Cowboys: Should Jerry Jones Apply Fear of “Next Man Up” to Garrett
“On this team, we’re all united in a common goal: to keep my job.” – Lou Holtz
I can’t believe I have never heard any reports that Garrett was more involved with the defense. As an offensive guy, you should be able to help analyze an opponent’s offensive scheme and point out weaknesses. Garrett isn’t just an offensive coordinator, he’s the head coach and responsible for the entire team. Head coaches also get fired due to the mistakes of their coordinators.
Who decided that rookies J.J Wilcox (Georgia Southern University, 5th round) and Jeff Heath (Saginaw Valley State, Undrafted) would play the safety position better than three time Pro Bowler Will Allen? As head coach, you have to make the final decision involving your roster before involving the GM. Actually, the personnel decision making process may be extremely different in Dallas when compared to the rest of the league, but…
One minute: Listen, Jeff Heath, you are a solid tackler, I’ve watched you take proper angles and often you’re in the right place at the right time. Unfortunately, you are a complete liability in pass coverage. Still, I’d rather have you on the field as a starter over Danny McCray. That may not be saying much, but he did go to LSU.
Our depth isn’t limited, every team has the same number of players. It’s just a drastic drop off in talent when a starter goes down because our “next man up” is usually a “developmental player”. Case in point, I was impressed with DeVonte Holloman’s performance in the last game. He was our 6th round draft pick from South Carolina. Can we have more solid performers from the SEC, ACC, Pac-12, Big 12 or Big Ten instead of finding “projects” from William & Mary (B.W. Webb, 4th Round), Georgia Southern and Saginaw Valley State? I’m sorry, but players from the better conferences seem better prepared to make an immediate contribution in the NFL.
Jason Garrett’s contract expires in 2014 and I can support him offensively, based on the numbers. However, this off-season, he needs to hire a proven defensive coordinator. Garrett then needs to get his hands dirty and put his fingerprints on the defensive side of the ball. We’ve all heard about Garrett and his “right kind of guys”, but usually they’re on the offense. Let’s get some “Garrett guys” on the defense.
It may be hard to trade away some of our “under-performing dead weight” like Miles Austin and DeMarcus Ware for draft picks. In 2013, San Francisco, Green Bay and Seattle lead the league with eleven picks in the NFL draft. That makes it possible to quickly improve or turn around a franchise. In fact, we don’t need to be turned around, the Cowboys only need a firm shove over the hump. Jerry, strong GM skills can find us some extra draft picks without trading down in the early rounds. Stockpile some picks in the later rounds and find us some strong contributors from quality football conferences. Starting defensive tackles and offensive guards can be found in rounds 4 – 7.
Finally Jerry – Stop affirming Garrett’s job security. Fear and the fear of failure are powerful motivators. Jason Garrett has failed us by not reaching the playoffs or winning the season finale repeatedly. Putting him on the “hot seat” may instill a greater sense of urgency in Garrett. How “uncomfortable” can things be at Valley Ranch when you’re assuring Garrett that he’s untouchable? The “Next Man Up” should also apply to head coaches! Put some fear in Garrett and make him accountable for the entire team – it’s best for the future of the Dallas Cowboys.
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