Urban Meyer's Swamp Sinks Sooners And Haters

Walter Waddle — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:00:44 -0500

After all the hoopla, Urban Meyer proved yet again that he belongs in the upper echelon of successful FBS head football coaches.

And he did it in typical Urban Meyer fashion: Tim Tebow, Tim Tebow, and then some more Tim Tebow.

Tebow may have not picked up the Heisman Trophy in New York this year, but he picked apart the Oklahoma Sooner defense in Miami Thursday night. I truly believe a glimpse at Meyer's playbook would look something like this:

Chapter One: Tim Tebow

Chapter Two: Plays We Will Get Around To Trying

Ask Sam Bradford if USC, Utah, or Texas still have legitimate claims to the No. 1 spot in the final polls. I think he'd "sooner" tell all three schools to quit whining and get on with his kow-towing to Tebow.

With the exception of a warm-up first quarter, Meyer's team was firing on all cylinders. The Gators pressured Bradford and seemed to live in the Sooner receivers' back pockets. In short, Florida explained what an SEC goal line looks like: formidable and uncrossable.

Urban Meyer's team has effectively closed the books on the 2008 college football season. I don't think there are any more questions to be answered.

Five Ideas for Cowboys Success in Dallas, Texas

Walter Waddle — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:29:59 -0500

1. Phillips Must Go.

Wade Phillips is not the answer to the Cowboys' head coaching job...now, or in the future. He is an able defensive coordinator, especially when working in a staff where he submits defensive schemes to a head coach.

His motivational skills have created a team full of "servant mummies." The lack of intensity that the players possess reflects directly upon the head coach's ability to instill that intensity in them. Wade Phillips cannot do this. I don't see this ability improving any time soon.

2. Jerry Jones Should Own...Period.

As much as Wade Phillips is not the answer to the Cowboys' head coach, neither is Jerry Jones. JJ is one of the shrewdest businessmen in the NFL, to be sure. But his "wannabe" obsession with a hands-on approach to running the team has been a stumbling block to every head coach hired under Jones' ownership.

If JJ isn't willing to let his staff make the coaching decisions, without interference, then what does this say about his hiring decisions?

3. Take the Heat Off of Jason Garrett.

Jason Garrett has been a member of this organization for a long time, during hardships and triumphs. He possesses the skills to energize his offensive schemes. He can and will add to the Cowboys' offensive arsenal.

He needs to work with a head coach that can light some fire into players' less than motivated efforts. Hello Bill Cowher? Even though Cowher has stated he will not coach next season, Jerry Jones should make him an offer he cannot refuse.

4. Tebow Would Be Great...But Get Real!

Tebow will be the cream of the crop in next year's draft. Everyone knows that. Bringing him to Dallas, though, would mean losing every skill position player that Dallas currently has, not to mention several draft picks that JJ hasn't already squandered on the likes of Roy Williams, "Pac-Man" Jones, etc.

Be realistic...Tebow will not be available at the price Dallas would have to pay. It would be like completely starting over, which is not necessary if...

5. Romo Will Grow.

Tony Romo has all the necessary skills to be a quality quarterback in this league. He is not a 10-year veteran quite yet. He works well with Jason Garrett, but he—and all the other Cowboy players—need a head coach that will kick some butts; hard-nosed guidance that will make the Cowboys care more about playing good than looking good. With the possible exception of Jason Witten, there is a complete lack of intensity in the team's execution.

The core of this team is in good shape. Now let's get a head coach that will mold this team into the shape it needs—someone who will bring a heartbeat back to Dallas!

This isn't intended to suggest there are only five areas of concern for the Cowboys to improve upon. In this writer's opinion, though, these are some great places to start!

Bleacher Report - Articles by Walter Waddle

Urban Meyer's Swamp Sinks Sooners And Haters

Five Ideas for Cowboys Success in Dallas, Texas