Dallas Cowboys Window For Contention? Just Opening!

Ok, I’ve had enough.  I’ve reached my limit of hearing frivolous crap about the Cowboys.  It seems like all media members and fans want to do is blow up stories that are complete horse crap.  Latest news out of Valley Ranch? Just that Jerry Jones thinks the window is closing on the Cowboys to win a Super Bowl.  WHAT!?! What’s worse? Cowboys fans are really jumping all over it and taking it as an outlet to complain.

Feb 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones arrives on the red carpet for the Direct TV Party at Victory Field. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Here’s what I think… If you think that the window is truly closing on the Cowboys future I challenge your knowledge and loyalty to the organization.  I hope that stung, because that’s truly how you all are acting, like fair weather fans, that if not fed come garbage to vent about you come up with something else.  Last thing I’ve heard coming around is that DeMarcus Ware is slowing down.  Please… just stop.

So I recognize that if I’m up here continually complaining about the complainers I’m not much more than a hypocrite.  So I’ve spent the last 2 hours looking at the full current roster, determining whom I think will make an impact on the team, and gathering their ages.

In my opinion there are 4 tiers of players on this team:

Key Veterans:

Tony Romo

Miles Austin

Jason Witten

Jay Ratliff

DeMarcus Ware

Young Franchise Players:

DeMarco Murray

Dez Bryant

Tyron Smith

Sean Lee

Brandon Carr

Morris Claiborne

Quality, Reliable Depth Players:

Doug Free

Jason Hatcher

Anthony Spencer

Victor Butler

Dan Connor

Mike Jenkins

Orlando Scandrick

Gerald Sensabaugh

Young Players With High Potential:

Phillip Tanner

Raymond Radway

Dwayne Harris

Andre Holmes

Danny Coale

James Hanna

Levy Adcock

Ronald Leary

David Arkin

Tyrone Crawford

Kyle Wilber

Bruce Carter

Matt Johnson

Special Teams/Depth Tier:

Everyone else

May 4, 2012; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys first round draft pick Morris Claiborne (24) during rookie mini-camp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

If you’ll take notice the “young franchise players” and “high potential” players are numerous.  I’ve been saying since last year I’ve considered the Cowboys a “competitively rebuilding” team.  This means that while maintaining contention they have allowed an influx of good, talented young players to come into the organization.

While I’ll admit that the window for the key franchise players such as Romo, Ware, and Witten may be getting considerably smaller, the team has a very bright future.  When Jerry Jones said the window is closing I think it was more meant to this aspect.  However, the ensuing media storm created the perception that the Cowboy’s are in “win now” status.

There is a lot to be excited about as a Cowboys fan moving forward.  A legitimate running back, the evolution of a franchise caliber WR, another All-Pro O-Lineman, 2 very solid corners, and Sean Lee.  Add to that some of the draft picks and UDFA’s like Adcock and Leary and you have a very good young core that is looking to grow together.

All I’m saying, and more or less, all I’m asking is that the Cowboys fans finally stand unified.  We start to recognize the fantastic job the organization has done and stop complaining about frivolous crap.  This team may want to win now for some very good players, but the window? It’s just barely started to open.