McCarthy should absolutely lose his job over this. When you got guys like Harbaugh and Vrabel out there, it’s ownership malpractice to stick with this mess.
And I have been a huge Dak defender....the guy broke me this time. I don’t know how you get out of his contract with a $60M cap hit next year and a no trade clause....but it’s over. This was year 8. He is who he is. It’s over.
Dak’s habit of coming up small in big situations has become a measurable trait. Sure, DC’s defense got predictably shredded, but Dak should have been able to keep up against an average (at best) defense. He was so confused by their disguised shifting zone looks that he looked like a rookie starting his first game. Giving him the biggest contract in NFL history will sentence us to several more years of this misery. Better to trade him, take the crippling cap hit and move on.
Hey, I'm just trying to offer some perspective here. No one likes the consistent playoff failures, but at least we get postseason football. Other franchises have it worse...
Don't get me wrong, yesterday sucked, and is merely the latest in a long line of playoff disappointments. But the Jets have now missed the playoffs for 13 straight years, and are so desperate for good QB play they once gave a big contract to Mark Sanchez...
For sure would be dismal to be a fan of the Jets, but they also never have the expectation of doing anything. This was the one year they did and it came crashing down in less than 5 snaps.
To me he played like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. I think he might not mind a change of scenery tbh. Stafford never won a playoff game until he left Detroit and then went on and had success elsewhere. I could see the same thing happening for Dak. I don't think he is a bad quarterback, but he did not play well yesterday. I think the defensive performance was even worse than the offense.
Definitely time to move on from McCarthy. It's one thing to lose in the playoffs to a better team, it's another thing to get rolled at home against a team that barely squeaked in. And the gameplan on offense seemed horrendous, both in terms of play designs and play calls. He was brought in to win in the playoffs, and he's now 1-3 including 0-2 at home.
I'm more ambivalent about Dak, in no small part because of his nearly $62M dead cap number in 2024, but also because it's just so hard to find even a good QB (unless you're the Packers, apparently). Hard for me to say we need to move on this year while we're currently without any real backup plan.
I do think it's time for this franchise to meaningfully contemplate life without Dak, however. Realistically I think this means a new contract that provides an a palatable out after 2025, and drafting a QB within the first three rounds this year.
Bottom line is we have to do what the Bucs and Rams did, eat the dead cap money for a year or 2 and rebuild. Problem is Dak is going to get 50+ mil and after yesterday's outing, no way. The good news is he is a good QB and a team will trade a lot for him. You could land quite the haul for Dak, Lamb and Parsons to begin a rebuild.
The way Lamb started that game I lost all confidence in him going forward. Something was way off and it seemed to be on him. And no point paying him and Parsons while looking for a new QB. Better to use 2024 to clear cap space and stock pile picks, imo.
While I would disagree with it, moving on from Dak this year would be understandable. Though I think the haul is likely to be disappointing considering the recent disappointing returns from the Russ and Watson trades. Of course, it takes just one desperate franchise...
Why trade Parsons though? Guys like him don't come along very often, and he should have many years left of his prime. If we hit on a QB who is thriving by year two (2025), wouldn't you want him on the team? After yesterday I'm all for drastic changes, but that feels a bit TOO drastic.
Wilson was older and was playing poorly, Dak is coming off his best year. As for Parsons, I'm one of the few it seems is willing to criticize him. He talks a good game but pouts when it's not going his way. He does not elevate the D, imo and is easy to scheme around. He's simply not worth the money he's going to command and would land a haul in picks. The team is not going to be good as they rebuild so why pay him verse getting picks?
It is drastic, but odds of hitting on said QB and being able to surround him with talent while eating the dead money seems unrealistic. On the other hand, eat the dead money for 2024 and 2025 and pile up picks. You can take several shots on a QB if needed and then have a clean slate to surround them with picks and FA's.
I like Dak, but this was not the SF D with him under constant duress. And he's as greedy as they come, demanding top money and a short contract. He's going to try and top the market and I don't think any QB is worth that.
I mean, it wasn't Micah's fault that Quinn had him drop into coverage on 3rd and long. And now matter how great a player is, you can always scheme around one guy on defense, in which case other players need to make plays.
He had the lowest pass rush win rate (only one pressure) of the last 2 seasons. He has declined notably at end of all 3 seasons he's played.
He hasn't been a difference-maker in any of the team's 3 playoff losses. He's going to be making $35M soon. His style of play lends himself to having a short career.
Trading him while his value is high cold prove to be th best use of him.
Not saying I'm right (who knows) but it'd definitely worthy consideration.
Of course, it's never your favorite players fault right? Look, he's part of the problem. He's not mentally tough, when he gets pushed around, he folds. And as Michael said below, he's not likely to be great for long.
Plus the bevy of picks you'd get, I assume 2 firsts and some change? Add that plus the extra money from not paying him and I think you have a better team. Perhaps weaker at his one position but stronger over all.
Give me DE's like DLaw, Armstrong, Fowler and Williams and use that draft capital and extra funds to upgrade DT, LB and secondary.
And if you draft Zack Wilson, Sam Darnold, Mitch Trubisky, and so on, where are you then. Before mortgaging the future like that, I’d be more inclined to see what I have in Trey Lance. Maybe he’s Jordan Love.
That's why you blow it up, you'll get enough to take 2-3 shots at a new QB. Lance only has one year left, then what? Don't have the money to pay him and eat Dak's dead money in 2025.
The NFL has shown that the hardest to evaluate. That's why a lot of 1st round picks aren't in the league anymore and you have guys like Brady lasting until the 6th round and Purdy being drafted last. It's a crap shoot at best. I can name 1st rounder after 1st rounder who didn't make it. For very CJ Stroud their is way more Paxton Lynch, Sam Darnold, Trey Lance, Mac Jones.
No. We need to build the team first and then drop a QB in. Next year should be all about seeing if Lance has anything and getting rid of cap space/dead hits.
Hard pass on trading up to the top of the first; just look at Bryce Young and Brock Purdy. I'm all for grabbing a QB in the first if there's a prospect you like, but I'm also fine if they wait and take one in round two or three instead.
Do you not remember 2021? Lawrence, Wilson, Lance, Fields, and Jones was considered a historic QB class, and it has not gone well. And I can only imagine what it would take to move up from the 20s to get into the top two and take Williams or Maye. It's just not worth it, particularly as we just lost to a QB who was a later first round pick...
