Cowboys News: Mired In Mediocrity, Media Vultures Circle Above Dallas
by KD Drummond on Dec 12, 2011 4:30 PM CST
in Dallas Cowboys News
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There are a million and one "bury the Cowboys" articles circulating the webisphere right now. I'm not going to waste either your time or mine linking to them. Instead, we'll take a look at some of the news that arose from the game, as well as some early analysis. This team is average. We're not as bad as we felt after last night, we're not as good as we hoped. There are still at least three games left in the season and enough time to augment perceptions.
Cowboys lose running back Murray for season | Yahoo! Sports
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back and top rusher DeMarco Murray is out for the season after suffering a fractured right ankle and high ankle sprain in Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants.
His injury is a setback to a Cowboys team that has lost two consecutive games and surrendered sole possession of first place in the NFC East division with three regular season games left.
"It appears like he is gone for the season," Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said.
Murray was three yards shy of 900 on the season and on the verge of breaking Tony Dorsett's rookie rushing record for the squad. His proximity to the mark and season-ending injury only shows just how fickle an NFL season could be. Thanks for all the great 2011 memories, rook. See you in July.
In other injury news, Cowboys might have new center (ESPN) | Mike Jenkins to have MRI on Shoulder (ESPN) | and Sean Lee says wrist is OK (ESPN).
Cowboys To Work Out, Expected To Sign RB Sammy Morris | National Football Post
Veteran Sammy Morris, who was once a teammate of coach Jason Garrett with the Miami Dolphins, will be brought in for a look Tuesday, per Archer. Right now, Felix Jones is the only healthy back on the roster with Chauncey Washington on the practice squad.
Romo says Giants' coverage kept him from going to Bryant sooner | Star Telegram
"They played a lot of coverage where they put a guy over the top of him a lot of the time," Romo said. "We had a couple plays we could have got to him sooner. A lot of the time, the play depends on the time you have. The couple I thought he was going to get the ball, we had to move on and do something else. He had a big play at the end that helped us obviously."
Was there ever a non-winning sequence as scintillating as Sean Lee's interception followed two plays later by Dez Bryant in the clear last night, and then his Cruz-mocking salsa dance? I don't think Dez has written the last chapter in this 2011 version of the rivalry. This team may not be good enough to do damage in the playoffs, but it is good enough to end the Giants season in Week 17.
Win Probability Graph | Advanced NFL Stats
The ebb and flow of a classic NFC Easst game, in graphical format. What you're looking at is the probability of a win for each team after each play. To look at specific play-by-play, follow the link to ANS.
Audibles Week 14 | Football Outsiders
Lengthy discussion from throughout the Cowboys-Giants game last night. Here's a few highlights but go read the whole thing.It highlights one of the many things that stats, announcers and fans alike can never tell you about the nuances of each game.
Danny Tuccitto: I'm starting to get the feeling that Dez Bryant is going to end up with one of those Jacoby-Jones-esque DYARs this week, and it's entirely because Romo can't seem to hit the farm tonight, let alone the broadside of its barn.
OK, correction: Romo can hit barns named "Laurent Robinson" and "Miles Austin," misses farm named "Dez Bryant."
Aaron Schatz: Ha! You'll have to take that back, because Romo found Bryant WIDE OPEN for a 50-yard touchdown. And I mean, wide wide wide open. What a blown coverage.
Eli Manning, meanwhile, has made some ridiculous throws in this game with guys in his face. He just chucked it 25 yards to Victor Cruz while falling backwards with a guy in his face.
Danny Tuccitto: Progression to Romo's Bryant-accuracy mean was inevitable at some point. Also, I'm wondering what the game-charting record for "blown coverage" touchdowns is between the two teams combined.
To make a self-serving philosophical point, some of the blown coverages in this game are perfect examples of why having the All-22 film for every play would be nice. I know one of the blown Cowboys coverages was because they were simply caught off-guard after a hasty substitution. However, what about some of the others Specifically, were the offenses setting them up earlier in the game? That kind of chess-game stuff is totally inaccessible without the All-22 film, and I personally think a lot of the unexplained variance in play-by-play football analysis is contained in that black box.
Felix Jones, Tony Romo and Laurent Robinson up, Rob Ryan down. Nothing really extraordinary in the link though.
NFC East playoff scenarios update | Dan Graziano
Every scenario one could think of, but here's a bit of the upshot...
So, a couple of notes:
The Cowboys' game against the Eagles in Week 16 is basically more important than their game against the Buccaneers in Week 15. This is because the Eagles are a common opponent between the Giants and Cowboys while the Buccaneers are not. Should the Cowboys lose to the Eagles while the Giants beat the Redskins and Jets, the Giants would claim the No. 3 division tiebreaker by virtue of a better record than Dallas in games against common opponents.
Rob Ryan's annual December slide | Dallas Morning News
This is Ryan's ninth season as an NFL defensive coordinator, with Oakland, Cleveland and the Cowboys. In that time, his teams are 28-61 (.315 winning percentage) through November 30 and 9-27 (.250) from December 1 through the end of the regular season. (Ryan has never been with a winning team as a DC, let alone a playoff team.) In those 36 late-season games, Ryan's defense has allowed 30-plus points 15 times.
Jerry Jones speechless after loss | Fox Sports Southwest
"Guys, very disappointing. Major game for both teams, my hat's off to the Giants. They didn't quit, they came back, and they played well right at the end. Eli and the entire team came back and got the win. I know every Dallas Cowboy fan is disappointed. We are disappointed, and we certainly know that we've got our work cut out for us. Maybe give you guys something positive to write about. That's all I've got."
