Will Saturday measure progress or a ceiling?

[Bobhaze]

As stated many times on this forum- Excellence is measured in the playoffs. The off season and regular season are merely the preparation for what really matters. Once you’re in “the tournament”, all the work that has been done in the regular season is for the purpose of winning a championship... or at least seeing how close we can come to one.

It’s been too long since we’ve even been close.

So.....This divisional playoff game Saturday in LA can serve as a real measuring stick of this organization- Two questions arise-
IF WE WIN, WILL IT SHOW PROGRESS? BY:

• Advancing to the NFC championship game for the first time in 23 years.
• Showing that Jerry and this organization have learned some things about how to build a roster that can win more than just a WC game in the playoffs.
• Showing that Jerry sticking with Garrett was worth waiting for and we are capable of winning a championship.

OR IF WE LOSE, WILL IT SHOW?

• We are no better off than 1996, 98, 99, 2003, 06, 07, 09, 14, and 16. All those were years we made the playoffs but either lost in the first game or lost in the divisional round.
• We have made some progress but still lack the HC and/or organizational structure to get us further.
• This is as good as it’s going to get with Jerry.

So....Will this game measure progress if we win? Or a ceiling for Jerry and Garrett if we lose? Or something else?

 

[CouchCoach]

Since each season is a new season, I do not buy into the past predicting the future for the success of a football team.

If they win, they get further than they have in 23 years but that doesn't mean they make it to the Big Dance or even make the playoffs the following season. Each season is a season unto itself and cannot be connected to previous seasons.

That's what I've always taken a different stance on this 23 years of futility. That's 23 different seasons without the same makeup of the team from season to season. It changes each season and not only with the Cowboys but the other teams as well.

Regardless of whether they win in LA, this team is improving and looking up. I haven't always seen that in the past but next season looks pretty bright regardless of what happens in LA. But then we have that dynamic of what the other teams do as well.

 

[KingLerxst]

A win will mean they were good enough to go in and beat the one of the best teams in the NFC. While a loss simply means they just weren’t good enough to beat one of the best teams in the NFC. Then we’ll move on to next season and see what they can do to continue to improve the team for 2019/20 season.
Win or lose Saturday. This is still one of the youngest teams in the NFL. They should only get better on both sides of the ball next year. And if Dak can continue to develop in only his 4th year. I’d expect them to be a top contender next year.
However if they lose. Message boards and phone call in shows will be lit up with numerous people ready to fire the HC,OC,DC and most assistants and draft a QB with next years first pick!

 

[75boyz]

As stated many times on this forum- Excellence is measured in the playoffs. The off season and regular season are merely the preparation for what really matters. Once you’re in “the tournament”, all the work that has been done in the regular season is for the purpose of winning a championship... or at least seeing how close we can come to one.

It’s been too long since we’ve even been close.

So.....This divisional playoff game Saturday in LA can serve as a real measuring stick of this organization- Two questions arise-
IF WE WIN, WILL IT SHOW PROGRESS? BY:

• Advancing to the NFC championship game for the first time in 23 years.
• Showing that Jerry and this organization have learned some things about how to build a roster that can win more than just a WC game in the playoffs.
• Showing that Jerry sticking with Garrett was worth waiting for and we are capable of winning a championship.

OR IF WE LOSE, WILL IT SHOW?

• We are no better off than 1996, 98, 99, 2003, 06, 07, 09, 14, and 16. All those were years we made the playoffs but either lost in the first game or lost in the divisional round.
• We have made some progress but still lack the HC and/or organizational structure to get us further.
• This is as good as it’s going to get with Jerry.

So....Will this game measure progress if we win? Or a ceiling for Jerry and Garrett if we lose? Or something else?

Great questions Bob,

I remember my Navy days and our annual performance evaluations. The guys who were liked well and got favorably evaluated usually had a catch phrase or two that earmarked their evaluation. The catch phrase I remember mostly was "sustained superior performance" in describing one of the top rated people at the time.

I am so non committal and fence straddled to answer these questions but I sure wish this group would be the dawn of a decade of sustained superior performance like that evaluation description, complete with trophie(s), yes plural.

But my tainted expectation level of losing for so long will settle for just ONE. And we can even disappear from relevance again afterwards. Just gimme ONE more though...

 

[Bobhaze]

Since each season is a new season, I do not buy into the past predicting the future for the success of a football team.

If they win, they get further than they have in 23 years but that doesn't mean they make it to the Big Dance or even make the playoffs the following season. Each season is a season unto itself and cannot be connected to previous seasons.

That's what I've always taken a different stance on this 23 years of futility. That's 23 different seasons without the same makeup of the team from season to season. It changes each season and not only with the Cowboys but the other teams as well.

Regardless of whether they win in LA, this team is improving and looking up. I haven't always seen that in the past but next season looks pretty bright regardless of what happens in LA. But then we have that dynamic of what the other teams do as well.

Regime or dynasty building is almost impossible without a HOF HC.

 

[Pants]

As stated many times on this forum- Excellence is measured in the playoffs. The off season and regular season are merely the preparation for what really matters. Once you’re in “the tournament”, all the work that has been done in the regular season is for the purpose of winning a championship... or at least seeing how close we can come to one.

