ALL THE RAGE: Wade vs. Rocky Balboa?!?

[TheWarrenReport]

Warren,

To be honest the only coach I feel that should remain is Sherman. He is respected semmingly by his players and that if anything is a valuable asset.

Provided a new head coach comes in, dont they usually gut the exsisting coaching heirarchy and replace them with their "own people."

Its what we do in the hospital...its still a business in the end.

Doc

Yes, most coaches choose to dispatch the old staffs, however, this is Dallas. And, under Jerry Jones' reign, I think every new coach has had to inherit at least a few leftovers. Even Parcells kept a couple, yes? Sadly, the Cowboys are not run like your hospital... it's run like General Hospital, the world's longest-running soap opera on the gridiron.

 

[kmd24]

That's all we have: the results. There is no discernible proof that Wade has altered his approach or earned the respect of his players.

No discernible proof that his approach has changed? How about the toughest training camp that most of the players have ever experienced?

The players seem to be in Wade's corner. That's all that really matters. Petulant fans should tend to their pacifiers.

The fault for the struggle yesterday lies squarely at the feet of the offensive line and Patrick Crayton, not Wade Phillips.

 

[TheWarrenReport]

No discernible proof that his approach has changed? How about the toughest training camp that most of the players have ever experienced?

The players seem to be in Wade's corner. That's all that really matters. Petulant fans should tend to their pacifiers.

The fault for the struggle yesterday lies squarely at the feet of the offensive line and Patrick Crayton, not Wade Phillips.

Really? Wade bears no responsibility for an undisciplined team that draws four offsides penalties by four different players in one drive? No responsibility for another fourth-quarter collapse by the defense he coordinates? No responsibility for an offensive coordinator who calls plays he's unaware of and mismanages the clock? No responsibility for players whose level of inspiration is oft no greater than a teen playing tic-tac-toe with a 2-year-old?

As for the toughness of the camp, perhaps that's more of an indication of the "softness" of previous summers rather than the increased difficulty of this off-season. You know, until tackling returns to training camp — like the old days when players were expected to master THE FUNDAMENTALS — it's hard to hear anyone talk of tough.

 

[TheWarrenReport]

Warren,

To be honest the only coach I feel that should remain is Sherman. He is respected semmingly by his players and that if anything is a valuable asset.

Doc

What about the conditioning coach everyone raves about? Or, do you agree with the pundits who feel he is responsible for the Cowboys' late-season slumps?

 

[kmd24]

Really? Wade bears no responsibility for an undisciplined team that draws four offsides penalties by four different players in one drive? No responsibility for another fourth-quarter collapse by the defense he coordinates? No responsibility for an offensive coordinator who calls plays he's unaware of and mismanages the clock? No responsibility for players whose level of inspiration is oft no greater than a teen playing tic-tac-toe with a 2-year-old?

No, I don't think Phillips is responsible when the best pass rushers on the team get caught for offsides, even in the same drive. Those penalties weren't particularly meaningful in the game, and Ratliff and Ware get most of their advantage from being able to time the snap.

Look, the guys committing the mistakes are guys who have been in the league a long time, guys who made the same mistakes under harder-nosed coaches. Gurode has had trouble with snaps as long as I can remember. Flozell has been committing false starts and holding guys he can't block from day one. The only thing I fault Phillips for is bringing a little less pressure at the end or regulation. But the truth is, Newman was in position to make a play. The touchdown came on 4th and 7 when the safety didn't provide the underneath coverage. He's right when he says the team needs to make one more play.

At some point, players have to become accountable, and they are the same guys that haven't been accountable for nearly a decade. When the same thing occurs over multiple years and multiple coaches, at some point you have to point the finger at the players. But Wade is a leader, and he will never do that publicly.

As for the toughness of the camp, perhaps that's more of an indication of the "softness" of previous summers rather than the increased difficulty of this off-season. You know, until tackling returns to training camp — like the old days when players were expected to master THE FUNDAMENTALS — it's hard to hear anyone talk of tough.

Sure, Bradie James, who spent spring training in South Louisiana laboring under the watch of Nick Saban and four training camps with Bill Parcells, knows nothing about tough camps. Many teams don't tackle (which simply means not taking players to the ground - there's still plenty of hitting) during training camp. And do you really think that teams around the league are teaching 12 year vets like Flozell Adams fundamentals like not committing false starts in training camp?

