Wade Phillips Won't Improve Cowboys' Special Teams

I don’t know if I have seen anything as pathetic as the performance of the Dallas Cowboys' special teams, specifically on kickoff and punt returns.

Through seven games, the Cowboys' special teams are giving up averages of 119 yards on kickoffs and 24 yards on punt returns.

That is completely unacceptable. But is it anything new?

Not really. Last year’s special teams weren't this bad, but definitely showed some warning signs. Last year's 21-17 loss in the playoffs to the New York Giants was certainly one of them.

This begs the question: Who is responsible? Special teams coach Bruce Read?

Kind of, but the brunt of the blame should fall on head coach Wade Phillips. Phillips brought Read in from Oregon State in 2007, and fired former Cowboys special teams coach Bruce DeHaven. DeHaven, while serving under Bill Parcells, had the Cowboys playing at a high level on special teams, and his units were ranked among the top in the NFL.

Way to go, Wade!

If you look into Wade Phillips' background as a head coach, you will see a history of special teams issues, with one event in particular standing out. Remember the Music City Miracle?

Coaching the Bills at the time, Phillips led the team into the Wild Card game against the Tennessee Titans. Leading 16-15 with :16 left to play, it looked as though Phillips was going to get his first playoff win. But then all hell broke loose.

Upon receiving the kickoff, Titans' tight end Frank Wycheck threw a questionable lateral that resulted in a 75-yard touchdown run.

While it was an amazing play, had the Bills' special teams been disciplined enough to hold their positions, someone would have made the tackle. But that didn't happen. The Titans won the game, and advanced to the Super Bowl before losing to the St. Louis Rams.

The aftermath was even more interesting.

Phillips was told to fire his special teams coach. He refused, and was then fired himself. Phillips probably did the right thing by standing up for his coach, but losing a playoff game in that manner is certain to result in a firing or two.

Fast forward to the present Cowboys, and the same problems persist. You could argue that their problems are even worse now than they were in Buffalo. I think Bruce Read should be gone now.

Unfortunately, it appears that Jerry Jones has gone soft and is actually backing up Phillips. But if these problems persist, Bruce Read's job—and perhaps even Wade Phillips'—is in jeopardy.

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