http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHPOzQzk9Qo

Lots of positives could come from this game!

1)  I'm about to get a lot of free time this Fall as I refuse to dedicate hours to these games.  I'll just DVR them and maybe watch, maybe not.  I've learned how to effectively apply this technique from my many years as a Cubs fan!

2)  A Lockout/Holdout is probably going to happen next year anyways!   So no way do I have to spend the off-season wondering how the Cowboys are going to "improve"!

     Well, that does screw up our odd year / positive year trend, though.   Darn.

3)  Jerry still gets to host the Super Bowl, doesn't he??

4)  We lost the real game but kicked their Butts in stats!  Do we get a "Fantasy Win" for that??

5)  Unless there's a huge turnaround a new coach might be coming in!  Can't wait!   I'm sure that will make a difference.

6) And the coach is going to "get" to work with "one of the most talented rosters in the NFL."   Who wouldn't want that?

7)  Wade Philips has a great career coming in humorous, self-referential constipation ads!  Like Polamalu and his hair, Philips and that look on his face will go perfectly with Ex-Lax.   He'll finally let it all out!

  ("Ya know, I used to hold it all in {shot of him on sideline as team racks up 16th penalty, making that face}, but I learned that's not healthy.  Every now and then you need to "slam a headphone to the ground," as my Pappy used to say.  So now I use Ex-Lax, and just let it all out! " )

Well, seriously , all I can say is that today I figured out why it's so frustrating rooting for this team the last few years.  It's not the boneheaded plays and penalties, actually.  It's the scariness of never knowing what team is going to show up!   The complete lack of consistency, from coaching on down.

   There are a few players you can count on, although whether it's injury or age you can take Witten off the list.   But the team as a whole can look so good at times, then so bad at others. The defense can be dominating, like  at the end of last season, or struggle.  The offense can be explosive, or barely move the ball.

   Jason Garret can have his head up his, or he can......wait, never mind.  Because he doesn't change.

And neither does Phillips, which is why I'm now officially in the waiting for him to go crowd.  I've tried to give these guys a chance, but what does Phillips actually do during the game besides talk to someone up in the booth?

         But this is not a "Blame" post-let's just share it between Jerry, the coaches, and the players, shall we?  I mean, there is plenty to go around, right?   From another Monty Python movie, "Let's not bicker and argue about who killed who..."       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=466sYeHC8dA&feature=related

Anyways, even when they WIN, it's just not enjoyable, because in the back of my mind I'm wondering if they'll be able to do it again, consistently.  It almost seems like an aberration when they actually play well, as in a  complete game in all phases.    It's more a feeling of relief than excitement at a win.

I'll say this-their season is NOT over, because they have 5 Division games left, and they could certainly pull off wins in maybe 6 out of the next 7 and get back into it.  But even if they do, I just can't get as invested, because every week seems like a crapshoot.

Today may be the day, for me, that Parity  - I hate that word  -  finally caught up to and overtook my 38 years as a fan, and following the NFL is just not fun anymore.  It seems to be more like playing slot machines than having a team with a "personality" to root for.   And you know, some people like slots.  But I find casinos creepy and boring and depressing.  Younger fans have known nothing else, and w/Fantasy football treat it more like a video game than a sport, but I can't get into that.

Good for them, but while I'll still watch, even though this team is pretty good and stilll has an outside chance, I'll be paying attention peripherally-like I did in the late 80's , when they were an embarrassment, but I watched like it was a carwreck  more than a football game.

OK, so the post by CCCuts got me thinking, "Who are the wimpiest, least scary guys ever in the NFL?"  But, I thought, that would be impossible, because if they're truly wusses they wouldn't have stayed in the NFL long enough for me to know them, right?  But then, a few names and faces popped into my mind, including some Cowboys, since that's the team I know best.   Some of these guys were decent players, some weren't, but none  made or make me feel scared.

And who was the first person that came to mind?  Well, having grown up in the 70's, it was, strangely enough.....

