Once Dallas Cowboys fans get past the karmic justice doled out to them by the refs on Sunday, they'll remember that the team is facing significant questions now that they are out of the playoffs.
Here are the top three issues the Cowboys need to address this offseason.
1. Re-sign head coach Jason Garrett
Yes, Jerry Jones has said that he plans to keep Garrett, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Garrett plans to stay. Remember, there are five open head coaching positions out there right now. As a free agent, it isn't outside the realm of possibility that Garrett is wooed by another team with a less fickle owner.
"...the team shouldn't deliberate long over whether he deserves to be back on the sidelines: He's earned an extension," ESPN's Field Yates wrote. "The Cowboys' staff and roster has respect for Garrett. In a league where coaching turnover is not uncommon, the Cowboys rightfully stuck with Garrett in 2014 when some speculated he could be out last offseason (and frankly, previous offseasons as well). He should be rewarded for his efforts with a new deal."
Garrett rebuffed the Falcons and Ravens in 2008 to become Dallas' offensive coordinator. It's unlikely he'd leave now after a 12-4 season. But stranger things have happened.
2. Re-sign Dez Bryant
This is one of the easier decisions Jones will have to make this offseason. Although negotiations have been somewhat contentious thus far, Bryant's on-field play warrants a lucrative long-term deal. Bryant finished 12th in the NFL in receptions (88), eighth in receiving yards (1,320) and first in receiving touchdowns (16) this season.
"The explosive 26-year-old Bryant is an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year, and the team has made no secret of the fact that it intends to keep him around for a long time," Yates wrote. "And while it has the franchise tag available to use on Bryant if need be, locking him up for many years is prudent given his transcendent talent. He's a matchup problem against any secondary, and should be the team's No. 1 priority in free agency."
Jones reportedly has reservations of giving Bryant too rich of a deal due to concerns over his maturity. But if Jones doesn't get past that apprehension soon, Bryant could be wearing a different uniform next season. Talent will always be rewarded in the NFL.
3. Figure out what to do with DeMarco Murray
Murray's free agency is a lot trickier than Bryant's. On one hand, Murray led the league in rushing with 1,845 yards to go along with 13 rushing touchdowns. On the other, he received a staggering 392 carries and has a history of wearing down.
Teams just don't need to spend at the running back position like they used to. LeGarrette Blount is scheduled to be the New England Patriots' highest-paid running back next season with a salary of $750 thousand. Seems to be working out okay for them.
"The team has expressed a desire to re-sign Murray, but running backs have become a tricky commodity to assess: There is no shortage of productive backs in the league who are making minimal money," Yates wrote.
"So is Murray worth the top-of-the-line money he likely covets? The offensive line in Dallas is so terrific that if Murray does not return in 2015, the running game still can be very effective. For a team with other needs - re-signing Bryant, concerns on defense - signing Murray to a big deal might not make the most sense."
