Cowboys 2008 season gets a very poor review
by Dave Halprin on Jan 20, 2009 1:36 PM CST
in Dallas Cowboys News
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PrintYikes! The DMN has one very damning article this morning about the allegedly undisciplined Dallas Cowboys. Watching the team play this year, it's hard to argue the points of the article. It relies mainly on unnamed sources. I know that many here believe that anonymous sources are not to be trusted but you overlook one important fact. When you are speaking truthfully in a negative manner about the team you play for, putting your name to quotes could cost you a job. You can call it cowardly if you want, that description is up for debate, but that doesn't make it any less truthful. And when an article claims five unnamed sources on an issue, it becomes very hard to deny the fact that some of this was going on at Valley Ranch.
Some of the charges leveled at the Cowboys after the jump.
- Tardiness for team charters to away games. No less than five charters had to be delayed from taking off because players were late and the flight to the final game in Philadelphia was delayed by over an hour?! Are you kidding me, the most important game of the season and players couldn't be bothered to show up on time. That is just sad.
- Fines for lateness or missing meetings were reduced from $5,000 - $12,000 under Parcells to $100 under Phillips. And it wasn't even Wade's fault, Jerry Jones rebuffed Phillips' attempts to have the fine levels raised. Jerry, you must quit coddling the players, for the love of God, please stop.
- As expected, sources singled out Terrell Owens for tardiness including a meeting days before the final game against Philadelphia. Again, the spotlight, unfairly, only shines on Owens - I would love to see a list of other players who were equally culpable. As an overall picture, meetings were often started 10-15 minutes late throughout the year. And once again, we have Jerry Jones laying down excuses for the players. As time moves on, my frustration with Jerry is mounting.
- Player/coach relationships were also strained. The defense lost respect for the departed Brian Stewart and one source said the offense felt slighted by Wade Phillips' attention to the defense.
- And in one of the most surprising developments in the article, some players lost respect for Jason Garrett because he failed to "corral Tony Romo in practice." Romo's practice habits were questioned and some felt that his lack of consistency can be directly traced to poor practice habits.
- Garrett's rocky relationship with Owens is an open secret but his relationship with Romo could be strained because he called him out for poor play late in the season.
All I can say is that the inmates seem to run the asylum and the fault lies at the top with Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips. The Cowboys players appear to be fairly lackadaisical in their commitment to the team and to the game itself. Seriously, you can't be on time for meetings and charters for away games? This is your job, show some personal responsibility. And Jerry, if you keep coddling players and explaining away their transgressions with lame excuses you'll keep getting the results you're getting regardless of talent-level on the roster.
It's a shame that our franchise has fallen to this level of unprofessional behavior. Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips better start now with a renewed management style or at the end of 2009 we'll be talking about clearing the decks and starting all over again.
Jason Garrett is back to being the Cowboys OC after his whirlwind of interviews for head coach positions.
As discussed above, he probably has some repair work to do with a few players but his relationship with T.O. looks to be beyond repair. I usually don't link to JFE articles, I can do without her constant over-the-top style, but she has one good point in her article from today. After spending much of the article talking about Keyshawn Johnson's view of Garrett and T.O., why do we care what he thinks anyway?, she makes this point about Garrett's comment that he respects T.O. as a player and he'll leave it at that.
My guess is JG thinks T.O. is going to be waived. No way his normally cautious self says what he said otherwise.
That is an interesting take. If Garrett thinks he is actually going to have to work with T.O. this year, he might not have phrased things with such an implied rebuke of the guy. Then again, it's not what Garrett thinks that matters. It's what Jerry Jones thinks, and his history is to side with the players, especially players he is attached to.
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so may be,
just may be, some reporters who are pointing out that the only constant in the last 12 years (no playoffs wins) is JJ, may not be wrong. He may need to step out a little. Players and coaches have come and gone, but the results is still the same. He is a good owner, but I believe as fan n°1 of his own team, he isn’t distant enough to judge the overall picture.
Also hire a GM, and get a new head coach.
I wasn’t for firing the coachinng staff, but if we keep the majority of our players (and I am not even talking about TO), how can they win back respect and focus from the roster ? It does seem impossible to me. How could they do that ? It is like parents too permissive with their teenage kids who suddenly try to become strict, pro rules parents. It never works, or very rarely.
ya know
I don’t even mind JJ the GM so much, I like the way he has drafted the past 2 years, he’s has some good FA signings, but he has to just remove himslef from the coaching aspect (dicipline of players and such) and let the coaches do their thing
well
we have a 6 game playoff losing streak and are one of two nfc teams not to make it to the NFC championship game since 95, its tough to say the GM is doing a good job.
not that this makes it any more palatable but us the skins and the Lions are the three teams to not make it
Don't believe everything you think.
Your causes are cute!!!
We need to sign...
Supernanny. Give her a 2 year $6 M contract to get the players to start respecting authority and the coaches/owner to realize they can’t be the kids’ (uh…players) friends.
Which just proves this team has been roughly as relevant as the 'Skins since '95.
The Cowboys had a 13-win season but the Skins have actually managed to win a playoff game over that timespan. It’s sad but true. And what type of figure within the organization have these two franchises had in common? Well since 1999 anyways.
+1 Stephen
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 20, 2009 9:59 PM CST up reply actions
Sigh
As a fan, I’m just worn down by the drama. Would you believe I’m actually looking back to our disaster of a season fondly where the problems on the team were just on the field.
Now, every day comes with a revelation of how my beloved franchise is rotten to the core. I’m just…so tired of the 2008 Cowboys.
In-YOUR-endo
by accidental innuendo on Jan 20, 2009 1:52 PM CST reply actions
Man, you said it
I’m just…so tired of the 2008 Cowboys
I’ve never just wanted a team and a season to go away so badly. The only problem is that I fear almost the exact same bunch of characters will be back next year for “Team Meltdown – The second season”
+1
But didn’t we just watch Team Meltdown-The second season? Making next years team, the 3rd season.
First to six!!!
it's disgusting
what an opportunity squandered by lazy, selfish, rudderless guys. I don’t know what the correct definition of “team,” and all the nuances and qualifiers that go into it, but I am certain that none of it can be found within the 2008 Dallas Cowboys.
All the haters were right! It’s sickening.
They ARE prima donnas that read their own press clippings. They DO skate by on reputation. They ARE soft. They ARE fractured and back stabbing.
Keep Ware, Rat, Witten and the rookies, and fire the rest. I’ll wait another 5 years for a team of men with a winning character.
i fear
that the window is closing quickly on this team
not sure
the window is any different than last season. Most of our core players are still young and growing. From the beginning of the offseason, it sounds like we are emphasizing leadership and accountability, which is what plagued us last season. I frankly don’t see things getting worse this year than they were last year.
Aren't we
The second youngest team in football or something along those lines.
by joey7289 on Jan 21, 2009 8:15 AM CST up reply actions
unnamed sources...that explains it all..
Don’t you think before opening up this S*hit sandwich they would have one creditable source….
The more and more I think about it TO could be gone before June 3rd.
Remember
with the uncapped year in 2010. June 3rd has no more significance. The only reason that date meant anything before is that a team could spread the signing bonus of a cut veteran over 2 years. That does not apply this year.
It does in TO's case.
TO is due a 3 million dollar roster bonus this June 3rd, so if they are going to cut him or keep him, that seems to be the most likely target date. It doesn’t matter as far as cap numbers, but it does matter as far as actual dollars, like why pay a guy 3 million extra if you are going to cut him?
by Baked Potato Soup on Jan 20, 2009 1:58 PM CST up reply actions
I gotcha
I dont think he will be gone, BUT if he were, it will be long before June. They will keep him until the draft and try to move him on draft day. If they cant (and I dont think they will) then they will see what kind of players they come out of it with and decide then.
Probably.
That’s what I think as well. They will see if there is anyone stupid enough to give them something for him on draft day, and if not, make their decisions from there. I think a lot of it could depend on how the draft itself shakes out.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jan 20, 2009 2:03 PM CST up reply actions
What??
If you’re not a superstar, and your chatting with a reporter about the team, why would you tell the truth knowing you’ll likely get fired? And if you’re the reporter, why would you name your source against his will? That’ll be the last professional interview you’d conduct.
It doesn’t feel like it, but it’s incredibly healthy to bring to light the team’s moulding core. It’s rotting out, and it needs air and sunlight. The folks in charge need to be forced to view the status quo from a fresh perspective. Otherwise nothing will change.
Good call.