Rams QB Pat Haden, 1976-1981.  Do you wet your pants when you see that guy?  I always remembered Mr. Haden because I lived in SoCal and hated the Rams, as they and the Vikings were always obstacles to "Our" next, deserved, Super Bowl.  When I looked him up to refresh my memory....he was even wimpier than I imagined!

  To his credit he had to play as a rookie in 1976 due to injuries, and led the Rams over the Cowboys in the playoffs.  He would basically hand the ball off, try not to throw interceptions, and wait for his D to win games.

  The next year the Rams brought in ole Joe Namath because they didn't want to give Haden another shot.  After Namath's knees imploded, Haden again took them to the playoffs-and lost.  In 1978 he was given the starting job, and ended up in one of my favorite all-time Cowboys victories, the 28-0 slaughter in the NFC title game.  That "0" shows you how scary Pat Haden was.  Stuff the running game and this guy could do nothing.

   Injuries and a stud Italian named Vince Ferragamo pushed Haden aside, and he took himself immediately to the broadcast booth where he was afe from all those big, mean, nasty men.   Career Stats:  54% Completions,  TD-INT 52-60, and a rating of 69.6.  Not scary for a guy who actually played in the playoffs every year-on the backs of Fred Dryer,  Jack Youngblood and Tom Mack.

Next:

Todd Marinovich.  Hey, what is it about USC quarterbacks?  (Haden was one too.  And Matt Leinart, he could be on here.)

I just remember laughing at this guy as an NFL QB.  How many of his games, I wonder, did he play stoned?  He looked like a guy who wanted to get out of there while he still had all his pieces so he could, you know, go relax, dude.

All right, let's pick on the Cowboys.  Remember these faces?

Remember these high draft picks, Jerry's attempts to find the new Charles Haley?

Shante Carver-1st round.  Kavika Pittman, 2nd round.  Ebenezer Ekuban, 1st round again.  Man, what a wasteland of defensive ends.  Now, I know Ekuban was still playing last year (unsigned as of now), but 36 sacks in 9 seasons for a 1st rounder?   None of these guys had opposing DC's losing any sleep.

Most of you are probably familiar with Garo Yepremian's famous pass attempt on a failed field goal, since it happened in a Super Bowl.   It was like he had never even held a football, much less thrown one.  Now, it would be easy to fill this list with Kickers and Punters, but I didn't want to do that.  But this play really stands out.

I couldn't find a clip to link to, surprisingly.  It's one ugly play.  And he's definitely NOT scary.

Ryan Leaf.

The Cowboys are ahead, time's running out, and the Chargers (he never played for our team, did he??) have Ryan Leaf jog out to lead the final drive.

Are you scared?  No, didn't think so!

But you know, maybe as time has gone by, he's gotten a raw deal.  Was he really that bad?  Here are his career stats:

Career NFL statistics 

Pass attempts    655

Pass completions    317

Percentage    48.4

TD-INT    14-36

Passing yards    3,666

QB Rating    50.0

Actually, yes he was that bad.

And finally, one more Cowboy:

Actually, I just put this here to piss off Terry.  And the first one's for Montecito Tex.

Fortunately, Mr. Romo has made up for these unfortunate moments.

Let me know who I'm forgetting, there's go to be more.

Jerry had NOT cut TO ?  Can you imagine where this team would be?  Anyone seriously want to argue that they'd still be in the playoffs? 

    Last winter I was calling for the cutting of Owens-well, I was calling for it the day after he was signed, but he had his chance.  But even last fall/winter most here felt that ,

1)  Jerry wouldn't do it and admit a mistake, and

2)  If he did, Dallas would miss his production.

They were, of course, proven wrong.

   Let me count the ways his removal has directly led to the success of the Cowboys this year.

1)  Roy Williams   Wow, can you imagine?  The two starting WR's we watch every week are Terrell Owens and Roy Williams?  What is the NFL record for "drops" in a season on one team?   RoyW's worthles year would be even more magnified as TO would match him drop-for-drop, and add in some whining along the way.

2)  Which leads to Miles Austin  Maybe, just maybe, Austin would have eventually been given his shot-But probably not.  Too much invested in TO and RW, and he'd still be a second fiddle full of 'potential' we would have never seen.

