No More Division in Dallas, Just Addition by Subtraction

With the release of Terrell Owens mere months in the rear view mirror, the Dallas Cowboys are desperately hoping that they made the right decision.

Terrell Owens defined Dallas’ dynamite offense in 2007, going for 1,355 yards and 15 touchdowns, ranking 2^nd on the season only to Randy Moss.

The Cowboys cut him, knowing that he was the most explosive play-maker on their offense. Before, everyone questioned who was to blame for the collapse of the Cowboys last season. The question now becomes, which is more valuable to the Cowboys: Terrell Owens’ play-making ability, or unity in the locker room?

Tony Romo no longer has his deep ball security blanket, to whom he can lob the football at any given point and just hope he comes down with it. Veteran WR Roy Williams is their number one receiver now, and he severely disappointed by only catching 16 passes in 7 games after leaving the Lions in a trade where many felt the Cowboys were getting the short end of the stick.

His work ethic came into question last year when the turnovers increased and never stopped. Now, in a locker room that lacks a true leader, Romo must step up and embrace his role as the franchise quarterback, the unflappable veteran who can rally the guys around him and get everyone excited.

Romo, however, must first buy into the team-first chemistry that has proved to win ball games. “When you win, do you have great chemistry? I don’t know that the chemistry was that different last year than the year before, but we went 13-3. So, I think injuries were a part of it. I think people not performing up to all of our levels that we might be able to perform up to.”

I don’t care what team you play for, or what the quarterbacks name is, but if the quarterback, the star of your franchise, doesn’t buy into the idea of team chemistry, then even if others on the team do, it will be next to impossible to remain cohesive.

Sources:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8108c22a&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true