No way Lamb or Parsons are going anywhere. These players are year 3 and 4 with high productivity. You don't just give up on their kind of production. The coach and Dak another story.
I think honestly that finding a QB isn't actually as hard as it's made out to be. It's not 'easy', certainly, but look at how many teams have their proper franchise QB on their roster.
In fact, there's probably only about 10 teams who don't actually have a 'franchise QB' on their team, with a few of those holes being filled in the next draft.
People get confused because they think franchise QB means a top 3 elite QB. It does not have to be, Stafford is a good example. He's mentally tough and can do enough when needed, and not blow it for you. But he's not going to pull Mahomes or Brady level of play to win a game every other QB would lose.
You think theres 22 franchise qbs? Ive always been of the mind there are never more than 12 to 15 tops. Count em. **you cant count any young qbs who havent shown us something already... that is pure hope. .So fields and young should not be counted. Count guys we know cam do something.. Im not sure about Tua or herbert but i will count them. I just counted 15 to 17 and I was being generous.
Either way...if 1 of 3 or 1 of 2 teams in he league cant find qb...why anyone thinks finding a qb as good or better than Dak will be easy has never made sense to me.
Look at the Jets. Miami since Marino. Buffalo between Kelly and Allen. Tampa prior ro Brady. A few examples showing us decades in the wilderness is very possible. Minimal to no success at all.
However you define or describe it, even in your scenario half the league has a franchise QB, which suggests it's not as impossible to find one as it sounds.
To find an elite, game changing QB is definitely a lot harder - there's probably only 5 of those in the league at any one time, and most of those will have 15+ season careers.
But you can definitely win a SB with a tier 2 QB with a great coaching structure.
Jerry isn’t going to fix this team with a scalpel. He needs a meat axe. There is obviously a losing cancer that has metastasized. We have to cut that cancer out of the team. That really starts with Jerry taking a step back and hiring a football GM.
I would just like to note that once things have gotten so bad that fans are meaningfully suggesting Trey Lance take over at QB, you have suffered an ass-whooping of truly historic proportions.
Captures my feelings exactly. If Dak can't do any better that he has the last 3 years in the playoffs, with the roster surrounding him, in his 6-7-and8th season, there's zero reason to think he ever will.
You could seem him absolutely panic out there. Suddenly he couldn't read defenses, didn't navigate the pocket well, and threw wildly off-target throws.
We've see this before but never in such vivid detail. I have supported Dak from day 1 but it's obvious he's taken this franchise as far as they will ever go with him.
I wish Dallas played as good as Bob Sturm writes. Sadly, it is not even close. I never saw a beatdown like this coming. I can’t figure out what was worse, the offense or the defense.
When will y’all learn u can hire any coach you want and it wont matter till the control freak loser Jerry jones is not the gm and the control freak isn’t making the calls.
Was waiting for this all morning so I can finally get my disgust off my chest. I dont think it is hyperbole to say this is the worst playoff loss in Cowboys history. There has been more heartbreak, like the Dwight Clark catch, but I was never so sick watching a game. TBH, I expected GB to put up points. I have skeptical of the defense all year long. That? That was another level entirely. It was pathetic. It was a joke. I simply can't get my head around how little resistance the Cowboys D put up.
As for the offense, my god, the offense. All week I was saying the offense must show up. Even if we lose this game, the offense can't come out and STB. They STB in spectacular fashion. Dak was horrible and I just can't get excited about brining him back. I understand the cap situation, but it's 8 years now. I really like the guy, but it's just enough. The more I think about this season, the less impressed I am about everything they accomplished. If GB brought with them a legitimate defense, I might be more forgiving, but this? That was a choke job of historic proportions.
The problem is what do we do from here? I really want the entire staff gone and Vrabel hired to bring a toughness we are sorely lacking. I want us to move on from Dak and take the hit. I want to see if we have anything with Trey Lance. I would be open to pretty much anything rather than running it back again with the group.
the only solace I can take is that I was so disgusted yesterday that I just turned the game off after GB slapped this pathetic defense yet again, on their first drive of the 3rd quarter. At that point I was still slightly delusional that if we can score coming out of the half we could go on a run. GB laughed at this team. What a joke.
This sums up how I feel. When have we ever been in the opposite position? Underdogs that come out and smack someone else in the face? I truly can’t think of such a time in the Dak era, much less the McCarthy era. Closest is maybe *maybe* Week 2 2022 when we took the Bengals to task with Rush. But even then, it’s been made clear Bengals just start the season slow.
And that is the issue Bob. This is a culture issue at the top. They can hire whomever they want. Our players and coaches care more about their brand than winning. 25 years has proven that. This is led by Jerry.
I agree it is the culture. I think Jerry tries to have too much control over football operations. However, I don't think it is lack of desire to win. I don't think any owner wants to win more than Jerry. Also, I think the players really wanted it. To me, they seemed to play tight, at least on offense. Green Bay was the team that seemed to play like they had nothing to lose.
Bob: This was outstanding. You brought the facts, the why and the how which comes with your knowledge and film study. You can understand and explain the 3-D chess of the NFL. I only "watch the ball" so my knowledge is at the "checkers" level. That said, my simpleton thoughts:
The secondary started in zone: torched. They tried man-to-man: scorched. The defense's run issues started with losing VanderEsch, its only real "LB." Using DB-sized LBs didn't work against the run and those LBs couldn't/didn't contribute to pass defense against Green Bay.
Dak's pick six is the summation of his career. He's a wonderful person and a damn good QB when the seas are calm. In a storm, he panics. (I also question the second-and-two call; you're down 20-0. Why not throw medium-to-deep against a defense that might be expecting a conservative play.) The horrific mistake that Dak appears to make when facing adversity is having tunnel vision. He was throwing to Lamb as soon as the play was called on the sidelines. On the replay, these old eyes saw Cooks open running a route to the right and the defense flowing to the left. If Dak was seeing the field and threw to Cooks, he would have a first down and maybe more. Woulda, shoulda, coulda - the loser's mantra.
Now, the future. Who the eff knows? This team is run by a senile billionaire. Billionaires like to think their money makes them geniuses and that money buys happiness and success. Jerry Jones has been, is, and will be the problem. Putting JJ in the Ring of Honor did not lift the "curse." In the locker room after the Washington game, as the Cowboys celebrated an unexpected division title, Jones peed on the victory by putting Mike McCarthy's future in doubt. (And never mind the fact this is the only NFL franchise where the owner holds his own informal press conference gab fest after every game and does a weekly radio hit on his team's flagship station (mouthpiece.)
