Tough Schedule

[Knotamus]

There's a lot of optimisim and hyperbole about how good the Cowboys are. Improved defense (not much in my opinion), good draft (no doubt) but the schedule is going to be tough. When you finish 12-4, you get a tougher schedule. The defense is not going to be as good as most people here seem to think. Hardy's been out over a year, Gregory is a rookie, Jones is a rookie. Rookies don't normally perform well in their first year. Being out for over a year is going to impeded Hardy's effectiviness. Same goes for Lee. If the Cowboys can finish 4-4 the first 8 games then they'll be in a good spot. They should improve from that point on with Hardy getting more accustomed, Gregory and Jones getting a little experience. If they do any better than that then you'll know the this team is for real.

As a fellow fan, I'm flabbergasted that you can't see the huge improvement in the defense. By the time the season started last year we lost Sean Lee (the uncontested heart & soul of our Defense), Lawrence (the only "premier" edge rusher on the roster), & after a few games we lost Claiborne (although he hasn't been what most had hoped, he still is a solid CB when healthy) and an overachieving Justin Durant. Nobody knew for sure what we had in both McClain's, Wilcox, Hitchens, Crawford, Mincey, and Melton. We was forced to depended on overpaid Brandon Carr, Lack luster Hayden, grumpy Scandrick, undrafted Church, inconsistent Carter, fingers crossed Selvie, and praying for anything out of Anthony Spencer. With all the naysayers predicting our defense to be the worst "ever", Nobody could have guessed what miracles Rod Marinelli would pull out of this defense that ranked dead last the year before.

Fast forward a year later. Another year under Marinelli's watch can only make everybody involved.. better.
The Secondary is as solid as it ever has been with Carr coming on strong toward the end of the year, scandrick is solid as always, and anything from Claiborne will be a plus. Add arguably the best CB in the draft, veteran Corey white, & promising Patmon. The Safety position emerged admirably last year and will be protected will a couple players with position flex like Byron Jones & White.
The Linebackers has the potential to be a strength of our defense. Sean Lee greatly improves the defense with his intelligence alone, McClain can intimidate opponents, & Hitchens is a Lee clone (my opinion). Throw in veterans Wilber, Brinkley, Rivers, and Gachkar. Then add promising rookies Damien Wilson and Mark Nzeocha, this will be exciting to see who elevates their game just to stay on the roster.
The Defense Line is easily the most improved. We added the best pass rusher available in Hardy. And although he's been out, All the players have raved ab how he sets the tone of practices. That dosent sound like a player with rust. Lawrence proved he could be a difference maker, Mincey is solid, and Crawford is expected to breakout after settling into his newfound DT position. Coaches liked what they saw out of Jack Crawford, Ben Gardner,& Terrell McClain before their injuries. The Draft brought us projected top five pick Gregory and under rated Ryan Russell. And I truly believe one of these young DT from last year will emerge: Whaley, Bishop,& Coleman.. Hayden is officially on notice.

These Defense is healthier, younger, more talented, and best of all.. Hungry to prove it. And you better believe Marinelli will get the best out of each one of them. so "not much" improved is severely under valuing your own team.

As far as knowing if this team is for real?... I believe by week two we will know (thanks to the NFL's schedule makers). If Dallas beats the Giants at home on national television, then goes to Philthy and beats the over hyped Eagles, that would be two division foes that I think will challenge us for the division crown. Do this w/o Hardy, then we can expect the defense to only improve as the season goes on. GO COWBOYS!!

 

[Rockport]

It only affects two games. The other 14 have nothing to do with your record.

But yeah, Green Bay and Seattle are those two games.

***? It affects all non-divisionsal

The defense has improves by tons but the main point is this - I remember reading how tough the schedule was all last off season.

Patriots, Seattle and Green Bay are pretty tough teams.

 

[Garrettop]

http://nflcommunications.com/2012/12/31/2013-opponents-determined/

2 games based on the prior years standings.

 

[big dog cowboy]

As a fellow fan, I'm flabbergasted that you can't see the huge improvement in the defense. By the time the season started last year we lost Sean Lee (the uncontested heart & soul of our Defense), Lawrence (the only "premier" edge rusher on the roster), & after a few games we lost Claiborne (although he hasn't been what most had hoped, he still is a solid CB when healthy) and an overachieving Justin Durant. Nobody knew for sure what we had in both McClain's, Wilcox, Hitchens, Crawford, Mincey, and Melton. We was forced to depended on overpaid Brandon Carr, Lack luster Hayden, grumpy Scandrick, undrafted Church, inconsistent Carter, fingers crossed Selvie, and praying for anything out of Anthony Spencer. With all the naysayers predicting our defense to be the worst "ever", Nobody could have guessed what miracles Rod Marinelli would pull out of this defense that ranked dead last the year before.

Fast forward a year later. Another year under Marinelli's watch can only make everybody involved.. better.
The Secondary is as solid as it ever has been with Carr coming on strong toward the end of the year, scandrick is solid as always, and anything from Claiborne will be a plus. Add arguably the best CB in the draft, veteran Corey white, & promising Patmon. The Safety position emerged admirably last year and will be protected will a couple players with position flex like Byron Jones & White.
The Linebackers has the potential to be a strength of our defense. Sean Lee greatly improves the defense with his intelligence alone, McClain can intimidate opponents, & Hitchens is a Lee clone (my opinion). Throw in veterans Wilber, Brinkley, Rivers, and Gachkar. Then add promising rookies Damien Wilson and Mark Nzeocha, this will be exciting to see who elevates their game just to stay on the roster.
The Defense Line is easily the most improved. We added the best pass rusher available in Hardy. And although he's been out, All the players have raved ab how he sets the tone of practices. That dosent sound like a player with rust. Lawrence proved he could be a difference maker, Mincey is solid, and Crawford is expected to breakout after settling into his newfound DT position. Coaches liked what they saw out of Jack Crawford, Ben Gardner,& Terrell McClain before their injuries. The Draft brought us projected top five pick Gregory and under rated Ryan Russell. And I truly believe one of these young DT from last year will emerge: Whaley, Bishop,& Coleman.. Hayden is officially on notice.

These Defense is healthier, younger, more talented, and best of all.. Hungry to prove it. And you better believe Marinelli will get the best out of each one of them. so "not much" improved is severely under valuing your own team.

As far as knowing if this team is for real?... I believe by week two we will know (thanks to the NFL's schedule makers). If Dallas beats the Giants at home on national television, then goes to Philthy and beats the over hyped Eagles, that would be two division foes that I think will challenge us for the division crown. Do this w/o Hardy, then we can expect the defense to only improve as the season goes on. GO COWBOYS!!

Post of the day potential.

 

[Rogah]

***? It affects all non-divisionsal

Not really. 14 of your 16 games are pre-determined by a formula set up when the league expanded to 32 teams 13 years ago. I could tell you the opponents and location of 14 of next year's 16 games right now if I wanted.

Only 2 games are impacted by how well you played the previous year.

Patriots, Seattle and Green Bay are pretty tough teams.

Using that example, the Patriots (and entire AFC East for that matter) would have been on the schedule no matter how Dallas did last year. The Seahawks and Packers are the "2 games" impacted by Dallas' 1st place finish in 2014.

So as noted before...... The price you pay for winning your division is you have to play each of the other division winners in the conference.

 

[Rockport]

Not really. 14 of your 16 games are pre-determined by a formula set up when the league expanded to 32 teams 13 years ago. I could tell you the opponents and location of 14 of next year's 16 games right now if I wanted.

Only 2 games are impacted by how well you played the previous year.
Using that example, the Patriots (and entire AFC East for that matter) would have been on the schedule no matter how Dallas did last year. The Seahawks and Packers are the "2 games" impacted by Dallas' 1st place finish in 2014.

So as noted before...... The price you pay for winning your division is you have to play each of the other division winners in the conference.

It's still a tough schedule which was my point.

 

[erod]

It's still a tough schedule which was my point.

The entire NFC East plays the same schedule except for two games.

The difference can come in road versus home. Dallas caught a break getting New England, Carolina, and Atlanta at home.

Wait and see on strength of schedule. Teams often are different than expected. Miami could be much tougher than New Orleans, for instance.

 

[Bullflop]

No question but what our collective optimism is running rampant these days but the offseason seems to justify that optimism, at least to a considerable degree. Personally, I'm still holding out hope that our RB situation will receive a blessing with the acquisition of a somewhat more physical RB than what we currently have in house. Dunno and don't care whence or where he cometh from, as long as he cometh. Sorry to say all fantasies of Synjyn Days fulfilling that role have duly been abandoned. Sigh . . .

 

[TrailBlazer]

At least December doesn't look brutal like the past several years

 

[Rogah]

It's still a tough schedule which was my point.

It's ranked 24th in the league in toughness. It's top-heavy. Yes playing the AFC East means they play the Patriots, but it also means they play the mediocre Bills, Jets and Dolphins. I'd rather play the AFC East than the North or West.

Then their NFC "full division" opponent is the worst division in the NFL. I'll take the sad sack NFC South any day of the week.

Once you get past those 3 marquee games you listed, they have 1 single game against a team with a winning record last year: the mighty 9-7 Bills.

 

[erod]

The Cowboys have the easiest schedule in the division because they don't have to play Dallas.

I like the schedule because it will perfectly prepare Dallas for the playoffs.

And barring a rash of injury, Dallas is going to the playoffs. I guarantee it.

 

[Nation]

after a few games we lost Claiborne (although he hasn't been what most had hoped, he still is a solid CB when healthy)

I don't take issue with your big picture point. But Claiborne is a terrible football player, not a solid one.

 

[Knotamus]

I don't take issue with your big picture point. But Claiborne is a terrible football player, not a solid one.

