SB Nation Dallas Editor's Pick
2011: The Season Of ______?
by 5Blings on Sep 2, 2011 4:15 PM CDT
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PrintAs has now become custom, every year prior to the start of the season, I like to step back and take a more comprehensive look at the Dallas Cowboys. I play around with the idea of what the Season will be truly remembered for once it is over. No, I don't mean a play or a specific event. Nobody can predict those kinds of twists and turns. My purpose is to look at it more holistically. With a little over a week to go, it's that time again. First, a look back:
In 2008, I put forth the idea of Wade Phillips having to deal with the success of the prior season and how it would be his "leadership ability", or lack thereof, which would really be the thing which we would end up looking back on once the season was over. Again, prescience ruled the day as it was, little did we know it, the beginning of the end for Wade as people began to question his overly player-friendly coaching and practice methods. The lack of accountability and discipline on the team pointed straight to the head coach and was a forerunner of things to come. The Sportscenter backstory to all of the team's failures was the implosion of the locker room while Terrell Owens became unhappy (who would have guessed?) and Wade's inability to keep the team from fracturing.
In 2009, I suggested the Offensive Line would be the single biggest key to Dallas' overall fortunes and that no man would have a bigger burden than one, Hudson Houck. I wonder, how many of you still think about the letdown in the Minnesota playoff game and ‘what could have been' if we had advanced to play the Saints? Did our man Houck ultimately make the wrong call by putting Marc Colombo in too soon after injury? What if he had stuck with Free at RT? Truly, the Season of Hud ended on the most sour of notes.
In 2010, I said it would be the Season of Jerry. Truth be told, that was probably the easiest of the bunch. After all, the Super Bowl was being played in his brand new 8th wonder of the world, he was on the hook for signing Wade Phillips to a two-year extension and chose to draft an enigmatic and mercurial wide receiver rather than address the more ballyhooed holes at safety and along the offensive line. He'd built the team and the organization in a way that was uniquely his own, scoffing at traditional wisdom and popular opinion. 2010 was all set to be not just the Cowboys' Year of Jerry, but the NFL's Year of Jerry. It turned out to be just that. And who knew the last game of the season would end in a lawsuit against him from fans who couldn't watch the big game at Cowboys Stadium? Wow, just...wow.
That brings us to today. Not unlike years past, I am forced to weigh my options as I look at how to characterize the 2011 Season once it is done. It's an interesting challenge, almost like coming up with the name of a movie without as much as a script. Not since 2007 have the Cowboys faithful had this much change to mull over in the organization. For any team other than the one who walked off the field with a Lombardi trophy the previous year, change in the NFL is generally seen as good. The new Head Coach isn't exactly NEW to the Dallas Cowboys, having served as player and assistant in support of the Star, but he brings with him a freshness of approach in terms of accountability and respect for team and game. That paradigmatic shift alone is reason for excitement. His "Secretary of Defense" is a bit of a throwback that brings to mind the qualities of Nate Newton (in body), The Dude from the Big Lebowski (in hair) and Joe Avezzano after a blown kick coverage assignment (in demeanor). So, I toyed with the idea that 2011 might be about change, or accountability or Yin and Yang. In the end, none of those things moved me.
There's also reason to think that this could be the year of a breakout player or a monumental performance of some kind. Could it be the Year of Dez? If he were to catch 24 TD's and break Randy Moss' record, it could be all about Bryant. What about Romo's comeback? It could be that he picks this team up on his shoulders and carries them to glory in a year where he wins Comeback Player of the Year, MVP and Super Bowl MVP. What about our old standby, Ware? If he were to break Strahan's record for sacks, would that be enough to make this Cowboys' season HIS season? While all of those things seem wonderful and fanciful all at the same time, none of them resonates enough for me simply because, almost insidiously, something else is going on in the background...and it could be big...really, really big.
A while back, I waxed philosophical about the idea that there were changes afoot in the way Dallas was conducting their business, not just in the locker room, but in the front office as well. The thought of ‘Stephen rising', either by hook or by crook, in terms of position and persuasion is no longer bandied about as though it were a question, but rather one of degree. Undeniably, Stephen is being groomed to take his seat on the throne at some point in the future and we have the luxury of watching him get an Ivy League degree in showmanship and money-making from the NFL's one true expert in the field. Meanwhile, Stephen's influence is readily apparent in that Jerry has already been moved to do things he was heretofore unwilling to do. He dismissed his friend and principal employee in mid-season. He admitted his mistake around the Roy Williams debacle and quickly dispatched him to the colder confines of Illinois. The team locker room was built around the idea of team chemistry rather than on the idea of pure star power at the expense of unity of purpose. As though that wasn't enough, there is little doubt that Stephen's approval was something just short of a requirement for Jerry to hire Jason Garrett as Head Coach. In other words, Stephen has moved Jerry to collaborate more than he has ever been willing to before.
But it's not just Stephen. That's not the whole story here. Dallas, for the first time since Jerry bought the team, selected an Offensive lineman with their first-round draft pick. To make matters worse, it was not your average, everyday first-round draft pick, but a top-10 pick on the heels of a failed Season of Jerry! The only way one could see him doing that is if he really LISTENED to Jason Garrett as Garrett sold the idea of building this team in a way that might significantly differ from years past. When was the last time that happened? Oh wait, now I remember, NEVER! In allowing Jason to jettison Marion Barber (a favorite of JJ's), along with Andre Gurode, Jerry essentially subjugated his personal loyalty to individual players to the needs of the team and to his new Head Coach. Said differently, the "show" took a back seat to the idea of winning football games. When had that happened before??? I'll tell you when. NEVER! Brothers and sisters, the very underpinnings of the Cowboys' organizational infrastructure were undergoing a metamorphosis of great magnitude.
As I step back and examine all of this in aggregate, I cannot help but come to the conclusion that the Dallas Cowboys are no longer ruled by the iron-fisted, iconic, "any one of 500 coaches could have won those Super Bowls" patriarch that we've come to know and...uh, love. No, just as we are seeing social upheaval in the Middle East, we are also seeing the rise of an oligarchy in place of the seemingly endless monarchy here at home at Valley Ranch. The distribution of power is beginning to disperse, even if just a bit, to these two lieutenants and instead of snap decisions and reflex actions, there seems to be considerably more thought going into how the Cowboys operate. It's not Federalism, by any stretch, but at least there are "branches" of Cowboys government now. The ideas of ‘what' and ‘how' are now constructs born out of collaboration instead of what was a lone voice (that would be Jerry's) shouting out into the darkness. For those of us who have long lamented the lack of a "football guy" in the GM's chair, this can only be taken as the next best thing and, as such, reason to believe good things lie ahead of us. The new ‘Trinity' has begun to fill the gaping void in the collective consciousness of Cowboys' fans all over the world that has been around since the day Jimmy Johnson left.
So, as you've probably guessed, I've chosen to pay homage to the cerebral, emotional and visceral changes taking place inside the halls of this great and storied franchise and give credit where credit is due. Once this season is over, we'll see whether the results are worthy of the endeavors collectively taken on by these three men and whether they have righted the Cowboys football operation in a way that has it gaining both momentum and credibility in relation to its peers.
Join me as I raise my glass. To 2011, the Season of the Trinity!
GO COWBOYS!!!
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Season of Hope
That’s my label. And I’m sticking to it – for now.
Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
Ha Ha
Before game 1, each season, it’s the Season of Hope for EVERY team, Tom.
:-)
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
The Titans have mostly given up already
there are a few fans who have hope but not most.
by Musiccitynorm on Sep 2, 2011 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Definitely the season of Hope
Not just for the season. This is the year that we hope we found our long-term Head Coach. This is the season that we hope to see a return to Cowboys football. This is the season that we hope to recover our heritage.
Switzer was Jerry trying to prove a point and we all knew it, Gailey was a farce and we knew it, Campo was a loyal soldier getting his shot despite not being up to the job and we knew it, Parcells was a nice relief but at best a stop gap and we knew it, Phillips was a great DC that wasn’t able to succeed as a HC and we knew it…..Garrett could be the one. The Head Coach that returns a dynasty back to the pinnacle (and I’m not talking just one SuperBowl). Ridiculus expectation yes, but this is the Dallas Cowboys.. He may or he may not, but Garrett is the first coach since Jimmy Johnson that we can say…he might. Thus….the Season of Hope
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
by LRogue on Sep 3, 2011 7:47 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
BTW...rec
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
I never think I KNOW anything about the draft picks, coaches and other things until my own eyes have ample evidence
While I am as hopeful as anyone about Jason Garrett, I’m even more hopeful about a change in Cowboys governance, because that, much more so than finding the right Head Coach, will provide the foundation for longer-term success.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Hard to argue with that...
…but I’m in the camp that would like to see Jerry take an Emeritus role and not be part of any Trinity. More like “The Season of the Rising Sons.” -Being Stephen Jones and Jason Garrett (being the protege (metaphoric son) of Jimmy Johnson). It is semantics really, we are on the same page.
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
I'm torn between "pipe dream" and "never gonna happen"
Jerry is Al Davis and PT Barnum rolled into one.
:-)
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
lol...I never said that the hope wasn't a little delusional
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
As a child of the 80's, I prefer...
“A New Hope.” There are so many possible Star Wars connections, you could do a whole post on it. Garrett as Obi Wan Kenobi. Romo as Luke Skywalker. Demarcus Ware as Chewbaca. Rob Ryan as Han Solo.
And the 80's followed, more kids becoming, what, star warriors?
Star wars:1977; Empire strikes back:1980; etc
It’s us pre-70’s types that appreciate it for what it was but aren’t ga-ga over it.
Cry 'Havoc!'
I don't know Eric Foreman is really gaga for it haha
\
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
So whats Jerry?
The Emperor?
You know at one point Steven is gonna end up picking him up over his head and throwing him down the Death Star’s power shaft.
"I will not and have not ever forgiven Crayton. I wish him the worst luck of any player ever." - footballmensa 08/17/11
LOL,
We can only hope :)
It really is funny how much his recent rants have turned my perception of him negative again.
I smell something... It smells like... hope. And BBQ.
by BlueNSilverBlood on Sep 4, 2011 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions
'Tis the Season of the Butterfly
For it has only begun to flap its wings. The tornado that will once again lay waste to the landscape of the NFC is still a few years away.
But the winds have changed! I can feel it.
Smiles ahead
by accidental innuendo on Sep 2, 2011 4:34 PM CDT reply actions
I could never call anything having to do with something such as football a butterfly
Just. Can’t. Do. It.
