1st Post - An Open Letter to Jerry Jones

[Mesaholic]

Not really the same.

I don't think his judgment on football matters is lacking. I simply disagree with people on that. We are not in cap hell, we are drafting very well, we have made some good trades. The talent is assembled. It wasn't by throwing darts. Homework had to have been done. No one is that lucky.

Gosh, I just have to disagree. What decent coaching hire has he made since Jimmy other than Parcells? Given time, Garrett might be, but the jury's out. We did draft well last year, no doubt, but wasn't it Garrett that pushed for Felix? TO - decent numbers but has not equated to anything team wise and he's too much of a lightning rod is becoming a distraction. Pac - bust and distraction. Roy Williams - bust and minor distraction. Letting Ferguson go - mistake (need a better runstopper). Letting Sparano go - apparent mistake. Not drafting and developing decent lineman to take over for Flozell and back up Kosier (who ought to be a backup himself). Now, he's bringing in low character guys in desperation to win at all costs. He appears to have overpaid the talent. He did have some good finds: Davis seems to have worked out. Ware is a future HOF if he stays healthy and productive. Witten may be HOF, definitely ROH. I give him much credit for keeping us flexible under the cap. My big point is: Hits and misses on players aside, The DALLAS COWBOYS have not made the playoffs since 1996. What's the stat - only two or three other teams with worse records in that time? What GM keeps his job for 12 years without a single playoff win?

 

[Bach]

Well...wouldn't any other GM's livelihood be tied to the success of the team?

Jerry's livelihood isn't directly tied to the success of the team though. It's tied to the marketing of the team. That's why Jerry himself said a week or two ago that he liked all the media attention surrounding his team, even when it is a distraction. He's of the mind that there's no such thing as bad media coverage. As long as his team is in the headlines it's free advertising and it translates in merchandise being bought and tickets sold.

Winning also translates into a team's popularity and financial success. But it's much easier to market America's Team than it is to build a winner. That's why he loves the circus atmosphere that drums up enthusiasm about the team and always having them be the lead story even if it is negative.

And I have no doubt he wants to win, but he wants it to be with him as the face of the franchise in full control. But everytime that has been the case we haven't been successful. It's a catch-22 and one he's not willing to put aside, at least not until he becomes desperate after a few 5-11 seasons.

 

[burmafrd]

Pretty much accurate but I will argue a couple of points. Jerruh is not the worst GM in the NFL even with Millen gone. BUT he probably is in the bottom 10.
We do have the PHYSICAL TALENT on this team. By the MEAUREABLES we have AWESOME talent. BUT its in the head where we are weak. BP probably did not really mean to say that out loud but he was right when he said all too many here are football dumb (Gurode being maybe one of the most obvious examples- he was an engineering student I beleive in school so he has a HIGH IQ, but not in football). Lack of discipline both personal and football wise abounds on this team.

 

[bbgun]

Jerry's livelihood isn't directly tied to the success of the team though. It's tied to the marketing of the team. That's why Jerry himself said a week or two ago that he liked all the media attention surrounding his team, even when it is a distraction. He's of the mind that there's no such thing as bad media coverage. As long as his team is in the headlines it's free advertising and it translates in merchandise being bought and tickets sold.

Winning also translates into a team's popularity and financial success. But it's much easier to market America's Team than it is to build a winner. That's why he loves the circus atmosphere that drums up enthusiasm about the team and always having them be the lead story even if it is negative.

And I have no doubt he wants to win, but he wants it to be with him as the face of the franchise in full control. But everytime that has been the case we haven't been successful. It's a catch-22 and one he's not willing to put aside, at least not until he becomes desperate after a few 5-11 seasons.

Actually, his "livelihood" is tied to the mammoth network TV contracts. Pardon the old cliche, but it's like being born on third base and thinking you hit a triple. Thanks to the networks and NFL licensing agreements, you don't have to field a winner to be in the "black" every year. That's why many owners don't spend as much as they should to improve their team, because in terms of the bottom line, they don't have to. Jerry, to his credit, does spend--but not wisely. Same for his hires. "Good intentions" aren't nearly enough.

 

[ejthedj]

Here, Here!