I understand your view and it's hard for me to argue considering his history. Fact is everyone thought the world of him at one point and he has shown flashes of acceptable ability. Dez even said last year during training camp that Claiborne was battling him hard. He was a starter that has lost his job and confidence due to multiple injuries since he's been in this league. He stated that he's healthier than he ever has been, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he can atleast be the 3rd CB. He's on notice tho.. He won't be given anything and needs to prove his worth during a "prove it" season. My bet is on Claiborne working to have a good season and be able to sign a decent tender next year ... Just like Murray did.

 

[dallasdave]

As a fellow fan, I'm flabbergasted that you can't see the huge improvement in the defense. By the time the season started last year we lost Sean Lee (the uncontested heart & soul of our Defense), Lawrence (the only "premier" edge rusher on the roster), & after a few games we lost Claiborne (although he hasn't been what most had hoped, he still is a solid CB when healthy) and an overachieving Justin Durant. Nobody knew for sure what we had in both McClain's, Wilcox, Hitchens, Crawford, Mincey, and Melton. We was forced to depended on overpaid Brandon Carr, Lack luster Hayden, grumpy Scandrick, undrafted Church, inconsistent Carter, fingers crossed Selvie, and praying for anything out of Anthony Spencer. With all the naysayers predicting our defense to be the worst "ever", Nobody could have guessed what miracles Rod Marinelli would pull out of this defense that ranked dead last the year before.

Fast forward a year later. Another year under Marinelli's watch can only make everybody involved.. better.
The Secondary is as solid as it ever has been with Carr coming on strong toward the end of the year, scandrick is solid as always, and anything from Claiborne will be a plus. Add arguably the best CB in the draft, veteran Corey white, & promising Patmon. The Safety position emerged admirably last year and will be protected will a couple players with position flex like Byron Jones & White.
The Linebackers has the potential to be a strength of our defense. Sean Lee greatly improves the defense with his intelligence alone, McClain can intimidate opponents, & Hitchens is a Lee clone (my opinion). Throw in veterans Wilber, Brinkley, Rivers, and Gachkar. Then add promising rookies Damien Wilson and Mark Nzeocha, this will be exciting to see who elevates their game just to stay on the roster.
The Defense Line is easily the most improved. We added the best pass rusher available in Hardy. And although he's been out, All the players have raved ab how he sets the tone of practices. That dosent sound like a player with rust. Lawrence proved he could be a difference maker, Mincey is solid, and Crawford is expected to breakout after settling into his newfound DT position. Coaches liked what they saw out of Jack Crawford, Ben Gardner,& Terrell McClain before their injuries. The Draft brought us projected top five pick Gregory and under rated Ryan Russell. And I truly believe one of these young DT from last year will emerge: Whaley, Bishop,& Coleman.. Hayden is officially on notice.

These Defense is healthier, younger, more talented, and best of all.. Hungry to prove it. And you better believe Marinelli will get the best out of each one of them. so "not much" improved is severely under valuing your own team.

As far as knowing if this team is for real?... I believe by week two we will know (thanks to the NFL's schedule makers). If Dallas beats the Giants at home on national television, then goes to Philthy and beats the over hyped Eagles, that would be two division foes that I think will challenge us for the division crown. Do this w/o Hardy, then we can expect the defense to only improve as the season goes on. GO COWBOYS!!

Well said my friend.

 

[dallasdave]

I understand your view and it's hard for me to argue considering his history. Fact is everyone thought the world of him at one point and he has shown flashes of acceptable ability. Dez even said last year during training camp that Claiborne was battling him hard. He was a starter that has lost his job and confidence due to multiple injuries since he's been in this league. He stated that he's healthier than he ever has been, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he can atleast be the 3rd CB. He's on notice tho.. He won't be given anything and needs to prove his worth during a "prove it" season. My bet is on Claiborne working to have a good season and be able to sign a decent tender next year ... Just like Murray did.

Claiborne has everything to work for this year(contract).

 

[DFWJC]

As always, some teams will be better than we think and some worse.

As of today, the schedule looks tough.
Pretty much all of the Super Bowl contenders. Then the so-called easy teams (Buffalo, Miami) have real potential.

Seeing that 6 of the games are vs division, a lot depends on those teams.

Without 4 game winning, late 4th qtr drives last year, even that team would have been 8-8.

I like our chances to win the division though.

 

[dallasdave]

This is not last years team. This year Dallas has a defense that will be feared.

 

[JD_KaPow]

Philly gets Arizona and Detroit.

Dallas gets Seattle and Green Bay.

Otherwise, it's the same schedule of teams.

Not quite.

Philly gets Dallas twice.

Dallas gets Philly twice.

The Eagles' schedule looks a lot tougher to me.

 

[DandyDon52]

another big difference is we play a tougher AFC div this year, last year we were 4-0 against indy's div.
I dont think we go 4-0 with AFC east.

 

[Frozen700]

Schedule was supposed to be impossibly difficult last year.

This....

There is nothing tough about our schedule. If we truly have a top 3 QB like most on here claim. Arguably the best O-line. Top 3 WR. A defense that has improved as long as MO does not start.

Then we shouldn't have anything to fear.