It’s been too long since we’ve even been close.

So.....This divisional playoff game Saturday in LA can serve as a real measuring stick of this organization- Two questions arise-
IF WE WIN, WILL IT SHOW PROGRESS? BY:

• Advancing to the NFC championship game for the first time in 23 years.
• Showing that Jerry and this organization have learned some things about how to build a roster that can win more than just a WC game in the playoffs.
• Showing that Jerry sticking with Garrett was worth waiting for and we are capable of winning a championship.

OR IF WE LOSE, WILL IT SHOW?

• We are no better off than 1996, 98, 99, 2003, 06, 07, 09, 14, and 16. All those were years we made the playoffs but either lost in the first game or lost in the divisional round.
• We have made some progress but still lack the HC and/or organizational structure to get us further.
• This is as good as it’s going to get with Jerry.

So....Will this game measure progress if we win? Or a ceiling for Jerry and Garrett if we lose? Or something else?

good questions....what I think is that this team seems different ever since Amari showed up - not saying he is the only reason, it is just the timing of that move; certainly he is a difference-maker, but it seems like there is a different attitude, like the team expects to win now - you don't see them running around surprised when they beat a good team...so, a win saturday shows progress as noted...but a loss still makes me think "wait until next year, we will be even better"

 

[Bobhaze]

Great questions Bob,

I remember my Navy days and our annual performance evaluations. The guys who were liked well and got favorably evaluated usually had a catch phrase or two that earmarked their evaluation. The catch phrase I remember mostly was "sustained superior performance" in describing one of the top rated people at the time.

I am so non committal and fence straddled to answer these questions but I sure wish this group would be the dawn of a decade of sustained superior performance like that evaluation description, complete with trophie(s), yes plural.

But my tainted expectation level of losing for so long will settle for just ONE. And we can even disappear from relevance again afterwards. Just gimme ONE more though...

Yeah, I’m starting to feel desperate for another Lombardi, lol. I’m only 60 but every year that goes by makes me wonder if that one we raised in Arizona 23 years ago...nope....don’t even wanna go there.

 

[CouchCoach]

Regime or dynasty building is almost impossible without a HOF HC.

Where is that being done except in NE? A minimum of 6 HC's fired every year, 8 this year, doesn't allow for many HOF HC's. If Payton wins a ring this year, he's a candidate, but who are the others? Carroll? Reid?

Dynasty building is improbable in the age of FA unless a team has the best of all time and he's the best because he never counts on one year, he's always looking to re-invent the team around that one stable force on his team.

 

[Bobhaze]

Where is that being done except in NE? A minimum of 6 HC's fired every year, 8 this year, doesn't allow for many HOF HC's. If Payton wins a ring this year, he's a candidate, but who are the others? Carroll? Reid?

Dynasty building is improbable in the age of FA unless a team has the best of all time and he's the best because he never counts on one year, he's always looking to re-invent the team around that one stable force on his team.

Great points. Looking at this league, it seems like most organizations hire a HC and give him maybe 3 years to show something or then they move on. I think Saturday’s outcome can give Jerry a sense of “it was worth waiting on Garrett to get us further”, or if they lose, at least give Jerry pause to think, “can we get any further with Garrett than anyone else I’ve hired in 23 years?”

 

[Cowboys22]

Progress has already been made. I’m not back on the Dakwagon yet, but I am running after it hoping for a chance to get on. I need to see a little more growth and consistency in certain areas. There’s a ton to like about Dak but he isn’t a complete QB yet that gives me confidence a super bowl could be a possibility during his time with the team.

 

[JD_KaPow]

As stated many times on this forum- Excellence is measured in the playoffs. The off season and regular season are merely the preparation for what really matters. Once you’re in “the tournament”, all the work that has been done in the regular season is for the purpose of winning a championship... or at least seeing how close we can come to one.

It’s been too long since we’ve even been close.

So.....This divisional playoff game Saturday in LA can serve as a real measuring stick of this organization- Two questions arise-
IF WE WIN, WILL IT SHOW PROGRESS? BY:

• Advancing to the NFC championship game for the first time in 23 years.
• Showing that Jerry and this organization have learned some things about how to build a roster that can win more than just a WC game in the playoffs.
• Showing that Jerry sticking with Garrett was worth waiting for and we are capable of winning a championship.

OR IF WE LOSE, WILL IT SHOW?

• We are no better off than 1996, 98, 99, 2003, 06, 07, 09, 14, and 16. All those were years we made the playoffs but either lost in the first game or lost in the divisional round.
• We have made some progress but still lack the HC and/or organizational structure to get us further.
• This is as good as it’s going to get with Jerry.

So....Will this game measure progress if we win? Or a ceiling for Jerry and Garrett if we lose? Or something else?

It's a single road game. It says whether we advance or not. Beyond that, it says nothing more or less than any other single game.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Easily progress. This team is one of the youngest in the league. The likelihood is that they get better as Dak gets more experience.