Maybe with everything exposed, the players that still have hope can see the light and turn things around. Hopefully, this is rock bottom with this team.
I meant why wait until after June 3 to cut him.
If they’re going to do it, they’ll do it before then. I’m not debating whether to cut him or not; I’m saying that they won’t pay him the 3 mil roster bonus AND cut him. Not only are you paying him 3 mil extra to not be on the team, but then he costs 12 mil against the cap if they cut him. If they cut him before June 3, he costs 9 mil against the cap. Or they keep him, he gets his bonus and he costs 9 mil against the cap.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jan 20, 2009 7:25 PM CST up reply actions
he may be gone
but I really believe that won’t solve our problems. Because TO is really commited to winning a superbowl. Has excellent working / practice habits. If he was the only one causing problems, don’t you think the 49 others players wouldn’t be able to work around/with that problem ? Look at Randy Moss in NE and Burress in NY. Those are cancers (especially Burress, but nevertheless, Eli wants him back!).
No, the problem goes way beyond the cutting of TO !
Where did this urban legend come from?
Owens has excellent working and practice habits? The man who sleeps through team meetings, that is after he arrives late? The man who Jerry Rice has cited for poor route-running. Really, there are a number of legends, myths and red herrings that keep being circulated on this board that really need to be called out and corrected for this blog to be readable.
I think it comes from the fact that
he runs at full speed during practice. I’ve never read where he was just as hard working when it comes to the mental aspect of the game.
Yeah I think thats it.
He works very hard during both the season and off season on his conditioning and other physical aspect, but does not devote the same time to the mental aspects of the game. Such as watching game film and working on his technique
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 20, 2009 10:03 PM CST up reply actions
sorry for not
making it readable for you. But even Owens’s dectractors says he practices hard. True, i should have mentionned physical prcatice and not team meetings (that’s a weakness there sure). Look at what he did everytime there was an interception during the game. He ran as hard as anyone and try to block other players.
But I should stop here because well, you know too legend to read :-)
co-sign
Celebrity or Imposter?
YOU Decide...
http://www.xanga.com/metaltometal/689036052/celebrity-or-imposter/
That's exactly what I was thinking
You can tell by the way the team plays, undisciplined, inconsistent, under achieving. Classic symptoms of the types of things in the article. I have no problem with unnamed sources, I believe it is all true.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 20, 2009 8:23 PM CST up reply actions
Jerry seems to be one of the only ones who doesnt recognise it
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 20, 2009 10:04 PM CST up reply actions
+1
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 20, 2009 10:04 PM CST up reply actions
Romo
Man, I was most disappointed to read what was said about Romo. I thought the guy was a student of the game, a workout warrior, perfect in practice, etc. But according to that article, the guy is making the same mistakes in practice that he is making in games, like forcing passes and not taking things seriously. That actually explains a lot, since normally you play like you practice, and the image that was being painted of him was contradictory to the gameday results.
I also don’t like that the supposed opposing factions on the offense, Romo and the receivers, both seem to have lost respect for Garrett. Once a leader loses his troops, it’s practically impossible to get them back.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jan 20, 2009 1:56 PM CST reply actions
To follow your analysis then . . .
the remedy for a team full of dysfunctional players it to do nothing about the dysfunctional players, but fire the coaches? That’s like having a child who never studied for a test, gets an F, and then the parent demands the school fire the teacher because obviously the teacher failed to inspire your child to study. Remember, we are discussing professional football players. The root word in professional is profession—it is their job. If the players are refusing to do their jobs, then you bench, fire and ultimately cut them. This report today should put a stop to the endless debate about scheme vs. player execution (except for the most ardent flat earthers on this board-you know who you are). You can be the second coming of Don Coryell and it won’t matter for players who don’t care enough to practice and prepare.
If a Coach Doesn't Take Control
Of those dysfunctional players, it’s his own fault. At the very least, he can phase out poor performers out of the lineup, demand more repetitions in practice, call out players in meetings who are late, agitate with the owner for greater fines, and any number of other measures.to get their attention.
It’s a fallacy of bifurcation that the problem is either unruly players or else it’s scheme. The problem, apparently is that it’s both. And the coaches can control both. Except that they’ve apparently done a rotten job at it.
I don't disagree
In fact, you rightly condemn the binary approach that too many take. If you read what I wrote, I don’t exculpate the coaches. I am trying to stem this zombie-like mentality that the only reason the players failed this year was due to poor playcalling and poor schemes—usually written in defense of someone’s favorite player. There is blame enough to go around for everyone. So, if we agree that the players failed, and the coaches failed to hold them accountable, then where do we go next? We have seen already the coaches feel the ax of accountability. When does it hit the players and whom does it hit? Pacman doesn’t count.
So We're In Violent Agreement...Almost
I don’t know if your question what the coaches can do is rhetorical, but some obvious answers were suggested in my previous post.
I assure you the last thing troubling the minds of coaches like Vince Lombardi, Tom Landry, Chuck Noll, Bill Parcells or Tom Coughlin was whether they had control of the players. In almost every single case, the players feared the coaches, and performed to their best.
Great post
I only disagree that the coaches have felt the “ax of accountability”. I don’t count firing Stewart and what’s his name as sending a strong message to the coaching staff. There’s only one who needs to get the message clearly……..the head coach. If he gets it and knows he’ll be fired if things don’t change, I’m sure he’ll hold his staff accountable.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 20, 2009 8:28 PM CST up reply actions
+3 Way to go Kindablue.
Way to take care of my light work…
me being a “ardant flat earther”….lol.whatever that means
.I couldn’t have put it more eloquently.
by CowboysRnumba1 on Jan 20, 2009 5:47 PM CST up reply actions
I would assume "ardent flat earther" would mean those who vehemently argue a point even though all evidence suggests the opposite.
Although I dont think ardent technically makes sense in that phrase.
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 20, 2009 10:10 PM CST up reply actions
Definition of ardent
“Displaying or characterized by strong enthusiasm or devotion.” I think it fits.
I'm ardent alright.
that’s for sure….although i’d sure love to see where i argue any point that evidence suggests otherwise..
by CowboysRnumba1 on Jan 21, 2009 7:49 AM CST up reply actions
I don't know the answer.
But if Romo and players other than the receivers also don’t respect Garrett, then merely cutting TO is not going to solve the problem. He’s lost the players. You have to either get rid of the players or the coaches, or both. The fact that this is 2 groups that are both supposedly at odd with each other but agree that they don’t like the coach is not a good sign for the coach, in my opinion. If one student gets an F, that’s probably not the teacher’s fault. But if all of the students get an F, that is definitely the teacher’s fault.
I absolutely agree that it does not matter how good your Xs and Os are if you are not a leader of men. So you have to either cut the problem players or find someone who can lead them. The fact that multiple players with multiple agendas are not willing to be lead by this person, leads me to believe that the coach needs to go. Many people seem to think that cutting TO will solve all of their problems, but if multiple players with multiple agendas do not respect Garrett, cutting one player, who is respected by a large faction, will probably only make it worse, not better.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jan 20, 2009 7:35 PM CST up reply actions
+1
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 20, 2009 10:11 PM CST up reply actions
I don't believe the statements regarding Romo
It makes absolutely no sense to go from a gym rat for the first 5 years of his career to a lazy player in one year, none whatsoever at all.
Players just don’t change their personalities overnight like that.
In Romo we Trust
It makes perfect sense
ROMO got paid, then he slacked off. He doesnt care about the game, he is/was and will always be a paycheck player. I keep harping on it. Leadership, Committment, Ownership, Pride, its missing from this guy, football is a game to him. He is Tartuffe.
no it doesn't
The guy is not going to be a hard working gym rat all of his life then all of sudden become lazy because he signed a new contract. He realizes that if he under performs he won’t collect the entire contact.
As many people have said about Romo, who knew him all of his life, he is an extremely driven person, these statements about him are simply not true.
In Romo we Trust
Romo's problem isn't missed reads or getting too tired
It’s taking chances and forcing the ball down field when he shouldn’t and trying not to get killed in the process. Many of his INTs are made when he’s getting killed by a blitzer not picked up or by a poorly run route (i’m not naming names). It’s not that he doesn’t know what he’s doing. Most of the Romo talk sounds like classic TO, just ask Garcia or McNabb. TO is catching less balls so that has to be the quarterbacks fault because he is the best WR in the NFL and it CAN’T be him, it just can’t. Now Romo does need to take less chances, during the game. That is true.
