June 11, 2013; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett during minicamp at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

I know when I’m dreaming. I’m in my bedroom. It is dark. I flip the light switch profusely. Nothing happens. I walk to my nightstand covered with books I’ve read over and over. When I try to read the lines, the words belong to another language.

I am dreaming now.

The walls in my bedroom break into pieces and collapse. The floor shakes. My body feels weightless, and I start to float in the air. When I look down at my feet, I no longer see the hardwood floors of my bedroom. My feet stand above cold, beige, tiled floors. I recognize this floor: they belong to my high school.

When I look up I see a man at a desk. He appears thin, and in need of a meal. He had a long, large nose and baggy skin. The gray fedora hat he wore blocked his eyes. As I approach him, he does not look up from his desk. Instead, he is leaning down, writing diligently in a notepad.

“That’s funny!” I said to myself. “I have the same green pen and paper at my desk.”

When I take a seat in front of him, he begins to communicate to me. Though, I don’t know the language he speaks, I understand the meaning clearly. He is advising, and giving me details. He speaks quickly. I start to worry I can’t keep all the information in my head, so I ask him to put his pen down for a moment. But he continues to recommend. I worry some more.

And then it happens again. The floor shakes. The walls around us collapse. After I blink once, I open my eyes to endless blue. I am standing above water. All around me is endless ocean. My feet begin to sink. I panic.

I run towards a small fishing boat not too far away. The old man is on the boat, again, hunched over writing.

“Help me,” I plead to him while coming over the boat. I take a seat and continue: “I’ve done everything I could for the team. I’m not sure what else I can do! I am… well… I don’t know. You must help me! I know… I know who you are. You’re Coach Tom Landry.”

“And?” Coach Landry replied calmly, still writing.

“You must help me! I want you to help!”

The Coach giggles.

“You want help, like you want to win. You go back to your players and staff, and ask them to want to win. You have them fill their balloons with this ‘want’ of winning. You ask for an extra pep in their step. You ask for swagger, exuberance, and calculated confidence. But on the first day of the week, you lose over and over. The balloon you create is easily pricked by a pin. And then by design, you go home to your family for a good meal and drink. Your players do the same — they can’t fill this want, so they spill over other wants until satisfaction is felt.”

“I don’t understand,” I replied, crossing my arms.

“Jason, I didn’t want to win, I needed to win. Anybody can want to win. Not everyone needs a win.”

The waves around us slap the sides of the boat; it wobbles. I feel like we would tip over at any moment.

“What’s happening Coach?”

“Visitors,” answered Coach Landry, barely moving his lips.

When I look over the boat, I see sharks. Circling the small boat, they swim in groups. And then slam! The tip of their noses, one after another, strike the boat.

“Do something Coach! Stop writing for once and look up! Do something!”

But Coach Landry continues writing. He appears calm, as if this attack was an experience he had before. And then finally, the waves calm. So did the shark crashes. I can breathe again.

“How can you stay so… so, calm after that? Doesn’t that bother you the slightest?”

“Yes, it does, actually. But you’ve got to keep up the work. Either you work, or someone else will for you. Besides, the sharks will always be there. In fact, they’ll be back. Well, others like them anyways.”

In the distance, I hear voices. Voices of men, women, and children. The voices grow louder, and drown the voice inside my head. I cannot comprehend what they are saying, though, I know I don’t like it much.

“Shut up!” I screamed, looking in the far distance at nothing but ocean. “Shut up, all of you. Just shut up! Who are they Coach? Tell them to stop! Who are they?”

“You already know the answer to that, Jason.”

I can’t stand the old man any longer. I really want to yank the pen from his anemic body and throw him over for the sharks to feed. At this moment, I resolve to hate him.

“Give me a direct answer for once! And… and I’ve asked you already! Help me! But all you do is write and write. You crazy old man! Help me!”

Once again, the Coach sits writing. When I look down at the notepad, it is blank. But he continues scribbling. I ignore him for a bit and calm down.

And finally, the Coach speaks: “Jason, I lost more than I won.”

“That’s not true,” I said laughing. I add: “You’re Coach Landry. You’re the winner.”

“Well, a lost always outweighed a win. I’ve lost more than I won. I understood this. I accepted this, just as I accepted this: the better team does lose. Anything can happen on the field. Be ready, always. You must respect the game and its elements. When you can respect the seconds in the game, the direction the wind blows, your opponent, players and staff, you’ll be able to place yourself for success. Even if you aren’t the better team.”

