Don’t Blink, You Could Miss This…
by 5Blings on Oct 19, 2011 2:14 PM CDT
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PrintOne of my fondest memories of the 90's Dallas Cowboys dynasty was the year, 1990. Dallas, for those of you who were too young to witness it, was 7-9 that year. For those not paying close attention, there was really nothing all that spectacular about that team. Emmitt smith gained less than a thousand yards, Troy Aikman had 11 TD's with 18 INT's, Kelvin Martin, not Michael Irvin, led the team in receiving and the defense was middle-of-the-road. Again, nothing to write home about.
Or was there?
Dallas won four of its last six contests that year and, if you watched those games (and I did) closely, you probably saw the same thing I did. While the team was not seeing the kinds of results, aka wins, that would make most fans happy, it was clear to some fans that this team had gone back to its roots and made a commitment to a set of core values that created a more "spirited" level of play. Their intention was to be tough, physical and passionate. I'm glad I was there to see that formation of greatness taking place because, without it, I wouldn't have appreciated their time at the top as much as I did. The bottom line is that I liked that team. I REALLY liked that team and I liked where they were heading.
On the other hand, there was that team in 2007. They were 13-3 with a top seed in the Conference. You know what I remember about that team? I remember that the biggest personality in the organization was a mercurial, self-obsessed egomaniac of a Wide Receiver. I remember a head coach who did not understand what it took to build toughness and passion. I remember the team being leaderless and, while I enjoyed the wins, I never really liked that team. I didn't like where they were heading.
Five contests into the 2011 campaign, I have a distinct sense of déjà vu. I've seen this somewhere before. The good news is that I know exactly when and where I saw it. The better news is that I also liked where it led. Now, I'm not making any sort of predictions about this team, this coaching staff or where they are headed, but I absolutely CAN tell you that learning to win is not an event, but rather a process. When I think about the effort and energy put forth by the entire team against the New England Patriots in Foxboro last weekend, well, it may just have been a watershed event for this team. Some people will say, "You're nuts. It's just another loss". Au contraire mon frere.
I saw that same thing in 1990. They lost some tough games where they were clearly NOT ready for, pardon the pun, prime time. But in those losses, I also saw a group of players that had become the embodiment of its head coach. He was unyielding. So were they. He was hardnosed. So were they. He was all about learning what it took to win. So, we would later come to find out, were they.
Now, I am going to take a moment and chastise some of you for your positions on last Sunday's game because I think you've gotten caught up in the moment. As I read through the post-game threads, I saw a lot of bashing going on. I saw people bashing the defense. Really? The defense?!?! Why? Because you predicted they would hold Tom Brady to 13 points through the bulk of 4 quarters of football? Maybe you did. And even if you did, why berate them for one drive when Dallas was the first team in some time to keep the Patriots under 30? In their house no less!! No...what I saw was a group of defensive players who were flying around, playing with toughness, staying disciplined within their roles and playing with an edge. How can you not appreciate that given what we saw last year?
Another segment of the BTB population went after Garrett. Now I'm not JG's biggest supporter and the jury is clearly still out on him, but many of you were screaming your bloody heads off in prior weeks about him calling passes in situations where runs were more appropriate, especially given Romo's roller coaster performances late in games. So here he plays it conservative, takes the ball out of Romo's hands and gets the safe field goal to take a lead late in the 4th quarter. Lo and behold, many of you say THIS loss is about him not being more aggressive. Can you say hypocrite?
Maybe all of the angry detractors are right in saying this team isn't any different than previous iterations where the bottom will fall out and the true losing colors of this team will be revealed. Maybe this team is really just as poorly run and undisciplined as all of the others we've had to tolerate since Jimmy Johnson left town. But...what if they're wrong? What if what we're witnessing is the education of a team and an organization that just needs to learn what it takes to be a winner? What if this is the foundation-building process for an organization readying itself for a run at high performance over an extended period of time?
I don't like losing. I don't believe in moral victories on the football field. But I do believe, wholeheartedly, that the very idea of becoming a champion is something that has to have a beginning. It has to have important milestones. It has to have its good and its bad, its highs and its lows, its wins and its losses. We see it every day, and not just in sports. We see it from our soldiers defending our nation at home and abroad. We see it in times of struggle and strife as we did with Katrina and 9/11. From personal experience, I can tell you it happens every day in the treatment rooms of medical facilities caring for people with terminal illness. It happens in schools between teachers and children. It surely happens on football fields with people of all ages.
The character and courage needed for people and groups to be great sometimes just needs a little time to truly reveal itself. If you didn't see at least some of the character traits and qualities that are requisite for a winning team, then I'm open to the discussion. If you didn't see a group of people fighting hard on the gridiron to make their fans proud, then you're barking up the wrong tree. And that's what you need to take some quantum of solace from. That's where you need to take a step back and revel in the idea that just maybe, this is the beginning of a new era of Dallas Cowboys football. They may not get the bling, but it won't be because they didn't give it their all. And, from one fan to another, while I want to win every single game by 40 points, I can certainly find peace and happiness in a Cowboys football team that displays the kind of effort I saw last weekend. That's probably because I like where they are heading.
So, as you sit back and think about what you've seen, and what you will see, from our beloved Cowboys this year, make sure you don't blink. You could miss this...
Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.
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Ding! Ding! Ding!
We have a Winner here! Had very similar thoughts after NE. You simply can’t build a team without a strong foundation, and although a lot has been put in place – reversing trends of recent years, there’ s more work to be done.
But we are definitely on the rise for critical success factors – Talent and Scheme. Execution will get better as the squad grows and the new culture embeds further.
I can't hear you over the sound of how EPIC I am
Thanks
People need to realize that it takes time to build discipline where there was none.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
The Perfect Clarity of Hindsight on my part
Which I will henceforth refer to as PCH, with a nod to my OC and Bay Area Days…
Speaking of the PCH, can we now fully debunk the disinformation that bounced around here so freely before:
1) The RHG’s post-interim appointment play-calling was evidence of ‘sabotage’ to the prior HC. Actually it seems like much the same, constrained by a struggling OL
2) DAL didn’t address it’s woeful D in the offseason, because we have much the same players. As has been pointed out repeatedly – the addition of one Rob Ryan seemed pretty major. And the replacement of one A Ball as the ill-suited starting FS seems to have had a disproportionate effect both Before and After the fact.
The transformation of our OL has started and must continue in the interior, I do believe an off-season with Woijick wil do wonders for our youngsters, but at least 1, likely 2 new Starters will need to be added.
TNew looks to be gone, as do our 2 aging ILB’s – amazingly we actually seemed to be proactive in their replacement. If Scandrick is poised to take a Starting role, he’s getting paid starting $$$, then his replacement will need to be acquired. Combine that with 1 likely 2 RB replacements and a developmental TE with FA departures and our shopping list seems lengthy. But the process has already begun, and the foundation is being laid.
I can't hear you over the sound of how EPIC I am
Except for Payton and the Saints, the process of building a perennial contender seems to be 4-5 years
Current Champ McCarthy took 5 years.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
There's more
I just used Mikey Mac as a poster child.
How long did it take Cowher? Bellicheat? Jimmy Johnson?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Cowher's inapplicable...
… it’s them pesky Steelers, the organization more than the coach since the days of Knoll, you know that. Belichick, argument can be made the turnaround was 1 year, from 5-11 to 11-5, playoff appearance, with that subsequent 9-7 miss, prior to the string lasting through to 2008 miss. Also indicates some of that was initially stepping into the right circumstance for short-term success to build on. Jimmy, 89-91, so 3 years, despite the Lions bouncing the squad, in 91 some could see the 5-year plan was ahead of schedule. And not by rose-colored hopeful lenses.
Stands 3-1 in favor of < 4-5, with 1 inapplicable. And I feel like I been played, like one of Tom Sawyer’s neighbours, making a point for you, despite you claiming longer.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Ahhh, ya gotta love...
… that non-WCS kinda hindsight, that PCH devoid of looking through RCGs or CCB’s or any such BFL.
To get ya started getting the TLA’s the jumpstart’s Bias Flawed Lenses.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Beautiful.
Rec’d
What is best in life?
"To Crush your enemies, See them driven before you and to hear the lamentation of their women!"
My Recipe for Amazing Stuffed Tri Tip
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?saved&¬e_id=284865184863589
I cover Metallica songs, http://www.youtube.com/user/CptMend0za
How long will they mourn me?
Well done Blings
Nothing to add, nothing to disagree with!
I started out with nothing and still have most of it left
Nothing at all?
Ugh. I’ll try and write something more incendiary next time.
:-)
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
haha you disproved my theroy that you are actually JJ Taylor
by Musiccitynorm on Oct 20, 2011 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
One could argue that last year was comparable to 1990
The rendition of the Cowboys certainly started the process (albeit mid-season) with more talent. That would make this year comparable to 1991 ie. (if memory serves: 6-5 start which included being shellacked by the Eagles before finishing the season with 5 straight wins to put then into the playoffs).
I’m just saying, if the young o-line can get it together………..
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
tough to comapre any team to the greatest dynasty of all time
but I understand your point and agree wholeheartedly. In Garrett and Ryan, this team is lead by two men who are winners and have instilled a great work ethic within the team that emphasizes toughness and physicality.
