Although T.O. Is Gone, He Still Has an Effect On The Cowboys

Ahhhhhh... The Dallas Cowboys. America's Team. My Team. One of the most polarizing franchises in the history of professional sports. The Cowboys stir up strong emotions whether you love them or hate them.

So here we are in May, about four months from the start of another football season. As usual, the Cowboys have plenty of things to talk and think about. Following another disgraceful end to a season filled Super Bowl expectations (that included giving the Pittsburgh game away, letting two of the slowest backs in the league ice the last game ever in Texas Stadium with two 70+ yard touchdown runs and not even getting off the plane in Philly with the season on the line), the Cowboys decided to cut ties with T.O.

I must admit that I was surprised by the move ( never mind the 9 million dollar cap hit). I'm not one of those people who blame T.O. for every short coming that the Cowboys have had since his arrival in 2005. Sure he drops too many balls, and whines too much and craves too much attention. Newsflash people, he's been that way for the majority of his career. The Cowboys knew what they were getting into when they signed him. Lets not forget that T.O. was one of the most productive receivers in the league during his time with the Cowboys.  Say what you want about him, but he brings it when he steps on the field. I could go on about T.O. (who couldn't!), but let's go into what the release of T.O. means for a few key figures...

Wade Phillips... the lovable, aw shucks guy. Am I the only one who knows that he has never won anything as a head coach? I don't dispute the fact that he's a great defensive mind. The Cowboys defense significantly improved when he took over calling the plays. With that said, this team needs (and has needed) two swift kicks in the rear end for some time now. Wade has shown an inability or unwillingness to do that. Now all of the sudden we're to believe that he is going to turn into the new age Mike Ditka! The minute Mike Shanahan was fired by the Broncos, Jerry should've sat down with Wade and told him that he can either stay on as defensive coordinator or he can kick rocks! Shanahan would be the perfect coach for Dallas. The only way Phillips keeps his job after this season is if the Cowboys win the Super Bowl.

Tony Romo... he has received all of the accolades and perks of being the star qb of the Cowboys, but with none of the big time results (see Staubach and Aikman). We all know that qbs get too much of the credit as well as too much of the blame. However, it comes with the territory. I didn't really have a problem with him going to Cabo two seasons ago, but you can't turn around and have one of your worse games of the season in the playoffs and not expect a backlash. It's not all his fault the team hasn't performed well in December and January, but his play CERTAINLY hasn't helped! With T.O. gone, this is a make break year for Romo. If T.O. was holding him back, he HAS to prove it this season/postseason and lead the team to at least two playoff wins.

Lastly, Roy Williams. He should come into this season with a HUGE chip on his shoulder. Critics are questioning his ability to be a #1 receiver like he wasn't a pro bowler with the Lions. THE LIONS PEOPLE!! Yes, he didn't do much upon his arrival in mid-season and maybe you can blame that on T.O. too, lol! Now that he is the undisputed #1 option at receiver, there is no excuse. Jerry Jones paid a handsome ransom to get him out of the black hole that is the Detroit Lions franchise. He has to show that the 1st, 3rd and 6th picks that were sent to the Lions were worth the cost of doing business.

So buckle up folks and settle in for the best and longest running reality show in television history... Another riveting season of the Dallas Cowboys. Season premiere September 13th at 1 pm est/12 pm cst.