Ok
You brought up amazing points till you brought up TO. TO doesn’t force the ball into coverage, or just throw it when he is getting blitzed. Only Romo can take better care of the ball.
by joey7289 on Jan 20, 2009 3:44 PM CST up reply actions
He doesn't collect the rest of his contract ?? big deal.
He’s already collected over 40 million of said contract, He can get cut today and live like a king for the rest of his life. There is no more drive, determination, or aspirations to be the best he can be. He appears content with how good he is now. He got his Pro Bowl, his money, and the high school prom queen. Life couldn’t be better for him.
by CowboysRnumba1 on Jan 20, 2009 5:54 PM CST up reply actions
if you don't think he plays the game
to win a SB you’re more clueless than I thought
In Romo we Trust
A direct quote from Romo
“If I’m never going to win the Super Bowl, I’ll be content in life. I’ll be disappointed because that’s what I wanted to do. At that same point, it’s not going to be something that makes me a better human being.
"I think I’m going to work very hard to try to obtain those goals. But I’m not going to pretend to say that that’s what life’s all about either.”
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 20, 2009 10:14 PM CST up reply actions
and that exactly proves my point
what don’t you understand about “working extremely hard to achieve those goals” and “be disappointed” if he doesn’t?
Just because winning the SB is life or death to him doesn’t mean he isn’t playing the game to try to obtain that goal.
In Romo we Trust
appearantly, from 5 different sources , Romo ISN'T working extremely hard to better his game or lead his team to a SB
by CowboysRnumba1 on Jan 21, 2009 7:57 AM CST up reply actions
thats not what those sources said
first of all those sources weren’t quoted so you don’t know what they said, you’re assuming and its all pure speculation.
Romo does work extremely hard, he just needs his coaches to push him harder.
In Romo we Trust
yep, everyone here is clueless Terry, besides you.
way to go , back up your boy till he’s cut.. Love your devotion, but it’s tainted your objectivity, and your ability to recognize the many flaws of Tony Romo.
by CowboysRnumba1 on Jan 21, 2009 7:55 AM CST up reply actions
Yes it does make sense
Money changes a person. Point blank Romo just got paid. And this qoute backs me thoughts up, ROMO “If losing a sporting event is the worst thing that has happened to me, then I think I have lived a good life” That quote sums it all!
I wonder.
how long most of us would have clients, or have our jobs, or keep employees, if everyone threw lines like that around about their JOBS. That’s the problem, he still thinks it’s just a game, but he is a professional now. I would probably have an aneurysm if one of my employees screwed up and cost me a client and then used a line like that.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jan 20, 2009 7:40 PM CST up reply actions
Why "certainly not Romo"?
I get that you like him but why do you think you know him so well?
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 20, 2009 10:15 PM CST up reply actions
Don't you know
I thought the same as you do, but Terry told me that Romo still gets really excited when he buys a new T shirt at Target.
You have to admit, Terry would know and that proves money hasn’t changed Romo.
by I_miss_Switzer on Jan 20, 2009 10:55 PM CST up reply actions
Oh I didnt notice that was one of Terry;s comments.
I guess that makes me wrong by default then
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 21, 2009 12:30 AM CST up reply actions
What about summer?
Romo had already got his contract before the off-season, and yet he was, by all accounts, working very hard on improving his game before and during training camp. So I don’t buy the post-contract slacking story.
Does anybody else think a hand injury might have had some impact on his practice level?
Don’t get me wrong; I have no doubt that if overall team discipline and practice level was down, that Mr Romo’s level might sink down with the rest; I don’t think he’s some saint that was perfect while everyone else screwed around. But I seriously doubt he became a slacker and lead the team in poor practice standards suddenly.
67 million dollars tends to change people Terry...believe it.
by CowboysRnumba1 on Jan 20, 2009 5:48 PM CST up reply actions
you wouldnt
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 20, 2009 10:15 PM CST up reply actions
Well, try looking at it from this perspective:
Terry, people do change. In fact, life is continuous change. Tony Romo clearly isn’t the same person he was when he arrived in Dallas in 1993. Are you the same person you were six years ago?
When I was in my early 20’s, I had lots of time, lots to prove and very little money. It’s easy to be a gym rat under those circumstances. As I moved into my mid and late 20’s I put some money in the bank, got engaged and other things in life competed for my time and attention. I still hit the gym, but I was no longer a gym rat. You know, as does every guy on this blog that is 30 or older, age changes what is important: after hitting about 25 years in age, each year you become just a little less concerned with hitting the weight room and being a stud. Some of that is countered when your job depends on you being in shape, but you can’t completely ignore Mother Nature.
When Tony Romo hit Dallas in 1993, he had lots of time, lots to prove and very little money. It’s easy to be a gym rat under those circumstances. As Romo experienced success, he banked millions and millions of dollars and he dates scorching hot women. Other things in his life are competing for his attention. The media fawns all over him, telling him how great and important he is. Do you really think he is the same guy after all that? I simply cannot see how he could be.
In nearly all issues with polarizing, opposite opinions, the truth lies somewhere in-between. Has Tony Romo become flat-out lazy and uncoachable? Very unlikely. But is he still the same ultra-focused gym rat who soaks up every bit of coaching that he was in the early 1990’s? Also very unlikely.
As for the article, Calvin Watkins is a respected journalist at a respect newspaper. It is extremely unlikely that he would simply make this up. Assuming he didn’t, then no fewer than five sources are lying if your opinion is true. The body of circumstantial evidence indicating that Tony Romo has serious issues seems to be growing. One piece of circumstantial evidence doesn’t hold much water. When a significant mass of this evidence points in the same general direction, it is usually correct.
by Cowboy Louie on Jan 20, 2009 7:30 PM CST up reply actions
93?
Every player needs a good coach, No excuses for Romo, but the coaching staff needs to get their stuff together. The team needs to be more consistent on O and D.. Tony needs continuity, discipline, and direction.
Romo- control the turnovers. Do your part you are the leader of this team.. You will turn it over, but some of the turnovers can be eliminated.. If you aren’t practicing hard fix that ASAP.
Jason G- Watch film all day and all night- Come ready to rip Romo’s and O-line’s @$$ if they continue to make the same mental mistakes. Get with Sherman make sure TO and Roy are ready to have a big season.
Wade-Your D better be top 5 from beginning to end next year- Time to create some turnovers.
Jerry-Get us another quality starter in FA, have another solid draft, and let the coaches coach.
New ST coach- Can we get at least 3 KR’s/ PR’s for TD’s and couple of long returns..
One last request can injury bug not bite us this season.
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
You make some excellent points but..........
I think that the true greats of the game, the Peyton Mannings, Tom Bradys, Joe Montannas, Roger Staubachs….there’s a long list, maintain their hunger. That’s what makes them special. The rest of us are mere mortals and slide like your post mentions. We re-prioritize and it’s natural. I think Tony Romo still could be one of them but he doesn’t look like he has the mental focus to do it.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 20, 2009 8:34 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed.
There are a few guys who have a drive and hunger to succeed that seems to be impervious to changes in their environment. Their focus is like a laser on their goal. Those guys tend to be the exception, not the rule. And the great ones almost always have that trait. I guess I’m saying that the evidence is starting to point to Romo not having that insatiable drive to succeed that makes everthing else in life take a back seat. Just my opinion and interpretation of what I saw on TV and read, but….. Romo seemed ok with losing to Philly.
However, the jury hasn’t come to a verdict yet. We’ll know in a year or two.
by Cowboy Louie on Jan 20, 2009 8:42 PM CST up reply actions
+1 I think the great ones all have it.
I know he wasnt in this discussion, but I want to use TO as an example. Physically he is probably one of the best ever athletes to play WR in the NFL. He is big, strong and fast and has gifts even Jerry Rice didnt. But he seems content with that. Being a great physical specimen but not a great student of the game. By all accounts he doesnt pay attention in meetings and throughout his long career he has never really improved his two major problems, catching and route running.
Despite all that he has still put up HOF type numbers. But to me an outsider looking in if he had the work ethic of the Jerry Rices and the Payton Mannings of the NFL he could have been the best WR statistically ever. You can be very good even without the drive and hunger, but you can never be the best.
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 20, 2009 10:22 PM CST up reply actions
-1
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 20, 2009 10:22 PM CST up reply actions
Boy, that is a pretty damning attitude
I recommend you go back and reread GloryDays88’s FanPost on Pac Man.
So Michael irvin is still the thug he was in his early 20’s? Hmmm. He seems like a pretty good family man to me.