I know less than zero about the brotherhood of a professional team. I THINK I know the logic of team camaraderie and focus. One has to wonder if the players and the staff had some WTF reactions to Jones putting McCarthy on the plank facing a potential march to its end. Perhaps you would think that professional athletes should be able to focus and ignore the noise, the Cowboys had to wonder what The Boss was thinking. After Sunday's debacle, Jones had the audacity to say something along the lines that he hasn't given McCarthy's future any thought.
Jones either lied after the Washington victory or he lied after the Packers loss. Or, his massive ego, deep pockets and addled brain can't remember what he babbles about.
Cowboys fans, THAT'S your problem. And there's no solution.
This is it 100%. Nothing ever changes because nothing ever changes. The only constant throughout this exile to the wilderness has been Jerry. It’s a fool who thinks he (or any high ranking member of this nepotistic organization) has any of the cards to change anything.
I agree wholeheartedly with your comment about Jerry’s McCarthy take after the Washington game. I know that something like that probably shouldn’t matter, but why put more pressure on a team that already carries the sins of the past on their backs into every single playoff game. The Cowboys looked uptight from the beginning…afraid of giving up the big play on defense and conservative on offense…and I don’t think Jerry’s comments did them any favors. I think heads will roll at some point, and in the process, Jerry needs to take a long look in the mirror.
Dak has tunnel vision absolutely nails it. He sees but does not see. His eyes glaze over. He does not see open guys running free as he zeroes in on who he has already decided to throw to. It's not going to change. He is what he is.
Even on the early interception throw to Cooks - if you watch the replay from behind Dak - as Dak is looking and getting ready to throw the receiver further upfield than Cooks but on Dak's same line of vision is breaking open - but Dak was already tunnel visioned onto Cooks.
I am truly stunned they laid this big of an egg...and I’ve watched them all. A friend asked me what I would do if I was in charge. I said, “I have no idea.” Upon further reflection, I think it is about mental toughness and the absolute refusal to not have the results go you way. Jimmy’s halftime speech on tv was more inspiring than any clip I’ve ever seen of McCarthy or Garrett or Phillips..all great coaches and nice guys. I think we need the Dan Campbell anger...the Shanahan anger... It can’t be all the time, obviously...because no one can live under constant anger. But when you are underperforming based on your talent, someone needs to have the credibility to come in and rip you apart and will you to refuse to lose. I am so disappointed this team is done. It is such a waste. Props to Jordan Love though. He’s the real deal and we’ll be dealing with him for awhile.
Bob’s columns were the only thing that kept me onboard the McCarthy-Dak train for the last four years. Now it feels completely wasted. How is this any better than the failed Garrett-Romo era? I think this is actually worse because it seemed to hold more promise. I will never give the Cowboys the benefit of the doubt again. I will never argue for or defend the Cowboys again.
I’m trying to come up with a scenario in my head about what they could possibly do in the off-season to get me excited about next year, but I just don’t think it’s possible for me to buy in again. This is going to take multiple years to clean out the rot.
Well said, that's where I'm at as well. Last few years I felt just add a few quality FA's, have a good draft and take the needed step. After the SF game this year, I knew this was not a SB team, but I thought they could get to a championship game. How wrong was I!
I don't see the tweaks that can be made to improve next year. Because our core is part of the issue.
The Joneses family plane could crash, leading to a sale of the team to a young billionaire who vows to hire "the best football minds alive" to finally bring another Super Bowl to Dallas.
I feel really bad for Tank Lawrence. He made a couple of really nice plays to start but he was the only guy on D that showed up from my seat. They had GB off the field on the first possession before the illegal contact by Bland (I think), and that was about it. So let’s not forget the role that penalties played all year too. Agree with everyone here, MM, DQ and Dak need to move along. They just didn’t get it done here. Move Dak while you still can and take the hit in ‘24. Maybe Chicago, NE or Washington would give up their first round pick? I read a quote from Peter Drucker today that I thought was fitting for Dallas: “The greatest danger in turbulent times isn’t the turbulence, it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” Jerry isn’t going to recapture the 90’s. It is going to take something completely new and different.
Tank and Ferguson, maybe Gallup and sometimes even Pollard, showed a little fight. The rest were either concussed with shock or brainstorming content for their next podcast.
I've never seen a franchise's "status" change in a single game as much as I did yesterday.
Going in the belief was this was a legitimate SB contender with a franchise QB (likely to finish 2nd in MVP voting), a WR group that could be matched against anyone, a dynamic, playmaking defense. Regardless of outcome the assumed off-season challenges would be:
1. How to extend the QB
2. How to keep or replace the DC
3. How to keep the rest of the group together
None of those questions matter today.
The QB question is now "Do we extend Prescott? Or, not extend him and figure out how to move on from him? Which means punting on 2025 bc he has a $60M cap hit and a no trade clause".
Both the HC and the DC are likely to be gone bc they've both proven incapable of meeting the task.
No one on the roster...not Cee Dee, not Micah....literally not a single player....should be off-limits. Everyone person metioned above - the most important people on the field - get an F grade yesterday:
McCarthy
Quinn
Dak
CeeDee
Parsons
When ALL of your allegedly top assets simultaneously crap the bed in the season's biggest moment there's indisputably something fundamentally wrong with the entire organization. Now I know many will point to the Jones and I get it.
But I also recognize they brought in proven, experienced coaches, had a QB capable of playing at an MVP caliber, and built a roster that at least 20 other franchises would swap.
Seems to me they did their job. Those coaches and players, by virtually every NFL observer, were capable of and should have done better. Instead, they ALL had their worst performance imaginable.
For what, to go into a draft and try and hit on guys with the same potential as the guys you've already got? Do you want to try and contend for a Super Bowl next year, or blow it up and wait 10? Make a few changes, not the entire roster. Trading Lamb or Parsons would be absolute insanity.
There's <1% chance this team contends for a Super Bowl next year. That's the same delusional thinking that got us where we are.
Dak is obviously not capable of leading a team to SB.
They played the easiest schedule in the league and still needed massive help to get the #2 seed to (allegedly) give them an easy path to the Conf Champ.
