Dallas Cowboys Leaders Make an Early Appearance

by Jim Vance on Aug 20, 2009 11:44 PM CDT in Training Camp Comment 93 comments

You want leadership? I'm hearing some bits and pieces from the local media that veteran players are stepping up.

After the Oakland game was over, Steve Dennis later reported on Babe Laufenberg's show that Keith Brooking, DeMarcus Ware and Patrick Crayton challenged everyone to step up their effort and improve their play when the team was in the locker room. They challenged rookies to study harder and learn quicker. They challenged experienced backups to tighten up their game and compete for a starting role.

Folks, this is leadership. Leadership is not screaming and yelling on the field in public, it's players exhorting their mates to do better in a closed locker room, man to man. You can't be interrupted by going onto the field, you can't walk away down the sideline because you don't like what is being said - you're all right there together.

This is face to face, in front of the whole team - family style.

Here's the best part - this meeting is taking place right after the first preseason game. That tells me that internal expectations are much higher this year.

These vets are saying to the rookies, "You're here because you are a football player, now play, no excuses."

They are saying to the back ups, "You play like you practice. Act like each snap is your last."

Hallelujah!

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Good to hear!

So good to hear this. Leadership takes a lot of forms. I’ll take whatever form it comes in here.

BTW, I’ll just say it before someone else does… Shouldn’t it have been Romo giving the challenge… (KIDDING!)

by Chris in Va on Aug 20, 2009 11:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

As long as he does it on the field....

by Benthere on Aug 21, 2009 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It would be natural for a 3rd year starting QB who is almost 30

You do traditionally get that from a QB but like you said, I’ll settle for a consistently high level of play on the field.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 21, 2009 7:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

leadership comes in many forms

and producing consistently on the field during both practice and games is one form which Romo does well.

You don’t have to get into players faces to be a great leader.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 21, 2009 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Terry, good example of this?

Staubach… while there are a few high-profile exceptions, for the most part he was a quiet leader.

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 21, 2009 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Montana as well

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 21, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really have no idea what kind of leader Staubach was, his public personality was very different than Romo

I never heard him described as quiet but you may be right. He also didn’t have something Romo has working against him. Like it or not, there’s a perception and statistics that he fades down the stretch and doesn’t play well in big games. The opposite was true of Staubach and Montana.

There is also the possibility that leadership is not something he will ever be known for. I think some people get defensive about that, to me it’s fine. The team doesn’t need 22 “leaders”. In fact, I’ve never seen an organization where everyone was a leader.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 21, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree Romo can do better in December, but...

You can’t say “doesn’t play well in big games” because that is simply not true. There are PLENTY of examples where Romo stepped up in big situations. Look no further than last December’s (yea, as in 12th month) game against the Giants. Even in the December losses, there have been several games where you can’t put it on him… in the Raven’s game he managed some big late-drives when the game was still winnable, against an EXCELLENT D.

Romo needs to win in December, he needs to win a Playoff game… hell, he’s a Dallas Cowboy Quarterback, he NEEDS TO WIN A SUPER BOWL! … and until then he will be criticized. But one thing you can’t say is that he doesn’t play well in big games.

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 21, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well said

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 21, 2009 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

True.

I am still putting together a fanpost that will show that the magnitude of the game does not significantly impact how well Romo plays. However, for whatever reason, that magical calendar does seem to have an effect. Unfortunately for him, so many games in December and January seem to be bigger due to what’s at stake at that point of the season.

And he may not be solely to blame for that Ravens lost, but it’s not like they lost in spite of his play. He was just as much to blame as any other Cowboy on that field that day.

by Baked Potato Soup on Aug 21, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't wait

for that fanpost. First time I will be preparing a reply/rebuttal without having read the fanpost! lol

by One.Cool.Customer on Aug 21, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doesnt matter

Shouldnt matter too much where it comes from as long as it is coming from the folks in the locker room behind closed doors. This is a good sign, especially after the first preseason game. Cant wait for the game tonight!!!

by bval77 on Aug 21, 2009 1:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Horse feathers...

Win a playoff game for heaven’s sake

by Montecito Tex on Aug 21, 2009 1:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Tex with a reasonable, rational comment...

Could this be the start of a trend?

But Tex, does this mean you cannot enjoy the games until we win in December / January?

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 21, 2009 1:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know it will be in the back of MY mind.

