ESPN Mosley: Phillips: Cowboys can't be complacent; Competition brings Accountability

[WoodysGirl]

Feb 27
10:07
AM CT
By Tim MacMahon


INDIANAPOLIS – A year ago at the scouting combine, Wade Phillips wouldn’t talk to the media, following Jerry Jones’ gag order. He was more than accommodating upon arriving in Indianapolis on Friday afternoon, chatting with Valley Ranch regulars for about a half hour in the hotel lobby.

A relaxed Phillips expressed pride in what the Cowboys accomplished last season, when they won the NFC East and ended a playoff win drought that dated to 1996. However, he made it clear that the Cowboys can’t afford to have a sense of satisfaction.

“We’ve got to have the same determination, but we’ve got to be determined to go further,” Phillips said. “We’re not satisfied with where we are. We did good, but we didn’t do great. That’s what we strive for. I think we’re always looking for that. We’ve got to make some changes.”

Phillips acknowledged that the changes wouldn’t be as dramatic as last offseason, when the Cowboys did a locker room cleansing and the coaches took significant steps to demand more accountability. But Phillips said the changes could impact several areas, including personnel and coaching techniques.

The Cowboys only enter next season with momentum if they don’t let complacency seep in, which was a problem after their 13-3 campaign in 2007.

“That’s got to be the theme of our players and our staff and everybody,” Phillips said. “We were still disappointed after that last game.”

 

[WoodysGirl]

Wade: Competition brings accountability
February, 27, 2010 Feb 2711:47AM CT
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By Tim MacMahon

INDIANAPOLIS – Wade Phillips will always take a share of the blame when a player doesn't produce.

However, he acknowledges that there's a fine line on that issue. How can a coach accept blame and still make sure the player has accountability?

"Competition does a lot of that, and then you have to know your players," Phillips said. "There are certain guys it doesn't matter if you have somebody competing against them or not, they are going to play harder or do better. Then there are some guys the coach is going to have to point out more things to them."

We saw how competition brought out the best in Pro Bowl cornerback Mike Jenkins. It's time to see if the same is true for some established veterans on the roster.

 

[big dog cowboy]

We saw how competition brought out the best in Pro Bowl cornerback Mike Jenkins. It's time to see if the same is true for some established veterans on the roster.

#11 take notice you have been served.

 

[jobberone]

#11 take notice you have been served.

I suspect it goes beyond RW but he's a great example. I hope we draft some OL and a S to provide competition. I think they must be happy with M Hamlin bringing some competition. Just a guess.

 

[NeonNinja]

I suspect it goes beyond RW but he's a great example. I hope we draft some OL and a S to provide competition. I think they must be happy with M Hamlin bringing some competition. Just a guess.

That would be the best way to go.

 

[MONT17]

still cant trust a coach who cant use a backup Kicker to kick FGs!

 

[STSINAZ]

I suspect it goes beyond RW but he's a great example. I hope we draft some OL and a S to provide competition. I think they must be happy with M Hamlin bringing some competition. Just a guess.

Dude I love it. Put everyones position up for grabs. Make them earn it. Whoever doesn't is on the bench. That's what parcells did that still works with todays players. I can think of 6 players that will either play better or get replaced. Ogletree for williams. Free for columbo. A free agent or draft pick for kosier. I think we will definitely get someone to replace him a nd at spears position. Same thing for hamlin. That's 5 positions right there. Felix and barber will competeand felix will win.

 

[dbair1967]

#11 take notice you have been served.

The guy playing FS is just as big, if not bigger issue. He's sucked for two years and some of his poor plays have definitely lost football games for us.

 

[Stash]

I'd throw Colombo and Adams' names in there as well.

Adams isn't getting any younger and Colombo stunk it up during that playoff game.

Doug Free had a great season and should be given the chance to challenge either of those guys for their starting spot.

May the best man win.

 

[Woods]

Dude I love it. Put everyones position up for grabs. Make them earn it. Whoever doesn't is on the bench. That's what parcells did that still works with todays players. I can think of 6 players that will either play better or get replaced. Ogletree for williams. Free for columbo. A free agent or draft pick for kosier. I think we will definitely get someone to replace him a nd at spears position. Same thing for hamlin. That's 5 positions right there. Felix and barber will competeand felix will win.

You can probably add FB to that list as well.

It looks like the staff is contemplating using an HBack more.