Does Jason Garrett have photos of Jerry Jones with an inflatable goat?
By Tonni Shook
Harsh words, maybe so, but from the top down in the Dallas Cowboys organization, nothing is heading in the right direction. Somebody has questionable photos or a deep dark secret on Jerry Jones and that’s why he won’t fire and/or bench those who are not doing what they are paid to do. There’s a mystery hidden below the confines of that new stadium; otherwise, heads would have rolled by now.
The Twitter world lights up after a Cowboy loss, as was the case Thanksgiving night. Fans tweeted their disgust at record speeds; hating on Jerry Jones, the king of all things silver and blue, Tony Romo, the consistently inconsistent Cowboys quarterback, and even the announcers for praising Robert Griffin the third, the crazy sock-wearing Washington Redskins quarterback. The visiting Redskins, with their rookie no less, scalped the ‘boys in blue. It was a bloodbath of epic proportions. Things in Dallas are not getting better, they are getting worse. Who is to blame? Will anyone be fired this season? What will change next year? The fans are restless and demand answers.
Oct 21, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones point to the fans prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE
Proposals from the peanut gallery:
1) Jerry Jones – general manager/owner. You have to admit that you are not happy with the direction this team is going year in and year out. The fans are booing the very people they love, for goodness sakes. That is a very clear and obvious message. Here is a proposal for your consideration: It’s okay to retire, Jerry. You are 70 years old and in the prime of your life. Your players, your coaches, your fans would be happy to send you off into the twilight years. You have turned the Cowboys into a household name. The revenue this business brings in is astronomical. You can retire peacefully, knowing you made a legacy for yourself and the Cowboys. Enjoy your remaining days with your family and friends.
2) Jason Garrett – Head coach/offensive coordinator. You are 46 years old, still young enough to work your way up to a head coaching position, one day.
Nov 22, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett prior to the game against the Washington Redskins during a game on Thanksgiving at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
You were a child of privilege, attending a prep high school, then later both Princeton and Columbia. You eventually earned a history degree. History? Maybe it would be a good idea to review some Dallas Cowboy history to see what it takes to win. You bounced around in three different professional football leagues until you landed with the Dallas Cowboys in 1993. The highlight of your career? A Thanksgiving day, 18 years ago, when you led the Cowboys to a win over the Green Bay Packers. Not much happened after that one thrilling comeback. You retired from playing, but once again, were handed the job of coaching the Miami Dolphins quarterbacks. In 2007, you returned to the Cowboys organization as the offensive coordinator, took over the head job (interim) in 2010, then as the permanent coach in 2011. The Cowboys record to date since you sauntered into the head gig:
- 2010 – 5 wins/3 losses (after 1-7 Wade Phillips start)
- 2011 – 8 wins/8 losses
- 2012 – 5 wins/6 losses (5 games to go)
It would be a disgrace to continue this charade. Not one person would think badly of you if you decide to step down.
3) Rob Ryan – defensive coordinator. You are the 49 year old (close to 50) fireball of this team.
November 11, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan reacts to a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 38-23. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE
When everyone else on the bench is sad-faced and melancholy, you are screaming into your headset, never one to sit still. The cameras pan over to your half of the sidelines and capture your every rant. It’s refreshing to see the passion. The one issue that needs to change, and quickly, is the penalties on defense. How difficult is it to stop encroaching on the other team? Is it too much to ask the cornerbacks to quit interfering? This is the one request; other than that, continue on encouraging and exciting the masses.
4) Tony Romo – quarterback. You are 32 years old, four years older than the average retired NFL player. You are a fan favorite and most everyone likes you as a person.
Nov 22, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) on the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during a game on Thanksgiving at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
BUT, do you ever feel that you have peaked? Some of your passes are lacking in strength, not quite the zip you had back in the day. Your body has taken a beating from your offensive line being very offensive. I am not suggesting you retire or even step down, but you need some competition to get your fire back. Sit on the bench for a few games and see if that doesn’t get your juices flowing. Maybe Kyle Orton can kick you into action. You will always be loved by your fans, but something has to give.
Week in and week out, one can scour the internet for commentary on the Dallas Cowboys. They are the most loved and the most hated of all sports teams. Randomly ask a man or women on the street what they think about the Cowboys and they will let loose, good and bad. It can’t be easy working for the Cowboy’s; listening to the media and fans rail on you every day when things aren’t going well, but that’s why you all make the kind of cash you do, to entertain your fanbase. And let’s call a spade a spade – win championships. It’s got to get better than this.