I’m buying the 2011 Dallas Cowboys as their stock is headed straight through the roof.
In Romo we Trust
I worry about Ryan's longevity
If the Jets falter this year, maybe Rob’s star loses some luster.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
I disagree
Even though they are twin brothers, I actually think Rob is a better defensive coach than Rex.
In Romo we Trust
Judging one by another is illogical, even unwise.
In this or any other case, with respect to actions or results.
Cry 'Havoc!'
You couldn't be "more wrong"
As GM’s from teams who need HC’s next year survey the field, they’ll be choosing from the usual suspect pools; College HC’s, ex-Pro HC’s and Pro Coordinators.
Where Rob stacks up may have a lot to do with how Rex fares in Year 3. If they take a step back, and it is likely they will, then teams will see Rob as offering largely the same qualities and talents with significantly less professionalism.
If I was a GM, I would not hire Rob Ryan as my HC.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
You would want to be judged dependent on my actions and results?
That’s a hangin’ offense, btw. Got nuthin’ to do with hiring Rob as a HC or not. So you wouldn’t, next person might. Say Rex tanks totally, cellar-dweller and baby brother has the SB-winning, record-setting D. You think the Rob-tarring crowd’s voice even gets heard then? You think given a continuance of eye-opening D and progression along those lines over a 2-year period, there’s not going to be interest, regardless of Rex? Say from, oh I don’t know, Philly?
You’re right. I couldn’t. ‘Cuz you’re Just. Plain. Wrong.
No more about it.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Well, I am working from a less polarized set of hypotheticals than you are
…but I suppose, if the earth stopped turning on its axis, bad things would ensue.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
oh you just gave me a nightmare....
ring comes full circle and we have to deal with another Ryan in Philly…after the Dream Team falters down the stretch, Andy Reid is replaced….in the following upheaval the Eagles take a HC with DC experience to make the best use of all the money they had spent in free agency last year….Rob Ryan is hired as the HC of the Eagles….Oh I Think I’m Going To Be Sick!!!!!!!
Good Luck to the 53. Stand with Honor, Play With Pride. Bring It Home
by TruBluToTheCore on Oct 22, 2011 7:29 AM CDT up reply actions
He runs a 3-4 and Philly would need to retool their front 7 to make it work
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Happy to see we are in agreement Blings,
the signs are there that this team is close to " getting it" , the winning mentality is the one thing lacking as of now.
they will click and go on a winning run.
too many impatient people on here .
Keep the faith. Go Cowboys…
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
We Fight On !!,That's The Cowboys Way !!.
Go Cowboys!!
7th Comment
7th rec Blings…Excellent work…..as always…..
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Oct 19, 2011 3:36 PM CDT reply actions
dutifully rec'd and appreciated....
Good Luck to the 53. Stand with Honor, Play With Pride. Bring It Home
by TruBluToTheCore on Oct 19, 2011 3:50 PM CDT reply actions
we're 2-3, one win better than last year at this point
and yes, last year we lost those game with dumb stuff and were close in every game, until Romo was killed by Gronk’s “block”. I think with each successive loss, the team’s confidence will be shaken more. We can only hope that the next several games will be enough to get the confidence back that only winning causes. Last year it snowballed down. What is this years story going to be? Recovery or snowball?
RECOVER !
.
woman !, don't try to understand em, don't try to make them understand you, for they are a breed apart ! lol
(redskins)= A Tale of 2 owners, bought by Snyder, OWNED by the COWBOYS
Id say RIP Al Davis, but i know your up there drunker than a monkey and clocking angels in the 40 yd dash.
Sometimes you learn more through failure than anything else
That’s not easy for fans to stomach, but it is true.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
This team has been learning for 15 years then.
By now they should have graduated.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 20, 2011 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
Awesome post Blings
I like where this team is headed (in the longterm). Once they finally get it, it will be a sight to see.
Back to that 2007 team for a moment: Going into that season, I never expected them to win the Super Bowl, hell, I didn’t know what to expect from that team, and how they would take to Wade. However, I must say, the way that team played through the beat down of the Packers on the Thursday Night game, it was the best football I saw from this team since the mid 1990s. Then it really all came crashing down after that home loss to the Eagles. I thinl that game exposed them for not being ready, and able to handle adversity.
Watching this team since that 2007 season, I find the guys who are still with the team struggling to regain the confidence they had for those first 14 games where they played at such a high level.
What are your thoughts on this Blings?
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
by Rohpuri on Oct 19, 2011 4:08 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
what that game did against the Eagles was
Exposed the giants we had inside, smaller ,quicker D linemen owned our front from that game on.
by Musiccitynorm on Oct 19, 2011 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions
yes they did
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
by Rohpuri on Oct 19, 2011 4:52 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Very well done
I also expect the cowboys will be favored in 6 of the next 8 games, normally I would not give to much credit ot the strength of schedule but this time with this team I’m not expecting to lose a game we should win but expecting to win a game we should lose, for almost all the reasons you have so well expressed.
recd
rec'd
great article and I get your point but this team is nowhere near the caliber the 90 Cowboys were
we need OL help, there are still holes on the defense we need to fill, we need a RB
huge differences, but I agree sort of that this is a process and will take time
I still think we need a stud RB to close out games and take some of the load off Romo, because the rest of the season Romo is going to have to carry this team, which is not good, he needs a running game to offset some of that pressure and throwing 40-50 times a game
Trent Richardson, make it happen Jerry, you want another Emmitt type of RB that can close out games and put this team on his back? he is wearing #3 in Alabama, trade up for him
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Oct 19, 2011 4:29 PM CDT reply actions
I most definitely agree
Trent Richardson or Doug Martin, is the RB this offense needs…this team needs to rid itself of the stink of Julius Jones, MBIII, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. Not drafting a legitimate every down RB when they had a chance to get Steven Jackson is bitting this offense in the ass.
This coming draft, if we have a chance to get
Trent Richardson or Doug Martin, go get one of them and don’t look back. Do it Jerry!
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
by Rohpuri on Oct 19, 2011 5:01 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
but.. i see a fight ......
that reminds me of the mid to late 60s . those teams fought hard, played hard and was no give up in them because Landry had his vision and held true to it. For this current teams road map has already been laid out by those who have come and gone b4 us. Last sunday , i saw something that made me sit up and smile….. a team standing defiant on the road against the pats and played like it, i guarantee there wasn’t a sole in that stadium that was w/o baited breadth;
even tho Brady had the last say……this team will find its own destiny…long after Brady has thrown his last pass.
hold fast and if you do happen to look back, then know that there in Foxboro is where this ship was righted……..
woman !, don't try to understand em, don't try to make them understand you, for they are a breed apart ! lol
(redskins)= A Tale of 2 owners, bought by Snyder, OWNED by the COWBOYS
Id say RIP Al Davis, but i know your up there drunker than a monkey and clocking angels in the 40 yd dash.
I never like losing
…but there’s lots of ways to lose. Most ways give me feelings of despair. This way…gave me hope.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Hope!
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
Yeah, don't give him an out.
My question to Blings remains: Say that again, please. “This way… gave me…” what?
Cry 'Havoc!'
if that happens its the final sign of the apocalypse
Good Luck to the 53. Stand with Honor, Play With Pride. Bring It Home
by TruBluToTheCore on Oct 22, 2011 7:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Hang on Chia
The 1990 Cowboys weren’t all that good. And that’s my point. Let’s not revise history and deify that group because, at that point, they were considered a young team with a brash coach and some interesting pieces.
Think about what CAN be…
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Remember, 7-10 year-olds are impressionable beyond reason
Sometimes it carries over some. Sometimes more, simetimes lees, yet almost always, in all of us, to some extent. They need someone who was older at the time to guide the recognition of such influence. Someone dirt-old. Like you.
Cry 'Havoc!'
I've finally found my true calling in life
I appreciate the illumination.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
This didn't hurt
1991 Draft Class:
1st Russell Maryland
1st Alvin Harper
1st Kelvin Pritchett
2nd Dixon Edwards
3rd Godfrey Myles
3rd James Richards
3rd Erik Williams
4th Curvin Richards
4th Bill Musgrave
4th Tony L. Hill
4th Kevin Harris
5th Darrick Brownlow
6th Mike Sullivan
7th Leon Lett
9th Damon Mays
10th Sean Love
11th Tony Boles
12th Larry Brown
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
Didn't realize so many came in one draft.
The Garrett Guillotine demands more blood!
by Blue Eyed Devil on Sep 5, 2011 3:30 PM PDT
If you're going to eat poison, you might as well lick the plate.
power of the herschel walker trade
and then they got darren woodson the next year
The realist keepin it real amongst the surrealists
R.I.P. Big Homey Nate Dogg: "Cuz Iiiiiiiiii have ne-evv-ver met a giiiiiiiiiirrrrrrllllllllllllllllllll tha-at I loved in the whole wide wooorrrlllllddddddd"
by starbury_to_s-jaxci2000 on Oct 20, 2011 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions
7 Starters came from that class...proving my point that there were still a lot of pieces yet to be acquired to make that 1990 team a contender
But I think what may be more important is that those rookies were lucky enough to be drafted by a team whose foundations were already laid. The ideas of toughness, discipline and hard work were already deeply-ingrained in the psyche of the organization. the only thing missing was an upgrade in talent at some key positions.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Huge difference 5.