3)  Tony Romo's Growth and Success  We've heard too often the overused phrase "Romo-friendly."  But there's truth in there.  Would he have grown into the calm, in-control leader we see now?  No.  It would be a completely different situation.

And his play would be different too.  I say that if TO were here, Romo's completion % is around 58-60%, and he has 15 or so picks, as he tries to force the ball to two brickhanded, poor-route-running WR's.  His frustration would have led to more chancy play and more picks as well.

He would be nowhere near where he has come this year.

4)  The Defense  I honestly believe there'd be a direct impact on the defense.  A poor passing game, leading to more 3 and outs, more time on the field for the Cowboys' defense, and while they would have played well, I don't think they reach the heights they reached this year.  They'd be more worn out both mentally and physically.

5)  Lockerroom Intangibles  I'll just leave it at that.  Does this team show the same Brookings-inspired spirit and coheviseness if Mr. Owens is in the room?

Jerry didn't follow my other suggestion and let Wade go, and he has done well this year-although a loss Saturday will leave a sense of failure again.

But thank goodness he listened to common sense and finally ended the TO experiment-or the Dallas Cowboys would have just finished a 7-9 or 8-8 year and the season would be over.

Watching the Cowboys growing up in the 70's, I took their success for granted. I was a teenager, and it seemed the Boys were destined to be in the playoffs every year. As I got older, I started to appreciate more that "my" team might not always be a winner (imagine!). As Roger Staubach's retirement approached, it was a sad time for me, and at that point I realized I'd been watching something special all those years.

During the 90's run, I made sure I soaked it all in, knowing that a run like the 1965-1985 one was not going to repeated, and that I had a small window of enjoyment. The salary cap, of course, closed that window even sooner.

So, what about now? The 13-3 season, the emergence of Tony Romo as an entertaining, if not yet great, QB, certainly has been better than those 5-11 years! But is there anything really special about this team that I'll look back on 15 years from now and go, "Wow, that was great!" Well, maybe next year Romo will mature and this team will provide some of those memories, beyond just a few spectacular plays.

As my title suggests, there is one player I think fans are not appeciating enough, and that is Jason Witten. When all is said and done, this is a player that may well be ranked in the top 5 all-time at his position. It is only because of Tony Gonzales' ability to continue to produce that the media has not quite caught on to how good this TE is. Of course, his team winning a playoff game (or SB!) wouldn't hurt either. And while I know knowledgeable fans on sites like this understand that Witten is not good but great, and integral to this offense's success, I'm not sure even they realize just how good a career he's having.

So, here are the stats of the inducted Hall of Fame TE's (yardage rounded off, and years played possibly not exact-I have a life):

Jackie Smith: 480 rec., 7,900 yards, 40 TD's, 5 Pro Bowls in 15 years

Mike Ditka: 427 rec., 5,800 yds., 43 TD's, 5 PB's in 11 years.

Dave Casper: 378 rec., 5,200 yds., 52 TD's, 5 PB's in 10 years

Ozzie Newsome (Roll Tide!): 662 rec., 8000 yds., 47 TD's, 3 PB's in 12 years

Charlie Sanders: 336 rec., 4,800 yds., 31 TD's, 7 PB's in 19 years

Kellen Winslow (expected more than this): 541 rec., 6,700 yds., 45 TD's, 5 PB's in 8 years.

John Mackey: 331 rec., 5,200 yds., 38 TD's, 5 PB's in 8 years

And, drum roll please, Jason Witten: 429 receptions, 4,900 yards, 25 TD's, and 5 Pro Bowls in just 6 years.

{Update: Last year's season increases his totals to: 696 rec., 7,909 yds., 41 TD's, and a (2010) 7th Pro Bowl. I also think it's worthy to note that he's getting the 1st team All-Pro honor now, where he's recognized as the best in the game.}

So, while there is no guarentee Witten will enter the Hall, the fact is that (until DWare puts a few more years under his belt) he is the ONE player we are watching now who truly is one of the best ever at his position. His stats already are approaching those of the Hall players after just 6 seasons.

