Cowboys Grab Some Grabowski's

by Jim Vance on Apr 30, 2009 1:48 PM CDT in Dallas Cowboys General

I used to live in the Chicago area during the Mike Ditka coaching era - circa 1985 -the year the Bears had the most intimidating defense I've ever seen. He referred to that team as Grabowskis. He also said they were ‘lunch-pail' guys.

These Ditka-isms meant that his players weren't flashy, they were hard working guys who came to work with a lunch box, got dirty, worked hard and got the job done. A Grabowski is a guy who isn't afraid to spit or grab himself or cuss out another player who isn't putting out.

Here's a classic Ditka-ism -

"I don't think we come in favor with some people. There are some teams that are fair-haired and some that aren't. There are some teams named Smith and some named Grabowski. We're Grabowskis. The Rams are a Smith team."

Think about those players who were recently allowed to leave the Cowboys compared to the players who have been recently asked to join. We lost some Smiths and added some Grabowskis.

The free agents that have been signed? - Grabowskis. The players in the draft?- Grabowskis. Hard working, get down in the trenches, get dirt on your face, take no crap Grabowskis.

Marion the Barbarian is a Grabowski. Jay Ratliff is a Grabowski. Tashard Choice and Orlando Scandrick are Grabowskis.

We've all seen people like this throughout our own life - the scrappy guy or girl who has some talent but wins through effort and persistence. Doesn't it seem like the neon lights at Valley Ranch have been stored away and the shop lights with the little metal hooks have replaced them?

Remember when Deion made his famous ‘business decision' and sidestepped a tackle? Now, I would love to have another guy with Deion's talent; and guys with special talent like that you can sometimes forgive, so I kind of understood his ‘business decision'. I didn't like it but I understood it.

Give me a Grabowski instead of a 'businessman'. All things considered I'm happy to have a guy who feels his ‘business decision' is to take that runner out. A guy who may not frighten defensive coordinators with his speed but who will give alligator-arms to receivers because they know he always makes them pay for coming his way.

That's what Grabowskis do. They don't finesse you or impress you. They beat on you. Grabowski isn't a name, it's an attitude. I'm anxious to see this new attitude in the silver and blue.

Tweet Comment 65 comments | 2 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

First

My first first…now to read the post

by Big50 on Apr 30, 2009 1:51 PM CDT reply actions

Very nice , and your right thats what we have been missing for years!

by bad knees on Apr 30, 2009 1:52 PM CDT reply actions

how do we know anything about this draft class yet?

by Becho on Apr 30, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions

We dont know how they will play

But we do know there Team players most of them team captains for the college. By just that there we know these guys will show up everyday and play.

I thank God everyday i wasnt born a Eagles fan!!!!!!

by regaberto on Apr 30, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Hehe

You said “grab himself or cuss out another player who isn’t putting out.”

by Sean N on Apr 30, 2009 1:53 PM CDT reply actions

hehheh, hehheh

and heaven forbid we get players who are afraid to spit lol

by scottmaui on Apr 30, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Romanowski was a grabowski.

Trust them...they know what they're doing.

by Aaron Novinger on Apr 30, 2009 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions

the shot of Ditka grabbing his crotch is absolutely priceless

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 30, 2009 1:56 PM CDT reply actions

That is what I said in the Jason Williams thread

we have players on this defense with chips on their shoulders and are looking to dominate. That is the kind of attitude we need.

by quincyyyyy on Apr 30, 2009 2:03 PM CDT reply actions

Wade Grabowski

Sorry, it just doesn’t work. Ditka could coach a bunch of Grabowskis. If Wade grabs himself he’ll find a cupcake.

by steelyeyedmissle on Apr 30, 2009 2:08 PM CDT reply actions

LOL

“Woo-hoo, a cupcake!”

I trust Wade to find the Grabowskis on defense. That’s for sure.

Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.

by APerfectStar on Apr 30, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL thats the funniest line I've heard so far. kuddos

by dcfanz on Apr 30, 2009 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Good one.

I just read it and almost spit up my drink.

by Boundforbeach on Apr 30, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe

We should call the act of grabbing oneself a “GRABowski”?

Game Recognize Game

by pretty ricky on Apr 30, 2009 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Love the cliche...

We want Grabowskis, not Smiths. In other words, this year’s version of the pokes is less hat and more cattle? Jerry’s finally buying the steak and not the sizzle? All for it.

by Boundforbeach on Apr 30, 2009 2:14 PM CDT reply actions

Tex's Point Exactly...