 

[TheWarrenReport]

No, I don't think Phillips is responsible when the best pass rushers on the team get caught for offsides, even in the same drive. Those penalties weren't particularly meaningful in the game, and Ratliff and Ware get most of their advantage from being able to time the snap.

Look, the guys committing the mistakes are guys who have been in the league a long time, guys who made the same mistakes under harder-nosed coaches. Gurode has had trouble with snaps as long as I can remember. Flozell has been committing false starts and holding guys he can't block from day one. The only thing I fault Phillips for is bringing a little less pressure at the end or regulation. But the truth is, Newman was in position to make a play. The touchdown came on 4th and 7 when the safety didn't provide the underneath coverage. He's right when he says the team needs to make one more play.

At some point, players have to become accountable, and they are the same guys that haven't been accountable for nearly a decade. When the same thing occurs over multiple years and multiple coaches, at some point you have to point the finger at the players. But Wade is a leader, and he will never do that publicly.

Sure, Bradie James, who spent spring training in South Louisiana laboring under the watch of Nick Saban and four training camps with Bill Parcells, knows nothing about tough camps. Many teams don't tackle (which simply means not taking players to the ground - there's still plenty of hitting) during training camp. And do you really think that teams around the league are teaching 12 year vets like Flozell Adams fundamentals like not committing false starts in training camp?

I understand that, ultimately, the players most execute. But, if players don't consistently do that, shouldn't they be disciplined by a coach in some manner to prove a point and make his teammates more accountable? When was the last time a Cowboy was benched or cut for sloppy play? It seems like significant lapses are overlooked with an "aw, shucks" attitude, as if folks getting paid millions shouldn't be expected to focus while at work. Obviously, Phillips isn't on the field, but neither is the attention of many of his players. That is his responsibility. And, I hate to disagree, but the penalties... they do add up.

 

[kmd24]

I understand that, ultimately, the players most execute. But, if players don't consistently do that, shouldn't they be disciplined by a coach in some manner to prove a point and make his teammates more accountable? When was the last time a Cowboy was benched or cut for sloppy play?

Do you know the players on the Cowboys' bench? Do you think replacing Flozell Adams with Doug Free is something that should be done by a coach who is trying to win? How about replacing Andre Gurode with Cory Procter? And even if Phillips did something so ludicrous, is there any evidence that it would cause the replaced players to play better? By your own logic, he'd be doing these "disinterested" players a favor..

It seems like significant lapses are overlooked with an "aw, shucks" attitude, as if folks getting paid millions shouldn't be expected to focus while at work.

Wade Phillips preaches togetherness to his players. It stands to reason that he would keep missed assignments in house. I think you have no idea what Wade says to his players about executing. Like everyone else, you are going only by what is said in press conferences. Wade's been talking about having to make a play since the Giants game, and I suspect that's been his theme to his players.

Obviously, Phillips isn't on the field, but neither is the attention of many of his players.

Sometimes players make mental errors, but most of the penalties of late have not been mental errors. Flozell's penalties are mostly because he's been getting beat. Offsides penalties are from aggression. I'm OK with the occasional offsides by Ware, Ratliff, and Spencer. It's their job to get pressure, and it comes with the territory. They've been pretty good this year at timing snaps without getting penalties.

That is his responsibility. And, I hate to disagree, but the penalties... they do add up.

Throughout Wade's tenure, Dallas has averaged less than one penalty a game more than the Cowboys did under Parcells, so they're not adding up much more than they ever have for this group. At some point, you have to look at the players.

 

[TheWarrenReport]

Do you know the players on the Cowboys' bench? Do you think replacing Flozell Adams with Doug Free is something that should be done by a coach who is trying to win? How about replacing Andre Gurode with Cory Procter? And even if Phillips did something so ludicrous, is there any evidence that it would cause the replaced players to play better? By your own logic, he'd be doing these "disinterested" players a favor..




Wade Phillips preaches togetherness to his players. It stands to reason that he would keep missed assignments in house. I think you have no idea what Wade says to his players about executing. Like everyone else, you are going only by what is said in press conferences. Wade's been talking about having to make a play since the Giants game, and I suspect that's been his theme to his players.



