Was the 2024 season essentially a Jerry temper tantrum for the GB playoff loss?

[kskboys]

Fundamentally, I think you’re correct—although I would use a different term.

After he landed his helicopter on the practice field during practice, I began describing everything after the playoff loss as a “flex.” From re-signing Zeke to beating his chest about contracts and ticket sales to joking about his players’ genitalia with poor Jamie Foxx, it was all a flex.

He was intent on showing the world he was boss and was intentionally driving the team into the ground to prove the point. He wanted us to know we were at his mercy.

Unbelievable. And that sad part is that I wouldn't doubt it in the least!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Most fans have no inkling of what Jerry is doing/thinking because Jerry does not think like the rest of us. Take out logic and accountability and add in a C student who thinks he's the smartest man in town and you start coming close.

 

[kskboys]

A lot of the media buzzwords actually have little or no meaning.

"The QB willed his way to a win." What? What'd he do, close his eyes and meditate? Call down Dr. Strange?

 

[Miller]

Bob, I agree with a lot of this.

One thing that has crossed my mind though...and everyone's here....is maybe they just have no clue year to year. Remember the draft of backups? Seriously? After attending the TB game and seeing the crowd and the show like a circus it made me think that he probably thinks..."this is awesome" like he is in Vegas or something and that keeping their guys is really a strategy while his son plays "cap guy." It's like kids in a fantasy game. I honestly am not sure if they really realize what is happening season to season. We see a bad season and good coaches getting hired and they see comfort and the brand and think...it's all good

 

[ArtClink]

So I wonder….When I look back on the disastrous 2024 season, and after some time to reflect, I’m starting to wonder - was this crazy off-season and season just an extended temper tantrum for Jerry Jones, upset by the worst playoff loss in team history last January to the packers? And instead of acting like a responsible, focused GM, did he just act like a spoiled child upset that his favorite toy disappointed him?

Instead of thinking clearly and decisively, Jerry appears to have just decided to make the 2024 season a kamikaze mission designed to express his frustration. Instead of getting past it by analyzing not only why it happened but what was needed to get better, it appears he may have just wanted to make everyone “uncomfortable” as he likes to call it.

Before anyone says, “That’s crazy Bob”, let me remind any Cowboys fan that Jerry Jones has thrown whole seasons away before. Like the 2000-02 seasons which were three straight 5-11 throwaways under Dave Campo. Or the decade long experiment with Jason Garrett getting us to the playoffs three times so we could win two wild card games.

Most GMs whose livelihood and reputations are on the line would never have taken the almost laughably bad road JJ took this year in the off-season. And despite the lies about the cap he and his #1 son have spewed, he actually had two sane choices:

1. Deciding the Mike McCarthy experiment was done and the team needed a new direction AND infusion of talent. Mac is fired and a new leader is brought in and the reset button pushed.
2. Or realizing that Big Mac was still the guy to lead us and is given an extension to try again. A few FAs signed, a great draft class - it was certainly possible.

Either approach could have been rational and measured. He chose neither. He chose to…well do what he did which was the worst off-season I’ve ever seen in my 5+ decades as a Cowboys fan. And as we stand today we are essentially worse off than when the GB loss ended last January. It’s a complete self inflicted mess.

Was the 2024 season just an extended temper tantrum by the only unaccountable GM in the NFL?

I believe you are spot on with this. Our GM has the emotions and impulses of a teenager without any accountability which is a great formula for never winning consecutive playoff games for almost 30 years, and make no mistake as long as the Jones family own this team we will definitely hit that 3 decade mark.

It's sad, it's broken, the foundation is flawed, and it's fool's gold to think a Jerry led team will ever win consecutive playoff games and Stephen has shown he will continue to strangle this organization courtesy of the Jones' football micromanagement.

I have watched almost every games since the '72 season and it's just sadder for older fans who experienced the Cowboys being the model, elite franchise.

I met one of my heroes, Mel Renfro a few years ago and he said that, "The Cowboys are now just all about money" and I agree 100%.