“I don’t understand Coach. I have so much to ask. I have so much… so much I want to know.”

June 11, 2013; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett talks during a press conference after minicamp at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

And then boom! Another boom! The sharks were back. This time, in greater numbers. This attack was different: With every strike of their nose, the ship shrank.

“Coach!” I yelled, fearing for his life.

The boat grows smaller and smaller with every collision. In a moment, we could be in the water with the sharks. I did not scream, or panic. I sit there, waiting. I watch the Coach write.

Strike. Boom. Boom. Slam. Slam. The boat had one strike left until we fell over. Then Coach Landry, without looking up, whispers:

“Just keep writing, Jason.”

I never see his face. I blink. When I open my eyes, I see the ceiling of my bedroom. It is dark. My feet touch the cold hardwood floors as I make my way to the light switch. I flicker it, and the lights turn on.

I rush down the hall and pass the bathroom, where I would normally wash my face and do a good shave. I dart down the stairs, grab my jacket and car keys. The air outside is cold. The sky has an orange glow. The light from the sun barely kisses the grass. My neighborhood is empty. I jump into my car and rush down the streets.

I can’t wait to get to my desk. There is work to do.

May 21, 2013; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin works with linebacker Sean Lee (50) and the defense during organized team activities at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Much like any scheme change there will be certain positions that are valued higher than others and that is precisely what will be delved into in this article. The 3-4 defensive schemes had put a significant importance on the outside linebackers and cornerbacks. What hasn’t been discussed as much as it should be is the fact that this particular scheme is not a typical 4-3 defense. It is widely known that the correct name for this Defense is the Tampa-2 Defense, or in this case Dallas-2 Defense. The Dallas-2 will be somewhat of a subsidiary of the 4-3 scheme. There will be some basic 4-3 formations but Monte Kiffin is the founding father of the “Tampa-2” and this will definitely be the foundation for this Dallas Cowboys Organization going forward.

Middle Linebacker (MIKE)

• Projected Starter: Sean Lee

The most instinctual and intelligent of the linebackers, the MIKE needs to be as athletic as he is smart and be counted on to be the “quarterback of the defense”.  Kiffin’s “Tampa-2” requires the MIKE to have above-average speed and he has to be a great tackler much like the WILL. The MIKE is often to stop the run but at times of zone coverage, he will be asked to line-up over the fullback. The Linebacker’s impeccable instincts added with a sure confidence in reading a quarterback’s cadence at the offensive line and ability to alert the Secondary of the play are other requirements of his skill-set. The Middle Linebacker is often the biggest and strongest of the linebackers as well but in this “Tampa-2” Scheme the MIKE is not necessarily required to be as big as say a Brian Urlacher but more focus is shifted toward speed and reaction time of the defender. This is exactly what Sean Lee was created to do. He happens to be one of the most intelligent linebackers in the league and was considered a Captain at the end of his rookie season. Sean Lee has every intangible to succeed in this scheme and with the right guidance look for Lee to excel to a Pro-Bowl level.

Weak-Side Linebacker (WILL)

• Projected Starter: Bruce Carter

The most important position in my mind has got to be the Weak-Side Linebacker or WILL, this position has got to be the quickest of all the linebackers because often times the WILL is called into coverage. The WILL is also usually chasing the ball carrier from behind so his speed has to be one of his major attributes. In the “Tampa-2” the object of the defense is to guide the ball carrier into the crosshairs of the WILL and the WILL is also required to be a tremendous tackler. The WILL is to line up opposite the Middle Linebacker and attack the side of the weak flat. The projected starter is Bruce Carter and his skill set is very comparable to what he is going to be asked to do. This Linebacking core bodes well for The Dallas Cowboys because paired with Sean Lee; Bruce Carter is set to make this Cowboys Linebacking core arguably one of the best in the NFL.

3-Tech Defensive Tackle

• Projected Starter: Jay Ratliff
• Primary Back-up: Jason Hatcher

The 3-Tech is going to line-up in this scheme on the outside shoulder of the Right Guard. His main objective is to shoot the gap and cause disruption by getting up the field into the Quarterback’s face. The 3-Tech is generally speaking faster than the 1-Tech (Nose-Tackle) and tends to have better pass rush moves that help him serves as the “motor” of the “Tampa-2” Defense. Jay Ratliff played as a Nose Tackle in the 3-4 Scheme and played remarkably well, earning himself 4 Pro-Bowl appearances. However at 32 years old and facing unfortunate injuries over the last season it is best for him to not take on double teams anymore. By placing him at the 3-Tech, it can add a few years to his career and allow him to do what he’s best at; rush the Quarterback. Hatcher has served as a pretty good pass rusher for The Cowboys in certain packages and I believe that having him primarily back-up Ratliff will keep him as a productive defensive lineman going forward.

