The Last Ten Years:Best and Worst of Dallas Cowboys

[Maikeru-sama]

Last Ten Years:The Best and the Worst of the Dallas Cowboys


Player who was the biggest underachiever in the last 10 years?

Shante Carver - Shante Carver was a 1st round pick and was suppose to carry on the sack master tradition that Haley had established at Right End, needless to say, things just didnt work out.

Player who had the worst personality in the last 10 years?

Troy Hambrick - Troy Hambrick gets my vote as the player in the last 10 years with the worst personailty. After being the understudy for Emmitt Smith, for the better part of three years, Hambrick decided to let everyone know just how he felt about playing second fiddle to Smith by publicly stating, "Emmitt should retire. (Emmitt) is like Michael Jordan still in the league tarnishing his name." He also added, "There comes a time…to step aside". In 2003, Hambrick was given his big audition to shine, but he failed to impress, only gaining 972 rushing yards and averaging a pitiful 3.5 yards per carry. Staying true to form, after he was released by the Cowboys in the offseason, he would tell reporters, "It was hard to follow Emmitt Smith, I didn't have Emmitt Smith's line and I didn't have Emmitt Smith's quarterback." He would also add, "I didn't feel the energy," Hambrick said. "I just said to my agent, 'You know, after going through a Bill Parcells training camp, I think it might be time to go to a more veteran squad where they treat the players better.' Training camp with Parcells is rough and ragged."


Worst player for the Cowboys in the last 10 years?

Dewayne Goorich - Dewyane Goodrich just never lived up to that lofty 2nd round draft pick. He seemed to struggle in coverage and later in his career would be involved in an appearant DWI accident that would end with two people dead and one seriously injured.


Worst Loss for the Cowboys in the last 10 years?

1994 NFC Championship Game - There have been many heartbreaking losses the Cowboys have suffered over the past ten years. The blowout lost in the 2003 Playoffs at the hands of the Carolina Panthers, the opening day lost to the upstart Houston Texans in 2002, or Randy Moss's total domination of the Boys in the 1999 Wild Card Game. But I think most fans are still bitter about how the 1994 NFC Championship ended. A controversial non-call on cornerback Deion Sanders for pass interference on Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin would ultimately propel the 49ers to the Super Bowl and later, an NFL Championship. Most fans glance back at that fateful afternoon as the day the Boys were stopped dead in its track in an unsuccessful attempt at greatest, trying to win three straight NFL Titles in a row. No other team in history had done that, and the Cowboys were trying to be the first, but only to be denied in the 12th hour by the San Francisco 49ers. Though they would eventually sit atop the NFL Throne a year later, the Cowboys, and their fans are only left to wonder what could have been, if Pokes would have prevailed over the Niners on January 15, 1995.


Worst moment for the Cowboys in the last 10 years?

1st Eagles/Cowboys Game 1999 Season - The Boys walked into Veteran's Stadium with a three game win streak, looking to add a fourth win While making a routine catch, Michael Irvin slammed his head on the concrete turf abnormally. As Irvin lay motionless, many of the 66,669 Eagles' fans in attendance began to cheer loudly. When an ambulance was later rushed onto the field, this only seemed to encourage Eagles' fans to cheer even louder. On that day, America and the world at large saw the absolute worst in sports. The Eagles' fans, who had once booed Santa Clause, known for beating of fans of opposing teams and throwing batteries onto the field had sunken to an all-time low. Eagles Receiver Charles Johnson would later say, "I know our fans pride themselves on being tough, but that wasn't tough". Sadly enough, that unfortunate event would bring to a close one of the most brilliant careers in Dallas Cowboys History. Michael Irvin would later retire because of the swelling in his spinal cord. On a lighter note, a couple of years later, Veteran's Stadium would be demolished and the "Filthydelphia" Eagles and their fans would go to three straight NFC Championships, and would be denied three straight times. Ahhh, yes, karma is so sweet!!!


Player who was the biggest overachiever in the last 10 years?

Dexter Coakley - Dexter Coakley, 3rd round pick out of small Appalachian State was definitely a long shot to make the team because of his size. He would turn into one of the most productive linebackers in club history. Standing at modest 5'10" and weighing about 230 lbs, Coakley would go to the Pro Bowl three times in the last ten years.


Player who was the biggest surprise in the last 10 years?

Dat Nguyen - Middle Linebacker Dat Nguyen has turned into a tremendous Defensive Captain for the Cowpokes. Though he was drafted in the 3rd round most never envisioned him being an anchor for an NFL defense, but he clearly he has proved himself worthy of the title. The 5'11", 243 lbs linebacker combines intelligence and passion for the game to a motor that doesn't stop. At that size, that doesn't lend to people speaking of you in reverent whispered tones. He does the job brilliantly and with almost no accolades. He doesn't go pound his chest and demand respect. He just does his job and does it better than anyone expects. He so impressed Bill Parcells in his inaugural season, that he said last year he'd want him on any defense. That is very high praise from a man who does not give it lightly.


Best personality in the last 10 years?

Michael Irvin - Michael Irvin had one of the most colorful personalities in club history. Loud, defiant, flamboyant, Irvin seeming devoted as much effort to his wardrobe or one of his many television debates as he did to his craft, catching footballs. Irvin was known for speaking his mind, wearing fur coats to his court hearings, and for being just a fun guy to talk with. In the 1990's, Irvin was literally a walking media sound bite. The Cowboys would not acquire a receiver with his colorful personality until the 2004 offseason, when Keyshawn Johnson would join the fold.


Best Player for the Cowboys in the last 10 years?

Larry Allen - Although Allen has had a couple of down years recently, many feel he just maybe the best football player ever to wear the Silver and Blue. In the early years of his career, he was simply the most dominant force in the NFL. Allen has been selected All-Pro at three different positions and a Pro Bowler at four different slots, easily making him one of the most versatile linemen to ever play Professional Football.


Best win in the last 10 years?

Super Bowl XXX - You will hear many Pro Athletes talk about winning a championship in their respective sports. They talk about holding the magnificent Lord Stanley's Cup or hoisting the Lombardi Trophy above their heads amidst a thunderous crowd after a Super Bowl victory. In 1995, the Dallas Cowboys would be crowned champs after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super XXX. Not only had the Cowboys won it all, they finally managed to beat their old 70's nemesis. Twice in the decade of the 70's, the Steelers would defeat the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl and ultimately go on to be called the team of the 70's. The year prior, the Cowboys had suffered a bitter defeat against the 49ers and throughout the course of the 95 season, they were determined to get back to the "Big Dance" and dance when they got there. As Barry Switzer stood atop the winner's podium, along with Jerry Jones, he adamantly said the words to Jerry Jones, that every Cowboys fan wanted to say on that unforgettable day, "We did it, We did it". Yes, the one and only Dallas Cowboys had done it, they had been crowned Super Bowl champs once again.


Best moment for the Cowboys in the last 10 years?

Bill Parcells HireFor many devoted Cowboys fans, the best moment in recent history came in the Spring of 2003, when they found out the coaching legend, Bill Parcells was coming to Dallas. Dallas had suffered from so-so drafts, three miserable 5-11 records and no post season trip since the 99 season. Many felt Jerry Jones was out of control and needed to bring in some football people to turn things around again. The Tuna was just what the doctor order. In 2003, some would argue that he had done the best coaching job in his long and storied career. He would guide the Boys to a 10-6 regular season record and a playoff berth. I predict that one day, Parcells will be viewed in the same light as one Tom Landry, but then again, he may already be looked at in those terms.

Dallascowboyz.com would like to thank all the loyal and die hard Cowboys fans at Cowboyszone.com for helping to compile the data for this article.

[Maikeru-sama]

Thanks peeps for participating.

Also, I was thinking about taking the Best Overachiever or Surprise off, because they are kind of the same thing.

- Mike G.

[Hostile]

It turned out pretty good Mick. Nice job.

When do me and my fellow guinea pigs get our neat little wheel to run on?

[Maikeru-sama]

If I get some time at work tommorrow (I stopped doing anything that involves the Cowboys after 5, because I am getting way too addicted ), I will be doing the All-Time Cowboys team, which I am sure will stir up some controversy. Especially at the Head Coach position.

Besides, I will be too busy watching the DNC .

- Mike G.

[TruBlueCowboy]

Nice ten year recap Mick.

[Yeagermeister]

I'd put Dat as the biggest overachiever personally.

[TruBlueCowboy]

Originally Posted by Yeagermeister

I'd put Dat as the biggest overachiever personally.

Another guy I'd consider for biggest overachiever is Brandon Noble.

[Maikeru-sama]

Yeager, I was thinking the same thing. But both guys were drafted in the 3rd round with medium to low expectations, but I think Dex should get the nod because he came from a smaller school. Nguyen was the leader of the Wreckin Crew Defense at A&M, so alot of people knew he was somewhat of a good player.

- Mike G.

[The Realist]

Clay Shiver is close to being the worst I ever saw.

[LaTunaNostra]

Originally Posted by mickgreen58

Thanks peeps for participating.

Also, I was thinking about taking the Best Overachiever or Surprise off, because they are kind of the same thing.

- Mike G.

Mihe, I don't know whether or not you subscribe to Dallas Cowboys Weekly.

But you might enjoy this story from the latest issue. (July 1)


Memorable Games at Texas Stadium
Jan. 23, 1994: Dallas 38, San Francisco 21
By Mike Rabun


In the years to come, the Cowboys hope to have a new place to play. If that dream comes to pass, we are entering Texas Stadium's closing chapters.

Of the 272 regular-season and playoff games contested at Texas Stadium, five have been chosen as the most memorable. This is the last in a five-part series.

There is, to be sure, room to debate any list that has been put together in a subjective manner.

And those who have observed the local football franchise for a fair number of decades might have a completely different opinion than the one that has been put forth in this publication during the offseason.

A memorable game for one might well have been just another afternoon of competition for another.

But for what it's worth, this opinion is that any Cowboy aficionado would have enjoyed occupying a seat under the partial roof on Jan. 23, 1994.

For the purposes of this series, the game played that day ranks as No. One on the all-time Texas Stadium list.

There are various reasons to consider it as such, the least of which is how the game was played out. Without question, there have been more thrilling contests with more dramatic conclusions than the NFC championship tilt at the end of the 1993 season.

Dallas, after all, won by 17 points. There were seven games played at Texas Stadium that season alone with smaller margins of victory.

But the overall context in which the game took place elevates this game to the top.

The closing stretch of football played by the Cowboys that season, beginning with the Thanksgiving Day game, was one of the most fascinating in club history.

The Thanksgiving Day contest against Miami, in fact, earned a spot in this series because of its freakish setting and freakish ending.

After that bizarre holiday loss to Miami on an icy field, the Cowboys outbattled Philadelphia by seven, pulled away from Minnesota, survived five turnovers to outlast the Jets, rolled over Washington and finally beat the New York Giants in overtime in the game that turned Emmitt Smith from hero into semi-legend.

Then came the divisional round of the playoffs, in which Troy Aikman completed 28 of 37 passes for 302 yards and three touchdowns as the Cowboys dispatched the Green Bay Packers, 27-17.

That brought up the 49ers.

It was a rematch of the previous NFC title contest, the one that saw the Cowboys get over the hump in their bid to become the best in show.

The two teams had met early in the 1993 regular season with the Cowboys prevailing at Texas Stadium, 26-17, despite the fact the 49ers piled up more than 400 yards.

So Dallas was the favorite, as would be expected. But this is football. Anything can happen. With just one more win needed to reach the Super Bowl, a fanatical effort could be expected from all concerned. That well-known bounce of the ball or that ever-popular botched call by the officials could decide it all.

Enter, Jimmy Johnson.

Mr. Randy Galloway was in the midst of hosting his radio talk show one evening in the middle of the week prior to the Dallas-San Francisco tilt when the coach of the Cowboys dialed in.

Johnson soon notified the talk show host that the purpose of the call was to announce that his team would be winning the game the following Sunday.

Johnson said that those who chose to do so could put it in "three-inch headlines."

"We will win the game," the coach proclaimed.

It is for such moments that those who work in the media live. Johnson's quote was made into a banner headline the next day and off to the side was a makeshift ruler so the reader could see that, indeed, the headline was three inches tall.

On paper, the game was about even. The Cowboys gained just 18 more yards than did San Francisco. There were limited penalties. There was only one turnover.

But Dallas seized control with three straight touchdowns in the second quarter and when Aikman suffered a concussion in the second half, Bernie Kosar came in to produce the biggest play in his brief Dallas career.

Kosar's 42-yard touchdown pass to Alvin Harper gave the Cowboys a 35-14 advantage and pretty much wrapped things up.

In explaining his motivation the next week, Johnson said he thought his team needed something to improve its focus. What's more, he said, if the Cowboys had lost he would have immediately headed to his yacht in Florida and left a note behind to say why he had done what he did.

No recriminations were in order, of course. Dallas went on to claim its second straight Super Bowl title, after which the great schism took place.

The fact that Johnson was so bold that week contributed greatly to that game being ranked No. One in all the Cowboys' appearances at Texas Stadium.

But there is another reason.

It is argued here that on Jan. 23, 1994, the Cowboys' franchise reached its all-time high-water mark.

With an offense led by superstars, a defense loaded with big-play people and a staff sprinkled with soon-to-be head coaches, the team that took the field that day was probably the best the Cowboys ever had.

It was so good, that team's coach risked public humiliation by declaring it was better than the team that wound up second best.

The entire occasion turned out to be like no other in the history of the current Cowboys home. And it is going to take something really special to surpass it.

[Yeagermeister]

Originally Posted by The Realist

Clay Shiver is close to being the worst I ever saw.

We drafted quite a few oline stiffs

[DallasEast]

Originally Posted by mickgreen58

Worst moment for the Cowboys in the last 10 years?

The worst moment for the Cowboys in the last ten years for this fan happened on February 12, 2000.



Rest in peace, Tom Landry.

[iceberg]

Originally Posted by DallasEast

The worst moment for the Cowboys in the last ten years for this fan happened on February 12, 2000.



Rest in peace, Tom Landry.

de - miss ya man. your home is always with friends. this friend hopes i talk with you soon.

[Sarge]

Despite his 'problems" - Nate Newton has/had a great personality.

Great post Mick.

[nathanlt]

One of the most enjoyable blowouts by the Cowboys to watch is the first half of the Vikings Cowboys when Brad Johnson was QB. It was a wild card game, and I think it was nearly 30-0 at halftime with massive turnovers, etc. Cowboys did really well!