They got smoked at home to a team that wouldn't have made the playoffs in 2020.
They got blown out by virtually every good team they faced.
What exactly is the blueprint for turning this team into a contender?
Blowing it up doesn't mean you wait 10 years. The Rams weren't supposed to compete this year. Nor were the Packers. Teams make dramatic, unexpected turnarounds all the time.
I'd much rather take my chances with something that offers a hope of a different result. There's absolutely no reason to believe "running it back again" will result in a better outcome.
You're right. I'm not suggesting running it back. I've said make changes, just not everybody. You're much closer to a super bowl already than resetting things and starting from zero. People think a complete reset is a magical path to a Championship. Plenty of teams have reset and don't win sh*t. You need to recognise the good with what you've got and be smart about what you need to add.
I disagree, every reasonable person thought they had a reasonable path to the NFCCG but had no shot against SF. And all of us reasonable folks opined their biggest threat was themselves against all but SF. We all know there was every chance the AZ team showed up and that's what happened.
As an old coach I'm loathe to rip coaches. Yesterday I watched a defense that I've been critical of all year repeat its low points. There seemed to be no plan B. As a matter of fact plan A seemingly was a rehash of past butt kicking.
I'm not going to excuse the offense for its shortcomings but it's incredibly hard for an offense to be successful when playing uphill down multiple scores in the 1st quarter. Starting all those drives deep in their own territory compounds the problem. Having to throw 60 times is not a recipe for success.
I'm also not saying Dak played anywhere necessary to be successful but he got little to no help from his receivers. It was especially disappointing to see 88 drop balls early and seemingly go into pout mode.
Good, now remember this when you keep blaming Dak for all of it. He sucked early and on two throws in particular. But the D had a chance to keep us in it while the O found it's footing. They got worse however.
I saw yesterday coming from a mile away. To be fair, I am never optimistic with this team. I still contend that the 2007 team losing to NYG was worse. That team was set up perfectly. Thanks for your work Bob. I always look forward to your analysis after wins or losses. This sucks.
But he spent most of the second half running for his life, if my memory serves me correctly. When you’re as old as I am, there’s so many memories that they sometimes all run together.
He was under pressure some in that game but also held the ball too long trying to make plays. Was also totally kneecapped by Patrick Crayton dropping what should have been a classic 75-yard TD and quitting on what should have been an NFL legendary highlight game-winning next to last play TD.
Great piece. Sums up my feelings. I believe in guys and want to defend them too. We don’t have enough playmakers. The pressure masks some of that on defense. Bell is really good but not as a LB. Detroit game you heard the LBs names constantly. SF next week same thing. That has to improve. Safety is solid but no playmakers. Need another DE that can win consistently. The thing that stuck out to me was how much easier Love played QB than Dak. More athletic, more natural. High draft status matters. Dak seems in his head constantly. Our offense is good when it overwhelms but bad when it doesn’t. Rams and Lions played a more modern game to me offensively. I think we need that type of offense. More motion and more speed, more burst. Our roster is not bad but has holes that get exposed.
We have to remember that the Cowboys are a flawed team. They Got blown out at least three times this year by Arizona, Buffalo and San Francisco. Their defensive backs cannot keep up with Speedy athletic receivers and cannot cover well enough if the defensive line can't get to the quarterback.
I think Quinn figured out that his Backs could not keep up with the green bay receivers so they went primarily to a zone defense which caused all kinds of confusion with the secondary and allowed the Receivers to run free because of busted coverage. Furthermore, Jordan love was throwing dimes all day. Remember, this is the guy who had an 18 to 1 touchdown to interception ratio the last part of the season.
Bottom line, Cowboys were outcoached yesterday. Green bay elected to received the ball & went down and scored a Grind them out touchdown and all the sudden the cowboys were playing from behind. Two Pick sixes later, they were toast. I think GB may beat SF next week.
I think Quinn is overrated and completely blew it. And as usual, he stuck with what was not working. Dude had guys 12 yards off on 3rd and 8, etc. He was lost against GB.
The most mind blowing play was a big 3rd and 4 for the Packers while the game was still in doubt. They put a Tight End out wide left - he was clearly Bland's guy to cover.
It was 3rd and 4 and Bland lined up giving at least a 10 yard cushion - to a freaking Tight End!
McCarthy should absolutely lose his job over this. When you got guys like Harbaugh and Vrabel out there, it’s ownership malpractice to stick with this mess.
And I have been a huge Dak defender....the guy broke me this time. I don’t know how you get out of his contract with a $60M cap hit next year and a no trade clause....but it’s over. This was year 8. He is who he is. It’s over.
Dak’s habit of coming up small in big situations has become a measurable trait. Sure, DC’s defense got predictably shredded, but Dak should have been able to keep up against an average (at best) defense. He was so confused by their disguised shifting zone looks that he looked like a rookie starting his first game. Giving him the biggest contract in NFL history will sentence us to several more years of this misery. Better to trade him, take the crippling cap hit and move on.
I mean, if you think three straight trips to the playoffs is misery, I have a few Jets fan friends you should talk to.
Fair. That’s another reason I will never be a Jets fan. But this yearly Lucy pulling the ball away is getting old.
Now we're comparing ourselves to the Jets. GOD HELP US.
Surely, it has not come to this: Dallas using the Jets as a measuring stick.
Hey, I'm just trying to offer some perspective here. No one likes the consistent playoff failures, but at least we get postseason football. Other franchises have it worse...
Good point. Dallas hasn't made the super bowl in 30 years. Well this is Detroit's first playoff appearance in 30 years.
Don't get me wrong, yesterday sucked, and is merely the latest in a long line of playoff disappointments. But the Jets have now missed the playoffs for 13 straight years, and are so desperate for good QB play they once gave a big contract to Mark Sanchez...
For sure would be dismal to be a fan of the Jets, but they also never have the expectation of doing anything. This was the one year they did and it came crashing down in less than 5 snaps.
And yet they've still been to more championship games than us in 30 years.
How much better would you feel if we lost a couple NFC Championship games along the way?
To me he played like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. I think he might not mind a change of scenery tbh. Stafford never won a playoff game until he left Detroit and then went on and had success elsewhere. I could see the same thing happening for Dak. I don't think he is a bad quarterback, but he did not play well yesterday. I think the defensive performance was even worse than the offense.