Garrett and Romo postgame | The Mothership
HC and QB take to the mics following the disappointment.
Updated Team EPA Visualizations | Advanced NFL Stats
EPA is this site's version of "properly measur[ing] the value of possible outcomes." In essence, they take the yardage gained, field position and game situation into account to assign a value to each play's success. Each down/distance at a specific point on the field is assigned a net point value, basically how many points should be expected on the play (EP). Each play can then be measured by whether or not the result added or subtracted from the expected points a team should have received. Here's ANS' full explanation, but in a nutshell:
Suppose the offense has a 1st and 10 at midfield. This situation is worth +2.0 EP. A 5-yard gain would set up a 2nd and 5 from the 45, which corresponds to a +2.1 EP. Therefore, that 5-yard gain in that particular situation represents a +0.1 gain in EP. This gain is called Expected Points Added (EPA). Likewise, a 5-yard loss on 1st down at midfield would create a 2nd and 15 from the offense’s own 45. That situation is worth +1.2 EP, representing a net difference of -0.8 EPA.
Here is how Dallas looks in comparison to the other 32 teams after most have played their Week 14 games. You can not only see the rank, but how much better/worse they are than their counterparts. Dallas is 5th in offensive EPA and 13th in defensive EPA.
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At least we get Sammy Morris
Clearly we are Super Bowl bound. He is going to play both ways as a rb on offense and a corner on d.
We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''
What else makes a strong leader?
"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.
"That's' what we're going to do.''
thanks
the stories been in the hopper for a couple- that got announced after. Just added to the piece.
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It really doesnt matter what we do
Were not making the post season and even if we do were not going far. Throw in the Giants also. This whole division is a mess.
In Romo we trust----NOT!!!!
Could you imagine how boring sports would be
with that thinking?
We’re not as good as the top seeds, lets pack our bags and call it a season.
The NFC East is weak for sure this year, no argument there. The Giants and Cowboys fighting hard for the division will make the victor that much better for it.
"It is super important to come out right away and stuff it down people's throats and make them respect the run. We have Hakeem and Mario and Cruz and then they can get off as well. It starts with the running game always."
- BJacobs
Well, the NFL is not that boring
This is the era of parity. 5 and 6 seeds have won SBs.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
exactly my point
"It is super important to come out right away and stuff it down people's throats and make them respect the run. We have Hakeem and Mario and Cruz and then they can get off as well. It starts with the running game always."
- BJacobs
thats all fine to believe
my point is that those 5 and 6 seeds who won the SB would not have with that kind of attitude
"It is super important to come out right away and stuff it down people's throats and make them respect the run. We have Hakeem and Mario and Cruz and then they can get off as well. It starts with the running game always."
- BJacobs
Im sure
just being real thats all. If anyone really thinks this team is capable of making a push or even deserve to be in the playoffs is nuts. This team is a mess right now with injuries right down to the coaching. Im even a JG guy..Were going to be lucky to win 1 out of the next 3 games..
In Romo we trust----NOT!!!!
man a Giants fan is telling us we have to believe in our own team
what has the world come to?
For the record, I don’t think the season is over. We’ve got 3 winnable games left and if we make the post season, it’s anybody’s game
by somebodyquiet on Dec 12, 2011 10:47 PM CST up reply actions
Boyzfan only posts when we lose
He’s one of the most negative posters on this blog….notice he didn’t make a peep from under his rock during our winning streak…just saying
When we lose, it’s all doom and gloom from him
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Dec 13, 2011 7:48 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah ok Terry..
I even gave credit to your boy how well he was playing. Murray has something to do with that also I believe. 9-7 probably more like 8-8 is where we will end up just like many thought. If we get in great, but dont expect a whole lot is what im saying.
The offseason can't come quick enough!!!
Season is not over
We bounce back beat the Bucs and Eagles….we can take this division back. Yes the defense is not very good….over rated if you will…..so is the Giants…..we can beat them…I really think after the Des TD the team let up and by team I mean everyone from players to coaches.
by BWAREofDWARE94 on Dec 12, 2011 8:22 PM CST up reply actions
Coming into the year, did anyone really expect us to win the Division?
If so, go ahead and be extremely disappointed that we’re not in first place anymore (even though we still are the favorites to end up there, imo). If not, what are you upset for? The team is no worse than what you expected. It’s Year 1 of Garrett.
The defense changed 2 starters from being the worst defense in Cowboys history, and you expect coaching to change them into a powerhouse overnight? No way. Sure, the defense was better earlier in the year, but at some point, talent catches up with you. Ryan can’t innovate every single week to cover up talent deficiency. At some point, you run out of tricks that the opponent is not ready for. That’s exactly what’s happening now.
The pass rush and secondary are both in need of major help, and the run defense could use a bolstering as well. But is the defense still better than last year? I would say so! Therefore, Ryan has done his job. Let’s actually give him some new players before we call him a bust. I don’t care who you get in here at DC, you can only polish crap so much, and that’s what Ryan has done. At the end of the day, it’s still just polished crap.
by Key19 on Dec 12, 2011 4:43 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
I did.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
Amen
What I’m happy about is that even though Romo overthrew Austin on that third down, they still threw the ball. They still tried to win…unlike in NE and Arizona. We’ll win the next two and come down to the season finale against NY.