 

[percyhoward]

All gravy now. I don't believe we'll be favored in another game until the 2019 season.

 

[Ranching]

As stated many times on this forum- Excellence is measured in the playoffs. The off season and regular season are merely the preparation for what really matters. Once you’re in “the tournament”, all the work that has been done in the regular season is for the purpose of winning a championship... or at least seeing how close we can come to one.

It’s been too long since we’ve even been close.

So.....This divisional playoff game Saturday in LA can serve as a real measuring stick of this organization- Two questions arise-
IF WE WIN, WILL IT SHOW PROGRESS? BY:

• Advancing to the NFC championship game for the first time in 23 years.
• Showing that Jerry and this organization have learned some things about how to build a roster that can win more than just a WC game in the playoffs.
• Showing that Jerry sticking with Garrett was worth waiting for and we are capable of winning a championship.

OR IF WE LOSE, WILL IT SHOW?

• We are no better off than 1996, 98, 99, 2003, 06, 07, 09, 14, and 16. All those were years we made the playoffs but either lost in the first game or lost in the divisional round.
• We have made some progress but still lack the HC and/or organizational structure to get us further.
• This is as good as it’s going to get with Jerry.

So....Will this game measure progress if we win? Or a ceiling for Jerry and Garrett if we lose? Or something else?

If we lose, a lot will depend on how we lose. Certain scenarios will provide excuses. Others, will spur action.

 

[atlantacowboy]

It will measure both. This team is certainly already an improvement from a year ago. A loss to the Rams will just prove there is more work to do.

 

[nightrain]

As stated many times on this forum- Excellence is measured in the playoffs. The off season and regular season are merely the preparation for what really matters. Once you’re in “the tournament”, all the work that has been done in the regular season is for the purpose of winning a championship... or at least seeing how close we can come to one.

It’s been too long since we’ve even been close.

So.....This divisional playoff game Saturday in LA can serve as a real measuring stick of this organization- Two questions arise-
IF WE WIN, WILL IT SHOW PROGRESS? BY:

• Advancing to the NFC championship game for the first time in 23 years.
• Showing that Jerry and this organization have learned some things about how to build a roster that can win more than just a WC game in the playoffs.
• Showing that Jerry sticking with Garrett was worth waiting for and we are capable of winning a championship.

OR IF WE LOSE, WILL IT SHOW?

• We are no better off than 1996, 98, 99, 2003, 06, 07, 09, 14, and 16. All those were years we made the playoffs but either lost in the first game or lost in the divisional round.
• We have made some progress but still lack the HC and/or organizational structure to get us further.
• This is as good as it’s going to get with Jerry.

So....Will this game measure progress if we win? Or a ceiling for Jerry and Garrett if we lose? Or something else?

When you look at the talent in place and listen to the rhetoric coming from The Star about keeping the current roster intact, I think anything less than a good showing in the Conference Championship game should be considered hitting the ceiling.

Cooper was a good signing, but we must remember, he gets paid like an elite receiver after next season. That 1st round pick spent on him does not come with the benefit of a rookie deal in salary. What about Zeke? Dak? These dudes will be getting serious money in the near future.

It's concerning to see all players that will be looking for deals within the next two full seasons. Just ain't going to be enough money to keep the current, strong core of talent together when you have a franchise QB, arguably the best RB in the game and three 1st round pro bowlers on the OL with an elite WR on the roster. Something will have to drop off. Let's hope the Cowboys can continue to pull those gems from the middle rounds to keep churning the roster.

 

[Bobhaze]

If we lose, a lot will depend on how we lose. Certain scenarios will provide excuses. Others, will spur action.

So that raises the questions- if we get thumped or embarrassed (I don’t think we will) or if we lose in a squeaker, will either scenario cause JJ to make a change at HC and or coordinators?

 

[Bobhaze]

When you look at the talent in place and listen to the rhetoric coming from The Star about keeping the current roster intact, I think anything less than a good showing in the Conference Championship game should be considered hitting the ceiling.

Cooper was a good signing, but we must remember, he gets paid like an elite receiver after next season. That 1st round pick spent on him does not come with the benefit of a rookie deal in salary. What about Zeke? Dak? These dudes will be getting serious money in the near future.

It's concerning to see all players that will be looking for deals within the next two full seasons. Just ain't going to be enough money to keep the current, strong core of talent together when you have a franchise QB, arguably the best RB in the game and three 1st round pro bowlers on the OL with an elite WR on the roster. Something will have to drop off. Let's hope the Cowboys can continue to pull those gems from the middle rounds to keep churning the roster.

Great points.

 

[Ranching]

So that raises the questions- if we get thumped or embarrassed (I don’t think we will) or if we lose in a squeaker, will either scenario cause JJ to make a change at HC and or coordinators?

If Garrett blows a gasket with Game or clock management. If we throw three times from the one yard line and don't score. If JG forgets to bring JJ his bottle of Scotch........

 

[Bobhaze]

If Garrett blows a gasket with Game or clock management. If we throw three times from the one yard line and don't score. If JG forgets to bring JJ his bottle of Scotch........

Only the last one is not possible...Lol.