Aikman was there already. Romo has 2-3 years . Ware 2-3 years. Different dynamic than then. This team’s window is about to close. Jerry waited too late to get serious.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 20, 2011 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
I disagree
Rodgers was a starter for 2 years and didn’t start until year 4 of the McCarthy era.
It may be someone other than Romo that leads this team to a bling. Who knows?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Rodgers was drafted in 2005, sat on the bench in 05, 06, and 07. McCarthy was hired in 2006, so Rodgers started in year 3 of the McCarthy era.
Mike McCarthy was on the 49ers offensive staff when they drafted Alex Smith in 2005.
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
You're right
…so maybe it’s McGee that leads the team to the Super Bowl. Maybe it’s Romo. Maybe it’s that QB we’re drafting in 2012.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
What is it you didn't understand about...
… the Red Queen’s Race and Principle? Building to a closing window objective’s inherently limiting from the get-go. The objective’s to build to sustainablity, not 3-5 blips followed by 15+ year valleys. That’s just what you gripe about, yet your argument’s predicated on aiming for it. Detonate, build anew and be faced with establishing a sustainable transition-capable age/talent hierarchy from scratch? Why add the time, as if the rest of what you’re ignoring from the “No no no” comment further along wasn’t enough. You’re proposing lunacy beyond Jerry’s past misguidedness.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Come to think of it, doesn't this post go against the one Blings wrote last fall where he proposed blowing this whole thing up and starting from scratch?
I believe he wrote it right around the time Wade was getting canned.
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
I cannot speak for Blings relative to that...
… with respect to either content or intent. However, I will say I read nothing in this article which speaks to player/coaching personnel moves or talent levels. Rather, it appears to speak to a perception of change with respect to the spirit and “culture” of this team, which it appears he is allowing may, in part, be resultant from events of this past near-year. While it wouldn’t be completely contradictory to advocate detonation after this article, it may be rather more difficult to do so, given such a move would dismantle much, if not all, of the psychological and “cultural” change-for-the-better I believe his article here is speaking to.
Cry 'Havoc!'
7 out of 18...
guess that draft class stunk…horrible drafting…poor scouting…what were they thinking…
Good Luck to the 53. Stand with Honor, Play With Pride. Bring It Home
by TruBluToTheCore on Oct 22, 2011 7:36 AM CDT up reply actions
They missed big on Pritchett
Plus, in rebuilding mode, you expect a higher percentage of draftees to stick with a team.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
And they say the Patriots are the gods of the draft
I would put that draft class up against anyone’s….except (and it really hurts to say it) the Steeler’s drafts of the 70’s. Those were some damn good drafts. But in the “modern” era I don’t know if there’s been a better one…..
"Sometimes I really wish Christmas would come early" -see pic for explanation....
by #28 Cat with a Hat on Oct 22, 2011 3:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Click on...
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Cry 'Havoc!'
Agreed
I also fave a feeiling that this team has found his general in Garrett, and Romo has matured into a good captain. I don’t think this is their year, but 2012 and 2013…
Ok, since this is quickly, and rightfully turning into a love-fest, let me channel my inner 5Blings and be the contrarian:
If the Cowboys need “to learn what it takes to be a winner,” why is it taking them so long? And why are the 49ers and Lions 5-1, when the two have not had winning seasons in 18 combined years?
by One.Cool.Customer on Oct 19, 2011 5:36 PM CDT reply actions
You read my mind
I want to buy what Blings is selling and jump into the love fest but I need to see some actual wins by this team before I get drunk on their potential.
I like what JG preaches and think Rob R. is the real deal but the late game duo of Romo and JG has to show me some wins before I make any type of comparison to the team of the nineties.
You may be disappointed
…because I don’t think this team is ready yet.
It sounds like you would have been as ambivalent about the 1990 squad too?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Nope, big differences
The 1990 squad had a 2nd year QB who was progressing nicely, not a veteran QB who progresses and regresses weekly. That squad had a rookie RB who showed skill and durability right out of the gate, not an injury prone RB who should never have been picked ahead of several backs.
That squad had hit rock bottom and had nowhere to go but up and was a very young team. It was not full of veterans who have contributed to more than one epic failure in huge games and who need to start showing something now, not tomorrow.
I have hope for this season but, in my mind, this year’s squad has a long way to go before they even sniff the greatness of those teams of the nineties.
But would you agree that, like the current team, not ALL of the pieces were in place, but the idea of building a cohesive unit committed to sacrifice in the interest of winning was clearly evident?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Actually
The team mentioned in in this thread that MAY most resemble the 1990 Cowboys most could be that squad in the Motor City if you think about it. Combine a brash coach with potential Triplets on O, a stud DT anchoring a mobile, aggressive D and the image starts to form…
I can't hear you over the sound of how EPIC I am
Russell Cassillas?
Perhaps a bit overstated, highly drafted(Maryland)instead
I can't hear you over the sound of how EPIC I am
Yeah, I think of Russell Maryland as a sub-par performer
…especially given his draft position.
On any other team, he would have been considered a JAG (bust).
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Wrong 5. Maryland was the rock. He was the heart of the run d.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 20, 2011 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually, he wasn't
Leon Lett was a much more talented interior d-lineman. The LB’s were good run stuffers too.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Actually he was.
because of my business I have been fortunate enough to befriend 2 ex nfl players. Both are o linemen. Both played against the early 90’s Cowboys. Both will tell you in a nano second Maryland was the best dt on Dallas. Take note. I didn’t say most talented. I said best dt. One of these ex players is in the hof. Me thinks he would know better than you.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 20, 2011 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I do recall commentary...
… that Maryland was a mainstay, key under-appreciated element of those lines those 4 years (5?). Might’ve been Madden, some others I would’ve lent credence to back then, much the way mensa’s saying here. Maybe some from pre-game telecasts, my eyes back then, dispute/raggings with buddies type of arguments, things like that, but I gotta say it ain’t the first I’ve heard of such. Nor said such, as I recall. Despite the D maintaining overall performance following his departure, I’d want to go back, watch games again to key on the play as it’s been many a year, but I wasn’t down on Maryland, so there might be some bias. One of those quiet, solid cogs, akin to a Spears situation, if you will, not that I’m equating the two, merely the media and fan superficial views of each. Either way, we were fortunate back then, had pieces to play.
Frankly, the JAG label’s not warranted from this chair and mensa’s got a point.
Cry 'Havoc!'
tans, the way they explain it is this
you couldn’t leave him to help someone else.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 20, 2011 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Why?
You think just because someone who played against him says something different than I do, it makes it any more true?
Does every word that comes out of Warren Sapp’s or Ron Jaworski’s mouth equate to the indisputable truth?
Good grief, since these two ex-players say something in an unknown setting without proper context, why should people like us even be allowed to form an opinion?
I was at a ton of those game, fm. I saw it for myself. I have my own sense of what happened on the field.
I watched Maryland get shoved aside time after time because he lacked the girth needed to anchor.
You think what you want. I’ll think what I want.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
You know Maryland's worth...
… wasn’t tied to size as some linemen, but rather relative quickness. This’s beginning to sound like annoyance because someone didn’t live up to the BS hype all 1st rounders get saddled with. You really think your beloved Jimmy drafted this guy for anchoring?
Cry 'Havoc!'
Well, when you're a #1 overall and you aren't a star, you're going to get a lot of criticism
…but the truth is that Maryland did not penetrate as much as Lett did either. Granted Lett was a doofus, but he was an athletically gifted doofus who had cat-like quickness for a big man.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
True, though...
While there will always be that side of things which chooses between two or more, is there not something to be said for appreciating each person according to their gifts, be it football or otherwise?
Cry 'Havoc!'
Yes, I'm sure he was a fine man
He just wasn’t a fine overall #1.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Just using Current Cowboys as a Reference
if Leon Lett = Jay Ratliff then
Russel Maryland= Marcus Spears…
you take Maryland out does Lett continue dominating like he did?
Because we all saw what happened to Ratliff after Spears went down last year
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Oct 21, 2011 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
great point
Good Luck to the 53. Stand with Honor, Play With Pride. Bring It Home
by TruBluToTheCore on Oct 22, 2011 7:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Seem to recall
Maryland really wasn’t the target when the 2 JJ’s traded up to the #1 overall spot. They spun it like it was, but no one was buying. Thought it was a WR, but can’t remember who
I can't hear you over the sound of how EPIC I am
Was it Herman Moore?
That draft is all about Dan McGwire going at #16 and Favre going at #33.
:-)
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Rocket Ismail
After he signed with the the Toronto Argonauts
I can't hear you over the sound of how EPIC I am
I was never a fan of Alvin's
Dallas made him. Evidence his play when he left.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Yes, I agree
And I like JG as a coach, not 100% sold on him as an OC.
His greatest challenge lies in trying to duplicate that type of success in a blings-hungry town without the luxury of a vikings team to give us an unfair advantage on draft day.
I was actually really excited by that 7-9 team and think they would have made the playoffs if Babe L. had not started the last two games. The playoff win agains Da Bears the next year was extremely satisfying and I felt like we were in the same place a couple of years ago when we beat the iggles.
