Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

[cable guy]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

It's not just the coaching. It's the GM. There are some big holes on that roster.

Bottom line, as it appears now, Dallas is simply not that good.

Yeah that's about all I can say. Sorry I don't have that much to add.

They are just not a good team, this year imo.

It's early, but right now it seems problems of the last couple of years have really intensified this year so far.

[RGiles36]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

Now all this to say, just because you have talent doesn't mean jack if you ain't using it correctly. Talent can only take you so far. But if the coaching staff(who's probably worst than Chicago's staff) is not maximizing it, then you get what the Cowboys are doing.

This is the bottom line. I've heard a few people in the media say that Dallas suffers from not having a defined role for their offensive personnel. I never really dismissed it before, but I'm really starting to subscribe to this theory. Jason Garrett has so many toys and has no idea how to use them. Granted, maybe it's not all his fault. I'm sure someone (err Jerry) is leaning on him to get all 3 running backs involved in the game. I'm sure someone is in his ear telling him to make sure Marty B gets some opportunities. And don't forget about our overpaid receiver in Roy Williams. That's all before you get to Miles, Witten, and Dez. They need to define roles for each player and have a more focused offense.

Problem is, I don't think Wade as the head coach has the cahones to go to his player(s) and say, "You're not a focal point of this offense." Well not in those words, but you know what I mean.

[cable guy]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

Can we stop saying that the Cowboys are talented? They aint. They have a couple great defensive players and a very good tight end. The rest of the team is mediocre.

Common now, They have alot of real good talent at certain positions.

[Boilerbuzz]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

The offensive line is exactly the reason they lost last week.

There were plenty of players to help them in the front 7 or on the offensive line or at the safety position, if anything I trade down and multiple picks for that spot.

How many pass catchers do they need? Now you're paying prime time money to 3 WR's and a TE. What has it gotten them?

They have a nice set of skillplayers, but they have a lot of holes that either were not addressed or they had guys that didn't pan out.

Is Wade Phillips a great coach? No. Is Jason Garrett a great play caller? No. Can you blame their 0-2 start solely on coaching. Not even close. Jerry Jones bears as much of the blame as anyone. He's the one who built this roster, like his own personal fantasy team.

1. I think everyone gets too fixated on that penalty that lost the game. They line had trouble, but the line was not the reason all of their drives stalled. Romo, on the whole had enough to to put up MASSIVE numbers. Same for this week.

2. Though I agree they could have traded down to take advantage of the depth, I think your boy Jerry Jones is always looking for the high impact player. He traded up to get a talent he feels could dominate. MANY teams draft with that philosophy - get the best talent available. That has worked since he's come on as owner.

3. Let's not forget something - Miles Austin JUST showed up for them. Roy Williams has been a bust in Dallas. Yeah, they are paying top dollar for them, but you don't know if Austin was "1 year" wonder and would come back down to earth (which I don't believe, but he drops a lot of passes btw), or if Williams would EVER work in Dallas. Beyond those 2, you had Crayton - who's no where near a #2, let alone a #1. Jones need to replace the TO impact in terms of ability and marketability. What better way than to get the Texas native that just happened to be a stud. It made good business sense. It feel in line for drafting the best available talent, and it was an insurance policy. I think this is Williams last season if he doesn't step up - regardless of the contract.

As for their first 2 loses - I blame is TOTALLY on coaching. First, look at the Choice fumble. WHY THE HELL do you not just go into halftime as is? That was a bad call. There's no argument about that. It was a risk that wasn't worth taking. The holding call at the end. That's a discipline/coaching problem. This week. Why did they not MIX IN those blitzes that the Bears clearly had trouble handling more? More conservative play calling and abandoning the running game in BOTH games. They became one dimensional. The moved the ball, but shut down as they got in the green zone. Now, do you want to blame the players on the picks? Go ahead. But guess what? Those turnovers were because of those skill players that you claim they have plenty of? Not because of some missed block by the offensive line.

Look, I can't stand Jerry Jones. I hate his guts and I can't stand Dallas as much as I can stand the Peckers. But the issues I see would be fixed with a dope coach. It's that simple. I DO agree that they need better players on the OL. But most teams do. But I also saw very few players guaranteed to be better than what they got. I don't understand the Flozell Adams move either...

[Boilerbuzz]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

Can we stop saying that the Cowboys are talented? They aint. They have a couple great defensive players and a very good tight end. The rest of the team is mediocre.

Really?! Romo may sometimes be inconsistent, but that dude is dope. He's the reason that TE puts up the numbers he does. Jones, Barber, or Choice could be a starter for any other team in the league. Miles Austin's numbers speak for itself. Even the bust, Roy Williams, was a proven #1 - I just don't think he fits in Dallas. You've already acknowledged the defense so I won't go there.

