What's the Problem in Dallas?

[Chuck 54]

Observations:

1. Almost everyone, fans, media, and football analysts, seem to agree that Dallas has much better personel now than when Parcells took over 3 years ago.

2. On offense, Dallas has had only 1 significant injury the entire year, the one to Flozell Adams. Except for this one injury, Parcells has exactly whom he planned to play on offense (he was never counting on Rogers, not after what he saw last season).

3. On defense, Dallas lost 2 LBs, DAT and Singleton, one considered too small for the 3-4 and the other dismissed by many fans all along as not very good. Some of that has to be offset by the much improved play of Brady James whom no one could have really been counting on due to his poor play since entering the NFL...his play has been a pleasant surprise.

When one looks at the entire team, we've actually remained fairly healthy on offense and lost a couple of LBs whom many thought could be replaced by Shanle and Burnett without much harm...we also added Fujita as a starter.

So here are the questions: What's wrong with the Cowboys? Why are we so bad suddenly? Who's fault is it ultimately?

What's wrong with the Cowboys? Did losing 1 OT totally put our entire offense in the crapper? Is Parcells and his coaching staff blameless? Isn't he responsible for the OL players we went into the season with? Isn't someone responsible for coaching and scheming well enough to cover for the loss of 1 somewhat underachieving Flozell Adams? If LBs are the main problem with the defense, then why are we playing the 3-4 which is designed to work with superior LBs and less talented DL? If our DL players are so much better than our LBs, then why aren't we putting 4 of them on the field more?

Why are we so bad suddenly? I can understand why we're 5 point underdogs to Carolina. But why are we being given almost "0" chance of making the playoffs by football analysts? Why are the Commanders considered to have the best shot of any 10-6 team of taking a wild card? Why are the Commanders favored by 3 against the 10-4 Giants? I'm a little shocked. If we finish the season behind the Giants and the Commanders, are we suddenly and disappointingly the worst team in the NFC East going into next year? I ask this because the Eagles only have to add a healthy RB and a WR to once again have the most talented offense in the division next year when McNabb is healthy again.

Who's fault is it ultimately? We may win out and make the playoffs and go further in the playoffs than the Giants, in which case we're suddenly talking about the Cowboys and how good they can be next year. But, realistically, let's go with the so-called experts who say we aren't going to the playoffs, that we are fading fast. Who's to blame? Is the total collapse of the defense the fault of injuries to DAT and Singleton of all people? Were they that good? Is the collapse of the offense all due to the injury to Adams, the only injury on offense this year? If he was still on the field, would we suddenly be running the ball down people's throats and protecting Bledsoe into a ProBowl birth?

If this team is indeed better than in recent years...if the personel is so much better, then isn't it up to the coaches to get results? Or have we improved, yet watched the Skins and Giants get even better to the point we have lost ground on the entire division?

I want to believe we have the talent...I want to believe we're only 2-3 players away from being a favored team in the NFC. But if that's true, how have we allowed the Skins with Brunnell at QB and only 1 WR on offense and a defense with no DL and a totally battered secondary, along with the Giants who have an inconsistant QB throwing to Plaxico and Shockey and a suspect secondary to both finish ahead of us? Isn't someone to blame?

Are all of our woes to be excused with no blame to anyone based on the single injury to Flozell Adams?

Talk to me...While you're at it, tell me how Bledsoe and Witten should make the ProBowl but didn't because it's a popularity contest: Brunnell has a higher rating than Bledsoe right now...Bledsoe is #5 in the NFC, so don't give me the stats excuse. Crumpler and Shockey are both having huge years that overshadow anything on Witten...how many TE's do you want at the ProBowl? And explain to me how Cooley of the Commanders is a #1 alternate. Surely he isn't more popular than Witten...he had to make it on players and coaches ballots, I would think.

Something's wrong in Dallas....who has the answers.

 

[kingwhicker]

Unfortunately, I'm afraid nobody has the answers.

 

[Hostile]

Great post Wayne.


Where to begin?

Offense...

He's been very good but Drew Bledsoe is past his prime years. Whether people like to admit it or not, the better the QB is capable of playing the better the team's chances of winning. I appreciate his efforts and am satisified, but it is time to get back to a superstar QB leading this team. Id we want to go anywhere, this is a need not a want.

