Jerry Jones' Drama Free Zone Puts Pressure on Phillips and Romo for 2009

The exit of veteran receiver Terrell Owens best illustrates the new beginning owner Jerry Jones and Coach Wade Phillips want Dallas Cowboy players and fans to buy into as they gear up for the 2009 season.

Beyond the recent collapse of the Cowboys' illegal practice facility and recent arrest of rookie fullback Asaph Schwapp from Notre Dame, the Cowboys expect a drama free season.

That's if you don't consider Micheal Irving's reality show 4th and Long drama. Seriously, when did reality television become a breeding ground for professional athletes? It reminds me of the Philadelphia Eagles' open tryouts in 1976 under the leadership of coach Dick Vermeil.

At any rate, Jerry claims to be over the melodrama from years past and ready to do what is necessary to get the correct personnel in Dallas in order to have a real chance at competing for the Super Bowl.

He’s searching for the LeBron James of football, and we all know he’s willing to pay whatever it takes, as illustrated when signing Tony Romo to a six year, 67.5 million contract in 2007.

I understand a football player can never be as dominant as a basketball player, but I’m speaking of more than just the game. His attitude on and off the court, his drive and dedication to study and master the game instead of settling as another player on the roster; an attitude most if not all the Cowboys players lack and what the team needs to be competitive.

Yes, I hear you… they were one win away from making the playoffs, but injuries plagued their chances. Dallas was just a hair away from the playoffs. Even if we made it, how many teams actually win the Super Bowl after barely making the playoffs?

Losing in the first game of the playoffs or the last does not equal a win, and the Cowboys want the whole shebang. My opinion—it boils down to consistency from go-to guys and their lack of play making abilities.

Am I the only person tired of the excuses plaguing Dallas? Can someone please take credit and stop blaming?

Did T.O honestly cause that much turmoil in Dallas? From the outside looking in I say no, but if so, why?

Because the Cowboys lack leadership.

When no one is willing to take control and direct the flow of traffic you create chaos. And sorry, but rebels will be rebels. Of course T.O. is going to cause drama if the opportunity presents itself, but the reason is a lack of leadership.

Do you think Aikman allowed anyone to lead his offense? Michael Irvin was just as cocky as, and arguably more talented than T.O. The difference maker, Troy Aikman, demanded the respect of his players through leadership.

Tony Romo can blame it on T.O., but he wasn't the only issue. The Cowboys have three bigger problems: Tony Romo‘s continual collapse under pressure, Wade Phillips, who simply has no backbone and my favorite, owner Jerry Jones, who loves the spotlight.

Romo lacks consistency. In the Cowboys final game of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles, Romo connected 21/39 times for zero touchdowns. After four consecutive offensive fumbles, two were returned for a touchdown, and the Eagles sealed a spot in the playoffs with a 44-6 victory.

Romo wasn’t the only problem in the Cowboys' offense that game—the rushing game was just as bad, and I blame that on the coaching. The Cowboys ended the game with 87 total rushing yards, and a complete offensive meltdown in the second half.

Understandably, Felix Jones was out for the year, and Marion Barber was not 100 percent, but Tashard Choice was capable of contributing. In his previous two appearances leading into the Eagles match, Choice rushed for at least 90 yards alone.

For the season ending game to end with 87 total rushing yards shared among Barber and Choice, the play calling has to improve.

If you expect your team to play consistent, your coaches must be consistent. Jason Garrett needed to make some adjustments to create offensive momentum, and it was Phillips' duty to make Garrett live up to his responsibilities. Neither acted and the offense crumbled.

As the Cowboys begin to establish new talent this offseason on both sides of the ball, consistency and leadership is the key to their success in 2009. Jones did his part by getting rid of the drama. Wade Phillips must now raise his expectations of both players and coaches by demanding consistency and establishing leadership.

Hopefully, making players focus more on execution and consistency will give them an opportunity to compete in the playoffs and possibly win it all.