We shall see my friend…
2nd greatest. 1st's always owner-related, till the day it ain't.
But your point’s made and valid.
Cry 'Havoc!'
thats a point I didn't want to bring up
didnt want to be a Debbie Downer, but I agree in many ways
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Oct 19, 2011 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Quarterbacks?
Alex Smith is playing above his usual level. Now what that is I don’t know, it could be their coaching, the spirit of the team, or a total fluke. We’ll see where their season goes. Stafford has been hurt and missing for the Lions since he got drafted. He’s finally stayed healthy.
The Garrett Guillotine demands more blood!
by Blue Eyed Devil on Sep 5, 2011 3:30 PM PDT
If you're going to eat poison, you might as well lick the plate.
I could believe that
But I don’t think that coaching is what has gotten the Lions to evolve. God I hope the players don’t get as big of an ego as their coach.
The Garrett Guillotine demands more blood!
by Blue Eyed Devil on Sep 5, 2011 3:30 PM PDT
If you're going to eat poison, you might as well lick the plate.
Different situations
Yet much alike. Coaching and stage of player development and dynamics within each team have similarities. I’d say perhaps the degree to which each influences and is dependent on their respective coaches differs, as much from the similarities in style as the differences. It’s simply a different dynamic and amount of influence we’re seeing, I think. Complex subject, examining the individual, the group and their interrelated dynamics.
Cry 'Havoc!'
He was 17 for 32 for 125 yards passing against the Lions.
above what level is that?
by TheCowboyFan on Oct 20, 2011 7:33 AM CDT up reply actions
The fact he's only thrown 2 interceptions this year
First one was against Dallas the second against Detroit.
The Garrett Guillotine demands more blood!
by Blue Eyed Devil on Sep 5, 2011 3:30 PM PDT
If you're going to eat poison, you might as well lick the plate.
It's hard to throw INT's when your quarterback is averaging 5.4 yards an attempt.
by TheCowboyFan on Oct 20, 2011 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
And we have tinker toy rb's. Yet so many on this blog defend the rb's.
Why ?
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 20, 2011 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not a fan of Felix's
Sorry, but I’m not. I root hard for him so that I can be wrong, but I think it was a poor pick.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Once the pick's made, we've little choice
Say what we will in analyzing one of our own, pro or con, come gameday they’re Cowboys and we prefer performance, to be proven mistaken when our assessment says sub-par. That’s just the way of it. And none of it changes the assessment, unless it does.
Cry 'Havoc!'
alex is in caretaker mode at this point until Harbaugh can build the pieces around him.
short leash…short game…don’t turn the ball over and let the defense keep it close with the running game eating up the time….he finally has someone that can show him how to play QB in the NFL for the second time in his career….interesting to see where he would have gone with Norv teaching him all this time.
Good Luck to the 53. Stand with Honor, Play With Pride. Bring It Home
by TruBluToTheCore on Oct 22, 2011 7:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Talented Youth
Both those teams have a lot of it, because they’ve been bad for so long. Both those coaches have been tasked to cultivate, nurture, and coach up those young kids to play up to their talents.
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
by Rohpuri on Oct 19, 2011 8:00 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Lady Luck is a fickle lady
woman !, don't try to understand em, don't try to make them understand you, for they are a breed apart ! lol
(redskins)= A Tale of 2 owners, bought by Snyder, OWNED by the COWBOYS
Id say RIP Al Davis, but i know your up there drunker than a monkey and clocking angels in the 40 yd dash.
I think Dallas can create its own luck
For me, the harder I work, the luckier I seem to get.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
hey you said it first
i’m not buying it. winners fight through adversity. they dont continue to revert to the same old mistakes that seem to plague them forever. one could say from 2008-current the cowboys have performed just as undisciplined as the raiders including in the front office
you know great teams get that light switch and say “we’re better than this, i’m too good to make silly mistakes”. well the cowboys have been fumbling around in the dark for awhile now.
it took till 2009 to trust them in a playoff game(and then they got killed in minnesota) and now its like when the 4th quarter hits you enter the terrordome. will the real leader on this team please stand up? TO had these guys castrated and now everyone runs some type of passive checks and balances among each other.
there’s more than a fair share of players that need a fire lit under them
The realist keepin it real amongst the surrealists
R.I.P. Big Homey Nate Dogg: "Cuz Iiiiiiiiii have ne-evv-ver met a giiiiiiiiiirrrrrrllllllllllllllllllll tha-at I loved in the whole wide wooorrrlllllddddddd"
by starbury_to_s-jaxci2000 on Oct 19, 2011 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions
You want immediate gratification
It just doesn’t work that way.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
nobody has any patience anymore.....
Its my team and I want a trophy now..call JG and Ryan….876 PASS NOW……
Good Luck to the 53. Stand with Honor, Play With Pride. Bring It Home
by TruBluToTheCore on Oct 22, 2011 7:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Been waiting for 15 years. Yup I want a trophy now.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 22, 2011 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Nooooo Seeeeee Seeeeee
Okay, this is not going to feel so good, but here’s the truth.
The 49ers were doing some pretty good things in terms of putting the right pieces in place before Harbaugh got there. The biggest of these was rebuilding their Offensive Line. You’ve read my pre- and post-draft tirades about the Cowboys NOT investing in the O-line for years now.
In fact, Dallas sports a single 1st rounder, a 4th rounder, a couple of 7th rounders and who knows what at the last spot. Really, I look at our O-line and when I think about the neglect and sheer ignorance around investing in that group, the word that comes to mind is “pathetic”.
The 49ers, in sharp contrast, have THREE 1st rounders, a 2nd rounder and a 5th rounder. Now THAT is houw you build the most important unit on a team.
Let’s also not dismiss the idea of the Halo effect that comes from leadership change. Harbaugh takes over a team that had a fiery personality as its head coach, but didn’t put their players in situations where they could be successful. Harbaugh was smart enough to know which job gave him the chance to be successful out of the gate, but still, we don’t crown anyone after 6 games, do we?
The Lions are in Year 3 of the Jim Schwartz era. They went 2-14 in Year 1. 6-10 in Year 2 and have a solid start to Year 3. They’ve invested in the second most important group on the team, that being the D-line, with high draft choices.
Games are won and lost by flashy skill players, but the trench units are the ones who enable those skill players to be successful.
The Trinity still has work to do to get this team in position to be a contender, but the first piece of the puzzle is the building of a culture. I think they are doing just that.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
I'd say I'm astonished you had to point these things out to OCC...
… but for his “be the contrarian” caveat.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Or’s the point clearer referencing that Zen balance thing he’s maintaining?
Hooooooommm…
Cry 'Havoc!'
Great post Blings
I have been getting a real good feeling about many things I am seeing on the field. This team still has to learn to win, but the effort is there. I still see a team at times that tries more not to lose than tries to win. Confidence and consistancy is what I see lacking most.
Thank you!
You have given me a whole new angle to look at this thing from. I was around for the 90’ s teams.
OK Blings .....But Situational stats .............................
……Don’t Lie……How can one Overlook the statistical fact that in the cowboy’s three losses, It was the Defensive secondary that gave way to Three fourth quarter game winning TD’S ………………
………………
by James Simmons on Oct 19, 2011 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Cr!pes, someone's numbed enough headwise not to get the stats/lies axiom?
That takes some serious doing. To not understand it’s not slighting stats, but the use of them’s utterly mind-boggling. But then to publicly prove the numbskullery? Stunningly awesone lack of comprehension and ignorance of fact, bordering on stupidity.
You are a real piece of work. This moniker, the last one, their output, it’s gotta be carefully calculated kudo-worthy trollism ‘cuz nobody’s that neutron star dense.
Cry 'Havoc!'
He is who he is.
He likes to rag on the secondary like they haven’t defended anything this season.
The Garrett Guillotine demands more blood!
by Blue Eyed Devil on Sep 5, 2011 3:30 PM PDT
If you're going to eat poison, you might as well lick the plate.
Are you a writer or a poet?
by playactionman on Oct 19, 2011 7:26 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
well.. now that you ask ......
He is my subconscious ……..
woman !, don't try to understand em, don't try to make them understand you, for they are a breed apart ! lol
(redskins)= A Tale of 2 owners, bought by Snyder, OWNED by the COWBOYS
Id say RIP Al Davis, but i know your up there drunker than a monkey and clocking angels in the 40 yd dash.
Well, I think the team should never been in position for those late game heroics by our opponents to have happened
…and I truly fault the offense for not scoring points when they should have and not chewing up clock when they should have.
But there’s a limit to whatthey CAN do on offense with that offensive line. It took SF 3 drafts to get their O-line to the point where Gore sees tons of daylight and Smith has time to go to his 3rd option.
Why doesn’t Dallas get the same pass?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
+ 1 million on the defense
I’ve been saying for years, this D was missing toughness and heart. Not any more. Screw the stats. I know what I’m seeing. And they’re only getting better. Hope RR can stick around for a while
I even see Ware being a bit more ferocious
He’s hitting QB’s with authority now.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
i believe in this team defense ..it been in point all season..