Definitely time to move on from McCarthy. It's one thing to lose in the playoffs to a better team, it's another thing to get rolled at home against a team that barely squeaked in. And the gameplan on offense seemed horrendous, both in terms of play designs and play calls. He was brought in to win in the playoffs, and he's now 1-3 including 0-2 at home.
I'm more ambivalent about Dak, in no small part because of his nearly $62M dead cap number in 2024, but also because it's just so hard to find even a good QB (unless you're the Packers, apparently). Hard for me to say we need to move on this year while we're currently without any real backup plan.
I do think it's time for this franchise to meaningfully contemplate life without Dak, however. Realistically I think this means a new contract that provides an a palatable out after 2025, and drafting a QB within the first three rounds this year.
Bottom line is we have to do what the Bucs and Rams did, eat the dead cap money for a year or 2 and rebuild. Problem is Dak is going to get 50+ mil and after yesterday's outing, no way. The good news is he is a good QB and a team will trade a lot for him. You could land quite the haul for Dak, Lamb and Parsons to begin a rebuild.
The way Lamb started that game I lost all confidence in him going forward. Something was way off and it seemed to be on him. And no point paying him and Parsons while looking for a new QB. Better to use 2024 to clear cap space and stock pile picks, imo.
While I would disagree with it, moving on from Dak this year would be understandable. Though I think the haul is likely to be disappointing considering the recent disappointing returns from the Russ and Watson trades. Of course, it takes just one desperate franchise...
Why trade Parsons though? Guys like him don't come along very often, and he should have many years left of his prime. If we hit on a QB who is thriving by year two (2025), wouldn't you want him on the team? After yesterday I'm all for drastic changes, but that feels a bit TOO drastic.
Wilson was older and was playing poorly, Dak is coming off his best year. As for Parsons, I'm one of the few it seems is willing to criticize him. He talks a good game but pouts when it's not going his way. He does not elevate the D, imo and is easy to scheme around. He's simply not worth the money he's going to command and would land a haul in picks. The team is not going to be good as they rebuild so why pay him verse getting picks?
It is drastic, but odds of hitting on said QB and being able to surround him with talent while eating the dead money seems unrealistic. On the other hand, eat the dead money for 2024 and 2025 and pile up picks. You can take several shots on a QB if needed and then have a clean slate to surround them with picks and FA's.
I like Dak, but this was not the SF D with him under constant duress. And he's as greedy as they come, demanding top money and a short contract. He's going to try and top the market and I don't think any QB is worth that.
I mean, it wasn't Micah's fault that Quinn had him drop into coverage on 3rd and long. And now matter how great a player is, you can always scheme around one guy on defense, in which case other players need to make plays.
He had the lowest pass rush win rate (only one pressure) of the last 2 seasons. He has declined notably at end of all 3 seasons he's played.
He hasn't been a difference-maker in any of the team's 3 playoff losses. He's going to be making $35M soon. His style of play lends himself to having a short career.
Trading him while his value is high cold prove to be th best use of him.
Not saying I'm right (who knows) but it'd definitely worthy consideration.
Of course, it's never your favorite players fault right? Look, he's part of the problem. He's not mentally tough, when he gets pushed around, he folds. And as Michael said below, he's not likely to be great for long.
Plus the bevy of picks you'd get, I assume 2 firsts and some change? Add that plus the extra money from not paying him and I think you have a better team. Perhaps weaker at his one position but stronger over all.
Give me DE's like DLaw, Armstrong, Fowler and Williams and use that draft capital and extra funds to upgrade DT, LB and secondary.
I would trade anything and everything to move up to take a QB. If it means Dak, CeeDee, Micah and Jake Ferguson have to go then you pull the trigger.
You can't win consistently in the NFL without the right QB and Dak is proven to not be the right QB.
And if you draft Zack Wilson, Sam Darnold, Mitch Trubisky, and so on, where are you then. Before mortgaging the future like that, I’d be more inclined to see what I have in Trey Lance. Maybe he’s Jordan Love.
I feel like:
1. The Bears and Jets could draft anyone and it won't work bc they're dysfunctional franchises
2. If Trey Lance had an ounce of an NFL future he wouldn't have been kicked to the curb by the 49ers or unable to beat out Cooper Rush for the #2 job.
It's true that SF moved on from lance, but I think that had more to do with Purdy.
You may be right about his situation in SF, but he didn’t arrive in time to beat out
That's why you blow it up, you'll get enough to take 2-3 shots at a new QB. Lance only has one year left, then what? Don't have the money to pay him and eat Dak's dead money in 2025.
The NFL has shown that the hardest to evaluate. That's why a lot of 1st round picks aren't in the league anymore and you have guys like Brady lasting until the 6th round and Purdy being drafted last. It's a crap shoot at best. I can name 1st rounder after 1st rounder who didn't make it. For very CJ Stroud their is way more Paxton Lynch, Sam Darnold, Trey Lance, Mac Jones.
No. We need to build the team first and then drop a QB in. Next year should be all about seeing if Lance has anything and getting rid of cap space/dead hits.
We need to get young on the O-line.
Hard pass on trading up to the top of the first; just look at Bryce Young and Brock Purdy. I'm all for grabbing a QB in the first if there's a prospect you like, but I'm also fine if they wait and take one in round two or three instead.
The hit rate on QBs taken in round 2 and 3 is like 15% or less.
Teams miss on high draft picks as well but the hit rate is much, much higher.
And this year's draft has more high level prospects than any in memory.
Do you not remember 2021? Lawrence, Wilson, Lance, Fields, and Jones was considered a historic QB class, and it has not gone well. And I can only imagine what it would take to move up from the 20s to get into the top two and take Williams or Maye. It's just not worth it, particularly as we just lost to a QB who was a later first round pick...
No way Lamb or Parsons are going anywhere. These players are year 3 and 4 with high productivity. You don't just give up on their kind of production. The coach and Dak another story.
Jerry jones is absolutely the problem. If you’re to ignorant to see that with MOUNTAINS of evidence then I can’t help you.
I think honestly that finding a QB isn't actually as hard as it's made out to be. It's not 'easy', certainly, but look at how many teams have their proper franchise QB on their roster.
In fact, there's probably only about 10 teams who don't actually have a 'franchise QB' on their team, with a few of those holes being filled in the next draft.
It's way harder to build a winning culture IMO.
