This team isn't in as bad of shape as you may think

[sureletsrace]

We should all know this fact by now. You cannot have a 53 man roster full of great players. You are going to have to cut corners and make sacrifices. There is a lot of negativity surrounding the current roster, and somewhat rightfully so. However, I don't think there is as much doom and gloom as some people feel.

Whenever I'm looking at team needs and the draft, I try to break the current roster down into two categories, position group by position group: either this position group is good enough to win with, or this position group is not good enough to win with.

Here is how it stands currently in my opinion:

We can win with these position groups:
OL
DL
TE
K
P

We cannot win with these position groups:
QB
CB
S
WR
RB

Undecided:
LB

OL- Very Good. Chaz Green has looked good in practices and would've been drafted higher had her not been injured. I think he can take RT next year. Collins has played very well for a rookie and should only improve year two. The other 3 were voted to the Pro Bowl and don't need any explanation.

DL- This could possibly change depending on Hardy, though I think we could win even without him. Irving has looked like a real steal thus far and could tame the 1-Tech spot next year from Hayden. T. Crawford has been injured and literally playing with one arm. Gregory has shown flashes, but was injured. I think he needs another training camp to gain strength and settle in. Jack Crawford is not a JAG. He's actually been very productive as a rotational player. Lawrence has been much better for the second half of this season.

TE- We do not need to put any more resources into this position. One, you don't need elite TEs to win games. Two, I think Escobar will be a decent TE if and when Witten ever retires.

K- Bailey is the man.

P- Don't need an elite punter, and Chris Jones has been pretty good. Very serviceable.

QB- We cannot rely on Romo to last 19 games. We need a backup, preferably one that is being groomed to take over for Romo in a couple years if he lasts that long.

CB- We have a good CB in Scandrick, and a serviceable player in Claiborne. Carr needs to go. I liked Tyler Patmon, but he's gone. We definitely need two CB additions in the offseason, preferably one in FA and one in the draft. I'm still liking Byron Jones more as a FS, but if he stays at CB, then we will need a Safety.

S- Dependent on Byron Jones. I think he could be a very good FS. I do not like the traditional idea of a SS and a FS. Give me two CB/FS hybrids back there that take good angles and can make plays on the ball. I still have some hope in Heath, but would not bet on it.

WR- We have one good WR. Dez. Beasley is serviceable as a slot WR. Brice Butler is a good depth player. Terrence Williams is only good when Romo is on point, just like Laurent Robinson. We need a #2 WR to play opposite Dez that can punish teams in single coverage consistently. Preferably someone with some serious deep speed. I think we need one WR to take Williams role away from him. Maybe that's Butler, but it's too early to know that yet.

RB- I know McFadden has had a very productive year for us given the debacle that was Randle starting several games this season. I think McFadden would have had an even better year had Romo and Dez played 16 games. I simply don't trust him to stay healthy though. Even if he does, we need a RB that can get us tough yards and punish defenders. Someone with power. This is vital to maintaining a high time of possession. We need a power back to complement McFadden. Dunbar was electric before he got injured. I see no reason he can't come back as good as he was.

LB- This is the most volatile position group on the team, and I just can't put it into a category. Sean Lee is one of the best LBs in the NFL. He just can't stay healthy. Rolando McClain is one if the best LBs in the NFL when his head is right. When his head gets off track, he gains weight, loses his passion for the game, gets lazy, gets suspended, retires, etc. With these guys healthy and right, they're more than good enough to win with. I like Anthony Hitchens and think he's good enough to win with. Gachkar is good depth. Ultimately, I think we need another LB to count on.

This is my take on it. What do you think?

 

[Wood]

what I like about this offseason is amount of options this team has. High end draft slots, multiple compensation picks and in very weak division. Dallas really just needs to not screw it up and they are in playoffs next year.

 

[DogFace]

I agree with most of it. I'm not sure Heath has much propose. Although, he did play better. I guess. At least he had a couple picks. I also think our wr's are ok. Dez and Romo or a better backup need to stay healthy.

Good post Sureletsrace

 

[sureletsrace]

what I like about this offseason is amount of options this team has. High end draft slots, multiple compensation picks and in very weak division. Dallas really just needs to not screw it up and they are in playoffs next year.

Agreed.

 

[windward]

This gets a like for the title alone.

