Who will lead the Cowboys to the promised land?
by Jim Vance on Jun 14, 2009 2:00 AM CDT
in Dallas Cowboys General
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PrintI have read numerous posts about leadership, and the perceived lack of it on the Cowboys. Who will lead the offense? Who will lead the defense? Is Romo a leader?
How do you define leadership?
Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart was asked to define ‘hard-core pornography' and he said, " .. it's very hard to define, but I know it when I see it." Leadership is like that as well. I know it when I see it but it is very hard to state exactly what it is.
Webster's Online Dictionary talks about ‘transactional' leadership, or leadership measured by the number of followers a leader can muster as opposed to ‘transformational' leadership where the leader sets the standard for performance. I believe we are all looking for a transformational leader or leaders to emerge on this team. Perhaps they already have.
The Triplets were the ‘transformational' leaders of their team by virtue of their performance on the field. They made the plays. They set the standard and others followed. There was also a coach on the sideline who would not hesitate to berate a player for poor play. Some will cite the image of Aikman barking at a player in the huddle as an example of his leadership. We will never know if that act caused the player to raise his game or not. What truly made Troy a leader was his on field body of work, along with the support from other transformational leaders on the team and sideline, and not his vocal chastisements.
Romo's stats on the field of play qualify him to be a leader although many still don't feel like he has grabbed the steering wheel. I think Romo has been a quiet leader on the field, but he may need to be more vocal this year. I think he needs the support of coaching staff to call a player out on the carpet when he hurts the team. I hope this year there will be more outspoken leaders on the field and sidelines in addition to Romo which can lift the standard of play of all members. Jason Witten, maybe Marion Barber, maybe Roy Williams or Tashard Choice could emulate the supporting cast that Aikman had. I think Romo has the respect of the team and he has performed on the field. This should be the year he grabs the wheel but he will need a supporting cast.
Will he display the leadership we are all clamoring for? I'm not sure, but I'll know it when I see it.
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Thoughts from a Skins fan
Ability wise Romo for sure has what it takes to play QB in this league and I’ll agree that leadership is defined in many many ways. I think what hurts Romo is that he doesn’t show “fire” or something that makes you think he’s a real competitor that can’t stand to lose. Jason Campbell is going through some of these same issues.
If Tony Romo wins in Nov/Dec do you think people would be asking about leadership? Doubtful. Case in point Drew Bledsoe was never firery but had sucsess or even Big Ben, I don’t think he’s Drew Brees who in my eyes is the best example of leadership at the QB position.
Winning cures all. Win and the media, fans whoever won’t give a crap what typle of style of ball you play.
I'm worried about the beer supply. After this case, and the other case, there's only one case left- Barney Gumble
by CptChaosSidekick on Jun 14, 2009 3:25 AM CDT reply actions
CptChaosSidekick
Thanks for your comments. I appreciate hearing the insight and perspective from an intelligent opposing fans point of view.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
+1 Cap. We all felt for Sean Taylor
Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.
Joe ThEEsman
That's a tough poll to answer
While I think he has the right stuff ‘ability wise’ as the Skins fan mentioned, I just don’t think he’s that leader who “sets the standard and others follow,” or the type the whole team rallies around.
Don’t get me wrong, I think they certainly believe in his skills, but I don’t think he’ll ever be that guy who gets them to think “I gotta do the right thing because Tony’s counting on me.”
I don’t know, in all my years of watching football (albeit only 20 or so), I still don’t think I’ve ever seen a leader ‘develop.’ It’s one of those things that’s either in the box when you open it or it’s not. IMO, if Tony was that type of leader you’re talking about, we wouldn’t be having this conversation, because we’d have already seen it by this point.
I guess I subscribe to the old axiom that leaders are born, not made.
There's a lot of truth to that
and as a fan I’m giving Romo this year to make some growth and improve, including on the field. If he doesn’t, I’m resigned to some disappointment.