The offensive line fell apart when Flo went down. When the QB isn't a playmaker with his feet, this can be a kiss of death. Rivera did not completely fill the hole at RG like expceted. Was it his back? Is he too old to overcome an injury like that? Is our OL coach getting everything he can out of the the players? Lot of questions on the OL.

Lot of people wanting to say Barber is better than Jones. Tells you just how bad Jones' high ankle injury hurt this team. This was going to be his year. It never got off the ground and the offense never hit full stride without him.

Our WRs are old. Wily veterans to be sure, but at some point in time in the near future we have to address this area.

Defense...

You hit the nail on the head with the loss of Dat and Al. There is a reason why they were never pulled or benched. It's called knowing assignments.

We still need a legit FS. I believe Beriault was to be the guy, but that injury derailed that plan.

Special Teams...

We need a kicker. We need deeper kickoffs. We need to make chip shot FGs. Lost a lot of games here. It has to be fixed.

Coaching...

Simply put there needs to be a better job done. Guys are not developing as fast as players on other teams. That should be inexcusable. Babying players doesn't work. Expect them to be pros and do their jobs. Allow superstar players on this team again. We need players who strike fear in teams more than a Head Coach who strikes fear in his own players. No more excuses.

 

[WoodysGirl]

My opinion

1. No OL chemistry
2. Rookie Wall
3. Typical Bledsoe bonehead plays
4. Lack of running game
5. Defensive injuries
6. Player immaturity
7. Just plain ol bad play

Any combination of those contributed to why the 'boys have not played well, IMO. Can't just point the finger at one thing and say, "Ah Hah! That's it" All of those factors have contributed in some way to each of the Cowboys losses...

 

[DipChit]

How bout because in the NFL anymore it's basically just come down to a crapshoot every year, save for a couple teams like N.E., Indy and Philly who happened to have a few more pieces in place than everybody else.

Even at that, the latter 2 teams still have no trophies to show for it. And Indy hasnt even made a SB appearance (let alone won one) in that time span. Yet teams like the Falcons, Titans, Ravens, Giants, Bucs, Raiders and Panthers have been to the dance over the last few years. Nevermind of course most of those were lucky to even go .500 the following year.

The Bears go from 13-3, to garbage, back to Division winners. The Packers, seemingly overnight cant win 5 games even with Favre.. The Falcons go from playing in NFC Champ game to possibly missing the Playoffs even though their players aint all old and wore out... etc etc

 

[aznhalf]

You missed a couple key injuries that do play a part in our performance. Namely J. Jones ankle injury which has been lingering. And Anthony Henry's multiple injuries. These impacted the performance of the O and D even more than the injuries you listed.

Not to mention you brush off losing Flo as a mere single injury. But you discount the fact that LT is the MOST important O-Line position protecting the QB's backside. And it takes only ONE defensive player to disrupt the offense by getting pressure . Teams see the LT as that weak position and load up on that side.

The coaching can be blamed for not having a solid back-up in that position, but don't brush off that injury.

And Cooley is an alternative FB not a TE so he has nothing to do with Witten's Pro Bowl status.

 

[Alexander]

Lot of people wanting to say Barber is better than Jones. Tells you just how bad Jones' high ankle injury hurt this team. This was going to be his year. It never got off the ground and the offense never hit full stride without him.

Or it could also be that 2004 was more fool's gold than the real thing with Julius. He was not exactly excelling before his ankle got injured.

 

[Hostile]

Or it could also be that 2004 was more fool's gold than the real thing with Julius. He was not exactly excelling before his ankle got injured.

Maybe, but there's nothing to say he wouldn't have hit stride. The injury assured he wouldn't.

 

[mwmilsted]

Observations:

1. Almost everyone, fans, media, and football analysts, seem to agree that Dallas has much better personel now than when Parcells took over 3 years ago.

2. On offense, Dallas has had only 1 significant injury the entire year, the one to Flozell Adams. Except for this one injury, Parcells has exactly whom he planned to play on offense (he was never counting on Rogers, not after what he saw last season).

