CFZ 2 stories within those 26 years

CouchCoach

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All I see is a wailing and gnashing of teeth over the last 26 years of not coming close to a championship but what of the 2 stories that only Cowboys fans got during that period of time?

Is not the underdog one of the compelling aspects of sports that drives it? We will see that unfold today with TCU the longshot to advance in the CFP. They will have a lot of fans because of that one reason.

The Cowboys have had some exceptional QB's throughout their history but when it comes to underdog stories, we have two back-to-back than no team can boast about.

The first only got called to the Combine to work out TE's and then only got signed as a UDFA because of an alum on the Cowboys coaching staff. His only other shot was another alum, Mike Shanahan. He worked his way up and ended up QBing the Cowboys for 10 years and became one of the must watch players in the league because of his Houdini act. Also, one of the most polarizing players for the fans the team had ever known.

The second was the third choice and picked in the fourth round and relegated to third string and only got the starting job after injuries to QB's 1 and 2. The remarkable thing about that is that is exactly how he got the QB1 job in high school and college. He would not relinquish any of the 3 jobs once he took them over. He gets the incorrigible tag about his inaccuracy even by the former QB1, who would end up changing his opinion after he worked on his craft to improve in that area. He has proven to be resilient with injuries and possessed in his efforts to return to his team. Also, one of the most polarizing players for the fans the team has even known.

Yes, the Cowboys haven't won much, except a few division titles, in the last 26 years but what of these 2 stories that we have witnessed as Cowboys fans? The pure essence of the underdog story yet once they make it, some seem to resent them for it. The odds were against them yet they rose above that to give hope to everyone who was told they weren't good enough.

Dedication and hard work seem to take a backseat to God given talent too often but we have two examples of that for us to share.

I just got to thinking about this on the last day of 2022 and some overlooked things we might should take another look at while we complain about those 26 years. It hasn't been all bad and it hasn't been all that bad, it really is overblown and run into the ground a little too much.

Those of you that have children, what's the better story to share with them? A man with God given talent that gets drafted #1 and goes on to win 3 championships and enter the HOF or two men facing long odds, told they're not good enough, that rise above that through their dedication and hard work? One is a fulfilling of a destiny; the other two made their own.

No, my friends, we were not cursed with these 26 years, we were given 2 stories that no other team can match and we should take the time to really appreciate those 2 gifts.
 

rambo2

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All I see is a wailing and gnashing of teeth over the last 26 years of not coming close to a championship but what of the 2 stories that only Cowboys fans got during that period of time?

Is not the underdog one of the compelling aspects of sports that drives it? We will see that unfold today with TCU the longshot to advance in the CFP. They will have a lot of fans because of that one reason.

The Cowboys have had some exceptional QB's throughout their history but when it comes to underdog stories, we have two back-to-back than no team can boast about.

The first only got called to the Combine to work out TE's and then only got signed as a UDFA because of an alum on the Cowboys coaching staff. His only other shot was another alum, Mike Shanahan. He worked his way up and ended up QBing the Cowboys for 10 years and became one of the must watch players in the league because of his Houdini act. Also, one of the most polarizing players for the fans the team had ever known.

The second was the third choice and picked in the fourth round and relegated to third string and only got the starting job after injuries to QB's 1 and 2. The remarkable thing about that is that is exactly how he got the QB1 job in high school and college. He would not relinquish any of the 3 jobs once he took them over. He gets the incorrigible tag about his inaccuracy even by the former QB1, who would end up changing his opinion after he worked on his craft to improve in that area. He has proven to be resilient with injuries and possessed in his efforts to return to his team. Also, one of the most polarizing players for the fans the team has even known.

Yes, the Cowboys haven't won much, except a few division titles, in the last 26 years but what of these 2 stories that we have witnessed as Cowboys fans? The pure essence of the underdog story yet once they make it, some seem to resent them for it. The odds were against them yet they rose above that to give hope to everyone who was told they weren't good enough.

Dedication and hard work seem to take a backseat to God given talent too often but we have two examples of that for us to share.

I just got to thinking about this on the last day of 2022 and some overlooked things we might should take another look at while we complain about those 26 years. It hasn't been all bad and it hasn't been all that bad, it really is overblown and run into the ground a little too much.

Those of you that have children, what's the better story to share with them? A man with God given talent that gets drafted #1 and goes on to win 3 championships and enter the HOF or two men facing long odds, told they're not good enough, that rise above that through their dedication and hard work? One is a fulfilling of a destiny; the other two made their own.

No, my friends, we were not cursed with these 26 years, we were given 2 stories that no other team can match and we should take the time to really appreciate those 2 gifts.
We may have a new story unfolding in the near future. This team has a shot. Enjoy the ride.
 

john van brocklin

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All I see is a wailing and gnashing of teeth over the last 26 years of not coming close to a championship but what of the 2 stories that only Cowboys fans got during that period of time?

