FanPost

The loss to the Jets is Garrett's fault.....and he likes it that way.


Without saying a word, Jason Garrett has put the onus of Tony Romo's fumble on the lack of a real fullback on the roster by reversing the decision to cut Fiammetta.  The move makes some sense, despite its reactionary nature, but JG is going to make some mistakes of this sort and I expect Robinson to be back.

That, however, is not why the Cowboys lost.  They lost. because they don't know how to win.  Jason Garrett has failed to teach the team the rules essential for real success in the NFL.  I had a feeling that we were going to see a melt-down of this sort in 2011 (I did not expect it so soon) and a what better time to take a loss than an early season road game against one of the better non-conference teams.  This, as any good parent knows, is a teachable moment.  Keys lessons that the current crop of Dallas Cowboys have never been taught, lessons that have been forgotten by a once great franchise.

Lesson 1 - The Michael Irvin Rule: They may be smarter than me, faster than me, stronger than me and possess more natural talent....but they will not out work me!  JG instilled this lesson a bit last year and the leaders of the team seem to have taken it to heart.  It was then emphasized  by a no-nonsense training camp.  Some will never learn this lesson (and Wade apparently thought it was in opposition to winning), but it is once again becoming part of the Cowboys culture.

Lesson 2 - The Emmitt Smith Rule:  3 yards is better than -1.  There was a test for this lesson last Sunday and they failed.  This could also be called the Rabblerousr Rule as he eloquently expounded  here.

Lesson 3 - The Jimmy Johnson Rule:  Play like your job is on the line, because it is. Much has been made of the large cuttings this off season and the subsequent youth movement.  We'll have to see if it is a one-time deal or if JJ and JG follow through.

Lesson 4 - The Roger Staubach Rule: The average NFL game has 60 minutes on the clock, you have to give 100% for every second.  Again, here is an area where the team failed last Sunday.  To be fair, they haven't been asked to play a full game since Parcells left.  We all know the game is 60 min.  The players all know the game is 60 min.  However, to be on the field at the end of a game and truly understand how to dig deep enough to finish the game is another thing.

Lesson 5 - The Troy Aikman Rule: When playing with a lead make them beat you.  Very similar to Lesson 2, but applies specifically to the QB.  This is probably the biggest area of concern regarding Tony Romo.  Tony has to understand that he has to play differently depending on the game situation.  As the QB, like it or not, Romo has to set the toned for the rest of the team based on the situation.  I think Tony gets on the field and has one speed, win at all costs.  He has to learn that when he's up by 14 points in the 4th quarter he has mitigate risk.

Lesson 6 - The Tom Landry Rule: Do it with class.  This is the part we have all been missing for long time.  If you want to be a champion, just win.  If you want to be a dynasty, do it with class.

We will see if Garrett can take advantage of the moment at 3:15 PM CDT on September 18th.

Class dismissed.

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