FWST Blog: Dan Reeves Speaks

[Hostile]

I did not make that link. I stated he did not want to get into those details yet goes out of his way to make some compliments.

He doesn't have to be nice. Those comments are not significantly vague that they can be passed off as merely PC fluff either.

So what was his motivation? Notice your inability to answer that simple question. Thing is, I don't think he was that unimpressed and I doubt he believes Garrett is unsalvageable as you believe he is. I don't believe you go out of your way to complement someone you are about to take a hatchet to.



I don't know, but let me guess, you apparently do.

I am far from an ardent supporter of Jason Garrett and it is fairly obvious the profound influence Tony Sparano had. Now since he did not call the plays, we can strike that from the equation. He coached the offensive line. He was also the lone holdover from the Parcells era who would have instilled discipline and hold players accountable. Reeves could have been referring to offensive line problems. He could be referring to the discipline issues with the WRs. He could have been talking about communication concerns. He could have been talking about deemphasizing the pass ratio. Any number of things, none of which paints a bleak picture of Garrett's abilities.

Wouldn't any of these things constitute "turning it around"?

I've got nothing to say except thank you. I hope the logic of this will sink in but I have my doubts.

 

[Stash]

I did not make that link. I stated he did not want to get into those details yet goes out of his way to make some compliments.

He doesn't have to be nice. Those comments are not significantly vague that they can be passed off as merely PC fluff either.

So what was his motivation? Notice your inability to answer that simple question. Thing is, I don't think he was that unimpressed and I doubt he believes Garrett is unsalvageable as you believe he is. I don't believe you go out of your way to complement someone you are about to take a hatchet to.

I answered it. It was 'good business'. Just like it was for all of the teams who declined to hire Garrett to compliment him too. I noticed that Reeves didn't throw Jerry under the bus either, despite just cause. Why? That's good for business too if he ever wants anyone else in the fraternity to hire him.

I don't know, but let me guess, you apparently do.

I am far from an ardent supporter of Jason Garrett and it is fairly obvious the profound influence Tony Sparano had. Now since he did not call the plays, we can strike that from the equation. He coached the offensive line. He was also the lone holdover from the Parcells era who would have instilled discipline and hold players accountable. Reeves could have been referring to offensive line problems. He could be referring to the discipline issues with the WRs. He could have been talking about communication concerns. He could have been talking about deemphasizing the pass ratio. Any number of things, none of which paints a bleak picture of Garrett's abilities.

Wouldn't any of these things constitute "turning it around"?

I think all of those paint a bleak picture of Garrett's abilities when he needs another coach to help him figure it out.

That obviously says he's not ready to do it himself, therefore he's not qualified for the position he currently holds.

 

[theogt]

I did not make that link. I stated he did not want to get into those details yet goes out of his way to make some compliments.

He doesn't have to be nice. Those comments are not significantly vague that they can be passed off as merely PC fluff either.

So what was his motivation? Notice your inability to answer that simple question. Thing is, I don't think he was that unimpressed and I doubt he believes Garrett is unsalvageable as you believe he is. I don't believe you go out of your way to complement someone you are about to take a hatchet to.

He said all the nice things about Jerry, but obviously there was a problem there that he wouldn't go into when asked about specifics. He said all the nice things about Garrett. But nobody asked him about the specifics of what he thought about the offense. I imagine if they had, he'd have avoided the question just like he avoided answer the contract question. It's a common thing people do -- say nice things in general and refuse to discuss the specifics. That's what you do when you're just trying to be nice and professional.

I don't know, but let me guess, you apparently do.

I am far from an ardent supporter of Jason Garrett and it is fairly obvious the profound influence Tony Sparano had. Now since he did not call the plays, we can strike that from the equation. He coached the offensive line. He was also the lone holdover from the Parcells era who would have instilled discipline and hold players accountable. Reeves could have been referring to offensive line problems. He could be referring to the discipline issues with the WRs. He could have been talking about communication concerns. He could have been talking about deemphasizing the pass ratio. Any number of things, none of which paints a bleak picture of Garrett's abilities.

Wouldn't any of these things constitute "turning it around"?

All of those things you state he could have been referring to are problems that the OC can't fix. That's why he was here to fix them. That's a criticism, indirectly, of Garrett. The guy can't come out and say, I'm here cause Garrett can't do his job.

 

[Stash]

Neither had Tom Landry, Vince Lombardi or any other Coach until the actually succeeded. That's the point.

No one knew Tony Dungy would lead a team to a Super Bowl the day he was hired. No one has that kind of foresight.

So, proceed with your rules and lets see how they stack up against the real world and History.

And for every Landry and Lombardi you present, I'll give you a Rich Kotite or Dave Shula.

And Garrett's only 'history' doesn't show us much.