Ryan is doing well. I’m tired of watching Brooking and James getting blown backwards or burned on crossing routes. Anytime a team throws more than 10 yds its a completion or PI. We just need more defensive help and we’ll be money.
by reoninja on Dec 12, 2011 5:56 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
So you think
we beat the Bucs and lose the Eagles and Giants? I think we crush the Eagles…we owe them a beat down….we can beat the Giants….Tony Fiammetta will make Felix dangerous.
by BWAREofDWARE94 on Dec 12, 2011 8:24 PM CST up reply actions
actually, Eli plays worse in NY in Dec.
if you look at the past few years, he doesn’t do very well in Dec. up there because of the swirling winds and cold. This year he may be different, but in the past he has put up some stinkers.
Can we rec this 1000 times?
Dokken - Best band of the 80's without a f!@#$% doubt. George Lynch was the best guitar player of the 80's hands down, the best rhythm section of all 80's bands with jeff pilson and mick brown, and one of the best vocalists of all with Don Dokken. I defy you to find a better f!@#$%^ amalgamation of pure talent.
by Nick Castillo on Dec 12, 2011 10:31 PM CST up reply actions
I never understood why people were so excited about get Ryan as the DC.
IF you're gonna act like a turd, go lay in the yard...........Lock n Load
There is a lot of smoke and sizzle with RR....
and the assumption that there is a steak there somewhere as well. He does bring change, and we saw some good results for a time. The W/L record for Nov & Dec quoted in the article does seem to bear out that a lot of the immediate effects are simply the result of the changes and not a substantial, sustainable improvement.
I think it’s also the case that as the year goes by, RR goes more often to his ‘magic box’ of tricks, and both the opponents catch up to some of his tactics but the team itself can get more confused. Alas, tricks can be tough to execute and the more tricks you try, the more often you can get burned. The Giants play a pretty vanilla defense and they blew a few coverages as well. I’d agree that an opportunity to get a few more of ‘his’ players (and a full off-season of work) might help, but the record does provide reason for concern.
Giants D is vanilla in terms of blitz packages.
Hell, we have never even sent a DB on a blitz all year. This is due to the fact that our secondary depth (and quality) is razor thin with losing 5 or 6 to IR this year.
But as far as the zone coverages, the LB’s and DB’s, and even the more than occasional DE’s coverage duties, and areas of patrol are so confusing for these guys that there are constant communication problems and breakdowns.
Even this late in the season I see guys with their backs to the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Didn’t notice it against tour boys as I was watching the game with my little kids and constantly answering questions, but there was too much of that nonsense every game leading up to the Dallas game.
"We borrowed golf from the Scottish as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good." Horace Hutchinson
No more score predictions...
Well
Ryan’s penchant for late season collapses and the Cowboys recent woes in that same area (2009 excepted) makes him the perfect fit. ; )
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
I think he needs a few more pieces
Im willing to give him a pass his first year with basically no offseason. Lets see what he does when we go big on defense in the offseason
In Romo we trust----NOT!!!!
Denver had no off season. They added 1 player. Von Miller.
Coaching change to boot. Quick name 2 defensive linemen on Denver.
Fat Rob was given a pass most of the season. Undeserved.
Also don’t tell me that Von Miller is great. Ware is supposed to be great and not a rookie.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Dec 12, 2011 6:43 PM CST up reply actions
Denver had a good defense last year
They also didnt change into a new system like we did. RR deserves another chance.
In Romo we trust----NOT!!!!
Fox's 4-3 isn't the same as they were running. Dallas has been in a 3-4 since Parcells.
Excuses. Always an excuse for Dallas. return to the 4-3 , it’s easier to draft for.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Dec 12, 2011 6:49 PM CST up reply actions
not disagreeing with you
I wouldnt be against the change to the 4-3. Im just willing to give RR another year just like JG getting more time to prove he can be a good HC.
In Romo we trust----NOT!!!!
yeah we're average....i'm thinking 8-8....
but we’ve got a shot. we got tampa bay next week and an eagles team at home. all bets are off for the giants game in new york.
just sucks. had so much hope for this game. we just invest ways to lose it seems. sigh.
"They need security in the world, Craig!"
This team really does make a lot of mistakes.
imagine where they’d be if they just didn’t shoot themselves in the foot. Some of it is youth/experience. That’ll get fixed over time.
I do find it amusing that everyone is ready to fire Garrett and/or Ryan when these guys haven’t even had an off-season to work and teach a pretty mediocre roster, let alone a real shot at FA to pick up new talent.
Don't believe everything you think.
preseason ...
Preseason, my friends and i got together and the best i could really come up with was finishing 8 – 8. After the Eagles did their mid season hindenberg, I got pretty excited and started thinking 11-5, 10-6…. but that was my homerism, apparently. Poor Demarco.. and tbh i feel a bit of pain for Marion up there in Chicago. That out of bounds thing… that was bad bad football.
I think a lot of us did that
they had a good stretch, we believed because we wanted to, and when the same lack of depth and holes in the roster actually showed up again, we were sad.
I’m resigned to the fact that Ryan and Garrett getting about as much as they can with the roster as it is constructed. That means the defense will not be good enough to win much, but with Austin back in the line up, they have a puncher’s chance at scrapping out some wins.
Don't believe everything you think.