Can’t hold the finger injury against him, but I hope he’s taken the time to rehabilitate that thing—
And, does he work with the strength/conditioning coach in the offseason? He should be-I mean regularly. That example would go a long way toward being a “Leader.”
by Realist Larry on Jun 14, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
CptChaosSidekick
I like Drew Brees, but why do you consider him the best case of leadership at the QB position? Sure, he’s won a playoff game (and lost two) and compiled some gaudy stats, but otherwise his record is barely above .500.
But otherwise, yes – winning does cure all. Especially winning in December and January.
He is a firey guy who will blast you for not putting out. He ripped Shockey on the sidelines
who had been a big let down prior to that tongue lashing. Drew lit him up on camera for the world to see. Shockey responded by playing the rest of the year much better. Drew doesnt take any crap from the Wrs. He tells them straight up " you want the ball, then get open". He also delivers on that remark. He also leads by example and will ride you if you miss to much off season work. You want the ball, then you better show up. Im throwing to the guys I trust, and I trust the guys that show up.
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the goverment from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
Drew also has that awesome pregame pep talk that fires up the team.
"Grow where you are planted."
by Aaron Novinger on Jun 15, 2009 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, that's pretty cool isn't it?
I have always like Drew even in high school. He went to a local high school in Austin. UT passed him over because they felt he was too short (BTW, he had led his H.S. to win State(Westlake H.S.) He went on to Purdue as most know. Again, considered too short for the pro game. Proved everyone wrong. He’s a fighter and competitor which I personally love. He also has given a lot to the city of New Orleans. Classy guy
Winning will calm the waters..
.. but it doesn’t necessarily make you a leader. When I think of Bledsoe I don’t see him as a great leader who willed his men to victory. Isn’t it possible to be a leader, even on a losing team?
Consider Archie Manning, great player on a lousy team. He obviously had the right stuff, (his sons had to get it from somewhere) but he never led his Saints teams to playoff success. He didn’t have the right supporting cast.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
It's easy to confuse leadership and personality
Tony Romo is a leader. I’ve seen him will the team to comeback, refuse to lose, play with pain, play with injury, inspire his teammates. . . but he’s not Troy Aikman.
He’s got a different personality. Hell, Troy had a different personality than Don Meredith, who was also a leader. Troy was more like Roger. Sternly disciplined.
Some lead by being verbal, others by example. The thing about Troy was, he held himself and everybody else accountable. You knew that if you screwed up, Troy was going to bark at you and give you the look. But did he do that his first three years? Or was it after Jimmy was gone and Barry was coach and SOMEBODY had to be the one?
I think people want Romo to be accountable and hold his team accountable: that’s what got everyone upset about Cabo and the remarks after the game about taking losing in stride. But he already is a leader. Just a different person.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
very well said
You certainly don’t have to be vocal or fiery or have a certain type of personality to be a leader, you just have to lead by example and let your work ethic and play on the field speak for itself.
In Romo we Trust
Leadership
Personally I don’t see leadership as: “I think he needs the support of coaching staff to call a player out on the carpet when he hurts the team.” Calling players out is not leadership. Calling players out should be done by coaches in the meetings after watching game film.
I remember when Romo only played in preseason games. Every time he came in the team seemed to come alive & they moved the ball almost at will. Shortly after Romo became the starter people were writing that he had the “it” factor. Just like obscenity and just like leadership, the “it” factor is difficult to describe but you know it when you see it.
I believe Tony Romo still has the “it” factor but until the team wins in December & January we may not be able to recognize “it”.
You stated it better than I did.
What I meant by that statement was, Romo should be able to count on the coaching staff to discipline a poor performing player, much like Troy had a Jimmy Johnson. That disciplinarian task may not be Tony’s style.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
THIS is why i voted yes
We saw it in 06,. We saw it last year when he returned after the injury despite not playing well. This team picks up so much energy from his play and personality,its obvious. Unfortunately, it can border on arrogance, but thats not a terrible thing. That to me qualifies him as a leader in some regard.
There are other things he needs to do though. Last year, in december, he was no leader. Our whole offense looked confused and out of sorts. Thats on the qb imo – the qb should know what goes wrong when it goes wrong, and i didn’t get that feeling from romo late last year. None of us can honjestly say what went on with him, TO and Roy, but that head sulking on the sideline in unprofessional. It honestly was the first time I questioned Romo’s leadership. I think we’ll find out quickly whether he’ll overcome those problems.
