Jerry Jones speaks but doesn't say much
by Dave Halprin on Jan 21, 2009 11:49 AM CST
in News
223 comments
We finally heard from Jerry Jones yesterday but he wasn't exactly forthcoming on a lot of issues and he refused to discuss most of the hot-button topics facing the Cowboys. It's strange to have Jerry Jones not ready and willing to talk about all things Cowboys, he's never been shy about it before. I welcome this development because I think the Cowboys actually talk a little too much in the media instead of handling some stuff in-house. Meanwhile, Wade Phillips has refused to talk to the press at all.
The most-welcome news that came from Jerry was the fact that they are having initial discussions with DeMarcus Ware's agent about getting him signed to a new contract. If nothing else happens, that's the one thing the Cowboys have to do - they have to keep Ware. The guy is a beast and is easily one of the top defensive players in the league. They can't blow that one.
On free agency, Jerry was asked if they would be big players or would hold-off somewhat because most of the starting positions are filled and most of the players are signed to be here for a while. Jerry's response:
"I don't expect much in free agency. I don't for that reason, because we've made a lot of commitments on our roster. It's a positive. I view it as a real positive, the strengths that we have, and that's why I want to take a lot of what we've got - and certainly we'll make some changes where we think we can improve - but basically get this team back out on the field. We've got something to prove."
Jerry was asked about the status of RW1, you remember, that guy who plays strong safety.
"Again, he's a part of our evaluation and assessment. And a big part of it. There're things that Roy can really, with Wade's scheme and what we're trying to do defensively, there's an area that Roy can really excel and help us excel. So we've got to really evaluate that."
Q: Could you envision him playing a hybrid safety/linebacker position?
"We've always thought he would really, at any time, be an impact player up near the line. And certainly, when you're talking about putting pressure on a team, we've always thought he was capable of doing that. That comes to my mind immediately when I think of what he can contribute."
It sounds like they are inclined to keep him for another year although it wasn't exactly a concrete answer.
Most of the other answers concerned team chemistry and the criticism that the Cowboys are receiving over their disappointing season. Jerry's answers gave no real clues as to what they have planned. He also mentioned he hasn't talked to Anthony Spencer since his arrest and would wait to comment on it until he has a chance to discuss the facts with Spencer.
Troy Aikman has some advice for Tony Romo.
The always reliable pot-stirrer JJT takes Jerry and Wade to task, but mostly it's Jerry.
The Cowboys deny parts of Calvin Watkins article from yesterday.
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Talking to the media
What are the requirements for an NFL coach talking to the media?
During the season, I think there are certain times and circumstances under which the coaches (players?) have to make themselves available, probably under contract terms with the tv outfit broadcasting the game.
With the media buzzards pulling at the innards of the Cowboys, I think it would be wise for Wade to just not talk to any of them – period – if not required to do so. Same goes for Garrett and the entire coaching staff.
There is no shutting Jerry up, of course, under any circumstances.
Wish Jerry would turn the GM post over to Stephen and go focus on getting his new stadium open.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on Jan 21, 2009 12:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed: Wade shouldn't talk to anyone
I hope he doesn’t say anything and I hope Jerry keeps certain things off limits, too, until he knows what he wants to do. The media, especially certain of them, aren’t trying to help Dallas out any.
Jerry’s position is the same as Gov. Patterson’s on picking the senate seat: T.O. may be unpopular like Caroline Kennedy is becoming, but the only opinion poll that matters is Jerry Jones’ survey of one.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 12:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
RW1
when healthy, he hasn’t been effective in the box/around the line of scrimmage in years. I don’t expect that to change.
(Romo) still gets excited when he buys a new t-shirt at Target for crying out loud
by I_miss_Switzer on Jan 21, 2009 12:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
he's an albatross on the roster at this point
he doesn’t even seem to play special teams. He may be an example of Jerry not letting players go when he should
by AustonianAggie on Jan 21, 2009 12:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
RW1 is a prime example on why JJ shouldn't be the GM
He falls in love with HIS players! I am sure that Wade isn’t to excited to bring him back. If you have to hide your SS in your scheme, come on!
by rocj55 on Jan 21, 2009 6:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
My guess is
RW1 doesn’t miss both of those tackles in the ravens game.
Give him a shot in the defense we played when Wade took over.
Not the B$ defense we played when stewart was in charge.
by oneforthethumb on Jan 21, 2009 6:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1 Our safety position is so weak he may be our best player there
"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 7:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
new number same tired player.......
What a joke for him or anyone to think by changing his number he would morph into something he is not….
by Boyzfan94 on Jan 21, 2009 12:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
-1
In 07 we were 6th vs the run.. Roy had 90+ tackles and with one RB going over a 100 yds. There is a correlation there.
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on Jan 21, 2009 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't care
he had very little impact. Tackles are an unreliable statistic. How many of them were on run plays, limiting them to 5 yards or less? I suspect very few.
His defining moment was when he had a declining Shawn Alexander dead to rights in the backfield at a critical moment, and whiffed.
Even if he is effective against the run, teams will pass on him up and down the field. First down – throw to the TE, again and again.
(Romo) still gets excited when he buys a new t-shirt at Target for crying out loud
by I_miss_Switzer on Jan 21, 2009 2:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Roy
If Dallas brings him back because they couldn’t find a better alternative I am fine with that, if they upgrade I am fine with that too.
I would love for the team to get a game changer at safety, not sure how likely that i.s
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on Jan 21, 2009 2:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ya know what
Thinking about him with Wade running the defense kind of changes my mind, I still draft a corner, but he could defiantly help on the run, he wouldn’t have missed those tackles against the Ravens.
by joey7289 on Jan 21, 2009 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
RW1 has been a trend setter at valley ranch
He was the first in a long list of “stars” who signed a long-term, high priced contract and then proceeded to play like he wasn’t worth it all.
by dave33 on Jan 21, 2009 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well...
First I don’t believe Jerry when he says they won’t be active in FA….He says that every year….
The biggest FA sign will probably be ILB…..If we lose Burnett and Zach, ILB will be a top prioity. We will pursue Bart Scott .
ESPN reported on First Take that Gruden wants the Dallas job and will wait to see what unfolds. Tampa owes him 15 million so he is not in a rush to get a job…
by Boyzfan94 on Jan 21, 2009 12:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
What Dallas job?
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on Jan 21, 2009 3:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Calvin Watkins may have been wrong...
…about the plane information, but I believe the rest of what he wrote, particularly about Owens, Romo and Garrett.
There seems a very quick effort being made to deny parts of what Watkins said from various corners, including Ed Werder talking about players not being the reason why the planes took off late. I wonder why that is, why people want to try to ding Watkins’ credibility, it seems? Hmmmm.
Another question is why people were eager to believe Werder’s anonymous sources yet seem less inclined to do so with Watkins’ supposed five?
Aikman has it correct on Romo — perceptions matter. The feelings about Romo and practice Watkins had in his article yesterday aren’t new, they were voiced earlier in the season and I think were part of the Garrett meets with WR’s stuff later in the year after, I think, the Pittsburgh meltdown.
As far as Garrett goes, all you need to know is that Romo took shots at him and his offense after the Philly game. This is hardly just a T.O. thing. He has a lot of ground to make up with players, it would appear. And Jennifer Floyd Engel’s take that Garrett knows T.O. is gone is a farce (from yesterday article). If Garrett knew that, he would be keeping his mouth shut knowing that he won and things would play himself out. But he’s not, and that tells you everything. Or should, unless you have Engel’s apparent analytical capabilities. I like Jen, but she’s going to need to work on her ability to read the tea leaves, IMO.
Garrett got punked on his head coaching interviews and has both the TO and the Romo parts of the locker room not in his corner. Further, he apparently wants to play the “Me or T.O.” card and has lost his leverage on that score because the coaching jobs fell through. Simply put, Garrett is hurting all the way around from a perception standpoint. And he’s still struggling to regain his footing and probably still looking to get T.O. shipped out if he can. Hence the latest shot. Engel couldn’t be more wrong, IMO. It’s not over, not even close. And that is why Jason is trying to help push the ball down the line.
I’m looking forward to more Watkins stories in the time to come. I think he has a good relationship with the T.O. side of the locker room and that is why those who don’t want that side of the story coming out aren’t thrilled with him. Good for Watkins. If you’re going to tell the story, tell the whole story, not just the one that tries to put all the blame on T.O. and all the ‘good guy’ spin on Romo and Garrett.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 12:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Really?
Watkins is the writer I like the least.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 12:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not a surprise
…given your leanings.