I will definitely enjoy the season, but I think all of us fans will be curious to see what happens come this December and January. The team has looked very good in September through November for the past few years, then had the wheels come off after December 1. Even with another hot start, as I expect, the biggest question for this team is whether they can change that trend. Really, it’s the only question for this team, in my opinion.

by Baked Potato Soup on Aug 21, 2009 1:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last December, in my mind, was the "bottom" of that trend

In stocks, you always want to see an “extreme” before a trend reverses… Both a panic on the sell and excessive greed on the buy side. You’ve seen good examples both up (October ’07) and down (March ’09) on the NYSE.

For the Cowboys, the decade-long December swoon has to end some day, and what better year than this? You not only have the right players and mindset to make it happen, but there is a collective bad-taste with how things ended last year. HELL, the last 3 years!

But it simply doesn’t get any worse than that Iggles loss. A hated rival. A playoff spot on the line. And we completely lay an egg. From a stock-trader’s perspective, that just feels like a bottom.

And once you have a bottom, there’s only up from there. The question for me is more like this: Where is the top for this team?

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 21, 2009 4:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't help but think

That if the O-line plays their best football in December/January, the rest of the team will follow. To see the O-line out there mauling people in the playoffs will even inspire the defense, let alone enable the offense. I know who I’ll be rooting for this entire season…the big guys up front on offense AND defense.

I don't believe in team motivation. I believe in getting a team prepared so it knows it will have the necessary confidence when it steps on a field and be prepared to play a good game.

Tom Landry

by White Wolf on Aug 21, 2009 7:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I think if the adopt a more physical, mauling approach by running and passing to the backs more I think they’ll be more effective later in the seson.

I love the passing game and you have to utitlize weapons like Romo, Witten, Bennett and WIlliams, but I like a nasty line more than a finesse one. And these behemoths aren’t as ideally built for pass blocking as they are for the run.

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

by dunkman on Aug 21, 2009 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's why I think Lorenzo Neal should get a look.

Did you know that the Cowboys running backs caught 77 passes last year? That’s almost 5 per game. I think they did a pretty good job of using their backs in the passing game, but they definitely could improve their power running stats. They had a fairly high number of negative runs or runs for less than a yard, and I think the best way to help that, given that they are essentially returning the same OL, is to get help at the point of attack, and that means a sledge hammer FB.

I know they say that they want a more versatile FB than that, but last year, the FB touched the ball 4 times for 10 yards. I’m pretty sure just about anyone can do that.

by Baked Potato Soup on Aug 21, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A lot of talk about Siavii.

Anyone know his measurements during this training camp? I mean, how strong is he really? What’s his max bench or reps at 225? He doesn’t look big, thick, bulky on top in the pictures I’ve seen. Actually, he looks a little slender on top. Not like the dirty, slob of a NT that we sometimes wish he had on the team. If he’s not that huge power guy, how’s his speed? Speed is great, but last I checked Ratliff is one of kind among NTs. Is Siavii fast?

by Eagles suck on Aug 21, 2009 1:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Siavii is like 6-5 315 not that fast but I'm told he can move but has tremendous strength

by dallasfansince75 on Aug 21, 2009 2:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

To me, the LEAST a nose-tackle needs to do his hold his ground in single-team.

If they cannot do this consistently, they are worthless in my book. To date, we don’t have a back-up that has proven they can pass this simple test.

RAT’s the MAN… we rest him by taking him out for certain packages. But if he were to go down, I think Spears is about the only legitimate solution at this point.

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 21, 2009 4:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

This is like a replay from last year where Dallas went into the season without an NFL quality back up QB. This is a potential disaster waiting to happen.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 21, 2009 7:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't say disaster -- because I think Spears can rotate over and give us the plug we need

The question is more about depth behind Spears in this scenario … and everyone’s been wanting to see those guys … careful what you wish for!

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 21, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The most effective leadership

is getting the guys to buy into what you’re doing and let them push each other to meet the standard. As much as fans like the sputtering, spitting rages of a Bill Cowher or the blistering sarcasm of a Tuna, none of those guys actually want to be the motivating force – they want the players to step up. That’s why these coaches go out and get “their guys”, to seed the team with players who “get it”.

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

by dunkman on Aug 21, 2009 6:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I've seen leaders with all different styles

I don’t think there is only 1 most effective style. I do agree good leaders get everyone “buying in” or working toward the same goal(s)

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 21, 2009 7:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I gotta go with Hater on this one ... in fact I like Wade's style better when it comes to nurturing leadership

I always felt that Parcells’ style discouraged too many guys to step up … instead preferring the lime-light himself. I always liked Parcells, but this was not his area of strength.