Is not the underdog one of the compelling aspects of sports that drives it? We will see that unfold today with TCU the longshot to advance in the CFP. They will have a lot of fans because of that one reason.

The Cowboys have had some exceptional QB's throughout their history but when it comes to underdog stories, we have two back-to-back than no team can boast about.

The first only got called to the Combine to work out TE's and then only got signed as a UDFA because of an alum on the Cowboys coaching staff. His only other shot was another alum, Mike Shanahan. He worked his way up and ended up QBing the Cowboys for 10 years and became one of the must watch players in the league because of his Houdini act. Also, one of the most polarizing players for the fans the team had ever known.

The second was the third choice and picked in the fourth round and relegated to third string and only got the starting job after injuries to QB's 1 and 2. The remarkable thing about that is that is exactly how he got the QB1 job in high school and college. He would not relinquish any of the 3 jobs once he took them over. He gets the incorrigible tag about his inaccuracy even by the former QB1, who would end up changing his opinion after he worked on his craft to improve in that area. He has proven to be resilient with injuries and possessed in his efforts to return to his team. Also, one of the most polarizing players for the fans the team has even known.

Yes, the Cowboys haven't won much, except a few division titles, in the last 26 years but what of these 2 stories that we have witnessed as Cowboys fans? The pure essence of the underdog story yet once they make it, some seem to resent them for it. The odds were against them yet they rose above that to give hope to everyone who was told they weren't good enough.

Dedication and hard work seem to take a backseat to God given talent too often but we have two examples of that for us to share.

I just got to thinking about this on the last day of 2022 and some overlooked things we might should take another look at while we complain about those 26 years. It hasn't been all bad and it hasn't been all that bad, it really is overblown and run into the ground a little too much.

Those of you that have children, what's the better story to share with them? A man with God given talent that gets drafted #1 and goes on to win 3 championships and enter the HOF or two men facing long odds, told they're not good enough, that rise above that through their dedication and hard work? One is a fulfilling of a destiny; the other two made their own.

No, my friends, we were not cursed with these 26 years, we were given 2 stories that no other team can match and we should take the time to really appreciate those 2 gifts.
I appreciate Tony and Dak.
It's a shame, for whatever reason, we have have.not had much post-season success with either.
 

PA Cowboy Fan

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As much as I yelled about Romo I always liked him personally. It's just too bad that we couldn't have won a title with him. I'm afraid the same thing will happen to Dak too. I don't know if any QB can win here. I think even Tom Brady would have come up short here. Hope I'm wrong but after 27 years without even a championship game appearance you begin to wonder.
 

xpistofer

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For all their flaws (what QB doesn't have them???) Romo and Prescott have been a joy to watch and to pull for. Good guys. Unique talents. Great faces of the franchise. Definitely the two highlights of the past two decades. Hoping they one day reside in the HOF...Good post, Couch...
 

rambo2

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As much as I yelled about Romo I always liked him personally. It's just too bad that we couldn't have won a title with him. I'm afraid the same thing will happen to Dak too. I don't know if any QB can win here. I think even Tom Brady would have come up short here. Hope I'm wrong but after 27 years without even a championship game appearance you begin to wonder.
Parcels screwed up having him as the holder. I think that he was the last qb doing that. Then we had the Dez catch. We had several chances that didn't work out. People wondered about Tom Landry as well. They said that he couldn't win the big one, until he did.
 

Reid1boys

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The pressure on the one expected to win is immense. I coached one of the best HS softball teams to ever play in our area. We were 29-2 one season and allowed only 5 runs on our way to league and section titles. The following year we only lost 2 starters and the pressure to win it all again was nuts. In our only tournament they scheduled us a ridiculous back to back against two very good teams. We were injured and we lost the 2nd of a back to back game. The team that beat us in a nothing game went nuts afterwards. I made my team stop to watch them. Pointing out how we dont get easy games, we are everyone's championship game. WE did win it all, but I didnt even celebrate. I just sat there and watched the kids enjoy it because I was just happy I didnt screw it up. Well that is exactly what happens when teams play Dallas. They now the light is shining on that game and they clearly play harder.

That guy drafted number 1 has that pressure on his back. Remember when Young finally won it all....what did he do? Turned around at the press conference or interview or whatever it was and said here, get this monkey off my back as he obviously lived with that pressure, and it is an unfair pressure.

Dak, is QB of the most scrutinized sports team in the world and it isnt even close. The Cowboys played Thursday yet I bet come Monday morning if I tur on any of the daily sports shows on tv there will still be an entire segment discussing the Cowboys and if they "Believe," in them, followed by the normal they havent won jack in 27 yrears.

