Could This Be The Cowboys Best Off-Season In A Decade?
Nov 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) is sacked by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Jason Hatcher (97) and defensive end George Selvie (99) during the third quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
I catch a lot of grief from Cowboy Nation because I’m a fan of Jerry Jones. I haven’t always agreed with him, but I usually knew what to expect. If a player had a big game on Sunday, Jones would announce that the player was signed to a 10 year contract worth 5 trillion dollars on Monday. That’s Jerry being Jerry. I would’ve put $20 in the hat for Dwayne Harris and Cole Beasley after a few of their in-game performances.
If Cowboy Nation screamed, “We need a cornerback to get over the hump!”, Jones would bring in a free agent corner or move up in the draft to select one. While other teams have players that want to hold out of training camp or demand a trade, it would be business as usual in Valley Ranch. Players reported on time to the best facility, the best stadium, the best cafeteria, maybe not always to the best coaches but that’s changed with Linehan, Kiffin & Marinelli. One thing for sure, you can’t say Jerry Jones has been tight with the purse strings.
I wish we hadn’t released Terrell Owens. I know he was a toxic figure in and out of the locker room. Personally, I’m a megalomaniac that does sit-ups in my driveway and jogs in slow motion on the beach. When I go to the movies, you better believe they have my popcorn ready. Plus, I love me some me too! I even quote myself, like last week when I wrote – “Having an opportunity to wear “The Star” and play under coaches Marinelli and Monte Kiffin will be a factor for a lot of free agents.” I knew that Henry Melton would sign with the Cowboys.
I’ve changed for the better (a little), so has Jerry as a GM and definitely the Cowboys as a team. I have a feeling that this off-season will be remembered as a franchise changer. Only time will tell, but this is the first time Jones has shown the ability to prepare the team for success with players in the present and provide a sound financial future. He’s secured younger and experienced players at reasonable salaries this off-season. We’ve never been able to say that.
Some of you will always hate Jerry Jones, you’re mad that he fired Tom Landry, you’re mad Jimmy Johnson isn’t the coach, you’re mad Ware and Hatcher (and probably Spencer) will be playing elsewhere, you’re mad at Romo’s contract. If you’re mad all the time and the Cowboys can never do anything right, then perhaps the Cowboys aren’t for you. I’m just being honest.
For the rest of us, this is a time for optimism. Yes, I’m accused of being a pom-pom carrying cheerleader at times. Good fans should believe their team will win games. What’s wrong with that?
Currently, there are 32 teams trying to improve and that includes the defending Super Bowl Champions. This off-season has been great because it has been smart. I would go so far to say – “Addition by Subtraction”. Releasing our often injured and older players has improved the overall health of the team, similar to the releasing of Owens. (See how I tied that together?)
I’m looking forward to seeing Terrell McClain, Jeremy Mincey and Henry Melton get playing time on our defensive line. If we can have another solid draft, perhaps even the eternally negative among us can finally acknowledge that the Cowboys are doing the little things right.
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