The Big Picture of the Garrett Era

[TwoDeep3]

Let me say this first- yesterday’s win was great. I enjoyed watching this team whip the rams with a two by four all day long in a completely convincing fashion.

But yesterday’s win cannot erase the big picture of the last decade. Very, very few NFL coaches have more than 3-5 years to take their team to at least near championship heights. Assuming this team makes the playoffs after hopefully beating the e-girls, only 4 of Garrett’s 9 teams will have even made the playoffs.

Here’s my big point: Look at Jason Garrett’s whole resume and playoff record, not his last game. Stay in the big picture, not the small.

Let’s look at the last decade and the big picture of what Jason Garrett’s teams have in common:

• Garrett coached teams always seem to play up and down. Three straight 8-8 seasons from 2011-13.
• Alternating good years with bad. Good years 2014, 2016, and 2018, with bummer years 2015 and 2017, and maybe 2019.
• Consistently poor clock management with a game on the line. How many times have we seen this coach mismanage key moments in games, especially against good opponents? Like the 2016 playoff game against the pack.
  
• A complete lack of creativity or adaptability both in game and in-season. Game plans are seemingly written in stone, regardless of circumstances or what the opponent seems to be going. (Chaz Green in Atlanta?)
• His teams are 4-5 on Thanksgiving, one of the biggest home field advantages in football.
• In fairness, his teams have almost always played hard.
• His teams have also won some big games. But they were either a wild card playoff game or a regular season game.
  
• His teams have also lost 3 divisional round playoff games, all very winnable.

This list could go on. Garrett has had more than a fair chance to show that he can take this team where it hasn’t been in nearly a quarter century. A near decade to show he can lead this team to greatness. Keeping Jason Garrett at this point would be a farce if winning a championship is the goal. (Sadly, it may not be the goal for Jerry)

If it hasn’t happened in almost ten years, it isn’t going to happen. The Garrett expiration date has passed. The big picture says Garrett is what he is. A fairly good coach who doesn’t take teams very far in the playoffs. It’s time for a new voice in 2020.

My personal opinion is the hallmark for a team is the NFC Championship game. Landry said he tries to stay close and get into that game. Then you can pop through every few years and have a chance at the prize.

To grade a coach on this criteria is harsh his first couple of years. But making the play-offs is imperative. Once a coach has established he can lead a team to the play-offs, the expectation is the NFC Championship game. The escalate to the Super Bowl.

That should be the five year plan for every coach brought in to lead this team.

With Garrett, his third year at 8-8 would get him fired with this plan.

I understand there are extenuating circumstances which can derail a season. Cap space, injury, age of team. But I also believe making and accepting excuses is how you get to 23 years of nothing.

I agree with so much of your original post. Once again, great work.

 

[Flamma]

I just think ten years is time enough to know what a coach is. Garrett isn’t the worst. But that’s not exactly an endorsement.

You're absolutely right on point. I'd go as far to say even last year was a very up and down season. 9 years is definitely a large enough sample size to know what you have in a coach.

 

[SmarterThanEinstein]

I like Urban Meyer. But what makes you think Jerry is going to hire him? Or that Meyer would agree to work in Jerry’s control circus?

only the fans can make him by not excepting mediocrity teams year after year. Jerry only wants a puppet coach, such a selfish old man he is. He's another Al Davis, doesn't put the teams needs above his. One day he's going to have to.

 

[SmarterThanEinstein]

Yeah I saw that too. But when I read his quotes on coaching the Cowboys, it sounds generic, like “Who wouldn’t want to coach the Cowboys?” Not an absolute I will accept the job.

As I’ve said many times, Urban Meyer is a great college coach. We would be lucky to get him. But when you look at his college coaching career, he occasionally tussled with college presidents and athletic directors that tried to control his program. I can’t see Meyer agreeing to come here without a JimmyJohnson type contract that would give him full control.

Do any of us believe Jerry would be willing to give another coach that kind of control? If he is, then maybe we get Urban Meyer. If not, it’s nothing more than fan hope.

your right, Jerry needs to remember what brought him his Superbowl's. No puppet coach did.

 

[SmarterThanEinstein]

1989

Actually, never. In '89 he knew, he had his hands full, just taking care of the business side. This is why Jimmy, & his success on the field, was also a long term negative. He was successful quickly, considering where the team was when he started. The negative (in my opinion), it looked easy to Jerry. He was very jealous of the praise, & accolades that went to Jimmy. He wanted to be loved like Jimmy was/is.

Not many leopards ever change their spots. However, when you've tried everything else, what do you do..? Plenty of talking heads have said as much. We all know, Jerry does hear them. We'll never see a situation where Jerry gives up 100% control. So, the best we can hope for, is for a strong will coach like Meyer, who has some control, & can get more out of these players.

he will too, if Urban came in he'd make Garrett look like an amateur. How good Dak Prescott would be under Urban.

 

[kskboys]

He wants to win his way. Very badly.
I’m not sure why this is so difficult for all fans to see?

Basically if Jerry can’t play ball his way he’s not interested in owning a team. That’s why he bought a team. He wanted to play football guy all at our expense. It appears to be working.

All he has to do is appease to the fans that he’s trying and continue the revenue flow. Its his baby to do as he pleases.

Disagree. He doesn't want to win, he wants credence. Why is THAT so hard for all fans to see?

 

[Diehardblues]

Disagree. He doesn't want to win, he wants credence. Why is THAT so hard for all fans to see?

Of course. He only wants to win his way. And if he can’t receive credit isn’t interested in winning.
But IDK why all fans don’t see it?

 

[Bobhaze]

if he hasn't been fired in 10 years what makes you think it will happen now?

note, I mentioned in a different thread this is not a Switzer / Gailey / Campo / Phillips situation. It ain't like the players want him gone ... just folks like you, and certain drama queens in the media paid to do so.

Also please name any coach you think will do a better job of managing JJ?

You first. I can’t think of a single credible head coach who can succeed here without Jerry changing his ways and ceding control over to the coach...like the NFL owners who have been winning SBs the last 24 years.

 

[Michael88Irvin]

Don’t fret Bullet Bob. There will be a new voice on the sideline next year...

As we all know, Jerry has gone on record saying Garrett has to to take this team on a deep run or else. Jerry is prodding his HC to coach his *** off here. He really believes in this team and he would like nothing better than to have his guy get it done.

Unfortunately, most fans know what this team is. It’s a team that will be lucky to win one playoff game let alone win one on the road. The NFC is stacked this year. And that’s just another thing going against Jason Garrett. His time is limited.

The NFC is stacked this year?

I think we can/will hold our own in the playoffs, no matter who we face.

Saints - we barely lost to them by 2, & we missed a FG
Seahawks - just got pounded last week by none other than the team we just trounced.
San Fran - just lost to 4-9 Atlanta AT HOME!
Green Bay- we lost by a TD, but they are beatable.
Minnesota- we barely lost by 4, and we played like crap, very beatable...
Those are our NFC playoff opponents.
Am not scared of any of them!... and I'm sure none of them want to face us.

 

[GMO415]

A decade of wasted talent.

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

Disagree. He doesn't want to win, he wants credence. Why is THAT so hard for all fans to see?

Some fans think he's a great owner and a bad GM. Don't know how he can be both.

 

[nobody]

And that’s who I’m addressing is those fans who aren’t paying attention and still supporting Jerry.

The bigger point is I don’t believe it matters as long as Jerry’s in charge. It certainly hasn’t thus far with how many different Puppets.

Fans who aren't paying attention don't come here, man. You're preaching to the choir.

And with Jerry in charge and it not mattering much..that's true, but it's no excuse for any coach. The same thing over and over (like Garrett) certainly isn't working. We know the Jerry part of the equation isn't going to change, so something has to or there is no chance ever. There could be guys out there better at mitigating Jerry.. Why not demand a coaching change?

 

[kramskoi]

Doesn't matter who we get Jerruah is still the owner. That's the constant for the past 20 some years. I can't blame everything on Garret, those 8-8 years was rebuild years where we completely rebuilt or OL. Add in 2015 where we last Romo.

Whatever man. Garrett should've followed Wade out the door in 2010. This near ten year experiment of trying to force a square peg into a round hole should come to an end THIS year. A team that only wants to play when its back is against the wall is the same team that can't answer the bell consistently week in / week out. The season is damn near over and the Cowboys have JUST beaten a team with a winning record. The division should've been wrapped up by Thanksgiving with the type of offensive talent they have. Instead they are facing a real danger of not winning the division and missing the playoffs.

 

[Diehardblues]

Fans who aren't paying attention don't come here, man. You're preaching to the choir.

And with Jerry in charge and it not mattering much..that's true, but it's no excuse for any coach. The same thing over and over (like Garrett) certainly isn't working. We know the Jerry part of the equation isn't going to change, so something has to or there is no chance ever. There could be guys out there better at mitigating Jerry.. Why not demand a coaching change?

I already believe there’s not much chance.Its what Troy is saying.

We’ve had other puppets and even a Big Name this era with no better influences or results.

I’m in the mindset this is as good as it gets with Jerry this era.

And I’m not convinced he’ll bring in another Big Name.

But sure . Bring in another puppet. For Jason’s sake I hope we do move on. He deserves a normal situation. We’re screwed with Jerry.

 

[Number1]

You first. I can’t think of a single credible head coach who can succeed here without Jerry changing his ways and ceding control over to the coach.

you made my point

anyone thinking JJ's gonna hand the keys to anyone but family - because you, most fans (me included), and the media think it's his best move - must have missed the last 3 decades

there's a better chance casting spells will raise Clint Murchison II or Bum Bright from the grave.

But, you might consider starting a company ... raise enough to buy him out ... $10B+ might do
I'll kick in a dub on it.

BTW, JG is a smart guy - don't count him out.

 

[tecolote]

Garrett’s legacy will be the fact that he wasted the careers of a lot of very good players in his ten years as a coach.

 

[Motown12]

1989

Actually, never. In '89 he knew, he had his hands full, just taking care of the business side. This is why Jimmy, & his success on the field, was also a long term negative. He was successful quickly, considering where the team was when he started. The negative (in my opinion), it looked easy to Jerry. He was very jealous of the praise, & accolades that went to Jimmy. He wanted to be loved like Jimmy was/is.