:-)
Thanks for reading, ai
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Thanks IF
Why isn’t Dallas’ future QB in your profile pic?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Because the way my boys are looking...
I think they are future offensive linemen. :)
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
TE's or OLB's
That’d be one monster TE to throw at a D, if the option’s OT. By then though, it might be so.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Glass held high, Blings.
Honestly, your summaries from Cowboys seasons past are very much common sentiment in my estimation. The entire Cowboy nation has been crying foul on the o-line for three years. Wade, and his inability to coach rang out in the training camp of 2008. He just fooled us by pulling the defense together for about 5-6 weeks in 2009. In the end, Jerry hung with Wade too long just as he has with players.
I know what you mean about Stephen finally having some influence in the corridors of Valley Ranch. If there is any one person on this planet that can convince me of that which I am totally opposed to, it is my son. Even at 16 he wields more power over my general direction than even he comprehends. But I do.
About 3 years ago I started working with a gentlemen who is quite brilliant. He is a Phd. However, he doesn’t have that “disconnected” lack of sense that most Phd’s I’ve met have. He is a man of great common sense and perception, and quite educated. I’ll call him my version of Jason Garrett. He is the only person I’ve ever met who can add a great deal to my daily musings.
So I kind of understand this whole transition that Jerry is going through. And I know deep down in his heart Jerry wants the Cowboys to be great again, and for always. He’s beginning to see the chinks in his business plan of building a winner. And he seems far more open to new ideas. Being closer to the Cowboys than even we are, he has had to admit the line was the demise of this team far too often. He had to know he needed real football help.
But let us not forget that it was Jerry that hired Jason a few years ago. That was the first person he hired after Parcells left. I think Jerry knows damn well what he has. All of us want to see this ascendance. Will it be this year? There’s a chance, but not a really good one, at least not for going all the way. But this ascension we all speak of will occur. The Cowboys will return to the promised land…as long as they continue on their current path to maturity.
Rec’d Blinger.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
by White Wolf on Sep 2, 2011 5:23 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs
Rec'd WW,very well stated post.
I enjoy reading your’e posts.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Sep 2, 2011 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Always appreciate you taking the time to comment, WW
But let us not forget that it was Jerry that hired Jason a few years ago. That was the first person he hired after Parcells left.
Truth be told, it’s THAT VERY MOVE that ticked me off the most.
Jerry, not being the HC, has to get out of the business of hiring frontline managers and maintain that strategic vantage point that only owners have if this team is to evolve into a powerful one once again. I still believe that too many self-inflicted wounds have led to Dallas’ downfall in past years and Jerry’s singularity of purpose, that being to ‘put on the biggest show’, has obfuscated the primary goal – building a winner.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Ticked you off, ticked me off, ticked many off...
… yet without it we may not be wherewhen (it’s a space-time thing) we are. In terms of organizational philosophy I suspect you’re aware we agree on this point, that it violated the HC position’s reponsibility/authority domain. As well as your last stated point in the comment.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Yes, it's a sacred covenant, not just in football, but in all things hierarchical
Jerry has done it too many times.
Given that Dave Campo is still coaching our DB’s, I think that part of his overzealousness has not subsided.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Not "not subsided", rather "not abated enough"
Suspect there’s a sense of loyalty within the man that impedes complete depersonalization within the decision-making process. Tough to fault a person for their humanity, despite disagreeing with it’s decisions and consequences.
Cry 'Havoc!'
You have to have cold eyes when looking at your business
That’s why they call it “business”.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Yet still
Without that move we probably wouldn’t have Garrett today. I don’t even want to consider such a scary scenario. Who might it be if not Garrett? I don’t want to go there. I understand your disdain for the move. Nor do I think it’s appropriate. But Wade agreed to take the job. If he hadn’t, certainly others would have. Haven’t you ever taken a job under less than ideal circumstances? Especially if it’s a job you covet?
In my opinion, the mistake wasn’t hiring Garrett, the mistake was hiring Wade. Jerry felt he needed a guru for the defense. He also looked at Wade’s regular season record and felt he could be the one to get Wade over the top. Garrett was interviewed for Head Coaching vacancies the very next season, so could he have taken the reigns as HC then, in 2007?
While I agree in principal that it’s not proper to undermine the power of your HC, I do see some value in that move, and in the move that chased Parcells off when he signed TO. The value is that these are very important milestones in the growth of Jerry. Those moves helped him to finally learn to let others make their own decisions. Although it’s a leap of faith, I do not see Jerry signing any FA’s that Jason Garrett does not approve of. Had Jerry not made his previous mistakes, I doubt I could believe he would not betray Garrett’s authority.
Garrett hiring; brilliant. Wade hiring; a mistake the team is still paying for.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
But how many wrongs did he commit in that regard to get to a single (what many believe to be a) right?
I’ll never support that kind of behavior because even the scent of success will drive him to do it more and more.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
I don't think so.
I think he knows it was wrong, and he learned something. Perhaps in a drastic case he might do it again, but to hire assistants before the head coach, I just don’t think so. But then again, I am known for giving people too many chances.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
You're both mistaken
There’s no wrong in it, simply 3 lefts making a right. Inefficient, longer path, more resources consumed, time wasted, the works. But no wrong. As for the number of twists and turns, trick’s coming out of the lefthand spin in the right place. Plus slipping the keys unnoticed from the driver’s possession when they keep going in circles.
Cry 'Havoc!'
It was wrong
It will always be wrong.
Never undermine the people who report to you in a public way.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
My mistake. I was wrong.
This last comment of yours caused me to more closely re-read the entire thread. I now more correctly see the “regard” you were commenting with respect to. You are right and I am in full agreement on that point. Period.
Not making an excuse, just explaining, my “mistaken” comment referred to the actions and activities, the wandering events and circumstances of the past many years, aside from the “undermine the power of your HC, I do see some value in that move”, if I may be forgiven for quoting WW to point out the key component which I’d misread, misinterpreted or recklessly overlooked as being the “regard” being contended. I would neither do it, advise it nor condone it as a course of action.
I was wrong in saying you were both mistaken. I apologize.
Cry 'Havoc!'
For the record, I never said it wasn't wrong.
Sometimes I wonder if what I write IS read. So let me say it clearly. I do not condone an owner/GM hiring assistant coaches before hiring the head coach. Is there any ambiguity in this statement? I have actually said this twice now in this thread. Well, now three times. Just because I don’t repeat it over and over doesn’t mean its not among my points. Unless forced to I try not to repeat myself…at least not in the same piece.
I was simply looking at other factors in the rest of my ramblings, and commenting on what they meant.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
You're right, you never said it wasn't wrong
Part of the possible misunderstanding may be a result of having stated seeing value in what we’re for the most part agreeing are mistakes on Jerry’s part. Seeing that those mistakes may have taught Jerry the lessons which have brought him to this point. Almost certainly have, if we grant him the benefit of the doubt. But you certainly did not say you believed those actions of undercutting the authority of those individuals was not wrong. So, as I see it we’re all in agreement on that point. Yes?
About your question, WW, the possibility of ambiguity in that statement, one thing I do see is the interpretation that it is ok for the owner/GM to hire the assistant coaches following the hiring of a head coach, even if it is contrary to the HC’s advice. That interferes(?) with, intrudes upon or violates the HC’s responsibility/authority domain and may be perceived as undercutting his authority or undermining his authority publicly, in some cases. Do you intend to say it is not the HC’s prerogative to determine his subordinates?
btw, guys, I hope neither of you find us picking through all this to be slighting any of us, because I respect both your opinions and perspectives. Granted, I kind jumped in on this so it’d serve me right if ya both turned on me like a guy tryin to break up a cat-fight. Shame I don’t picture either of you as the kinda pussy-cats I’d want to be taking a lickin’ from.
Cry 'Havoc!'
No, no. No slights taken from either of you.
To be clear, I don’t really have any expectations that anyone is going to read what I write, but if they reply to it, I do prefer if they respond to what I said, and not what I didn’t say.
Anywho, we’re just a bunch of dudes being dudes. Okay, allow me to further clarify. At no time is it appropriate for the owner/GM to hire assistants. (before or after the hiring of a HC.) That is the job of the head coach, and any head coach (Wade) that allows it is not head coaching material. I am as miffed by all the Jerry moves as everyone else. Let your head coach choose his staff.
Now, as a GM, many of those make the personnel decisions would you agree? The fact that Jerry stated clearly that Jason would have final say on all player personnel and coaching staff decisions, especially when no one asked him that question, he just butted in and stated it clearly, is evidence of his understanding of past mistakes. Others will certainly interpret it differently, but I think Jerry wanted the Cowboy nation to know. I seriously doubt if Garrett insisted upon that statement. It was Jerry volunteering it. For him to now undermine that would be further evidence of Jerry buffoonery.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
Great. Yeah, guys talking.
Your 2nd paragraph, perfectly unambiguous and I agree. In the sense that the decision is the HC’s, while the human resource activities (ie. personnel hiring activites and such) fall within the GM’s appropriate delegation of HR reponsibilities within his domain and often separated from the HC domain, in that they most often not a coaching responsibility.
That sort of ties in with your 3rd paragraph. I believe we are esentially saying the same thing overall. And yeah, I think Jerry volunteered his statement (not that I’ve ever quoted from it or anything) rather than it being a a prior agreed upon verbatim wording or statement. Undermining the spirit of the Trinity, so to speak, in any manner, yes, it would be akin to buffoonery and most definitely foolishness. And not in the good way, speaking as a fool.
At present, I see indications, moreso than on Jan 6, that these men are of similar mind and intent, are following a (loosely?) defined agenda, have a framework plan and collaborative working arrangement and are proceeding carefully to see whether it is capable of addressing this franchise’s challenges successfully and beneficially.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Jerry and his mistakes.
It may have been a mistake for him to publicly proclaim that Garrett will have final say on all personnel decisions. Seeing how that is his implied domain, it tells me that he is admitting that he may not know how to select proper talent.
Almost every pick this team has made over the last decade, with the exception of perhaps Ware, Witten, Ratliff, and Dez, came with better players available. That we have begun to draft best player available is an indication that Jason is making those final calls.
I think the dynamic at play is they have their targets at every position, Jason is stating who he feels would be the best pick, Jerry, Stephen, Ryan, and the Scouting department will weigh in, then Jason makes his final decision. (Conjecture, of course.)
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
He didn't
Jerry did not say that Garrett had final say on all personnel decisions. He said JG had final say with respect to the staff (with a specfic reference to coaching staff) and “There won’t be a player on this team that Jason does not want on the team”. Here’s the link to the Jan 6 press conference BTB transcripts. Granted the distinction is a fine one, though significant. It affords Jerry, as GM, the formal power over and face-saving retention of player-drafting decisions (a GM prerogative and responsibility) on the advice of his coaching staff and others (scouts, etc). In effect, Jerry and Jason indicated in the press conference (and afterwards) that their working relationship would be such that JG had advisory influence beyond any HC since Johnson. This is very much a personal relationship, a meeting of minds, not only between JJ and JG, but includes SJ. Though not mentioned significantly at the time, Jan 6 that is, it’s apparent a shift in the organizational dynamic within VR is in effect and being given rein, for the time being, to see if it can do a “better” job than the Jerry-alone methodology.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Yeah, I just went back and watched the presser
Those are his exact words.
It was great nostalgia to go back and watch it again. That particular part of the presser starts at the 14:20 mark. The question was about the staff, however Jerry chose to speak about the player personnel dimension, as well.
We may have an interpretation difference here, so I have to ask this just to clarify; if there won’t be a person on the team that Jason doesn’t want on the team, does that not indicate veto power?
I agree that it does not imply that Jason will have final say over drafting decisions, unless of course, Jerry wants to draft someone that Jason does not agree with. The only way to know if there is true veto power for sure would be to see the language in his contract. As far as the enumerated responsibilities, it does appear there were conversations about this before the contract was drawn up, and these responsibilities are enumerated in the contract.
So yeah, you’re right, it does not say he will have final say on all player personnel decisions. (Guess I’ve been confused about that right up until the time you forced me to go back and re-view the presser.) A couple of other people have responded similarly as you did to comments I’ve made about that and I was wondering what the hell they saw. LOL.
At any rate, Jerry didn’t renounce his player personnel responsibilities, but this draft seems to indicate a clearly different dynamic at work from years past. Although Jason may not have “final say” over player decisions, it appears Jerry is listening to Jason regarding player personnel.
They may have also drafted a couple of players Ryan chose, but I don’t know that, I’m guessing. It’s just as likely the Carter pick was because the scouting department had identified him as the best value on the board during pick 40.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
I think that means that Jason has to VEHEMENTLY disagree with something if he doesn't want it to happen
The problem with that is that you can only VEHEMENTLY disagree with the guy that signs your paycheck so often.
So, JG has to pick his spots.
I don’t believe Jason has full control of the roster (look, if Tuna didn’t have it, the rookie HC certainly ain’t gettin’ it!!!), but I believe he and Stephen will work together to move Jerry to the right places on the important pieces.
Therein lies the beauty of the Trinity.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
I vehemently disagree
Jason has full control of the roster. In terms of who’s on, who’s not. Jerry can draft ‘em, but Jason can cut ’em. And yes, be cut, so to speak. Inefficient, counter-productive and all the rest, so I doubt these guys will wander down that path. They’re not idiots. Playing time and all else, well, there he may team up with Stephen if Jerry steps into “coaching” yet again.
And yeah, he does need to pick his battles, we all do in such situations. The man’s mettle’ll be shown if he’s ever thrown into a suicidal, take-one-for-the-team or -objective, death-before-dishonor situation. Hopefully it ain’t gonna happen or, if it does, the other guy blinks.
So, in an absolutist “full control” sense, you’re right. Then again, no one ever has absolute full control, including Jerry over the Cowboys. Nothing’s absolute, except zero, and only by name.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Regarding the veto...
… and the rest, have a look at these, and this and finally the “The Out” section of this (con?)temptuous piecea crapolla, then if anything remains unclear, ask away.
You may even want to take me to task over a certain statement made therein. I ask that you first consider and ponder the paused glance, the tongue/lip facial movement, the nod and body language in turning the podium over to Jerry at that particular point in Time. I assert it is not the circumstance of one with superceding power or absolute veto or ultimate control turning things over for mere face-saving to another individual, but the adherence to an authority structure recognized and previously agreed upon by the individuals involved, an indication those people were prepared precisely for such an occurance, as well as a public display of it. Maybe not planned per se, but all the better in that case. It indicates far, far more that way and in a good way. This despite Jerry’s use of the word “interrupting” in turning the podium over to Garrett. More crucially, pay attention to their body language, tones of voice, looks, the immediately prior Jerry-speak jumbling of words when being pressed by the media. This type of circumstance, the individuals strengths and weaknesses and troublesome “areas of concern” or problematic elements were recognized, likely discussed and mechanism for handling such things was agreed upon by these individuals beforehand. Some, not necessarily even formally discussed or at any one time in particular, but more a common recognition, especially the all-important unspoken knowledge of all “on the same page”, so to speak. Also, pay close attention to Jerry’s use of the singular and plural forms in his introduction and their context, as well as Jason’s expression of gratitude at the onset of his remarks. Yes, formalities, commonly done and so expressed, but, I believe, very carefully considered by the respective individuals in terms of propriety and wording, given the enveloping situation. Also, relative to my comments, that there’s no claim of “priorly-agreed-upon prepared statement” in terms of wording and my assertion we are witnessing a common-agenda, common-intent interpersonal dynamic with respect to these 3 people. I’d say “meeting-of-the-minds”, but that’d just give everyone too much of a barn-door opening.
On the drafting thing you mention, remember, DC’s suborned to HC, reporting/advisory linkage directly to HC position then subsequently following the chain of command or organizational delegation of responsibility/authority structure and Table of Organization. Likewise with respect to scouting (and others), though not through HC in some instances and respective of the organizational structure.
btw, though I’d studied the hell outta it back then, refreshing before I spoke and seing it again, yeah, it brings a feeling of heady days. And some yet to come.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Crapolla? Dude, your stuff is cutting-edge.
I really enjoyed that story. Rec’d. Why didn’t I notice before? Anyway, the problem with our little debate is it has come down to I have to read your statements two and three times to sift it into more manageable bytes, and I don’t actually have that kind of time. To read and comprehend someone who is speaking regularly in metaphors requires far greater focus than I have time for.
If I could describe for you what is going on on this end of the keyboard, the people I’m in contact with, the issues I’m addressing on labor day weekend, and the way I go about juggling it all, you’d probably wonder what I’m even doing on this blog. But a man has to have his distractions, and mine don’t include alcohol, drugs, women (at least not till I get my son into college) and time-consuming activities like golf, hanging out with friends, or ventures that take me far away from work and family.
That said, one of the things I took from reading the material you so graciously provided was that you take people’s words more literally than the average person. In your world, when someone speaks, every word has a purposeful meaning, specifically placed there for it’s exactness. Every facial expression or fidget is a tell on their veracity. I’m not that good at reading these signs. I’ve worked with people that do it for a living. I don’t think it’s all that common to use these signs, nor do I subscribe a great deal to it. I think a lot of it is rubbish. Although, in Jerry’s case regarding that press conference, I do think the unspoken language was obvious and on display. Most people are decidedly inexact in their choice of words, and I’m one of them. However, reading the language is a very good practice when trying to decipher Jerry-speak, because Jerry does win many a battle with the use of the word ‘should’ instead of ‘shall’. It probably contributed to his status as a billionaire instead of a millionaire.
He was reading from a prepared speech with his opening comments, but not from his answer to the question in…well, question. So, at this point, er…on to the point. Yes, I noticed Jason’s body language and nuances as he looked to Jerry to take that question. It seemed canned. At least, the knowing it was coming and how it would be handled. But it’s also possible that Jason felt more comfortable allowing Jerry to answer that question because he is mindful of not cracking the fragile crystal working relationship he has managed to manifest in his operating duties as a Cowboy HC. The most likely scenario is they both knew the question would be forthcoming, and Jerry informed Jason prior to the presser that he wanted to answer it.
In short, I think we’re looking at the same things and seeing something different. Subjectivity, I love it. But for an individual such as yourself that seems to take things so literally, I have to ask; when Jerry said he wouldn’t get into paragraph 3, column 2, second sentence down, I don’t understand why you don’t take that to mean that indeed these powers and responsibilities are enumerated.
And finally, knowing Mephistopheles’ Tempest was originally written before Jason was hired, I think it’s important to remember that by Jerry’s words, a man that speaks with literal, exacting language, he has always insisted that he worked in this collaborative fashion previously with all of his coaches. I believe he has for the most part. He’s just had his moments when he took everything including the relationship into his own hands.
As for taking anything you said to task, I think I’ve already bored you enough. With more filtering, it’s possible we’re saying the same thing, we just don’t acknowledge it. After all, I do believe that Jerry, and Jason, and Stephen are working collaboratively, and that they all want it this way. But I do still believe that the veto Jason holds is real, and he’ll use it anytime he sees fit. I don’t think he’ll let a bad move pass unless Jerry…or Stephen gives him a very good reason not to, which will probably be more financially or cap related.
Oh all right. I’ll take you to task a little bit.
Jerruh may not pick players that JG doesn’t want, but Jerruh is still the one picking the players he wants.
You seemed a bit shattered by this statement by ‘65. Let me comfort you. I don’t foresee this happening. I believe Jerry has found his coach for the long haul. I think it’s gonna take a whole lot of failure for Jerry to lose faith in Jason Garrett. The young HC has a very long leash.
In the final analysis, I think they’re communicating at such a level that it likely won’t come to a Jason veto, because they’ve all gotten on the same page long before they ever get to that point.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
On this, we disagree
The young HC has a very long leash.
Jerry has never displayed the virtue of patience. To assume that he suddenly would change in that regard needs something more empirical to go on. As far as I can tell, he still needs return on his investment and, in this case, the investment is a concession of authority and the return is on-field performance.
Jerry doesn’t hand out long leashes. Or, at least, he hasn’t demonstrated as such.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Nope, no empiracal evidence.
Just a gut feeling. I think Jerry has found the guys he’s been looking for since Jimmy left. And he knows it. And actually, I don’t think it’s going to take a long time for Garrett to validate Jerry’s faith in him.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
We always default to the HC
…we did it with Tuna, then again with Wade and we’re doing it with JG.
HC’s come and go, but ownership and the (as you put so well) family ties that bind are are much less bound to the temporal. Let’s not downplay Stephen in all that is transpiring.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
I never did.
I knew Parcells would be good for the team, but I never thought he was long term. He had already been on the coaching carousel for a while. With Wade, seems like the clock was ticking as soon as he became the new head coach.
Garrett is different. He’s a Cowboy. I agree that no coach has ever been long term here since the days of the great one. The greatest one. But Jason will be here for a very long time.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
So...
do you think that’s because he will win early and often and earn his stripes with Stephen and Jerry or…because he already has a tacit agreement with Jerry and Stephen to implement a multi-year plan or…something else?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Not a shred of evidence.
It’s my opinion. Just as yours is yours. Nobody really knows, right? Not you, not me, not even Jerry or Jason. But this hiring just seems different. He’s already been here four years. If ever a coach started out saying and doing all the right things, Garrett has. I don’t see us going very far this year. It might not even be next year. But it’s possible he could do some things right away. But to completely make this his team, complete with an infusion of talent, make take three years.
When Bill came in he was making all the decisions, drafting the talent, playing the iron fist with the players. And it seemed great, but Bill never stays long. Wade was a total yes man, and they never last.
Garrett has principles. He has requirements. He has the ties here to make it a long term commitment. Can’t explain any better than that.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
Dread the day veto comes into play
Agree, don’t think it likely.
btw, Jerry’s concept of collaboration required refinement to be truer to the spirit and more effective. Put simply, it wasn’t either of those, despite his belief.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Might I point out the drat track record of the Patriots and Colts
See ESPN Graziano
Cowboys have the most people still on the team from the least 4-6 years (compared to Pats and Colts at least)
Almost no one drafts as well as we’d like
correction, Rafael Vela pointed it out
Rena made it a fanshot
im still not buying that
theres something funny with that stat
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
What I'm not buying...
… is that stat having any more meaning than any other, excepting one. The one. The scoreboard at 00:00 one.
The rest? They’re… – interesting, often informative, some more, some less, that’s about it.
Didn’t equate or corellate to winning. Or losing.
Cry 'Havoc!'
I'm with you
Look at our 2009 draft. In the history of drafting, find me one that was worse.
Using players on the roster as the single measure of success is a personal choice.
On the other hand, what CORE player do you believe has been drafted or acquired by the Dallas War Room since Tuna left that should be mentioned in the same breath as Ware, Witten, Romo, Austin and Ratliff?
And please, don’t call out a rookie that hasn’t played a single game. It’s an argument that isn’t worth the time.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
truthfully Blings
I have been waiting for this post….and I have to sort of disagree with it….while I think you are correct to a degree, this is the Season Of Garrett….rather than the Trinity…but that is just my personal opinion
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.
I thought about that, IaI
…but Garrett is a known quantity. He’s not a variable I need to solve for. Once this season is over, regardless of their record, I think we’ll learn more about the ORGANIZATION than the team you see on the field.
Will the new Trinity take on a longer-term, comprehensive approach to building a winner? Or will they fall intot he trap of trying to contend without having a solid foundation both on and off the field?
No, I think we all know what we’re going to get in JG because we got a chance to test drive him last year. I think we all kinda knew the same thing about Wade after the meltdown in 2008 (even though some people waffled a bit after 2009…I hereby retract my post of contrition OCC!!!).
Think in larger contexts and I think, when all is said and done, you’ll agree with me, bud.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Great post as usual Blings ..Rec'd ( as usual) .
gonna differ on the " season of the Trinity" , i consider this year as the birth of a new direction for our team.
the season of the trinity won’t be 2011 ( imo) ,more likely 2012 or 2013 .
my reasoning is that it will take more great drafts ( 2011 A+) to rebuild the team.
the culture has changed for sure but we are just beginning our long walk back to being perrenial contenders.
it’s great being able to see the start of something great happening ,followed the team during the Jimmy era and boy was it great ( eventually) to see it gain those coveted Blings.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
Well, I'd say you've all but agreed with me, scf
Where would you say the new direction is emanating from?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Has to be all Garrett imo.
JJ and Stephen have been running the team for a long time.
they neglected the OL and kept underperforming " stars" due to their contracts.
they also would’nt start rookies over starters.
look to this year, No 1 pick OL ,cut underperforming " stars " ,rookies starting on the OL.
what changed this year?, Garrett became HC.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Sep 2, 2011 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh, I couldn't disagree more
Any “say-so” Garrett has that Wade didn’t have is because Stephen moved him Jerry to that philosophical place. I wouldn’t say that has ever been the case before now.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Do you know for a fact Stephen is behind the changes?,
or like the rest of us ,you are giving your’e own opinion.
until Jerry announces that he has stepped down in favour of his son then i disagree with you.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Sep 2, 2011 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions
ALWAYS just an opinion
…no better than yours.
But knowing what I know about human nature, people do not, of their own volition, alter their own paradigms.
It takes outside influence.
An object at rest, and all that…
Ooh, that was awfully tanstaafl of me, eh?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Don't go all tan on me !! lol.
all i’m saying is that after Garrett became HC ,who hired Ryan -Robinson-Woicik?.
why did we draft OL in the 1st rd?,who decided to cut Barber-Davis-Colombo-Gurode?.
if that was all Stephens doing then Bravo but the first change was appointing Garrett as HC,everything else followed from that one appointment.
give credit to the Garrett hiring but i’m certain that he has decided on all the hirings and firings since then.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Sep 2, 2011 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions
lol ..sorry tan .. :)
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Sep 3, 2011 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
nice Delorean ,hope it is'nt full of cocaine though ! :)
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Sep 3, 2011 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Again, I think it was no ONE's doing
I believe it had to be a collective decision. Jerry still retains veto power, but he also knows that using it too frequently will not amount to the kind of change that brings the bling.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
We will have to agree to differ ,
i’m convinced Garrett is the driving force behind these changes.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Sep 3, 2011 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Gotta go with Scots on this one.
Jerry has stepped back in the personnel and coaching area of this team. I really think he has.
Don’t go all tan on me. Hilarious!
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
Jerry's latest comments would suggest otherwise...
don’t assume this is anything more than a trial.
Sometimes, trials fail.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Collaborative reaction, with JG being the essential catalyst
So, blending the Collective and the One. Contradictorally concilliatory. Simplicity within the complexity, order within chaos. All Forces unified in the Force. Balance restored.
Hoooommmmmmm…
Cry 'Havoc!'
Cheers WW ..
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Sep 3, 2011 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I'll take the Season of the Trinity
As long as power is delegated thusly:
JG – The Brain and The Voice inside Valley Ranch
SJ – The Hands – one pushing JJ out of the office when important decisions are being made and one signing the RKG to extensions
JJ – The Voice for the media and The Pocketbook who follows advice from the other two.
You have earned your credibility with me with your past predictions and I think you are on target again. Great job!
Thanks Billito
Like you, I also wonder about how much and how fast Jerry will morph his decision-making processes. What happens if early returns aren’t so hot? Will he stay the course?
Therein lies the fun of the Season ahead. I can’t wait!
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
I have a post in the works that talks a lot about Jerry as well as the other members of the trinity.
Unless it gets spiked, it should be up late tonight or tomorrow – I wrote it before I read this, but I think we had some similar ideas cooking. Jerry frankly worried me with what he said at the Miami game.
Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
Short leashes when it comes to change, risk, etc.
Not uncommon at all. People need to see progress.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Standard project management
One small step (heard that somewhen, and it was way, way before a comment here) producing and providing progress simply allows for and leads to the next, one after another, unto completion.
Cry 'Havoc!'
That's right
Essentially, I think this is not well-grounded because of how much Jerry has to ante up to make this work, but the Trinity CAN buy itself some time. It is in a terrific position to do so, because of last year’s nightmare performance. An 8-8 season and a competitive team is all that’s needed, IMO.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Qute likely correct as a minimally(?) acceptable objective
… and precondition for continued adherence to the plan. Given competitiveness, no significnt loss of revenue and no significant injuries and such things, purely in terms of W/L record, what would be the absolute minimum?
Or does it all hinge on some, unknown to us, assessment of “significant loss of revenue”? If it’s not franchise-threatening, a revenue downturn, if any, would be tough for me to swallow as being considered “significant”.
Cry 'Havoc!'
I tend to agree
It will be very difficult to measure in regards to saying you were right/wrong, but I think for younger cowboys fans like myself (24 and don’t really recall the superbowl wins at all), maybe this will be the offseason and year I look back to 6 years from now when I’m telling my kids about the year Dallas turned it around.
I think Garrett should get the majority of the credit for the turn this team has taken (though who knows how we will perform on the field). He stepped in immediately and put in place an entirely different culture. Its incredible when you think about just how effective he was. The quesiton is will he continue to be effective? And for that matter, why didn’t he speak up.?? Hes obviously all about organizational hierarchy, but JJ takes his opinion seriously and you have to wonder if previous years meltdowns would be avoided with Garrett taking more of a leadership role. Frankly, the RHG is lucky to have the job right now – you’ve gotta wonder if Romo doesn’t get hurt and we go 7-9, do they both get thrown out? That single play may’ve turned this franchise around.
On the other hand, I could totally see “Year of Dez” I don’t place an overly high importance on wrs, but I feel like hes going to have one of those disgusting TO/Randy Moss years soon.
I think the shift in power could be momentous
Frankly, the RHG is lucky to have the job right now – you’ve gotta wonder if Romo doesn’t get hurt and we go 7-9, do they both get thrown out?
That’s a great question!
OMG!
Would Wade still be here???
I love watching Dez play. The one thing that could hurt him in terms of ever breaking those records? Miles, Felix, Jason. There are a lot of places Romo can throw the ball and I think we already know who he’s most comfortable with and who needs more reps to build chemistry.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
I agree that it may take Dez a while to grab the reins
but I feel like hes going to have a breakout stretch at some point and Romo will look his way more than Miles’. Garrett is all about the big plays, and Dez can bring them. If our OL holds up, how can you defend us?This is a potential top 3-5 offense in terms of skill position talent.
Maybe I’m overvaluing Dez, but I’m not sure theres another wr in the league with his potential. Some of the catches he makes are simply incredible. He plays with an unmatched ferocity that . There are questions to be answered about his head though.
Not that I want to ruin everyone’s night, but can you imagine how bad things we would be if we pulled out 8-8 with a healthy Romo, and Jerry kept Wade as HC, giving some BS excuse about how we overcame a poor start and bad luck?
I think a lot about that bad start last year
What was it really that led to/caused that?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
I do too
And I’m not sure the answer can just be “its all wade’s fault”. First of all, we haven’t been a dominant team since 2007. Non-dominant teams can lose (or win) fluky games, and we lost a couple last year.
The secondary was terrible last year. I’m not sure we can blame Newman and Jenkin’s poor play on just wade or just Alan Ball.
Offensively, we just kept coming up barely short. We were in position to tie/beat teams in the 4th and blew quite a few games for a myriad of reasons. But overall, the OL held us back. It wasn’t till Garrett took over and implemented his will and practice schedule on this team that they played like a competent unit.
Also, there may be something to the fact that Kitna is a better “take what the defense gives you/move the chains qb” then Romo. Romo makes the big plays, but we saw often in the first 6 games that he would struggle leading us on long drives where the defense didn’t give up the big play. Now, again, this difference may be more about the ol than anything else, but Kitna did an amazing job when you consider the lack of big plays.
Thank you
This Wade-bashing and making it ALL about Wade so we can sleep better at night knowing Jason is tougher is crap.
Some of the same people who most loudly bemoan Wade’s tenure were the ones singing his praises from the tops of the mountains after 2009.
It’s wishy-washy (whatever that is).
It’s the same as saying AOA is our savior at safety or that Brewster is at OT and then cheering that they’re gone.
Ack!
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
by 5Blings on Sep 4, 2011 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I actually agree with this strongly.
Don’t get me wrong, I really like what Jason has done with the team lately, but to pretend that last year was all Wade’s fault removes the blame from the shoulders of the players who deserve it. Was it just Wade’s fault that Jenkins forgot to play good technique and thought he could get away with mugging receivers? Was it all Wade’s fault that Spencer regressed from the end of 2009? Was it all Wade’s fault that we couldn’t make the plays necessary to win in the early games of last year? The answer to all of those is no. At some point the buck has to stop with the players.
This isn’t to say that Wade couldn’t have been a better coach, but it does bother me when people essentially say he was completely responsible for the players’ performance, their mindset, and their talent. A lot of the same problems that existed with last years team could very well exist with this team unless these players have actively gotten better. I like what Jason is doing and think we have made some good moves, but it isn’t as if Wade forgot how to coach from 2009 to 2010.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
Are you suggesting...
… fortuitous circumstance within the coincident events? Those events being Romo’s injury and the Cowboys’ record at midseason. Or merely within the injury play? Perhaps within this “missed block” one player keeps getting “blamed” for? Were things to turn for the better, to have hinged on it, would the blame become credit?
Cry 'Havoc!'
There are innumerable ways to get to the same place
I’m not so sure, however, that if we’d rebounded to 7-9, that Wade would be gone. That’s especially true if the defense were the principal reason for the improvement.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
But there was no way the team was going to rebound with Wade there.
Was not going to happen.
Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
I agree, but I can't say that with any more than a feeling to support it
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Re: Garrett taking more of a leadership role
Such behavior, whether one wants to consider it bordering on mutinous, insubordinate, disloyal, back-stabbing or simply dishonorable, seems out of character.
Biding time, preparing, refining himself, his thoughts, things of that nature, that seems more likely, wouldn’t you say? Awaiting his time and ensuring he is prepared for it, so to speak.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Season of Transition
Learning to better work together, evaluate, improve, and maximize resources.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and progress is already obvious.
It is only fair to allow time before passing judgment.
This isn’t Burger King where eveyone gets to “Have it Your Way”
Red Rules
by 1Bullseye on Sep 2, 2011 6:23 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Indeed, it's going to take time
…do you think Jerry will remain steadfast if the team really falters?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Ahh that is the question Blings..
how patient will Jerry be?.
our franchises future depends on the answer.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Sep 2, 2011 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Behind Closed Doors
It would surprise me if all of management isn’t braced for a slow start while wildly optomistic about the change of direction since “Red” has taken over as HC. JG fired things up fast with the hire of the “Big Robinski”, other coaches, and the way the draft was run. He has not slowed down yet.
I believe Jerry handed the keys over, and is ready to see where this ride goes.
Just my opinion 5B.
Red Rules
Don't Change Horses In The Middle of a Stream
7-9 Is possable. A bit overly pesimistc imo. Ugh.
Little to no change, as it will be the first season of team that just got a lot younger.
It is always darkest before the dawn, and I’m in for the long haul.
Red Rules
rec'd for the bk reference
Speaking of bk what was irvin’s story about that? I was kinda in-n-out of the game.
Will the Triad regret passing on Wisniewski?
For some upside hotshot inside linebacker? Surely there will be just as good inside linebacker stock to pick from in next year’s draft. I guess Jerry is just that allergic to being so practical with his first two draft picks that he simply couldn’t go OL back-to-back. When is value Bruce supposed to even suit up? Anybody? November?
Wis... - Wis... - Wisniew... Wahhhhhhhh...
Just when I thought I was gettin’ over it…
What’s done is done. When it was, I give the pick his chance. I still do.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Gentlemen. Ladies. To the Trinity.
May their reign be UnHoley and Wholly
Responsible for 6Blings
Its Advent, Worthy
Its Life, Everlasting
Its Star, Undimmed
Cry 'Havoc!'
by tanstaafl on Sep 2, 2011 7:22 PM CDT reply actions 6 recs
Cheers ... :)
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Sep 2, 2011 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions
(Lifts glass)
To the Trinity!
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 Sep 2, 2011 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions
L'chaim
Curious if you’ll be so cheery once I take you to task for elements of the article. Prepared? Ok, first,"take you to task " is not quite the fact of the matter, as you’ll see. Second, you have a vague or clearer recollection of our having discussed the whole JJ/SJ/JG, Cowboys franchise/team organizational challenges and the like, correct? I’ll assume so, for now, much as I dislike assumption, purely out of deference to you being a star bright cookie, not a memory-befuddled dolt like me.
On the first of the “Never!” question/answers, I suggest you revisit one of our eariler travels wayback, peek at the photo and ponder that statement a bit more. But, I’ll concede Jerry hadn’t control in building the team or franchise prior to that point, so let’s call it a draw. Though I maintain he was being convinced of a course of action, sold on the idea, collaboratively so, akin to what your article attributes to Garrett in that respect.
Given your comments concerning the members of this triad, most especially those regarding Stephen/Jason and their having significant influence, approval, even selling Jerry on elements of franchise strategy, coupled with the statement of conclusion, are you saying you believe Jerry’s actually and truly ceded part of his power to them? Delegated resonsibility and authority for significant aspects of the franchise to other individuals? Entered a collaborative relationship with them? Become part of a team, the team, not merely the one man all deference is to? Not that he does not retain the power to rescind such things, for as the Owner he yet remains the ultimate arbiter of all things Cowboys, but that he is changing his ways? Even temporarily? More so than with Parcells? More so than at any time post-Jimmy, post-JJ², as I like to call it?
Sorry, I tried not to, but I have to, just have to, it’s so eloquent, so music-to-my-ears-like, I won’t resist. I tried not to quote, unless we contended a point and I needed to, for I know how you “like” being quoted, but it’s poetry the way you put it: “…cannot help but come to the conclusion that the Dallas Cowboys are no longer ruled by the iron-fisted, iconic…patriarch that we’ve come to know and…uh, love.” (You make him sound so… – Stalinish.)
Really?
You believe Jerry’s, be I so bold as to say it, made me we? Flipped the “m”?
When you mentioned movie, Secretary of Defense, behind the scenes, “really, really, big”, things of that nature, I dreaded you going all Dr Strangelove on us and making it the Season of Love the Bomb. And not in the go-deep sense. But then, I stopped worrying and learned. Kinda easy relaxing totally realizing all things’re simple. Especially looking back, considering our heading.
See, no tasking. Actually, in all that drivel, only one simple all-important question.
btw, prime, grade-A, always-anticipated, seldom-disappointing (other than in the finishing) thoughtful and amusing reading material.
btw, the seldom-disappointing‘s just so your hat’ll still fit.
Cry 'Havoc!'
tan, you move me...Okay, here we go...
are you saying you believe Jerry’s actually and truly ceded part of his power to them?
Not exactly. I am saying he’s been impressed upon, first by Stephen, to listen to those who might aid in achieving the desired outcome. Again, maybe not a true oligarchy, but one a system where there may be some checks and balances on SOME issues.
You believe Jerry’s, be I so bold as to say it, made me we?
I believe he has said something like this to say to Stephen when the idea finally got put out there on the deck of the Titanic; “Okay Son, I’ll give this new way of doing business a try. But here’s the deal. I better see some goshdarned improvement on this team and I am still the guy with final say, clear?”
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
maybe the ending of the movie will be different this time
same ship different captain……
"We were going to go out to Valley Ranch and use it as an opportunity to get back out in the heat and work, and I open up the curtains this morning very early and all of a sudden it was 68 and raining," Garrett said. "I said to the players, 'How big was the group prayer last night?' -Jason Garrett
by TruBluToTheCore on Sep 3, 2011 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Believe you've hit on...
… a fundamental difference between my esteemed collague and myself. Where his tendancy is to view the Cowboys franchise allegorically as a ponderous, encusted, rusting, sunken tub whose days in the sun are mired in the Past, mine is to seeing a sleek, gleaming, beauty whose days in the sun and amongst its brethern remains yet to be.
His ocassional lapses to error can be directly attributed to this fact, the plain, simple truth of the matter, that he has not yet realized he is dealing with a Starship, not a garbage scow hauling passengers on junkets. Couldn’t even deal with a wee bit of icing, it’s maiden voyage felled by something the mere touch of a hand turns to water.
Then again, it could be he is dealing with hindsight relative to past reality whereas I tend to speculation relative to an as yet unknown future.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Ypa!
evviva!
acclamations!
Kampai!
Prost!
I smell something... It smells like... hope. And BBQ.
by BlueNSilverBlood on Sep 3, 2011 5:03 AM CDT up reply actions
"yippie kai yay mother... "
Lets do this before Romo says “I am getting too old for this…”
Of course “I hate snakes”
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
Outstanding choices. Gotta ask, ham. 2nd involve 2 agents sitting on a rooftop ledge or from another source?
Cry 'Havoc!'
Yippie Kai yay - Die Hard
I’m getting too old – Lethal weapon
I hate snakes – Indiana Jones.
???
I smell something... It smells like... hope. And BBQ.
by BlueNSilverBlood on Sep 3, 2011 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Bingo. Thought the 2nd might have been from To Live and Die in LA. Forgot the Lethal Weapon one. btw, if you’ve never seen it, the one I thought it was from, great flick.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Will check it out. Thanks.
I smell something... It smells like... hope. And BBQ.
by BlueNSilverBlood on Sep 3, 2011 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Bottoms Up!
"We were going to go out to Valley Ranch and use it as an opportunity to get back out in the heat and work, and I open up the curtains this morning very early and all of a sudden it was 68 and raining," Garrett said. "I said to the players, 'How big was the group prayer last night?' -Jason Garrett
by TruBluToTheCore on Sep 3, 2011 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Call me optimistic...
but I’m going with The season of 6blings!
muchisimas gracias, pc
BTW, I have that blog name all locked up in case anyone was getting any ideas…
:-)
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Big picture Terry,
this is about the franchises future direction ,not one player .
how this all works out is the question,Romo -Ware-Witten etc might not see the journey’s end.
so do you see the big picture or just one players ( ie) the one on your’e wall?.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Sep 2, 2011 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions
It's the same Year of Romo every year
Look back to other posts. :-)
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
that has a nice ring to it lol
"A mind focused on doubt and fear cannot focus on the journey to victory."
Terry, you should write a Decade of Romo post
A sort of homage to him.
I’d love to read it.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
well done...enjoyed the post.
you seem like one of the true fans that is able to separate himself from the homerism…and that i can appreciate. keep on keepn it real.
Go Cowboys!
I just have an opinion that is no better or worse than anyone else's
Okay, between you and me, I believe mine IS better, but…well. you get it.
:-)
Thanks for reading and even more so for commenting.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Season of Resurrection.
People who are brought back from a “long” period of death will often have a new outlook and alter their lifestyle. They have to learn from others’ influences that would not have otherwise been considered, and it takes some trial and error. In the end, though, they end up as changed beings.
While I’m pretty sure you did not intend it in a religious sense, I love to learn about religions, so resurrection fits well with your trinity and ai’s butterfly themes.
I smell something... It smells like... hope. And BBQ.
by BlueNSilverBlood on Sep 3, 2011 4:01 AM CDT reply actions
You'd crucify a butterfly?
Seriously, though, I don’t see our season going that wrong under the worst circumstances… I would like to think that even if we lost a ton of starters, JG could find the guys who wanted to play.
I smell something... It smells like... hope. And BBQ.
by BlueNSilverBlood on Sep 3, 2011 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t. Prefer living things pursuing their nature. Not all humans do. I say “do unto others”, but they have and will again, so that won’t stop ’em.
Crucifiction just fit so many ways. Resurrection, trinity, death, trial, error(?), religion, butterflies, human nature, fans…
I don’t see things going that wrong either. It’d be a lynching, at worst.
Cry 'Havoc!'
It’d be a lynching, at worst.
LOL, as long as Jerry feels the first pitch fork :)
I smell something... It smells like... hope. And BBQ.
by BlueNSilverBlood on Sep 3, 2011 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions
So many themes
So little time. Another epic 5Blings production – destined to earning multiples of 100’s in the Comments Section.
We didn’t know it at the time, but last season was The Perfect Storm. Consider:
- WP’s management/ lack of management style
- JJ’s normally fever-pitched hyperbole machine on testosterone-steroid overdrive with the ‘homefield SB.’
Which gave us – The PreSeason that Didn’t Count yielding The Season from Hell.
Whether I drank the Kool-Aid or not, I was not expecting that. Romo’s loss was just the cherry on top of that particular crap sundae – Joe Montana in his prime could not have salvaged that season. Honestly, behind that OL, it was just a matter of time, ironic that it was a FB, now former who committed the gaffe. Testament to JG’s playcalling and TR’s pocket wizardry it didn’t happen sooner.
Hopefully this will put the ‘OC scheming to Get His Bosses Job’ conspiracies to rest. Even with the dysfunction Jerry brought and Wade acceded to, no underling could successfully pull off, in full view no less, what that would have required.
The best bosses I’ve ever had in business did 3 things: 1) Articulated a vision of what success looks like, 2) provided the resources to achieve it and 3) got the hell out of the way. JJ does the first too well, the 2nd OK(Not as much of late) and the last Not At All. That said, he seems to be constraining his lesser angels and that can only be seen as progress. The occasional free-association brain dump in front of the nearest microphone the last 2 days notwithstanding. He just can’t help himself, especially y now that he’s holding back.
As to The Trinity – believe I noted Stephen’s hand all the way back to the TO departure and am grateful for his more ‘sober’ approach to things. And yet, there are rumbles of distant thunder(insert Something Wicked This Way Comes ref for Tan here). The dalliance with the PHL CB Who Shall Not Be Named, with the remaining members of the Trinity signing off has Shiny Toys redux written all over it. Draft picks #2 and 3 from April seemed, at the time, more ‘Smartest Guy in the Room-ish’ than I liked. Although I am coming around. And the flirtation with trading up to get Ingram, an attempt to catch more lightning in a bottle with Emmitt redux?
Above all this stands the RHG, now armed with an OL he doesn’t have to scheme around. That alone will lower my spirits intake on Sundays And raise my hope. And although the D, and therefore the team is likely a year away, I love the RR hire. Not so much the individual, but that Garrett was so taken with Ryan’s passion and football know-how. The fact that as an ultimate authority, he embraces the organizational dynamics of having an X factor as a key aide is a bonus.
As always, well done. Let the games begin
PS – love the Riley-esqe reserving of the next iteration on your name. Trademark/copyright next ?
Wine - the way classy people get wasted
by tdships on Sep 3, 2011 11:44 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
This is is so true of great LEADERS;
The best bosses I’ve ever had in business did 3 things: 1) Articulated a vision of what success looks like, 2) provided the resources to achieve it and 3) got the hell out of the way.
Unfortunately, when your boss is a self-made billionaire, it’s not likely he’ll immediately pull a character reversal without something emotional. It’s seldom something like a failed season or something external. These deeply embedded, dogmatic beliefs in one’s self are hard to dislodge. WW made a fantastic comment about his son and how somehow, his teenager held a different kind of sway with him. I believe Stephen Jones to be the true catalyst in what I see taking place. Again, just my view of the landscape.
I do worry, however about the notion that the O-line is suddenly going to become a strength of ours. Building (and rebuilding) O-lines is a tricky business itself.
I also don’t for a moment believe that Jason holds more than a high level of persuasion right about now. One thing I know about people like Jerry, because in some way we share this fatal flaw, we tend not to want to give up the final say-so.
As for the moniker, let’s just call that my way of keeping the home fires burning. I don’t know when, but I know I’ll see Dallas bring home more blings.
Thanks again for reading and taking time to get into the dialogue. I value your opinion.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Ack!
That was meant as a reply (fail) for you, tdships.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
And I your feedback and insight
And Tan his irreverent fandom
This is why I come here – the incredable knowledge and passion for this obsession we all share. with a bunch of goofiness for good measure. And I value the newbies, but its almost gotten to the point I can’t absorb it all. But I’ll keep trying
Wine - the way classy people get wasted
Got goofy covered.
No, I didn’t go all sick Vick on ya, just recalled an old Nat’l Lampoon cover.
Irreverent? Ya know, I mighta just been insul…
Cry 'Havoc!'
Tan - epic reference
very 1st Nat Lamp I ever read. Hooked me completely
Wine - the way classy people get wasted
What'd'ya think I make this stuff up?
Hell no, the world serves it up on a silver platter like a baptist’s John’s head. Wait, that didn’t sound…
Cry 'Havoc!'
Yes, I worry that we've become a volume blog at times
I think the idea of posting and posting and posting until the typo’s and the rec’s for rec’s sake makes me wonder what the future holds.
I wrote a post about this not long ago but I think the main theme was lost in translation.
Maybe a redux with a different spin, but I share your concerns about trying to take it all in.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Ooooohhh-oooooohhh, can I please pull one of your rec recommendations...
… outta context from it? Please? I’ll even quote ya, all nice and blocky-like.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Yo check this out.
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2011/9/3/2403097/bigham-madden12-video#comments
Residing on the BEast coast.
Ummm...
It’s a, perhaps the, definition of leadership in a technical, or non-inspirational, context. That is to say, with respect to the techniques and processes of leadership, those things which may be taught and aquired, not which are inherent in the individual.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Whereas, I preceive Stephen as more the chemist than the catalyst.
Which, assuming that’s valid, may bode well for post-JJ times, should the franchise become Halas-like, Mara-like. Then we can broaden beyond generational wealth to generational planning.
Ahhh, if only assumption wasn’t so erroneous.
Cry 'Havoc!'
...but it is interesting that we know so little about Stephen
Surely worthy of an expose on BTB by one of the FPW’s, no?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Shhh...
No. Leave Dr Frankenstein alone in his lab, Luthor in his lair. Fame and fortune seem to engender hubric difficulties in that gene pool. Let’s await evidence it’s not a flaw in him or his character before turning him over to those hacks ne’er-do-wells pencil-pushing, oh excuse me, button-pushing dweebs our esteemed colleagues. That we’re dealing with the Doctor and not his creation. Notice how nicely I corrected myself, in case they he’s any of ‘em are watching. Whew! Almost broke the 11th Commandment. Last thing I need’s their wrath. Gettin’ enough flak lately. Like bombing run over das Reichskapital intense.
Cry 'Havoc!'
pssst, down here, Blings. What we gotta do is get someone on the inside, a deep cover operative, up close and personal like this. Get the real scoop, then, if it all starts going awry again, either use the info for good, for influence to correct the misbehavior, or we sacrifice the insider and take ’em all out.
Then again, the expose idea, maybe it’ll keep ‘em on the straight-and-narrow with less effort, less possibility of bloodshed. Maybe just ’cuz I’m to lazy to run with it and you sound like you don’t care to, it’s a shame nobody figures the concept and angle are worth the effort. Think of it, the devil angle, Fire and Brimstone, that tempset piecea crap, the Wholly Unholey Trinty, the book and movie rights tie-ins, marketing on a Jerry-mangling scale, it’s all there. Ripe and waiting to be phcuked plucked. Ahhh, imagine it, our names up in lights, sharing a by-lined credit with the BTB high-holies (some dip into Dalai’s stash, I hear). What mighta been, eh. Real “Top of the world, Ma” kinda stuff. Oh well, guess it just ain’t meant to be, either way…
Unless we find a (suicidal?) volunteer for what’s behind door #1.
Cry 'Havoc!'
There are still a ton of On-Field issues that need to play out here
Garrett has taken some pretty…pretty…pretty……pretty…big risks changing out 60% of his O-line. To make matters worse, none of the substitutes is a proven commodity.
Behind them stands (or…maybe lies) our $67 million dollar QB.
If Romo takes a beating because this O-line isn’t ready, how long before people bemoan the loss of Gurode?
I watched every pass Romo threw (21 of them) in that minnesota game and I was not pleased at all. the offense still looks to lean too heavily to a dink and dunk mentality and Romo’s downfield throws had erratic ball placement. It’s the little things that worry me. The smoke route to Dez that is high and lets the CB have a great shot at hitting him square in the chest. The inability to get throws off of more than 7 yards in the air. I think the predictability of the offense without the deeper routes could be their undoing. Then again, maybe they’re just saving it for the live fire situations.
On defense, the CB spot looks like a disaster, although I like Ball there better than at FS, and the safeties don’t give me a lot to feel great about, especially when Bernard Berrian is hauling in bombs from McInjury. Really?
But what really makes me mad is that this team did NOTHING to upgrade the DE spot in the offseason. That one is inexcusable.
You can’t land fill every hole in a single offseason, but did this team do enough to give the idea of the Trinity some breathing room?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
I think they did.
I would ask you, do you really feel like they are going to fail?
If anyone is going to look like a donkey to the average fan this year, it is going to be Rob. IMO, if the D fails, it is due to a lack of talent. This was a very offense-centric offseason, as you mentioned, we could have done Rob a few more favors, especially considering our cap room.
Still, our offense should be near the top of the historical charts, and I don’t think our D is that weak to cost us a lot of games. I have the same concerns. Romo throws high on crossing routes, Garrett is predictable (have become mantras,) but we simply have too many viable weapons to stop. Plus we have solid run-and-pass blocking TEs to save our young line’s bacon.
We should hold it together long enough for the D to meld.
I smell something... It smells like... hope. And BBQ.
by BlueNSilverBlood on Sep 4, 2011 7:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Our offense
It’s always interesting to me how we view it.
So let me throw it out there. How should we evaluate our offense? What stats should we use? Yardage? Points? Some new ANYPC/ANYPA*INT %/2*Points scored? (I’m joking…not even sure what I just typed)
Kindablue made a good argument around efficiency that moved me.
But how should we, both historically and going forward, view our offense if we’re to say they are better than that of our rivals?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Assuming they were wholly disjointed and could be forklifted from team to team...
whose would be the first one picked in a draft?
You have to think offenses like NO, GB, NE, and SD would be ones that would be picked before ours, but on what basis?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
"on what basis?"
Precisely the point. “Better” is bandied about so frequently, is a subjective assessment and requires the “on what basis” criteria to be defined to determine “who’s better”. You nailed it. In a trinity of words. Wholly.
And precisely why I harp on the point and have been since the first time it came up. Because I knew you could answer the question. Finally. Went through fire and brimstone to get it outta ya.
Yep, given those conditions, the ones you list would (may?) be taken before ours in a plug-and-play draft, coming into this season.They’d still be part of a team with our D/ST. And our O, well, if it clicks, plays to it’s potential, has the proper scheme and doesn’t implode through TOism or anything of the like, but plays ball, then it could display it’s talent. As starters, they do have it, the tools to effectively match up with any D. Granted OL’s a work in progress, but could gel and be efffective as early as end of 1st Qtr, perhaps mid-season. Other than depth, wouldn’t many (most?) look at our O’s roster enviously? Even considering depth, sure OL/wideouts we need some work, but overall, not too shabby, no? Teams’ve done more with less. Which is my difficulty with this bunch, has been, wil be, till they quit goofing off. I’m watching with great interest, just how it may evolve now that the suborned and interim coaching phases are done, even with the Great Suckitude being a hindrance, just what may evolve over this season and the next 1 or 2. I’m thinking this and next, in terms of revealing the true nature of JG’s offensive philosophy. We may just join that group, be mentioned in the “desired” class.
It’s in the doing now. Walking time. Rather, playing time. Game time. Got it? Or not?
Cry 'Havoc!'
Are those yours and in order? And which, ascending or descending?
What’s the basis? W’s?
Cry 'Havoc!'
How's saying they're not mine either that?
Now who sounds like your ex-gf’s? Need I quote ya, point ya to the source, anything of the sort?
Cry 'Havoc!'
Good Lord!
Do you have a photographic memory?
Now I have to watch what I type!!!
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Just tan'll do
Picture’s fuzzy. Maybe ’cuz us mouth-breathers 2-finger typers are near-sighted. Or far.
Nope, so long as you’ll stand by it. Or speak that trinty of admission words if called to task and shown the error of your ways. You know them, “I was wro…”
Cry 'Havoc!'
Dink and dunk...
… may yet fit into a more complex strategy offensively than we’ve witnessed to this point from JG. Only having gotten the Sunday nighter, seeing whether Romo’s unrusted, timing’s tuned between players, all that, it’s an unknown for me and pretty nebulous much of the time this early. The erratic placement, hopefully rust-attributable, perhaps influenced by a subconscious “it’s preseason” edge-not-being-there, will be disconcerting if it’s significantly evidenced Sept 11th onwards. Likewise with the deep ball, not only because it’d blow a thought (suspicion?) outta the water and put me back to square 1.
Corners, this non-pre-season of the primaries is more a not-see than a “see, we’ll be ok” and keeps the starting DB’s from getting attuned as a unit. Helps out on the nickel/dime/whole-pile-of-change (there ya go, Rob, one for you) formations, but leaves the tuning of the starting unit into the early season. Undesirable, potential concern, perhaps even detrimental to the team (nobody likes getting beaten, play or game, right?), but the challenge’ll just have to be dealt with.
DE may be addition-through-subtraction case, or given the Bowen thing, a wash. I’d say status quo, but the changes there make it inaccurate. And, with RR’s scheming, who knows, it may not be as maddening as you think, for now. Don’t get mad. Get even.
Besides, ya gotta look for the little things, the subtle clues, like…
Jerry’s halo. A reward for trying to change, for giving it a shot? Maybe a sign Mephistopheles hasn’t won quite yet.
Hell, there’s even a wee one tilted slightly askew, which suits. For each of us, a jaunty tilt to the bent halos we all have.
Sure looks to me like a sign the Trinity’s on the right track. Maybe the stairway to heaven. (yeah, old zed-heads never die and yeah, it’s zed, not zee) To the heavens. To the Star.
So, all in all…
The Jets will be at the New Meadowlands Stadium MetLife Stadium on at 8:20pm on Sunday, September 11, 2011.
Let’s roll. (Thank you, Flight 93. Bless ya (and I ain’t a religious type). Cowboys, Americans, Human beings, each and every one.)
Cry 'Havoc!'
You and your WCO affinities
I love it!
I see JG as being more a Zampese disciple, but the results with Romo at QB SINCE he was told to take better care of the ball has led to much more short passing than I care for, especially because of who we have playing WR for this team. If we can’t threaten teams deep with Miles and Dez, and make teams pay for having safeties cheat up, then no one can.
Dink and dunk won’t get this team longer drives, better field position and, most important, more points.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Ahhh, but which WCO? That is the question.
You think it’s only because of JJ/SJ/JG that I like your Season of the Trinity moniker?
Cry 'Havoc!'
No, your onion always has more layers to peel back than the average joe's...
So, care to elaborate on what kind of offense you suspect could be brewing here?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
No more than yours, if so
None, from in here. All out there in one layer, just waiting for the foolish rambling to be understood. Unlike yours, which’s forthrightly stated, probingly and curiously quizzical in admirably eliciting the perspectives of others. Tomato, tomatoe.
Anyways, thanks for the compliment. While the subject intrigues me greatly and going over it for time to come will be a pleasure if you can stand the pain, to the point I see I was wrong, the short and simple for now would be to say that I suspect the various claims and definitions of “Air Garrett” are close to, though not quite on, target. The spirit of the matter seems more fundamentally complex than has been elaborated by many of our colleagues here. Even elsewhere. And I choose those two words, fundamental and complex, carefully. Used both individually and together.
It’s not a short, simple topic. So many levels, so many nuances, details, etc. Bud, we’ll be at it as things develop for, I suspect, this season, perhaps next. There’s something of a non-tactically discussed, general underpining in the spirits I think may underlay Garrett’s offensive philosophy. The specifics, the actual plays, formations and such, they’re going to be subject to his tweakings (as variants, by their very nature, are). The “feel” or broader philosophy, while not as paradigm-shifting as it’s underpining, seems to me to blend the wholly spirit of the league’s most misnomered offensive acronym.
For now, considering Garrett Can Win as a working acronym for his variant, subject to doing it and my being closer to target than those I think missed it by that much. Why’d I just hear Don Adams.
Beauty is, even if he can’t, but I’m on target, it still fits. Just not quite to a ‘t, till it’s there.
What’ya think? Close? Or do I need a grenade?
Cry 'Havoc!'
In honor of that reference
One of my favorite characters of all time.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
btw, curious...
… think I should quit being so obtuse, general, maybe even hedgy about this and just come out and answer Blings’ question forthrightly, right or wrong?
Cry 'Havoc!'
Nah, he's having too much fun.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
You've alluded to it on more than a few occasions and us mouth breathers need some dumbed-down tanspeak
So yes, answer. I won’t hold your feet to the fire if wrong, but I will heap praise upon you if right.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Scorn, no praise
Even if the guess pans out. Didn’t want to pee in the pool, poison the research of others, so I obfuscated. Ok, plain and simple:
WCO (GCW variant) has a closer philosophical similarity, offensively, to Gillman’s base early-to-mid 60’s Bolts than either or both of the primary variants thereof, those being Coryell’s and Walsh’s. While it’s only wise to incorporate from, learn from, tweak and such the refinements of those 2 offshoots, neither seems to be explanatory in themselves or in conjunction alone with what I suspect JG’s up to. Their source, moreso.
Let go of the moniker. Those that get bent outta shape over this WCO labelling are missing the point.
btw, GCW? If only someone’s asked “is the G for Garrett or Gillman?”. Both. Those other 2 should be a snap to figure out. Woulda slipped a Z in there, more than T, P, J or any other than those 3. Then again, you or anybody that looked to Garrett’s influences woulda seen that connection. That pesky 3 rears it’s ugly head yet again.
Should things pan out for me and my lunacy, may just resurrect the Texas Toast moniker I was sorta fond of.
Something about fixing the leaks provoked me. Maybe because… – no, definitely because…
So, I ask you… – and yes, with the same look… For that matter, who’s Bambi?
Ok, now since nobody reads my stuff and teaches me there, have at ’er, learn me some. Hammer time. Please.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Interesting
As Coryell’s version got the ball downfield much more than we’ve seen from Romo (Garrett). Walsh’s main contribution was the notion that the short pass was akin to a running play if executed properly.
Bambi?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
John Jefferson
…who made some of the most acrobatic catches of his era.
Hmmm…
I wonder how deep the copmparison goes.
Is Chuck Muncie the same kind of runner as Felix?
Is Miles the Charlie Joiner of the bunch?
Witten akin to Winslow (Sr. of course)?
Is Romo destined to see his career go like Dan Fouts’?
Their defense was suspect. Maybe DeMarcus is the modern-day version of Fred Dean (the first elephant).
Their O-line was average at best too.
Thoughts?
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
You're thinking
’80’s Bolts. Not quite suited to this squad, but if you maybe lose the focus, broaden the refinement targetting to another ‘80s squad, then peek back to early 60’s Bolts. End game’s a trinity year.
Soften the focus. Go general, then examine “interesting” details.
In order, hope not (once the coke was done, so was he); possibly; no, other than HoF-caliber; hope not, but possible.
One. one of my difficulties with the whole Coryell-only focus on this AG thing was (is?) the OL’s don’t match up. Therefore,…
At least you’re thinking about it. All I can ask or hope to provoke in someone else.
The Ghosts post should give you all the prelim clues you need.
Cry 'Havoc!'
btw, answer the question
Reiterated: What’ya think? Close? Or do I need a grenade?
It’s like pullin’ Terry-teeth with you sometimes. Except he vanishes, you just probe with questions from another vantage point.
Cry 'Havoc!'
In some cases, obfuscation I'll advised
…in others, de rigeur.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Should have said "ill" advised but the iPad has a ind of its own
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
The Year of The Defense That Surrenders 30 a Game, and the Offense That Scores 35
Love your post, Blings. I’m new to BTB and really appreciate your insight. Clearly not the average fan! I’m in awe, really.
I think this is the year the D leaks like crazy and the O lights it up. If that was the intention of the Trinity, so be it!
Every act of creation begins with an act of destruction. -- Picasso
by Transplanted Texan on Sep 4, 2011 8:49 PM CDT reply actions
Welcome aboard, TT
Said it before, I’ll say it again now: I’ll be happy with +16 points, evenly distributed over the regular season. I’ll be happier with +19 points, evenly distributed between now and (including) Feb 5, 2012.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Could be late bloomers?
I was stunned to read the other day that the Cowboys led the league in interceptions in the last 8 games of the 2010 season (15 picks). So maybe it will take Robowski’s D half a season to gel and then they become the shutdown defense of the NFC in the second half?
Anyway, thanks for the welcome. I love the depth of BTB and the friendliness of you guys.
Every act of creation begins with an act of destruction. -- Picasso
by Transplanted Texan on Sep 5, 2011 12:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Friendly... - till there's disageein'. Wouldn't ya agree?
What you say might yet be the case, though basing the supposition on 2010’s problematic. And on your original 35/30, I’d take it in a heartbeat. 4 pts to spare, game in, game out. Plus, your Picasso, suits.
Cry 'Havoc!'
You haven't yet seen BTB'ers during a game day thread when we lose
You may not think so highly of us then.
:-)
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
by the way Guys
I wad looking over Blings last “Season of _?” post…
I just want to give mad props to Mad Mick for nearly perfectly forecasting Dez’s production for last year….
Mad MIck forecast- 50 recs, 800yards 8 TD’s
Actual production- 45 rec’s 561 yards 6 TDs
that was a pretty good estimate….
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.
No offense to Mick, 'cuz I wouldn't want him Mad at me, or even just Mad
Was that based on 16 games, 12, 8, what? Forecast? Weather Whether sports or…
Reasoned estimation, insightful analysis, such things, not forecast. Hell, when I dare to, I call it wild-ass guessing.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Then again
Looking at the facts of the matter, “pretty good estimate”? Given the actual circumstances, the way it panned out, damn close, beyond “good”, more like scary… – eerie, even.
Cry 'Havoc!'
I'm sure Mick would say he PREDICTED the injury
:-)
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Good post
I don’t comment on here very often. I find most of the regular comment givers so insightful that I often don’t feel the need to add to it. Like standing in a crowded room and just listening to people talk. A person can learn a lot that way.
Anyway, this post called to my mind the biggest change I see in the cowboys under the Trinity — it is a philosophical change.
The pro-sports team that sits second to the cowboys in my world lives down I-35 in San Antonio — the Spurs. In my mind, they are perhaps the best run team in all of basketball. A Spurs blogger made the point that aside from the occasional mistake, the spurs always “solve for pattern” — that is, they don’t seek the quick fix for a problem, but look to the best solution for the team.
Find the full post here:
Rabble has touched on this in a number of his posts. The biggest philosophical shift that I see in this year’s Cowboys is this solving for pattern. The quick fix for the O line would have been to sign an aging and declining vet. Instead we’re going with two rookie starters and a second year guy. They might take their lumps, but they fit what is best for TEAM. The quick fix for the defense would have been to sign a few “name” free agents. Instead we made some smaller signings and will let RR build the defense in his image (not literally), again, what is best for TEAM. In short, solving for pattern looks at the big picture — not just this season, but the next 3-4 seasons and takes into account Salary Cap, youngsters, progress, and where the core of the team will be at that point and not just today.
solving for pattern doesn’t win you the annual Washington Redskins Champions of Free Agency Award, but it is perhaps the biggest key to long term organizational success.
Look back on the past 5-6 years (including the WP era and the last year of the Parcells era). We saw the quick fix entering the equation — TO, RW, etc.
I’m glad to see the trinity operating in an entirely different fashion, and that has me excited about the cowboys more than any other time in recent history
by WA_Cowboy on Sep 5, 2011 3:30 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Thank you very much
Well articulated post, linked reading and pdf. Recommended reading, and I thank you for doing so.
And I agree with your assessment: The biggest philosophical shift that I see in this year’s Cowboys is this solving for pattern.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Thanks
I’d ask you to rethink the idea of seldom commenting, not just because you seem to do it eloquently, but because writers only know they have readers through comments like yours. So lend your voice to the cacophony of others in that crowded room. It adds a great deal to the experience of all the participants.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Plus, to second Blings' "seldom" point,
We could benefit from your balancing out some’s obfuscation and some’s avoidance with some good old-fashioned sharing and forthright clarity of thought.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Methinks he doth type like a swordsman...parrying and thrusting against his overmatched counterpart
Uncle!
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
A mere feint?
You deem me to be a gullible innocent, one susceptible to your foiling my intent? Your side-step in riposte up a ways betrays you (what was that “issue” old gf’s had with you?). Uncle your en garde?
Fool me once (ok, 2, 3, more…) shame on you, fool me…
Cry 'Havoc!'
Gullible? Hardly
As for the issues they had with me, too many to recount and none worthy of my time. Despite my idiosyncracies, they seldom gave up the chase. Truth be told, I get bored easily…probably an ADD thing.
However, all feedback can be useful in some way. :-)
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Sure can. Is, in fact. For some.
Though they, their “issues” and ‘all feedback" were, are and ever-will-be worthy of your Time, even time. This you know, as well as I. From experience. How else’d you understand you. Or me. Or we, in the broadest sense.
Regarding “seldom”, natch. Many find the Snark, like the elusive snipe, irresisitble prey, not always grasping it’s the Jabberwock’s lair they seek. Pursuers are smart. Trick’s staying one step ahead.
Now, about those O’s, their ordering, ranking, the basis and yours (and mine) respective calls…
En garde.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Even though you were asked first, I'll succumb to your pressures
Green Bay’s offense hasn’t peaked yet and I think they are the best in the category. However, close behind them is the Chargers, whose triggerman may just elevate himself into that ‘Top 3’ category this year. And in the Show position, The Pats horse wins by a body length. After that, I see a jumble of Houston, Atlanta, New Orleans, Indy and Philadelphia. Plus, I just think Sam Bradford is fantastic. He could propel the Rams into that group if his receivers show up big.
Can Dallas crack that top group? Yes, if they play the way they did last year under Kitna. No, if they play the way they did under Romo.
Your turn.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Succumb? Pressure?
You reveal only that which you chose to, not from any pressure, real or imagined.
Flipped, I’d take NO out of the jumble plus be leary of Indy being there unless Peyton’s at the helm (they got a world of hurt awaiting them when his day’s done, unless they find a pivot to learn from the master, soon). Given a healthy, protected Stafford, can Detriot crack that group? And though Philly’s there, for now, played properly they get punted from the jumble, maybe this year. Need to look at their schedule to see if the coaching brights and talent are in their opposition to do it, but with the NFC Beast battles being what they are, I’d say a fair chance. Only needs 3-4 other squads that have them figured plus someone reverting to form and they’re in trouble. Even if he doesn’t, just play the man right. He’ll show his flaws. Show’d be neck-and-neck NE/GB, winner decided by coaching as much as squad. NO/SD in a run to the finish with Bolts breaking loose after the final turn. Very interested to see NO’s changes. Interesting you have your eye on Bradford too. Of the young guns, that’s an intriguing situation developing in Rams country. Wary eyes in case we see a 70’s rival re-emerge just as we do, if we do.
On the Kitna/Romo thing, iHope the sit-down “seasoned” Tony some, refined his perspective, was a healthy “break” from being “the guy”. If so, and this OL thing pans out, maybe JG’ll reveal more of what I need to see.
Cry 'Havoc!'
btw, c’mon, you didn’t like the Snark hunt allegory for the whole gf thing? Doubt it too complex a blending for a star bright fella like you.
Cry 'Havoc!'
Lewis Carroll's not for mouth breathers such as I
…however, I much prefer the bandersnatch when referring to my exes.
Not sure why but it seems more apropos.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
You're sure.
I’d wager it’s for no one reason and not solely related to them.
You do realize I’m a mouth breather, yes?
Cry 'Havoc!'
Thanks
And I’ll try to comment more often.
Jump in anywhere, anytime
And seriously, thanks for the reads. Precisely the kind of articulation that is, as stated elsewhere, a thing you knew inside but when you read or hear it, you say “i knew that”, but it puts the proper wording to it. Those articles, your obvious grasp of team and the “whole”, that full context perspective, you bear watching. Welcome.
Cry 'Havoc!'
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