If you look around and open your mind you will see a myriad of examples of people changing.
by Cowboy Louie on Jan 21, 2009 6:38 AM CST up reply actions
yeah, for the better not for the worse
people make concentrated efforts to change their behavior in a good way, not a bad way.
A hard working person who is dedicated and driven by nature doesn’t all of a sudden stop being that kind of person overnight….it simply doesn’t happen.
In Romo we Trust
agreed
i feel like there’ve been a few reports about bad practice habits. which is incredibly disappointing, considering everything i heard form the first 5 years of his career has been overwhelmingly positive. If this is true, this screams out that to me that there is a chemistry issue. for those saying hes just happy wqith his paycheck, you obviously did not pay much attention during the first 5 years of his career. Guys don’t change overnight.
Hes always on the same page as witten, and is hardly on the same page as the wrs….I’m really beginning to believe there is a serious chemistry issue with this team. Which, in my opinion, starts at the top, with a coach/GM that refuse to hold players accountable.
we need to go back to the tuna rule...
of nobody talking to the media except him and jerry jones…we obviously got a lot of people in this staff that have an axe to grind and they’re shooting their mouths off under a shield of anonymity…..it’s the way it goes but i still think it kinda sucks….
that being said, if this is true, this is past depressing. i’ve already opened up the 20-pack and i’m consuming spirits before noon over here on the west coast. gosh. you can’t be on time for the most important game of the season?
"They need security in the world, Craig!"
co-sign on the tuna rule of nobody talking to the media...
Celebrity or Imposter?
YOU Decide...
http://www.xanga.com/metaltometal/689036052/celebrity-or-imposter/
Tuna rule had the same number of penalties and undisciplined behavior on the field as we have now
it was a controlled chaos, but a chaos nonetheless. The Players need to start taking responsibility for themselves. If we expect some coach with a magical wand to fix everything, then we are really in trouble.
Reallly? I can believe the penalties but can you please
give a source for the undisciplined behavior under Parcells
Well my namesake for example
but I meant on the field. I probably didn’t phrase myself well. We had players missing assignments just as much as we have now. Our team has been very poor at executing game plans for sometime now, and that has to do with our players being either stupid or undisciplined or both.
Team flights were also delayed under Parcells, as the report states...
by CowboysRnumba1 on Jan 20, 2009 6:17 PM CST up reply actions
we were merely talking about the "tuna rule of nobody talking to the media." that's all.
Celebrity or Imposter?
YOU Decide...
http://www.xanga.com/metaltometal/689036052/celebrity-or-imposter/
How do you tell "unnamed sources"
Not to talk to the media?
Game Recognize Game
by pretty ricky on Jan 20, 2009 3:13 PM CST up reply actions
good point. and i wouldn't know. but his much i do know...
…Parcells had his ways of finding out.
Celebrity or Imposter?
YOU Decide...
http://www.xanga.com/metaltometal/689036052/celebrity-or-imposter/
disallow the media from entering the locker rooms.
Jerry really needs to corral these so called sources and ship them out.
by CowboysRnumba1 on Jan 20, 2009 6:16 PM CST up reply actions
shades of 1994 and beyond
seems like we are reliving those post superbowl years, except this time around we didn’t win the superbowl, we didn’t even win a playoff. we went out and got Galloway (well, he was franchised but we paid 2 #1s for him) and did the same thing again in getting Roy Williams thinking two good WRs is the answer to our offensive struggles….(eerily familiar).
fired coaches, threatened coaches, fired assistants….its going down the same path.
the walls are down now….players are talking, coaches are talking, but they are not talking to each other, they are talking to the media. the inmates are running the assylum.
next year, the in-fighting begins sooner. because this year we started hot, we were coming off a 13-3 season and by the end of the season, we were bad.
next year, they won’t hold punches, everyone knows their job is on the line and they will go at each other sooner.
wade will be fired. Garrett will resign. TO will be cut. on it goes.
who would be willing to coach the cowboys? some lame duck coach because just like 1995, jerry believes we are close. we are one player away. we just need someone to come in and manage the ship. and we sink even further.
until 2012, when Jerry has sunk us to another 5-11 season and we hire another discipliniarian coach. to right the ship again.
Why not bite the bullet and clean out the mess now? Hire a new head coach. Offer the DC to Wade. Offer the OC to Garrett. Cut TO and move on. There is no way Garrett takes over this team a year from now. He does not have the stature in the eyes of his players, We need to move on and decide who should be the head coach now. Is there even one available?
If this is
true then yes cleaning house is warranted. But, if this is an axe job then cleaning house becomes a fruitless waste of money. I think Jerry needs to bring in Dr. Phil to tell all the players “IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU” !!!!!!
When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.
Ray Ray expressed his distaste for T.O. when it was rumored he might be coming to Baltimore
Don’t see those two big personalities getting along in the same locker room. Ball of Haterade may be right.
actually
i think the ray/TO tension was after TO didnt want to be traded to the Ravens.
Actually, ray ray actively lobbied for TO before he went to Philly
Don't believe everything you think.
Your causes are cute!!!
I don't even mind the cutting of T.O.
as long as this team turns things around. Tear down the whole organization and rebuild through the draft…coaches, T.O., Romo. Anyone who can’t keep things in house, fine them.
JJ needs to make an example of someone. I’m still thinking TO or Wade….but I wouldn’t rule out Garrett.
It has to be T.O.
making example out of the coaches makes no sense. It’s the players’ undisciplined behavior that is the root of the problem. If you scapegoat one of the coaches for the failings of the players then nothing will change.
If the problem is multiple players,
what does cutting one solve? All that does is further alienate the players that have already lost respect for you. They can’t cut half the team, so the choice is either earn the players respect back by getting them into line, or find someone who can lead these players.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jan 20, 2009 7:45 PM CST up reply actions
It's called "you have to start somewhere"
And the place to start to send the clearest message is with TO. I’m not convinced Wade is capable of doing it, but with some strong action and messages that players will be held accountable, you may be surprised how others might fall in line. I really believe most of the players aren’t much different than kids, they don’t realize it but they want structure and discipline.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 20, 2009 8:41 PM CST up reply actions
Sources
could very well be any of the recently departed – coaches Read and Stewart, or Pacman. They saw the inner workings every day (well…except for Pacman) and have an axe to grind.
And Pac is polishing up his gun with Tank
When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.
The play of this team on the field
is enough evidence to substantiate it. Besides, didn’t T-New say something to this effect late in the season?
yes
newman said romo forced balls in practice.
he seemed to say the romo/witten situation was bad and TO was open in practice but ignored.
that grabbed me as odd b/c you think TNew would be covering TO in practice…
I think we need to keep who ever fights with TO
It seems to have worked for Cardinals, the Ravens and the Eagles
ouch
forced balls
sounds painful, dude.
Celebrity or Imposter?
YOU Decide...
http://www.xanga.com/metaltometal/689036052/celebrity-or-imposter/
So T-New is the unnamed source
Then publicaly calls the source a coward. Doesnt really add up.
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 22, 2009 3:42 AM CST up reply actions
What we lack is a United Front.
It’s kind of like 2 parents that aren’t disciplining their child the same way. The spoiled brat child knows Mommy is the “Hard Ass”, so she goes to Daddy when she wants something. They know daddy will come to their aid when they need it, and they also knows Daddy has the ultimate say. Jerry has taken all power from his coaches. All the coaches need to be fired and we need to start fresh, Jerry needs to give them back the power. Will that happen?Yeah, when the Cardinals win a Super Bowl :)
Let T.O. Go!
by Captain Comeback on Jan 20, 2009 2:27 PM CST reply actions
On Talking Cowboys Mickey stated that he found it odd that with all the sources
Calvin had he could not secure one single quote, it was all paraphrasing. The flight left late from philly due to weather conditions not because they were waiting for a player. He also found it odd that it was on the front page of the Dallas Morning News on the day of the Presidential Inaugeration.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
If anyone is not to be believed it's Mickey
He always backs what Jerry is doing and were always one player away in Mickey’s mind. He will almost never say anything this team is bad. However, Mickey himself said on talking Cowboys that (paraphrasing) “if this team felt urgincy in there preparation like they did in there games we would have won more games.” He was of course responding to a comment about the cowboys lack of urgency suggested by an email.
So Mickey thinks the team didn’t prepare properly but he can’t believe this article. Man it sounds like he’s on Jerry’s payroll……….. Wait he is.
It's like the "report" that dallas was interested in ray lewis.