Defensive End

• Projected Starters: DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer
• Primary Back-ups: Tyrone Crawford, Kyle Wilber

The Defensive Ends in this scheme are the smallest of the linemen because more emphasis is put on speed and pass rush ability. Their objectives are simple get to the quarterback and create pressure. Ideally, the Defensive Ends need to be strong enough to get around the Offensive Tackles but quick enough to chase down the Running-Back. The Defensive End that lines up across from the Left Tackle is typically the most athletic and skilled pass rusher; this would be DeMarcus Ware who is one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL. Anthony Spencer will line up on the Strong Side and often play the 2-Gap in case of a Tight End pinching on run plays. The 4-3 Ends are athletic and can often get into the backfield with incredible quickness. Spencer really came on strong last season and also has a knack to stop the run which makes him extra valuable to Monte Kiffin. DeMarcus Ware, who currently is recuperating from a shoulder surgery, should return back to the form that has him in the Pro-Bowl every year.

Free Safety

• Projected Starter: Unknown
• Roster includes: Will Allen, Matt Johnson, JJ Wilcox, Jakar Hamilton

 The Free Safety will be determined in a battle during Training Camp this year but the coaches have said many positive things about Matt Johnson. The Free Safety in the “Tampa-2” Scheme is the last line of defense frankly; he has to have tremendous instincts much like the Middle Linebacker. This position requires an agile and intelligent player capable of reading opposing offenses and assisting with coverage whether run or pass. The Free Safety needs to be a proven tackler and quick to react to the quarterback. The Strong Safety is important in covering the Tight End and middle of the field but the Free Safety is relied on heavily to create turnovers and make offenses pay for not respecting his ability. 

Obviously these positions do not cover the entire “Tampa-2” schematic picture but in my humble opinion these are the players that affect the outcome of the game most. This Defense is designed to be simpler to the defenders who play it and also focuses heavily on turnovers. The Dallas Cowboys have had issues in the past creating turnovers on this Defense but showed a little promise last year. Monte Kiffin has 2 very capable Cornerbacks with Press-Man Coverage ability and physicality that makes them very sneaky in the backfield. Kiffin has shown his ability in the past to be able to utilize each player to their best abilities and I believe Dallas will be no different. Even though the “Tampa-2” doesn’t necessarily require very physically gifted cornerbacks, look for Kiffin to use this as an extra weapon for opposing offenses. This Defense has some really gifted players in certain positions that can really bode well for this team. This summer will produce a very highly entertaining Training Camp for the open spots on this roster and should show the depth that this Cowboys team has created in recent memory.

TOM LANDRY (1960-1986)

Tom Landry had several coaches with the title of “Offensive Coordinator” such as Jim Myers from 1975-76, then Dan Reeves held the title for three seasons in 1977-80.  After Reeves left to become the Head Coach of the Denver Broncos, Landry didn’t hand out the title of OC out until 1986.

During Landry’s time as play caller for the Cowboys went to a total of four Super Bowls while winning two of those (Super Bowl VI and XII).  Landry’s offense during the 60’s and 70’s was the most innovative offense seen during that time period; the offense relied on timing and reads while other teams used power and talent.  Time caught up his offense, in the 1980’s; the offense had become predictable so Owner Bum Bright demanded the hiring of Paul Hackett.

PAUL HACKETT (1986-88)

Paul Hackett was fired away from the San Francisco 49ers.  Landry gave him the title of Offensive Coordinator but didn’t relinquish the job 100%.  Instead of Hackett installing his offense all the way, it was a marriage of programs so to speak as Landry and Hackett meshed both of their playbooks together.  The system had seemed to work up until Danny White broke his wrist against the New York Giants.  After that point, the combined system didn’t work for the next two seasons.  Hackett was demoted by Landry and then Landry was fired shortly after.  Hackett went on to be the Head Coach at USC before Pete Carroll got his shot.

