It's all about Talent…

Do Dallas Cowboy fans see anything wrong with the picture to the right?  Yes sir, that is Terrell Owens, the Cowboys top receiver the last three years (actually the last 10 years going back to Michael Irvin) with a BUFFALO BILLS backdrop behind him.  I have been catching the talking heads giving their predictions for the 2009 football season and every one I heard expects the Cowboys to do better this year.  Why?  Well it’s addition by subtraction of course… Huh?!? 

     If I hear one more time how much better off the Cowboys are this year, I’ll go nuts!  Subtract TO; hmmm that’s over 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns out of the offense.  Subtract Pac-Man Jones; hmmm, that’s knocking out the best cover corner the Boys had last year.  Subtract Roy Williams the safety; hmmm, awesome hitter and intimidator in the secondary.  Are any of those guys perfect players or model citizens?  No way, but tell me, where is the addition part?  All three are great talents and add to a football team!

     It is all about talent and how you manage it in the NFL.  If Wade is not tough enough to get the players in line, can him.  If Jason Garrett can’t manage the offense, replace him.  Not the players!  Get more leadership for the locker room!  Ray Lewis and Brian Dawkins were both on the market this year.  Yes, they had high price tags, but the object is to win the Superbowl and both could have helped there.  Jimmy Johnson valued talent and could manage it.  When did the Cowboys get over the top in the 90’s?  When they brought in super “malcontent” Charles Haley to rush the passer.  How did the Patriots get to 16-0 last year?  By bringing in Randy Moss and turning him loose.  Haley and Moss did not suddenly become angels did they?  No, they were managed by veteran leaders and strong coaches.

     The Cowboys will not be better this year without TO.  The record may get better due to a softer schedule.  The new stadium will be great as will the national TV exposure.  But the playoff and Superbowl drought will continue until Jerry Jones goes back to the formula that made the Team of the 90’s, strong coaching and stronger players.