Some Devil's Advocate criticism--1)Shannon Sharpe and Tony Gonzalez have some monster stats-although if Witten continues to perform for a 10- or 12-years career he could well be in their territory.

2) To actually get in the Hall, he'll face a problem because Sharpe and Gonzalez would have to basically get in first-and there may be a feeling of burnout on Tight Ends. {2011: Good News, Sharpe is in! Earlier is better for Witten.}

3) Todays NFL is more pass-happy and earlier TE's were not thrown to as much. They were more blockers than receivers. I get that. However, I don't think anyone will be challenging Witten's toughness.

But I still am taking time out every game to enjoy as Witten makes crucial, chain-moving, game-sealing catches week after week. And you should too.

Bonus-I couldn't resist looking up Jay Novacek's stats, and look how he

"Cek's" out compared to the guys in the Hall! 422 receptions, 4,600 yards, 30 TD's, AND 5 Pro Bowls over 11 years. Wow.

Stephen, you have permission to print this and take to Dad.

What JJ will NOT be asked to do-change his style.  Of course, most GM's are never seen/heard, much less owners, but Jerry will be Jerry.  If the Boys are winning, it's OK.And with a new stadium, he's going to continue to make himself the face of this franchise, so deal with it.

1A)  Fire Wade Phillips now.  With both WP and Garrett next year, he will be a lame-duck coach, and the players will tune him out.  It's not really his fault, but the situation is what it is.  I know, you said he was your guy next year, but like GHWBush and "Read my lips," you spoke too soon.  Just get up there and admit you made a mistake, it's not all Wade's fault, but the situation looks bad for next year.  Save face by mentioning that when you first backed Wade for next year, you had no idea a 44-6 thrashing By a Divsion Foe, no less, was coming.  I think that gives you the right to say things changed.  Pull this band-aid NOW.

1B)  Promote Garrett.  He may or may not be ready, but let's find out.  Trust your instinct, you saw something that made you want this guy in charge.  Why waste next year going 7-9 first?  He may flame out (Which will be his new nickname with his red hair, if he does, "Flameout"), but Gruden, Cowher, and Fisher were nobodies when hired.  New stadium, new coach-let's start now, because this team is not going to work for Wade next year, esp. if he's like Holgrem was this year, his successor sitting right there next to him.   Don't waste 2009 with Phillips in charge.

2)  Make Campo the DC and go back to the 4-3.  We've had 4 drafts since the switch, and still don't have the personnel.  Were you watching the games this weekend?  3-4's require speed and athleticism, and while Ware and a few others bring that, overall no one is confusing our D with theirs, or Philly's.  Pitt, Balt., and Philly all have dominant SAFETIES who  allow the front seven to run wild.  Do we?  Let's not even go there.  And why are we wearing Ratliff down playing nose tackle?  Remember Leon Lett?  I'm having visions....And, Let Ware play run and pass rush at DE, and forget about coverage.

3)  Eat the $10 Mill. and cut TO.  The guys been OK, and many here will defend him based on his Stats, but you know the truth, Jerry.  You know you signed him for one reason and one reason only---to get to, and hopefully win, the Super Bowl.   Did you risk everything and pay him $40 Million to pad his stats for the HoF??   No.  He could have 100 catches, 1300 yards, and 12 TD's, but you don't care , Jerry.  You want something else....

  Now, we had 2 good shots, and blew it.  Was it his fault??  No, there's plenty of blame to go around.  BUT, was he good enough to make up for the others' mistakes, did he get you over the hump?  No.  And now, he's getting older.

  And it may not even be his fault, it may be perception more than reality, but he's a distraction away from football for this team.  Perception is reality, they say.   Your team should have beat both Arizona AND Pitt, and on the road both times, too.  You're not that far away from the SB, Jerry!  And this one guy is not going to make the difference.  Sports is full of teams that lost the big name, but did better despite it.  Other guys step up.  So, do it, now.

Follow these steps and this team might have a chance next year.  Stay on the path you're on now, and we're looking at .500 or worse year, I believe.