Admittedly this is worthless personal opinion
But the photos taken of Jer during the game, his commemments and tone after the game, the debacle last week, Jer’s comments after the Pats game, is all building to a new HC if Garrett doesn’t pull a rabbitt out of his hat and make the playoffs. I can see (because I’m psychic) that Jer has reached the end of his leash with JG. Recall how long it took for Jer to even make JG the selection, how many interviews did he entertain. And because of JG’s loyalty and history with the team almost had to select him, give him his shot. In an earlier article OCC prints the ugly record with JG at the helm and the impossible to believe 4th qtr. stats. Oh, it sounds kuckoo crazy, but I know Jer will do something dramatic to change this status quo. More of this next year? Hardly. Garrett has shown himself to be all talk , no walk. And occasionally even stupid and worse, unaccountable. Mark it.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
No one on BTB will agree with you.
But I am getting the same eery feeling from reading the tea leaves. The refusal to take questions is interesting. Jerry is literally afraid to speak his mind. His mind must not be thinking good things about Garrett right now. There are also comments last season about Jerry wanting an experienced guy—not one that would be learning on the job (which is exactly how JG has looked, a lot, this year). And then there are Jerry’s comments about JG being part of the problem during Wade’s tenure. Then there is this this brutal stat: the Cowboys have blown a 4th quarter lead in 8 of 9 of Garrett’s losses as HC.
But the most interesting fact is this: Jerry of all people knows how hard it is to find a quality QB. He has a great very good one. The question is: what is the shortest route to Romo’s success? Continue the status quo with Garrett? Or blow up the coaching staff and usher in yet a new era? BTB will be almost unanimous in its support of the former.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
I think you can't win in the leaguue without consistency
It would be a very bad idea to blow up this franchise again
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
again?
When was the last time this franchise was “blown up”? 2003? There was very little change over from last year to this. And there was a lot of continuity between the parcels era and the Phillips era.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
As in just last year
Coaching changes are big deals, regardless of my personal biases concerning our last 2 HCs. New philosophies, new schemes… especially on offense. It’s a big deal
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
What change took place on offense?
I didn’t say coaching changes weren’t big deals. Only that this franchise has not been “blown up” since 2003
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
Then we're just having a misunderstanding
Considering use of the word “again”
Carry on, there’s nothing to see here
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
How about basically the whole line and the top two RBs?
That makes up, what, half of the whole offense?
Blowing up things is iverrated anyway. Consistency and patience is a lot more effective in this league. In fact JJ’s worst moments come when he’s trying too hard.
Don't believe everything you think.
Don't forget...
RW out and Dez elevated to #2. Then, Laurent Robinson acquired and surpassed Ogletree for the #3(#2?) spot.
Not sure if it counts in some peoples’ eyes, but John Phillips is back from injury.
There have been quite a few changes from last season’s offense to this season’s.
Starting RT: Colombo → Smith
Starting C: Gurode → Costa/Kowalski
Starting RG: Davis → Kosier
Starting LG: Kosier → Nagy/Holland
Starting RB: Barber → Jones
2nd RB/Starter: Jones → Murray
3rd RB: Choice → Tanner
Starting FB: Gronkowski → Fiammetta/Chapas
- WR: RW → Bryant
- WR: Bryant → Robinson
- TE: Bennett → Phillips
Quite a few new faces and several more elevations and demotions.
Rabid and luvin' it
by lonewolfz28 on Dec 13, 2011 10:53 AM CST up reply actions
Dang formating fail
Should be:
Number 2 WR: RW → Bryant
Number 3 WR: Bryant → Robinson
Number 2 TE: Bennett → Phillips
Rabid and luvin' it
by lonewolfz28 on Dec 13, 2011 10:55 AM CST up reply actions
Not to mention a new PK
And 3 new Starters on D. These themes that state DAL doesn’t make changes are ridiculous:
8 new Starters this year and likely 5 new Starters next.
I don't make mistakes...just understandable bad choices
I count four new starters on D
Brooking → Lee
Spears/Bowen → Hatcher
Olshansky → Coleman
Ball → Elam
Several changes at backups as well:
Lissemore was hurt nearly all of last season.
Leon Williams/Kenwin Cummings → Carter
Brandon Williams → Albright
McCann → Walker
Also, on offense, I forgot to list:
Hurd → Ogletree
Swing T Barron/Young → Parnell
And most importantly Kitna → Romo LOL
Rabid and luvin' it
by lonewolfz28 on Dec 14, 2011 12:43 AM CST up reply actions
Very well thought out response
to my incendiary prediction. But what you are saying is that BTB just won’t talk about it. Well, so what? Do not underestimate the reading of the tea leaves. Things said, not said, body language, it all has value and I’ve been following Jer from his take over. I can tell you he is flamin’ pissed. And he knows there are personnel areas to be addressed but since Jimmy J he also knows it starts at the TOP. An HC that he, JER, and the players completely buy into. Garrett ain’t it.
Fischer was LOVED by his players, forget Lombardi’s. Coughlin’s got one of those, you want him.
Yes, and most importantly Jer knows he is running out of time with this talent pool. There is no more time left for JG to “learn” how to coach. The very idea is ridiculous. You say blowing it up like the players will be learning soccor. No, it’s just a coaching change, a belief system change, a recharging of batterries and priorities and itis still blocking and tackling. They are pros. They’ll get it.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
I might add
Players take really well to coaching changes in the right scenario. How about the 49ers this season? They have responded well to Harbaugh.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
Attitude can never be overrated.
