NFL
By: Greg Rector
The Dallas Cowboys are making changes on the sidelines with 8 assistant coaches leaving already and likely are making several changes with players this off-season. The 27th season without at least playing in the NFC Championship game has necessitated these moves. The most significant change thus far was mutually parting ways with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Sure the offense was a top-five group mostly under Moore, but time and again in the most significant moments Moore’s offense was predictable, and often ineffective. Now that’s not all on Moore as players need to execute the plays, but when a team fails time and again on first downs and then predictably runs the ball on second for three yards, they are behind the chains. The Dallas Cowboys simply put have to put together a more diverse and less predictable game plan. Enter head coach Mike McCarthy who is now taking over calling the plays. Let’s look at why these changes are taking place.
Mike McCarthy
Two straight 12-win seasons are damn good in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys though need that breakthrough to at least be playing for the NFC Championship. When McCarthy was hired he had to agree to certain beloved by the Jones family coaches from the previous Jason Garrett regime. That included Moore and long-time DL assistant Leon Lett, both are now gone. After this season ended it was also obvious some of Mccarthy’s guys were also being let go. It sure looks like McCarthy who is entering his 4th season said okay to his guys being let go but if I’m under the gun some of those others had to go as well. When McCarthy coached the Green Bay Packers he was also the play caller, in Dallas, he was forced to agree to let that job go to Moore. Now definitely on the hot seat, McCarthy will again call the plays.
They will hire a non-play-calling coordinator at some point. Someone who can be upstairs during games and work with McCarthy is especially needed if adjustments have to be made. Plenty of candidates will be interviewed. This is the single biggest change, for me one thing that has to be implemented is the speed at which the receivers and backs go in motion. Watch the Dallas Cowboys offense and the players in motion are at a slow jog. Watch how quickly other teams are when they put players into motion. McCarthy in his last few seasons in Green Bay was criticized for predictability as well.
So this will be one challenge the Dallas Cowboys head coach must address in a hurry. I will say this until I am blue in the face, 34-31 record when Dak Prescott throws the ball over 30 times in a game, while in games with less than 30 pass attempts the Dallas Cowboys are 27-5. I don’t care about the passing yardage records, I care about what brings the best results. Yes, there will be some games where the ball has to be thrown more, but with this Cowboys’ defense being one of the better units it shouldn’t happen much at all.
The other feeling as to why this change might work is the fact Moore was more of a peer to Dak and not a coach. Moore was only 4 years older than Prescott. For as physical as football is, plenty of the game is decided by mental aspects as well. Hopefully, the Dallas Cowboys offense is more effective with McCarthy in Dak’s ear at those key moments. One request Mike, can you please end the days of endless curl routes for the receivers? Thank you from frustrated Dallas Cowboys fans. We will see if that big change in direction works.
Stephen and Jerry
Here we go yet again with the Jones boys. The blueprint for success in the NFC East resides in Philadelphia. Only three players remain from the Super Bowl-winning Eagles team to this year’s version headed to their second Super Bowl. Does anyone accuse the Eagles of not being loyal or not treating their players well? Not from what I see. The New York Giants made the playoffs without a star-studded roster this year. They didn’t hesitate to move Kadarius Toney who had all the potential in the world, seeing his success with the Chiefs as proof.
The “We love our guys” mindset has to go. I’m sorry you can’t give a returning from an ACL injury Micahel Gallup a multi-year contract, this should have been a one-year prove-it deal. Gallup is one of the Jones family’s guys though. when 50 of 53 roster players are changed in Philadelphia with very little damage to dead cap space, the Eagles focus on the results on the field coming first versus the “loyalty” to your guys has to stop. It’s the constant overpaying for past production that costs the Dallas Cowboys far too often.
This also goes to my big beef with the fanbase and their attachment to the names on the back of the jersey. Stephen and Jerry, it’s time to make the hard choices more often, it’s time to sign good players from other teams. You need a second boundary corner, go get one. If you need another true defensive interior lineman, go get one and stop waiting for other teams to leave you with the cheapest option left.
It’s obvious that Ezekiel Elliott isn’t what he once was. Cut him and draft running backs. Understand the game will have very few backs anymore effective past age 27, it’s just the way the game is. Have that conversation with Tyron Smith who hasn’t played a full season in ages. Give Mike Mccarthy as many weapons as possible and understand that “your guys” aren’t what you believe them to be.
The Draft
The Dallas Cowboys have nine picks currently in the upcoming draft. If they don’t make a big move for wide receiver De’Andre Hopkins who is available, you best find some speed at that position in the draft(Not one skill player is faster than 4.5 in the 40). There are plenty of good running backs available as well. Bring in two of them. That’s why you have draft picks, cheaper and younger and that means real money can be spent where it’s most needed. For all the draft successes there are guys who haven’t fit like Kelvin Joseph, stop looking for the “traits” and find me football players that produce.
Don’t focus on measurements either Dan Quinn. Two of the biggest misses under Will McClay and Stephen Jones at the draft were Taco Charlton when TJ Watt was there for the taking and not taking Asante Samuel Jr opting for Joseph. Hindsight is 20/20 but the production alone those two misses give their teams is far greater than that we ever saw from Charlton and Joseph. I will say it over and over again, the Patriots had stars, not superstars for the most part, and have gone to all those Super Bowls, because they found football players. The Eagles and Chiefs rosters both had a lot of changes from just last season and there they both are playing football in February, something Dallas Cowboys fans have waited too long for.
A always find me on Twitter @GregsCowboys
