Dalton Schultz's recent comments calls Cowboys' decision-making into question
It's been an off-season of continuing frustration for the Dallas Cowboys. Frustration that is continuing to build, even with the 2022 NFL Draft approaching. The majority of the frustration (and for good reason) this off-season is at the feet of Executive Vice President Stephen Jones. Whether it's the lack of activity in free agency or […]
It's been an off-season of continuing frustration for the Dallas Cowboys. Frustration that is continuing to build, even with the 2022 NFL Draft approaching.
The majority of the frustration (and for good reason) this off-season is at the feet of Executive Vice President Stephen Jones. Whether it's the lack of activity in free agency or trading Amari Cooper with less than minimal return, it's been less than pleasant from the outside looking in.
Finally, after months of confusion and festering irritation amongst the Cowboys faithful, Jones spoke. On 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Texas he was asked about a variety of topics such as Kelvin Joseph and team-building.
What stood out, however, were his comments surrounding losing Randy Gregory and how it meshed with the re-signing of Dorance Armstrong Jr, as well as the loss of Amari Cooper and what it means for the offense.
"We hated to lose Randy… But at the same time, you look at production. You look at what Dorance Armstrong has done. He's right there from a production standpoint with Randy."
To start, statistically, this isn't accurate.
- Randy Gregory 2021: 437 defensive snaps, 29 pressures and six sacks
- Dorance Armstrong 2021: 507 defensive snaps, 22 pressures and five sacks
Gregory clearly has a higher pressure rate and sack rate. Per Pro Football Focus, his 26.2% pass rush win rate against a true pass set led the team. Armstrong clocked in at 19.2%, for comparison's sake.
The comments regarding Cooper didn't hold much weight, either.gallup]
"I know Amari was a great player for us, but this might allow CeeDee [Lamb] and Michael [Gallup] to step up and play a bigger role. And who knows what their upside may be?"
Whatever Lamb and Gallup combine to be, it's very likely it still won't be as good or better than all three players on the field at the same time.
These comments fall in line with the philosophies the front office in recent years. Even if they believe these things are key, it seems that not all within are on the same page.
For instance, even tight end Dalton Schultz believes the offense is in fact better with Cooper on the roster.
"We’re a better offense with Cooper. Unfortunately, we don’t have him, and so I think the next step is having guys step up. I think there’s room to grow in a bunch of other aspects of the game."
These comments don't fall along with how DeMarcus Lawrence felt during his contract re-negotiations. What they do show is that more and more players do not love the direction the team is heading in.
This isn't the first time Cowboys players have disagreed with the people in charge. However, considering how they're now 'venting' in public, as opposed to keeping it private, or waiting until they're no longer part of the team is telling.
We have to ask ourselves; Is the Dallas Cowboys model of winning, hurting the Dallas Cowboys?
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
