Follow the Tank

by Dave Halprin on Jun 19, 2008 6:00 AM CDT in Dallas Cowboys News

Tank Johnson is finally feeling comfortable with the Dallas Cowboys and his old personality is coming out. He was known as a jokester and a fun-loving guy when he was with the Chicago Bears and was very popular in the locker room. Coming off his suspension last year in Dallas he toned everything down as he tried to fit in with his new team and get back in the good graces of The Commish. Now, he sounds like he’s ready to go and have a big season. I always thought we got a steal when we signed him to a meager contract and that he would eventually become the starter. But I also didn’t know that Jay Ratliff would be as good as he was in the middle and now there’s a real battle going on. Tank has upped his game to the level where the Cowboys can now consider using Rat at DE.

But the one thing I didn’t count on, and Wade Phillips mentioned he wasn’t counting on it either, is that Tank is a leader. We’ve all heard about Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin trying to show "Video Game" Jones the way to redemption, but in the locker room, it’s been Tank who has taken him under his wing. The Cowboys put their lockers together, probably with the idea that if anybody knows what Jones has been through it’s Tank. He’s taken to the task well.

Here’s Tank on leadership :

"For me to be a leader, on the field and off the field, in the weight room and just around the facility, is important," Johnson said. "I'm just trying to do my part and just stay consistent. ... I put in enough work this offseason to let them know what I am going to contribute this year in a big way."

He says a lot more in that article and this one that shows he gets what’s expected of him. I’m looking for the guy to really help our defense this year.

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Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd were asked about the Terry Glenn situation by the media. They said they want him back and that he’s a great receiver. But in the back of their minds, do you think they might be thinking – retirement’s not so bad, Terry. You need your knee for later in life. We can take it from here.

Some Q&A where Zach Thomas and Isaiah Stanback are discussed.

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Comments

I liked something I read from Zach

when he said there are a lot of leaders in the locker room and they won’t have to rely on him to take that role. I’m sure he will just based on his intensity and ability, but you gotta like having a locker room that takes care of its business.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 19, 2008 6:32 AM CDT reply actions

I cannot agree more, dunk

This locker room is FULL of guys that don’t shy from the leadership role. Off the top of my head, Canty and James were captains in college, Tank is a natural leader, Zach leads by example, Hamlin stepped right into the secondary leadership role, and that’s just on the defensive side of the ball. Unlike BP, where there was only one leader, Wade’s style of sharing the leadership role with the players is a welcome change.

With all the hype about this year’s team, it is easy to worry about how they will respond. But with all the leaders in this locker room, I can’t imagine anyone will lose focus…

They have two years of sour-taste in their mouths from playoff losses. Can you say motivation?

Tar Heels football will surprise this year

by DalaiLuke on Jun 19, 2008 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Terry Glenn

I think he knows it is in his best interest long term to stay a Cowboy. He doesn’t want to catch 60 balls in south beach, go 2-14, and watch us win a superbowl..

"Why everything that's supposed to be bad, Make me feel so good?"

by Wmillion on Jun 19, 2008 9:07 AM CDT reply actions