+1
That’s why I voted in the middle-I’ve seen flashes but I’m not convinced yet. I’d like to see growth this year.
by Realist Larry on Jun 14, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Leadership = Accountability
What does leadership look like? The role of a leader, be it formal or informal, is to influence a group or team to achieve a common goal, particularly in the face of adversity. Leadership inspires a group to come together as a team and play at the best of their ability – even when they are losing.
Importantly, leadership is inextricably linked to accountability. This means accepting responsibility for the outcomes expected of you, both good and bad. You don’t blame others. And you don’t blame the external environment. There are always things you could have done, or still can do, to change the outcome. Until you take responsibility, you are a victim. And being a victim is the exact opposite of being a leader. Victims are passive. They are acted upon. Leaders are active. They take initiative to influence the outcome.
The first place to look for leadership in any franchise would obviously be the head coach or coaching staff. Yet both Phillips and Garret, at least to the public eye, are not perceived to have a dominant leadership role in this franchise
In large part this is due to Jerry Jones and the role he plays with this franchise, but it does not absolve the coaches from responsibility. To his credit he does have three rings, but Jerry is displaying all the classic signs of a Micromanager, taking perfectly positive attributes – an attention to detail and a hands-on attitude – to the extreme. Either because he’s control-obsessed, or because he feels driven to push everyone around him to success, Jerry risks disempowering his staff. Micromanaging can ruin a staffs confidence, hurt their performance, and frustrate them to the point where they (inwardly or outwardly) resign. A typical sign of a micromanaged organization is the inability of staffers to make important decisions on their own. Who in the end had to step in and release T.O.?
Case in point: the whole T.O. disaster is a direct result of the absence of leadership in the locker room and on the field. Allowing a petulant child to act up will only happen in situations where there is no leadership to put that child down. And in our case, neither the coaches nor the players were willing or able to step up to T.O.. Nope it had to be handled by the head honcho J.J. himself.
Vince Lombardi once said “Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.”
Without strong leadership, particularly from within the team, we will continue to be an average team with great individual players that disintegrates at the slightest bit of pressure.
I think there are leaders in the locker room and on the team, but we may not see much of them watching from the sidelines and on TV.
Romo is not a “get in your face” type of guy, but I think the team does rally around him on offense and with TO gone, we will see who the “voice” will be…
In fact, I believe there are several guys who have a more ‘behind the scenes approach’ in Ware, James, Witten and Hamlin…heck, even the publicly mute MB III is a significant voice in the locker room.
Listen, we all want the Ray Lewis type of leader, but guys like him are not made that often. And do not make make the mistake of equaling leadership with a disciplinarian approach.
Now more than ever, the Cowboy nation is looking to our veteran players to man up, take leadership, unite the locker room and instill a sense of accountability. If the team can get this done, playoff glory beckons.
Until then, I will continue saying my daily prayers to the playoff gods.
by One.Cool.Customer on Jun 14, 2009 8:51 AM CDT reply actions
Interesting take, OCC
However while there seems to be evidence that Jerry has meddled to the point of countermanding the coaching staff on occasion, I think those are more isolated incidents than everyday micromanaging of the coaching staff. I’d blame more of the failures on poor coaching than owner meddling.
As far as leadership on the field, on KB’s blog two years ago I brought this very subject up to him. His response practically floored me. He chose to respond to it with a subsequent blog post, and completely dismissed the theory of having a General on the field. He went on to elude to how all the players police each other. Having been responsible for the performance of hundreds of people myself, I knew that was not leadership, it was mayhem. We now have plenty of evidence to support the fact that that is exactly what was happening within the player’s ranks.
Fortunately, the team seems to now recognize real leadership on the field is needed. Romo and Ware stepping up and accepting responsibility to be leaders is a start, but it remains to be seen if they will be effective leaders. They are certainly the most respected offensive and defensive players on the team, so it is as it should be.