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 21, 2009 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm wasn't critiquing Parcells' or Cowher's style

I’m just pointing out that even hard-a**es want the players to learn to push themselves and push others. That’s why Parcells brought in guys like Key and Campbell. To help with that process.

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

by dunkman on Aug 21, 2009 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't care which side of the argument you're on ...

You’re wrong. End of story.

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 21, 2009 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That hurt my feelings

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

by dunkman on Aug 21, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I shall not be out-sarcasm'd!

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 21, 2009 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

leaders stepping up

Crayton challenging the team is all good but his effort at times is questionable. In the last preseason game against Oakland check him out on the run to the left side when we where pinned against our goaline. It was his man that made the tackle and there was not even an effort to block the guy. He didn’t even try to get in the corners way.

I can’t wait to get rid of this guy. Between bad effort in games and his mouth outperforming him on the field. It will be nice if Sam Hurd or Austin can take over this guys spot.

by rlgiv on Aug 21, 2009 7:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Crayton isn't going anywhere

sorry to disappoint you.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 21, 2009 7:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's right

Crayton is a fairly inexpensive solution to the third WR position. And he can catch the freakin ball. But I know the play you’re talking about Rigiv. It wasn’t even an attempt to block. Someone hopefully said something to him about that poor excuse for a block.

I don't believe in team motivation. I believe in getting a team prepared so it knows it will have the necessary confidence when it steps on a field and be prepared to play a good game.

Tom Landry

by White Wolf on Aug 21, 2009 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's not out of the question that he could play his way into the 4th WR role though

Lot’s of if’s, but he really hasn’t been challenged. IF Hurd and Auston stay healthy they could both move ahead of him.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 21, 2009 7:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no, it definitely is out of the question

Crayton is #2 WR like it or not, that won’t change. The only battles going on right now is for the #3 and #5 spots between Austin and Hurd and Stanback and Olgetree respectively.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 21, 2009 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They say he's #2

But they said Ellis was the starting OLB too. If Austin does what he should he is a better fit at #2, and if Crayton plays poorly the team will move him down.

by Musiccitynorm on Aug 21, 2009 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yea, nothing in stone there

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 21, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can they still do that

Even though Terry said they can’t?

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 21, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

okay, snot on the keyboard!

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 21, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

HEY!

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

by dunkman on Aug 21, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's lunch time in some other places on the planet!!

I vote you suspend him for a post, Grizz. That’s just disgusting.

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

by dunkman on Aug 21, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so i shouldn't admit when something makes my pants stink?

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 21, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

TMI

15 yards and loss of down

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 21, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And the "E" key off the keyboard.

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

by dunkman on Aug 21, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's not a matter of me liking it or not

both those guys have the talent and potential to displace him. I’m not saying they will, I’m saying they could. Whether I like it or you proclaim it so is irrelevent. The Cowboys aren’t going to listen to either of us.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 21, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and the Cowboys like Crayton as their #2 WR

Austin definitely could challenge him, but hasn’t shown nearly enough to do so and Hurd’s best shot is as our #3 WR.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 21, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I bet you are wrong

I don’t know this for sure, but it would make more sense for Austin to be #2 if he could win the job. He’s got much better speed and can stretch the field, like Terry Glenn used to do when Crayton was #3. I’ve lost a lot of faith in him though, so it’s probably a moot point. He would really have to play lights out and stay healthy to take the job away.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 21, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My only concern

is that whoever plays well will play the most. I have been really disappointed at times with Wade and Garrett at times for “playing it safe” with letting youngers guys play their way onto the field. I recognize that I will often be wrong about who is actually ready, but I also think they can be a little too cautious at times.

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

by dunkman on Aug 21, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I absolutely agree with you

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 21, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

then why bet if you conceding already? lol

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 21, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was betting which the organization would prefer

You said the Cowboys like Crayton as the #2, I bet they would prefer Austin could win the job. I said I have lost some faith that he can win the job. There’s no contradiction there.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 21, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with that

however when I said they like Crayton as their #2 I meant that’s who they think is the better WR right now, I’m sure they’d love for Austin to break out in a big way as would every Cowboys fan, including me.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 21, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That skinny post Austin dropped against Oakland,

Would have gone for big yards and possibly a TD, He is the ONLY guy on the roster who can run that rout.

by Musiccitynorm on Aug 21, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is that because he's

skinnier than Crayton? Roy Williams has lost weight so don’t count him out. Call me old school but I prefer more manly routes than “skinny posts” and “drags”…

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

by dunkman on Aug 21, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That drop told me a lot about him

The guy has teased us for 3 years, always looks like he’s right on the cusp of being special. I know everybody drops passes but with his history there is no room for error, he has to catch that ball. He is the ultimate tease to me.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 21, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I fear that

but I hope you’re wrong.