My point is that I don't see how an offense can have the talent to drop 400+ yards of offense on teams, and still come away looking inept by not putting it in the endzone.

[Boilerbuzz]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

Roger Safflold T, out of Virginia, who a lot of teams tried to trade up to get from the Rams. He by the way is I believe their starting left tackle at this point.

Could have gotten DL line depth with Odrick, Brian Price or Dan Williams. Could have gone the safety route with TJ Ward, Nat Allen or Taylor Mays.

None of these were projected to be the impact player Bryant was thought to be by some. Some GMs didn't like his mental makeup though for the record. So, I didn't like the pick anyway.

[Boilerbuzz]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

For all that it's worth, they do have talent. Those great defensive players that they have, Jay Ratliff, Demarcus Ware, Terrence Newman and Mike Jenkins are All pro-bowl caliber players. That's a lot for one team to have.

!?!?!?

Anthony Spencer man! Why are you leaving off my Boilermaker bother!? H.A.T.E.R!

[Dice]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

!?!?!?

Anthony Spencer man! Why are you leaving off my Boilermaker bother!? H.A.T.E.R!

OH! My bad. Forgot all about him. So that makes 5 impact players on defense.

So to the guy who originally stated that they have no talent, how many teams have 5 impact players on defense?

[ProfessaPackMan]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

Can we stop saying that the Cowboys are talented? They aint. They have a couple great defensive players and a very good tight end. The rest of the team is mediocre.

They are talented actually. Romo, Jones, Barber, Witten, Austin, Bryant, Newman, Jenkins, Ware, Spencer, Ratliff. That's a pretty talented group right there and too talented to be 0-2 right now. But like Dice said, all that talent ain't worth **** if you're not utilizing it correctly.

This.

Of all people who I'd blame for the Cowboys troubles this year (so far) and for issues during parts of the last couple years, Jerry Jones wouldn't be on that list. Sure, he made a blunder on the Roy Williams trade. But hell, most of us thought he would excel when coming to Dallas. Now he would have a great QB to play with! Smh...

Anyway, the problems that we have are the same problems we've experienced at times over the last 3 years (the Phillips & Garrett era). Sloppy play, inconsistency, penalties, and discipline to some extent. I hardly like to blame the coaching staff because it's so open-ended and can be deemed a cop-out. However, perception is sometimes reality and my perception is that Wade's style of coaching is not effective for this group of players. We have leadership on our team and many if not all of the bad team-chemistry guys are gone; but Wade just seems to be so passive on glaring issues. It's taken him 3+ years to finally admit in a press conference that penalties are an issue!

I'm not calling for Wade or Garrett's head at this point. Canning those guys right now would not do us any good. Just pointing out that the issues we seem to be having now are not new issues. To me, the identity of the Dallas Cowboys under Wade's control has been to overcome mistakes; not eliminate them. And when those mistakes can't be overcome, they lose. Simple as that. There aren't too many teams over the last few years that have soundly beaten the Cowboys save the Vikings & Chargers last year, Patriots in 2007, and I'm sure a few others in 2008. It's penalties, mistakes, and poor execution -- just like it has been the last 3 years and why we continue to be the laughing stock of the league.

Agreed with everything stated here.

For all that it's worth, they do have talent. Those great defensive players that they have, Jay Ratliff, Demarcus Ware, Terrence Newman and Mike Jenkins are All pro-bowl caliber players. That's a lot for one team to have. Typically if you have that many impact players on defense, you should be a contending team. Your not going to find too many teams(if not any) that has 4 impact players on defense.

Their offense is talented as well. You got a solid WR corp in Austin(all-pro), Byrant(future all-pro) and Williams(head case all-pro). And as you mentioned you got an all world TE in Whitten. And as much as people give Tony Romo the business, he is a pro-bowl caliber QB. How do I know? check his achievements. He's been a pro-bowler 3 times. He's been in the top ten in passer rating for 4 straight years. NOW does he play like it at times? Nope. BUT the ability is there. The RB's they have all have been successful at one point or another in their careers. Last year, they all had average YPC higher than 4.4. So the talent is definitely there.

Now all this to say, just because you have talent doesn't mean jack if you ain't using it correctly. Talent can only take you so far. But if the coaching staff(who's probably worst than Chicago's staff) is not maximizing it, then you get what the Cowboys are doing.

Bingo.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

Yep, talk about talent all you want.

The simple fact in this game is that the Cowboys got outcoached and, to some extent, outplayed when it mattered.