I do hope the training camp attendance continues to decline and more season ticket holders sell their seats to opposing fans. Nothing will get to Jerry except shame and humiliation which would be in the form of home games being home games for the visiting teams. There is no scenario where we make a deep playoff run unless the team is sold and I don't see that happening.

 

[ShiningStar]

I believe you are spot on with this. Our GM has the emotions and impulses of a teenager without any accountability which is a great formula for never winning consecutive playoff games for almost 30 years, and make no mistake as long as the Jones family own this team we will definitely hit that 3 decade mark.

It's sad, it's broken, the foundation is flawed, and it's fool's gold to think a Jerry led team will ever win consecutive playoff games and Stephen has shown he will continue to strangle this organization courtesy of the Jones' football micromanagement.

I have watched almost every games since the '72 season and it's just sadder for older fans who experienced the Cowboys being the model, elite franchise.

I met one of my heroes, Mel Renfro a few years ago and he said that, "The Cowboys are now just all about money" and I agree 100%.

I do hope the training camp attendance continues to decline and more season ticket holders sell their seats to opposing fans. Nothing will get to Jerry except shame and humiliation which would be in the form of home games being home games for the visiting teams. There is no scenario where we make a deep playoff run unless the team is sold and I don't see that happening.

this is old time thinking. it doesnt apply anymore.

the people dont have the power here.

the suites do, the corporations who buy the suites is what Jerry targets., Do you think a guy who makes billions is selling to the 4 dollar guy?

Home Depot does this. Their doors are NOT opened for the common guy. They are open for the contractors. Your money as the common guy doesnt go far enough to keep the lights on. They want the contractors. Jerry wants to tout to the high paying customer.

So go ahead with the protests, it doesnt change anything. You dont bring in enough for him to notice.

Companies that buy up the suites to entertain customers or flex how wealthy you are, thats the purpose of a palace.

 

[kskboys]

Bob, I agree with a lot of this.

One thing that has crossed my mind though...and everyone's here....is maybe they just have no clue year to year. Remember the draft of backups? Seriously? After attending the TB game and seeing the crowd and the show like a circus it made me think that he probably thinks..."this is awesome" like he is in Vegas or something and that keeping their guys is really a strategy while his son plays "cap guy." It's like kids in a fantasy game. I honestly am not sure if they really realize what is happening season to season. We see a bad season and good coaches getting hired and they see comfort and the brand and think...it's all good

Yup. Me and my football buds can find no semblance of a plan. It's all seat of the pants blind dart throwing stuff. Drafting WRs and CBs because those are the glory positions. We lose because of our DT's, but when was the last time Jerry gave up a 1st for a DT? He finally used a 1st on a DT, and picked a big stiffie. Which shows that he doesn't look ahead at all. Tevondre Sweat, TENN/2nd round, was an absolute beast.

Know why we had to take an OL? Because we wasted the previous draft on Mazi and Schooner. Those bad picks always come back to haunt you. And in this case, it's more about who we didn't take in 23. O'Cyrus Torrence would've fixed a ton instead of Schooner.

 

[john van brocklin]

So I wonder….When I look back on the disastrous 2024 season, and after some time to reflect, I’m starting to wonder - was this crazy off-season and season just an extended temper tantrum for Jerry Jones, upset by the worst playoff loss in team history last January to the packers? And instead of acting like a responsible, focused GM, did he just act like a spoiled child upset that his favorite toy disappointed him?

Instead of thinking clearly and decisively, Jerry appears to have just decided to make the 2024 season a kamikaze mission designed to express his frustration. Instead of getting past it by analyzing not only why it happened but what was needed to get better, it appears he may have just wanted to make everyone “uncomfortable” as he likes to call it.

Before anyone says, “That’s crazy Bob”, let me remind any Cowboys fan that Jerry Jones has thrown whole seasons away before. Like the 2000-02 seasons which were three straight 5-11 throwaways under Dave Campo. Or the decade long experiment with Jason Garrett getting us to the playoffs three times so we could win two wild card games.

