DMN Blog: JJT: Who are the glue guys?

[WoodysGirl]

7:52 AM Wed, Jul 15, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
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Every successful team has glue guys. You know, they're the guys who aren't star players - maybe they used to be - but their ability and approach to the game helps the team win.


They're leaders and important players, even though they don't always get a lot of media attention and fans don't always respect their contribution.

They're the reliable guys," says Braves president John Schuerholz, "who, in the toughest of circumstances, in the biggest of moments, deliver the goods."

The legend of the glue guy is an extension of the age-old question in sports over whether natural "winners" exist--players who are greater than their statistics indicate, who win in part because of their force of will or ability to perform under pressure. Whether it's with superstars who make clutch plays or unknowns who have a knack for being in the right place at the right time, fans and observers ascribe special talents to these players--often exaggerating their actual contributions.
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I've got my list of glue guys for the local pro teams here.

Here's my vote for the local glue guys:

Cowboys: Bradie James
Rangers: Marlon Byrd
Stars: Stephan Robidas
Mavs: Jason Kidd

What's your take?

 

[rojan]

I'd have to say that Colombo (sp?) is one of them.....

 

[adamknite]

Kyle Kosier and Bradie James would be my picks.

 

[quaigs]

Unfortunately the cowboys haven't won that many big games so it's hard to tell who the winners on the team are. But Barber, Witten, Ware and Ratliff are guys that you can count on to make clutch plays. I would almost put Romo in there too as he does make a lot of big plays, unfortunately he make's a lot of unclutch plays as well. Forgot about Folk, the guy's money under pressure, and most likely the most clutch player on the team.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I honestly don't see that player on the roster

that's why attention to detail, everybody being on the same page, and cohesiveness is so important for this team

 

[TwentyOne]

I honestly don't see that player on the roster

You are right.

I think last year was the first year where a "glue player" had the oportunity to show. Just because last year was the first year where this team was really questioned (under Wade).

There were several players like TO or Witten who played good in important games. But they had also their negative effects on the team especially off the field. For example both were involved in stories that were disruptive for the team so i wouldn't call them real "glue players".

The only player that jumps to my mind is Tashard Choice. He produced and seems to have the mindset to bring the team together in important situations. But if he really is that kind of guy and if he will be accepted enough by the team to bring them together is something last year couldn't show just because he had too few chances to prove himself.

 

[LeonDixson]

You are right.

I think last year was the first year where a "glue player" had the oportunity to show. Just because last year was the first year where this team was really questioned (under Wade).

There were several players like TO or Witten who played good in important games. But they had also their negative effects on the team especially off the field. For example both were involved in stories that were disruptive for the team so i wouldn't call them real "glue players".

The only player that jumps to my mind is Tashard Choice. He produced and seems to have the mindset to bring the team together in important situations. But if he really is that kind of guy and if he will be accepted enough by the team to bring them together is something last year couldn't show just because he had too few chances to prove himself.

I agree with you on Choice. The guy seems to be a natural leader. The only question is can he be that guy from the sidelines because he won't be on the field all that often.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

I believe in 2009 you will see a couple of those "glue" guys emerge... Bradie James, D-Ware come to mind.

 

[WarDaddy]

I agree with you on Choice. The guy seems to be a natural leader. The only question is can he be that guy from the sidelines because he won't be on the field all that often.

That's why I think he should be the starter in a Julius Jones type of role. Barber can go back to being a Pro-Bowl closer and Felix can be a 3rd down back with a series or three some time throughout the game. This would make our team instantly better.

 

[TwentyOne]

I agree with you on Choice. The guy seems to be a natural leader. The only question is can he be that guy from the sidelines because he won't be on the field all that often.

That could be a big problem. It's hard to be a leader from the sidelines. People tend to listen to others who show them what is possible. And in football as a player you "show" on the field.

I hope he will get alot playing time. IMO he is a really good RB but i think just because of Barbers contract it will be hard to get him enough playing time.

 

[Chief]

I honestly don't see that player on the roster

that's why attention to detail, everybody being on the same page, and cohesiveness is so important for this team

I agree. There are some guys on the team with some great qualities, but I don't see a guy who holds the team together, who fixes things, who takes charge.

 

[billknows]

Unfortunately the cowboys haven't won that many big games so it's hard to tell who the winners on the team are. But Barber, Witten, Ware and Ratliff are guys that you can count on to make clutch plays. I would almost put Romo in there too as he does make a lot of big plays, unfortunately he make's a lot of unclutch plays as well. Forgot about Folk, the guy's money under pressure, and most likely the most clutch player on the team.

my picks are Witten


Ware


Folk

 

[Thick 'N Hearty]

All the guys mentioned so far, with the exception of Columbo and James, are either stars in the league or the in the upper echilon of talent, i.e., Romo, Witten, Barber, Ware, et al.

I think he is talking about the non-stars who show up each game and makes some sort of play and is also a leader. One newcomer to the team that I would consider being a "glue guy" is Brookings. I know we haven't seen him play in a Cowboys uniform yet, but I think he can bring leadership to this lockerroom and make one or two plays a game to benefit the team.

 

[Rampage]

Marcus Spears, Tashard Choice

 

[BAT]

Identifying the superstars on the team (Witten, Ware) as glue guys is a bit of an insult.

I also cannot see a glue guy on this team, not yet anyway. The closest this team has had was Killa on ST.

 

[Chief]

Marcus Spears, Tashard Choice

Marcus Spears is the glue that holds this team together?

No wonder this team falls apart at the slightest hint of pressure.

 

[CATCH17]

We have no glue because JJT took it all and sniffs it.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I agree. There are some guys on the team with some great qualities, but I don't see a guy who holds the team together, who fixes things, who takes charge.

and no matter how much more vocal Tony becomes, or how much of a role as leader Ware takes on, it's not going to matter

you are either born to lead, or you aren't

 

[BAT]

and no matter how much more vocal Tony becomes, or how much of a role as leader Ware takes on, it's not going to matter

you are either born to lead, or you aren't

Glue guys don't necessarily have to be leaders, but they have the respect of their teammates and oft times its b/c they do the dirty work. See Bill Bates, Moose Johnston, Shane Battier, etc.