This is the message I would send Jerry Jones via Twitter, Facebook, email, or courier pigeon. Hell, if I knew where he lived, I'd go write it on his driveway in chalk.
33-31. A nail biter? No. A moral victory? No. An aw-shucks- we'll-get-'em-next-time game? No...unless you're Wade Phillips. When is Jerry Jones going to realize that this is not the man to rule the sidelines? His demeanor is embarrassing. He looks lost and, at times, confused. So many times, he looks like he's trying to remember if he fed the cattle, told his wife of a dinner engagement, or locked his car.He reminds me of someone who is coaching church softball under protest.
Let's look at coaches who lack charisma and don't look bright. Tom Cable of Oakland, Dick Jauron of Buffalo, Cleveland's Eric Mangini, Jim Zorn in Washington, and Phillips. Such pillars of the league.
Now, let's look at the coaches who bleed passion, magnetism, discipline, and fearlessness: Bill Belichick, Tony Sparono of Miami, Jeff Fisher,Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin, John Harbaugh of Baltimore, Carolina's John Fox, Mike Singletary, and Sean Payton in New Orleans. There are others. Hell, even Tampa's Raheem Morris looks promising.
What's the result? Their players want to play for these guys. They respect them to the nth degree and would die for them on the football field. That, my friends, is the backbone of chemistry. In Dallas, not so much.
Now, for the love of Lombardi, this score did not accurately reflect the state of this team. Dallas rushed for 251 yards and held the Giants to 97 yards -- and lost. How does that happen in today's league? Costly turnovers, very poor tackling, and a compassionate secondary for starters. Also, what's up the elementary practices of Flozell Adams? Tripping? Are you serious? He stuck out his leg like a bully fixing to level a nerd in the cafeteria. Totally uncalled for. These glaring weaknesses are born out of a lack of discipline and plenty of dullness which can be traced to the head coach.He sets the standard.
As I watched Dallas last night, I could have drank lighter fluid and not flinched. Sure I enjoyed the performances of Marion Barber and Felix Jones. They had some nice runs and got the Cowboys some points. But, that was about it. Every time, Tony Romo went back to pass, I dropped to my knees and promised to start going to church.Every time Eli Manning went back to pass, I muttered, "Oh ___ (insert 4-letter word)!"
I know it's only the second game of the season. I know they lost by only 3 points. I know teams have started the season 1-1 and have gone on to find success in the playoffs and make it to the Super Bowl. Yes, I know we are all human and teams just have bad days. But, I felt a sense of urgency last night; a deep thirst from the pit of my being.
Does anyone else realize that this is the second straight home game (including last year's Texas Stadium finale), that was cloaked in significance and pride, to end in complete humiliation and shame? An exclusive event in the team's history attended by the likes of Staubach, Dorsett, Lily, Irvin, Emmitt, Randy White, and Aikman that becomes an awkward moment much like the drunk uncle who began cursing and stripping naked in the middle of a prominent wedding.
If Jerry Jones wants to send a clear message to the players, the staff, and the fans that he won't tolerate this kind of play, then the only clear and logical course of action is to dismiss Wade from his duties immediately and let him go feed his cattle. Go ahead and insert Jason Garrett as head coach and promote Dave Campo as defensive coordinator for the rest of the season and see what happens. Then, for 2010, if things aren't back on track, Jerry Jones should pull out his smart phone and start dialing numbers to Bill Cowher, Mike Holmgren, Mike Shanahan, or Jon Gruden.
I know Wade Phillips is a good man. He's probably a great father, husband, farmer, and story-teller. I mean he is the son of the great Bum. He has even proven himself to be a fantastic defensive coordinator. But, he must get off and stay off the sidelines of the NFL's most valuable franchise...and I would think that the owner of that franchise would realize that.
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