But this team offense needs some serious soul searching..
by lostar2009 on Oct 19, 2011 6:31 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Wanted to respond to one part
Now I’m not JG’s biggest supporter and the jury is clearly still out on him, but many of you were screaming your bloody heads off in prior weeks about him calling passes in situations where runs were more appropriate, especially given Romo’s roller coaster performances late in games. So here he plays it conservative, takes the ball out of Romo’s hands and gets the safe field goal to take a lead late in the 4th quarter. Lo and behold, many of you say THIS loss is about him not being more aggressive. Can you say hypocrite?
The problem is that he learned the wrong lesson. Instead of taking the SITUATION into account when formulating his strategy, he decided to completely dumb down the strategy. It isn’t appropriate to run a “conservative GOOD, aggressive BAD” strategy. That just leads to the Redskins taking everything.
Instead, he needs to actually figure out probabilities of things happening and using that to help formulate his strategy. What some of us are preaching is situational football.
For example, in the Jets game, with 10 minutes to go, ahead by a touchdown, why not run it 3 times? Giving the ball back to the Jets with 8 minutes left, ahead by 10 points, leads to win a vast majority of time and it’s not that much worse than being ahead by 14 points. I don’t blame the punt block or INT on Garrett, at all. That was the appropriate strategy at the time, just horrible execution by the special teams and a bad decision by Romo.
Another example. In the Lions game, with 25 minutes left in the game, ahead 27-3, why not start playing more conservative against a team which hadn’t shown much offensive spark at all? They have to score at least 3 times to have a CHANCE at being even, and that just doesn’t happen often? So, chew up the clock, start running the ball more and force them to drive the length of the field against your kick-ass defense? And if you notice, when they started running, they were actually pretty successful. Up until the point where Robinson either wasn’t able to cross his man on the slant, and Romo passed it right into Houston.
For the Patriots, the situation warranted being aggressive, as the Patriots are at home with one of the all-time greats at QB who has lead 33 game-winning drives in his career, waiting in the wings with 4 time outs and 3:36 remaining. You need to do what you can to keep him off the field. This is similar to the brilliant idea that Belichick had one game against the Colts where he decided to go for it on 4th and short on the road because he knew that Manning is one of the best at leading a comeback. The likelihood of a Brady or Manning being able to lead a GW drive at home are pretty high, so being more aggressive about getting first downs is probably the better strategy. Not running into the teeth of a 8- or 9-man front 3 times and giving them 2:30 left with 2 time outs left.
by Requiem on Oct 19, 2011 6:37 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
BTW
Even though, Belichick eventually lost the game vs. the Colt, it’s the right STRATEGY. It’s like going in pre-flop with AA any hand. You might lose out, but it’s the correct strategy, because in the long run, luck will even out, and it will be a winning play more often than not.
^ this times 800 billion infinities
Garrett hasn’t gotten it and doesn’t get it. To say that he is learning is a cop out. He had 8 games last season to figure this stuff out.
Garrett played a huge role in bringing Felix here. This gives me even less faith.
The suck for Luck parade of teams we will be playing should accrue a few wins. Beating the Lambs and Phins and Sea Hawks will be anti climatic for sure.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 19, 2011 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions
When is any Cowboys win anti-climatic ?,
are you sure that you are a fan of this team ?, or just a fan of how mensa would do things?.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
We Fight On !!,That's The Cowboys Way !!.
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Oct 19, 2011 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
never happy about anything good we do cuz he has nothing to complain about....
Good Luck to the 53. Stand with Honor, Play With Pride. Bring It Home
by TruBluToTheCore on Oct 22, 2011 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions
How about some sustained good ?
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 22, 2011 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions
For lesser minds...
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 19, 2011 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions
You're confined.
Outside the box………..splendor
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 19, 2011 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Jason badly needs a mentor or an OC that can talk some sense into him.
Perhaps Rob can take him aside and wisper some wisdom into his ear now and then in a Ryan manner.
by playactionman on Oct 19, 2011 7:35 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Ryan manner's out back, behind the barn
Not condusive to the working dynamic, methinks.
On the mentoring, question’s been posed.
Cry 'Havoc!'
thats what im hoping
Some people, this is the only way to get through to them when they think they know it all.
by playactionman on Oct 19, 2011 10:06 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
when JG shows up on the sideline with a black eye we'll know the outcome of that discussion....
Good Luck to the 53. Stand with Honor, Play With Pride. Bring It Home
by TruBluToTheCore on Oct 22, 2011 7:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks Requiem
You stole all my thunder. But you’re exactly right. Different game situations call for different strategies. All three losses should have been handled a bit differently, and they could have been great victories. I’m not complaining. It’s a simple fact. OCC made the excellent point that this team could be poised for a run. We could be sitting pretty in December. Perhaps, perhaps not. This team has yet to settle on what it is, but the signs are promising as Blings points out. And our upcoming schedule looks good on paper. We need to get healthy, we need to stay healthy, and as Blings points out, we need to learn a couple of lessons from what has occurred.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
Perspective
The unfortunate part about this is that we may have to endure the development not only of a group of players but of the Head Coach as well.
Jimmy Johnson wasn’t half as good a professional football coach in Year 1 as he was in Year 3. He made some horrible gaffes in how he treated players and some decisions in games. Let’s give Garrett some breathing room to fall down, pick himself up and dust himself off.
Everyone needs a chance to learn from their own failures.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
This team doesn't have 3 years. Romo will be 34 then. Ware ? Rat ?
Are their replacements on the team ? Nope.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 20, 2011 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
You know for fact they will not be Then?
You knew Emmit would be the Emmitt he became in 1989, even 1990? That he’d even be a Cowboy in ‘89? That Troy’d be tossing 4 TDs in a SB watching his ‘90 games (though that one’s a bit easier to have make a wild-ass guess at)? That the Triplets would even be a moniker you’d have imagined?
That Maryland was to be drafted? Haley signed?…
Cry 'Havoc!'
Tell me again how many 34 year old qb's win the Superbowl.
Romo isn’t Elway.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 20, 2011 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions
how old was Steve Young and John Elway when they finally won their trophies?
Brad Johnson or Trent Dilfer?
Good Luck to the 53. Stand with Honor, Play With Pride. Bring It Home
by TruBluToTheCore on Oct 22, 2011 7:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Answers
Young was 33, Elway was 37 and 38 in his wins, Johnson was 34 and Dilfer wasn’t in his 30’s when he won with Baltimore.
So Elway holds the title. There aren’t any more George Blanda’s out there.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
The complexion of teams change
The draft, Free Agency and undiscovered youthful talent is always morphing teams from one thing into another. Regardless, you have to have a philosophical commitment to certain things and those things will drive everything from personnel decisions to pre-game stretching routines.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Great post Blings Rec'd
While I agree with most of what you say I also agree with Requim about the situation we were in. In both those games we lost before and everybody was screaming for running out the clock we had a staggering lead, while in the Pats game we had just a 3 point lead. 3 points is not strong enough to simply run the clock down, however I also can look at it through his point of view and what he saw was a defense that had been playing lights out all game long AND had just caused a 3 and out. So while I woulda done things just a hair different I also can understand why he did what he did. So all in all I truly believe we are in the position to become a dynasty given a few key postions being handled in the draft like this years draft. Also I can’t wait for next year when hopefully we see Carter at the same level of play as Lee.
Go Cowboys!
Roger: Hey, with this mortar launcher, we can get back at the kid who went all Tom Sizemore on your eye!
Steve: Oh, I wish I could get back at him. I'm gonna dress up as a girl and get him to have sex with me and then say "Ha! I'm not a girl! You just had sex with a boy that hates you!"
Roger: Yes, let's leave that plan between you, me, and the string of therapists who won't be able to help you.
American Dad
Gonna hold off on the dynasty bit
But what both you and Requiem are making point of is definitely valid and I’m in general agreement. Had any of us the reins, we’d likely do various things a hair differently. Whether it’d amount to significant difference, who’s to say? But, man, to be in that position, whadda bust-your-butt pleasure, eh?
Cry 'Havoc!'
But, man, to be in that position, whadda bust-your-butt pleasure, eh?
truly one of my highest rated fantasies!
Roger: Hey, with this mortar launcher, we can get back at the kid who went all Tom Sizemore on your eye!
Steve: Oh, I wish I could get back at him. I'm gonna dress up as a girl and get him to have sex with me and then say "Ha! I'm not a girl! You just had sex with a boy that hates you!"
Roger: Yes, let's leave that plan between you, me, and the string of therapists who won't be able to help you.
American Dad
by Cowboys_Attack on Oct 19, 2011 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions
One of...
Roger: Hey, with this mortar launcher, we can get back at the kid who went all Tom Sizemore on your eye!
Steve: Oh, I wish I could get back at him. I'm gonna dress up as a girl and get him to have sex with me and then say "Ha! I'm not a girl! You just had sex with a boy that hates you!"
Roger: Yes, let's leave that plan between you, me, and the string of therapists who won't be able to help you.
American Dad
by Cowboys_Attack on Oct 20, 2011 12:22 AM CDT up reply actions
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm nice
Roger: Hey, with this mortar launcher, we can get back at the kid who went all Tom Sizemore on your eye!
Steve: Oh, I wish I could get back at him. I'm gonna dress up as a girl and get him to have sex with me and then say "Ha! I'm not a girl! You just had sex with a boy that hates you!"