Watkins helps to balance out the Romo/Witten/Garrett spin, and, for that alone, he is valuable. He’s not on that “Do you see me, ESPN?!” bus that so many other local writers are on. His work is critical right now, and those who want the other (pro-Romo, …) story to predominate are predictably looking to take shots at Calvin’s work to help ding his credibility and message. Typical games. If Werder wants to correct Calvin’s work then we can start bringing up Ed’s injury reports on Ware and others.
Calvin mentioned he had five sources to buttress the validity of what he said. That’s more sources than what I have seen in the work of Werder. The most I have seen cited in his stories is two, or just ‘sources.’ Five vs two, that’s an easy call.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 12:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Have you inquired about writing for BTB yet, Paul?
I always enjoy reading your comments and insights along with those of Jim Vance. Plus, you guys articulate your thoughts well.
You most definitely should consider, sir.
Thanks.
Celebrity or Imposter?
YOU Decide...
http://www.xanga.com/metaltometal/689036052/celebrity-or-imposter/
by silverblue5 on Jan 21, 2009 12:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, silverblue5
I appreciate that.
I’m not in a position where I can commit to writing enough to be able to become a regular scribe here, were I to be accepted to do so in the first place. Thankfully, there is plenty of talent on the site for the next wave of front pagers and guys like Dave, Rafael and Raul have things well in hand. I’m doing a little bit of here and there writing over at Bleacher Report and will likely do more writing at various sites as I can, including here. I want to do more postings, articles and media in the future but I’m going to have to slowly work towards being able to do so for now.
Again, thanks for the kind words. Jim Vance’s stuff is great and there are a lot of insightful, talented people on BTB that have a tremendous amount to offer. Can’t wait to see the next crop have their chance.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
if i read something, I wanna see more than one unnamed source …. 5? That gives it some legs ….
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by shadow1480 on Jan 21, 2009 12:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Name one msm or DMN article that has put romo or garrett in a good light since the end of the season.
Each one of these guys have had bad press. Garrett supposedly making a power play to have owens removed, Romo’s postgame press conference spurring on all sorts of stories questioning his focus and “heart”. TO, well anything TO is a story so what’s changed. Calvin’s story has one confirmed hole, what is to say other things he has “pieced” together do not have flaws as well. I am no Romo apologist but other than the commenters on this blog none of these guys have been given a pass in the media. I have not seen one article that says romo is fine and will bounce back next season, they stories are still about this season and what he said. Garrett has supposedly screwed himself because he could not secure a HC position and now has even less credibility with the dallas players. The problem I have with calvin, JJT, Randy Galloway, and Jen Engel is that they all play to the lowest common denominator of cowboy fans; they play to the fears of small minded fans and people who love to look for something to complain about. I am not saying this team has no problems, but when Calvin goes on the air of a south texas station and declares that dallas will finish 6-10, it’s just irresponsible. How can he know where they are going to finish the season next year? Before (at the time) the decision on JG was made, before BS was fired, before the draft, OTA’s, and TC; and other than me he will still be the guy who was adimant about dallas finishing no better than 9-7 when they went 13-3. I take all reporters opinions and non-source reports with a grain of salt, but I will not let their stories put the idea that they have any idea how this team will perform in 09 and that is all I care about. Save the Tea leaf readiing for the gypsies.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 12:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I suspect some of what Calvin wrote is true
but I also know:
— Calvin told the HC in a press conference that he could do a better job;
— Calvin is the guy Bill Parcells called “amateur hour” to his face in one of
his daily pressers.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 21, 2009 12:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The guy is such a tool, he should rename himself to Calvin "I have them in the playofffs" Watkins.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 12:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But the approach to take what he says with a grain of salt to be an apt policy.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 12:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You're misunderstanding, I think
First of all, I can find sources defending Romo if I wanted to. JFE comes to mind, but she’s not alone.
It’s a relative thing. Nobody looks good after 44-6 or whatever. Then it becomes who to blame and who needs to go. In that sense, the media has been incredibly stilted towards not Romo’s fault and T.O. needs to go. Now, some have started to come around more to what I feel is the truth, like Gil LeBreton and Jim Reeves, who wrote pieces taking Romo to task after the Philly debacle. But there’s still mostly the concept that Romo would be a better QB without T.O., ‘charismatic’ T.O. is influencing his teammates in bad ways because they agree with him, etc.
What you said, and I said previously, about trying to break down Watkins’ credibility is not an accident. That is deliberate, and that is why the ‘players didn’t hold up the plane’ info came out so quickly, IMO. There’s a lot going on here, you just have to have an idea of what you’re seeing. Not saying you don’t, but I’m just telling others that.
I do not think Calvin Watkins is some amazing writer. I’ve often disliked things he wrote. What he is bringing right now, though, seems to be a more direct line with the T.O. section of the locker room and a willingness to get the other side of the story out. That is key, especially when so much of the coverage is tilted in one direction.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't you think that has more to do with track record of how the msm has chosen
to cover owens rather than protecting romo or garrett. It’s just easier to focus on tearing down owens, but these recent articles that are now coming out show that the TO thing has lost some steam, time to start the sky is falling theme until something else changes or comes up.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, I think it does. Good point
In that sense, Romo and Garrett are proxies for the media’s loathing of T.O. Just so people know what I mean by that, if someone else was set-up as the opposite of T.O. or T.O.‘s foil then they would get similarly glowing coverage in order to make T.O. look bad by comparison. For some time now, Watkins has attempted to get more of a T.O.-friendly take out and I think that is why his piece yesterday was picked apart, looking for errors, as quickly as it was. Watkins puts out a story with five supposed sources reminding people of the Romo and Garrett issues, not just T.O. That hurts the “T.O. is Satan” narrative, and many people don’t want it out there. So, you try to ding Watkins’ credibility and possibly send him the message that he shouldn’t be writing this kind of story. Typical media games.
There’s a gigantic lemming factor going on with the drumbeat to ship out T.O. Watkins is resisting that, for whatever reason. Many of the other lemmings and/or lemming directors aren’t happy about that. Not a surprise. I hope Calvin continues to work to get the whole truth out. I think it’s important, particularly in this situation.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Watkins is resisting because Owens is a good source?
by NCCowboy on Jan 21, 2009 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That definitely could be true
…no question about it. That kind of thing happens all the time, trying to protect the origin of a lot of your information for columns, etc.
I think it’s a little deeper than that, but it might be this simple. Good point.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 1:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And maybe Watkins is also resisting because . . .
Owens is launching his own media counterattack. Do you think it was a coincidence that Patrick Crayton was interviewed live on ESPN on consecutive days last week and RW2 was interviewed by DC.com? I don’t.
by NCCowboy on Jan 21, 2009 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Another great point
One thing with T.O. is that he’s not going to sit out the media PR wars. This can go poorly, such as sit-ups in the driveway, or it can go relatively well, such as the Stephen A. Smith spot where ESPN basically dissed Ed Werder. Either way, T.O. understands the terrain and will engage. That’s another reason why those who want to pillory him can’t stand him. He’s not a compliant target.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I do not think that the media loathes TO, they absolutely love what he brings
an easy story. I think the media knows that it always has to antagonize TO and now they have reached the point where they want him to blow up dallas so they can say “told ya so” so they can move on. The msm wants TO in philly part 2, they want a lockeroom fight, they want all the drama back and what better stage than dallas. I understand you point but I do no think the media loathes him as much as they must have the approach of being there to antagonize and prod him into saying something they can use to stir up controversy.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 2:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ESPN and those who like McNabb...
…hate T.O. Berman hates T.O., and he runs ESPN’s NFL division, no matter what anyone says. Part of it is because of how T.O. ended things in SF (Berman’s favorite team), and part of it is because of the whole McNabb/Limbaugh/T.O. drama. It’s not a coincidence that Werder is the most antagonistic guy (at least nationally) with T.O. and that he works for ESPN. And it’s not a surprise T.O. won’t talk with him. T.O. knows what Werder’s and ESPN’s goal is as regards him.
The best way to summarize this is that there are a lot of vested interests here. Yes, ESPN knows they need the Cowboys for hits and ratings but that doesn’t mean they can’t also work to take out T.O. at the same time. And that’s what’s been happening, the attempt. The story before the Giants game is a great example. Cowboys news, ding T.O. and try to hurt the Cowboys at the same time with the timing. Ditto the Pac story that came out during the playoffs (try to hurt Dallas if they made the playoffs). These things don’t spring out of the ether, it’s just that most people don’t want to think of the media as vindictive, vested entities but they are.
The media, in general, has a huge interest in having T.O. fail while McNabb succeeds. There are tons of levels to this but what I mentioned with ESPN/Limbaugh/T.O. is a good start. Another good person to read on this, who has changed his mind all the way on that score, is Jason Whitlock. He said T.O. ‘raped’ McNabb, or some such thing, and now he’s a huge McNabb backer and not sure he’s a big T.O. fan any longer. The media already has their story written, now they’re working to get the facts to fit that story. Hence, let’s get T.O., The Cancer, kicked out of Dallas and try to hurt the chances of any Dallas team with T.O. in terms of making the playoffs, doing well, etc. This might sound like a conspiracy theory. It’s not. You just have to know how the media works.