Great letter. And I'm down with the boycott.

I stopped caring until you show me something different

 

[Hostile]

Gosh, I just have to disagree. What decent coaching hire has he made since Jimmy other than Parcells?

Did Martellus Bennett turn into a decent TE after a whole lot of Cowboys fans wanted him cut for dissing John Garrett? Does Garrett get any credit for that development?

In 2007 did our QB set every passing record in franchise History? Jerry gets no credit for hiring Jason Garrett?

Bradie James came on this year and may have been one of the 3 best players we had on Defense. Does Dat Nguyen get no credit for that? If not, what about Reggie Herring?

TO matured when we brought Ray Sherman here after Todd Haley exited stage left with Parcells "retirement." No credit to Sherman for TO being different than the whole world expected him to be?

I could go on, but I think my point is made.

Given time, Garrett might be, but the jury's out. We did draft well last year, no doubt, but wasn't it Garrett that pushed for Felix?

In fact it was. Over Mendenhall. Was he wrong? Or does it show he can coach a bit?

TO - decent numbers but has not equated to anything team wise and he's too much of a lightning rod is becoming a distraction.

I'm not a TO fan by any wild stretch of the imagination. But the reports of hsi being any kind of distraction in Dallas are pure fiction.

Pac - bust and distraction.

I think his suspension shocked this team pretty badly if you want to know the truth. It came at a horrible time. Most of the players really like the guy.

Roy Williams - bust and minor distraction.

I don't agree at all.

Letting Ferguson go - mistake (need a better runstopper).

Jay Ratliff was one of the best NTs in the NFL this year. Fergy was old, coming off injury, and way too expensive to be a backup.

Letting Sparano go - apparent mistake.

Prediction, next year when they are not playing the 4th place schedule in the Division with the easiest schedule for all 4 teams, they will come back to earth and he won't look so amazing to people.

Not drafting and developing decent lineman to take over for Flozell and back up Kosier (who ought to be a backup himself). Now, he's bringing in low character guys in desperation to win at all costs.

Can you please point out for me the team that is 9 or 10 deep with OL talent and how they assembled that talent? Holland actually did well before he got hurt. Who pulled the trigger on that trade? Oh yeah.

He appears to have overpaid the talent.

Yet is under the cap by a rather large amount and can lock up more talent for a long haul.

He did have some good finds: Davis seems to have worked out. Ware is a future HOF if he stays healthy and productive. Witten may be HOF, definitely ROH. I give him much credit for keeping us flexible under the cap.

Yeah, he sucks.

My big point is: Hits and misses on players aside, The DALLAS COWBOYS have not made the playoffs since 1996.

Wrong. They made the playoffs in 1998, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2007. They have not won in the post season since 1996. Can you show me pictures of Jerry suited up to play?

What's the stat - only two or three other teams with worse records in that time? What GM keeps his job for 12 years without a single playoff win?

Most wouldn't. Most don't have a team that is as good as this team is capable of being. You gave him credit for hiring Parcells. The Big Tuna was 0-2 in the post season. Yet credit that? I often wonder what people see the GM job as.

Maybe I don't want to know.

 

[NeonDeion21]

I just want Jerry to give us something to look forward to in '09.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Did Martellus Bennett turn into a decent TE after a whole lot of Cowboys fans wanted him cut for dissing John Garrett? Does Garrett get any credit for that development?

In 2007 did our QB set every passing record in franchise History? Jerry gets no credit for hiring Jason Garrett?

Bradie James came on this year and may have been one of the 3 best players we had on Defense. Does Dat Nguyen get no credit for that? If not, what about Reggie Herring?

TO matured when we brought Ray Sherman here after Todd Haley exited stage left with Parcells "retirement." No credit to Sherman for TO being different than the whole world expected him to be?

I could go on, but I think my point is made.

In fact it was. Over Mendenhall. Was he wrong? Or does it show he can coach a bit?

I'm not a TO fan by any wild stretch of the imagination. But the reports of hsi being any kind of distraction in Dallas are pure fiction.

I think his suspension shocked this team pretty badly if you want to know the truth. It came at a horrible time. Most of the players really like the guy.