Sometimes players make mental errors, but most of the penalties of late have not been mental errors. Flozell's penalties are mostly because he's been getting beat. Offsides penalties are from aggression. I'm OK with the occasional offsides by Ware, Ratliff, and Spencer. It's their job to get pressure, and it comes with the territory. They've been pretty good this year at timing snaps without getting penalties.



Throughout Wade's tenure, Dallas has averaged less than one penalty a game more than the Cowboys did under Parcells, so they're not adding up much more than they ever have for this group. At some point, you have to look at the players.

Okay. Can we at least agree that the team's sloppiness and inability to "make one more play" is costing the Cowboys? Can we agree that the idea of winning a playoff game is unlikely with the lack of cohesiveness no mater how much togetherness is preached?

If so, what do you propose should be done. If it's not Wade and it's the players, how do you address the miscues and mental disorder? Should Wade stand pat and just hope execution (and fortunes) improve?

 

[mmohican29]

Do you know the players on the Cowboys' bench? Do you think replacing Flozell Adams with Doug Free is something that should be done by a coach who is trying to win? How about replacing Andre Gurode with Cory Procter? And even if Phillips did something so ludicrous, is there any evidence that it would cause the replaced players to play better? By your own logic, he'd be doing these "disinterested" players a favor..




Wade Phillips preaches togetherness to his players. It stands to reason that he would keep missed assignments in house. I think you have no idea what Wade says to his players about executing. Like everyone else, you are going only by what is said in press conferences. Wade's been talking about having to make a play since the Giants game, and I suspect that's been his theme to his players.



Sometimes players make mental errors, but most of the penalties of late have not been mental errors. Flozell's penalties are mostly because he's been getting beat. Offsides penalties are from aggression. I'm OK with the occasional offsides by Ware, Ratliff, and Spencer. It's their job to get pressure, and it comes with the territory. They've been pretty good this year at timing snaps without getting penalties.



Throughout Wade's tenure, Dallas has averaged less than one penalty a game more than the Cowboys did under Parcells, so they're not adding up much more than they ever have for this group. At some point, you have to look at the players.

Ur damn skippy. Great post. It's the PLAYERS people. It's NOT Wade... there is no possible way it could be Wade to be honest... Garrett- OTOH- needs some serious self-evaluation at times.

Wade's defense is walking the edge of being very, very good right now. Let's see how it plays out before we hang the wrong man, or two wrong men as it were.

The Dallas Cowboys PLAYERS must PLAY better smarter football. Period.

 

[Doomsay]

So here's a question: Should ANY member of the current coaching staff be retained? For consistency's sake? Hudson Houck? Ray Sherman? Anyone?

Only if the new coach wants them - Jerry should have no say in the matter.

 

[Hoofbite]

I'm not sure Wade could take on Rocky Balboey.......

 

[TheWarrenReport]

Only if the new coach wants them - Jerry should have no say in the matter.

Jerry shouldn't have a say in the matter... but he always does.

 

[TheWarrenReport]

Ur damn skippy. Great post. It's the PLAYERS people. It's NOT Wade... there is no possible way it could be Wade to be honest... Garrett- OTOH- needs some serious self-evaluation at times.

Wade's defense is walking the edge of being very, very good right now. Let's see how it plays out before we hang the wrong man, or two wrong men as it were.

The Dallas Cowboys PLAYERS must PLAY better smarter football. Period.

How is Wade not responsible? If you're the CEO of a Fortune 500 company and suddenly you dip dramatically into the red, it may be the direct fault of your employees, but as the top woman or man, you must still assume responsibility. The players AND Garrett answer to Wade. Or, perhaps they don't. But that's Wade's issue, no one else's. Don't think the players are getting it done? Then change the way you coach them. Or bench them. Or ship them off. Or make 'em run laps. I don't have the answer, but if I were in Wade's place, I'd try anything to right the wrongs that have placed Dallas just one game over .500 in the past 25 contests. That, is mediocrity and should not be tolerated by simply staying the course. I believe and pray this team will turn it around this season, but apparently, the coach won't have anything to do with helping them towards that goal.