Dave has mentioned it several times, that there is meat to these stories. There is, no doubt about it. My point is that it’s the timing and the amount of focus on certain stories that gives the agenda away. Every team has drama, there are plenty of Boldin/Haley stories on various teams (notice how Boldin didn’t stop the Cards from making the Super Bowl; kind of blows up the concept that T.O. is holding back the Cowboys, in my mind). The difference is in what resources are used to track down what stories. Where did the idea to look at the Pac Man footage ESPN did come from? Or to talk to the guy in prison? This is what I’m talking about. There’s an agenda, and it’s not particularly well-concealed, either.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 2:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But as you mentioned, there is meat to these stories.
Todd Haley is a great example. You do remember where he coached before Arizona, right? Remember the shouting match on the sidelines with Owens, the Tour de Owens training camp, Owens falling asleep in meetings. That was 2006. Now we are in 2009 dealing with the same player with the same drama. I do not deny that there is a concerted media campaign, but just because they have an agenda, doesn’t mean there isn’t a good reason to dump Owens.
by NCCowboy on Jan 21, 2009 2:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's fair
…and there is meat to the stories, I can’t deny that. T.O. is far from a perfect person or teammate.
The offensive thing to me, however, as a media consumer is the shameless one-sidedness of the coverage. I guess ESPN and the rest are concerned ‘charismatic’ T.O. will influence their viewers as well as his teammates, and that’s why we only get the “T.O. = Hellspawn” copy.
If T.O. is as bad as they say he is, then why can’t we get all the info and make our own decision? Because that isn’t the agenda. Railroading the guy is. When Peter King talks about how he won’t vote for T.O. to the Hall of Fame because of his drops he makes himself and others who think like him look like asinine, jaded jerks. But this view is given air time.
There are a lot of people who feel there is a racial component to the coverage T.O. gets. People like King don’t help on this count, and this is also why ESPN uses guys like Cris Carter to hide behind so that they don’t suffer from the same perception. Finally, this is also, I believe, a large part of why ESPN ran the Stephen A/T.O. interview. They were starting to take heat about their coverage and so they ran a CYA spot with a black anchor handing the story off to a black interviewer and Irvin chimed in as well. When you look at the media coverage of a person or an event, look at it critically. Don’t just accept what is said to you think about what is trying to be achieved and the interests of the people covering the story.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 2:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Amen
I am really quite surprised that the racial angle hasn’t been played yet, especially in light of the Romo/Witten/Garrett vs. Owens, Williams, Crayton story. That is all this team is lacking in order for this mess to go nuclear.
by NCCowboy on Jan 21, 2009 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It is being played out
…on sites around the ‘net, believe me. You just don’t hear about that too much. I’ve seen pieces on various sites talking about this issue. I can’t recall how I came upon them via Google but they are definitely out there, and there’s some good work that has been done. I think the Werder stuff, at one point, or the discussion around it, even hit at a racial fissure possible in the locker room. The issue is there, and people are definitely picking up on it.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agreed with your earlier post, but I can see the point:
that they want to see him fail as the fact that they do loathe him even though they are dependent on him.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 2:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Some of the treatment T.O. gets
…is really nasty, ugly stuff. Think of the Cris Carter comments and feelings. Or Keyshawn. It’s wrong, and often unchallenged. This is irresponsible journalism, IMO.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This is pure spin
Paul:
I agree that the media accounts to date have been biased toward the dump Owens point of view, and there may be some shred of truth to Watkin’s story. But to endorse the rest of Watkin’s piece, other than the plane information as you did (“but I believe the rest of what he wrote, particularly about Owens, Romo and Garrett”) is probably going too far. What you have, as I wrote below, is various factions in the organization waging the blame game in the media through their favorite media contacts. Understanding that players (and probably coaches and front office personnel) are trying to spin the story to cast themselves in the most positive light and their adversaries in the worst should caution each of us not to believe much of anything we read at this point. Until the team starts pointing the finger at themselves rather than others, we can’t begin to repair the damage done in the 2008 season.
by NCCowboy on Jan 21, 2009 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
…but why is Werder’s story to be believed and Watkins’ not, especially when Calvin has supposedly five sources to Werder’s two or whatever? Again, Werder got it wrong that T.O. called the Garrett meeting, so why should any of what he said be believed, if we’re going to play that game with Watkins and the plane issues?
I totally agree with you — different members of the organization are playing blame games via sympathetic sources. No doubt about it, and it’s always like this. Chuck Todd of MSNBC was just made a White House correspondent both as a reward for his political coverage and so as to help get the Obama Administration’s message out the way that he, and MSNBC, wants it. Sources play favorites just as the media does. Good call.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually Chuck Todd is pretty unbiased
Although MSNBC is pretty left leaning, but at least it is nothing on the scale Fox is for the Right.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If you think Todd is unbiased
…well, that’s a different discussion. MSNBC wants to be the FOX of the left, that’s their whole positioning strategy.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 2:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thank God someone realizes that
I know we should be talking about football but people who accuse Fox of leaning to the right tend to be completely blind to the fact that MSNBC and CNN are so far left. Personally I can’t stand any of them. That might have something to do with why I am so into this blog. I just can’t stand the mainstream media in general.
by witten82 on Jan 21, 2009 5:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
MSNBC is left leaning
CNN is not. Especially since Mark Halperin is one of their top political reporters, and it is well know he is not so secretly a huge conservative.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 9:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Please
I do not come here for political (media bias) discussions…
by DavidH22 on Jan 21, 2009 9:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Amen
Football blog, not politics blog. Ugga bugga!
by Dave Halprin on Jan 21, 2009 10:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The problem is that how many of us actually believed anything Werder said??
I know I actually cheered at my TV when TO called him out on national television. I didn’t take anything that he said to heart then and I take everything Calvin is saying with a grain of salt too.
by kameleon_o on Jan 22, 2009 12:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What leanings?
I’m not a fan of either Romo or T.O. at the moment.
I just think Watkins is a Giants homer and it shows when he writes about them.
And there is something called the quality of the sources not the quantity. But I never attacked Watkins story from yesterday; I think most of it is probably true. I think most of what Werder and Watkins write is true. I just think Watkins opinions are dumb.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 12:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
They don't have eyes
I remember Calvin writing that the team would be fine without Kyle Kosier,
because Joe Berger could handle the job.
You know, the Joe Berger who never played a down for Dallas this year.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 21, 2009 12:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Again that just furthers my point that their opinions are worthless
but their lack of ability to evaluate talent has nothing to do with them reporting the facts.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You want T.O. gone
…and, if I recall correctly, have propped up Romo at the expense of T.O. Those are the leanings I am talking about.
However, as you said, Calvin Watkins’ being ‘amateur hour’ (and I have often agreed with that assessment of his work or comments) does not mean that he can’t properly gather information from five sources.
What I suspect happened with the plane story is what happened to Werder with the “T.O. called meeting with Garrett” story. That is, someone passed the info along to Werder and Watkins and they relayed it, without being able to verify it. If Watkins passed along the wrong info, that should be pointed out. However, I don’t think that’s why people jumped on him so quickly on that point, as I said originally.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 1:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No, it does not mean Watkins can't get info
but I discount the sources, not Watkins ability to stich them together.
I agree with you that the much bigger point is that a racial fissure is bubbling beneath the surface of that team.
And that’s one reason for keeping T.O. As I argued with a friend offline, Owens took all the bullets for Romo the week after Pittsburgh, arguably Romo’s worst game of his career. The Werder story broke the next few days, so Romo never had to face a press conference and answer all the December meltdown questions.
And T.O. also boxed in Witten, if he was in fact the “unnamed source,” because he stood next to him after the game, looked into the lens can called Werder a liar.
When it comes to media, he’s the smartest guy on the team. His impromptu handling of Kim Eldridge’s attempt to play the race card with the Dallas P.D. after the “suicide attempt” was a textbook example of damage control. I do think that if the team cuts him at a time that makes it appear that he’s being punished, or the team is taking sides with Romo over him that you could see a racial blowup. I think the Romo is lazy and Garrett coddles him stories are pushback on this point. If Owens goes and management is viewed by the remaining players as playing favorites, Tony suddenly gets a huge target on his back in that locker room — and this time it gets vocal. Very vocal.
T.O. knows how to work the game better than anybody on that team. Not that the competition is high. Greg Ellis offers textbook examples on how NOT to work the media.