Most GMs whose livelihood and reputations are on the line would never have taken the almost laughably bad road JJ took this year in the off-season. And despite the lies about the cap he and his #1 son have spewed, he actually had two sane choices:

1. Deciding the Mike McCarthy experiment was done and the team needed a new direction AND infusion of talent. Mac is fired and a new leader is brought in and the reset button pushed.
2. Or realizing that Big Mac was still the guy to lead us and is given an extension to try again. A few FAs signed, a great draft class - it was certainly possible.

Either approach could have been rational and measured. He chose neither. He chose to…well do what he did which was the worst off-season I’ve ever seen in my 5+ decades as a Cowboys fan. And as we stand today we are essentially worse off than when the GB loss ended last January. It’s a complete self inflicted mess.

Was the 2024 season just an extended temper tantrum by the only unaccountable GM in the NFL?

Bob, as I have said countless times, until Jerry is no longer the GM, we have no chance, no hope, and frankly I hope we never win another game until Jerry is forced to step down.
I , and many long time fans are beyond exhausted watching this once great and proud franchise being run like an entertainment cash cow and not like a team serious about winning a SB.

 

[gimmesix]

So I wonder….When I look back on the disastrous 2024 season, and after some time to reflect, I’m starting to wonder - was this crazy off-season and season just an extended temper tantrum for Jerry Jones, upset by the worst playoff loss in team history last January to the packers? And instead of acting like a responsible, focused GM, did he just act like a spoiled child upset that his favorite toy disappointed him?

The evidence shows that 2024 was just an extension of what this front office has been doing for years: Pay its own, try to draft well and don't spend much on outside free agents.

 

[Diehardblues]

I think he thought this was a transitional year of sorts but he also probably still thought we had enough talent to contend for playoffs remaining relevant to an extent.

And if everyone stays relatively healthy, our rookies and previous draft picks develop as they had relied or hoped on maybe we do stay in the hunt for a WC slot.

I don’t think it’s an act on his part when we come up short. He actually believes in his product or team he’s built more than we do.

 

[Diehardblues]

The crazy thing to me about the off-season, and continuing to this day, is the lack of making decisive moves when it matters. It just seems he chooses not to do anything that a good GM would do. Even making a mistake in judgment is better than just doing nothing.

Yes but that’s the thing. He’s more concerned about public perception on his decisions . And by holding off like he did on Dak and Lamb last year it actually works in his favor .

Some fans were even behind him for holding out as long as he did. They even begun believing we might not resign them or they didn’t want to resign here.

And then when he felt he had little other option if we wanted to retain them or concede the season he signed in the 11th hour like his hand was held to the fire. Very little criticism for him.

That’s a win win for him in the public eye. Which is more important that what the effects were on the team and FA.

Not to mention what holding off on resigning MM did . But after the Packers embarrassing loss he didn’t want to look too eager resigning MM anymore than Dak or Lamb.

And this public perception was more important than what the effects and uncertainty was on the team with potential of the Lameduck situations .

And in the end even after a horrid 7-10 season he’s not having to present as many excuses or scapegoats for a failed season. Injuries pretty well speak for themselves . No teams are really expected to make the playoffs without their star QB.

Back in November MM was dead meat. But winning 4 out of 5 games brought him back to life despite losing final 2. Jethro is still battling public perception. And which way the wind is blowing.

My hunch is MM is ready to take on a new challenge with a much longer and bigger contract than Jethro is willing to throw his way. But Jethro is going to let it play out until Jan 14 which will probably influence MM to leave if he believes there’s an offer out there. Especially with prospects of a much more talented QB than we have.

But MM has to be certain there is a deal out there or he’ll have to drag is butt back to Dallas and take whatever Jethro offers him.

 

[Jarntt]

So I wonder….When I look back on the disastrous 2024 season, and after some time to reflect, I’m starting to wonder - was this crazy off-season and season just an extended temper tantrum for Jerry Jones, upset by the worst playoff loss in team history last January to the packers? And instead of acting like a responsible, focused GM, did he just act like a spoiled child upset that his favorite toy disappointed him?