People get confused because they think franchise QB means a top 3 elite QB. It does not have to be, Stafford is a good example. He's mentally tough and can do enough when needed, and not blow it for you. But he's not going to pull Mahomes or Brady level of play to win a game every other QB would lose.
Agree. It’s way better to pay below market for a good not great QB (Geno, Goff, Baker) than spent elite QB money on a good, not game changing qb)
You think theres 22 franchise qbs? Ive always been of the mind there are never more than 12 to 15 tops. Count em. **you cant count any young qbs who havent shown us something already... that is pure hope. .So fields and young should not be counted. Count guys we know cam do something.. Im not sure about Tua or herbert but i will count them. I just counted 15 to 17 and I was being generous.
Either way...if 1 of 3 or 1 of 2 teams in he league cant find qb...why anyone thinks finding a qb as good or better than Dak will be easy has never made sense to me.
Look at the Jets. Miami since Marino. Buffalo between Kelly and Allen. Tampa prior ro Brady. A few examples showing us decades in the wilderness is very possible. Minimal to no success at all.
That could be dallas. Back to 5 win seasons.
However you define or describe it, even in your scenario half the league has a franchise QB, which suggests it's not as impossible to find one as it sounds.
To find an elite, game changing QB is definitely a lot harder - there's probably only 5 of those in the league at any one time, and most of those will have 15+ season careers.
But you can definitely win a SB with a tier 2 QB with a great coaching structure.
Jerry isn’t going to fix this team with a scalpel. He needs a meat axe. There is obviously a losing cancer that has metastasized. We have to cut that cancer out of the team. That really starts with Jerry taking a step back and hiring a football GM.
Trey Lance.
I would just like to note that once things have gotten so bad that fans are meaningfully suggesting Trey Lance take over at QB, you have suffered an ass-whooping of truly historic proportions.
I don’t think Trey Lance is the answer. But I would rather cut ties with dak and get on with the rebuild.
Sucks. Finished it for ya.
Captures my feelings exactly. If Dak can't do any better that he has the last 3 years in the playoffs, with the roster surrounding him, in his 6-7-and8th season, there's zero reason to think he ever will.
You could seem him absolutely panic out there. Suddenly he couldn't read defenses, didn't navigate the pocket well, and threw wildly off-target throws.
We've see this before but never in such vivid detail. I have supported Dak from day 1 but it's obvious he's taken this franchise as far as they will ever go with him.
I wish Dallas played as good as Bob Sturm writes. Sadly, it is not even close. I never saw a beatdown like this coming. I can’t figure out what was worse, the offense or the defense.
When will y’all learn u can hire any coach you want and it wont matter till the control freak loser Jerry jones is not the gm and the control freak isn’t making the calls.
When that becomes what the problem is. It's not.
Was waiting for this all morning so I can finally get my disgust off my chest. I dont think it is hyperbole to say this is the worst playoff loss in Cowboys history. There has been more heartbreak, like the Dwight Clark catch, but I was never so sick watching a game. TBH, I expected GB to put up points. I have skeptical of the defense all year long. That? That was another level entirely. It was pathetic. It was a joke. I simply can't get my head around how little resistance the Cowboys D put up.
As for the offense, my god, the offense. All week I was saying the offense must show up. Even if we lose this game, the offense can't come out and STB. They STB in spectacular fashion. Dak was horrible and I just can't get excited about brining him back. I understand the cap situation, but it's 8 years now. I really like the guy, but it's just enough. The more I think about this season, the less impressed I am about everything they accomplished. If GB brought with them a legitimate defense, I might be more forgiving, but this? That was a choke job of historic proportions.
The problem is what do we do from here? I really want the entire staff gone and Vrabel hired to bring a toughness we are sorely lacking. I want us to move on from Dak and take the hit. I want to see if we have anything with Trey Lance. I would be open to pretty much anything rather than running it back again with the group.
the only solace I can take is that I was so disgusted yesterday that I just turned the game off after GB slapped this pathetic defense yet again, on their first drive of the 3rd quarter. At that point I was still slightly delusional that if we can score coming out of the half we could go on a run. GB laughed at this team. What a joke.
This sums up how I feel. When have we ever been in the opposite position? Underdogs that come out and smack someone else in the face? I truly can’t think of such a time in the Dak era, much less the McCarthy era. Closest is maybe *maybe* Week 2 2022 when we took the Bengals to task with Rush. But even then, it’s been made clear Bengals just start the season slow.
And that is the issue Bob. This is a culture issue at the top. They can hire whomever they want. Our players and coaches care more about their brand than winning. 25 years has proven that. This is led by Jerry.
I agree it is the culture. I think Jerry tries to have too much control over football operations. However, I don't think it is lack of desire to win. I don't think any owner wants to win more than Jerry. Also, I think the players really wanted it. To me, they seemed to play tight, at least on offense. Green Bay was the team that seemed to play like they had nothing to lose.
Well if history is our guide… what is Jimmy Johnson’s phone number? Lol
Bob: This was outstanding. You brought the facts, the why and the how which comes with your knowledge and film study. You can understand and explain the 3-D chess of the NFL. I only "watch the ball" so my knowledge is at the "checkers" level. That said, my simpleton thoughts:
The secondary started in zone: torched. They tried man-to-man: scorched. The defense's run issues started with losing VanderEsch, its only real "LB." Using DB-sized LBs didn't work against the run and those LBs couldn't/didn't contribute to pass defense against Green Bay.
Dak's pick six is the summation of his career. He's a wonderful person and a damn good QB when the seas are calm. In a storm, he panics. (I also question the second-and-two call; you're down 20-0. Why not throw medium-to-deep against a defense that might be expecting a conservative play.) The horrific mistake that Dak appears to make when facing adversity is having tunnel vision. He was throwing to Lamb as soon as the play was called on the sidelines. On the replay, these old eyes saw Cooks open running a route to the right and the defense flowing to the left. If Dak was seeing the field and threw to Cooks, he would have a first down and maybe more. Woulda, shoulda, coulda - the loser's mantra.
Now, the future. Who the eff knows? This team is run by a senile billionaire. Billionaires like to think their money makes them geniuses and that money buys happiness and success. Jerry Jones has been, is, and will be the problem. Putting JJ in the Ring of Honor did not lift the "curse." In the locker room after the Washington game, as the Cowboys celebrated an unexpected division title, Jones peed on the victory by putting Mike McCarthy's future in doubt. (And never mind the fact this is the only NFL franchise where the owner holds his own informal press conference gab fest after every game and does a weekly radio hit on his team's flagship station (mouthpiece.)