Romo is a “smith”, and its hard to change a culture when your top dog, well dogs it. Go back and watch the interceptions that Tony threw in the last game vs. Eagles. Then look closely at his attempts to tackle the defensive back, pathetic. If its not perfect golf weather, Romo wants no part of the game. And Mr. Simpson certainly isn’t going to grab Crayton or somebody else by the scruff following a drop or screw-up… its off to the side for a warm jacket and some time alone to pout. Romo couldn’t play for Ditka, but fits in perfectly with cupcake Wade.

by Montecito Tex on Apr 30, 2009 2:34 PM CDT reply actions

Because tackling is a top priority for QB's right?

Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.

by APerfectStar on Apr 30, 2009 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions

he just wants to find a way to hate on Romo

and his ignorance is hysterical.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 30, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions

again, you couldn't be more wrong

Anyone who wears only short sleeves in 10 degree weather is definitely a Grabowski!! No question about, he grew up in Wisconsin for crying out loud.

Also, I think you’re forgetting Romo’s first coach was Parcells, who was every bit as tough as Ditka.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 30, 2009 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions

I tend to agree with you guys about Romo.

I think he’s a tough kid. I like watching him play. I can live without some of that ’Jessica Simpson" stuff, but what can you do.

I don’t know what he’s like in the huddle but he has to own it, if he doesn’t already. Now without TO would be a perfect time to step that part of his game up, if necessary.

He needs to work on ball securityand it’s never too late. After the 2007 season Ken Whisenhunt told longtime vet (and former MVP) Kurt Warner that he’d have to cut down on his turnovers – dumb INT’s and careless fumbles behind the LOS.

To his credit Warner worked on holding the ball more with two hands and other things that helped him reduce his turnovers in 2008.

All players have room for improvement. Hopefully, Romo picks up his game next year.

As far as Romo making a tackle on an INT, that’s senseless. QB’s are usually as good as tackling as kickers.

by GeoMak on Apr 30, 2009 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions

"business decision"

Two minutes in… the phantom tackle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkQhWGxnr60

by Montecito Tex on Apr 30, 2009 2:40 PM CDT reply actions

okay. I watched it.

That was a pathetic attempt at a tackle. But he’s a freaking QB. What do you expect, a monstrous put down? Maybe knock off his helmut and strip the ball while he’s at it? Get a grip.

by Boundforbeach on Apr 30, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm pretty sure

in that of all the things they measure about a QB in college and beyond, tackling isn’t one of them.

If your QB is an great tackler it probably means he gets WAY too much practice after throwing way too many INT’s.

I want my QB to have the least amount of experience when it comes to tackling.

by GeoMak on Apr 30, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions

you all still dont have any SB wins

by Becho on Apr 30, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Ok and your point is???

Would you rather have Romo stick his head in there and get creamed and knocked out of the game? I don’t want my QB trying to “lay the wood” to someone because there is a physical price to pay for that and the consequences could be devastating.

Garrett needs to get a clue!

by BulletBob on Apr 30, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions

I can't tell

If this kid is a troll or a mental midget. A combo of both perhaps?

by sublimezg on Apr 30, 2009 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Tex, we drafted a QB

Can’t you go somewhere else now?

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Apr 30, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions

How many times did Romo get hit that game?

And how many times did he get right back up and keep playing?
One more question:
How many times would Tex get back up?

Romo is definitely tough. You can make fun of his personality off the field all day long, but he’s very tough for a QB on the field. You should give him a lot more credit for having the will to stay in that game, not knock him for missing Sheldon Brown’s ankles?

Offensive players generally can’t tackle, part of why so many picks get returned for TDs. Why don’t you try to put together a highlight reel of QBs tackling? That would occupy you for a while and save us all from our unfortunate daily dose of your negativity.

So pardon my disposition; why should I listen to a system that never listened to me?

by NICK L on Apr 30, 2009 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Once again...

not worth it dude.

You might as well be trying to put a fire out with gasoline.

They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.

by AirforceBat on Apr 30, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Not Just Romo....

Terrence Newman is extremely soft too.

by Montecito Tex on Apr 30, 2009 2:43 PM CDT reply actions

What?

Do you even watch the Cowboys play? Newman is always willing to mix it up in the run game.

by quincyyyyy on Apr 30, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Quincy....

not worth it.

