Will Dallas Cowboys establish a clear franchise identity like the Jacksonville Jaguars?
The Jaguars battled for a Super Bowl spot with a strong defense and running game. What is the Dallas Cowboys identity? Who’s molding their future?
Approximately four score and seven years ago, I wrote a highly praised article defining two things that our Dallas Cowboys could learn from the Jacksonville Jaguars. On Sunday, the Jaguars were defeated by the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game, 24-20, as the Jags nearly had themselves a Super Bowl bid. But that doesn’t alter this message.
The first lesson I mentioned was establishing a team identity and direction. Even though the Jaguars have been the punchline of my jokes, I have always respected their defense and running game. These two things have always kept the Jaguars moderately successful. At times, the identity of the Cowboys fluctuates wildly.
The face of the Jaguars franchise was running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. Currently, it’s rookie running back sensation Leonard Fournette who finished with 1,040 yards. That ranked him 2nd amongst rookies at his position and 8th amongst all running backs.
The face of the Cowboys has shifted from our former elite, future hall of fame quarterback Tony Romo to quarterback Dak Prescott. If this season proved anything, the face of the franchise is actually the young legs of running back Ezekiel Elliott. Had we allowed Romo and Elliott to play together, Dallas would have their sixth Lombardi.
Perhaps the face of the team should be the entire offensive line? Unfortunately, having the best offensive line hasn’t seemed to result in championships. What good is the best line when Prescott goes three straight games without the offense scoring 10 points for the first time in franchise history?
Let’s switch to the front office and the faux reshuffle of the coaching staff. When I mention the Jaguars identity, that was established during the years that Tom Coughlin was their head coach. That identity was maintained as Coughlin became coach of the New York Giants. Now Coughlin is the executive vice president of football operations.
It’s time to remove the ego of owner, slash general manager, slash president, slash, slash, slash you name it – Jerry Jones – and established a true general manager in duties and title with Will McClay. Afterwards, we need to mold the team in someone’s vision.
If the vision belong to McClay, then maybe he wants a team built around a strong running game. If the vision belongs to head coach Jason Garrett, then maybe the team will be built around his Air Coryell offensive system and feature a new, accurate quarterback that can throw the ball more than 7 yards downfield. If the vision belongs to defensive coordinate Rod Marinelli, then maybe we’ll draft the team around a physical secondary or “high-motor” defensive linemen.
I would like to see a clear direction for our franchise. The vision so clear that when we draft a tight end in the first round, Cowboy Nation can cheer. We will cheer because the fanbase will understand that the Cowboys are devaluing the outside wide receiver positions and switching to a wishbone style offense. An offense that features two running backs, two tight ends and a shifty slot receiver, so Prescott doesn’t have to throw it deep.
Finally, allow me to discuss an immeasurable stat: Heart. I remember seeing Romo in tears as he left Lambeau Field in Green Bay after receiver Dez Bryant‘s selfish play was ruled a non-catch. In Romo, I saw a guy that wanted to win more than lose. It wasn’t about money or the love of the game.
The same could be said when Jaguars’ cornerback Jalen Ramsey cried in 2016 because he was tired of losing. Give me a field of 22 Ramsey’s, because I respect that. Teammates see that and realize that this dude cares, so I’m going to do better.
Unfortunately, after a 9 – 7 season where the Cowboys didn’t make the playoffs. After a season where Jerry Jones predicted that Prescott would be better because Prescott had a Peyton Manning type work ethic. After a season where Prescott declined in every statistical category – check the numbers #Facts – featuring fewer completions on more attempts.
2016 | 2017 | ||
| Wins | 13 | > | 9 |
| Completion % | 67.8 | > | 62.9 |
| Completions | 311 | > | 308 |
| Attempts | 459 | < | 490 |
| Yards | 3667 | > | 3324 |
| Yards per Game | 229.2 | > | 207.8 |
| Quarterback Rating | 81.5 | > | 66.1 |
| Sacks | 25 | < | 32 |
| Net Yards per Pass Attempt | 7.28 | > | 6.01 |
| Interceptions | 4 | > | 13 |
It’s good to know that Prescott didn’t cry or begin working to get better as a quarterback. Instead, his offseason began with a promotion for Adidas Alphaskin’s base layer. What do you expect for a player reported to have product endorsements for: New Era Caps, Beats By Dre headphones, Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Tostitos tortilla chips, Nicholas Air, AT&T, DirecTV, Panini America, Pepsi, 7-Eleven and more.
With that level of off-field commitments, it doesn’t seem that Prescott will have time to become a better quarterback. Hopefully, we can learn from the Jaguars and just find an identity on both sides of the football.
Next: Craziest things said after the Cowboys 2017 season
Like you, I’d rather see the Dallas Cowboys playing during the playoffs next year, instead of possibly seeing Dak Prescott getting another paycheck for saying Dilly Dilly!
#GoCowboys