What's wrong with 2015 Cowboys?

[Chuck 54]

Tony Romo--just under 15 million dollars

• Played in only 4 games, and despite 3 wins, played poorly
• 83-121 for 884 yards---5 TDs---7 interceptions---avg QB rating 50.5
• Beat Giants, Philly, Miami (poor teams)---beat Philly with a 44.5 QB rating and 0 TDs

Des Bryant--7 million dollars

• Played in 6 games, and played poorly in 5
• 23 total catches for 277 yards---only 1 game with more than 45 yards
• Grand total of 2 TDs

All QBs---through 11 games---12 TDs---14 INTs

All WRs---through 11 games---9 TDs

If you look at all offensive stats (1st downs, 3rd-4th down conversions, yards, plays, rushing yards, time of possession) versus our 11 opponents totals, the only stats in which we underperformed our opponents was passing and TDs.

Looking at Romo's 4-game performance against mostly poor defenses would negate laying all the blame on Weeden and Cassell. Poor pass protection, dropped passes, and few occasions when receivers were getting separation, along with plays that clearly take too long to develop, a problem exists with our WRs, our system, or both.

On defense, the issue is primarily a lack of size on the DL to stop the run and push the pocket, injuries to our best CBs, and substandard safety play---not to mention our opponents more than doubling our turnover total for the season.

Bottom line for me---we just haven't been a very good team this year, never playing a complete game even in our 3 wins. Despite crippling injuries for long spells of time, our star-cap eating players have underperformed dramatically even when on the field. We all knew the defense was a weakness being rebuilt, and we hoped for improvement while counting on young, developing players and rookies, but we were sidetracked by injuries to our best CB and our key 1-Tech DT (IMO-McClain).

The defense will continue to improve as they get healthy, young guys get bigger and stronger, and we add better DBs, but what about the offense? Do we chalk it all up to injuries and stars having an off year? Do we assume Dez's drops and lack of focus were injury and frustration? Do we assume Romo just never got in a groove? What about the rest of our receivers and TE situation? Do we have a serious problem with our passing game, or was it just a bad year and we should expect a return to form in 2016? What impact would changing to a new offense have on Romo (one system his whole career) and Dez (had issues learning this system when younger)?

Discuss...

 

[Fritsch_the_cat]

I think the subtraction of Murray and addition of Hardy messed up the "chemistry" of the team. A lot of people here at the end of last season said "don't change a thing" when it came to the team. I think they were right.

Of course, Tony being out for most of the season is the main problem. I'm sure if he had played all season that loss yesterday wouldn't have mattered as much.

 

[DallasDomination]

Bad coaching especially on offense and special teams.

Injuries and suspensions.

Qb situation was an issue all year. Our backups are trash and Romo is made of glass apparently.

 

[cowboyblue22]

this team Is a mess not sure where to start to get it fixed. of course yesterday the panthers didn't score many points on the defense tony gave them 17 so that really hurt. This team has really been hurt by poor qb play even with tony.

 

[Joe Realist]

Last year was an outlier. Here is the reality that is clear. This was an 8-8, 9-7 best team if healthy

Coaching is terrible. No way they should have lost 7 in a row. Garrett on notice in 2016

Romo is old and brittle. He should have stayed out the year

Losing Murray, Callahan and relying on Randle is costing them and not drafting a RB.

Pass rush is still missing. Hardy was a bad signing and I look forward to him being off the team

Dez is overrated - sorry, but true

The defense was a league leader in takeaways last year and you can't expect that to continue

The offensive line is overrated

Finally - what has been proven in the past, is proven again - If the Cowboys have any success, they falter the following year


For the rest of year, play the youngest players, give Kellen Moore a couple of starts and prepare for the draft. Hopefully some of the denial homer still finally see the reality of this year.

At this point, get a top 5 pick.

What really irritates me is that I can't revel as much in the Eagles dismal season, because we are worse!!!

 

[65fastback2plus2]

jason garrett

 

[egn22]

Tony Romo--just under 15 million dollars

• Played in only 4 games, and despite 3 wins, played poorly
• 83-121 for 884 yards---5 TDs---7 interceptions---avg QB rating 50.5
• Beat Giants, Philly, Miami (poor teams)---beat Philly with a 44.5 QB rating and 0 TDs

Des Bryant--7 million dollars

• Played in 6 games, and played poorly in 5
• 23 total catches for 277 yards---only 1 game with more than 45 yards
• Grand total of 2 TDs

All QBs---through 11 games---12 TDs---14 INTs

All WRs---through 11 games---9 TDs

If you look at all offensive stats (1st downs, 3rd-4th down conversions, yards, plays, rushing yards, time of possession) versus our 11 opponents totals, the only stats in which we underperformed our opponents was passing and TDs.

Looking at Romo's 4-game performance against mostly poor defenses would negate laying all the blame on Weeden and Cassell. Poor pass protection, dropped passes, and few occasions when receivers were getting separation, along with plays that clearly take too long to develop, a problem exists with our WRs, our system, or both.

On defense, the issue is primarily a lack of size on the DL to stop the run and push the pocket, injuries to our best CBs, and substandard safety play---not to mention our opponents more than doubling our turnover total for the season.

Bottom line for me---we just haven't been a very good team this year, never playing a complete game even in our 3 wins. Despite crippling injuries for long spells of time, our star-cap eating players have underperformed dramatically even when on the field. We all knew the defense was a weakness being rebuilt, and we hoped for improvement while counting on young, developing players and rookies, but we were sidetracked by injuries to our best CB and our key 1-Tech DT (IMO-McClain).