The information came from a blog stating word around the league, not even an unnamed source, and the local dallas media reported it was an actual story from the baltimore sun, when the original source was “the word around the league”. The 24hr news cycle of all things NFL (in this case cowboys) is wearing us all out. I am checking out of this, I will check in when the site has draft analysis, news of actual events, and team analysis. I have lost interest in following any more drama filled he-said they said stories from DMN or anywhere else. Grizz do not take what I said as a slam on this blog, you are bring in the info to us and I do appreciate that but I am tired of looking at the posts and seeing this crazed chrun of concern and panic when it isn’t even February yet. At the same time I am not slamming anyone who does have an interest in this stuff, buty count me out.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
Get down off that bridge boys....
..don’t jump yet.
I just heard this on the Michael Irvin show about all the missed charters. Now, granted, the new source is Ed Werder, but his report says the charters were held for Jerry, Jones, no players were late for charters. True? I don’t know, but why can’t these anaonymous sources get their stories straight?
Romo is mad at Garrett? GOOD. That means Garrett is doing his job, coaching. If you have kids, and you spank them, don’t you think they get mad at you? Does it mean you’re going to stop spanking them? No.
Fines reduced from $5,000 to $100?- Cmon guys…if you’re making millions, does a fine of $5,000 really hurt? If you drop it to $100, it’s nothing. I’m wondering about the accuracy of these sources. If T.O. was late to a meeting, I would lock the doors and not let him in. He can sit out in the hall.
They say the offense felt neglected by Wade – Well, Stewart’s gone and we’re looking for a real DC..Next complaint!
Exactly what did Garrett say about TO that’s inflammatory? “I have great respect for him as a player”….everything else is conjecture…people reading something into nothing. That’s exactly what a coach should say about one of his players. What do people want? " I love TO, he’s kind to animals, his shirts are always bright white…" They don’t have to be friends and lovers…if they were close, I’m sure people would criticize them as not being professional.
Finally..Romo’s statement after the Philly loss. He just got his ass kicked. He was reflective and dealing with the loss and trying to put things in perspective and show that he can bounce back. We would call that ability in a cornerback, a good thing. I would have preferred he snarl and cuss and all, but he said what he felt. He’ll be back.
Guys, back away from the edge.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
"back away from the edge"
BACK AWAY!!
I’ve been away for awhile, long time poster and reader of “The Boys Blog” and “The Blue and Silver Report”, but life has been hectic, been away for a while.
I totally agree with Jim’s assessment. As easy as it is to read too much into what the media is reporting and may I add WITHOUT any sources of where their information is coming from except this fantasy land they call the media.
I am sure there is some truth to what is being said, but look guys what family doesn’t have their problems?
We’ll get it back and you can bet I’ll be there when it happens!
“HOW BOUT’ DEM COWBOYS!!”
Yes it is that bad
If Jerry puts his head in the sand and believes were THIS close this team will go down like they did in the late 90s. That is what I and others see. Esp. when the current coach loses control of his team on the last game of the season and nothing is done about it. We see a three year Campo run, the Switzer years. Either this teams talent is vastly overrated or the Coaches can’t coach or both. You can’t attribute 9-7 to bad luck. You can’t use loses to Pittsburg, Baltimore, the Cardinals, and Eagles to say that we almost won the superbowl. This team did not make the playoffs, did not play well. The offensive line can’t block, TO can’t get open, and Romo throws to many INTs. The team makes too many mistakes and penalties. For which our HC only makes excuses for them.
All of what you say
may be true. However, the fact is that every person you have named is signed to a long term deal and they ARE going to play. The entire offensive line is signed through 2010 and beyond. T.O. just got extended as did Romo. The problem this team has personnel wise is depth. Since Jerry Jones has already put up his money for the players he believes in, this year is the year to get the depth that is needed and create competition among the players for playing time.
9-7 is not great but it surely isn’t worth the entire destruction of this team.
Wholeheartedly agree with the last line.
If it all goes to hell next year the team will get blown up soon enough. Then why have a fire sale this offseason? Besides is Jerry the genius who could build the team again from scratch? I don’t think so.
I never said the players were the problem
The problem is focus and execution. No amount of new players will work under the current disciplinary system. The O-line can’t block because they miss assignments, not because they aren’t talented. TO can’t get open because he is old, and the cap ramifications are that bad it’s well documented. Romo’s INTs are a coaching problem also, it’s decision making not miss reads or a weak arm. A new coach and discipline would solve alot.
Put ROMO down Jim Vance, you are going to fall trying to carry him.
Jason Garrett is weak but Bad Judgement begets Experience which begets Good Judgement. Bring back Jimmy, the true talent evaluator.
One common theme I get out of Dallas
is that nobody is afraid of authority. I don’t know much about organizing and leading people, but Machavelli explicitly believes it is better to lead from a position of fear than love. Every player seems to love Jerry Jones.
Money Comment
One common theme I get out of Dallas is that nobody is afraid of authority.
co-sign
Celebrity or Imposter?
YOU Decide...
http://www.xanga.com/metaltometal/689036052/celebrity-or-imposter/
One more thing..
…the press (ESPN, DMN, FWST, Mickey, NFL Network) have a much lower accuracy rating than the 32nd rated QB in the NFL.
They all have a hidden agenda, and we don’t always know what that agenda may be. Micky better not make Jerry mad, JJT needs to sell papers, Werder needs to have people tune in…… don’t you think these agendas might color what they report and how they report it?
eg; Newman is overheard to say, “These people aren’t doing their job around here and nobody in charge seems to care!” The reporter reports it as Newman sounds off about team mates and poor coaching…when perhaps the statement was made in Philadelphia and Newman was talking about the maintenance in the shower room. I made this all up and I’m exaggerating, but these things happen, things taken out of context and blown up.
Take the media with a grain of salt.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
Do you believe the media is 100% accurate and unbiased?
I doubt that you do. I’m just saying, they will spin things and make them seem way worse….that’s what reporting has become today.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
I don't think the media would flat out make up quotes
if a reporter did that he would be blacklisted.
I think it takes a pretty big homer to believe a media member is making up quotes.
I have personal experience of them doing exactly that!
0 = The number of Super Bowls the Eagles have won.
personal experience like...
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 20, 2009 10:28 PM CST up reply actions
TO has a history of causing locker room rifts
And believe it or not some of the things the press says are true. The teams play on the field substantiates the story in question. Mickey himself said this team needs to prepare better. Why would you doubt that players showed up late or didn’t pay attention. There play on the field shows that to be obvious. You want a source? go watch the last game of the season. There’s your source.
And hasn't shown any signs early like he did before
So why would he start now?
by joey7289 on Jan 20, 2009 3:55 PM CST up reply actions
if this was a team playing well and responding to it's coaches
you may have a point. But they didn’t and still don’t. JJT says what he thinks, it’s what he’s paid to do. He has admitted that he is not a fan of the Cowboys, but he hasn’t hesitated to state when he thinks the team is doing well. He admitted being in favor of Wade’s approach after last season. It’s obvious to anyone willing to be open minded that this team is underachieving and sloppy. Those are symptoms of a team that is poorly prepared. How can you argue that they practiced hard and paid attention in meetings? If they did, more than half of the players need to be cut right now and we’re in a lot more trouble than I previously thought.
On second thought,
… inch a little closer to that edge. So, you’re saying I don’t have a point?
I’ve quoted JJT before, when he was critical of the Cowboys and got blasted by people on here who say he;s unreliable. Now he’s a pillar of verisimilitude!
I’d like to think I’m open minded, and I don’t recall saying this team achieved it’s goals or played well. Where did I say they practiced hard and paid attention? I’m trying to state an opinion that I don’t put much credence in the press, for obvious reasons.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
The report we're blogging about states just that
This is not a new issue with Wade. His teams did the same thing in Denver and Buffalo. And Jerry has always been a bit of a cheerleader. Hopefully this is the “Change in the way we do things” jerry was talking about. But Wade himself said in response to a question from Norm on the ticket regarding to players response to a tougher Wade said “I’m not going to change, we’re talking about structural things like the way we run practice.”
Just in case anybody else doesn't know what the heck
verisimilitude means:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verisimilar
Jim I will spend the rest of my days trying to get that word into a conversation somehow.