They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.

by AirforceBat on Apr 30, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

by oldboysfan on Apr 30, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Way to further prove your ignorance Monty

Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.

by APerfectStar on Apr 30, 2009 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 30, 2009 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions

extemely soft?

sort of like you below the waist when you’re around pretty women?

by Boundforbeach on Apr 30, 2009 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions

You really want to know who is soft?

Just ask Mrs. Montecito

by birdness on Apr 30, 2009 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions

LMAO!!!!

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on May 1, 2009 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Grabowski

another way of saying “fan favorite”, “deceptively fast”, etc.

by I_miss_Switzer on Apr 30, 2009 2:52 PM CDT reply actions

clarification

referring to Ditka’s use of the term

by I_miss_Switzer on Apr 30, 2009 2:53 PM CDT reply actions

Nice

Good post, I hope you’re right. I know that we’ve got some really tough, hard working guys. I’d like to see our coaching staff pick up on some of that.

by Big50 on Apr 30, 2009 3:33 PM CDT reply actions

rookie mini camp tomorrow...

can’t wait to read what the coaches say about them!

by beautifultyrant on Apr 30, 2009 4:11 PM CDT reply actions

As long as we don't go too far

I guess, but I don’t want us to become the type of fans who prefer David Eckstein to Alex Rodriguez.

Demarcus Ware is an exponentially better linebacker than Keith Brooking, no matter how “Grabowski” and tough and gritty Brooking is and how polished or finesse Ware is. As you mentioned in your post with Deion, Jim, there’s a place for supremely talented players as well, and the ’85 Bears defense had PLENTY of them. You do not win on grit alone.

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Apr 30, 2009 4:31 PM CDT reply actions

Exactly, Tim.

The caching staff feels, IMO, that we have the talent players in place. Ware, Newman, Ratliff, James, Hamlin, Jenkins, Romo, Williams, Witten, Felix, Barber, Austin, and even Bennet are the talent guys taht the team is built around.

In this draft, they chose to build the supporting cast, rather than go after more “talent” or “star” prospects.

by falconPUNCH on Apr 30, 2009 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions

exactly

you can only have so many “star” players on one team, as the chiefs will start outnumbering the indians.

All the really good teams need those meat and potato type players, who do the dirty work but get none of the glory.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 30, 2009 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions

of course you need highly talented players at certain positions

however, the majority of your team can be Grabowskis and you can win the SB. The Pats, Steelers and Giants are a few teams that come to mind.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 30, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Yep

I think that the Giants, Pats, and Steelers are great examples, Terry— they have some absolute studs in terms of talent, and they also have some team-first, go-all-out hustle players. But those two types of guys are often the same player. Just because Tedy Bruschi (in his prime) or James Farrior are gritty doesn’t mean they’re not very very talented as well. The ideal is both.

But exactly as you say, the ideal scenario is having your core stud talents while also churning some of the more role player or ST positions with kamikaze Bill Bates dudes, and cultivating a team-first attitude in ALL players, cornerstones and role-players alike.

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Apr 30, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I think we have

done that with this draft, a few star players at skill positions and a whole lot of blue chip players, let’s hope it works out the way we all wish it did. Can’t wait for the rookie minicamp.

by DCowboy on Apr 30, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Willie Gualt was a thug

He had to be the most physical Bear ever, or maybe a great team is built from a mix of talented skill players and big uglies with high motor.

by birdness on Apr 30, 2009 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Birdness, you're kidding right?

I always thought Willie Gault was a light weight and not even a very good receiver. Are you thinking of somebody else on that team/

"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams

by Jim Vance on Apr 30, 2009 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Willie Gault had no toughness

but along with Darrell Green was the fastest man in the NFL. He was a key componet for the Bear offense with the way he stretched the filed.

WR Dennis McKinnon was a real physical receiver. He was used to block down on Lawrence Taylor, causing Taylor to curse at Mike Ditka on the sideline.

by GeoMak on Apr 30, 2009 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions

exactly

Gault was a track star and nothing more

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on May 1, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions

I would also note...

…that that Bears team should have won MULTIPLE titles, but instead fell apart extremely rapidly after 1985, because they perhaps were a little too kamikaze-ish. McMahon didn’t take care of himself at all, the Fridge had well-documented weight issues, guys like Jeff Fisher and other players in the secondary struggled to continue playing at a high level (particularly later without Buddy Ryan), etc. It’s a crime that that defense won the Super Bowl, and then never sniffed anything close again, only making the playoffs one more time, in 1986.

