Smash Mouth Vs. Finesse - Garrett/Jones

[TwoDeep3]

One of the biggest slurs about the Cowboys of the 70's, and an excuse made by every talking head back then was Dallas was a finesse team.

Many times over it was expressed that the reason Pittsburgh beat them in Super Bowls was the Steelers were a tough minded, smash mouth team. The press saw Roger and company as a team that could be intimidated on the football field. To be sure, when they were on a semi level playing field with another team that didn't intimidate, they could work their theatrics and win.

But when it came to facing off with the real maulers, they got pushed aside. They could not hang.

Jimmy came in and changed that mindset. The early 90's teams were tough and tough-minded. Because the coach stayed on their butts until they were. They became the maulers of that era, and for the most part, some of their success against Steve Young and the 9ers could be attributed to them not being finesse.

Garrett is a finesse coach. Jones, who has his say, perhaps doesn't get this concept. The team has become a pass happy, forget the running game team that gets manhandled by tougher teams.

Like the Cowboys of the 70's they do win at times. Not as much, but some. And they do pull off some amazing games, mostly because Romo is throwing the ball a lot when he has time.

But if I were to encapsulate what I think Jason Garrett is, I would say a less talented Andy Reid. A pass happy buck-a-roo that ignores smash mouth on offense.

I do not think Garrett has much involvement in defense. It seems like the time he has spent here is hallmarked by an offensive coordinator and a defensive coordinator, and one of them gets to wear the captain hat.

Now Garrett may find his stride as an organizer. But my personal belief, regardless of demeanor is that Garrett isn't the type of coach that intimidates. I don't see him barking at players or coaches.

And I truly believe this game is a game of intimidation, and that flows throughout the team, from Rowdy to the GM.

That is what this team lacks. Putting the fear into the other team.

And this is why I think Garrett will ultimately continue on his quest to the middle of the pack.

Now I also believe that head coaches, or any coaches are handcuffed by the players they have. As evidenced in the Jimmy era that segued into the Switzer era.

Jimmy built that team and they won. Switzer ate hotdogs and made jokes, but the team still won because of the players. So some of Garrett's problems are created by talent selection.

And regardless of the running debate, Jerry is the GM and that falls on him, even if he is the titular head.

Bring in a good DC. Make the change to the 4-3. But expecting someone like Lovie will teach these guys turnovers is like expecting Michael Irvin to teach the Kevin OhNo-gletree how to play WR at a pro-bowl level.

Not gonna happen, G.I.

But the common denominator here in Dallas is Garrett is soft, and the team is soft, and that will not change until you hire tougher players, and a coach that will enforce his will on them to punch back when they get punched.

Just my opinion.

[17yearsandcounting]

This team IS soft. Go back and watch the Seattle or the Chicago game. Those guys hit ours out of the park. Especially Seattle.

[Zordon]

I've harped on this topic for the better part of a decade now.

[perrykemp]

It's possible to win with finesse -- especially with the liberalized passing rules. See 2010 Packers and 2009 Saints.

There is no single recipe for a super winning team.

[CowboyChris]

So what is New England, New Orleans, Indy (Manning) Green Bay, i wouldnt consider them maulers.

[jnday]

I would rather see a physical, smash-mouth team being built, but I see more and more finesse. Teams like the Ravens and Steelers have always been known as physical teams and I have always respected them for that. The 49ers have built a good, young physical team. Their oline is fun to watch. I have always hated the 49ers, but I really like the team they have built. It should remind Jerry what brought him three Super Bowls.

[JohnsKey19]

Originally Posted by Zordon

I've harped on this topic for the better part of a decade now.

This team had its moments as a physical team in 07, 08 and 09 with Flo, Columbo, Gurode and BIGG blocking for the Barbarian. They just weren't consistent.

[Tricericon]

Originally Posted by TwoDeep3

Many times over it was expressed that the reason Pittsburgh beat them in Super Bowls was the Steelers were a tough minded, smash mouth team.

Being "tough minded" is the secret to getting the referees entirely in your corner?

It's like one of those Jedi mind tricks, only with holding instead of droids.

[blackbull]

Originally Posted by CowboyChris

So what is New England, New Orleans, Indy (Manning) Green Bay, i wouldnt consider them maulers.

Pats are just in a class by themselves. Saints had sharper and vilma hitting. Indy wOn with bob sanders. Packers had nick collins and Matthews AND hof playmaker Woodson. Dallas is just......there. This draft/free agency has to change.

[TwoDeep3]

I keep seeing people make remarks that Garrett is Landry-esque. I find that a funny comparison since Landry invented a defense still used in the game today, and Garrett figured out a way to ice his kicker.

Now I am being a little facetious about the icing the kicker comment. But so many people are so quick to say player X reminds me of player Y. So this type of what I think of as wishful thinking just doesn't ring true to me.

Stoic and calm may be similar between them. Smart, okay, I will suggest Garrett is smart.

But Landry was an innovator. Garrett couldn't carry his fedora.