Roger: Yes, let's leave that plan between you, me, and the string of therapists who won't be able to help you.
American Dad
by Cowboys_Attack on Oct 20, 2011 1:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Have you completely lost your grip on reality?
1990? This bunch?! Allow me to quote from this open Sporting News 1991 Pro Football yearbook here beside me (yes, real ink print on paper stuff): “The Cowboys probably aren’t good enough to return to the Super Bowl any time soon.” (p.101) Result: Bounced unceremoniously by the Lions 38-6 in the semi’s.
And the ‘92 edition, headlining the Cowboys section with "Small steps will be tough for Johnson’s Cowboys": “For the Cowboys to take the next step, Johnson concedes, his team needs to gain the home-field advantage for the playoffs.” (p.98) Result: Road game to Candlestick. And we all know how that turned out, now don’t we?!
Where’s the run game? The receiving threat? The smothering D? The ST’s positionals? The coaching, acumen through gameplan through chutzpah’d fire? Where’s the QB and the quarterbacking this guy I used to know harped on about this squad’s pivot? What the blazes, errr, fire and brimstoned hell is goin’ on around here? Brimstoned? Hell, just stoned. The guy I know knows sure’s Remembering What Connects Us that Fixing the Leaks on the U.S.S Dallas Cowboys ain’t something some wholly (holey?) Trinity’s gonna pull off before this tub goes down like a Titanic romocoaster. Either a mouse took a hard right off that wheel or… – hey, wait a sec, where’d you come up with this foolishness, this crazed crapolla?
Where’s Blings, dammit?!
‘Cuz he’d never pander to rab’s predilection toawards ←←← movie tie-in’s, even if it meant seeking solace in knowing tomorrow never dies and believing he might stand a thunderball’s chance in hell during the next round of rabbies.
If I didn’t know better, I’d say you sound an awful lot like…
… someone who’d dare defy one.
Cry 'Havoc!'
by tanstaafl on Oct 19, 2011 7:47 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Dying off isn't the issue the first time. It's what happens afterward
…because you only live twice.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
so they can live and let die ?
woman !, don't try to understand em, don't try to make them understand you, for they are a breed apart ! lol
(redskins)= A Tale of 2 owners, bought by Snyder, OWNED by the COWBOYS
Id say RIP Al Davis, but i know your up there drunker than a monkey and clocking angels in the 40 yd dash.
Well, if Diamonds are Forever...
… you could then say Live and Let Die, but the reverse isn’t always so, so we’ll just have to wait for…
Cry 'Havoc!'
The Man with the Golden Gun would...
… shoot one for being a pesky 3 out of sequence, but that’s because he’s not as fine and dangerously lovely as…
Cry 'Havoc!'
I love it when the cheerleaders show us their moonrakers
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Now there was a nibblible octopussy
Worthy of Ringo’s rimshots and your getting us back on track, md
Cry 'Havoc!'
Well, Christopher Walken was certainly worth the View to a Kill
if only he would have killed the next two….
and yet this team lives on to
Die Another Day
Good Luck to the 53. Stand with Honor, Play With Pride. Bring It Home
by TruBluToTheCore on Oct 22, 2011 7:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Yes, for Tomorrow Never Dies...
… though the chain’s sometimes tangled, even broken and needs to be straighten out, made anew, since…
Cry 'Havoc!'
One need turn a GoldenEye...
…to the Future, though yes, we are, and no, we’re not, for finally one has renewed the license, properly so.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Let's just go on to the Casino Royale
and watch James record his “first kill”, though the second was “much” easier.
I'll take a Quantum of Solace...
… in there being a 23rd, in your having slipped from canon in properly slotting “Never Again”, in all you gentlemen having brought us to the point where canon again may be set aside in saying, as the Casino Royale’s been both in-canon and not,…
Never Say Never Again.
And, I do believe, we’re done.
Yes, “much” easier. With teamwork.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Just hope 23 doesn't suck the living daylights out of the franchise
Can you tell I hate Timothy Dalton?
yes, if they don't waste Daniel in interminable delays between films
rank:
Connery
Craig
paint drying
Moore
a pile of dung
Dalton
Lazenby doesn’t really count
Broader perspective
I think what I wanted to see from this team is a willingness to fight. In the past, teams knew they could beat Dallas by punching them in the mouth. And they did. And they were right.
This unit possesses a different kind of mettle. They’ve lost to an undefeated team, one of last year’s final 4 teams and the most successful franchise in the NFL since the Dallas Dynasty ended. In none of their losses were they not competitive and fighting up until the final gun.
It would be pure negligence if I didn’t see that as great progress.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
I am so looking forward to...
… that mid-season evaluation of any progress dicussion we’d agreed to return to at that point. It was mid-season, was it not? Something to do with adversity and such things, correct?
Sooo, anways, in this “pure negligence, if not” comment, you’re denying hope had or has anything to do with your evaluation?
Cry 'Havoc!'
I'm an empiricist
Everything I say is based on what I see unless otherwise noted.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
As much as one could be thought of that way within the context of such an interminably unpredictable thing as football, yes
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
As by-the-numbers, by-the-facts, bias-reduced...
…as we may get in analysis, bud, if one’s a still-breathing, cognizant human being one’s hope-influenced, no matter how miniscule the degree.
Cry 'Havoc!'
I really enjoy reading your posts, but
I have to disagree with you on this one. The 90’s team was young. They were not scarred by devastating losses. The main leaders of this team have been around for awhile and have felt the major disappointments of failed seasons.
I have listened to Witten’s interviews, and if you listen, he emphatically states that it’s time for these guys to start winning. These guys need it for their confidence, and most importantly, it to erase those the disappointments of past failed seasons.
Well, Jason is my favorite player
…but that’s radio show rhetoric.
The fact is that this team has bigger holes than a PLAYER would ever want to own up to in public.
They’re going to have to walk before they run. It took us a bunch of years to see this thing deteriorate. Let’s not expect too much from what amounts to a significant course correction for a mighty big ship, okay?
Keep commenting, jb!
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Good post.
In 2007 I thought this team would be dominant for years. I was young. I was in the 7th grade. Now in 11th I realize that winning in the NFL is tough. That those years don’t come by to often. (Unless you’re the Patriots, Steelers, or Packers right now).
This team proved stuff. Whether the entire NFL wants to believe it or not the Cowboys are going in the right direction. On schedule to be a force within 2-3 years.
N 3 years Rat and Ware will be close to the end of their careers. Romo will be joining them.
Therein lies the rub. Jerry wasted too many years. Square 1 is soon to arrive.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 19, 2011 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Patriots didnt have fans til 01 anyways
and the Packers have definatly had their share of droughts too bud.
Roger: Hey, with this mortar launcher, we can get back at the kid who went all Tom Sizemore on your eye!
Steve: Oh, I wish I could get back at him. I'm gonna dress up as a girl and get him to have sex with me and then say "Ha! I'm not a girl! You just had sex with a boy that hates you!"
Roger: Yes, let's leave that plan between you, me, and the string of therapists who won't be able to help you.
American Dad
by Cowboys_Attack on Oct 19, 2011 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Jerry had a chance to end the drought.
He mismanaged it. Now he is desperate. Even worse he doesn’t know how to fix the error of his ways.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 19, 2011 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions
RW hust us the most
I’d say lost a whole draft cuz of him
Roger: Hey, with this mortar launcher, we can get back at the kid who went all Tom Sizemore on your eye!
Steve: Oh, I wish I could get back at him. I'm gonna dress up as a girl and get him to have sex with me and then say "Ha! I'm not a girl! You just had sex with a boy that hates you!"
Roger: Yes, let's leave that plan between you, me, and the string of therapists who won't be able to help you.
American Dad
by Cowboys_Attack on Oct 19, 2011 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Not even close.
Jerry’s “if he gave me that third one I’d never ask again” devil’s detail move netted this which you’ve witnessed played out ’lo these many years, far surpassing a single draft, even drafts.
Cry 'Havoc!'
fair enough
i was speaking more about these past few years but since we’ve won the big one then you are certainly right on there
Roger: Hey, with this mortar launcher, we can get back at the kid who went all Tom Sizemore on your eye!
Steve: Oh, I wish I could get back at him. I'm gonna dress up as a girl and get him to have sex with me and then say "Ha! I'm not a girl! You just had sex with a boy that hates you!"
Roger: Yes, let's leave that plan between you, me, and the string of therapists who won't be able to help you.
American Dad
by Cowboys_Attack on Oct 20, 2011 12:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Ya gotta excuse me, please
They’ve all kinda blended together into one soul-wearying trial by adversity and I’m just trying to make it through to a change in the wind.
Cry 'Havoc!'
memories of SB past..........
just dust in the wind……..
woman !, don't try to understand em, don't try to make them understand you, for they are a breed apart ! lol
(redskins)= A Tale of 2 owners, bought by Snyder, OWNED by the COWBOYS
Id say RIP Al Davis, but i know your up there drunker than a monkey and clocking angels in the 40 yd dash.
Team is beyond the boundries of prayer.