Plus, it's pretty accurate imo. I think this team is poised to have a bounce back year next season, given health at the QB position.

 

[Doc50]

We should all know this fact by now. You cannot have a 53 man roster full of great players. You are going to have to cut corners and make sacrifices. There is a lot of negativity surrounding the current roster, and somewhat rightfully so. However, I don't think there is as much doom and gloom as some people feel.

Whenever I'm looking at team needs and the draft, I try to break the current roster down into two categories, position group by position group: either this position group is good enough to win with, or this position group is not good enough to win with.

Here is how it stands currently in my opinion:

We can win with these position groups:
OL
DL
TE
K
P

We cannot win with these position groups:
QB
CB
S
WR
RB

Undecided:
LB

OL- Very Good. Chaz Green has looked good in practices and would've been drafted higher had her not been injured. I think he can take RT next year. Collins has played very well for a rookie and should only improve year two. The other 3 were voted to the Pro Bowl and don't need any explanation.

DL- This could possibly change depending on Hardy, though I think we could win even without him. Irving has looked like a real steal thus far and could tame the 1-Tech spot next year from Hayden. T. Crawford has been injured and literally playing with one arm. Gregory has shown flashes, but was injured. I think he needs another training camp to gain strength and settle in. Jack Crawford is not a JAG. He's actually been very productive as a rotational player. Lawrence has been much better for the second half of this season.

TE- We do not need to put any more resources into this position. One, you don't need elite TEs to win games. Two, I think Escobar will be a decent TE if and when Witten ever retires.

K- Bailey is the man.

P- Don't need an elite punter, and Chris Jones has been pretty good. Very serviceable.

QB- We cannot rely on Romo to last 19 games. We need a backup, preferably one that is being groomed to take over for Romo in a couple years if he lasts that long.

CB- We have a good CB in Scandrick, and a serviceable player in Claiborne. Carr needs to go. I liked Tyler Patmon, but he's gone. We definitely need two CB additions in the offseason, preferably one in FA and one in the draft. I'm still liking Byron Jones more as a FS, but if he stays at CB, then we will need a Safety.

S- Dependent on Byron Jones. I think he could be a very good FS. I do not like the traditional idea of a SS and a FS. Give me two CB/FS hybrids back there that take good angles and can make plays on the ball. I still have some hope in Heath, but would not bet on it.

WR- We have one good WR. Dez. Beasley is serviceable as a slot WR. Brice Butler is a good depth player. Terrence Williams is only good when Romo is on point, just like Laurent Robinson. We need a #2 WR to play opposite Dez that can punish teams in single coverage consistently. Preferably someone with some serious deep speed. I think we need one WR to take Williams role away from him. Maybe that's Butler, but it's too early to know that yet.

RB- I know McFadden has had a very productive year for us given the debacle that was Randle starting several games this season. I think McFadden would have had an even better year had Romo and Dez played 16 games. I simply don't trust him to stay healthy though. Even if he does, we need a RB that can get us tough yards and punish defenders. Someone with power. This is vital to maintaining a high time of possession. We need a power back to complement McFadden. Dunbar was electric before he got injured. I see no reason he can't come back as good as he was.

LB- This is the most volatile position group on the team, and I just can't put it into a category. Sean Lee is one of the best LBs in the NFL. He just can't stay healthy. Rolando McClain is one if the best LBs in the NFL when his head is right. When his head gets off track, he gains weight, loses his passion for the game, gets lazy, gets suspended, retires, etc. With these guys healthy and right, they're more than good enough to win with. I like Anthony Hitchens and think he's good enough to win with. Gachkar is good depth. Ultimately, I think we need another LB to count on.

This is my take on it. What do you think?

Not bad, SLR.

I'd say the positions you indicated as non-winners are all high on the draft and FA lists, including LB.

I'm hoping we can also get a Hayden upgrade, and wouldn't be surprised if it were our 1st pick.

 

[BHendri5]

I agree with the OP of this thread

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

 

[sureletsrace]

*claps incessantly*

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

We have huge holes at the speed and skill position on both offense and defense. IF we were a couple starters away then that would be one thing but we need the slot, two S, SAM, a DT, a RB, and a QB just to fill out the roster 1 deep. I'm not even asking for a 45 man active roster that is competent although that really should at least be the goal.

Still no WR depth outside and I want TWill upgraded. No depth anywhere really outside of TE.

This teams is nowhere close.

 

[windward]

We have huge holes at the speed and skill position on both offense and defense. IF we were a couple starters away then that would be one thing but we need the slot, two S, SAM, a DT, a RB, and a QB just to fill out the roster 1 deep. I'm not even asking for a 45 man active roster that is competent although that really should at least be the goal.

Still no WR depth outside and I want TWill upgraded. No depth anywhere really outside of TE.

This teams is nowhere close.

Still enough to compete in the playoffs given the right circumstances imo.

 

[Eddie]

Given the team in it's current state ... reasonable play at QB would have us at 7-7.

 

[KJJ]

As long as we have that clapping red headed robot at HC we're in trouble.

 

[sureletsrace]

We have huge holes at the speed and skill position on both offense and defense. IF we were a couple starters away then that would be one thing but we need the slot, two S, SAM, a DT, a RB, and a QB just to fill out the roster 1 deep. I'm not even asking for a 45 man active roster that is competent although that really should at least be the goal.

Still no WR depth outside and I want TWill upgraded. No depth anywhere really outside of TE.

This teams is nowhere close.

In my post, I'm pretty sure I addressed most of those positions as not good enough to win with. DL, yes, I'd love an upgrade. But I believe if Irving takes the starting 1-Tech job from Hayden, then we could see a very fierce DL next year. It would be good enough to win with.

I agree, we need more speed and playmakers on offense. RB and WR were both listed as positions of need. I want to upgrade Terrence Williams also. O want a legitimate threat there. Someone who can blow the top off of a defense and make them suffer for playing single coverage on. Dunbar showed that he is a difference maker before he got injured. He was as electric a change of pace back as you'll find in those few games. He can be that guy.

I don't think TE is as bleak as you. Escobar, in the opportunities he's gotten, has been good. Hanna is a solid blocker. Witten is Witten. I must say though, I think Witten is holding back the youngsters from making progress though. I really hope the coaching staff gives them some real playing time for the next two games.

 

[sureletsrace]

As long as we have that clapping red robot at HC we're in trouble.

I really like everything Jason Garrett brings to the table, minus his offensive philosophy and lack of in game adjusting. I made a post in another thread about this. I'll copy it here.

---------
I'm half and half on Garrett. Here's what I like and do not like about him:

Strengths- Keeps the players fighting, week in and week out. Great human being. Intelligent. I love his stone face to the media, and his robotic approach to press conferences. Very level headed. Supposedly very good rapport with players (can't say for certain because I'm not in the locker room, but everything points to that). Players respect him. I like that he cares about having hard working players who are good guys that live and breathe football.

Neutral- Lack of experience. This can only be fixed with time, and can't be counted as a negative IMO. Needs more experience with in game management.

Negatives- His offensive philosophy. This is perhaps the biggest aspect of a coaches resume. It's a real shame that his scheme is lacking. Romo has hidden the ineptitude that is this offensive philosophy for years. I wish he had a different mindset offensively. Something more creative. Something that helped our players be better. As it stands right now, I think his offensive scheme holds players back. That is bad. Also, the lack of in-game adjustments. This is another real killer.

Garrett as a coach brings a lot to the table. There's a lot to like about him. It's just a shame that his two biggest weaknesses are perhaps the two biggest factors in winning games.
-------

 

[cml750]

I really like everything Jason Garrett brings to the table, minus his offensive philosophy and lack of in game adjusting. I made a post in another thread about this. I'll copy it here.

---------
I'm half and half on Garrett. Here's what I like and do not like about him:

Strengths- Keeps the players fighting, week in and week out. Great human being. Intelligent. I love his stone face to the media, and his robotic approach to press conferences. Very level headed. Supposedly very good rapport with players (can't say for certain because I'm not in the locker room, but everything points to that). Players respect him. I like that he cares about having hard working players who are good guys that live and breathe football.

Neutral- Lack of experience. This can only be fixed with time, and can't be counted as a negative IMO. Needs more experience with in game management.

Negatives- His offensive philosophy. This is perhaps the biggest aspect of a coaches resume. It's a real shame that his scheme is lacking. Romo has hidden the ineptitude that is this offensive philosophy for years. I wish he had a different mindset offensively. Something more creative. Something that helped our players be better. As it stands right now, I think his offensive scheme holds players back. That is bad. Also, the lack of in-game adjustments. This is another real killer.

Garrett as a coach brings a lot to the table. There's a lot to like about him. It's just a shame that his two biggest weaknesses are perhaps the two biggest factors in winning games.
-------

I like Garrett as a person but not running the show on the sideline. Some give him credit for building the roster, which I happen to think has a lot of talent which if that is true, he should be in the front office helping with personnel decisions. He brings little to nothing to the sidelines but if he helped build our roster he can help the team from a different position. Just please keep him away from the sidelines.

 

[KJJ]

I really like everything Jason Garrett brings to the table, minus his offensive philosophy and lack of in game adjusting. I made a post in another thread about this. I'll copy it here.

---------
I'm half and half on Garrett. Here's what I like and do not like about him:

Strengths- Keeps the players fighting, week in and week out. Great human being. Intelligent. I love his stone face to the media, and his robotic approach to press conferences. Very level headed. Supposedly very good rapport with players (can't say for certain because I'm not in the locker room, but everything points to that). Players respect him. I like that he cares about having hard working players who are good guys that live and breathe football.

Neutral- Lack of experience. This can only be fixed with time, and can't be counted as a negative IMO. Needs more experience with in game management.

Negatives- His offensive philosophy. This is perhaps the biggest aspect of a coaches resume. It's a real shame that his scheme is lacking. Romo has hidden the ineptitude that is this offensive philosophy for years. I wish he had a different mindset offensively. Something more creative. Something that helped our players be better. As it stands right now, I think his offensive scheme holds players back. That is bad. Also, the lack of in-game adjustments. This is another real killer.

Garrett as a coach brings a lot to the table. There's a lot to like about him. It's just a shame that his two biggest weaknesses are perhaps the two biggest factors in winning games.
-------

I'll make this short and to the point he brings nothing to the table and one winning season with one playoff appearance in 5 years is proof. You find out a lot about a coach when their team faces adversity. The great coaches have been able to overcome some injuries even at QB and still win some games. There's no excuse for the number of games the Cowboys lost without Romo. This season as well as the other non winning seasons fall on Garrett.

 

[sureletsrace]

I like Garrett as a person but not running the show on the sideline. Some give him credit for building the roster, which I happen to think has a lot of talent which if that is true, he should be in the front office helping with personnel decisions. He brings little to nothing to the sidelines but if he helped build our roster he can help the team from a different position. Just please keep him away from the sidelines.

I would love it if this happened. We'd get to take advantage of his strengths, while bringing in a HC that would have the opposite skill set of him. Maybe someone who has a good scheme and has experience in making on the fly adjustments, but lacks in acquiring talent.

I find myself wondering what it would be like with a different HC around here, one with a knack for offensive creativity and adjusting mid-game.

 

[sureletsrace]

I'll make this short and to the point he brings nothing to the table and one winning season with one playoff appearance in 5 years is proof. You find out a lot about a coach when their team faces adversity. The great coaches have been able to overcome some injuries even at QB and still win some games. There's no excuse for the number of games the Cowboys lost without Romo. This season as well as the other non winning seasons fall on Garrett.

I think that saying he brings "nothing to the table" is a bit harsh. The roster he took over and the roster we have now are very, very different and much better now in my opinion. He has this team battling every week, no matter how awful their record is. Also, it's not like we're getting blown out. 7 of our losses this year have been by one touchdown or less. Surely he brings something to the team.

However, I do agree that it is inexcusable to lose as many games as we have this year, injuries be damned. A better coach might have been able to creatively win us some games. Jason Garrett is not that guy.

How would you feel if the team brought in a new Offensive Coordinator and a new scheme and left Garrett to being a talent finder and motivator type HC? I think if Garrett was willing to give up his outdated scheme in favor of one that is more dynamic and creative, we would see a lot more success.

 

[cml750]

I would love it if this happened. We'd get to take advantage of his strengths, while bringing in a HC that would have the opposite skill set of him. Maybe someone who has a good scheme and has experience in making on the fly adjustments, but lacks in acquiring talent.

I find myself wondering what it would be like with a different HC around here, one with a knack for offensive creativity and adjusting mid-game.

If he is responsible for the roster(I admit I am unsure), promote him to the front office making him the defacto GM without the title so Jerry's ego is not bruised.