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2010-2011 Regular Season: Bears Bite Boys
In Bum, Err, Wade
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- September 21,
2010
At 10:30 PM CST
By Eric M. Scharf
The Dallas Cowboys – from all appearances – have completely bought
into the hype, have underestimated two straight opponents, and are
not yet mature enough to correct mistakes during the games in which
they occur.
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- The Chicago Bears – banged up and
short on quality personnel – played their brains out, making
adjustments (in play-calling and in performance) all game long in
order to give themselves the best chance to win . . . and win they
did.
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- Martz made the most of his offense,
and Lovie laid his defense on just thick enough.
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- Garrett gouged his offensive guys
with a garish game plan, and Wade wondered what went wrong with his
wildly successful first quarter defensive front.
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- The Cowboys had all their personnel,
had a plan, and performed poorly . . . again.
Do Not Believe The Hype
It is a simple enough phrase.
“Do not believe the hype.”
Most people – fans, prognosticators, coaches, and players – seem to
understand the not so hidden meaning of this phrase.
Understanding, however, is where the split ends begin to show.
Everyone outside the Dallas Cowboys organization has the eternal
right to get as excited as they wish about the natural talent and
great potential the team possesses.
Everyone outside the Dallas Cowboys organization has the eternal
right to believe the hype, but why would they believe it without
having witnessed consistent and substantial proof? Even deaf, dumb,
and blind homers would know the difference . . . or would they?
Everyone within the Dallas Cowboys organization has the eternal
right to have self-confidence in what can potentially be achieved
through natural talent, the desire to follow a carefully-designed
game plan, and the sheer will of force to execute that game plan as
accurately as possible.
Everyone within the Dallas Cowboys organization has the eternal
right to believe the hype, but why would they believe it without
having delivered consistent and substantial proof? Even green and
inexperienced rookies would know the difference . . . or would they?
Most people – fans, prognosticators, coaches, and players – should
believe what they see . . . not what they hope to see or what they
want to see.
The entire Dallas Cowboys organization has not a professional pot to
piss in until the 2010 team shows consistent and substantial proof
that they know how to put their considerable natural talent to good
and regular use.
Potential is unrealized. Proof is realized. Proof is the truth.
Proof instantly validates or invalidates everything being said about
you.
“Do not believe the hype . . . until proof is realized that
potential has been fulfilled.”
You Are What You Are
The shadow of Bill Parcells continues to linger throughout Valley
Ranch.
Fans may be unsure if the Big Tuna originally coined the phrase “you
are what you are,” but – for the sake of simplicity – let us say he
did.
Never did a phrase ring more true than when it is being applied to a
group of people who cannot seem to stand the idea of prolonged
success . . . even if it is just from game to game.
The 2010 Dallas Cowboys may just be exactly what they are: a group
of mostly talented individuals who struggle to perform as a team,
perform well, and perform well on a regular basis.
There is no shame in coming to terms with what you are, as admitting
your limitations – no matter how deep and wide-ranging they may be –
is the first step towards overcoming those limitations.
The Cowboys – for a privately owned entity – are monitored the world
over on a daily basis, so admitting their limitations is bound to be
even more ego bruising for some and downright painful for others.
The Cowboys' coaching staff – since 2007 – have been reactionary and
rarely proactive.
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- Fans are more than familiar with the
entire coaching staff – especially Dave Campo, who is on his second
tour of duty with the team.
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- It is important to understand that
Cowboys fans expect a far more demonstrative leadership than what
has been displayed over the past four years. Fans have been
spoiled, you say? Fans are simply being practical. They
have seen what works and what does not – whether for just a game or
for an entire season.
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- Fans expect to see Bill Parcells
using his piercing blue eyes to send an ice cold death shot
straight through one of his clearly and dearly mistaken players.
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- Fans expect to see Jimmy Johnson
tell anyone off at anytime – or cutting an oblivious backup running
back – if it meant getting everyone's complete attention for the
rest of the season and moving forward into the playoffs.
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- Fans expect to see Tom Landry take a
swipe at his quarterback's chinstrap for having the gall to defend an
indefensible mistake.
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- Fans have little interest in hearing
Wade Phillips say "ah, shucks" for the umpteenth time or hearing
next to nothing from Jason Garrett.
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- Fans care not what your
communication / disciplinary style is coming into the Cowboys
organization. Fans are used to a certain level of coach /
player interaction, and when a different style is being used – with
little to no effect – there is no place for that coach to hide with
the expectant eyes of Texas upon them.
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- Fans expect a successful
communication / disciplinary style and if not, they expect a change
to that style and if not, they expect a change at the coaching
position, but sometimes – regardless of fan
expectation – you are what you are.
The Cowboys' on-field leaders – since 2007 – have used that
reactionary approach as an excuse to avoid taking proactive measures
– at least publicly – with themselves, their teammates, and their
coaches. Emotional pre-game speeches – the last time I checked –
only occur before the game.
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- The Cowboys' offensive team captains
are Tony Romo, Jason Witten, and Marion Barber – and fans have
expectations of their offensive leaders.
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- It is rather obvious to anyone who
follows the Cowboys that Romo, Witten, and Barber make every effort
to perform at their highest level in every game they play. It is
also rather obvious that Romo, Witten, and Barber provide the least
visible leadership to the team.
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- Fans expect to see Michael Irvin
publicly challenging his teammates – even screaming at them – on the
sideline of each game, whether winning or losing.
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- People expect to see Troy Aikman
yell at Emmitt Smith – yes, THE Emmitt Smith – on their way to the
sideline after a play in which Emmitt did not pick up his blocking
assignment.
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- Fans expect to see Danny White
jumping all over a Redskins defender towards the end of an
improbable win – late in what turned out to be a horrible 3-13
season.
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- The Cowboys' defensive team captains
are Bradie James, DeMarcus Ware, and Keith Brooking – and fans have
expectations of their defensive leaders.
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- Fans expect to see Charles Haley go
off on teammates, negotiators for Emmitt Smith's pre-salary cap
blockbuster contract, and just about anyone who was not holding up
their end of the practice and game day bargain.
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- Fans expect to see "Thurman's
Thieves" communicating with each other and watching each other's
backs as if their lives depended on it.
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- Fans expect to see Randy "The
Manster" White tearing the helmet off a Bears offensive lineman in a
"meaningless" pre-season game and hammering him with it.
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- James, DeMarcus, and Brooking have always appeared
to be stand-up professionals who answer the call whether from the
media or their teammates – with James and DeMarcus particularly displaying their
leadership almost exclusively through their quality of play – rather
than through on field or sideline confrontation.
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- Keith Brooking – as the elder
statesman of this group who has twice worked under Wade Phillips –
seems like the kind of person and professional – on and off the
field – to whom the entire team would respond when challenged to
accept and uphold accountability, but without proof . . . Cowboys
fans are left with powerful pre-game pronouncements and loss-ridden
limitations.
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- There seems to be no doubt that
James, Ware, and Brooking bring their best effort to every Sunday
showdown but sometimes – regardless of fan expectation – you are
what you are.
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- Fans and prognosticators have
suggested the Cowboys are suffering from an identity crisis –
where they simply have to commit to running the ball – but that may
just be wishful thinking when you are what you are.
“You are what you are” until you can come to grips with your
limitations. Only then will you be able to properly address your
limitations, achieve more, and fulfill your potential.
Encouragement Through
Failure
The Cowboys “failure to launch” has farther reaching effects than
fans may be aware.
The Eagles and the Redskins were both simply hoping to get a decent
result for the 2010 season – just missing the playoffs or claiming a
wild card spot from a lackadaisical contender.
The Cowboys foolery has done no less than completely energize the
hopes and dreams for the Eagles, Redskins, and even the Giants (who
– at one time – might have believed the Cowboys would take them down
to the wire in the battle for the division crown).
They all smell Cowboy blood.
They all have a healthy hatred of America’s Team.
They all will make every dedicated, focused, proactive, and talented
effort to secure the presumed playoff spot that has been earmarked
for the Cowboys ever since they lost to the Vikings in the 2009 post
season.
The Eagles announced this afternoon that Michael Vick will remain
the team’s starting quarterback “until further notice,” and that
this decision had far less to do with Kevin Kolb’s concussion and
far more to do with Vick’s level of play.
Andy Reid has seen the soft underbelly of the enemy, and it is no
coincidence that he has decided to go all in as a direct result of
the Cowboys’ failures.
Reid is convinced the Eagles have a chance to claim an unappreciated
playoff spot from the Cowboys. Can you blame him for trying?
Reid is an NFL head coach who will do anything reasonably possible
to improve his team’s chances at playoff access and post season
success. Cowboys’ fans can respect that and can dream of similar
efforts from their team’s coaches.
The entire NFC East and other potential wild card challengers
throughout the NFC Conference are licking their collective chops at
a chance to steal a post season opportunity the Cowboys apparently
think they have in the bag.
The NFC East competitors see a chance to turn the Dallas Cowboys
into the NFC Least. Can you blame them for trying?
The Eagles, Redskins, and Giants always seem to bring the greatest
heart, emotion, and effort to bear when the Cowboys are one of the
obstacles to their success. Cowboys’ fans can respect that and can
dream of similar efforts from their team’s players.
The longer the Cowboys continue to screw around and turn their noses
up to success . . . the more they embolden the competition.
Their continued failure brings more and more encouragement to their
bloodthirsty competition.
You Can Become More
Children are told all the time that they can achieve anything to
which they set their minds.
Fans – even just two games into a 16 game season – must think the
Cowboys are just a bunch of kids for such erratic performances.
All is not lost, but no amount of fan hate mail or game day heckling
is going to improve the fortunes of America’s Team.