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Apr 30, 2009 5:32 PM CDT reply actions

The Bears

went to the playoffs in 1986, 87 & 88.

Their biggest loss was Buddy Ryan. After Ryan left for Philadelphia Mike Ditka brought in Vince Tobin as DC, the brother of Bill Tobin, who was in charge of player personnel for the Bears.

Tobin ran a read and react scheme, the exact opposite of Ryan’s pressure defense. Ryan’s players on the defense were so good that they could make any scheme work. However, in the playoffs, against the best teams in the league, when it mattered most, they were unable to create the pressure and wreak the havoc that they were able to do so under Buddy Ryan.

That’s the single biggest reason for their failure post 1985.

Their loss of focus of the team and the health of Jim McMahon were other factors, but the biggest was the loss of Buddy Ryan and Ditka’s decision to replace him with someone almost completely opposite of Ryan both in personality and in scheme.

by GeoMak on Apr 30, 2009 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Sorry about the playoff mistake, didn't realize they made it in 87 and 88

Walter left in 1987 and had his last good year in 1986 too. And I hear you on Buddy’s dpearture— big deal, for sure. But McMahon was key to that team too— Ryan never won in Philly, even when he had great defenses there. You need both sides of the ball to win the whole thing, and 1985 was the last time the Bears had a big time QB they could count on.

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Apr 30, 2009 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions

There's not a bigger Jim McMahon

fan than myself. I watched him transform that team in Chicago. Few people know that the ’85 Bears led the NFC in scoring that year, thanks largely McMahon influence on the previously run only Bear offense of Walter Payton..

Buddy did a great job in Philadelphia. He drafted a ton of Pro-Bowlers there, both on the offensive side of the ball (Keith Byars, Keith Jackson) and on the defensive side of the ball.

They never won it all but sometimes luck/good fortune plays a part in things. Without the first pick in the 1989 draft, which turned into Troy Aikman, who knows what might not have happened in Dallas under Jimmy Johnson.

by GeoMak on May 1, 2009 12:25 AM CDT up reply actions

Has everybody already seen that Brad Johnson was "the rat," not Witten?

Reported by Archer in the DMN. Am I way behind on this and it’s already been discussed somewhere that I missed?

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Apr 30, 2009 5:37 PM CDT reply actions

Sorry, it was MacMahon, not Archer

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/extra-points/2009/brad-johnson-was-snitch

I’m sure this has been dismissed on these boards already somewhere, I’ve been traveling for a few days. Sorry to bring it up if we’re past it already.

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Apr 30, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Johnson/Witten

I saw that report too. Makes a lot of sense that it was Johnson. Johnson seems like the type of guy who would speak up to reporters (former leader of a team who no longer has a voice in the locker room… at the end of his career, etc, etc). At first I wasn’t on board with the TO decision but after seeing the rest of our offseason moves and draft, TO just wouldn’t have a place on this team.

by TK19 on Apr 30, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions

"the rat"

makes me think of The Departed. You see what happens to a rat in the end. I think I’ve seen that movie 20 times. Incredible flick.

by Boundforbeach on Apr 30, 2009 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Impact rookies

http://www.whatifsports.com/beyondtheboxscore/default.asp?article=2009NFLDraft

We’ve got numbers 52, 55, and 74. Not bad for only picking on Day 2.

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Apr 30, 2009 5:53 PM CDT reply actions

Wow. Cool site.

Good find. Never heard of it before. Interesting rankings to be sure. Our top linebacker pick is not even in the top 100, but Bulter is. Go figure. So is Mickens and DeAngelo. One thing that caught my eye is Loadholt is ranked 31. He was still there when we picked. Ouch.

by Boundforbeach on Apr 30, 2009 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions

It is a good find

I think our top LB is down on the list because of expected role.

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z

by Wmillion on Apr 30, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions

That is ridiculous

The top 4 are WR’s and QB’s and it is usually WR’s and QB’s that take the longest to develop and ultimately make an impact.

I think this guy was just looking for the flashiest names. Plus how is Mike Mickens going to impact our team with Jenkins, Scandrick, and Newman ahead of him?

by quincyyyyy on Apr 30, 2009 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions