It's not whether you win or lose, it is how you play the game

[CouchCoach]

it is how you play the game.

I've heard that my whole life and some people don't like that and see that as an excuse for losing or participation trophies, but I do not see it that way at all.

Until the Ice Bowl, I was split between the St. Louis Football Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys and in a loss, the Cowboys took my heart because of their heart. I just stood and started clapping at the end of that game because of what I had just witnessed was the epitome of it is how you play the game.

I accept the principle that my team will play and lose to better teams because no one can play beyond their 100%, 110% does not exist. But, I do ask that they give that 100% as long as they are physically able and I do think some took Xavier Woods' comment out of context to what he was really saying about pacing yourself and having that 100% when you need it and it was not about effort, it was about energy.

So now, I find myself someplace I've never been, hating my own team. What has just occurred has never happened with any Cowboys team, regardless of the struggles they were having, and it soils the image of what the Dallas Cowboys stand for to me. I imagine there are a lot of angry former players and coaches at what this team has allowed to happen. There is a coward(s) and traitor(s) on the team, Think about that, on the team. That is so beyond belief to me and I do not see a lot of McC's players coming to back him up. More ex players than present ones.

There are also a lot of other former players and coaches of other teams upset about this because it should never happen. Some of those people will be watching this team come Sunday looking for the traitor(s). And traitor is the correct word, they have empowered the enemy with information.

So, for me, this isn't about winning or losing on Sunday in DC, it is about how they play the game. I will watch every play intently and not for the level of success but for the level of effort.

I can't post it here because of the language but the scene from "Any Given Sunday" when Jim Brown is going off on his players sums it up perfectly. "You die hard. That's what I'm talkin' about, you die hard". The one thing he left out was "you die hard together."

My friends, it's not a team now, not even close to being a real team. They either become one this Sunday on that field or they have no chance at being a real team.

 

[jazzcat22]

"My friends, it's not a team now, not even close to being a real team. They either become one this Sunday on that field or they have no chance at being a real team."

Basically it is "gut check" time. Show up and play. Stop making stupid mental mistakes over and over.
What this team needs is to crap can all the crap schemes on defense, and just play basic defense. Then build it from there.

 

[big dog cowboy]

This is professional football. There's a difference.

 

[glimmerman]

it is how you play the game.

I've heard that my whole life and some people don't like that and see that as an excuse for losing or participation trophies, but I do not see it that way at all.

Until the Ice Bowl, I was split between the St. Louis Football Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys and in a loss, the Cowboys took my heart because of their heart. I just stood and started clapping at the end of that game because of what I had just witnessed was the epitome of it is how you play the game.

I accept the principle that my team will play and lose to better teams because no one can play beyond their 100%, 110% does not exist. But, I do ask that they give that 100% as long as they are physically able and I do think some took Xavier Woods' comment out of context to what he was really saying about pacing yourself and having that 100% when you need it and it was not about effort, it was about energy.

So now, I find myself someplace I've never been, hating my own team. What has just occurred has never happened with any Cowboys team, regardless of the struggles they were having, and it soils the image of what the Dallas Cowboys stand for to me. I imagine there are a lot of angry former players and coaches at what this team has allowed to happen. There is a coward(s) and traitor(s) on the team, Think about that, on the team. That is so beyond belief to me and I do not see a lot of McC's players coming to back him up. More ex players than present ones.

There are also a lot of other former players and coaches of other teams upset about this because it should never happen. Some of those people will be watching this team come Sunday looking for the traitor(s). And traitor is the correct word, they have empowered the enemy with information.

So, for me, this isn't about winning or losing on Sunday in DC, it is about how they play the game. I will watch every play intently and not for the level of success but for the level of effort.

I can't post it here because of the language but the scene from "Any Given Sunday" when Jim Brown is going off on his players sums it up perfectly. "You die hard. That's what I'm talkin' about, you die hard". The one thing he left out was "you die hard together."

My friends, it's not a team now, not even close to being a real team. They either become one this Sunday on that field or they have no chance at being a real team.

Can’t put my finger on it. Easy to blame. Easy to blame JJ. A players owner. Did he set up a culture no one can change until he is gone. Easy to blame the players because they play the game. Easy to blame the HC, did that for years and changed it and not looking so good. But better than JG.

We lost this teams real leader. Whether you like Dak or not the team loves him and the Offense plays for him.

This Defense though. They aren’t even trying. No heart except the first game and when they got burned they just quit after that.

 

[Praxit]

..not to go off topic CC, but I feel money has changed the complexity of the game. These players can dream if they put in a few good years, the promise stands they will get paid with millions. Then when it happens. The mental aspect changes for many, not all. They lose the focus they once had, cause they don't have to reach anymore.

Jerry Jones is guilty of this, more than probably every owner. .....I wont got further as you already know.

 

[Cowboys224lyfe]

I know it’s professional football, but I see other teams COMPETING. Look at the Steelers and colts D they attack gaps, swarm the ball. They have a sense of urgency.

It’s time for the players to take pride and play for the star and not the name on the back of the jersey.

This is the most individualized team I have ever seen and I just hope MM can finally change the culture here

 

[CouchCoach]

I know it’s professional football, but I see other teams COMPETING. Look at the Steelers and colts D they attack gaps, swarm the ball. They have a sense of urgency.

It’s time for the players to take pride and play for the star and not the name on the back of the jersey.

This is the most individualized team I have ever seen and I just hope MM can finally change the culture here

I have had to go into businesses before and change the culture and it takes time and it also takes allies on the team that believe in the new culture.

I wonder if any coach can change the culture created by the family that owns it? I seriously doubt it.

 

[cern]

If mac won't say anything about this player rebellion, he's just as guilty of being a coward as the complaining players. I also find the silence from the fo just as cowardly. Why should management be afraid to anger an employee who is hurting the team. The entire circus is disgusting.

 

[NorthoftheRedRiver]

It's a dog of a team this year. But, I'm sticking with us and hope to see some real fight develop in this pooch. Go Cowboys.

 

[Ranching]

I've seen many mediocre teams beat good teams because they played harder, longer, smarter and for their teammates and community. So, yes!!! You can play at 110%. I feel sorry for anyone that has never seen that or been part of it. It's a GREAT feeling!!

 

[MysteryIceGuro]

..not to go off topic CC, but I feel money has changed the complexity of the game. These players can dream if they put in a few good years, the promise stands they will get paid with millions. Then when it happens. The mental aspect changes for many, not all. They lose the focus they once had, cause they don't have to reach anymore.

Jerry Jones is guilty of this, more than probably every owner. .....I wont got further as you already know.

thats why the league needs to change the way the contracts are structured. Barring certain injuries, there needs to be incentives. Extreme ones. That way the player still gets their money, but they don’t stop playing hard just cause they got their payday. The business/money aspect has absolutely ruined the game, and it’s the reason why guys like Zeke, Jaylon, and D-Law don’t care if we win or not. Cause at the end of the day, they got paid.

which is why I’m a little confused on who the rat is in the locker room. If you’re looking to get paid, that’s the last thing you should do. Now whoever the rat is (I’m looking at Griffen and Lewis) are gonna be put on blast when they are figured out, and their gonna be the next Earl Thomas, except without the talent (aka, blackballed in the NFL)

 

[CouchCoach]

If mac won't say anything about this player rebellion, he's just as guilty of being a coward as the complaining players. I also find the silence from the fo just as cowardly. Why should management be afraid to anger an employee who is hurting the team. The entire circus is disgusting.

To bring the focus of the team to the disgruntled player(s) gives them power and any time he spends additional time on that, he's not spending it on what does matter, the players that are still on his team and want to see him succeed.

I am actually in favor of the fo staying out of it. Let the HC work through it. However, were I in the fo in power, Slater would have had her last contact with anyone on my team. I would cut her off at the knees.

 

[G2]

The drama is overhyped because we're losing. The team is still a team, we're just missing a ton of players.

 

[Diehardblues]

Bottomline is McCarthy has been a complete disaster so far. Poor decisions from the first game .

He was supposed to be the savior. It’s like watching an avalanche . A loss Sunday and we are in a Free Fall.

 

[Risen Star]

It's whether you win or lose.

 

[G2]

Bottomline is McCarthy has been a complete disaster so far. Poor decisions from the first game .

He was supposed to be the savior. It’s like watching an avalanche . A loss Sunday and we are in a Free Fall.

All but one team with a new coach is a disaster.

 

[Diehardblues]

All but one team with a new coach is a disaster.

Is that supposed to lessen the sting with the Cowboys?

I’m not really interested in disasters at other franchises but you should start a thread . Maybe it will help deflect from the Cowboys and fans will find comfort with fellow disasters.

 

[fivetwos]

it is how you play the game.

I've heard that my whole life and some people don't like that and see that as an excuse for losing or participation trophies, but I do not see it that way at all.

Until the Ice Bowl, I was split between the St. Louis Football Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys and in a loss, the Cowboys took my heart because of their heart. I just stood and started clapping at the end of that game because of what I had just witnessed was the epitome of it is how you play the game.

I accept the principle that my team will play and lose to better teams because no one can play beyond their 100%, 110% does not exist. But, I do ask that they give that 100% as long as they are physically able and I do think some took Xavier Woods' comment out of context to what he was really saying about pacing yourself and having that 100% when you need it and it was not about effort, it was about energy.

So now, I find myself someplace I've never been, hating my own team. What has just occurred has never happened with any Cowboys team, regardless of the struggles they were having, and it soils the image of what the Dallas Cowboys stand for to me. I imagine there are a lot of angry former players and coaches at what this team has allowed to happen. There is a coward(s) and traitor(s) on the team, Think about that, on the team. That is so beyond belief to me and I do not see a lot of McC's players coming to back him up. More ex players than present ones.

There are also a lot of other former players and coaches of other teams upset about this because it should never happen. Some of those people will be watching this team come Sunday looking for the traitor(s). And traitor is the correct word, they have empowered the enemy with information.

So, for me, this isn't about winning or losing on Sunday in DC, it is about how they play the game. I will watch every play intently and not for the level of success but for the level of effort.

I can't post it here because of the language but the scene from "Any Given Sunday" when Jim Brown is going off on his players sums it up perfectly. "You die hard. That's what I'm talkin' about, you die hard". The one thing he left out was "you die hard together."

My friends, it's not a team now, not even close to being a real team. They either become one this Sunday on that field or they have no chance at being a real team.

Tell you what....some of those 70s St Louis teams didnt win much (exception of 74 iirc), but man did they always seem to give Dallas a handful, especially at home.

They had some really tough, gritty players. I'm surprised they didnt fare better, but I guess in a division with Dallas and Wash they just couldn't get it done. QB play hurt a bit until Lomax showed up.

 

[Bigdog]

Well if you from Brazil it is not if you win but if you good at doing. If you didn’t look good than it wasn’t a good win.

 

[MoistMayonnaise]

Forty years ago the players didn't make much money. It was as much for love of the game as a living wage. Now, these guys make bank, even the free agent scrubs. If you are willing to cash the check then you better show up on Sunday.