Fans know how well Jerry Jones responds to demands for the head of
any coach or player he has hand-picked for his team.
While he loves the team and wants success for the team as much as
the next fan, it will take intense public humiliation through poor
team performance before the thick-skinned Jerry decides to make a
Curvin Richards example of a coach or player who believes he is
above reproach.
Cowboys’ fans would delight in seeing a Curvin Richards moment, but
it would be reduced to a forgettable moment if the organization did
not respond with expected urgency.
Cowboys’ fans everywhere have certainly earned the right to scream
bloody murder about how poorly their team has begun a season that is
supposed to end with their grid iron participation in the Super
Bowl.
Cowboys’ fans have no desire to see their team sell popcorn rather
than score points on Super Bowl Sunday, but the effort is all on the
organization and no one else.
The Cowboys – from Jerry to the coaches to the players to the
jocks and the socks – can become more than what they are . . . and
only they can do it.
The Cowboys have all the tools they need, and Jerry has the expense
ledger to prove it. They only lack the proper focus to use them
successfully. Such a focus involves a myriad of moving parts with
someone responsible for each and every one.
Someone has to lead the organization.
Someone has to draft the players.
Someone has to negotiate the contracts.
Someone has to sign the paychecks.
Someone has to be the head coach.
Someone has to review tape of opponents and their schemes.
Someone has to draw up the game plan for each game.
- Someone has to practice.
- Someone has to install the game plan
during that practice.
Someone has to make the pre-game speech.
Someone has to lead the players throughout the game.
Someone has to call the offensive and defensive plays in the huddle.
Someone has to call offensive and defensive audibles in the huddle
and on the fly.
Someone has to run the two-minute offense.
Someone has to be trusted to call their own plays when necessary.
Someone has to make the blocks.
Someone has to run the pass routes.
Someone has to make the passes.
Someone has to make the catches.
Someone has to rush the ball.
Someone has to make the tackles.
Someone has to make the interceptions.
- Someone has to return kicks, block,
and make tackles on special teams.
Someone has to punt the punts.
Someone has to kick the kick-offs, field goals, and extra points.
Someone has to be creative and proactive on behalf of the coaches and players.
- Someone has to be congratulatory
when the very best efforts result in a win.
Someone has to be supportive when the very best efforts still result
in a loss.
- Someone has to dole out memorable
and painful punishment for poor and uninspired performances.
Someone is Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, Wade Phillips, Jason Garrett,
Joe DeCamillis, Tony Romo, Jason Witten, Miles Austin, Roy Williams,
Dez Bryant, Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Tashard Choice, Doug Free,
Kyle Kosier, Andre Gurode, Leonard Davis, Marc Colombo, Bradie James, Keith Brooking, DeMarcus Ware,
Jay Ratliff, Anthony Spencer, Marcus Spears, Igor Olshansky, Mike
Jenkins, Terrence Newman, Orlando Scandrick, Gerald Sensabaugh, Alan
Ball, Mat McBriar, and David Buehler . . . as well as all the
important position coaches, role players, and career bench warmers who make up the 2010 Dallas
Cowboys.
Someone has to get this job done – unrealistic dismissals and
untimely injuries aside – and it does not matter who does it, on
this team, as long as it gets done.
Remember how Tony Romo and Miles Austin came out of nowhere to add
great potential to the Cowboys’ future? Great potential can come
from the most unlikely of candidates, and the proof of that great
potential fulfilled may be buried on the roster as well.
The entire organization has something to prove – if they really want
to become more than what they are – and they have 14 more games in
which to do so.
Someone has to stop waiting for a message from the heavens. Someone
has to get this job done but will they – as a dedicated, focused,
proactive team first . . . and a talented team second?
Someone has to compete against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium
this Sunday, but will they? Who will it be? Will it be a handful of
starters or will it be a unified Cowboys team determined to change
their fortunes for the better?
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- If the Cowboys tower over the Texans
– who will be playing without their starting left offensive tackle –
will Wade still receive a congratulatory pat on the bum from Bum?
Will Wade and the team be bum-rushed by fans upon their return to
Valley Ranch?
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- If the Cowboys tank against the
Texans, will Wade get kicked in the bum (and out the door)?
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- If Wade hammers Houston with a
dynamic defense but Garrett goofs with more predictable plays, will
the 2010-2011 season become "A Tale Of Two Wades" (Phillips and
Wilson) "until further notice?"
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- Will They Or Won't They?
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- Will the Cowboys' offense offer
up more scoring opportunities?
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- Will the Cowboys' running game be
ready to rumble?
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- Will the Cowboys' defense defiantly
deny sure-handed scoring shots by Schaub?
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- Will the Cowboys' secondary be ready
to jam Johnson?
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- Will the Cowboys' special teams try
more tenacious tackling?
The Cowboys can become more . . . but will they?
We shall see. We always do.
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