Square 1 is over the horizon. Question is, next year or three years ? Wasting time is just that.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 20, 2011 6:39 AM CDT up reply actions
No no no
That’s another question altogether, one we’ll return to in a moment. The question was: And what is the “fix” to the error of his ways, prey tell?
Like a poor marksman, you keep missing the target. What you speak of is a result, a consequence, of “the error of his ways”, as you called it. Flipping the grapheMe may be a solution, in part, but railing on incessantly about Jerry being the problem, this is the problem, that is the problem, the playcalling, the execution, blow this up, now or else, the this, the that, that’s no solution. Hit the root cause, solve the fundamental challenge, the next solution in sequence has a leg to stand on, an improved possibility of succeeding. This’s basic problem-solving, not genius-level rocket science.
Even when ya give prey a chance to pray the answer’s don’t come to them. Guess whatever you pray to wants you to tough it out on your own, to figure things out for yourself, that’s the plan, eh. Apparently one that needs a bit of adjustment, a bit of work, in this prey’s case.
Now, on this detonate-n-destroy start-from-scratch proposal of yours, Square 1’s always over the horizon. This game, like Life, is a Red Queen’s race. Trick’s finding the “out”, understanding the Red Queen’s Principle, as it were, to simply matters. As it’s very, very unlikely, extremely low-probability, that this "blow-it-up you believe is the way to go will happen (what with the business interests, follow the money trail, the methodology of the team and franchise, league-wide tendancies regarding such things, need more?) is going to happen or would even be considered seriously even if you had an actual trusted voice and seat at the table, how can you propose such things as being solutions? It’s inherently self-contradictory, nothing more than a venting, a wailing whine of the mouseless squeaky wheel going yet in circles. Certainly not something even the merest mensa-candidate would fall prey to. Cowboys, when a challenge vexes them, don’t whine and make excuses. Don’t you see that that’s just what you’re doing? Making excuses. Comes down to choice, to being a cowboy. Or not.
Believe you were warned of missteps, but, as evidenced by the misaimed answer you provided, you’ve not figured this was yet another, here’s a hint. Wanna go for 3?
btw, this comment is not intended to denegrate, but somewhat in jest, somewhat not. And I’d suggest looking at the race from both Carroll’s and Asimov’s perspective. It’ll help you with that “wasting time” error.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Target never missed. One man. One face.
He is the excuse . Issue , problem call it what you may . Only one has the power to “fix”. Simple problem. Easier “fix”. One has the power to facillitate . That one doesn’t post on this blog. Methuselah doesn’t happen to play qb. A day is as a thousand years .a thousand years is as a day. This is not in the by laws of nfl .
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 20, 2011 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Quantam leap
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 20, 2011 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions
when is hudson hauk's name going to be mentioned.
Granted he has a young office line, but it’s the same problems. Drive killing penalties that plagued the previous o-line.
Young AND of questionable pedigree
I wonder how good this group can be?
Compare them to the high-profile guys the Niners have. I’d say they’ve done okay.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
I started out with such high hopes for the line
I knew we were thin, especially at tackle. I think Free is playing through some injury, Kosier has been confirmed to be playing through Plantar Fisciatis, nagy with neck problems and how so many forget Costa was questionalbe for weeks if he would even start.
I did expect problems and honestly the injuries have left me wondering exactly what do we have.
by Musiccitynorm on Oct 20, 2011 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Like I said, when it comes to O-line's, you generally get what you pay for
Dallas has not paid (through the draft or Free agency) nearly enough to expect much more than what we’ve seen thus far.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
In general I would agree with you
In this case I am still tryiing to figure it out, The Lions are beast in the interior yet Costa did more than hold his own, His game against the Patriots was just unexplainable. You don’t go from a dog fight with a taqckle named Sue to what he turned into two weeks later. It defies all logic.
Nagy is undersized, I never expected him to dominate the entirior. It is the complete silence of the staff on Arkin that depresses me, I expected him to be starting sometime in the second half,
Doug Free graded out as the third best tackle in the NFL last year, against probably the hardes group of ends anyone has ever seen. Then he too has not played very well though I think acceptable over four weeks.
I’ve seen them each individually do a good job, so I know they can do it, but I am not surprised they are having the youglies yips,
by Musiccitynorm on Oct 20, 2011 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Arkin was a project from the start...and I can agree with them there
a year or two to develop strength and technique to replace Kosier when he is done…They love his attitude and his work ethic….he’s just not ready for the NFL right now.
Plantar is a problem…its takes forever to heal and really effects how you play….no push….
I think the whole line is banged up right now except for Tyron and his problem is just strength and experience….his agility is great but he’s getting bull rushed now and teams are using his lack of strength against him….
Good Luck to the 53. Stand with Honor, Play With Pride. Bring It Home
by TruBluToTheCore on Oct 22, 2011 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Plantar is also a problem
Because it’s so painful, tough for an OL to get any push off that affected foot
I can't hear you over the sound of how EPIC I am
That "lack of strength" you refer to was brought up during the pre-draft posts
…but most people wouldn’t hear of it.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
I think for the most part people expect draft picks to contribute immediately to the team
so when a team takes a known development it really irks them since they think that the pick should be used on a player thats ready now. Problem is with OL coming from college., even if they come from a bigger school they are not ready strength wise for the NFL.
Thats why in my viewpoint Dallas as a draft strategy has never really used high 1st and 2nd round picks historically to build up the offensive line. It sa strategy I can agree with for the most part especially in this free agent era of 20 mil guaranteed money to a player that isn’t going to be able to handle the pure strength of his opposition.
I guarantee nxt year that Arkin will challenge for a starting guard position and the year after that he is going to get that spot. Its very rare the rookie that can can in and immediately upgrade a position…In Tyron’s case, Columbo was so bad last year that replacing him with anybody was an automatic upgrade. Now that teams have a little game tape on Tyron, they have begun to exploit his inexperience and lack of strength. 2 sacks on 2 bull rushs I think is the tally.
Once Tyron gets some more strength, and a little more experience he will be fine. Its something that he will grow into. With a full offseason I think we will see him move to the left at any rate.
Good Luck to the 53. Stand with Honor, Play With Pride. Bring It Home
by TruBluToTheCore on Oct 22, 2011 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Not bad 5Blings
not bad at all
You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. Dan Birdwell. Oakland Raiders
How do you want to be rememberd. Go out there and play every play like it is your last play. Be remembered as the person you want to be for the rest of your life. Spike Dykes, Midland Lee and Texas Tech Coach.
Actually the best reading ive done all week
You managed to put into words what i have been feeling since last sunday. Thanks for that. I’ve spent most of the week trying to figure out exactly what I was feeling about this team and as I read this im saying to myself "yes, thats it, thats what im talkin about.
Thanks Bling for taking the time to put it in words.
We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''
What else makes a strong leader?
"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.
"That's' what we're going to do.''
No, thank YOU sir for the kind words
It makes the writing worthwhile.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Wow. People will latch onto anything for hope. Comparing this team to 1990??!!?? BS
No way. that team was young and growing in talent. It had players who were soon going to be #1 at their positions: Troy, Emmitt, and Michael.
I shared your enthusiams that year. You could see clear growth. the next year, playoffs and a bad loss, but growth, and nowhere to go but up.
Wonderful!!
This team?? Are you serious? Romo’s supposed to peaking now. The 2 best players are Witten and Ware, and are getting older, not better. Ratliff? Older.
Free has taken a freefall this year, and TSmith is still an unknown. YOung and potential, but no growth yet.
Where is the young talent on this team that will be in the Hall of Fame, and will be Top 3 at their positions for the next few seasons? Lee. Maybe. That’s it.
To compare this team to the building years of ’90 and ’91 is a travesty.
I don’t even think you believe it yourself, Bling. Where has this unbridled optimism been? I think the Rec’s say more about the psychology of the fans here than anything factual.
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, the real question is, is it a good beer? Realist Larry, 2011
Where is Blings comparing the...
… players or talent levels of the respective teams? Seems he’s speaking more of the psychology and “culture” of the team moreso than the player-specfic context you’ve chosen to imply into his words. Insinuate’s a more appropriate word, but I didn’t want to risk the negative connotation making you take the comment in such a manner, as it’s not meant that way.
You are reading a context into this article that I am not and frankly do not see stated by the author.
“But I do believe, wholeheartedly, that the very idea of becoming a champion is something that has to have a beginning.” That beginning being spirit and psychological, not this player or that.
“If you didn’t see at least some of the character traits and qualities that are requisite for a winning team, then I’m open to the discussion. If you didn’t see a group of people fighting hard on the gridiron to make their fans proud, then you’re barking up the wrong tree.” Again, related to the spiritit, psychology, call it the foundation of the nebulously-defined, yet oft-spoken of, “culture” of a team.
Please, point out to me where he’s compared this team, player-wise, talent-wise, to the 1990 team. Spoken, in the article, in the context you’ve selected for your comment.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Blings did exactly what you said Tan.
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
what's his point then?
Here:
“What if this is the foundation-building process for an organization readying itself for a run at high performance over an extended period of time?”
And
“That’s where you need to take a step back and revel in the idea that just maybe, this is the beginning of a new era of Dallas Cowboys football.”
And add in the title and paragraphs reviewing the history of 90-91 as a comparison!