I know less than zero about the brotherhood of a professional team. I THINK I know the logic of team camaraderie and focus. One has to wonder if the players and the staff had some WTF reactions to Jones putting McCarthy on the plank facing a potential march to its end. Perhaps you would think that professional athletes should be able to focus and ignore the noise, the Cowboys had to wonder what The Boss was thinking. After Sunday's debacle, Jones had the audacity to say something along the lines that he hasn't given McCarthy's future any thought.
Jones either lied after the Washington victory or he lied after the Packers loss. Or, his massive ego, deep pockets and addled brain can't remember what he babbles about.
Cowboys fans, THAT'S your problem. And there's no solution.
This is it 100%. Nothing ever changes because nothing ever changes. The only constant throughout this exile to the wilderness has been Jerry. It’s a fool who thinks he (or any high ranking member of this nepotistic organization) has any of the cards to change anything.
Does the owner really matter that much? Indy won a Super Bowl with a meddling owner who happens to be a drug addict.
I agree wholeheartedly with your comment about Jerry’s McCarthy take after the Washington game. I know that something like that probably shouldn’t matter, but why put more pressure on a team that already carries the sins of the past on their backs into every single playoff game. The Cowboys looked uptight from the beginning…afraid of giving up the big play on defense and conservative on offense…and I don’t think Jerry’s comments did them any favors. I think heads will roll at some point, and in the process, Jerry needs to take a long look in the mirror.
Dak has tunnel vision absolutely nails it. He sees but does not see. His eyes glaze over. He does not see open guys running free as he zeroes in on who he has already decided to throw to. It's not going to change. He is what he is.
Even on the early interception throw to Cooks - if you watch the replay from behind Dak - as Dak is looking and getting ready to throw the receiver further upfield than Cooks but on Dak's same line of vision is breaking open - but Dak was already tunnel visioned onto Cooks.
I am truly stunned they laid this big of an egg...and I’ve watched them all. A friend asked me what I would do if I was in charge. I said, “I have no idea.” Upon further reflection, I think it is about mental toughness and the absolute refusal to not have the results go you way. Jimmy’s halftime speech on tv was more inspiring than any clip I’ve ever seen of McCarthy or Garrett or Phillips..all great coaches and nice guys. I think we need the Dan Campbell anger...the Shanahan anger... It can’t be all the time, obviously...because no one can live under constant anger. But when you are underperforming based on your talent, someone needs to have the credibility to come in and rip you apart and will you to refuse to lose. I am so disappointed this team is done. It is such a waste. Props to Jordan Love though. He’s the real deal and we’ll be dealing with him for awhile.
No retread Belicheck. He’s done nothing apart from Brady and I can’t imagine a 72 yr old is an upgrade. Vrabel or someone from the Shanny/McVay tree.
Bob’s columns were the only thing that kept me onboard the McCarthy-Dak train for the last four years. Now it feels completely wasted. How is this any better than the failed Garrett-Romo era? I think this is actually worse because it seemed to hold more promise. I will never give the Cowboys the benefit of the doubt again. I will never argue for or defend the Cowboys again.
I’m trying to come up with a scenario in my head about what they could possibly do in the off-season to get me excited about next year, but I just don’t think it’s possible for me to buy in again. This is going to take multiple years to clean out the rot.
Well said, that's where I'm at as well. Last few years I felt just add a few quality FA's, have a good draft and take the needed step. After the SF game this year, I knew this was not a SB team, but I thought they could get to a championship game. How wrong was I!
I don't see the tweaks that can be made to improve next year. Because our core is part of the issue.
I feel like that too. I'm not excited about the off season. I really think they had an opportunity to make a run, and it did not happen,.
The Joneses family plane could crash, leading to a sale of the team to a young billionaire who vows to hire "the best football minds alive" to finally bring another Super Bowl to Dallas.
This is some epic copium.
Hey, he was looking for a scenario that would get him excited for next season...
I feel really bad for Tank Lawrence. He made a couple of really nice plays to start but he was the only guy on D that showed up from my seat. They had GB off the field on the first possession before the illegal contact by Bland (I think), and that was about it. So let’s not forget the role that penalties played all year too. Agree with everyone here, MM, DQ and Dak need to move along. They just didn’t get it done here. Move Dak while you still can and take the hit in ‘24. Maybe Chicago, NE or Washington would give up their first round pick? I read a quote from Peter Drucker today that I thought was fitting for Dallas: “The greatest danger in turbulent times isn’t the turbulence, it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” Jerry isn’t going to recapture the 90’s. It is going to take something completely new and different.
The problem is that Jerry has been acting with yesterday's logic his whole life as Cowboy's GM. He's the issue.
Tank and Ferguson, maybe Gallup and sometimes even Pollard, showed a little fight. The rest were either concussed with shock or brainstorming content for their next podcast.
I thought the O-Line played well, too.
PLEASE - no 70+ year old coaches. Notice how most playoff teams have young coaches?
I truly think bringing in Belichik would just result in continued Cowboys mediocrity and Bill soiling his reputation. Will not work.
I've never seen a franchise's "status" change in a single game as much as I did yesterday.
Going in the belief was this was a legitimate SB contender with a franchise QB (likely to finish 2nd in MVP voting), a WR group that could be matched against anyone, a dynamic, playmaking defense. Regardless of outcome the assumed off-season challenges would be:
1. How to extend the QB
2. How to keep or replace the DC
3. How to keep the rest of the group together
None of those questions matter today.
The QB question is now "Do we extend Prescott? Or, not extend him and figure out how to move on from him? Which means punting on 2025 bc he has a $60M cap hit and a no trade clause".
Both the HC and the DC are likely to be gone bc they've both proven incapable of meeting the task.
No one on the roster...not Cee Dee, not Micah....literally not a single player....should be off-limits. Everyone person metioned above - the most important people on the field - get an F grade yesterday:
McCarthy
Quinn
Dak
CeeDee
Parsons
When ALL of your allegedly top assets simultaneously crap the bed in the season's biggest moment there's indisputably something fundamentally wrong with the entire organization. Now I know many will point to the Jones and I get it.