Game Recognize Game
by pretty ricky on Jan 20, 2009 3:29 PM CST up reply actions
lol...pretty, there sure seems to be a number of Einstien wanna-be's around here lately.
i feel inadaquate with my vocab.
by CowboysRnumba1 on Jan 20, 2009 6:13 PM CST up reply actions
Now if were going to try and use big words, lets try to use them correctly
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 22, 2009 3:46 AM CST up reply actions
Sure I guess you can go that route
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 22, 2009 4:30 PM CST up reply actions
I agree, take them with a grain of salt . . .
but I don’t believe they have much of an agenda at all, other than to generate ratings. And controversy amongst America’s Team still sells (an astounding fact given the Cowboys frequent exile from post-season play). People have to remember that it is generally the case that the leakers are the one with agendas, not the other way around. The reporter is being used or manipulated, gladly in most cases if it sells papers or generates ratings.
To make money...
… is a substantial agenda. If a reporter and can embellish a story and make it more appealing to more readers, and thus make more money, I believe they will do it.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
You're half right (I hope)
These leaks are used to manipulate press. But if these leaks are being ‘sowed’ to generate ratings, then it means - as you have suggested before- that they come from Jerry or someone he trusts. I can’t believe this to be the case. Controvery will always follow this team. We don’t need to stoke the fire to get ratings. If Jerry wants to be the lead story on Sportcenter, then he can do so by WINNING.
by Boundforbeach on Jan 20, 2009 3:13 PM CST up reply actions
Why would you not believe,
that Jerry Jones would not find it advantageous to keep the Cowboys in the news?
At what cost?
Of course he would like to keep the team in the news. He’s got Jerry World to fill. But as a businessman and manager, he’s got to understand the damage that negative leaks are causing to his team’s chemistry. That, my friend, is not good for business. And Jerry is a good businessman. That’s why I just can’t buy it.
by Boundforbeach on Jan 20, 2009 3:47 PM CST up reply actions
Mind reader...
There is almost certainly some truth to the quotes of the various “anonymous sources.” Insert cliche here: “When there is smoke, there is fire;” “In jest there is truth;” etc… And while we can debate the motives of these ‘sources,’ the fact that there continues to be these ridiculous and disconcordant leaks is half the problem. It just proves nobody is on the same page. Jerry needs to get his house in order starting from the very top.
I don't think the news is 100% accurate but this is a soap opera or a collection of toys
and a mediocre football team. Alabama, for example, played way over their heads this year by being the antithesis of this Dallas team.
Hell bring on Haley. Maybe Jerrys waiting for the end of the superbowl to hire him
This team played poorly this season
Deal with it. This team was poorly prepared, had the second most turnovers in the league, routinely missed assignments whether blocking, hitting the wrong hole, coverage, or route running, was one of the most penalized teams in the league (to which the HC responds "good teams have penalties too) and lost games they should have won. Why would you doubt a story stating what I think is fairly obvious. If this team had shown up to meetings, paid attention, and practiced hard, it probably would still be playing.
This is obvious....
This is what happens when you have 13 probowlers that only yield 9 wins. Who to blame? The O-line for terrible play and penalties and whoever the hell took 6 weeks to relaize Brian Stewart and Bruce Read were idiots!!!.
They have to work hard on getting the O-line fixed (it’s not only Kosier coming back, they have to get Montrae Holland out of whatever McDonalds he’s hidding in and get him in shape) and they have to fix Adams abnormal number of false starts as well as Gurode’s terrible habbit of screwing up shotgun snaps. We do that, then all of a sudden Romo will have time….witten and Owens would have time to get open, the Offense will be able to stay on the field a bit longer keepiung that D fresh, etc etc….to me it all starts with the O-Line, fix that and you have at least 75% of your problems dealt with.
Great point about Gurode
With our poor pass protection this year, why has there been so little said about Gurode’s shotgun snaps? That half-second where Romo has to wait for the lob (nothing with an arc should ever be called a snap) to flutter into his hands could not have helped him.
i have allways advocated for TO but..
now it seems like his decline is starting and as though the team needs to have him cut so that there can be an example made of him. Austin needs the attempts anyway and who cares about the salary cap I bet it dissapears real soon anyway.
I don't think cutting TO will solve the discipline problems but...
I just can’t see him taking a #2 role quietly.
Number one, Number two
Is all how people say, hell we could call Williams and TO 1A and 1B both number ones, they mean nothing.
by joey7289 on Jan 20, 2009 3:58 PM CST up reply actions
part of me
is sick and tired of all the bull, and I wish this team could focus and actually play as a team.
the other part is a little excited. We went through all the BS all year, and went 9-7. All this drama and still ended up with a winning record. Imagine if they were all on the same page?? I guess this is a “glass half full” thought.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
Well, my glass half full would be
that Jerry did say he was changing the way he does things. Hopefully that means more discipline. IMHO this teams problems aren’t talent or scheme. It’s all execution. If they can discipline poor practice/work habits and get rid of the dead weight they will go far. Wade’s scheme is sound, and Garrets is also given the three HC interviews he got.
+1
I think you’re dead on about the execution. This team has great talent. But if you can’t execute right, talent doesn’t matter.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
unless this team improves signifigantly they will go 6-10 next year
by AustonianAggie on Jan 20, 2009 4:00 PM CST up reply actions
-1
So if we dont improve well go from 9-7 to 6-10? Doesnt make sense to me
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 20, 2009 10:31 PM CST up reply actions
Gruden news?
Speaking of leaks and anonyous sources, anyone buying the bull that Gruden is somehow going to Notre Dame? Heck, if that program can fire Charlie Weiss weeks after re-committing to him, why can’t we?
As for ND, who cares... As for firing Wade
He can but he won’t. Saving face isn’t why Jerry won’t fire Wade. I can’t explain why he won’t because it made no sense to keep him after the philly game anyway.
just a what if, what if he's waiting to hire either Pittsburgs d-coord or Arizona's O-coord?
by AustonianAggie on Jan 20, 2009 4:06 PM CST up reply actions
If he's waiting on Haley...
then you can really kiss T.O. goodbye :)
by Boundforbeach on Jan 20, 2009 4:15 PM CST up reply actions
Lame Boys
What else is new? we all knew this stuff was going on, how the number of penalties, the lousy routs the receivers ran, the times Mr. Romo over threw open receivers, and all this because…………………CAMP CAKE ! please get rid of this guy, great DC but really poor HC.
Jerry JOnes is trying to make us believe everything is fine when is not, how many more years are we going to waste talent like we are now ? why Williams was running so bad his routs ? We should be getting ready for the Super Bowl, and we are getting ready for next year, man, I feel sorry for myself…………..
Not that I disagree with most of what you said but...
what do you want Jerry to say? This team sucks, the coach sucks, they are all fired, please buy tickets and jerseys? It is not what Jerry says it is what he does. Jerry is not a football guy but every says they have the most talent in the league (if you are one of the 3 people in the world that don’t think that, sorry). How does that happen? Who put them there? And howw would Roy’s route-running have to do with “CAMP CAKE”? He wasn’t at training camp. This is the lame OC, that thinks he is the next Lombardi in waiting.
""I really dig Hannibal. Hannibal had real guts. He rode elephants into Cartilage." -Tyson
Romo not a hard worker?
The stuff about Romo’s practice habits is concerning. Hope that that is not indicative of a big problem. I know he’s been described as very competitive— I always thought he had decent practice habits and work ethic? Also, you don’t want to be forcing balls in practice, that’s not good to hear.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
I think his comments are disturbing as well
but he does play through pain and collapses in showers? Who knows?
""I really dig Hannibal. Hannibal had real guts. He rode elephants into Cartilage." -Tyson
CAMP CAKE
CAMP CAKE, CAMP CAKE, CAMP CAKE, CAMP CAKE, Run by Mr. Floffly P.
you are on a roll, now.
""I really dig Hannibal. Hannibal had real guts. He rode elephants into Cartilage." -Tyson
If these articles are true...
Then this is probably the sickest I’ve been about the Dallas Cowboys.
It is SO weak that I’m watching Adrian Wilson with tears running down his eyes and thinking “Man if only there was a player that seemed to care as much about winning with Dallas as he does.”
Now there probably are guys, but I’m looking at a FREAKING ARIZONA CARDINAL, and hoping that America’s Team had that much passion.
My loyality is being tested big time.
Romo is the Problem
The streets are lined with players who have gone soft once they were paid… and Tony Romo is on that path. He no longer has to scrap and fight to make the roster, he’s picking John Mayer’s thirds and living on easy street.
Tex can easily pin-point Romo’s decline to the day he got his contract, October 30, 2007. Shortly there after, Romo is in Cancun on Spring Break before the Cowboys’ biggest game in a decade. Would the turn-over prone signal caller have been on vacation during the playoffs if the check hadn’t cleared?