Of course the he hedges his bets and say, well, they may not “win bling” or win big by 40 points
Yet also says:
"That’s where you need to take a step back and revel in the idea that just maybe, this is the beginning of a new era of Dallas Cowboys football. "
And "That’s probably because I like where they are heading.’
So-is the point that we are entering “a new era” of , what, trying harder and giving more ‘effort’ and ‘heart’ ???
And for that you need to go on about those teams, which had effort and heart, yes, and some other things, like more talent, better coaching, and more discipline on the field?
Fans are excited because “now” (what were they doing before?) the defense is flying around on the field, in his opinion?
Brady James and Ware and Ratliff and Spears and whoever will be surprised to know they apparently were not ‘flying around’ last year.
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, the real question is, is it a good beer? Realist Larry, 2011
by Realist Larry on Oct 20, 2011 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Answers
So-is the point that we are entering "a new era" of , what, trying harder and giving more ‘effort’ and ‘heart’ ???
Yes. Not sure why that is so difficult a pill for you.
And for that you need to go on about those teams, which had effort and heart, yes, and some other things, like more talent, better coaching, and more discipline on the field?
The 1990 team didn’t have more talent. You’re looking at the 1990 team through a 2011 lens that INCLUDED the dynasty. In 1990, people weren’t sure WHAT we had. The 2011 team has tons of pro bowlers on both sides of the ball.
I’m not sure how to help you here, RL.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Notice you failed to point out a single instance...
… of a player or talent comparison.
And of course his butt’s covered. As is any when the subject matter’s so subjective and related to non-quantifiable perception rather than definitive numerical data (and I’m not talking interpretive statistics, but rather the base data those higher-level statisitcs are derived from).
Cry 'Havoc!'
I think you interpret things too narrowly, my friend
In turnaround mode, you can’t latch onto the whole, “Is Romo like Aikman” thing. It’s pointless. So I avoided it like the literary plague in the post. Instead, think about it more in terms of the psychology of team-building. The organizational dynamic of building a unified sense of purpose.
My goal for this Cowboys team was to build heart and win minds. Based on a lot of what I’ve seen, they are succeeding in doing just that. Don’t confuse it with “unbridled optimism”. After all, you know that’s just not my bag, baby.
As I said, no predictions, no visions of grandeur. Just an assessment of the the commitment level. Just a gauge of their collective heart.
Fair?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
I'm not sure it's fair. Opinion only, of course-you can read my reply above
like you I enjoyed the growth years of 90-91 as much as and sometimes more than the success that came later. It was more a relief than fun when they beat Pitts. for that 3rd SB. Overtaking the Skins, Giants and finally the Eagles was a joy to live through-pounding the 49ers 3 out of 4 times was the icing.
But when you compare a team to that team, which was exciting to watch as it grew and morphed into what became the best team ever, then the analogy should hold true. I think you’re being a llittle disingenuous by using them as your comparison, and saying things like we are witnessing a new era, but then saying, well, it’s not about the talent, it’s about the heart….
So when I say maybe not fair, what I’m saying is I don’t agree with the analogy-it’s a loaded one and a better one would be, I don’t know, Jeff Fisher’s Titans, who were mediocre but played hard and with heart!
It’s never personal, Blings, you and I often agree-but I have a problem, I confess, with honesty-I have to call them as I see them!
Let’s hope this heart and effort shows up with a defensive pounding of the Rams on Sunday-I think we agree that a close win is not good enough right now against this team.
And I’ll add this, to you and Tanstafi, whether I agree or not, I always enjoy the fact that there are good, highly intellectual debates here. It’s always stimulating. We can disagree, actually that’s when it’s fun! When I’m agreeing with everyone here, I read but don’t post. I always enjoy a good give and take.
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, the real question is, is it a good beer? Realist Larry, 2011
by Realist Larry on Oct 21, 2011 12:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Ha!
It’s never personal, Blings, you and I often agree-but I have a problem, I confess, with honesty-I have to call them as I see them!
I wouldn’t have it any other way, man.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Aye, honestly, nor I.
Whether honesty’s perspective’s right or wrong or somewhere in between, honesty’s 100% right. That’s Certainty.
Cry 'Havoc!'
quickly, I'd feel a lot better about the future and a new era if there was more young talent on the team
Unfortunately, this team is aging. Sure the OL got younger, but it’s not really looking that great so far.
Lee’s been great-but what happened to Free? (Was he relying on Kosier more than we knew?)
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, the real question is, is it a good beer? Realist Larry, 2011
by Realist Larry on Oct 21, 2011 12:12 AM CDT up reply actions
More answers
I think you’re being a llittle disingenuous by using them as your comparison, and saying things like we are witnessing a new era, but then saying, well, it’s not about the talent, it’s about the heart….
No. No I’m not. I am sincerely excited about their lack of quit. I want that more than talent. I identify with that trait. It means a great deal to me. It’s not for everyone, but I appreciate true grit more than most.
You want to see success NOW so you can say this team has the pieces needed for a big run. They don’t have that. Neither did the 1990 team. But, eventually, it came together. I enjoyed the growth and development and changing of the psychological guard. I see similarities now.
I also see young talent: Dez, Sean Lee, Scandrick, Tyron and who knows about Murray, Lee, Bailey and others?
Come on, man. You may be taking a long blink…and missing this.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Destination's about the journey.
Eyes wide shut miss plenty of memorable scenery between here and there. Might even cause a misstep, one forking the path and who knows where that left one leads. Or if the one left was right.
Cry 'Havoc!'
I'm watching the scenery as much as you guys.
But so far this trip has been like going through the Arizona desert.
Sure there’s some beauty in the desolation, but in the end, it’s an ugly dry desert. A 2-3 desert.
I’m hoping this team drives us somewhere nicer the next few weeks.
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, the real question is, is it a good beer? Realist Larry, 2011
by Realist Larry on Oct 21, 2011 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Arizona?
Try Gobi. As in Go bi. As in bye-bye, with what, one bye in 15 yrs? 2-3? That’s nuthin’, remember what 0-5, 0-6, 0-7, 0-8 felt like? Hang on a sec, nearer at hand, what’d ya feel like last year after 5? Wanna think about after that 6th game? Hell, half-time, forget after 6th, let’s go for during. Remember the feeling?
Cry 'Havoc!'
I wish I agreed about the young talent. Free looked so good last year, but has regressed. No upward curve.
Lee looks good, but it’s early.
Scandrick and Jenkins are good players, but not cornerstones of anything great.
Dez B looks great for a while, then disappears. I was against that pick-he needs to prove me wrong. I’m rooting for him, he’s a physical speciman and obviously has heart. But it takes more than that.
Ugh, Bailey, Tyron Smith, Murray??? Please. Nothing special yet as rookies.
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, the real question is, is it a good beer? Realist Larry, 2011
by Realist Larry on Oct 21, 2011 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
I disagree on Smith
IMO he has performed quite well as a starting Rookie….in fact I would say that he could be in the running for ROTY….
and Bailey has made 10+ straight kicks(several in pressure situations, and quite a few of them weren’t exactly “chip shots” either.
and we should see over the next few weeks about Murray.
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Oct 21, 2011 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Not so sure
Tyron has been serviceable, but he’s no Ryan Clady.
I’m interested to see what Murray does.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
actually
if I am not mistaken, Tyron has performed BETTER than Clady up to this point
According to PFF
Ryan Clady’s rookie year: -0.3 basically Average
Tyron Smith’srookie year(through 5 games): +5.6(5th/72)
to put it this way…at +5.6 Smith has averaged a +1.12 grade for the season…if he where to maintain that average for the enitre season he would be the 4th highest graded rookie lineman in the past 3 years….and the second highest OT in that time span….
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Oct 22, 2011 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
I watched a lot of Clady in his rookie year...the downside of having friends from Boulder
I’ve also seen every snap of Tyron’s. No need for me to consult another group of people who might see things differently and interpret things as negative when I wouldn’t, and vice versa.
Tyron’s been burned frequently. Clady seldom got burned in his rookie year.
Now, as for the run blocking thing, I cannot comment. But then again, Clady plays the blind side.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Smith has been OK-but he's had penalties and as 5B said, has been burned. Not one of those guys like
a Jake Long that you just plug in and say
“he’s our LT for the next 10 years.”
No problem with the pick, but it’s way too early to say if he’s a sucess or not.
I don’t get excited about kickers, I already did that with Folk. Bailey’s OK, but a kicker?
Murray’s done nuthin’!
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, the real question is, is it a good beer? Realist Larry, 2011
by Realist Larry on Oct 22, 2011 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Well Smith is younger as a rookie than Jake Long was.
Smith will be a Friggin beast his second year. He is one player I am truly excited about.
Larry I have a lot of the same feelings you do but what were you doing at 20 years old ? Me thinks you weren’t on an nfl team.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Oct 22, 2011 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions
WTF, the Earth quit turning on it's axis?
You? Enthusiastically supporting something Cowboys? A player? One of the Jerry-regime’s picks? Say it ain’t so?
Angels and ministers of grace, defend us. The End is Nigh.
Cry 'Havoc!'
let's hope He and Free can bookend for a while
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, the real question is, is it a good beer? Realist Larry, 2011
by Realist Larry on Oct 23, 2011 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions
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