In With A Bang, Out With A Whimper
It's no secret to my friends (most of the readers of this blog) that I am NOT a Cowboys fan. I take a certain amount of pleasure in seeing them lose, not because I particularly dislike the team, but because most Cowboy fans are arrogant and believe they are entitled to NFL success.
That said, I was looking forward to the game today (Dec 28) between the Cowboys and Eagles. It should be noted that I don't particularly like the Eagles either. Again, not because of any of their players, but because their fans are the worst fans in the world. How do you cheer when an opposing team's player is lying motionless on your turf because he might be paralyzed. How can anyone cheer for or hope for an injury for any opposing player? Not only is it bad form, but it also is an admission of your own inferiority. It is an admission that you cannot win against the other team's best and it also leaves any victory your team achieves rather empty.
... but I digress.
I did not enjoy the game today despite the Dallas loss and the ability for me to razz my friends that call themselves Cowboy fans. The game was horrible. It was a blowout of epic proportions... Dallas embarrassed themselves. This was suppose to be a team, coming off a 13-3 season, that would contend for a Superbowl. Sure they were upset in the first round of last years playoffs, but they weren't the first team to ever do that, and certainly won't be the last. Besides, it is from games like their playoff loss to the Giants last year that teams grow and learn. It is games like that where seasoned veterans are borne. Two years ago, San Diego was primed for a deep playoff run with a 14-2 record only to be upset by New England in their first round. What did they do the next year.... stumble out of the gate, with an entirely new coaching staff, but end the season on a high and made it to the AFC championship game this time.... They showed a lot of heart and perseverance.
The Cowboys are showing that despite their incredible collection of talent, they are not a team. They have no heart. When faced with adversity they shrivel and fade instead of fighting. They had every opportunity to close on teams with just a few weeks to go and just like they've done for the last eight years, they choked. I don't know what is in store for the coaching staff. But I believe they are NOT the problem. I think Jerry Jones must do a different kind of math to get a mix of players that will take him where he wants to go.... He needs a little addition by subtraction. Get rid of the guys are are looking out for themselves and keep the guys who will all pull together. Terrell Owens should go... he's a great teammate when the team is winning, but when there is some adversity he starts dividing the team. Pac-Man Jones should go... he's proven that, not only is he a child who learned nothing from his time on suspension, but he isn't worth the money or the time. He just isn't that good. Roy Williams (the Safety) cannot cover to save his life and stopped making the big hits about three years ago. And when he is asked about some of the mistakes he makes during a game, he lashes out the media.
Of course, the real problem is Jerry Jones' ego. He bought the team and installed a strong personality to run his team in Jimmy Johnson. It was a great move and together they built some of the greatest teams ever. But both men's egos got in the way and Johnson left. Jerry would then install coaches he could clearly control after that. Sure Barry Switzer won a Superbowl for Jerry, but it was the team that Jimmy built and left in place. After that, a series of coaches who enjoyed a modicum of success, rarely making the playoffs and when they did, losing. When the players were in control... when things went awry, they knew they didn't have to answer to a toothless coach because Jerry was in control. Then along came Bill Parcells, who demanded respect because of his personality and past success. There was no way around Parcells for the players and he built some successful teams. Any success the Cowboys are now enjoying is the direct result of Parcells' involvement in the club. But he is gone and Jones is left to his old ways where HE is in control instead of the coaches. Until that changes, the Cowboys will never win another Superbowl.
