Watkins: The Cowboys don’t have an elite receiver anymore. How much does that matter?

[L.T. Fan]

If we have no better options, sure, and you definitely eventually let someone else overpay him.

If Dak flounders this year with the OL and RB he has, then you have to conclude there's nothing special about him and draft/sign another QB.

I agree with the assessment. He needs to at least show signs that he can make reads and utilize second or even third options under duress. He was disappointing at times last season. There were a lot of factors that brought this about not the least of which was a coaching snafu which shoved him in the deep end of the pool to quickly.

[p1_]

I agree with the assessment. He needs to at least show signs that he can make reads and utilize second or even third options under duress. He was disappointing at times last season. There were a lot of factors that brought this about not the least of which was a coaching snafu which shoved him in the deep end of the pool to quickly.

that and the absence of Tyron Smith for the Atlanta game. Pivotal point in Season Two of Dak, the sophomore. He was a changed man after that game.

[ravidubey]

that and the absence of Tyron Smith for the Atlanta game. Pivotal point in Season Two of Dak, the sophomore. He was a changed man after that game.

The supporting cast around him was all roses and unicorns the previous year, and mostly in 2017 until that point.

Jerry Jones is determined to break the bank for this guy, so I wonder if his performance in 2018 will actually matter.

[pdom]

Spreading the ball around is fine so long as the offense is still able to generate at least three 25+ yard pass plays.

If you can’t, then you suck and don’t deserve playoff success. Not unless you have a great defense.

Over a season, this equates to 48 plays of 25+ yard pass plays. How many teams had 48 or more last season?

[Iamtdg]

Over a season, this equates to 48 plays of 25+ yard pass plays. How many teams had 48 or more last season?

None. The closest was NE at 41. And, they were the only team over 40.

[Angrymesscan]

None. The closest was NE at 41. And, they were the only team over 40.

Yeah, but... There were no elite offenses last year... right...?

[pdom]

None. The closest was NE at 41. And, they were the only team over 40.

Did this differentiate 25+ yards in air, or are 5-yard slants with YAC included in this tally?

[ravidubey]

None. The closest was NE at 41. And, they were the only team over 40.

And they went to the Superbowl and would have won we’re it not for a miracle game from the Eagles and refs.

There will be off games, of course, accounting for stats being below 48, and these are pass plays, period, the ball doesn’t have to travel far.

In 2016 the top three were Washington, Atlanta, and New England.

If you build your team around the offense, then it had better be explosive and not rink-a-dink bullshit.

Playoff defenses are a different challenge than in the regular season. Predictable, find the open WR offenses don’t do well unless you also have a great defense.

We don’t.

[Iamtdg]

Did this differentiate 25+ yards in air, or are 5-yard slants with YAC included in this tally?

No, that's just pass plays that resulted in 25+ yards gained. Pro Football Reference is good, but it doesn't let you dig that deep.

[Cowboysrock55]

Playoff defenses are a different challenge than in the regular season. Predictable, find the open WR offenses don’t do well unless you also have a great defense.

We don’t.

So wait, throwing to the open receiver is now considered predictable? I mean doesn't that seem a little like common sense. Guy is open, get him the ball? So to be unpredictable you should throw the ball to the well covered guy? That may be unpredictable but it's also retarded.

[NoDak]

It's pretty obvious that what we need to compete is a timing-based WCO that throws the ball to the well covered guy and gets AT LEAST three 25+ yard pass plays per game. Then, and only then will we be considered elite.

How can you guys not see this?

[p1_]

Seeing as this season is pivotal for Garrett and Lenehan, do you guys have any faith that Linehan can come up with something new, creative and effective for Dak and this new crew of receivers and tight ends? It can't be the same old shit that its been these last 2 years. And it can't be just a one dimensional Zekefest.

[Cowboysrock55]

Seeing as this season is pivotal for Garrett and Lenehan, do you guys have any faith that Linehan can come up with something new, creative and effective for Dak and this new crew of receivers and tight ends? It can't be the same old shit that its been these last 2 years. And it can't be just a one dimensional Zekefest.

I'm guessing it will be much closer to what we saw in 2016 than what we saw in 2017. But if you're hoping for something drastically different than 2016 I doubt it. Of course if you combine the 2016 offense with the talent we now have on defense, you might actually have something. This defense in my opinion at least is much more talented than the one we saw in 2016.

[ravidubey]

So wait, throwing to the open receiver is now considered predictable? I mean doesn't that seem a little like common sense. Guy is open, get him the ball? So to be unpredictable you should throw the ball to the well covered guy? That may be unpredictable but it's also retarded.

WRs who aren’t dominant still get open all the time. So is the check down back. It doesn’t mean you feed them the football.

You get the ball to your playmakers, and yes, they will be covered. Hell, Antonio Brown is double-covered.

Ben still throws him the ball. Dak can’t do it. At least not yet. He’s Mr. Safe. Except when he tries to get the ball to covered playmakers. That’s when he fucks up.

[mcnuttz]

2014 & 2016 should be a model for this team.

With an improved defense, this team has a chance with teh strong running game and hungry WRs stepping up and getting open.