But I also recognize they brought in proven, experienced coaches, had a QB capable of playing at an MVP caliber, and built a roster that at least 20 other franchises would swap.
Seems to me they did their job. Those coaches and players, by virtually every NFL observer, were capable of and should have done better. Instead, they ALL had their worst performance imaginable.
It's rotten. It has to be blown up.
For what, to go into a draft and try and hit on guys with the same potential as the guys you've already got? Do you want to try and contend for a Super Bowl next year, or blow it up and wait 10? Make a few changes, not the entire roster. Trading Lamb or Parsons would be absolute insanity.
There's <1% chance this team contends for a Super Bowl next year. That's the same delusional thinking that got us where we are.
Dak is obviously not capable of leading a team to SB.
They played the easiest schedule in the league and still needed massive help to get the #2 seed to (allegedly) give them an easy path to the Conf Champ.
They got smoked at home to a team that wouldn't have made the playoffs in 2020.
They got blown out by virtually every good team they faced.
What exactly is the blueprint for turning this team into a contender?
Blowing it up doesn't mean you wait 10 years. The Rams weren't supposed to compete this year. Nor were the Packers. Teams make dramatic, unexpected turnarounds all the time.
I'd much rather take my chances with something that offers a hope of a different result. There's absolutely no reason to believe "running it back again" will result in a better outcome.
You're right. I'm not suggesting running it back. I've said make changes, just not everybody. You're much closer to a super bowl already than resetting things and starting from zero. People think a complete reset is a magical path to a Championship. Plenty of teams have reset and don't win sh*t. You need to recognise the good with what you've got and be smart about what you need to add.
But if the current QB isn't the answer....how do you compete next year? What is the blueprint?
I disagree, every reasonable person thought they had a reasonable path to the NFCCG but had no shot against SF. And all of us reasonable folks opined their biggest threat was themselves against all but SF. We all know there was every chance the AZ team showed up and that's what happened.
As an old coach I'm loathe to rip coaches. Yesterday I watched a defense that I've been critical of all year repeat its low points. There seemed to be no plan B. As a matter of fact plan A seemingly was a rehash of past butt kicking.
I'm not going to excuse the offense for its shortcomings but it's incredibly hard for an offense to be successful when playing uphill down multiple scores in the 1st quarter. Starting all those drives deep in their own territory compounds the problem. Having to throw 60 times is not a recipe for success.
I'm also not saying Dak played anywhere necessary to be successful but he got little to no help from his receivers. It was especially disappointing to see 88 drop balls early and seemingly go into pout mode.
Truly baffling that Quinn's biggest mistake ever was not making adjustments vs NE in SB 41.
Then yesterday, he abandons the usual man coverage to go zone.....and stayed with it the entire game despite GB moving the ball at will.
In the 4th qtr, when GB was going to do nothing but run the ball, Quinn was still playing split safeties with a light box.
That's unreal. I mean....not adjusting at any point in that game yesterday was mind-blowingly stubborn.
The soft zone was baffling. I think Quinn may have been more focused on becoming the next HC of the Seahawks then yesterday's game...
Good, now remember this when you keep blaming Dak for all of it. He sucked early and on two throws in particular. But the D had a chance to keep us in it while the O found it's footing. They got worse however.
I saw yesterday coming from a mile away. To be fair, I am never optimistic with this team. I still contend that the 2007 team losing to NYG was worse. That team was set up perfectly. Thanks for your work Bob. I always look forward to your analysis after wins or losses. This sucks.
That team’s aging offensive line got exposed by the Giants’ NASCAR package. Romo never stood a chance.
The accumulated 336 yards, held the ball for 36 minutes, converted 10 of 16 3rd down, sacked only twice.
ROmo just played poorly that day.
But he spent most of the second half running for his life, if my memory serves me correctly. When you’re as old as I am, there’s so many memories that they sometimes all run together.
I've been around since early 70's so.....
He was under pressure some in that game but also held the ball too long trying to make plays. Was also totally kneecapped by Patrick Crayton dropping what should have been a classic 75-yard TD and quitting on what should have been an NFL legendary highlight game-winning next to last play TD.
How 'bout them Rangers!!!
After Green Bay scored it's first TD of the second half, my first thought was "how long until pitchers and catchers report?"
Yep, had exactly the same reaction, except I'm a Reds fan. But first thing I said to my wife was "when do pitchers and catchers report".
Great piece. Sums up my feelings. I believe in guys and want to defend them too. We don’t have enough playmakers. The pressure masks some of that on defense. Bell is really good but not as a LB. Detroit game you heard the LBs names constantly. SF next week same thing. That has to improve. Safety is solid but no playmakers. Need another DE that can win consistently. The thing that stuck out to me was how much easier Love played QB than Dak. More athletic, more natural. High draft status matters. Dak seems in his head constantly. Our offense is good when it overwhelms but bad when it doesn’t. Rams and Lions played a more modern game to me offensively. I think we need that type of offense. More motion and more speed, more burst. Our roster is not bad but has holes that get exposed.
All just lipstick on Jerry’s pig
We have to remember that the Cowboys are a flawed team. They Got blown out at least three times this year by Arizona, Buffalo and San Francisco. Their defensive backs cannot keep up with Speedy athletic receivers and cannot cover well enough if the defensive line can't get to the quarterback.
I think Quinn figured out that his Backs could not keep up with the green bay receivers so they went primarily to a zone defense which caused all kinds of confusion with the secondary and allowed the Receivers to run free because of busted coverage. Furthermore, Jordan love was throwing dimes all day. Remember, this is the guy who had an 18 to 1 touchdown to interception ratio the last part of the season.
Bottom line, Cowboys were outcoached yesterday. Green bay elected to received the ball & went down and scored a Grind them out touchdown and all the sudden the cowboys were playing from behind. Two Pick sixes later, they were toast. I think GB may beat SF next week.
I think Quinn is overrated and completely blew it. And as usual, he stuck with what was not working. Dude had guys 12 yards off on 3rd and 8, etc. He was lost against GB.
The most mind blowing play was a big 3rd and 4 for the Packers while the game was still in doubt. They put a Tight End out wide left - he was clearly Bland's guy to cover.
It was 3rd and 4 and Bland lined up giving at least a 10 yard cushion - to a freaking Tight End!
Yup, that's the play I'm talking about. I did not remember the exact yardage but we're saying the same thing.