That said, I’m a bit leery of a guy who’s that shrewd of a politician when his skills are starting to decline. I’ve written in the past that I didn’t care one way or another whether he came back or left. This week, when I started charting his ‘08, I looked at his last five years and realized I no longer want him back — because he’s declining and I see another dropoff in ’09.
I don’t it’s fine if you have a master politician, if he can walk the walk. Michael Strahan was this type of character in New York. Boldin gets away with it in Arizona because he’s in his prime and is too valuable.
T.O., I am convinced, crested last year and is heading further south this year. ‘07 was the only year of the last five where his performance went up. He’s 36 now, and he lacks Jerry Rice’s attention to detail as a route runner and he’s never had Rice’s hands.
T.O. crossed the Rubicon this year in my mind. It doesn’t make Romo blameless, but I think Romo has many more years left at a high level and is at the point in his career where he can be steered to a higher level.
I have no illiusions about T.O. on this one.
To quote Tessio, tell Terrell it was strictly business.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 21, 2009 5:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tessio
was always smarter. It was the smart move.
(Romo) still gets excited when he buys a new t-shirt at Target for crying out loud
by I_miss_Switzer on Jan 21, 2009 5:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I sure as heck don't mind Godfather (I and II, never III) references
by DavidH22 on Jan 21, 2009 9:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The end of Tessio
Tessio: Can you get me off the hook, Tom? For old times’ sake?
Tom Hagen: [shakes his head] Can’t do it, Sally.
[Hagen watches sadly as Tessio is led to a waiting car]
(Romo) still gets excited when he buys a new t-shirt at Target for crying out loud
by I_miss_Switzer on Jan 21, 2009 11:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You bring up a lot of good points, Rafael
…as usual.
Your statistical analysis of T.O.‘s production was the first thing I’ve seen that actually made me think perhaps he shouldn’t come back. But wasn’t that data incomplete, just based on half the season? Anyways, it still wasn’t a pretty picture. Good work by you, once again.
Ah, the Kim “25 million reasons to live” Eldridge fiasco. T.O. did handle that well, though you wondered why Kim was ever hired in the first place. T.O. is great at working the PR game and I’m glad that he is. I wish more players had his savvy, especially in the NFL. It can be annoying, or too much at times, but I’d rather that the athletes got to help control their images than groups like ESPN get to try to paint the picture for the world as they see fit.
If I were T.O. I would have handled the Werder thing as he did. If Witten was the source, then he shouldn’t be talking, IMO. T.O. knew he had maximum leverage at that moment and he used it to full advantage, same as Werder tried to do by running the story when he did and hoping the Cowboys lost. If you have leverage, you have to use it. That’s what T.O. did then and what ESPN is trying to do now with the Super Bowl coming up and Dallas having not made the playoffs.
I believe T.O. is committed to winning. He knows it has to happen now. That doesn’t mean his methods are the best way, but I do feel he is about trying to help the team win. I think that’s why he blew up after the Pittsburgh game, and at other times. And I really do think that it’s time for Romo to ‘get it’ on the mental aspect of the game. I love Romo, but I think he has to mentally get to the next level for us to be able to do something in the postseason. As we’ve said before, it’s not an either/or. Many things need to improve for the Cowboys, but I think that points T.O. has brought up may have some validity and he doesn’t have to be an impediment to the team achieving success next year. I think he can help a lot.
Another thing is, is Roy Williams ready to be a #1. He had that one year, but just that one year. And that was in Detroit, where no one cared and the spotlight isn’t anything like it is in Dallas. I would like to see Roy worked in and then if he’s ready the following season (i.e., he shows he’s ready) and T.O. shows more slippage, then make the move. If all is handled correctly and health is good we should have tons of weapons next year. Why not let them see what they can do with a better and more committed running game and Roy with a full training camp, etc? I think outfits like ESPN are concerned what Dallas could be next year and they don’t want Owens to benefit from, or contribute to, that. Again, why are they so eager to run him out now, guys that you know aren’t Cowboys or T.O. fans? This is where the biggest push is coming from. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.
The racial thing in all of this is huge, I believe, and it really came to a head when Williams and Gurode called Witten out. This was the start of the ‘charismatic’ T.O. thing that didn’t really take full flight until T-New made his ‘cowards’ pronouncement after the season. The same way that Dave or others feel that there is something to the Werder stories I believe that there is something to what is being said about Romo, practice, Witten as ‘cowardly’ source, etc. But beyond that, guys on the team feel that way. I think anyone who believes T.O. is weaving a magic spell on that count is fooling themselves. Could T.O. nurture that feeling? Yes. Do I think guys like Gurode or new guy Williams would be calling out a Pro Bowler unless they saw something themselves? No. Something seems to be there, and I think guys on the team are reacting to what they may feel is one guy being trashed in the media and the other guy(s) getting free passes. As ugly as it was, the Philly butt kicking may help guys take things a bit more seriously, all of them.
I think T.O. can help the squad next year, even if it is more as a decoy, #2 or just a drawer of double teams. Having a Ray Lewis or stronger coaching presence would certainly help to keep things in line. Guys like T.O. often like other strong leaders around they actually respect. I hope he stays around and I don’t think he will fall of dramatically next season, especially with Roy being more integrated and with Felix hopefully around, as well as Choice and a stronger run commitment. I especially don’t like the idea of paying more money to get rid of your top playmaker than you would spend to keep him. It’s clear, to me anyways, that he isn’t close to the sole chemistry issue with the team. If that’s the case, then why pay more $$ to ship him out? I just don’t see it. I appreciate your take, though, and if he does stay around, I hope the numbers can turn around from the data you pointed out the other day.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 7:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if Roy calling Witten out
had more to do with the fact that Witten is a better football player than Roy is?? And I’m really starting to dislike what I hear from Newman. He’s going to imply that Witten is cowardly?? Our All-Pro TE who plays through broken jaws, sprained ankles, and fractured ribs?? The same CB who misses game after game the last couple of years with owie after owie?? Personally, I’m starting to think that the only thing that will help this team is a good old fashioned locker room brawl. It might feel good for these guys to pound on each other a little. Just get the frustration out so they can focus on their real enemies: the NFC East.
by kameleon_o on Jan 22, 2009 12:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
-100000
Newman called the locker room snitch out not Witten. A Cowboys fan should be more informed
"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 2:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Who the hell do you think those guys were saying the snitch was??
They were saying it was Witten. RW2 and Gurode both supposedly called out Witten during their players only meeting. Do you think Newman was talking about someone else?? Get real man
by kameleon_o on Jan 22, 2009 7:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Five sources
all anonymous and all wrong.
Great reporting.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on Jan 21, 2009 3:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
why no quotes?
because its BS, thats why. Watkins is a hack.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 21, 2009 4:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
RW1 is gone.....
I think we will save 3 or 4 mil if he was cut. Maybe someone has the numbers on it….
by Boyzfan94 on Jan 21, 2009 12:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It will save me
about 30 curse words per game.
The man lost his edge around 2005 and never got it back.
(Romo) still gets excited when he buys a new t-shirt at Target for crying out loud
by I_miss_Switzer on Jan 21, 2009 12:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL!
Celebrity or Imposter?
YOU Decide...
http://www.xanga.com/metaltometal/689036052/celebrity-or-imposter/
by silverblue5 on Jan 21, 2009 12:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Roy's game went south
the day Darren Woodson’s back gave out.
When Dallas had him and Roy in ’03, they had the number one ranked defense.
A top quality S could help this team immensely.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 21, 2009 12:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm still trying to grock that Woodson came out as a LB
anyone like him in the Pac-10 LB corps?
by AustonianAggie on Jan 21, 2009 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
maybe
but, give Roy over Keith Davis or anyone else on the current Roster.
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on Jan 21, 2009 2:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Roy is an improvement over Keith Davis
a big one.
But is improving over Keith the team’s objective, or getting a top quality player in that role?
I think it’s the latter, but Jerry has an investment in Roy, and he’s loyal to his guys. Too loyal sometimes.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 21, 2009 6:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The problem isn't just his coverage abilities.
If it was just that you could game plan around it like other teams do with their safeties. It’s the fact that he’s no longer a force against the run and can no longer pressure the QB. He used to be a wrecking ball close to the LOS and now he’s more like a pussy cat.
by kameleon_o on Jan 22, 2009 12:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting he didn't deny that Jerry was preventing Wade from raising the fines
that was the bigger story IMO, and it appears to be true.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 12:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yep, raise the fines
They should be higher, IMO. Guys need to take things more seriously, it appears. All of them.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 12:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like a media blackout
that’d rule. I know jones loves cameras, imagine how many cameras they’d get if the Cowboys got very secretive
by AustonianAggie on Jan 21, 2009 12:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Did you know that the new CBA that came out after Par left prohibits fines that high?