Instead of thinking clearly and decisively, Jerry appears to have just decided to make the 2024 season a kamikaze mission designed to express his frustration. Instead of getting past it by analyzing not only why it happened but what was needed to get better, it appears he may have just wanted to make everyone “uncomfortable” as he likes to call it.

Before anyone says, “That’s crazy Bob”, let me remind any Cowboys fan that Jerry Jones has thrown whole seasons away before. Like the 2000-02 seasons which were three straight 5-11 throwaways under Dave Campo. Or the decade long experiment with Jason Garrett getting us to the playoffs three times so we could win two wild card games.

Most GMs whose livelihood and reputations are on the line would never have taken the almost laughably bad road JJ took this year in the off-season. And despite the lies about the cap he and his #1 son have spewed, he actually had two sane choices:

1. Deciding the Mike McCarthy experiment was done and the team needed a new direction AND infusion of talent. Mac is fired and a new leader is brought in and the reset button pushed.
2. Or realizing that Big Mac was still the guy to lead us and is given an extension to try again. A few FAs signed, a great draft class - it was certainly possible.

Either approach could have been rational and measured. He chose neither. He chose to…well do what he did which was the worst off-season I’ve ever seen in my 5+ decades as a Cowboys fan. And as we stand today we are essentially worse off than when the GB loss ended last January. It’s a complete self inflicted mess.

Was the 2024 season just an extended temper tantrum by the only unaccountable GM in the NFL?

I think he just sucks at his job

 

[fivetwos]

Someone made a point the other day, we didn't sign him after the GB loss, but we could end up giving him a new deal after a 7-10 season??? Lol, how can you motivate the fans with this????

Good point, but you heard the man…”people do their best work with their back to the wall.”

Maybe, except that no one’s back was to the wall. I think he too often thinks the NFL is the same as a different type of business.

Seriously, how many HC have ever gotten a non interim third shot? Yet there seems to be interest in MM. It’s probably understood league wide that it’s impossible to win under the circumstances in Dallas, yet Jerry thinks there would be a line out the door.

Yeah, for people that are either washed up or not yet ready/qualified.

 

[Coogiguy03]

Good point, but you heard the man…”people do their best work with their back to the wall.”

Maybe, except that no one’s back was to the wall. I think he too often thinks the NFL is the same as a different type of business.

Seriously, how many HC have ever gotten a non interim third shot? Yet there seems to be interest in MM. It’s probably understood league wide that it’s impossible to win under the circumstances in Dallas, yet Jerry thinks there would be a line out the door.

Yeah, for people that are either washed up or not yet ready/qualified.

very good points five!!

 

[TheCritic]

Yes Bobhaze I would agree with that and would add that it was a tantrum in a very demented sort of way.

 

[fivetwos]

Yes but that’s the thing. He’s more concerned about public perception on his decisions . And by holding off like he did on Dak and Lamb last year it actually works in his favor .

Some fans were even behind him for holding out as long as he did. They even begun believing we might not resign them or they didn’t want to resign here.

And then when he felt he had little other option if we wanted to retain them or concede the season he signed in the 11th hour like his hand was held to the fire. Very little criticism for him.

That’s a win win for him in the public eye. Which is more important that what the effects were on the team and FA.

Not to mention what holding off on resigning MM did . But after the Packers embarrassing loss he didn’t want to look too eager resigning MM anymore than Dak or Lamb.

And this public perception was more important than what the effects and uncertainty was on the team with potential of the Lameduck situations .

And in the end even after a horrid 7-10 season he’s not having to present as many excuses or scapegoats for a failed season. Injuries pretty well speak for themselves . No teams are really expected to make the playoffs without their star QB.

Back in November MM was dead meat. But winning 4 out of 5 games brought him back to life despite losing final 2. Jethro is still battling public perception. And which way the wind is blowing.

My hunch is MM is ready to take on a new challenge with a much longer and bigger contract than Jethro is willing to throw his way. But Jethro is going to let it play out until Jan 14 which will probably influence MM to leave if he believes there’s an offer out there. Especially with prospects of a much more talented QB than we have.

But MM has to be certain there is a deal out there or he’ll have to drag is butt back to Dallas and take whatever Jethro offers him.