And that’s what Harbaugh brings to SF. Garrett is too emotionless, too withdrawn, he thinks he’s the smartest guy in the room (he’s not) and that is not Jer. Jimmy J is Jer, a cheerleader, a vocal, demonstrative LEADER. The players respect JG but they will not run through a wall for him.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
the most important players on Dallas love Garrett. Romo, Witten, Austin ..
I’m not sure they’d be loving Fisher’s ‘pound the rock’ attitude.
on the plus side, Dal could trade them all away for draft picks since they would be kinda wasted under Fisher anyway.
For God and country - Geronimo
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Dec 12, 2011 7:01 PM CST up reply actions
Gee, Jimmy J was a pound the rock guy with Emmitt first then let Aikman throw.
Worked out pretty good.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
That's not true about Fisher
He used his personnel wisely. If that meant run, he ran. If that meant pass, he passed. Consider Fisher’s 12-4 season in 2003.
That year the titans ranked 5th In passing yards and 3rd in passing TDs. That year, Steve McNair threw for 3,215 yards and 24 touchdowns to just seven interceptions and was named the NFL’s co-MVP with Peyton Manning.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
Hear, hear. Bravo Dave.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
dave,
here are how Fisher’s offense’s ranked by net pass YPA (my preferred measure of passing acumen) from 2010-2001.
14,14,13, 19, 24,16,22,1,8,7
Personally, I don’t think Fisher is likely to be a great offensive coach.
Just my opinion, but Fisher for Garrett is likely to put a big dent in the passing game. Good luck beating GB.
For God and country - Geronimo
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Dec 12, 2011 11:09 PM CST up reply actions
The reason Jerry is self-censoring himself is because...
…he’s already had to take back what he said a couple of times, for rashly making comments that called his HC into question. He wants to give the impression that the HC makes all the team decisions.
by Mr._Mulligan on Dec 12, 2011 6:32 PM CST up reply actions
I think we agree. You just said it differently (probably better than me)
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
The obvious compromise is that Jerry gets another voice to guide Garrett
An OC like Norv would be the move to make
#demarcusvstheworld
Cowboys wishlist: RG3
by accidental innuendo on Dec 12, 2011 7:40 PM CST up reply actions
So taking a team from 1-7 to 12-9 is not good enough?
If Jerry fires Garrett after this year, all hope is lost for this team. The offense is among the tops in the entire NFL and that’s Jason’s claim to fame. If we were losing and only scoring 10 points per game then maybe you’d have something, but what good does it do to blow up the offense just because a bad defense pulls the team down into mediocrity?
This last offseason was about getting the offense built the way Jason wanted it built. Let’s see what they can come up with when they give the defense a once-over.
I am not advocating for a change.
But I don’t know if this offense is good because of Garrett or because it has one of the better qbs in the league. I have no statistical analysis, but this offense seems to be at its best when the play breaks down and Romo makes something out of nothing.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
Jon Kitna
For God and country - Geronimo
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Dec 12, 2011 7:02 PM CST up reply actions
good point.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
Rick Gosselin says Cowboys need a defensive overhaul. I agree.
Keep Ratliff, Ware, Lee, Jenkins, that’s about it. The rest of the defenders are average or below average.
I have hope for Bruce Carter. We need a rush end and playmaking safety.
by beautifultyrant on Dec 12, 2011 5:47 PM CST reply actions
It has to be done slowly...........
IF you're gonna act like a turd, go lay in the yard...........Lock n Load
Target the areas of need first
Pass-Rushing. Then take care of cover corners
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
and do it through the draft.
IF you're gonna act like a turd, go lay in the yard...........Lock n Load
I'd like one pass-rusher in FA
but I agree, primarily we need to get talent in the draft
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
Agree with both of you guys
Probably can’t fix enough in the draft, so go secondary and pass rush with a combination of FA and draft. Has to happen, though.
Don't believe everything you think.
This draft is all about cb's. Pass rushers are few.
A return to the 4-3 would be better.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Dec 12, 2011 6:45 PM CST up reply actions
Man how sweet would it be
If we could get Mario Williams in FA. I know it’s a long-shot but still
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
Williams in a 4-3 would be good. He can't cover te's in a 3-4.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Dec 12, 2011 6:51 PM CST up reply actions
This close to agreeing with you about the 4-3 Mensa
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
Were light on inside LBs now.
4-3 isn’t an option with our talent
IF you're gonna act like a turd, go lay in the yard...........Lock n Load
We have 4-3 alent. What we don't have is 3-4 talent.
Lee played in a 4-3 in college. Finding middle lb’s for a 4-3 is easier than the 3-4.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Dec 12, 2011 6:55 PM CST up reply actions
That's 1, he'd be the weak side LB
IF you're gonna act like a turd, go lay in the yard...........Lock n Load
Bruce Carter played OLB in College
So he could probably play Strongside… where I think he played.
We’d still need a MLB
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
Call Walmart, see if they have any 260lb fast MLB in stock,
that can play.
IF you're gonna act like a turd, go lay in the yard...........Lock n Load
Considering that's the most important part of a 4-3
I’m skipping Walmart and going straight to Target
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
Very true
That’s why I’m only partially convinced. I still think the talent, as it stands, is more conducive to a 3-4
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
I like the 4-3 better, but not now not here,
I think we’re not that far away from being a top team.
IF you're gonna act like a turd, go lay in the yard...........Lock n Load
I like the 34 a lot more. It's more unpredictable and better to combat the passing game
I think it can work, we just need to keep adding talent
by somebodyquiet on Dec 12, 2011 10:50 PM CST up reply actions
This writer agrees with DIRE
Sean Lee might be able to play in a 4-3, but both James and Brooking do not fit the defense whatsoever. The Cowboys’ linebacker corps would be absolutely decimated by the transition; so much so that it couldn’t be fixed (or even really patched up) within a single season.