Does Calvin have the official records of how much each player was fined, No. He stated one eps of hard knocks, one or two examples does not make his info accurate to see how much they fined players. By the way the max fine you can give a player for tardyness, or missed meetings is $1,500, a big difference from $12,000.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 12:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and 1,500 is a big difference from
100
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 12:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, but what real proof does he have that all fines were maxed at 100 other than the HK episode?
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 12:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I trust him more than you
what sources do you have inside Valley Ranch?
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Back at ya bub.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 1:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"back at ya bub"?
so you trust him more than me? I would to. The guy is a professional journalist working for a major newspaper with various sources inside Valley Ranch. I would hope you trust him more than me.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No I was just telling you that I have as much trust in you as you do in me.
I was not making a personnal attack, I do not take shots at other commenters on this blog. I do not appreciate being consisdered utrustustworthy just because I have a different opinion.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 1:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I never said your opinions were stupid
but they are just that, opinions. Watkins whatever you may think of him (and I don’t think very highly of him) probably doesn’t lie when he said a source inside valley ranch says so and so. That is not his opinion, that is the fact, and that is why I trust him more than you or any other poster on this blog.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 1:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I did not once say that Calvin was lying. I stated what he used as the basis for
the fine structure was based off the HK episode not off a source.
“This season, players were fined $100 for being late to meetings or missing a treatment. During training camp, linebacker Anthony Spencer was featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks after being fined $100 for missing a treatment session. But sources said Spencer was not alone in missing such treatments.”
The part that is left open is that all fines for other missed treatments had the exact fined levied. The questioning of the accuracy of his information is valid, that does not mean I said what he stated was a lie. Calvin had no other details on fines other than the one from the HK episode, the source said that Spencer was not the only one, but gives no details on fines, or how much they were. So questioning the accuracy of how the players were fined does not make Calvin a liar.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 1:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
On that last sentence I meant
So questioning the accuracy of how the players were fined does not mean I am calling him a liar.
*fixed
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Same applied to Skip Bayless
The guy is a professional journalist working for a major newspaper with various sources inside Valley Ranch.
Back before he went big time.
Trust me, getting a paycheck from one of the Dallas area dailies is no sign you are a journalist.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on Jan 21, 2009 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here's my problem with the "no discipline" story
Why now?
If this was all true, why did the sources wait until the season was over? A story like that breaks after the bye, when Wade was moved to take over the defensive play calling, and more changes might have been in store.
If you’re smart, you can use the press to your benefit. They live for dish like this. But if you “lose respect” but hold your tongue, what are you doing about it? You think the press would have spiked a story like this in early November? After seeing the ruckus Ed Werder’s story caused?
The players are just covering ass.
But I have to ask. Where are the beat writers? They’re in the locker room. Don’t they fly on the team charters? Would they not know if the plane was late? And who held it up?
Do they need permission from their sources to break a story?
Juvenile on both sides of this story, IMO.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 21, 2009 12:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nick eatman said that Calvin was at the senior bowl asking the writers about the plane
and did not like what he heard, and decided to not take any quotes from souces who were available. I know no one likes to be thought of as a homer, but at the same time we as fans should avoid the media frenzy that leads to this lemming behavior.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 12:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
?
I’m not sure I understand. What didn’t Calvin like?
by Rafael Vela on Jan 21, 2009 12:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nick was making a sarcastic remark about how Calvin reacted to the fact that the
plane problems were not player related.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 12:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Right
but they Cowboys organization has yet to dispute the rest of his story, which would lead me to believe the rest is more likely than not correct.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd dispute a true story as long as I wouldn't get sued
I know Jerry Jones would too if it suited his ends. Its not lying to the media, it’s playing communication games. I’m just saying I don’t think your conclusion is valid.
by AustonianAggie on Jan 21, 2009 1:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Your logic is very abstract
this simplest explanation is usually the best: occam’s razor.
Jerry didn’t dispute the rest of the story probably because it was true.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
my logic is Jerry didn't dispute the story
because it serves his purposes or he doesn’t care or he’s not going to dignify the question are all possible reasons not requiring the assumption that said story is true.
In fact, ’doesn’t care what they say at this point’ requires the least amount of assumptions
by AustonianAggie on Jan 21, 2009 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That doesn't make any sense whats so ever
for one the Cowboys’ media guy did dispute a particular aspect of the story, so they do care enough to respond, but it’s odd they left the rest out.
Moreover, out of all the owners in the league Jerry cares the most about the media’s perception of his team.
Stop with your verbal contortions. Denial is not just a river in Egypt.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You got a point Raf
these guys would write about mid-season discipline problems w/o hesitation… if it were true it would of been a done deal
by AustonianAggie on Jan 21, 2009 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Funny this story came out after Stewart was fired
Is this possibly a case of sour grapes?
by illcowboy on Jan 21, 2009 7:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's not just that they aren't higher
It’s that they went from 5-12 grand to almost nothing. I know these guys are millionaires (most of them) but it’s not just the money. By lowering them to almost ridiculously low levels it sends the message to the players that the things they were getting fined for aren’t really that important. Otherwise why lower the fines at all?? What’s the point??
by kameleon_o on Jan 22, 2009 1:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
sometimes in moments of clarity
I still think this team was a healthy Kyle Kosier away from running through the playoffs. His injury systemically led to so many problems.
by AustonianAggie on Jan 21, 2009 12:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
And/Or Felix Jones.
I think if they had Jones, they can combat a lot of the problems that losing Kosier caused. Look at what Choice, who is by no means a burner, was able to do when he got significant playing time. If they had Felix’s burst and breakaway speed available for draws, screens, and pitches, they could have destroyed the defenses that came after them with the inside blitzes like in the last month of the season.
I think an aspect of Kosier that is missed is his intelligence. Gurode has been dinged for his since he came into the league, and I think it showed again this year without Kosier in the lineup to help him make the calls.
I also question the decision to not use Holland earlier in the season when Proctor was clearly ineffective. I know that it was supposedly due to him not being ready, but they also said that about Choice until he was the only RB left, and he turned out to be not only ready, but excellent. This coaching staff often seems too reluctant to give young players a chance, which would also explain why we keep losing our young guys to become solid backups or starters to other teams.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jan 21, 2009 7:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I seem to remember ...
something about contractual obligations should certain clauses/milestones be met. Of course, he gets hurt making those arguments moot.
by GalTex on Jan 21, 2009 7:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
just saw a piece from JJT mentioning bringing back Mike Zimmer as DC
Interesting…..
What about Mike Zimmer?
Yes, he has a contract in Cincinnati, but he has such a close relationship with Marvin Lewis that the head coach would probably let him out of his deal, if asked. Besides, he still owns a home in Grapevine, so he wouldn’t even have to look for a new place to live.
Zimmer is intimately familiar with the 3-4, so he could also use some of those principles to go back and forth between the schemes the way New England does so effectively.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/012109dnspocownewsletter.3163e31.html
by Boyzfan94 on Jan 21, 2009 12:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
my strong suspician is it will be somebody who knows Wade Phillips
and I don’t think those two ever worked together.
by AustonianAggie on Jan 21, 2009 12:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The guy was a 4-3 guy who only started using the 3-4 when parcells took over, does JJT state how long
Zimmer has been a 3-4 guy, did he stay one when he left Dallas and went to atl, or in Cinn?
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 12:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think he went back to the 3-4 as soon as he left.
Didn’t he go to Atlanta?? Under Petrino?? I thought from what I remember that he was happy to get away from the 3-4. Or maybe it was just getting away from Parcells??
by kameleon_o on Jan 22, 2009 1:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jerry Jones Needs A Backbone
Jerry needs to get off of his egotistical butt and fix this football team. He still hasn’t come out and said that PacMan is definitely off of this team. He has not responded to accusations that PacMan is coming back. He also lets the players get away with murder. Someone needs to hold rulebreakers accountable. I see Wade wanted to raise fines for tardiness and missing meetings. What does Jones do? Nothing!! You can’t punish a whole team for what one person does. Hit them in the pocketbook and hit them hard. You can levy a fine of $150 for missing a meeting. That’s like fining me a penny for missing a meeting. The lack of discipline on this team has been a problem since the Super Bowl teams. Jerry needs to change or we will never see another NFC Championship game or Super Bowl as long as he is the owner. Everyone talks about him doing everything he can to win, but that’s not what I see anymore. Going out and spending a mint on players doesn’t get that done. It’s been tried in Washington and Oakland and look what those teams have done. Wake up, Jerry.
by DallasSooner on Jan 21, 2009 12:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Aikman Blasts ROMO and you dont even cover it?