In the final analysis, most of our December/January losses were by the hair of our chiny-chin-chin, and one bounce of the ball could have been the difference between playoff defeat, and Super Bowl victory. I subscribe to the theory of creating harmony in the player ranks, preparation, and conditioning. This team has everything it needs to win it all. I see heart growing on this team. That in itself could put us over the top. If we can avoid being out-coached this season good things will happen.
Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.
Joe ThEEsman
I agree with Tex (yes, there's always a first) that Romo is not the guy to
do the in-your-face snarling, but I think he’s already a team leader. As you pointed out, what he lacks is others to step up and back him up. He can’t do it alone, any more than Aikman was able to. Any QB needs a supporting cast, particularly a QB still gaining experience. Aikman wasn’t Aikman starting out; he was the guy with the perpetually split chin getting pounded every week. But his coach built a great team around him, and that included the vocal guys who could help get everyone’s juices flowing every week. And, yes, part of that was being first on the field at practice and last off and giving 110% in every game. I think Romo is heading in that direction; I don’t know who else will step up as well. Time will tell.
Jimmy J helped Troy
Troy is a true Hall of Famer, and winner.
No doubt about that. However he benefited from Jimmy J’s coaching style and the attitude
the rest of his team had.
I don’t recall many news articles during the cowboys SB runs touting Troys leadership.
I agree oldtimer
Those great teams were pushed and inspired by JJ, they were a refection of JJ’s personality. Unfortunately, that slowly went away when Switzer came aboard. And this is from an OU fan! But, Troy was a leader in his heart too. In fact the tripletts and quite a few others were great leaders, all put together for some great memories. Boy, do I miss those days. Hopefully, this group of guys will emerge…….
I agree 4ever
The team lost its mojo when Jimmy was ousted. In 94, although they should have beat the phoneyniners in the NFC Championship (if it weren’t for Deion’s non-calls on Michael ((who whipped Deion’s butt that day)) (((they could have won 4 in a row if it weren’t for those 2 non-calls in the end zone))), they didn’t. They came back the next season, and it was the players themselves, not Switzer, that willed that team to it’s third Lombardi.
Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.
Joe ThEEsman
It's all about Super Bowl wins.
I can hear it now. In 2009 the Cowboys win a playoff game or three, but no Super Bowl. Tony remains (as was Danny White) a scapegoat for a team/organization that has not been back to the promised land for years. Tony’s stats are hall of fame caliber, but without a Super Bowl win (a team achievement), he will remain a hack to many. And when he does QB a Super Bowl winner, Tedious Tex’s… mantra will be, yea but even a blind hog can find an acorn (that is, any old QB can win one SB), and he and others will continue the bashing.
If Romo plays well in december and in the playoffs
and we win a couple playoff games, noone will be questioning him unless there is another seattle type ending.
I think we need a fourth poll answer.
How about “We’ll find out this year.”
I can’t call this one. I just stared at the three options and I couldn’t click any of them. I don’t know if he has it in him or not. I sure hope he does.
WELCOME HOME SEVEN!!
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Jun 14, 2009 10:37 AM CDT reply actions
now this might be a stretch, but Brandon Marshall anyone??
this guy is a legit talent, and may be on his way out of denver, if he comes available (most likely via trade) would you jump at him??? because in all honesty after PC and RW we got nothing that overly excites me..
Miles can be rediculous, but has to prove first he can stay healthy. the development of Austin is my only reservation in jumping on this bandwagon.. i dont want to stunt one players growth by bringing in another player thus burying him in the depth chart.
Any thoughts?
NO!
Too much $ for another WR, for one thing-along with his attitude.
by Realist Larry on Jun 14, 2009 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd rather have kept TO
Marshall is a punk. I think we have enough talent at wr, its a mistake to think we need pro bowl caliber players at every skill position
We are in denial
I have been following the ‘boys since the 70’s and have also managed and led executives in publicly traded companies and from what I can see, Romo is not a leader…you can not “learn” to be a leader; you’re either one or you’re not – it’s not always this simple, but Romo is, unfortunately, one of those individuals who is just not a leader. Additionally, whether we want to admit this or not, he has others things going on in his life and football is just a means to an end for him – I have no problem with this, just the facts, guys whether we want to admit it or not. My guess is that Romo will go down as one of those great stat guys, but will never win anything for us.