3. On defense, Dallas lost 2 LBs, DAT and Singleton, one considered too small for the 3-4 and the other dismissed by many fans all along as not very good. Some of that has to be offset by the much improved play of Brady James whom no one could have really been counting on due to his poor play since entering the NFL...his play has been a pleasant surprise.

When one looks at the entire team, we've actually remained fairly healthy on offense and lost a couple of LBs whom many thought could be replaced by Shanle and Burnett without much harm...we also added Fujita as a starter.

So here are the questions: What's wrong with the Cowboys? Why are we so bad suddenly? Who's fault is it ultimately?

What's wrong with the Cowboys? Did losing 1 OT totally put our entire offense in the crapper? Is Parcells and his coaching staff blameless? Isn't he responsible for the OL players we went into the season with? Isn't someone responsible for coaching and scheming well enough to cover for the loss of 1 somewhat underachieving Flozell Adams? If LBs are the main problem with the defense, then why are we playing the 3-4 which is designed to work with superior LBs and less talented DL? If our DL players are so much better than our LBs, then why aren't we putting 4 of them on the field more?

Why are we so bad suddenly? I can understand why we're 5 point underdogs to Carolina. But why are we being given almost "0" chance of making the playoffs by football analysts? Why are the Commanders considered to have the best shot of any 10-6 team of taking a wild card? Why are the Commanders favored by 3 against the 10-4 Giants? I'm a little shocked. If we finish the season behind the Giants and the Commanders, are we suddenly and disappointingly the worst team in the NFC East going into next year? I ask this because the Eagles only have to add a healthy RB and a WR to once again have the most talented offense in the division next year when McNabb is healthy again.

Who's fault is it ultimately? We may win out and make the playoffs and go further in the playoffs than the Giants, in which case we're suddenly talking about the Cowboys and how good they can be next year. But, realistically, let's go with the so-called experts who say we aren't going to the playoffs, that we are fading fast. Who's to blame? Is the total collapse of the defense the fault of injuries to DAT and Singleton of all people? Were they that good? Is the collapse of the offense all due to the injury to Adams, the only injury on offense this year? If he was still on the field, would we suddenly be running the ball down people's throats and protecting Bledsoe into a ProBowl birth?

If this team is indeed better than in recent years...if the personel is so much better, then isn't it up to the coaches to get results? Or have we improved, yet watched the Skins and Giants get even better to the point we have lost ground on the entire division?

I want to believe we have the talent...I want to believe we're only 2-3 players away from being a favored team in the NFC. But if that's true, how have we allowed the Skins with Brunnell at QB and only 1 WR on offense and a defense with no DL and a totally battered secondary, along with the Giants who have an inconsistant QB throwing to Plaxico and Shockey and a suspect secondary to both finish ahead of us? Isn't someone to blame?

Are all of our woes to be excused with no blame to anyone based on the single injury to Flozell Adams?

Talk to me...While you're at it, tell me how Bledsoe and Witten should make the ProBowl but didn't because it's a popularity contest: Brunnell has a higher rating than Bledsoe right now...Bledsoe is #5 in the NFC, so don't give me the stats excuse. Crumpler and Shockey are both having huge years that overshadow anything on Witten...how many TE's do you want at the ProBowl? And explain to me how Cooley of the Commanders is a #1 alternate. Surely he isn't more popular than Witten...he had to make it on players and coaches ballots, I would think.

Something's wrong in Dallas....who has the answers.

I think you just have to compare the Cowboys with other teams that are on top of their game, such as the Giants and Commanders. I think it comes down to coaching, strategy and having talented players. The Cowboys have the talent, but seem to lack coaching (OL, DL, etc). It seems to me that the teams we play know us better than we know ourselves (strengths, weaknesses). You have to say that since the Denver game, the Cowboys have fallen off the map. Why? I think Parcells has lost control of properly preparing and conditioning the team.

 

[visionary]

i agree with hos and WG on all counts. one loss/injury that i didnt see in your thoughtful analysis (maybe i missed it) was that of henry which i think has been very significant.

one thing i will add is that for some reason (that i cant pin point, not being close to the team) this team is (for want of a better description) 'subdued', 'tame'. no 'fire'. seems to be a team of 'good guys' not 'football players'. just seems like when they lose they say all the right things but dont really get ready emotionally and dont channel their anger and frustration into better, more focused practices and playing better the next game.

i would ordinarily ascribe this to both player personalities and coaching mis-steps. aside from key (who is more likely to be viewed as a nuisance or 'BP guy' by some players given his history) there are no 'fiery' or 'hard ***' guys on this team. also no one or two people who can take the team on their back and carry them, no one to say 'we are struggling so this week give me the ball 30 times and i will get 170 yards and the tough yards!! throw me the ball, i will be open and i will make the tough catch and take it to the house!! i will get you the ball on the money, on the numbers, all you have to do is catch it!!

so my feeling is that in addition to all the deficiencies pointed out in other posts what we lack are emotional leaders who are ALSO playmakers, who can lead emotionally and by example who WILL GET THE JOB DONE NO MATTER WHAT, WHO WILL FIND A WAY ala emmitt, irvin, aikman, novacek, not even one such player.

parcells has his wish, we have team full of bus drivers unfortunately for fans this road has no U-turns, no going back.

a sad day indeed.

 

[fortdick]

Why the let down? Let us look to the injuries!

Losing Jones was huge! Although he is back now, he is not the same. Compared to last year, not even the same person. I attribute this to the sophmore jinx. Just like Newman, he will come back next year and prove himself in his third season. That being if he doesn't get hurt. He seems to be running a little scared right now. Whether is is scared of reinjury, or scared of losing his job to MB3, I don't know, but next year he will stand out!

Losing Henry hurt worst of all. That made us play 7 in the box instead of 8. With Reeves and Davis in there, we could not go man coverage on good receivers and had to zone more. This seems to be where we always got hurt. Early in the year, I felt comfortable when the opposing team was third and long that we would stop them. Now, I am not. When Henry is back 100% our defense will improve greatly. especially against the run.

Dat and Al were the final straw. Everyone complained that they were not any good, but now that we don't have them, we can see exactly what they brought to this defense. Consistent, veteran play. They didn't make the mental mistakes and were always in the right position. Maybe no huge plays for losses, but they limited the gains to a manageable level.

Losing Flo was big, as WoodysGirl said, it destroyed the chemistry. Tucker is just not a left tackle. We could help Pettiti on the right and still put three people out in the pattern. With Tucker, we had to hold another back or watch as Bledsoe got eaten up from the back side. A left tackle has to stand on his own. This is Tucker's third season and he has not demonstrated anything close to starter ability. Pettiti will get better and maybe hold down the RT position, but we need a solid backup.

The injuries were not many, but they came at key positions that hurt us badly. We have a solid team, but the lack of depth hurt us terribly. When healthy, we can put 22 guys out there that can play with anyone, but the 34 behind them are of no consequence.

JMHO

 

[Alexander]

Everyone complained that they were not any good, but now that we don't have them, we can see exactly what they brought to this defense.

Not everyone.

Just a few insane people.

 

[Portland Fanatic]

Great post Wayne.


Where to begin?

Offense...

He's been very good but Drew Bledsoe is past his prime years. Whether people like to admit it or not, the better the QB is capable of playing the better the team's chances of winning. I appreciate his efforts and am satisified, but it is time to get back to a superstar QB leading this team. Id we want to go anywhere, this is a need not a want.

The offensive line fell apart when Flo went down. When the QB isn't a playmaker with his feet, this can be a kiss of death. Rivera did not completely fill the hole at RG like expceted. Was it his back? Is he too old to overcome an injury like that? Is our OL coach getting everything he can out of the the players? Lot of questions on the OL.

I agree 100% with this...another reason why I posted the "Mobile QB" thread the other day. In order to protect him you literally need all-pros at every oline position...noone will have that.

In this league it has become a MUST to have a QB with SOME mobility. Everyone can debate on how much they want, but SOME is critical or else you have EXACTLY what we have.

If we had a more mobile QB...not Vick...I think we would not have nearly the amount of complaints about the oline sucking. Some QB's make an average oline look good...they do.

 

[wileedog]

2. On offense, Dallas has had only 1 significant injury the entire year, the one to Flozell Adams. Except for this one injury, Parcells has exactly whom he planned to play on offense (he was never counting on Rogers, not after what he saw last season).

There was no way he was counting on Pettitti, a 6th round draft choice, to be the starter. If Pettitti didn't make his weight he would not have even made the team.

