What went wrong this yr? It depends on who you ask. But since these are my thoughts this is what i think went wrong.
It started before the season even started, even before the preseason and even before the draft. Dez Bryant's hold out. The teams unwillingness to speed up that process to meet at a mutual point. Hell they didnt even talk for the longest time. They issued a offer it was denied and it just stayed there. And to be fair to the team thats what they were obligated to do. You dont bid against yourself. Dez Bryants representation was a major fail because they went through a merger and the actual guy who was representing him was too busy deciding if he was going to stay with Roc or move on. Which he moved on but im sure that took precedence over Dez contract situation. And then there was Dez himself. Unwilling to budge and take one for the team and push to get it done sooner. This team kept him out of trouble for yrs with the measures they took to protect their investment from himself. If it wasnt for the Jones' Dez wouldve been suspended atleast 1-2 times. Guy was getting out of control until the team said enough and got him babysitters. And he repaid them by saying I want what i want and im not playing until u give it to me. Instead of being a grown up and appreciating what the team did for him like Tyron Smith did. He took less guranteed money but will get more in the long run. Same deal he got the Cowboys tried to give to Dez. But in Dez selfish materialistic view saw it as im going to get screwed by the most honest team in the NFL. Im sure people around Dez were in his ear. All Dez had to do what look at the Cowboys history for himself and he couldve seen that this team takes care of its players. But then you cant fault a player for having that view because so many teams in sports will cut you when they want to these days. But sadly thats not the Jones' style.
So Dez signs and it's supposed to be back to work. And while yes Dez is always in good shape, he was nowhere near NFL game shape. In TC he looked a little sluggish but he's a superstar and his skill is above the norm so he looked like he was back with no problems. Then the hammies started getting strained and so did his time to get in shape. What Dallas probably shouldve done was what they with other players who have not been ready put them on a PUP list during TC. Thats exactly where he shouldve started to get his body right.
Tony Romo, when he went down this team went down with him. Say what you want but this team knew it was over then. I knew it somewhere in my head but my heart kept telling me now. I held out hope but no, deep down i knew the season was over. I didnt think it would be this bad but it is what it is. Then Romo came back too soon. The minimal amount of time to recover because the Cowboys were right in the thick of the race. That bone wasnt healed. Now i will say this about Romo, the guy is a warrior he will sacrifice his body for the team. But he wont dedicate any time in the weight room or some cardio. Romo im sorry to say is one of the sloppiest looking athletes in the NFL. He looks soft from the neck down. When you have guys like Brady and Rodgers who look the part of a athlete in street clothes Romo looks like a avg Joe. I bet if he dedicated a offseason to the weight room and getting in great shape he would be even better then he is now.
The RB position, was taken for granted by everybody. I agree with observations that McFadden just isnt the right type of back for this team. Oakland ran a similar style of blocking scheme and he just wasnt very good. Think his numbers are somewhat respectable in Dallas because the OL is that much better.
The teams inability to create mismatches on offense. Dez, Beasley and Escobar create so many mismatches for opposing teams that it drives me crazy they dont utilize them. Especially with Escobar, to the point that im started to hope Witten will retire soon. This team is going to end up losing a TE who will go to another team and become a probowler. Already happened with Martellus Bennett.
Doug Free, just got old real quick. He's had his ups and downs this yr, but he's probably seen his better days behind him and going forward if hes on the team should be the swing tackle that can jump right in at either tackle spot for a start here and there.
Posistion coaches for WRs and DBs. These have to be some of the worst in the league. both groups just look to be unprepared for the scheme. I know its not all coaches fault but atleast be able to hide some of the weaknesses.
Passrush, I think Dallas is perfectly fine with the players they have its the approach of the scheme.They can add some young horses to the stable. When we see marinelli be aggresive with the blitz and the coverage this defense overall looks nice. But when he goes conservative this team starts out good but then fades. It didnt help that Dallas played the majorty of their games against teams who use these gimmick offenses that use picks and quick reads. You arent going to get sacks playing these teams because thats why they run that offensive style. To eliminate the sack.
Theres other issues here and there but IMO these are the top issues with this team. Ill post something else in a day or two to voice a little of what i think would help.
