DMN JJT Blog: Romo's injury just what the 'boys need/No longer in denial

[WoodysGirl]

Romo's Injury is just what Cowboys need

4:04 PM Mon, Oct 13, 2008 | Permalink
Jean-Jacques Taylor http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/email-icon.jpg E-mail http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/email-icon.jpg News tips

Repeat after me, Tony Romo's broken right pinkie doesn't signal the end of the Cowboys' season.

Actually, it's just what this team needs.

These Cowboys have been going through the motions for the past few weeks, playing without passion or energy. The result: two losses in the past three games, putting the Cowboys closer to last place than first place in the NFC East.

This team, which still has to visit New York, Washington, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, must play well over the next three months just to make the playoffs the way the NFC is shaping up.

That's why I'm officially ending all Super Bowl chatter.

The Cowboys are so talented, they've convinced themselves - consciously or subconsciously - that they don't have to play their best football every week to win.

All of that changes without Romo in the lineup for about a month.

Dallas plays St. Louis, Tampa Bay, the New York Giants and Washington during the next month. All of those teams except St. Louis will be competing for a playoff spot, adding extra importance to these games.

Now, you're going to get a focused team because it has no other choice.

Life as the Cowboys know it doesn't have to be over just because Romo is out. Trust in 40-year-old Brad Johnson, the man known around Valley Ranch as Bull.

His teammates do.

Really.

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Cowboys no longer residing in denial

9:39 AM Tue, Oct 14, 2008 | Permalink
Jean-Jacques Taylor http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/email-icon.jpg E-mail http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/email-icon.jpg News tips

A few months from now, we'll look back at this season and I guarantee you the loss in Arizona will be viewed as the turning point.

We don't know yet whether the loss is a catalyst to a great season or the most disappointing in franchise history.

I think it's a good thing players like Bradie James, Keith Davis, Kevin Burnett, Patrick Crayton and Greg Ellis finally acknowledged publicly that this team hasn't played anywhere close to its potential for much of the season.

That's an indication the players are no longer in denial. Trust me, that's the first step toward this team finally playing its best football.

They've been lying to themselves, seduced by their talent and their record. They were living off last year's reputation and success.

I think they forgot just how hard they worked last season. And just how dedicated they were to success.

Since so many of them received new contracts or extensions this off-season, perhaps a few lost some of the hunger to push themselves harder in practice. Or watch just a little more tape. Or study the playbook just a little longer.

The season's not over. It's just beginning.

The next few months are going to be fascinating.



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[TonyS]

I actually agree with JJT here. Adversity is much better than the status quo mailing it in that we have been seeing. Bring on BJ!

 

[miamicowboy21]

Thank god these guys realize if they don't get their act together the season will go do the drain quickly.

I'm glad players are stepping up and not letting these ugly wins cloud the truth.

 

[aikemirv]

I agree with everything he says.

 

[theebs]

It sure would be something.

And it would make sense. many championship teams were on the brink of disaster in the first half of the season and then something happens and the light goes on.

I have my fingers crossed. I am just not sure this defense can stop a decent qb no matter how motivated they are.

 

[TNCowboy]

We're closer to 1st place than last place.....

 

[Boysboy]

It sure would be something.

And it would make sense. many championship teams were on the brink of disaster in the first half of the season and then something happens and the light goes on.

I have my fingers crossed. I am just not sure this defense can stop a decent qb no matter how motivated they are.

Giants fans were saying the same thing about their defense at this time last year.

I DO think we're talented though, but something needs to light a fuse under their *****.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

We can certainly hope that this will turn things around, they'll use this to fuel them, and it carries them all the way to a Superbowl title. I certainly wouldn't complain if it shakes out like that.

 

[theebs]

Giants fans were saying the same thing about their defense at this time last year.

I DO think we're talented though, but something needs to light a fuse under their *****.

thats very true.

Kiawanuka is a horrible lb and ross and that secondary looked pitiful for a while.

then some injuries happened, they hunkered down and started beating people up. Although until the playoffs they never really looked that good.