True. A high percentage of his comments are about defending the job he is doing.

People will become deaf to it before long.

They were really fortunate to be in the position they were in from 21-23 and that was the shot, but they were maybe two quality starters short in the middle of the defense. They made the choice to go cheap.

That’s pretty much what broke me, since I now know that even when they catch the right breaks and land in the right spot they will figure out a way to blow it. There’s no chance with these two. None.

 

[IceStar-D7]

Nope...It was a I'll show Dak whose BOSS....You should of done that before you caved in for 60 million Jerry showed nothing but weakness.. Then blew up the season to save face. Which of course didn't work...

 

[nate dizzle]

So I wonder….When I look back on the disastrous 2024 season, and after some time to reflect, I’m starting to wonder - was this crazy off-season and season just an extended temper tantrum for Jerry Jones, upset by the worst playoff loss in team history last January to the packers? And instead of acting like a responsible, focused GM, did he just act like a spoiled child upset that his favorite toy disappointed him?

Instead of thinking clearly and decisively, Jerry appears to have just decided to make the 2024 season a kamikaze mission designed to express his frustration. Instead of getting past it by analyzing not only why it happened but what was needed to get better, it appears he may have just wanted to make everyone “uncomfortable” as he likes to call it.

Before anyone says, “That’s crazy Bob”, let me remind any Cowboys fan that Jerry Jones has thrown whole seasons away before. Like the 2000-02 seasons which were three straight 5-11 throwaways under Dave Campo. Or the decade long experiment with Jason Garrett getting us to the playoffs three times so we could win two wild card games.

Most GMs whose livelihood and reputations are on the line would never have taken the almost laughably bad road JJ took this year in the off-season. And despite the lies about the cap he and his #1 son have spewed, he actually had two sane choices:

1. Deciding the Mike McCarthy experiment was done and the team needed a new direction AND infusion of talent. Mac is fired and a new leader is brought in and the reset button pushed.
2. Or realizing that Big Mac was still the guy to lead us and is given an extension to try again. A few FAs signed, a great draft class - it was certainly possible.

Either approach could have been rational and measured. He chose neither. He chose to…well do what he did which was the worst off-season I’ve ever seen in my 5+ decades as a Cowboys fan. And as we stand today we are essentially worse off than when the GB loss ended last January. It’s a complete self inflicted mess.

Was the 2024 season just an extended temper tantrum by the only unaccountable GM in the NFL?

Absolutely. I've felt this way since training camp after an off season of doing nothing. Then the contract for Dak almost felt spiteful. If the plan was to keep him then it should have been done way back prior to free agency because for this team to have any chance with Dak they needed to add a TON of talent.

Instead it comes off as, "well, I paid you all that money you demanded so good luck with what you have, and oh BTW I'm going to blame you in the media for every bad game you have."

Mike on the other hand seemed more like he was being held hostage. Saddled with a broken down QB and no running game, there was no chance for a successful season for him but Jerry was going to make him play it out on that contract instead of firing him and having to pay a coach that wasn't here.

 

[75boyz]

I think that is giving him too much credit. What you posed takes a lot of thought and planning…….things we rarely see from Jerry. I will stick with football incompetence with no discernible direction for the building of the roster. They have no idea what they are doing, there is three decades that prove it.

Really enjoyed reading Bob's OP perspective and initially agreed with it wholeheartedly. Then I read your response here and believe that you summed things up even more accurately.

Spot on man.

 

[BoyzBlaster]

There's some saying that goes like "never attribute to malice that which can be attributed to stupidity/incompetence." That's Jerry.

 

[Rayman70]

answer to the OP, YES. It was a message to the peons otherwise known as fans and the current coaching regime. Jerry would indeed do this as he is a legendary begrudging man. He is spiteful and would do this and it would take almost no planning to pull it off. All that was needed was to EL PASO on free agency and have a mundane draft AND sit on his hands, which is what he did. You bet your rear end he was pissed. For anyone that requires proof, look at what he did, not what he said to the media. He had EVERYONE on 1 year deals or let their current deals expire which is very unheard of.