I don't agree at all.

Jay Ratliff was one of the best NTs in the NFL this year. Fergy was old, coming off injury, and way too expensive to be a backup.

Prediction, next year when they are not playing the 4th place schedule in the Division with the easiest schedule for all 4 teams, they will come back to earth and he won't look so amazing to people.

Can you please point out for me the team that is 9 or 10 deep with OL talent and how they assembled that talent? Holland actually did well before he got hurt. Who pulled the trigger on that trade? Oh yeah.

Yet is under the cap by a rather large amount and can lock up more talent for a long haul.

Yeah, he sucks.

Wrong. They made the playoffs in 1998, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2007. They have not won in the post season since 1996. Can you show me pictures of Jerry suited up to play?

Most wouldn't. Most don't have a team that is as good as this team is capable of being. You gave him credit for hiring Parcells. The Big Tuna was 0-2 in the post season. Yet credit that? I often wonder what people see the GM job as.

Maybe I don't want to know.

Hos you can argue specific points all you want, (and you certainly raise some valid defenses for Jerry), but the bottom line for any GM and HC is wins and losses and that means playoff wins and losses.

also, do not forget the December stat that has us right there with the 60s and 70s New Orleans Aints. We are WORSE than the Aint's of that era. Let that sink in for a minute.

Jerry has created a circus atmosphere that has a clown leading the parade. Yesterday's game was the single most embarrassing moment in Cowboy history because basically the entire team (with a few exceptions) quit on their HC. The GM that created this environment would be held accountable in any other organization.

 

[Carl23]

Wonder what a full page ad in the DMN costs? Or the USA Today?Instead of chipping in for a bunch of pavers,chip in for an ad.

You'll get my $20.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Whose jersey does your dog wear?

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Wonder what a full page ad in the DMN costs? Or the USA Today?Instead of chipping in for a bunch of pavers,chip in for an ad.

that's a very good idea. But a newspaper fans and coaches will read. Do I dear say "Cowboys Weekly"?

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

You'll get my $20.

And mine, too.

And I will toss in the money in the jar being collected by the Girl Scouts. They don't need the money anyway, them rich little tarts from the rich side of town.

 

[LRcowboy Fan]

Send your letter to the DMN or the FWST as a letter to the editor. Also, email it to some of the guys on the Ticket. I know they read their emails. It is a very well written letter.

 

[Romo2Dez4six]

great letter

and Hos I need to know names . i might know a couple too. wait just tell me players or staff.

 

[Pokes12]

Great post!!! I agree with it completely and will do the same. I wish I had not purchased the large number of gifts at Texas Stadium this Thanksgiving.

 

[DenairPete]

Make it happen

I think as an admin, it is your responsibility to make it happen. Even if nothing comes about, this is a very well written and thought out post.

 

[silver]

Hos you can argue specific points all you want, (and you certainly raise some valid defenses for Jerry), but the bottom line for any GM and HC is wins and losses and that means playoff wins and losses.

also, do not forget the December stat that has us right there with the 60s and 70s New Orleans Aints. We are WORSE than the Aint's of that era. Let that sink in for a minute.

Jerry has created a circus atmosphere that has a clown leading the parade. Yesterday's game was the single most embarrassing moment in Cowboy history because basically the entire team (with a few exceptions) quit on their HC. The GM that created this environment would be held accountable in any other organization.

Couldn't agree more. But IMHO this is an excersise in futility. Jerry is having too much fun playing football guru. Maybe if we miss the playoffs again next year he'll come to his senses. But I wouldn't get my hopes high. It took him 9 seasons from firing Jimmy to hiring Parcells. He's got 7 years to go.

 

[Clove]

Anyone who's' ever owned a business knows that the circus starts at the top. So keep blamming players etc, you're wasting your time. Out with 1 clown, in with another.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

Anyone who's' ever owned a business knows that the circus starts at the top. So keep blamming players etc, you're wasting your time. Out with 1 clown, in with another.

 

[Mesaholic]

In honor of the "GM" who turned the hiring of a consultant into an amateurish debacle while KC hired Scott Pioli, I resurrect this post and my original thoughts.