DAVID SHULA (1989-90)

Dec 30, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback coach Mike Shula yells to the team from the sidelines during second half of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Carolina Panthers defeated the New Orleans Saints 44-38. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Johnson’s first hire was his offensive coordinator and that was son of legendary Miami coach Don Shula, David Shula.  Baby Shula had a hard time with having two rookie quarterbacks at the helm; Troy Aikman eventually won the job over Steve Walsh but then was injured in latter part of 1990.  Walsh was already gone so they had to play Babe Laufenberg and losses to Philadelphia and Atlanta ended any chances of the Cowboys making the playoffs.  Shula was demoted but he eventually left and became the Head Coach of the Cincinnati Bengals from 1992-96.

NORV TURNER (1991-1993)

Norv Turner’s offense garnered the Cowboys two Super Bowl Championships.  Much like Landry’s offense, the timing scheme play in favor of Troy Aikman’s precision and the size of the wide receivers, but after winning Super Bowl XXVIII, he jettisoned to the hated Washington Redskins to be their Head Coach.  He also coached in Oakland and now serves as the Head Coach for the San Diego Chargers.

ERNIE ZAMPESE (1994-97)

When the master mind of an offense leaves, you hire the mentor who trained that master.  Ernie Zampese, being Norv Turner’s Yoda, became the OC and led the Cowboys to the Super Bowl with a victory in Super Bowl XXX.  Unfortunately, that is as good as it had gotten.  In 1996, Michael Irvin’s drug suspensions hurt the offense, while free agency tore apart the franchise, and the team’s stars starting showing their age as they were not as effective in 1997.  He did return as a consultant in 2000.

CHAN GAILEY (1998-99)

Chan Gailey was hired from the Pittsburgh Steelers to fire up the offense and give it some life.  Troy Aikman was revitalized as they returned to the shotgun formation for the first time in many years.  The offensive line learned a new blocking scheme.  Dallas had some new talent in the way of Rocket Ismail but a career-ending injury to Michael Irvin and Aikman’s concussions held the offense down and by 1999, Gailey was fired.  He eventually moved on to Georgia Tech as their Head Coach and also was the HC for the Buffalo Bills.

JACK REILLY (2000-01)

Jack Reilly brought about the “Greatest Game on Turf” in St. Louis as the Rams’ offensive coordinator.  Jerry Jones was hoping he would bring the same magic to Dallas, needless to say that didn’t happen.  Troy Aikman started the season as well did Joey Galloway and Rocket Ismail but they didn’t finish as injuries closed the season for Galloway and ended the career of Aikman.  The next year, the ‘boys drafted Quincy Carter as their next franchise quarterback, and although Reilly stayed to coach him, it didn’t work out at all.

BRUCE COSLET (2002)

Coslet was brought in to institute the West Coast offense, an offense better suited for Quincy Carter.  The institution was a disaster; the Cowboys continued to play poorly as Carter was benched for former minor league baseball player Chad Hutchinson.  In many eyes, the offense simply didn’t work.  Coslet was fired upon the hiring of Bill Parcells.

MAURICE CARTHON/SEAN PAYTON/TONY SPARANO/TODD HALEY (2003-06)

Bill Parcells didn’t have an offensive coordinator per say, he had running game and passing game coordinators.  Parcells’ offense seemed to work and improve the team but the problem they had was they had too many quarterbacks in a short time period.  Quincy Carter, Chad Hutchinson, Vinny Testaverde, Drew Bledsoe, and eventually Tony Romo all were signal callers in these three seasons.  On a positive note, three of the four “coordinators” became head coaches, Payton (Saints), Sparano (Dolphins), and Haley (Chiefs).

JASON GARRETT (2007-2012)

Jason Garrett was hired before Head Coach Wade Phillips was, a pick that Jerry Jones made as this selection was questioned at first.  As Garrett began the season, he made Jones look like a genius.  As an OC, he was credited for being making adjustments during the course of a game.  After Phillips was fired in the middle of the 2010 season, he took over as interim coach and eventually given the full time job after the season was complete.  Garrett continued to call the plays, never hiring an offensive coordinator until 2012 when he hired Bill Callahan.  Garrett has relinquished the play calling duties for the 2013-14 season.

Bill Callahan’s fate has been written yet but our fans hope it is similar to the Landry days of the 70’s or the Turner-Zampese days from the 1990’s.  We all want the end result to end up with a sixth trophy, much like his predecessors, he will have a lot of eyes watching his every call.