Not many leopards ever change their spots. However, when you've tried everything else, what do you do..? Plenty of talking heads have said as much. We all know, Jerry does hear them. We'll never see a situation where Jerry gives up 100% control. So, the best we can hope for, is for a strong will coach like Meyer, who has some control, & can get more out of these players.

Agree on all points. This is unfortunately part of JJ's flawed logic and why he gets so defensive when people bring this topic up. "Why would I change the way things are done?, this is the same way things were done in 1989 and the reason why the Cowboys won more Super Bowls in his first 6 years as the GM then the prior regime did in 29 years. He was the GM and Jimmy Johnson/Barry Switzer was the coach, just like now. As if anyone else believes he was making those draft picks/trades that created a dynasty. We saw what happened when he took control of the draft in 1994 as he and Lacewell quickly brought this franchise to its knees with almost a decade of drafts that were the worst in the NFL before hiring Bill Parcells.

And while we got Bill Parcells at the end and his drafts were far from perfect, he brought structure, discipline, completely changed the culture and brought the franchise from a laughingstock back to respectability. And after seeing this turn around firsthand, what did JJ do when Parcells left? He hired Wade Phillips, a respected DC who had been a failure an an intern HC at multiple stops with nothing on his resume to suggest this would change. And sure enough after that 13-3 2007 season in his first year, a lack of discipline, accountability, bad drafts, and a toxic locker room once again brought this franchise to its knees.

Multiple people have said he was, and still is a great admirer of Sean Payton and he would have been the next HC if not for the bad timing of when Parcells left and Payton went to NO. I'm sure he wonders what would have happened in that scenario. I think that would have been his dream scenario. If Payton with a young Romo brings this franchise a Super Bowl, JJ gets the credit and the validation he so desperately craves as a "football guy" for seeing the genius of Payton before anyone else did. Hard to believe now that Parcells basically demoted Payton mid season and stripped him of his play calling unless my memory is wrong on this topic. Now Payton is seen as an offensive mastermind with a QB who just broke the record for most TD's thrown in NFL history.

 

[Diehardblues]

Garrett’s legacy will be the fact that he wasted the careers of a lot of very good players in his ten years as a coach.

Actually that’s Jerry’s legacy. One in which he’s already admitted with Romo era.

Remember Garrett is here because of Jerry.

 

[DuncanIso]

Whatever man. Garrett should've followed Wade out the door in 2010. This near ten year experiment of trying to force a square peg into a round hole should come to an end THIS year. A team that only wants to play when its back is against the wall is the same team that can't answer the bell consistently week in / week out. The season is damn near over and the Cowboys have JUST beaten a team with a winning record. The division should've been wrapped up by Thanksgiving with the type of offensive talent they have. Instead they are facing a real danger of not winning the division and missing the playoffs.

the big reason we need a change...our window of opportunity is closing. fast...

Zeke and Dak are half way through their elite years.

The OL is going to need a rebuild in 3-4 years also.

The defense and special teams coordinators are going to need replacements too.

 

[RD21]

Agree on all points. This is unfortunately part of JJ's flawed logic and why he gets so defensive when people bring this topic up. "Why would I change the way things are done?, this is the same way things were done in 1989 and the reason why the Cowboys won more Super Bowls in his first 6 years as the GM then the prior regime did in 29 years. He was the GM and Jimmy Johnson/Barry Switzer was the coach, just like now. As if anyone else believes he was making those draft picks/trades that created a dynasty. We saw what happened when he took control of the draft in 1994 as he and Lacewell quickly brought this franchise to its knees with almost a decade of drafts that were the worst in the NFL before hiring Bill Parcells.

And while we got Bill Parcells at the end and his drafts were far from perfect, he brought structure, discipline, completely changed the culture and brought the franchise from a laughingstock back to respectability. And after seeing this turn around firsthand, what did JJ do when Parcells left? He hired Wade Phillips, a respected DC who had been a failure an an intern HC at multiple stops with nothing on his resume to suggest this would change. And sure enough after that 13-3 2007 season in his first year, a lack of discipline, accountability, bad drafts, and a toxic locker room once again brought this franchise to its knees.

Multiple people have said he was, and still is a great admirer of Sean Payton and he would have been the next HC if not for the bad timing of when Parcells left and Payton went to NO. I'm sure he wonders what would have happened in that scenario. I think that would have been his dream scenario. If Payton with a young Romo brings this franchise a Super Bowl, JJ gets the credit and the validation he so desperately craves as a "football guy" for seeing the genius of Payton before anyone else did. Hard to believe now that Parcells basically demoted Payton mid season and stripped him of his play calling unless my memory is wrong on this topic. Now Payton is seen as an offensive mastermind with a QB who just broke the record for most TD's thrown in NFL history.

Agreed. I was especially bummed when Sean Payton went to New Orleans. It was a double dagger when Parcells left after '06. If Tuna woulda stayed another year, I think he would've got us to at least the NFC Championship in '07.