FanPost

From infamy to glory: 2015-2016 v 2020-2021

This is a tough time to be a fan, between off-season and the pre-season games. So during this quiet period, for your consideration, can we look at a similar moment in history … 2015-2016.

The Cowboys had just finished their worst season in 25 years, due to early Romo and Dez injuries, after having one of their best seasons (this century) in 2014.

What did they (apparently) learn?

We need another QB, but don’t give up too much, because Romo is still good.

We need another playmaker, because our offense was plodding. McFadden did an honorable job, but an Emmitt-like RB would be great.

The defense could use more pop, since DE Hardy was leaving (Gregory’s fate was looking grim), DT Hayden/TCraw (though scrappy) weren’t a force in the middle. LB Lee and McClain were great, but risky with injury and suspension histories.

Discord with the JJ/Garrett/Callhan must be put right.

And we can all agree these were the important lessons to learn. Right? So what happened?

Free Agency Opens:

Coach - Callahan out, Linehan in.

QB - Castoff vets are no good. Pass on FA.

RB - Nobody special. Castoff vets are good for insurance. Sign Morris.

DE - Gamble on affordable up-and-comer Mayaowa

DT - Gamble on position shift with relatively affordable Thornton.

LB - Double down on McClain.

Draft in order:

RB - the next Emmitt is drafted, cheers all around. (We already had Claiborne and Carr … don’t need Ramsey).

QB - not taken due to trade cost. JJ regrets not getting Lynch, but again, JG and staff were right not to pull the trigger.

LB - Jaylon can replace McClain soon. He’s a top 5 talent, etc. and a lovable guy. Remember how well things worked with Bruce Carter? And Gregory? We’re due.

DT - Marinelli-fav Collins looks fine in theory as a 3T (for cheap)

DE - A poor man’s Gregory (without weed addiction) perhaps, but actually a poor man’s Mayowa with injury issues.

QB - Backup falls into our laps, almost like we didn’t care too much. We have Romo.

Free agency continues:

QB - Sanchez signed. He was a top 5 pick after all, back in the day.

2016 summed:

13-3 record. Knocked out by a throw/catch for the ages and an immensely clutch long FG at the buzzer. Coach of the year. New franchise QB and RB. Oh, it’s gonna be good.

Lessons:

Coaches: Need to have their act together too. Unity is victory.

QB: Leadership is critical. Not Romo? It’s okay, we knew we had it covered.

FA: We’re not good at it. Better to stick to the bargain bin and re-sign the guys we know about.

Draft: Are we good or what? Zeke scares every defense in the NFL. Maybe a little lucky to get Dak, but we chose him over all of the other QB available at pick 135. And we have Jaylon waiting in the wings.

Overall: Keep up the great work. SB on the horizon.

2021 v. 2016

We will have coaching unity.

We will have a healthy QB leader.

We have playmakers: 3 WR, faster Zeke, 2 capable TE.

And the OL to support them (saying quick prayer for health).

D will be better than 2016 … across the board, everyone may be as good or better, aside from Sean Lee. Obviously I didn’t think much of Carr, Scandrick or Jones (as a FS).

Conclusion: The Cowboy's flipped their fortunes with many of the same players. It can and should happen again. This time Rodgers won’t make a historic play and the Cowboys will advance to the NFC championship. SB is on the horizon.

Caveat: Is it possible the tandem of Jason Garrett - Scott Linehan is much better than the pairing of Mike McCarthy - Kellen Moore ? I’m relying on faith it’s a wash.

Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.