How do you build on a beatdown? A lesson from Tom Landry

I've learned that something constructive comes from every defeat. - Tom Landry

The challenge before Jason Garrett and his coaching staff is to find that positive and take from it the lessons the Dallas Cowboys must learn to become champions.

It has been a long time since a Dallas squad was handled the way the Denver Broncos handled them on Sunday afternoon, and the remainder of the season will be impacted by how they respond.

Let’s face it, Dallas was a damned good team last season, and they knew it.

They had something happen to them that they really didn't deal with in 2016. They were humbled. They felt they might be the best team in the NFL and while they can still contend all year, this one will knock them off their high horse and that might actually be a good thing. Keep hungry and respond to this and you can be fine. But, now the Dak and Zeke Cowboys know that they can be pounded like anyone else after this performance.

A lesson was needed and it was delivered via Trevor Siemian and the Denver Broncos.

Let’s look at Bob Sturm’s final words:

...the Dak and Zeke Cowboys know that they can be pounded like anyone else after this performance.

Not only did Dallas learn they were mortal just like everyone else in the league, it came at the hands of a quarterback who should not shred any defense for four touchdowns. The words ‘any given Sunday’ held true over the weekend. The Denver defense should have been and was tough, but while the defense held Dallas by the nose the offense delivered a boot to their rear end.

Nothing is ever given for free in this league and what is earned is also often taken away from those who do not earn it week after week.

I am not saying the Cowboys were entitled, or felt they were, I am saying that you have to come out each week and take what you want. The Dallas Cowboys did not do that. The team that took the field in Denver looked like they believed they had the upper hand and did not need to prove it.

Success will cause you to feel that way; the challenge is to eliminate that feeling. That is what Jason Garrett and his assistants will face this week.

The loss is in the record books; now is the time to put the lesson into play.

Back to square one, play every snap of the game like it is the last snap of your live and leave everything on the field. Know that you can be beaten and refuse to let it happen.

If Dallas can learn from this humiliation then it was a ‘good’ loss.

When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn. - Tom Landry

The task before the Cowboys is to do both.