The article is a year old, but its an interesting analysis (and its not like the personnel has changed that much):
http://dallascowboystimes.com/2010/11/could-the-cowboys-transition-to-a-4-3-defense/
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
Bull.
James and Brooking, there’s the door. And thanks.
But we’re done.
We need more down lineman.
Dire is easy right.
by bloodyhanded on Dec 12, 2011 9:45 PM CST up reply actions
Horn it's easier to draft for. Drafting small de's trying to make them olb's get's old.
For every Ware there are 10 Spencer’s.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Dec 12, 2011 6:54 PM CST up reply actions
So how far away do you think we are to acquiring sufficient personel?
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
for every mario williams, there are 10 Derrick Harvey's
It’s gonna be just as hard drafting Defensive Ends and Tackles for the 43 as it is to find OLBs in this scheme. Pass rushers are just hard to find in the NFL. Period.
by somebodyquiet on Dec 12, 2011 10:53 PM CST up reply actions
zero shot
For God and country - Geronimo
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Dec 12, 2011 7:02 PM CST up reply actions
scandrick and sensi arent going anywhere either
its preseason watch the players individually. igor is garbage!
by yehti on Dec 12, 2011 6:02 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Always end of the world when we lose
Guys please keep in mind Garrett is a rookie also. If Jones cans Garrett I do feel like we are full rebuild mode and wouldn’t look for a playoff berth in the next few years. This loss was not a Garrett loss. As far as 8 of 9 losses being 4th quarter leads would so take that over being out of play by the 4th quarter. Atleast we are right there and usually 4th quarter leads blown does fall on the defense not offense minus romos two shucks games.
by Sado44 on Dec 12, 2011 6:05 PM CST via mobile reply actions
if he does fire JG
IMO he might as well trade Ware and possibly Austin.
i dont believe JG will be fired so hopefully this is a moot point.
its preseason watch the players individually. igor is garbage!
by yehti on Dec 12, 2011 6:07 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
id figure Mario is staying in Houston, what else is there in FA for a pass rusher?
i dont follow college at all, i read rafs and chias and a few others write ups and go from there. so what is out there for CBs, NT, and 3-4 OLB in the draft?
its preseason watch the players individually. igor is garbage!
by yehti on Dec 12, 2011 6:05 PM CST via mobile reply actions
On this blog, I've heard people express an interest in Avril of the Lions. He's a DT though but could create a better push up the middle.
Wish you were here and comfortably numb.
Sparano just got fired by the Dolphins.
I know some have been wanting him back here as OC.
Not as an OC.
Miami’s offense has been below average.
I wouldn’t mind seeing him replace Houck as the OL/Running Game coordinator.
Rabid and luvin' it
Well, in fairness, have you seen Miami's offensive roster?
And he did call plays for the ‘Boys in ’06, so I guess that’s something.
That said, don’t think he’d be my first choice.
It's easy to beat up on RR, but he can't keep hiding the poor secondary play and lack of an inside pass rush.
The OCs around the league are smart, watch film and study our tendecies and weaknesses. RR can’t scheme to cover the flaws any longer; that’s why he’s blitzing so much. It’s the only way he thinks he can apply pressure. D Ware and Rat are always double teamed so we rarely can get enough pressure on the QB, and the secondary let’s mediocre receivers have cereer days. The Giants receivers are not mediocre so why be surprised at Eli’s passing numbers. He played great but we did every thing short of throwing the game to help him.
Wish you were here and comfortably numb.
Yessir.
I can’t wrap my head around the fact that before the season, everyone was complaining that we’d be a bottom feeder because we didn’t get any new pieces on D. Suddenly our defense was solid (not great, but solid) and those opinions disappear. Now they have a few bad games, and the coaching can’t cover the lack of talent anymore, and those same people are back saying RR was a huge mistake. Sheesh.
BTB, where logic goes to die.
By the way did a coaching change
take long to produce W’s in San Fran?
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
Yeah but the coaching change took an already good defense
Made it the centerpiece, and added key defensive talent. It installed a new scheme that worked better on offense and let the defense go to work.
Also NFC West
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
Point is, a complete 1 seson turnaround.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
Because, as we all know..
..each NFL franchise is the exact same situation, allowing us to make sweeping judgments about disparate teams, styles, organizations and rosters.
That's not fair.
stubabe was offering an example. He made no claim that all teams are the same and will react the same.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
True but he did imply that is the standard we should hold JG accountable for
By the way did a coaching change take long to produce W’s in San Fran?
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
Said in response to those who automatically
assume a coaching change means 5 years of rebuilding.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
Well, in that case, ignore my passive-aggressiveness.
There are definitely success stories right away after a coaching change, but it’s not the norm. Depending on the situation, it can take a few years for the coach(es) to get their vision implemented. I expected some improvements (which we’ve clearly had), but I didn’t expect to be SB contenders the first year out. I’d hope that no one did.
Fair enough.
But given the present staff, knowing how they prepare for games, how they adapt at halftime, how they coach late close games, who they choose to start etc. etc. are you sincerely confident that this is the staff that will in 2 years give you a SB?
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
The only thing I've had a huge problem with is clock management.