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

by dunkman on Aug 21, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What makes a leader

is followers.

Results define the right leadership style(s).

Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.

by OskieOskie on Aug 21, 2009 9:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

well put!!!

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 21, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So, shouting cliches at practice is leadership?

I buy Demarcus being a leader – he’s obviously someone to rally around when he’s on and off the field. But, I think I need to see a little more from Bradie James, T-New, Romo and a few other vets before I buy into that completely.

by jam0152 on Aug 21, 2009 9:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sometimes leadership comes when things are not going well,

Most likely when you think there is no leadership is when the leadership is going to be tested.

by Musiccitynorm on Aug 21, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

jam... i gotta take exception to EVERY SINGLE example you give...

James, Romo, TNew… these guys have already earned it on the field and off.

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 21, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 21, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not talking

but having the presence to command respect from teammates.

I imagine just a look from a Randy White or a Larry Allen could speak volumes to a teammate. There’s your leadership.

Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.

by OskieOskie on Aug 21, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it wasn't the look

they commanded respect because they were studs and could dominate, the way a player practices and plays is what leadership is about, giving other players an example to follow, like, this is how it’s done.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 21, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Their play

gave them that presence that commanded respect. Once that respect was there, a look from them in the huddle or in the lockerroom spoke louder than all the rah-rah speeches from a lesser player.

That is the leadership I am talking about. If the respect is there, the verbiage is not needed.

Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.

by OskieOskie on Aug 21, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 21, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yet neither was vocal

LA wouldn’t talk to anyone.

Nobody dared talk to the Manster.

Both were the meanest SOBs in the league and if they ever did talk to you, well…let’s put it this way, if I needed someone in a dark alley, those would be my first picks. But neither was the team’s leader.

He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson

by Fighter15 on Aug 21, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

or smacking the kicker, will do magic (sea Larry Allen)

not sure it will work with Buehler though LOL

by dcfanz on Aug 21, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOLOLOL!

usa

by Longhorn on Aug 21, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And here we go again into the “what is leadership” debate.

All I will say is that I find it interesting that after the Giants playoff game, Romo was criticized for “losing his head” and getting in his teammates faces down the stretch as his offensive line disintegrated around him. However, after the Eagles game, he was widely criticized for not being vocal enough and being a poor leader. The common thread is that both games were losses and all Cowboys fans felt let down by the team.

All this shows to me is the that winning really does heal all. I feel that many of these leadership questions are way overblown and over analyze the team, but I recognize that only once the Cowboys win big will these media-driven questions disappear.

If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.

by Cowboyfan729 on Aug 21, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so to summarize

If you’re a qb on a championship team, you’re a leader, end of story.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 21, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right

especially as SHTG points out – none of the critics have a clue about who does what on and off the field. It’s more the crowning of a guy as a leader when his team wins and tagging him as a poor leader when they don’t. Eli went from bumpkin to Audie Murphy when his team won the Super Bowl and of course he’s probably the same guy since day one.

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

by dunkman on Aug 21, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 21, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Romo gets it

and I think he’s doing it. There is a new focus only on what comes next … next meeting … next practice … next game.

"The approach needs to be about tomorrow’s practice and that’s when you play good in December and January, when you continue that approach every day, every week." Tony Romo

by JimNFW on Aug 21, 2009 10:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

by Musiccitynorm on Aug 21, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think this is another one of those meaningless threads about leadership

Sorry but the fact is none of know anything about how these guys are in the locker room and very little about how they are on the field and in public. We also don’t know much about how their teammates feel about them. I think we tend to pick out our favorite player and proclaim they are good leaders or get offended if someone else says they’re not.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 21, 2009 10:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

Even when you have access to an organization, it can be hard to pick out leaders.

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

by dunkman on Aug 21, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Knowing nothing

has never stopped anyone from posting on this blog.

Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.

by OskieOskie on Aug 21, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

by dunkman on Aug 21, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

by dunkman on Aug 21, 2009 12:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he can just give him the keys to the stadium.

How awesome would that be? 8 years/$94 million, and the ability to go in and watch movies and play video games on the jumbotron anytime there isn’t an event.

by Baked Potato Soup on Aug 21, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs