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Well, wasn't that an exhilarating weekend, watching teams fight it out for a chance to move on to the NFL's version of the Elite 8. Knowing that we have a highly rated, 14th overall selection was much more fulfilling than having the chance to watch Dallas fight it out with a Falcons team that managed to score zero offensive points.
Of course, I'm playfully jabbing at those members of the Cowboys kingdom that want to see the team do as badly as possible until they are fielding a Super Bowl contender. The truth that we all know is that Dallas has to make changes in several areas. They appear to be starting that transition.
What was rumored over the weekend appears to now be reality. Longtime assistant and former head honcho, secondary coach Dave Campo will not be returning to the organization in 2012. Jason Garrett tried to replace Campo with Ray Horton going into last season, but Horton took a higher profile gig as the defensive coordinator in Arizona (not to mention a bite out of Dallas' playoff hopes).
The rest of the Cowboys' defensive coaching staff is expected to remain intact, sources said. - ESPN
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Tony Romo-led Comeback Up for Award
Remember way back in Week 2, when an 0-1 Cowboys team was trailing by double-digits against the sorry, moribund San Francisco 49ers? Fans saw the 2011 season slipping away when Tony Romo was injured on a crushing first-half hit and was replaced by Jon Kitna. Well, Romo returned from the locker room at halftime, clearly less than 100% (closer to 50%), and led the Cowboys on an epic comeback and overtime victory. That performance is in contention for The GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year, an award that will be handed out the night before the Super Bowl.
Of course, that would end up being the only victory Dallas could amass over a team with a winning record.
You can vote for your favorite Never Say Never moment here.
Kevin Ogletree's Brother Shot in NYC | NBC DFW
Somber news, Calvin is in critical condition.
Two Former Cowboys Up For Hall Of Fame | Yahoo! Sports
Earlier this year, Jerry Jones inducted three former Cowboys into the vaunted Ring Of Honor: Drew Pearson, Larry Allen and Charles Haley. Haley is now up for consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Here's what I wrote over the summer on Haley:
Charles Haley is a five time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro. He came over to Dallas in 1992,[correction] via trade, after spending his first six seasons in San Francisco. Haley was an instrumental part to the 49ers back to back championships, including a remarkable 1990 season (16 sacks, 20 AV). When he arrived in Dallas, he provided enough craziness in the defensive huddle to match Michael Irvin a couple times over. Jimmy Johnson's defense featured a constant rotating of linemen, keeping Haley fresh for late game heroics.
Haley's best season in Dallas actually was the non-championship campaign sandwiched in between three Lombardis. In the 1994 campaign, he notched 12.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception; earning a 16 AV. Earlier this summer, he was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame for his time spent at James Madison University.
Also up for nomination is the man that gets credit (blame?) for bringing the 3-4 defense to Dallas. Head Coach and press conference king, Bill Parcells. Remember when we all used to tune into The Mothership daily to catch Parcells' live pressers? Those were the days. Parcells has two Super Bowl titles, both with the Giants, and has also coached the Jets and Patriots in addition to the four years he spent in Dallas. He was 34-30 with no playoff victories while in Big D.
Good luck to both of these gentlemen.
End Of Season Team Rankings | Advanced NFL Stats
Dallas was the second best team to not make the playoffs, ranking 11th.