The defense will continue to improve as they get healthy, young guys get bigger and stronger, and we add better DBs, but what about the offense? Do we chalk it all up to injuries and stars having an off year? Do we assume Dez's drops and lack of focus were injury and frustration? Do we assume Romo just never got in a groove? What about the rest of our receivers and TE situation? Do we have a serious problem with our passing game, or was it just a bad year and we should expect a return to form in 2016? What impact would changing to a new offense have on Romo (one system his whole career) and Dez (had issues learning this system when younger)?

Discuss...

This is a PERFECTLY written summary of the problem along with questions that are tough to answer. I personally believe a new coach is needed with a new system but with JG getting a 5 yr extension that isn't realistic.

So we will see some good times and some bad times but i don't believe JG will lead this team to a SB and definitely not multiple SBs. Just my take on it

 

[daveferr33]

There is nothing wrong with the 2015 Cowboys.

Its the same team and organization its been for a long time. Same leaders. Same culture.

2014 was the aberration.

 

[sweetness0986]

The offense and special teams were the bulk of the problem. We have some duds on defense but in general they held opponents enough to give us the opportunity to win. Yes, I'd like more turnovers and sacks but ultimately you want them to put your offense in a good spot which they did.

Special teams is a joke and absolutely needs a complete revamp. New punter, kick returner, better coach are all needed. They did the team no favors with field position especially.

And offense never really had a chance to get in a rhythm. It's hard for players to have any consistency with one another when things are constantly changing, especially the lead role. 3 QBs in 10 games, multiple running backs, not to mention the terrible unpredictable play calling were a huge part of underwhelming offensive performance.

Obviously, this all starts from the top. This team should have found a way to win a few games without Romo. The structure of this organization absolutely needs to change in order to produce a real playoff contending football team. Last year was a one off and due to the actual spark/spirit of the players together. Teams don't always get that lucky.

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

There is nothing wrong with the 2015 Cowboys.

Its the same team and organization its been for a long time. Same leaders. Same culture.

2014 was the aberration.

In a few years we'll probably look at 2014 like we do 2007. What could have been.

 

[Reverend Conehead]

Dez never came back into form post-injury. I think his injury is still nagging him, holding him back.

 

[Silver N Blue]

You know I get the injuries they suck and are apart of the game and can derail a season. what I don't get is this team not winning one game while Romo was out. Not one...if iggles fans can call for Kelly's head it only makes sense to point blame where blame is due. We got duped by this coaching staff which is nothing more than mediocre talent.

 

[TonyRomo17]

Lost the most important player for 13 games, its as simple as that

 

[Chuck 54]

The offense and special teams were the bulk of the problem. We have some duds on defense but in general they held opponents enough to give us the opportunity to win. Yes, I'd like more turnovers and sacks but ultimately you want them to put your offense in a good spot which they did.

Special teams is a joke and absolutely needs a complete revamp. New punter, kick returner, better coach are all needed. They did the team no favors with field position especially.

And offense never really had a chance to get in a rhythm. It's hard for players to have any consistency with one another when things are constantly changing, especially the lead role. 3 QBs in 10 games, multiple running backs, not to mention the terrible unpredictable play calling were a huge part of underwhelming offensive performance.

Obviously, this all starts from the top. This team should have found a way to win a few games without Romo. The structure of this organization absolutely needs to change in order to produce a real playoff contending football team. Last year was a one off and due to the actual spark/spirit of the players together. Teams don't always get that lucky.

Surprised to see punter listed; I keep reading that he's having a great year.

 

[Chuck 54]

This is a PERFECTLY written summary of the problem along with questions that are tough to answer. I personally believe a new coach is needed with a new system but with JG getting a 5 yr extension that isn't realistic.

So we will see some good times and some bad times but i don't believe JG will lead this team to a SB and definitely not multiple SBs. Just my take on it

I think a west coast, short passing game would help Romo's health. I think he'd thrive in the NE offense, but I worry about how long it might take him to really know it and for Dez to learn it.

 

[Staubacher]

Dez never came back into form post-injury. I think his injury is still nagging him, holding him back.

Agree also his attitude and immaturity hold him back. He didn't hurt his hands but he keeps dropping passes.

 

[PAINFROMUKRAINE]

. We got duped by this coaching staff which is nothing more than mediocre talent.

Please modify this statement. Some Zoners/Fans and Jerry/Stephen got duped by this Coaching Staff. Some of us knew from Day 1 that JG was not the RKG to be HC of the Boys. It is a shame that it took so long for the reality to finally sink in.

 

[Ultra Warrior]

Murray's removal from the team would make zero difference. He'd still be running behind this under-performing O-Line. He's not good enough, to make up for that. Sorry.

 

[mahoneybill]

Dez never came back into form post-injury. I think his injury is still nagging him, holding him back.

If you have ever competed at a high level in any sport, you will know that it's very easy to lose the edge both mentally, and physically when injured. Throw in one that takes you out of competition , which hones both aspects, and you can't expect to be at your peak in
a few contests. Throw in that football involves a lot of physical contact, and it makes that " I feel my injury" come back into your mind too quickly , and prohibits the physical recovery.

There you have my take on Dez...

 

[Staubacher]

If you have ever competed at a high level in any sport, you will know that it's very easy to lose the edge both mentally, and physically when injured. Throw in one that takes you out of competition , which hones both aspects, and you can't expect to be at your peak in
a few contests. Throw in that football involves a lot of physical contact, and it makes that " I feel my injury" come back into your mind too quickly , and prohibits the physical recovery.

There you have my take on Dez...

I think he rushed back like Tony because this team kept losing every week.