Since that fateful day Jerry when rewarded the best QB never to win a playoff game with millions, Romo has been on the Oprah diet, putting on at least 20 pounds to his bottom-heavy physique. Losses now go down like a spoonful of sugar and he has become a celebrity QB.
Romo needs a benching to re-ignite that fire, if it isn’t too late. Here’s hoping the Cowboys bring in some competition before the next series of Win a Date with Tila Tequilla.
A Drop of Truth...
Is dripped in your tenacious rant, sadly.
I honestly think that there needs to be some pressure on Romo, someone that could get him on the bench.
I don’t really like your personal attacks, kind of bush league.
I can't believe I am sayin this
but maybe getting paid did adversely affect Romo…one of my cardinal rules for fantasy football is never “draft” a player who just signed a fat contract, no matter how gaudy their stats, because something inside gets soft and they are never the same again.
Of course, I seem to remember Emmitt getting paid in 1993 and ripping off three straight fantastic seasons, so maybe I thought Cowboys were immune to this axiom.
It’s Shot at Love with Tila Tequila, Tex. Would’ve thought you would’ve nailed that one. This is what happens when crochety 70 year old men guess at what “those kids” are into.
Don’t think Romo’s actually gained weight, but yes, his practice habits certainly need to be examined in light of these quotes.
The Cancun trip is immaterial, as it always is when bring it up, and Romo played well in the playoff game against the Giants the following week.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
John Mayer’s thirds
A-mazing line. I bow before you tex. By the way, you were right and I was wrong on Garrett to St. Louis.
by JimmyJohnson on Jan 20, 2009 8:47 PM CST up reply actions
This thread would have not been complete without Tex weighing in
I’ll take the Oprah diet line as my favorite.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 20, 2009 8:55 PM CST up reply actions
Wade has to go!
Once you have lost the respect of your TEam (workers) as the leader (manager) there is no going back. We have all seen it, the manager at work who doesn’t get any respect. After his little meetings or what not, everyone walks away snikering at him, nothing gets through to you. Because he or she doesn’t have your respect. And JJ does have to step away from being the GM. As an owner he has to sell his product, as a GM, the GM has to put a winning product on the field. How does he distingush where these different job duties end or start? You might say it goes hand in hand, but it doesn’t. As a GM you have an Owner to answer to for the wrong moves, which nullifies that in this case. Jerry signs names (to put us in his seats, and buy jerseys) not players! II can take losing and believe me in the 80’s we went through it, but this losing feels different. I see players out there who don’t give a damm! I see a hand full that do. My favorite player this year was Columbo, he was the first one to celebrate with his teammates. Whether it was T.O. scoring his hundredth TD or Choice scoring his first, you could count on him running to the endzone to show his enthusiasm.
JJ is the Problem!
I know, I know, out of our control. Well, maybe the drumbeat needs to be beaten louder. Maybe once the team’s value declines, Jerry will wake up. Maybe money is all he really understands. Somewhere, the value of this franchise is going to start to decline. It can’t live in the past forever.
I know there are Jerry fans out there. But I think most of us just don’t even bring up Jerry too much because we know that there is no changing that particular position. But I think Jerry permanently vacating GM is our only hope.
Look at the horrible Roy Williams trade. Look what it cost us in the draft. To me, its a painful reminder of the Joey Galloway experiment. With that trade, there goes a safety, a backup QB. And now the Ray Lewis rumors? Are you kidding me? Anyone see the gut on that guy?
Subtract Jimmie Johnson from Jerry Jones and all you have is a billionaire oilman. Jerry has accomplished nothing as the owner/GM in 13 years (and 13 is being generous).
Parcells was the only bright spot. He was like an oxygen mask for Jerry the GM. Life support. We’re back to dying again.
Romo is only a problem because he lost his teachers. I agree that he is in trouble. And I am a huge Romo fan. I think Romo would be much better with TO gone. In my opinion, he’s way too fixated on trying to keep TO happy. Give Romo a good slot guy and a good tight end and a good running back. Then get another speedy receiver to complement Austin. (Look what Philly just picked up in the draft.)
At least we have each other.
You right...
All though Jerry’s drafts haven’t been bad lately, but his management has sucked.
I think that the main problem is that there is no chain of command.
The players go directly to Jerry when there is a problem and that shows that the coaches in all honesty have no power.
How can you respect someone who really has no power whatsoever?
We can't just look at JJ's last two drafts
A GM gets criticize on his entire body of work. Where is Shante Carver, David Lefluer, Dwanye Goodrich, Quincey Carter, so on…………..
I disagree
Those were bad picks but a very long time ago. You have to admit the past 2-3 drafts have been very good
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 20, 2009 8:56 PM CST up reply actions
look
you guys are being hard on JJ.
so the team hasnt made it to a conference championship since 1995. that’s not a big deal. neither has Washington…or Detroit.
winning isn’t all that matters.
there is also, media attention, signing problem players and helping them turn around, holding press conferences and radio shows and building new stadiums.
just because jerry took over as the GM of a back to back superbowl champion in 1993 and is now one of only three teams not to make it to the nfc championship since 1996 doenst mean he doing a pretty good job.
We cannot judge a draft until a few years down the road. The last draft looks good now but lets wait to see how it plays out. Let's also see how The Roy Williams trade works out.
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
ha...and to think i was a big advocate to select Desean Jackson, only to have the idea shot down by the same masses that want our top WR gone.
so be it…get rid of TO…i look forward to it.
by CowboysRnumba1 on Jan 20, 2009 6:05 PM CST up reply actions
oh stop with the 1998 draft fiasco's...critisize JJ all you want.
but please quit bringing up drafts of 6-8-10-12 years ago.
It is part of the body of work of Super Genius GM Jerry and is part of the reason that his team has not won a playoff game since Bill Clinton's first term
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
jj the gm
jj became gm in 1993
at that point the team had wond back to back superbowls (and had a stocked roster).
two years later they won another superbowl. they have not been to an nfc championship game since and have the longest active playoff losing streak.
My e-mail to Watkins
There is a serious problem at Valley Ranch but I don’t believe Watkins has uncovered anything accurate or at least anything that cannot be questioned. My e-mail to him:
“Do you find it easier to embellish and would you consider this lazy jouranlism if you cannot provide one quote from 5 anonymous sources? I believe you’re trying to hold down a job or you are going to use this story as an example of wonderful things you can do for the Star Examiner. I call your bluff on the accuracy of this rag. By the way, using a quote doesn’t give up one of your "sources”. Are your sources the same ones Werder uses? If not than we have about 14% of the 2008 Cowboys team talking to 2 reporters"
While I agree
that sources would be nice, how often do you see any sports reporter use them? Never. We are all living in denial. Myself included. I still use the old 5 Ring comeback on my buddies, most of whom are Steelers fans. I’m afraid all I will have left after the next Super Bowl is, “at least we’re America’s Team”. But, for how long . . .
Sources
are used daily. It’s the easy way to provide validity to your story without providing verifiable facts because your “sources” are anonymous. Just an easy way to write a story
um...
sources were used in this story. They asked to be unnamed. Would you, if you were employed by a company that EVERYONE pays attention to, want your named attributed to a story you told your pal the reporter about how your boss gropes the secretaries and doesn’t pay you crap? Or, would you tell the reporter the truth and ask your name be withheld? Well, according to you, if you don’t sacrifice your career and reveal yourself in the media, the story you told is inaccurate.
"It’s the easy way to provide validity to your story without providing verifiable facts " That’s illegal. If these stories were untrue, the Cowboys could always sue.
Uhm, I didn't ask Watkins for a name
I asked him for a quote. Really, the Cowboys sue someone on inaccuracies in a story. How many lawsuits pending would they have if they used your philosophy?
Did you know one or all of his five sources said the Cowboys charter was late leaving 5 times because players were late showing up when two were weather related and one was mechanical? Well, there’s three lawsuits right there. That will teach’em
That POS should be fired.
I’d ring his neck and force names outta his azz if i lived in Dallas.
My source is what I saw with my own eyes!
Let’s remember all the memorable games at Texas Stadium, ok now think about the last game. Remember Monday week 2 against Philly I do, I was there, Now think back to week 17. The proof is in the pudding. This team has no Heart! I hate saying that. I have never been embarassed to be a Cowboys Fan. But I can’t even say it.
I don't know who
this author is, but its spot on: http://ifyouwriteit.blogspot.com/2008/12/dallas-cowboys-lose-44-6.html
I copied and pasted...
these opinions about this season, from the blog….Do they seem to capture the general feeling around here?