Yet the Jets havent won in something like 78 years, Dolphins in 50, Bengals.... ever, yet you NEVER hear that about any of them.

Hell, the Niners have had a longer SB win drought than Dallas. Have you ever heard that brought up one time?????
 

rambo2

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For all their flaws (what QB doesn't have them???) Romo and Prescott have been a joy to watch and to pull for. Good guys. Unique talents. Great faces of the franchise. Definitely the two highlights of the past two decades. Hoping they one day reside in the HOF...Good post, Couch...
You know what, Romo could maybe get in for his excellent work in the booth if he keeps it up for a long period of time.
 

john van brocklin

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As much as I yelled about Romo I always liked him personally. It's just too bad that we couldn't have won a title with him. I'm afraid the same thing will happen to Dak too. I don't know if any QB can win here. I think even Tom Brady would have come up short here. Hope I'm wrong but after 27 years without even a championship game appearance you begin to wonder.
Common denominator is Jerry Jones.
I think the culture that has been created here makes it more difficult to win.
 

Clove

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Last first round QB drafted by Jerry was not in the 2020s or 2010s or 2000s or even 1990s. He was drafted in 1989, we can at least try to draft a 1st round QB since all other options didn’t work up until this point.
 

Flamma

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All I see is a wailing and gnashing of teeth over the last 26 years of not coming close to a championship but what of the 2 stories that only Cowboys fans got during that period of time?

Is not the underdog one of the compelling aspects of sports that drives it? We will see that unfold today with TCU the longshot to advance in the CFP. They will have a lot of fans because of that one reason.

The Cowboys have had some exceptional QB's throughout their history but when it comes to underdog stories, we have two back-to-back than no team can boast about.

The first only got called to the Combine to work out TE's and then only got signed as a UDFA because of an alum on the Cowboys coaching staff. His only other shot was another alum, Mike Shanahan. He worked his way up and ended up QBing the Cowboys for 10 years and became one of the must watch players in the league because of his Houdini act. Also, one of the most polarizing players for the fans the team had ever known.

The second was the third choice and picked in the fourth round and relegated to third string and only got the starting job after injuries to QB's 1 and 2. The remarkable thing about that is that is exactly how he got the QB1 job in high school and college. He would not relinquish any of the 3 jobs once he took them over. He gets the incorrigible tag about his inaccuracy even by the former QB1, who would end up changing his opinion after he worked on his craft to improve in that area. He has proven to be resilient with injuries and possessed in his efforts to return to his team. Also, one of the most polarizing players for the fans the team has even known.

Yes, the Cowboys haven't won much, except a few division titles, in the last 26 years but what of these 2 stories that we have witnessed as Cowboys fans? The pure essence of the underdog story yet once they make it, some seem to resent them for it. The odds were against them yet they rose above that to give hope to everyone who was told they weren't good enough.

Dedication and hard work seem to take a backseat to God given talent too often but we have two examples of that for us to share.

I just got to thinking about this on the last day of 2022 and some overlooked things we might should take another look at while we complain about those 26 years. It hasn't been all bad and it hasn't been all that bad, it really is overblown and run into the ground a little too much.

Those of you that have children, what's the better story to share with them? A man with God given talent that gets drafted #1 and goes on to win 3 championships and enter the HOF or two men facing long odds, told they're not good enough, that rise above that through their dedication and hard work? One is a fulfilling of a destiny; the other two made their own.

No, my friends, we were not cursed with these 26 years, we were given 2 stories that no other team can match and we should take the time to really appreciate those 2 gifts.

Yeah, Dallas has been very lucky with our QB situation since Troy. Stupid lucky. Since 2006 an UDFA and a 4th round pick has kept the Cowboys in contention. However, the Cowboys as a team hasn't had an underdog story since 1975. Since then they only won one playoff game I didn't expect them to win. The 1992 Championship game. I think there were only 3 playoff games I expected the Cowboys to win, but they didn't. Those hurt the most. 1979 against the Rams. 2007 against the Giants. And 2016 Against the Packers. The other game was against the Cardinals, I forget what year.
 

DFWJC

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Parcels screwed up having him as the holder. I think that he was the last qb doing that. Then we had the Dez catch. We had several chances that didn't work out. People wondered about Tom Landry as well. They said that he couldn't win the big one, until he did.
and don't forget the perfect game-winning pass with 17 seconds to eliminate the eventual Super Bowl winning Giants.....but the receiver stalled his route.

 

cowboyec

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excellent post as usual(don't let that go to your head).
during this title drought...in my opinion...we've had just a few teams i thought were good enough to break thru.
i think part of the drought is we just weren't good enough.
mccarthy's team this year might have the moxy to break through.
 
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