But it's a Wade Phillips-led team. Why does this surprise anyone?

[adriano]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

This.

Of all people who I'd blame for the Cowboys troubles this year (so far) and for issues during parts of the last couple years, Jerry Jones wouldn't be on that list. Sure, he made a blunder on the Roy Williams trade. But hell, most of us thought he would excel when coming to Dallas. Now he would have a great QB to play with! Smh...

Anyway, the problems that we have are the same problems we've experienced at times over the last 3 years (the Phillips & Garrett era). Sloppy play, inconsistency, penalties, and discipline to some extent. I hardly like to blame the coaching staff because it's so open-ended and can be deemed a cop-out. However, perception is sometimes reality and my perception is that Wade's style of coaching is not effective for this group of players. We have leadership on our team and many if not all of the bad team-chemistry guys are gone; but Wade just seems to be so passive on glaring issues. It's taken him 3+ years to finally admit in a press conference that penalties are an issue!

I'm not calling for Wade or Garrett's head at this point. Canning those guys right now would not do us any good. Just pointing out that the issues we seem to be having now are not new issues. To me, the identity of the Dallas Cowboys under Wade's control has been to overcome mistakes; not eliminate them. And when those mistakes can't be overcome, they lose. Simple as that. There aren't too many teams over the last few years that have soundly beaten the Cowboys save the Vikings & Chargers last year, Patriots in 2007, and I'm sure a few others in 2008. It's penalties, mistakes, and poor execution -- just like it has been the last 3 years and why we continue to be the laughing stock of the league.

I agree with everything you said. But Garret has got to go. I am calling for
Garrets head after this season. He is not a great play caller. His scheme,
his plays. He refuses to run the ball conventionally. He likes to throw in
these weird draw plays that fool nobody. You're a Cowboy fan, think of all the
times we had third and 1 and Jason calls a toss with our slowest back..

Or Smoke screens that never work. I think in the last 3 years that play has
worked ONCE. Kill, Kill, Kill means Draw play audible. Ray Lewis said
we had the simplest offense in the NFL. Ive seen enough..

Jerry should have never hired his offensive coordinator before hiring his
head coach. It makes no sense. Let him build his staff on both sides of
the ball..

I think both are gone after this year. Cowher, would be a good fit. But I
think he is waiting of Fox to get canned. He wants to stay in Carolina..

[Jistic]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

Lil' Al Davis has plenty to do with the decline of the Cowboys. This will become more and more obvious as time goes by. Book it.

And for all the "talent" everyone keeps touting, why aren't these talented guys completing simple throws, catches, tackles, coverages? Talent's more than a vertical and a 40 time.

[Dice]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

And for all the "talent" everyone keeps touting, why aren't these talented guys completing simple throws, catches, tackles, coverages? Talent's more than a vertical and a 40 time.

True BUT when people refer to the Cowboys talent we're not just talking about potential. With the exception of Dez Bryant, most of these guys at one point or another in their career has accomplished something in the NFL. Whether you want to look at pro bowl appearances, statistically, all-pro team appearances, or what ever you deem as a measuring stick. These guys have at one point or another in their careers been one of the best players at their respective positions.

Just because your bad doesn't mean you don't have talent. Talent can be there but if it's under-utilized then your just wasting it. Like the Cowboys.

[SPTO]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

I agree with everything you said. But Garret has got to go. I am calling for
Garrets head after this season. He is not a great play caller. His scheme,
his plays. He refuses to run the ball conventionally. He likes to throw in
these weird draw plays that fool nobody. You're a Cowboy fan, think of all the
times we had third and 1 and Jason calls a toss with our slowest back..

Y'know it's kinda funny but I remember when Garrett was a backup in Dallas and how all the commentators back then said he was such a great cerebral ballplayer with great pedigree as he came from a football family. It sure doesn't seem that way with the playcalling that he's been making the last couple years.

I wonder if Jerruh is regretting letting Sean Payton go?

[cjonesfan921]

Re: Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys

Professa hit it right, it's not being utilized correctly, the talent that is.

Depth is a big problem too, HUUUUUGE. Jenkins left the game late in the 4th quarter and the corner who came in to replace him, looked completely lost on the fade. Yes, it is unfair to him because that was his first play and I believe he is a rookie but how can you play a fade any worse?

Is this fixable? In short, yes, but its going to take work. If we can somehow win against Houston and go into the bye 1-2, then try to work out the kinks during the bye, I THINK we'll be fine.

You know, I pegged this team at 13-3 or 12-4. After these 2 games, I guess that brings my projection down to 10-11, although if the play continues, forget about it. If we lose next week, well basketball season starts soon. AMARE!!!! lol