Former NFL quarterback, Dan Orlovsky, has develop into one of many higher analysts on ESPN programming over the previous few years. Regardless of not having the most effective NFL profession he is aware of the sport and might break it down in a manner that’s simply digestible for viewers. Orlovsky sounded off on Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys Thursday morning, slapping the label of “mediocre” on America’s crew.
“The Cowboys don’t really want to go be great. They want to be relevant, and they want to be mediocre.” — Dan Orlovsky
First, Orlovsky isn’t improper about Jones and his Cowboys staying related. Even the phrase mediocre (which a few of you get mad when it’s hooked up to sure common QBs) has been legit at occasions when talking of Dallas. Being mediocre and “wanting” to be mediocre aren’t the identical.
It’s arduous to consider these gamers exit each Sunday intent on the established order. They’re attempting to win, however they’re impeded by sure components which can be out of their management typically. Jones is a type of components, as Orlovsky factors out. Anytime it’s important to surprise if the proprietor/basic supervisor goes to make the appropriate transfer (or any transfer), that’s a giant downside.
This yr’s wage cap enhance is the biggest in league historical past. Let’s see if Jones makes the mandatory strikes like signing one other working again to pair with Tony Pollard if he returns. One of many huge names out there’s Derrick Henry, though there’s a slim likelihood he stays in Tennessee.
Even when neither of these backs pan out for Dallas, there are a number of different productive names on the market. A few of the different options that could be available to the Cowboys are Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler and D’Andre Swift amongst others. So, whether or not Pollard stays or goes, there ought to be loads of options for Jones to pursue in free company.
You simply never know with Jerry. Nobody expects him to interrupt the financial institution on a RB (once more), that’s not how the NFL rolls today, however some enchancment is required on the place. Dallas rushed for his or her lowest variety of yards as a crew since 2020. That’s not look in Pollard’s first yr as the primary man within the backfield.
If one facet of the Cowboys was mediocre in 2023 it was the working sport. However this franchise will all the time be related with Jones main the best way. That doesn’t imply they’ll be a championship-level crew, but it surely does imply we’ll speak about them regardless. Orlovsky’s rant about Dallas “wanting” to be mediocre appears somewhat off kilter. Striving for mediocrity and simply being that by default are two various things. Typically folks (or entities) simply are who they’re. Absolutely, Orlovsky didn’t set out for below-average within the NFL, however stuff occurs.
