What we cannot see yet

[Diehardblues]

Can you copy-and-paste any reply of mine within this thread that runs counter to your stating, "...the basis is talent?"

I have no idea. I was just responding to your questioning KSK . And I think the context is important. In no way did he say other factors beside talent weren’t contributing. He even mentioned what some of them were.

 

[DallasEast]

I have no idea. I was just responding to your questioning KSK . And I think the context is important. In no way did he say other factors beside talent weren’t contributing. He even mentioned what some of them were.

...and I have no idea why he initially replied to my initial post in the way he did, so the two of us have that in common.

 

[Diehardblues]

...and I have no idea why he initially replied to my initial post in the way he did, so the two of us have that in common.

I’ve followed him throughout this thread . Singling out one post doesn’t capture the full context of his thoughts.

 

[Blackrain]

The Cowboys are a perfect example after Jimmy left how poor leadership can skew great talent and also how great talent can overcome poor leadership . Both examples wrapped up into one.

And how great leadership by the players can overcome horrible coaching

 

[DallasEast]

I’ve followed him throughout this thread . Singling out one post doesn’t capture the full context of his thoughts.

You skipped what I just said in this reply to it. I understand you are motivated to point out you have followed him throughout this thread. However, what I stated in the next-to-last post, which pertained to only what YOU said, has both absolutely nothing to do with anything HE said and is not applicable to your saying, "Singling out one post doesn’t capture the full context of his thoughts."

Where exactly are we going with this..? I initially replied to BobHaze's opening post. He understood what I said. There has been some weird detour created in this thread's discussion underscoring the talent this roster has, WHICH I never disputed. And it is only two fellow members driving on this side road.

 

[Blackrain]

Yes, that is a factor. Which lessens their talent.

No it does not always lessen their talent some injuries are so drastic that the player is never the same.

With some injuries it lessens their availability for a Time but they come back as talented as they ever were and play up to their potential.

Ronnie Lott kept getting a broken finger it certainly didn't lessen his talent and he wouldn't tolerate it lessening his availability so he cut it off and continued to play.

Circumstances alter cases you can't just throw a blanket statement out but one thing is true leadership cannot speed the healing process it is what it is

 

[Diehardblues]

You skipped what I just said in this reply to it. I understand you are motivated to point out you have followed him throughout this thread. However, what I stated in the next-to-last post, which pertained to only what YOU said, has both absolutely nothing to do with anything HE said and is not applicable to your saying, "Singling out one post doesn’t capture the full context of his thoughts."

Where exactly are we going with this..? I initially replied to BobHaze's opening post. He understood what I said. There has been some weird detour created in this thread's discussion underscoring the talent this roster has, WHICH I never disputed. And it is only two fellow members driving on this side road.

You’ve lost me now . If you agree talent is the basis for success then we can move on. Thanks

 

[DallasEast]

You’ve lost me now . If you agree talent is the basis for success then we can move on. Thanks

Like I said in my initial post (e.g., the beginning). Talent and grit are necessary for team success. Please. Let's move on.

 

[Blackrain]

It's better than you think. Stopping the run has to do w/ lateral agility and burst. No, it's not just sticking his nose in there, w/o talent they will get by him. If that's all it was, the Vanillla Gorilla would've been the best DT of all time. Huge effort, great attitude. So, question: Since you are claiming all he has to do is stick his nose in there, why wasn't he good?

Not every player that has to stop the run is a defensive tackle some are smaller players that make business decisions

 

[kskboys]

I like to define it as critical thinking. And for the record I have stated I’m looking forward to see how this defense develops and the effects it has on our season as I’ll be sitting on edge of my seat.

Where I push back is making any over zealous predictions beyond seriously contending for division and playoffs before the ball is snapped in regular season.

Apparently if I’m not totally buying into all of the hype and eternal optimism this is best team this era until further evidence , I’m negative.

What if it's not hype and optimism, but a careful assessment of the players?

 

[kskboys]

Not every player that has to stop the run is a defensive tackle some are smaller players that make business decisions

Absolutely. However, it starts up front.

 

[kskboys]

...and I have no idea why he initially replied to my initial post in the way he did, so the two of us have that in common.

Which one was it, I have no problem explaining myself.

 

[kskboys]

You skipped what I just said in this reply to it. I understand you are motivated to point out you have followed him throughout this thread. However, what I stated in the next-to-last post, which pertained to only what YOU said, has both absolutely nothing to do with anything HE said and is not applicable to your saying, "Singling out one post doesn’t capture the full context of his thoughts."

Where exactly are we going with this..? I initially replied to BobHaze's opening post. He understood what I said. There has been some weird detour created in this thread's discussion underscoring the talent this roster has, WHICH I never disputed. And it is only two fellow members driving on this side road.

Absolutely. However, posters have taken my thoughts and polarized them. There is no way that any of talent/coaching/grit is enough by itself. Takes all.

 

[kskboys]

Like I said in my initial post (e.g., the beginning). Talent and grit are necessary for team success. Please. Let's move on.

And coaching. And instincts.

 

[kskboys]

No it does not always lessen their talent some injuries are so drastic that the player is never the same.

With some injuries it lessens their availability for a Time but they come back as talented as they ever were and play up to their potential.

Ronnie Lott kept getting a broken finger it certainly didn't lessen his talent and he wouldn't tolerate it lessening his availability so he cut it off and continued to play.

Circumstances alter cases you can't just throw a blanket statement out but one thing is true leadership cannot speed the healing process it is what it is

I'm confused. If they're never the same, how is that not a lessening of talent?

Fingers don't affect lateral agility and burst.

 

[kskboys]

QB is very difficult to analyze. So many contributing factors surrounding him that need to bounce right.

Raw talent isn’t enough sometimes . Mental errors at QB are much more critical than other positions.

We’ve seen great talents at QB struggle without a strong supporting cast.

The primary talent for a QB is mental.

 

[JoeKing]

There is little question that the 2026 Dallas Cowboys have improved their overall talent, especially on defense. That’s exciting at the time of year when optimism is highest. And it’s not un-reasonable to expect improvement in the upcoming 2026 season.

But here’s the one key element that mini-camps, training camp, and pre-season games cannot show us yet: How will this team handle adversity?

When the real bullets begin to fly on September 13th, we will begin to see what this team is truly made of, and how strong the revitalized culture that so many have talked about. And it will take more than a game or two to see what this team is. It may be November before we really know what this team can be.

Adversity is something that measures every football team every season. The question is not whether or not you will face adversity. The real question is, “How well will our team handle the adversity that will come its way?

So I’m glad to see the glowing reports I’ve heard all summer saying, “This team is different.” Do we know that yet? No. Not yet.

But we will begin seeing this team’s potential when they are faced with rebounding from a tough loss, overcome an injury, or stick together through all adversity.

Adversity is what measures all great football teams. We haven’t seen any adversity yet. But when we do, how this team responds will decide its ultimate fate.

Mike Tyson famously said, "Everybody has a plan until they get hit for the first time". That's very applicable here. We won't know until the time comes in September.

 

[kskboys]

Patterns are developed in game time situations and especially towards the end of the season. Like I said, we've been the paper champions prior to starting the season many times in the past. The effectiveness of any team is shaped by its leadership (Jerry and Stephen). When unhealthy behaviors or a negative culture is deeply embedded at the leadership level, the strengths of individual players and coaches can be overshadowed until those foundational issues are addressed. One or two years does not make a pattern at this level.

Yes, it can.

 

[kskboys]

Mike Tyson famously said, "Everybody has a plan until they get hit for the first time". That's very applicable here. We won't know until the time comes in September.

"Until they get hit in the nose."

 

[kskboys]

Mike Tyson famously said, "Everybody has a plan until they get hit for the first time". That's very applicable here. We won't know until the time comes in September.

And I disagree. We already know the D will be much improved. What are you claiming that we don't know?