What a joke. Kool-aid anyone?
by sam0807 on Jan 21, 2009 12:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
If you read what Troy said...
he didn’t really blast him. I think he was giving him advice. Perception is very important, particularly when you’re the QB for the Cowboys and everything you do and say is magnified many times over. Troy knows this better than anyone. It wouldn’t hurt Romo to take it to heart.
by Boundforbeach on Jan 21, 2009 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
no, he was sounding like an idiot
he sounded like Joe Buck.
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
The Wrestler
by Longhorn on Jan 21, 2009 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Blasts?
What? I can’t imagine Troy Aikman blasting anything, under any circumstances. What he said is level, cogent, measured and sensible.
Wouldn’t you agree that one who may know how to handle the Cowboys QB job should provide a little helpful constructive criticism to another, much younger Cowboys QB???
You guys love you some soap operas.
by Joey2zs on Jan 21, 2009 1:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Aikman didn't blast Romo
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 21, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Aikman is
right on the mark.
Does anyone here think Romo ever thought he would be in the position he is in today?
An undrafted QB who felt lucky just to be on a roster no less the Cowboys.
Years later you are QB’ing the most visible NFL team.
Romo needs to understands he can longer play I’m just any other guy out there. I won’t change the way I act becasue I am the QB of the Cowboys.
You got promoted to starter. Drop the I’ll never change attitude and start acting like the starting QB of the world’s most recognizable football franchise.
If you don’t understand speak with Aikman,Staubach and even Danny white. They all will set you straight.
My biggest fear is we draft a QB; he competes with Romo and Romo just quits.
PS: Turn your hat around and start acting like the QB of the Cowboys!!
by oneforthethumb on Jan 21, 2009 7:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Romo just quits
According to him, he’ll be a better leader next year.
by troysboys on Jan 21, 2009 11:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
that would never, ever happen
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 22, 2009 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Aikman is a joke.
a complete and utter joke.
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
The Wrestler
by Longhorn on Jan 21, 2009 1:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
he is?
what do you generally consider funny, then?
by Joey2zs on Jan 21, 2009 1:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He may
be a joke but he was right on the mark regarding Romo!!!
by oneforthethumb on Jan 21, 2009 7:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dude
Start your own blog. Cover it.
I’m sure you’ll steal all our readers.
Because Romo is so coddled by all the bloggers here.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 21, 2009 1:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Dude
no.
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
The Wrestler
by Longhorn on Jan 21, 2009 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the full audio...
I posted it on the “celebrity qb” thread too, but it’s pretty good. I don’t think what Aikman said was outrageous. He seemed to step back into the former player mode rather than unbias announcer. You can tell that both Irvin and Troy are (obviously) upset with the state of the franchise…almost a “We passed our dynasty onto these guys?” attitude…
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfceast/0-7-174/Aikman-s-take-on-the-Cowboys.html
by AikmanNailedMySis on Jan 21, 2009 1:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Right
which brings me to another point about the “I lost respect” story that really bothers me.
Who can get in high dudgeon and not look foolish?
So the players lost respect for Tony Romo? And they lost respect for Jason Garrett for not slapping him around?
So that’s why Colombo and Adams jump offsides so much?
Why Gurode can’t count to three?
Why Davis can’t pick up blitzes?
Why Proctor can’t block?
Why Owens can’t stop breaking off routes or dropping passes?
Why Barber suddenly started fumbling?
Why the D-line can’t stop jumping offsides on 3rd and 4s?
Why the corners talk big and then get burned?
They were all studious disciplined players, but then they “lost respect” for the lack of
discipline and figured why not me either.
Unless those sources were Jay Ratliff, Demarcus Ware or Jason Witten, we have a serious case
of the pot calling the kettle black.
Cause I lost respect for all guys who are not those three last year, based on performance.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 21, 2009 1:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think Barber fumbled as much as our memories serve
he had a poor 4 game stretch, but one of those fumbles he got nailed by like three guys, I was just glad he didn’t break his back
by AustonianAggie on Jan 21, 2009 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe... but
What happened to MBIII. In my football memory, I don’t recall a player who never fumbles all of a sudden coughing the ball up regularly. Could his arm have been injured? Did he forget how to hang onto the ball because he was never hit at camp cupcake? Alternate theories?
While I was really impressed with Choice last year, I can’t agree with the “Dump Marion crowd”. In 2006-7 he did some things that I’ve never seen a back do in the NFL. I hope last year was an aberration and he will be back to normal this season.
by JimmyJohnson on Jan 21, 2009 3:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't say he never fumbled.
He actually fumbled three times in ‘07 but since the Cowboys didn’t lose possession on any of those fumbles those are easily forgivable and/or forgettable making it only seem like he never fumbled. Seven is a pretty big increase over three though since that equates to a fumble every other game.
I wouldn’t turn down a great offer for Barber but I don’t know what the rush to dump him is either. Even if Choice and Felix aren’t used as much as they should be, as long as they’re sprinkled in enough to be the factors they are less carries just means their careers will be prolonged.
One thing though; I really think because of his decisiveness in hitting the hole Choice gives you the best chance to consistently get 4-5 yards on early downs early in the game when the big runs just aren’t there to pop loose. If there’s one thing Barber’s been guilty of, it’s his tendency to try too hard to drift outside when something isn’t there and this causes him to unnecessarily lose yardage.
by MadMick on Jan 21, 2009 5:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that was his one problem as a rookie
that I noticed. He had a tendency to put the ball on the ground. I saw it in pre-season that year too.
He had 7 fumbles this year though. Quite a bit. 4 of them though came on receptions. I wonder if he’s just not tucking the ball away tight enough when he gets thrown too.
by kameleon_o on Jan 22, 2009 1:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
all that happend under Parcells too
and well, it all happened last year as well…
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
The Wrestler
by Longhorn on Jan 21, 2009 5:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
by the way
as bill parcells would say, consider yourself sucked.
i wouldn’t put too much stock into this petty offseason, media overblown stuff…
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
The Wrestler
by Longhorn on Jan 21, 2009 5:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
'these guys'??
what the eff? Those were the criminals, the druggies, the sex addicts…
how effing dare those idiots would think anything like that..
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
The Wrestler
by Longhorn on Jan 21, 2009 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
hey
welcome aboard! You seem like a new poster here.
Thanks for lowering the overall quality of discourse here, by bringing this board closer to the level of other high school shouting matches like the DMN or DC blogs. Kudos, short timer.
by Joey2zs on Jan 21, 2009 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i'm sorry, but
who are you?
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
The Wrestler
by Longhorn on Jan 21, 2009 4:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
just a guy
who reads what you write and feels like he stepped in dog crap. Don’t feel the need to reply. I don’t care who you are, and i’m not interested in banter with you.
by Joey2zs on Jan 21, 2009 11:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but those "idiots"
were very functional is their disfunctionality. haha if that makes sense. sure they had their problems, but they worked through them…apparently enough to win 3 titles
by AikmanNailedMySis on Jan 21, 2009 3:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Again,
why didn’t these disappointed players speak up when something could have been done about it? During the season?
Because this is ass-covering. The kind of behaviour you expect from problem children.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 21, 2009 1:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Amen
What you have going on, and why all Cowboy fans should shun the media at this point in time, is a massive deflection of responsibility—evidence of how deep the disease of nonaccountability runs on this team. The various factions in the organization are now using their favorite media buddies to help spin the story that it was some other faction on the team that caused the team to fail this year. It would be foolhardy for anyone to stand on any one story at this point and say this is the whole truth and there is no other.
by NCCowboy on Jan 21, 2009 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Raf, do you feel that the players and coaches are a little worried about their own future?
I ask because if they had nothing to worry about then why would they feel the need to cover their ass? Do you feel that all the finger pointing is ass covering to keep out of JJ’s radar?
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Owens is worried
As PaulFVillarreal pointed out above, most of the media stories have been weighted toward dumping Owens as the quickest way to restorying good team chemistry. So, it should not surprise us to read RW2 being interviewed on DC.com that Owens should be retained or that we should see Patrick Crayton interviewed live on ESPN on consecutive days. The Watkins column falls right in line with this media counterattack. Let’s see, 5 sources, there are how many receivers on the Cowboys roster?
by NCCowboy on Jan 21, 2009 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He should be worried...
He stands to lose alot of coin, and aside from Al Davis or The Danny, I’m not sure who would give him another shot.
by Boundforbeach on Jan 21, 2009 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would suggest
that you didn’t see stories like the one Calvin Watkins just wrote during the season for two simple reasons.
1. Players/coaches are too busy during the season to do a lot of this type of soul-searching. They tend to be in meetings, practices, film sessions and then playing games, that leaves little time for this kind of media interaction. When they do interact with the media during the season it tends to be very focused on immediate things like upcoming games, injuries, etc. Not exclusively of course, some players find time to espouse on other broader subjects, but in general I think that’s how it goes. Also, writers themselves are more focused on immediate issues of the games etc. and not on a broad post-mortem of things behind the scenes.
2. This plays off the post-mortem idea, when you are in the middle of something like a season, you tend to try to work within the system available to you. The season’s post-season and success was still in play all the way up to the end, so human-nature is to work within the system you have and try to make it work. Once the season is over, people reflect on what went wrong on a more broad basis. They might have had thoughts during the season but most players don’t think that is the proper time to address them. Of course someone did address the Romo/Witten/T.O. problems during the season with the Ed Werder story. So it’s not iron-clad that players/coaches won’t address these things in-season, but when you’re still playing for a post-season spot people shy away from rocking the boat like that.
Personally, I don’t know how much of Watkins’ piece is true but watching how this team played and the amount of discontent I’ve read about after the season, it’s not hard for me to believe a lot of it is true.
by Dave Halprin on Jan 21, 2009 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You're right...
By way of context, the season did not go up in smoke, literally, until after the Philly game. Until then, they still had a direct path to the dance and hoped for a long playoff run. Winning masks problems. The converse is also true. Now its finger wagging and CYA time. I just wish someone would fill the leadership vacuum, step up, and get the staff and players on the page so we can move forward and get beyond all of this.
by Boundforbeach on Jan 21, 2009 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As usual
Grizz injects his level headed logic in the discussion.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 2:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
JJT sure is a strange guy
He’s a Cowboys columnist who generally seems to hate the Cowboys. You think he’s some sort of deviant who … gets happy … while he’s thinking of cannon fodder to add to his hodge-podge every week?
by no1cowboysfan on Jan 21, 2009 3:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
We finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs
so all of those so-called negative stories may have been right.
And if my memory serves me right, I think it was JJT who proposed that Dallas could go undefeated after we won in Green Bay. So to say that he is a Cowboy hater is taking it way too far.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 3:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not saying he isn't wrong,
I’m just saying his stories reek of excessive malice.
by no1cowboysfan on Jan 21, 2009 3:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Freudian double-negative, there...
Meant to say “Not saying he’s wrong”
by no1cowboysfan on Jan 21, 2009 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
JJT does spots on ESPN
…or at least he did. He knows that the best way to foster that relationship and get more run on that network is to give the teacher what the teacher wants. I’m not saying JJT doesn’t believe what he writes, but he understands the concept of “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Fastest way on to ESPN is to trash Owens, and the Cowboys more generally.
Though ESPN puts plenty of resources into covering the Cowboys, they still rely on local media figures to help carry their water and serve them up tidbits. JJT is one of many Dallas press figures fighting to be ESPN’s best pupil, so to speak. It’s a heated competition.
JJT got crushed in the locker room after the “T.O. is done” piece followed by Owens’ 200 yards. Everyone with the organization, apparently, was giving him a hard time. If he needed any other reason to dis the team then that event likely provided it.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually he was on not too long on NFLTA talking about dallas. Your point remains valid though,
when BSPN does its local coverage segment with writers from different areas of the country, JJT is there for Dallas if it is not Tim Cowlishaw.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 4:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, Cowboy
I haven’t watched in awhile.
I know Cowlishaw does Around The Horn a fair amount. I actually like Tim and think he’s pretty fair. I like JJT, too. He’s a sharp guy. But he seems to be in that Bayless zone when it comes to the Cowboys recently. Some will think that’s just because he’s trying to point out the obvious flaws but it seems a bit more than that to me. Just my take.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 4:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Malice
in the context of libel is defined as publishing something you know is false or with reckless disregard for whether it is false.
The DMN chumps fall into the reckless disregard category, because they don’t know anything for certain — about anything.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on Jan 21, 2009 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This is what my anonymous sources have confirmed, too
Ware’s out for a month with an injury and T.O. forced Garrett to have a meeting with him. Every time I think of Werder and ESPN regarding the Cowboys it doesn’t take long to come back to this video:
Cowboy Chris on ‘journalistic hack’ Ed Werder
That production never gets old, especially with Werder’s stooge and his nametag.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
JJT
Is a self-proclaimed former Cowboys fan. He’s from the area and he rooted for the team up until 1995, when he assigned to the Cowboy beat. He is a former fan because he said he became objective when he got the beat.
That said, I think its sad that the knee jerk reaction from a lot of cowboy fans is to label all critical writers as Cowboy haters. I am very unhappy with the state of this franchise right now. I have very little positive to say about the team. I have been very critical. But that comes from my love of the team.
Now, I know that a lot of people have an irrational hatred of the Cowboys. But Cowboy fans sound like cult members when they admonish others to “ignore” the mainstream media. That’s what cult leaders tell their followers.
by dave33 on Jan 21, 2009 4:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well my signature is more of a motto to not let people drive themselves crazy over the fact
that dallas is always under the microscope and for the most part receives an unpopular view. It’s is also a motto to not take everything to heart that the media puts out there and accept that the media will never treat dallas the way it treats GB, or Pitt for example. Personally I am not advocating a black out of msm but to ignore the skips, cowherds, and other sources of inflammatory cowboys topics because they are only interested in riling up the fanbase.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't even think of your signature
not even sure I noticed it before. Sorry if you took my post as a direct assault. That’s not what I meant at all. What I wanted to say, is that cults try to produce black and white thinking in their adherents and to that end, admonish their followers not to read or listen to anything critical of the group. Dismissing certain writers outright because they are often critical of this team sounds like that thought reform device to me. Perhaps there are two kinds of media consumers. Those that seek out points of view that differ from their own and those that want their point of view reinforced. I see no value in the latter. But that’s just my take. Look, I have studied journalism and mass communication. I think know the importance of being a critical and savvy media consumer. Tuning out media that do not conform to our point of view is not savvy consumption.
by dave33 on Jan 21, 2009 4:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No I never took it as a personal attack, I was operating on the premise of full disclosure
and offered my signature as an example.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Jan 21, 2009 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tex is Troy Aikman OMG
I think you misunderstand the so called “coddling” of Tony Romo Raf, and I really can’t believe you said that.
HE IS THE QB OF THE DALLAS COWBOYS until further notice and as fans I think most of us would defend him unless we had overwhelming reasons not to believe in him and his abilities to be something special.
To be honest I’m totally ticked at Troy Aikman, combined with his snotty remarks while we play and have to listen to that other guy who sounds more like him than he does, I’m really starting to wish he would go away.
When someone of his stature and hero status starts sniping at the current qb of the Dallas Cowboys, it’s unbecoming, simply because of his status of golden boy of the golden age of the Dallas freaking Cowboys. It lowers my respect. Very, very unbecoming, HE just shoudln’t do THAT, his own perception by me as a consumate professional. Sorry guys, just my freaking opinion, no more.
by dcfansinceiwasababy on Jan 21, 2009 4:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
OMG if Aikman was trying to channel Tex he missed out big time on the key ingredient of the whole schtick.
Taken directly from the article in reference to the trip to Cabo:
“"It didn’t take away from his preparations. I know that. I mean, everything he says is I think accurate. I don’t think that had any bearing.”
Aikman pretty clearly states here that he didn’t think the vacation had an actual impact on the outcome of the Giants game or Romo’s preparation. All Aikman was saying is that by doing things like taking a trip to Cabo the weekend before a playoff game, he’s only making it harder on himself by giving the media ammunition to scrutinize him if he comes up short of anything but a Super Bowl victory because that’s just how the media works.
by MadMick on Jan 21, 2009 5:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Besides, who on this team DOESN'T need some tough love?
Even the best players on this team can up their games.
Ware jumps offsides too much. Yeah, some of them are just the refs missing his speed, but he also jumps offsides too much.
Witten has similar brain freezes, lining up incorrectly and having games once in a while where his blocking isn’t up to snuff.
Ratliff, same as Ware. He guesses sometimes when the ball is right in front of him.
No player should be immume from constructive criticism, and I doubt Aikman cheap shots for its own sake. He’s using his bully pulpit to get Jerry’s attention. Whether Mr. Jones listens is another matter.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 21, 2009 7:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Aikman may pick
on the boys during our games BUT he is right on regarding Romo.
Maybe Jerry should speak more often with Troy.
by oneforthethumb on Jan 21, 2009 7:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I agree with what Aikman said about Romo. That doesn’t mean it’s fair, but you know what you’re getting into from the get go. Again, I am a huge Romo fan and totally believe in him, but it’s time for a mental reboot, IMO, and the birth of a refocused Romo 2.0 that is mentally ready to compete and win big games. I don’t want to be the Eagles, or Eagles Lite.
by PaulFVillarreal on Jan 21, 2009 7:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Man what would Espn do without the Cowboys.