By all reports going into camp Rodgers had a very good offseason and was starting to 'get it'. I absolutely think he was pencilled in to be the starter and was counted on to do so.

That injury - or exxagerated boo boo as it were - is as much responsible for the O-lines problems as Flo's or missing on Rivera. If Rodgers ever spends any time on the field, he will probably be a much, much better player than Rob Pettitti.

IF.

Furthermore, did *anyone* see the regression of Al Johnson coming? He looked very solid if unspectacular last year, but this year seems to have problems holding his ground.

 

[big_neil]

Drew has turned in an above average season based on his career. He's on a pace for 24 TDs 16 INTs and 3700 yards. You can't blame him because to expect more was unrealistic.

 

[kojak]

Offense-Offensive Line, Losing Flozell Hurt the passing game, there never was a running game before the injury, still don't have one. this blame goes to the coach. After 3 years you would think we would have a descent o-line. So we bring in a immobile QB who needs an offensive line to perform. We go thin at the o-line because we think Rivera will be the answer and we bring in more defense. Well that worked out well didn't it

Defense- Got off to a good start. Injuries to Henry, Dat, Singleton, starting to show its effects now, especially in the running game. But still the defense was very basic before the injuries. No creativity, lack of pass rush, have to blitz to get to QB and it's usally Roy, Fujita, or the kitchen sink. Teams are starting to figure it out because it's always the same. or it seems to me anway. Blame goes to Zimmer.

Over all Bill Parcells is to blame because he is the coach and everything reflects on him. Some major changes needs to be made because the staff he has now just isn't working for him. Hope he makes the right choices......

 

[CF74]

Bledsoe needs extra o-linemen so he can stand there like a statue and not get scathed...

 

[Clove]

Great post Wayne.


Where to begin?

Offense...

He's been very good but Drew Bledsoe is past his prime years. Whether people like to admit it or not, the better the QB is capable of playing the better the team's chances of winning. I appreciate his efforts and am satisified, but it is time to get back to a superstar QB leading this team. Id we want to go anywhere, this is a need not a want.

That's it right there. For us Cowboy fans for years now like myself, we have always had a Superstar Quarterback in place thru our great years.

I want to start right there, and build around there. Dallas, we can't keep putting people in there, that's just not how Americas Team operate.

When Roger the Dodger was here, We WON! We didn't win again until we had Aikman. I don't care what anyone says, you may win a Superbowl with a stop gap QB (possibly) but with a Superstar Quarterback, you can become a Dynasty.

The only teams that win long term or stay near the top (Tom Brady, Donovan McKnabb, Peyton Manning - McKnabb has knocked on the door several times, and Peyton will probably knock down the door this year) they have home grown superstar QB's.

Look at the Bengirls, they resemble the 92 Cowboys.

IT STARTS WITH THE QUARTERBACK Jerry Jones. And I know BP is too impatient, he wants to build this team fast and get a superbowl and retire.

I'm sorry, I want to have a dynasty where we own the league, and the only way to do that is to have some balls, and sell the farm to move up in the draft and get your QB.

 

[Teague31]

no proven backup to Flo, a rookie 6th round pick at RT... an overrated rivera at rg, an aging LA at LG and a below average center....... it all spells disaster. in this leagu, when your o-line goes down, your whole offense goes down with it.

 

[Seven]

Drew has turned in an above average season based on his career. He's on a pace for 24 TDs 16 INTs and 3700 yards. You can't blame him because to expect more was unrealistic.

I was a very staunch supporter of Bledsoe from his Washington State days. We would not have the record we do without him. He's done some great things for us. He still has 1 too many bad habits for my taste right now. Ever notice when Terry Glen has a good day the team has a good day? He's our only deep threat which tell me Drew looks down field way too much.

As for the 24 TD's this year......that means nothing if they aren't coming when we need them. The OL isn't the greatest but one can only pass block for so long. Drew needs to realize this, make the call at the line and deliver. It ain't working with him standing there all day. I've never in my life have said
'throw it, throw it" more than I have this year. He does not adapt to defenses very well and it's killing us. JMO of course.

As for what else is wrong in Dallas, a couple of you have summed it up well so no sense in repitition.