"The Most Dangerous Man in the world is the one with nothing to lose"
This isn't aimed specifically at you...
because I’ve heard this quite a few times but… the “I’ve watched football since the 70’s”… how is that relevant at all?
I’ve watched football since the late 80’s but I’m pretty sure that doesn’t make me any less or more qualified than anyone else here on the board at looking at leaders because it’s such a subjective opinion and there are so many types of different leaders that it’d be almost crazy to try and analyze.
Being in the military I’ve seen a ton of different types of leadership, some more effective than others, but that doesn’t make me a leadership expert.
I do know this IMO the most effective leadership for me has always been leader by example, go out there and do your job to the best of your ability, work your ass off and it means way more than someone yelling in someones face or giving speech’s.
it was weird, I... I mean you probably didn't hear about it because I went under the name of Mike Honcho. But I just wanted you to know that. If you can hear me, if it got into your brain somehow. That I spread my buttcheeks as Mike Honcho.
Are we really in denial?
from what I can see, Romo is not a leader
SR, what do you really see of Tony Romo, or any other NFL player for that matter, that allows you to determine their leadership abilities? Unless you are in the locker room, meetings, on the field, Etc. with a team, from what can you base any leadership decision on? You see him playing in football games but you see that from the camera perspective, not on the field. Besides that you see him talk to the media for what, two minutes at a time every now & then.
I’m not trying to challenge what you said, I’m just trying to point out that none of us really have any basis to make such determinations on. We just don’t have enough evidence to justify those kinds of conclusions.
One thing you are absolutely right about is that Romo will never win anything for us. Teams win or lose, not simply one player.
Good point, Geth
I see your point, but I have seen enough of Tony Romo in enough pressure situations to see how he reacts under pressure which is all that really counts – hard to hide from the TV screen. And what he does in his spare time, with friends, and even with teammates on the practice field does matter, but not nearly as much as when they tee it up on the field. There have just been so many spectacular displays of bad judgement that it is hard to keep giving him a pass (thus, the denial). There was the trip to Mexico during the playoffs, the “aw-shucks” comments after the last game last season, the partying in Hollywood, the golf tournaments, etc. Gosh, for once, I’d like to see the guy show some fire in the belly. Leaders of men simply don’t act like this…just ask Roger the Dodger, Emmit, and Troy.
"The Most Dangerous Man in the world is the one with nothing to lose"
by SaratogaRacing on Jun 14, 2009 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions
A Leader in football from the QB position stand point is a guy that you believe can get you to your goal.
I have never gotten the impression from his teamates that they dont have faith in him. He has had some struggles late in the season but again so has just about everyone else on the team. With a few exceptions can anyone on this team point to him and say he was the reason we tanked in Dec. Do those few exceptions look at him as the reason.
I have seen this guy in the playoffs lead his team down the field from about the 6 yard line and put them in position to win.( the QB not the holder) I ve seen him make some big plays late in games against the Ravens, Bills, Giants, ect… I know the guy has it in him if he gets the help and support he should get.
There is a big chance we will get to see his mettle early in the year. It wouldnt be suprizing for this team, altering offense, to struggle a little early in the year. If that happens the media and some fans will turn up the heat and turn on him. He will have to ride out the storm while his offense finds it rythmm and identity. If we struggle early and he survives we should know all we need to know about this guy.
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the goverment from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
Yes, he has already shown he's a leader.
That’s what I voted for—zero hesitation.
"Grow where you are planted."
by Aaron Novinger on Jun 15, 2009 12:15 AM CDT reply actions
I'll admit i hesitated
but then I thought about 2006, 2007 and theenergy boost this team seemed to get from his return from injury despite the fact that he didn’t play very well. I remember reading the articles after the washington win about how excited the locker room was about his return.
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