We have been done for almost a month and they talk about the Boys before they talk about the Super Bowl.
by houseofprime on Jan 21, 2009 4:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hang on a minute
ESPN was using T.O. to whip up ratings back in his Eagles days. The driveway/situps interview; the “next question” embarrassment of a press conference by Rosenhaus; the he-said, he-said back and forth between McNabb and Owens.
ESPN’s folks were pigs in slop on that story. Had nothing to do with the Dallas Cowboys. Now, T.O. joining Dallas? They must have been popping champagne corks in Bristol that day.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 21, 2009 6:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
They still connect Pac Man with the Cowboys
If he was part of any team they would just put Adam Jones, instead they put recently cut Cowboy CB Adam Jones…come on.
by joey7289 on Jan 21, 2009 6:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just one man's opinion..
I’m not calling any reporter a liar..but these guys have to make a living. They have to have something interesting to write about.
Dan Rather lost his job because he ran a story that he knew wasn’t accurate. That’s on a national stage where the scrutiny is much more intense….someone who claims 5 anonymous sources and is only reporting on a sports team…most certainly won’t face that kind of scrutiny.
Also, the print media is losing readers daily…any guy working for a newspaper might want to have a ‘name’ that could help him in the future.
5 sources close to the team…..(Bruce Read, Brian Stewart, Adam Jones, Tank Johnson, the guy stripes the parking lot at Valley Ranch) …could these 5 sources have their own agenda? or have a less than clear perspective?
I’m not saying these are the sources…just that you have to look at the reporter, his motivations, who his sources really are (and we don’t know) and weigh it all together…and you still may not have a totally accurate picture.
With all that said, I do think the team has problems with chemistry AND corrective action needs to be taken.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on Jan 21, 2009 4:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Most Starting Spots Filled ?
May be true, but there sure is a glaring exception – ILB. And one HUGE free agent to be that fits perfectly in that spot. Ray Lewis.
by deadrody69 on Jan 21, 2009 5:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Troy hit the nail on the head!
He more than any of us knows what it takes to lead this team. No one ever questioned Troy’s commitment to his teams, and thier were never unnamed sources talking crap about Troy (true or not). It just wouldn’t happen. When Troy stepped into the huddle his was the leader in there. Why, he demanded respect. Even if Troy thought that other things in life were more important he wouldn’t let his teammates know that.
by rocj55 on Jan 21, 2009 7:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Just plain and simple there are no leaders on this Team
you think that anyone on the Ravens would go to Werder or local media talking about the team issues. HELL NO!! For only the fear that Ray Lewis would go all RAY RAY on them! The players that should be the leaders like Ware, Romo, Witten, Ratliff, Barber don’t have that in them. So that’s why TO talks all that he wants, and 3rd stingers become unnamed sources. Hell they aren’t garanteed roster spots. Do sources (unnamed) get some kind of monetary income for disclosing trash?
by rocj55 on Jan 21, 2009 7:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
BTW...if anyone is interested..
We would have the 20th pick in the first round if we didn’t trade it away for RW..
by Boyzfan94 on Jan 21, 2009 7:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
it would not
matter.
we would screw it up.
by oneforthethumb on Jan 21, 2009 8:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
For the 51st pick in the nfl draft
The dallas cowboys select:
Honest_Reporter_X
Senior out of Northwestern
by ThryceCubed on Jan 21, 2009 7:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jerry is moving back into the first round....dont worry
by Boyzfan94 on Jan 21, 2009 7:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
no way
we’re better picking in the later rounds
by oneforthethumb on Jan 21, 2009 8:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Lets move up and take Crabtree
We will be Detroit 2.0
by ThryceCubed on Jan 21, 2009 10:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah he is....
With 11 picks at his disposal he will trade up to get the player he wants…..3 or4 may make the team out of 11 so packaging some to move up makes sense.
by Boyzfan94 on Jan 21, 2009 10:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Crabtree is a fantasy...will never happen..
by Boyzfan94 on Jan 21, 2009 10:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No but I dont mind the idea of moving into the first round
"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 12:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I seriously doubt it
we don’t have enough ammunition unless he wants to give up next’s #1
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 22, 2009 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
DMN Writers
Hi Guys,
New to the blog — not new to reading, but new to posting… I dropped the DMN blog because I’ve grown tired of those guys trying to BE the story instead of just reporting it. Calvin Watkins and JJT are the worst. I also think JJT and JFE of the Star-Telegram should get married, move to Washington, produce a bunch of angry little writers, and start an anti-Boys blog where they can take delight in spewing their venom. I realize how competitive it is with 24/7 coverage, but I really think they’ve crossed the line of journalistic integrity. I hope to become an active member of this blog and look forward to some real discussion.
Scott in Austin
by scottc12345 on Jan 21, 2009 8:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Welcome to the blog scottc12345
Always good to hear from new voices.
by Dave Halprin on Jan 21, 2009 10:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a huge Cowboys fan but you guys are just crazy
ESPN, DMN, FWST etc. are not making this stuff up. If they say they got info from sources from within valley ranch then they got their info from within valley ranch. It doesn’t mean that what their sources tell them is always 100% correct, but it is pretty dang close to the truth.
But to completely dismiss a report that is negative towards your team because it is anonymous is homerism at it’s most – how should I put this – misinformed lets say.
Most great journalistic pieces are built on anonymous sources. Reporters have gone to jail to keep their sources anonymous. See Judith Miller and Matt Cooper.
Denial is not just a river in Egypt.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 9:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
If our team is screwed up we as fans need to put pressure on Jerry to change the culture
not live in denial and let him carry on as if nothing is wrong.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 21, 2009 9:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
They say sunlight is the best disinfectant. Instead of an Owner/GM, Jerry is behaving like a college football booster who wants to hang out with the guys. That’s not going to work any more. If the debacle in Philly didn’t sufficiently embarrass Jerrah, hopefully some of this stuff going public will convince him that the franchise looks really, really bad. It’s not just wins and losses. If the franchise is seen as a laughing stock with no leadership, he might not sell as many Romo and T.O. jerseys. He also might not command quite as high a price for club memberships. If he feels the value of the franchise is threatened (even a 5% decline would be astronomical), maybe he might feel a sense of urgency to manage the team better. What he is doing now (disempowering coaches and coddling players) is not working.
by JimmyJohnson on Jan 21, 2009 10:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just saying...
I don’t doubt that there’s issues in the locker room, etc. I just don’t have much confidence in some of these media guys. Look at it this way, Calvin Watkins with DMN was on ESPN giving his “input”. He’s probably now a “source” for ESPN because he lives in Dallas. Calvin Watkins also says he has 5 sources — how many are with ESPN? Calvin Watkins is the same reporter who said to Wade Phillips that he’d have won a playoff game if he were the coach. Is that reporting or is that injecting yourself into the story to make a name for yourself? I’ve never heard of a “reporter” saying something like that to ANY coach — even a high school coach. Why should this guy get a pass? Why should anyone within the Cowboys organization ever give this guy any information from that point forward? These guys’ credibility are at an all-time low.
by scottc12345 on Jan 21, 2009 11:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Their opions are idiotic
but they are not going to flat out make up facts. That would be absurd. There is a difference between their opinions and the facts they report. Getting info from unnamed sources falls in the fact category.
by quincyyyyy on Jan 22, 2009 12:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+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 22, 2009 2:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+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 22, 2009 12:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Some safeties
Anyone have some info on Emmanuel cook from south carolina
or Nic Harris from Oklahoma?
These names are showing up when I check 2-3rd round caliber safeties
by ThryceCubed on Jan 21, 2009 10:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I like Johnson
From Bama, the kid from Western Michigan is starting to make a name for himself, although a lot of people are concerned with his coverage, which scares me more then anything.
by joey7289 on Jan 22, 2009 10:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
im pretty sure Romo takes practice seriously
hes said it himself many times that they practice at a high pace so that they’re ready for anything in a game
i think he specifically said this after the browns game
and some other time i cant remember now
"Aw Shucks" - Wade Phillips
by MrMinority on Jan 21, 2009 11:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
you're sure?
more sure than players on the team? That’s interesting.
by Joey2zs on Jan 22, 2009 12:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i mean im not 100% sure
but can u tell me which players said it?
"Aw Shucks" - Wade Phillips
by MrMinority on Jan 22, 2009 12:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/012209dnspocowromo.42269c6.html
However, Romo has said he treats practices like games in order to be ready for any situation that might arise when things are for real, and his coaches have never questioned his work in practice.
“I promise you,” Romo said, “this football team is going to be a good football team next year.”
by kameleon_o on Jan 22, 2009 1:31 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
like I said, a gym rat
you guys have been sucked by the worst reporter on the planet.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 22, 2009 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not relying
on reporters regarding questions about Romo’s game.
They show the games on TV, remember.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on Jan 23, 2009 9:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
the issue wasn't games
it was his work at practice.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 23, 2009 9:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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