This is a microcosm of the whole season, if not the last few years. Not showing up before the third quarter, terrible TO play, inability to stop #1 receivers, missed tackles, allowing points before the half and allowing the other team to march down the field and win the game when it really matters.
1 We’re just not good enough to win the Superbowl. Period. Over the course of the last 8 years, we have not been good enough. Year after year we consistently get tantalizingly close but end up falling short.
2 The reason for this failure varies in details from one year to the next but the overall theme for me has been the ineptitude and inability of the coaching staff to put the players, especially on the offensive side of the ball, in the best possible position to win the game. Going back through the years to all the other NFC championship games, we’ve talked about playcalling, lack of a run game, not being able to convert short yardage, not having enough playmakers, not being able to adjust in-game strategy etc.
3 This loss cannot be blamed entirely on the D, Even Pittsburgh D and Baltimore’s D get torched every once in a while. During those times, the offense needs to come through and carry the D for a little while. Unfortunately our offense has laid an egg consistently throughout the year, and that egg shone the brightest in this month. When the defense needed a pick me up, the offense couldn’t provide it.
4 The solution I propose is to man up, admit we’re simply not good enough instead of deluding ourselves into thinking we’re just one play away, year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year. Once we’ve done that we need to realize football sometimes is really just that simple and is a man’s game. Man up and stop all the crap, get some damn running plays that work, get a damn #1 receiver to catch the ball so this same crap doesn’t keep coming up year after year.
5 The Cowboys, whatever the reason may be continue to do the same things year after year hoping the results will be different, and continue to fall short year after year. At some point the folks running the team need to look inward and try to figure out some damn answers. After all, that’s what they are paid to do.
The saddest part for me is
that if we used this season as a stepping stone and took the necessary steps during the offseason to put ourselves over the top for next year, then this would have been a lesson well worth it. However, here’s what will happen:
We’ll say we like our present core of receivers and that they will be better next year, then we will make some half assed attempt at a free agent WR, just so the fans won’t say the front office didn’t try. We’ll come back again next year with our 60-40 pass/run ratio and half-assed run game. Our coaching staff will continue to be bad at in-game strategic changes, and when we lose again in the playoffs next year, we’ll wonder what the reason is.
That’s been the most painful part of watching the Cowboys, for me. I love the Boys to death, and have enjoyed blogging here with you guys, but watching this team every year is like watching a train wreck in slow motion. You know its going to happen, but there’s nothing we as fans obviously can do to stop it. And we keep on making the same mistakes year after year and hoping something will somehow miraculously fall our way and maybe, just maybe by luck, we’ll win it. Oh well. Here’s to hoping. Maybe one day that hope will come to pass.
This is from the Eagles blog. Sounds familiar though.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
Come on, JV.
You know if Cowboy Nation had to endure something like 1-4 in conference title games over a single decade, there’d be mass suicides. Forget merely being labeled a choker, Romo would probably actually strangle himself to death.
Certainly the oldtimers could gut it out.
Some of the younger whippersnappers (myself excluded) who BSPN seems to have a magnetic pull over; I’m not so sure.
I am a college student
One of the first things you learn about critical thinking is that an argument holds 100% priority over the person who makes it. That is, after the statement is made, it is autonomous from the “source”
I am sure all you know of this already, so to mention or care who these sources are is irrelevant. For example; if it is a sunny day outside and I claim its raining cats and dogs, for you to remark that I am not qualified or incapable of making a claim on weather has absolutely nothing to do with my statement, “its raining cats and dogs”. That statement simply has to be proven wrong.
We here players and media quoting these “sources” with a critical tone, yet it shouldn’t matter who the sources are. If it is an untrue statement, then there is no reason to even mention the source of it.
well...
by law, you can’t publish fallacies and claim them as fact. The semantics of truth may be as they are, but a journalist must have sources that back up what is printed as fact. If you have no sources and are printing rumors or lies, then you’re legally culpable and your business of selling information will fail.
True, but,
if the argument can be neither proven nor disproven, then I believe the source must be considered. Can anyone other than Cowboys players and coaches give credible evidence about what happens in team meetings or practices? If not, then we have to consider whether the reporter truly has reliable information. It is not so much that people are questioning the validity of the argument, but the validity of the statement.
For example, if neither of us have been in a room, but I say that 5 people have told me the walls are red, but am not willing to name any of those people, whether due to ethics or other reasons, then it is not unreasonable for you to question the reliability of not only my statement, but also my sources. Like, have my sources been in the room, or as some here are suggesting, did I just make up what color I think the room is and attribute it to sources. Another example, is your source on scientific evidence me, or Stephen Hawking? In some cases, based on their knowledge of the arena, a person’s qualification for making a statement is important.
I trust the sources, personally. But I can certainly understand if others do not, and don’t consider it unreasonable.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jan 20, 2009 8:04 PM CST up reply actions
Interesting theory...
.. in the class room, but honestly, since we can’t look outside and see if it’s sunny, as in your example, we have to rely on ‘witnesses’ to an event that has already taken place.
If one of the sources was Stephen Jones, his opinion might have one perspective. If the source was the recently fired Bruce Read, his perspective might be entirely different. I’m not calling anyone a liar, but experience says that different people will see the same event from two different perspectives.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
I agree Jim
I think Stephen Jones making a comment vs Bruce Read making are great examples. A recently fired, and highly criticized coach may be more likely to make an exaggerated statement than the VP of PP; I honestly am not a “football guy”, I don’t know, I don’t know, its a good question isn’t it?
And to Baked Potato Soup; It is very important to know who these “sources” are, and since we don’t know who they are, we assume they come from the all knowing football drama God – you always construct your conclusions as the “source” has stated.
We have “sources” blaming players and coaches. We have players blaming coaches. We have coaches blaming players. We have players blaming players. (I don’t know if we have coaches blaming coaches or not)
Not sure what that last paragraph was meant to illustrate, but take it an run with it I guess..
by ThryceCubed on Jan 20, 2009 10:05 PM CST up reply actions
Yes..
…it is a good question and I’m glad you brought it forward. I hope you don’t feel like I was putting down your thoughts, I think there are those on here who get contentious and condescending if they don’t agree with your observations.
You taught me something, and I appreciate that.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
You know my biggest gripe with the *source*.
Sorry about that, my biggest gribe with the source is….how come we didn’t hear about this weeks ago?
I’m not saying its not true, but as much media surrounds the Dallas Cowboys, how is it that you just now hear all this about this?
by AirforceBat on Jan 20, 2009 11:56 PM CST up reply actions
Not at all Jim
don’t mind having my thoughts/ideas criticized in the least – if anything it is beneficial
Its an interesting theory; the autonomy of statements. Does an author have any say over his work, or is it completely up to interpretation….
I don’t know the answer, and am not sure if there really is one.
I agree AirforceBat; it is odd for these statements to surface now the season is over. Almost like they are excuses rather than constructive observations…
Not that I wouldn't be bummed if what this guy says about Romo
is true, but who are all these offensive players who are “disappointed” in Romo’s habits? TO, who runs undisciplined routes, who drops more than his share of passes, and who is one of the biggest divas in football? Big Mouth Crayton, who drops more passes than he catches? Pouty Roy? One of the most-penalized, least-disciplined offensive lines in professional football? I guess Witten is in a position to criticize Romo, since he’s obviously a hard worker, but I kind of doubt he’s backstabbing his QB to the press. Maybe Barber or Tashard Choice, but I wonder if they’d mouth off that way. Maybe Romo did slack off, and that would suck. But it seems to me some folks are throwing him under the bus to cover their own obvious shortcomings. I’d love to see Romo name the names of the rest of the bums on that offense who clearly also let him down, because their is plenty of blame to go around.
I think a lot of this is overblown ...
and the plane thing just seems silly, but where there’s smoke there’s fire. The stuff about the meetings is just inexcusable, and everyone shares in the blame. You’re telling me guys like Zach Thomas can’t get their teammates in line? What a joke, on all fronts.
by MeanMr.Mustard on Jan 20, 2009 10:02 PM CST reply actions
Oh boy..... Aikman ripped Romo on Irvins radio show yesterday...
First Take just played a clip from Aikman saying he should’ve never gone to Cabo last year and believes Romo is not taking playing QB for the Dallas Cowboys seriously….
Here we go…………
The diffrerence between Archer and Watkins
Watkins used 5 unnamed sources and did nto quote a single one. Archer spoke directly to Romo and quoted him. Which story has more validity?
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