Other than that, there’s nothing that gravely concerns me. Plenty of stuff to tighten up, but it doesn’t help to have the roster we currently have. Coaching suddenly gets much easier when you’ve got a deeper roster of smart players.
Back to an earlier article today
I think it was Dave’s. He states that our stars, Ware, Austin, Bryant, Witten, our best, didn’t make plays at the end of the game as they are expected to do. Was it a collective fail for different reasons? Or was there something else at work? Motivation. Teamwork. Relying on each other. The intangibles that the RIGHT coach will DRILL into every players head or you don’t play (read Bellichick)
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
What else concerns me
Is this team still plays very dumb football. Last night was no exception. I though Garrett was on the way to cleaning that up at the end of last season, but it has reared its ugly head again. This team repeatedly can’t get out of its own way.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
Garrett is a VERY SLOW LEARNER.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
Wasn't the point of the example meant to apply to the Cowboys' situation?
I don’t really think it’s unfair to point out that you can’t apply one situation to another like that.
fair enough ; )
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
yep. That's what I wrote above
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
Sorry, didn't catch it.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
no worries. I was just agreeing with you.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
SF scenario is unfair to compare to Dallas
For crying out loud they sucked at the bottom for how many years – reaping good drafts.
Not to mention their division.
Not take anything away from the 49ers accomplishments this year but you can’t just cherry pick one fact that there was a coaching change and say wow its possible to produce W’s by a coaching change. There are too many factors that play into it.
"It is super important to come out right away and stuff it down people's throats and make them respect the run. We have Hakeem and Mario and Cruz and then they can get off as well. It starts with the running game always."
- BJacobs
Watch them
They don’t beat themselves. They’re not as talented as other teams (yet), but the passion for executing with excellence is there. A lot to build on for them.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Have you seen that with this team?
the passion for executing with excellence
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
Really?
So a team with a very good QB in Romo, three excellent receivers, one of the best TE in the league, and not-so-durable RBs should become the old Steelers? Hmm..
I guess it'd get rid of the Romo haters. Can't hate him if he doesn't get a chance to throw.
Then again.. nah. Some people will still hate him for not handing off at an elite level.
I do not know who that is
but I’ll put him on the list.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
yeah man, the run game is more stable and all teams should start from that. a very good run game gaurantees a playoff appearance. the ravens have carried shit qb’s forever just running the ball and playing D. we may not get past the 1st round but thats usually because we have to play an awesome steelers, colts or pat team. that gauntlet with those qb’s is a BEAST. ball control helps us survive. so, draft a RB, get a run oriented coach and win the uo for grabs NFC East.
Ok outside of the last couple of Steeler's runs
Name another team that has won the Superbowl within the last few years with Smashmouth football as its centerpiece:
Packers, Saints, Steelers, Giants, Colts, Steelers, Patriots, Patriots
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
well hell, the steelers have been there 3 times this decade. the giants weren’t gun slingers when they went it just so happened they won on a dramatic catch. i’d take my chances being the running team. if you lose your qb to injury you are still a formidable opponent. i don’t think the run is used enough in the NFL. teams give up sooo quickly if they get down. man, i just love to run until you are totally shut down….and then i like to run some more.
Ok
So you have 2 teams, although calling the Giants a smashmouth football team is questionable, but then you have the Pack, Saints, Colts and Pats
I’d still take high flying offense any day. Good luck on winning the SB this year btw. I’d root for you over almost any team
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
im as nervous as the next guy. flacco and cameron make for an interesting duo and have you on the edge of your seat when you should be deep in it drinking a cold one.
Just please beat the Steeler again if you meet in the playoffs.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
lol…even though we have 2 over them this year they are kind of empty wins. the end all be all with the steelers is a playoff win. from flaccos fumble to rices fumble they have made the last few years hell. we need homefield or we are screwed.
I agree. Altough i rooted for the ravens to win both.
Its tough to beat a team three times in one season. Ask the 2007 Cowboys who, as the #1 seed, lost in the divisional round to the eventual SB champs Giants (who the cowboys thoroughly beat twice during the season).
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
sad thoughts today. Sorry I remembered it.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
while the colts are a passing team
the yr they won it peyton wasn’t “statistically” great if i’m not mistaken i thought dominic rhodes & addai had pretty good playoff numbers & wasn’t corey dillon on a couple of those pat sb’s? raven i luv where your mindset is @, i always been a fan of the run game, that’s not to say that big d should abandon the pass.
name something u sit in.. chair.. try again.. big chair.. nope that's the same thing try again.. high chair.. that's still a chair.. chair.. say something other than chair.. what if i can't think of anything.. u can pass.. how do i pass.. just say it.. say what.. say pass.. chair
by DarkKnight88 on Dec 13, 2011 11:30 AM CST up reply actions
Peyton didn't play like Peyton during the SB run.
He was still great, but he had running help.
I’m all for sticking with the run game and getting tougher, but we’d need to abandon everything we’ve been building on offense to become a “smash mouth” team. As long as you’ve got Romo, Witten, Dez, Miles and Robinson it’s tough to say “nah, let’s run all game and limit Romo to 15 pass attempts.”
you do realize the pats have only recently been slinging the ball
They were on the back of Corey Dillon, and the only superbowl they lost is the one with out a running game….
As prolific as David Givens and co we’re, Brady was a 35, 22 td passer before randy moss and wes welker who didnt pass more than 20 yards down field… don’t let recent history cloud what those teams were
Good defense, good rushing, and a qb that didnt hand the game to the opponent and could drive for a FG in q4
so that means you have 5/8 as running teams…
Sigh, Garrett aint going nowhere anytime soon.