 

[Doomsday101]

How is Wade not responsible? If you're the CEO of a Fortune 500 company and suddenly you dip dramatically into the red, it may be the direct fault of your employees, but as the top woman or man, you must still assume responsibility. The players AND Garrett answer to Wade. Or, perhaps they don't. But that's Wade's issue, no one else's. Don't think the players are getting it done? Then change the way you coach them. Or bench them. Or ship them off. Or make 'em run laps. I don't have the answer, but if I were in Wade's place, I'd try anything to right the wrongs that have placed Dallas just one game over .500 in the past 25 contests. That, is mediocrity and should not be tolerated by simply staying the course. I believe and pray this team will turn it around this season, but apparently, the coach won't have anything to do with helping them towards that goal.

You right in the end it all comes back to the HC. If this team fails Wade will more than likely get canned but by the same token if this team gets things going and makes post season and plays well in it he should be credited for the success. Right now there are some who will say it is all Wade and Garrett fault and if the team starts playing well it will be because the players did it themselves. For me I’ll wait and judge the end product when the season is done

 

[burmafrd]

If wade is not to blame then why has just about everyone everywhere says he is?

Now of course one can say that the masses are rarely right but when many of those are former players and former coaches one must wonder.

Discipline is vital to winning games. Show me where we have any.
and THAT comes from the coach.

Consequences for stupid mistakes. Show me where there is any.
and that SHOULD come from the coach.

 

[kmd24]

Okay. Can we at least agree that the team's sloppiness and inability to "make one more play" is costing the Cowboys? Can we agree that the idea of winning a playoff game is unlikely with the lack of cohesiveness no mater how much togetherness is preached?

If so, what do you propose should be done. If it's not Wade and it's the players, how do you address the miscues and mental disorder? Should Wade stand pat and just hope execution (and fortunes) improve?

Unfortunately, there's not a lot he can do about the mistakes. If Crayton keeps fumbling punts, then he could put someone else back there. If RW or Crayton can't get open, he can give Hurd or Austin some more reps. He's also got some flexibility on the defense, particularly with the DL and cornerbacks.

But those positions aren't the problem. It's safety. It's left tackle. At times it's been the quarterback. He's putting far and away the best players out there at those positions. And they are all veterans.

Wade's also not an offensive coordinator. Never has been. A wise leader knows when to delegate, and I don't think he's got a better option than trusting Garrett, who was foisted upon him.

So what can Wade do? There's the obvious stuff, like game plans and preparation, but I think we're more interested in the psychological. And here's what I've got: He can keep the team together and confident. If it were me, I'd impress on the team that they've lost two games to undefeated teams on the final play of both games. I'd make sure that they were aware not just of the litany of mistakes they've made, but also that they have played mistake-free football in the past and can do it again. Above all, I'd want them believing they can win, not preoccupied with nearly losing to a winless team and wailing with contrition like so many fans seem to demand.

Somewhere along the way, these guys have to believe they can win every game, and it's Wade's job to help get them there.

 

[TheWarrenReport]

You right in the end it all comes back to the HC. If this team fails Wade will more than likely get canned but by the same token if this team gets things going and makes post season and plays well in it he should be credited for the success. Right now there are some who will say it is all Wade and Garrett fault and if the team starts playing well it will be because the players did it themselves. For me I’ll wait and judge the end product when the season is done

I, too, can wait to pass final judgement. And, I do hope the team turns things around. But tell me, what would it take for you to definitely retain Wade as the head coach next year? What serve as proof he actually knows what he's doing? Is making the playoffs enough? Reaching the conference championship? Winning the Super Bowl?

 

[Doomsday101]

I, too, can wait to pass final judgement. And, I do hope the team turns things around. But tell me, what would it take for you to definitely retain Wade as the head coach next year? What serve as proof he actually knows what he's doing? Is making the playoffs enough? Reaching the conference championship? Winning the Super Bowl?

I would expect to get out of rd 1 of the playoffs but I would also see how the team was playing. If I felt like the staff has gotten through to the players and team was playing quality football that would go a long ways in keeping the staff.

 

[TheWarrenReport]

Somewhere along the way, these guys have to believe they can win every game, and it's Wade's job to help get them there.

I'm curious. Did you catch how Mike Singletary handled the situation with Dre Bly this weekend? He didn't call his player out, but had obviously created an environment in which Bly, sought out the opportunity to accept accountability and apologize for his reckless showboating. I think it speaks highly of both the coach and the player that this happened.

Now I'm not saying necessarily that Singletary should have been named the Cowboys coach years back but I do applaud the man's leadership and wish we would see more of the same in Big D.