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Machota: How Cowboys can avoid national writer's scenario of having to rebuild by 2018
By Jon Machota
SportsDay's Jon Machota answered questions in a live chat Friday. Here are some highlights.
Question: John Clayton predicts that the Cowboys will have to enter rebuilding mode by 2018. To that, you say ... what?
Jon Machota: If they can find Tony Romo's successor, there won't be a rebuilding mode. Finding the next franchise QB is the key. If it's not Dak Prescott, then how will they acquire that player? They have pieces on the offensive line and running back that will likely still be playing at a high level a few years from now. I think as long as Dez Bryant avoids any significant injuries, he has the type of game that should translate into quality production into his early 30s. It's a QB league. Find that next QB and you won't be rebuilding.
Question: Saw a stat on ESPN that said teams that start a season 2-2 have a diminished chance of making the playoffs. With defensive pieces missing for four games, do you think the Cowboys could do better than 2-2 in first four?
Jon Machota: Sure. They didn't have a great defense last year and still had a chance to win all four games without Romo and Dez for two of them. The Cowboys aren't exactly Super Bowl favorites, but they're good enough to be competitive in every game even without Lawrence, Gregory and McClain. Dallas has a decent chance of winning each of their first four (Giants, Redskins, Bears, 49ers), but I'd say another 2-2 start is a little more realistic. Right now, I have the Cowboys at 3-3 heading into their bye week. In the past, I've predicted 10 or 11 wins for the Cowboys this season. With the suspensions on defense, I've knocked them down at least one win. Now, a 9-7 year could still be good enough to win the division, but I have to see some upside from this defense before I get back to thinking this team is capable of double-digit victories.
By Jon Machota
SportsDay's Jon Machota answered questions in a live chat Friday. Here are some highlights.
Question: John Clayton predicts that the Cowboys will have to enter rebuilding mode by 2018. To that, you say ... what?
Jon Machota: If they can find Tony Romo's successor, there won't be a rebuilding mode. Finding the next franchise QB is the key. If it's not Dak Prescott, then how will they acquire that player? They have pieces on the offensive line and running back that will likely still be playing at a high level a few years from now. I think as long as Dez Bryant avoids any significant injuries, he has the type of game that should translate into quality production into his early 30s. It's a QB league. Find that next QB and you won't be rebuilding.
Question: Saw a stat on ESPN that said teams that start a season 2-2 have a diminished chance of making the playoffs. With defensive pieces missing for four games, do you think the Cowboys could do better than 2-2 in first four?
Jon Machota: Sure. They didn't have a great defense last year and still had a chance to win all four games without Romo and Dez for two of them. The Cowboys aren't exactly Super Bowl favorites, but they're good enough to be competitive in every game even without Lawrence, Gregory and McClain. Dallas has a decent chance of winning each of their first four (Giants, Redskins, Bears, 49ers), but I'd say another 2-2 start is a little more realistic. Right now, I have the Cowboys at 3-3 heading into their bye week. In the past, I've predicted 10 or 11 wins for the Cowboys this season. With the suspensions on defense, I've knocked them down at least one win. Now, a 9-7 year could still be good enough to win the division, but I have to see some upside from this defense before I get back to thinking this team is capable of double-digit victories.