Jerry hand picked him, he’s here for 3 years at least and should be.
IF you're gonna act like a turd, go lay in the yard...........Lock n Load
Jerry has been known to change his mind.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
wait dire was that a "double"
negative that u just posted? So what ur really saying is that Garrett is in fact going somewhere, damn i was willing to give this guy a couple yrs to see what he could do.
name something u sit in.. chair.. try again.. big chair.. nope that's the same thing try again.. high chair.. that's still a chair.. chair.. say something other than chair.. what if i can't think of anything.. u can pass.. how do i pass.. just say it.. say what.. say pass.. chair
by DarkKnight88 on Dec 13, 2011 11:34 AM CST up reply actions
If anything Jerry pushes for a OC
and if Norv gets canned thats the guy they should get.
In Romo we trust----NOT!!!!
Sparano. Not Norv. Garrett had his best year with Sparano.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
Sparano is a line coach thats what he is best at
Norv is the guy we want for OC. Still one of the best in the league, if not the best.
In Romo we trust----NOT!!!!
Not sure Norv would come here as the OC
IF you're gonna act like a turd, go lay in the yard...........Lock n Load
If Jerry pays him the coin he will
Not sure Norv is going to land a HC anywhere, but as OC teams will be beating his door down I think
In Romo we trust----NOT!!!!
he still pissed Jerry picked Wade over him.
IF you're gonna act like a turd, go lay in the yard...........Lock n Load
can't blame him............Wade...........really!
IF you're gonna act like a turd, go lay in the yard...........Lock n Load
One of the few times...
we actually agree.
Miami’s offense has been very underwhelming for the past couple seasons.
Rabid and luvin' it
Who has been the qb?
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
I'll take Sparano over Norv right now all day.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
The Sparano vs Turner debate begins
"This team is going to win a Super Bowl at some point. It's going to be exciting when that time comes. And when we look back, we'll know who was on what side of the fence during those tough moments." - Tony Romo
I have a healthy dislike for virtually anything ESPN
But I enjoy watching Dilfer break things down. Dude knows what he’s talking about.
he is the only guy on ESPN that does not blame Romo for everything
"This team is going to win a Super Bowl at some point. It's going to be exciting when that time comes. And when we look back, we'll know who was on what side of the fence during those tough moments." - Tony Romo
The only problem is that he prefers spending most off his off camera time jerking off thinking about tebow
by matt575 on Dec 13, 2011 4:32 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Agree. Dilfer IS the smartest guy in the room.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
Turner all the way
I have no faith in Sparano
by somebodyquiet on Dec 12, 2011 10:56 PM CST up reply actions
not sure how u are basing that on
Sparano has never been an OC before as far as I know and Norv has proven his is one of the best play callers in the league for a long time.
In Romo we trust----NOT!!!!
Garrett had his best year with Sparano helping him call plays. That simple.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Dec 12, 2011 6:59 PM CST up reply actions
when Sparano had his hand in calling plays, we were scoring points. you can look that up
2006 we were 4th in points, 5th in total yards. 2007 2nd in points and 3rd in yards. Garrett gave him much praise when he was here
by dcsince77 on Dec 12, 2011 9:29 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
how much of that is sparano and how much of that is personnel?
by somebodyquiet on Dec 12, 2011 10:57 PM CST up reply actions
Sparano was not the OC people
He may have had a hand in it but wasnt the play caller. Miami’s offense has been terrible for the past 3 years with him calling the plays so why would we want that here? Go with a proven play caller like Norv if we are looking for a OC. Im all for Sparano as the OL coach, but no way as the OC. Might as well keep JG calling the plays.
The offseason can't come quick enough!!!
Yeah, Im not buying that one
I will take a proven OC, maybe the best than a guy that “helped” out with the play calling for one year. I would chuck Houck and bring in Sparano as the line coach.
In Romo we trust----NOT!!!!
Dwight Howard just had the best analogy about moving ever (sarcasm) “you either BBQ or Meal Deal and I want to BBQ”….‘keep moving nobody wants to stay in the same place…’
just had to share that.
And worth sharing.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
I had to listen to that one a few times.
Still can’t figure out whether I just didn’t “get” it, or it’s just that terrible.
Number 1 culprit
is Jerry., Wasted the 09 draft, and went cheap on the defense this past year.
As opposed to, say, the Eagles?
I thought it was smart to make only a few changes without having the luxury of a full offseason. There were still a few guys I wish we’d made a play on, but I was okay with what we got. If he’d spent a ton, like usual, everyone would’ve killed him for going out and grabbing all sorts of “shiny new toys.”
2009 I can’t argue with, that was an unmitigated disaster except for Phillips. You can’t pin that all on JJ, though. He owns a chunk of the blame, but he isn’t the only one making decisions. He generally looks for a consensus on draft picks.
Now that sounds more like something you can pin on Jerry.
I’m not in the business of defending him, I’m just trying to point out that he’s not the bumbling, inept owner that some like to make him out to be. He’s only a part (albeit a larger-than-average part) of a whole organization that has been poor at player management, drafting and discipline. I thought we saw the beginning of a shift this year, and hopefully, the past few games notwithstanding, that shift will continue.
Also, if you just hit "reply" you can reply directly to a post.
Makes it easier to keep track of everything, instead of spreading it all out.
Roy Willams was the 2009 draft....
by dcsince77 on Dec 12, 2011 9:38 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
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