I honestly believe this off-season will determine if we make the playoffs for the third straight year or fall back to the old habits of making the playoffs 40% of the time.

Build a dominant o line. Upgrade left guard.

 

[Diehardblues]

Jerry has already said, they are on a long term plan of staying good and not going all in like the Eagles.
Until we get a real GM, we are just going around the mulberry bush.
Our ceiling will continue to be the divisional round of the playoffs.

Bob has a solid plan as always in his OP which he invest much time and analysis on presenting in this forum .

I’m not sure we can apply normal strategy with our dysfunctional leadership. But we can adjust our expectations and outlook.

It doesn’t appear especially from Jethro’s most recent statements that our priorities align with his.

 

[GMO415]

Whatever any Cowboys fan may feel after another disappointing end to a season, this team has done some very good things in the last five years. Here’s a quick review of the positives:

• Making the playoffs in back to back years for the first time in 15 years
• Making the playoffs in 3 of the last 5 seasons, going 2-2.
• Won a road playoff game for the first time in 30 seasons.
• Drafts have improved the last 5 years, giving us 13 of our 22 starters from the last 5 drafts.
• We improved our defense from the worst in team history to one of the best in the NFL in 2 years.
• Hired a real NFL head coach. Whatever you think of Mike McCarthy, he’s way better than Jason Garrett who apparently can’t get a head coaching job at any level.

BUT…let’s also put this in context with some of this organization’s BAD habits and results the last three decades.

• Since our last SB appearance in the 1995 season, the Cowboys have made the playoffs only 12 of the last 27 seasons (about 40%)
• In the first 36 seasons of Cowboys football, the team won 31 playoff games. In the last 27, they have won 5.
• Two of the team’s biggest division rivals have been to 5 Super Bowls with 4 different head coaches and 4 different QBs since the Cowboys last won a divisional playoff game.
• Teams winning conference championships and SBs tend to be more aggressive these days.

So…what must this organization do NOW to take the next step to more seriously pursue a championship?

• If this organization feel like it is CLOSE to a championship, it MUST be willing to to take some risks in Free Agency, and not act like the “future cap“ is their master. The draft alone is no longer enough.
• We should pursue 2 impactful FAs at certain key positions where our weaknesses are clear. Such as interior DLinemen, OL, maybe WR.
• Be more open to making impactful trades too.
• Go for it now if you’re close. Makes zero sense not to!

Bottom Line: If this front office feels we’re really close to a championship they should GO FOR IT!!! Why wouldn’t you? If they don’t feel we are close, ok…then be conservative. If we keep doing what we’ve been doing, why are we going to get better results?

I honestly believe this off-season will determine if we make the playoffs for the third straight year or fall back to the old habits of making the playoffs 40% of the time.

Agreed Bullet!
In Jimmy Johnson's book "Swagger" he laid it out. You will NEVER win anything playing with scared money.

Dallas has ran their organization for the last 25 years playing with scared money. They don't know any other way.

 

[CouchCoach]

The only critical factor isn’t just what the Cowboys do but the other NFC teams, particularly the East.

Then you have teams like DET, GB, MIN, SF, LAR, CAR and NO.

This is going to be a very interesting conference next season.