How long does this franchise keep it together while hoping that Jason Garrett 'gets it' and someday fulfills the expectations so many have for him?

It still says volumes to me that Jerry could possibly allow the chance that the 'Golden Child' could have left to fulfill the 'grand prophecy' for another team.

 

[dreghorn2]

My greatest concern is that we are not developing Tony Romo.

The NFL is a QB league, leave no doubt about that.

Tony will be 29 in April, come on lets get going with this guy.

Extremely talented but needs advice and control.

Ideally we would have a 30 year veteran as his position coach. Someone who can counsel and advice him. Develop his footwork and mechanics, decision making, reads, provide a calming experienced voice, a person who works closely with the OC in determining gameplans etc..

I don't feel Wade Wilson is that number one.

Number two, Romo doesn't have the size to take the hits that he received this year, we don't have to baby him , but heck lets not try to have him killed.

Seven step drops, fine, just not all the time, move the pocket, screens, slants, flares, deep ins, square outs, use run to set up the pass, where is all of this. Where is the identify the other teams weakness and attack. Overloads, multiple sets, movement..

Argh.. i'm raving.

 

[Hostile]

Well, i don't believe i'm overreacting, i don't base my opinions on anything that may have been written here or any place else.

I simply am concerned that the current OC of my favorite team is not qualified, my opinion only.

I will admit though, that while i read the Zone multiple times per day, i have not been actively involved in as many threads as you have regarding this subject.

So i can easily understand your frustration having to answer multiple critiques about Garrett, many that are downright silly.

Okay, let's talk about qualifications.

If a guarantee is needed before the dice is rolled on any coach, how does anyone ever get hired in the first place?

That out of the way the next logical question is, how do certain players get to the point where teams want to give them coaching opportunities? Why did Miami hire Jason Garrett in the first place? He wasn't a star QB after all.

Next lets ask why Miami didn't want to lose him to Dallas, but couldn't promote him themselves at that time? Were they just plain stupid and didn't know he wasn't any good?

2007 or 2008. You tell me which one is the aberration. Garrett led the Offenses for both. People will say Sparano is the ingredient of 2007 that was missing in 2008. That is a theory, not a fact. Just like the injuries (particularly to Tony Romo) in 2008 are my theory.

Two teams offered the guy HC jobs after 2007, but now he's not qualified? That doesn't seem just a teensy bit rash and over reactionary?

Three more teams considered him a candidate in 2008. Still shows he is not qualified? Odd thinking from my perspective.

Finally lets play History. Is there any Coach who has never struggled in the NFL? In the entire 88 year History.

Is he going to struggle? At times he sure will. There is no such thing as NFL utopia and a perfect world. He has potential that interests NFL teams. I named 7 of them basically. Miami, Atlanta, Baltimore, St. Louis, Denver, Detroit, and Dallas. I would stake my butt that more than just those 7 teams recognize his talent and potential.

It is a shame that fans of his own team ignore the endorsements he gets league wide because of one bad season.

 

[WoodysGirl]

It is a shame that fans of his own team ignore the endorsements he gets league wide because of one bad season.

I don't think people are ignoring Garret's endorsements, just that they want to see some tangible evidence of it now.

 

[Hostile]

My greatest concern is that we are not developing Tony Romo.

The NFL is a QB league, leave no doubt about that.

Tony will be 29 in April, come on lets get going with this guy.

Extremely talented but needs advice and control.

Ideally we would have a 30 year veteran as his position coach. Someone who can counsel and advice him. Develop his footwork and mechanics, decision making, reads, provide a calming experienced voice, a person who works closely with the OC in determining gameplans etc..

I don't feel Wade Wilson is that number one.

Number two, Romo doesn't have the size to take the hits that he received this year, we don't have to baby him , but heck lets not try to have him killed.

Seven step drops, fine, just not all the time, move the pocket, screens, slants, flares, deep ins, square outs, use run to set up the pass, where is all of this. Where is the identify the other teams weakness and attack. Overloads, multiple sets, movement..

Argh.. i'm raving.

Romo missed 3 games in 2008, played at least 4 others beat up so bad he was not himself, and still managed 26 TDs and a QB rating over 90.

How is that "not developing?"

 

[dreghorn2]

Its not that he might not be a bright guy, or respected around the league, he just had such a poor year on so many levels that it is really a legitimate concern for some with a new season appraching.

On the field and off (i stated earlier my biggest concern is players calling him out publicly, that is usually the sign that its over) it just wasn't a good year for Jason.

Jerry talked him out of taking two head coaching positions the previous season. How did he do that? How do you stop a man from reaching the top of his profession?

He did it might telling him he would be the next caoch of the Cowboys thats how.. in my opinion. Yet a year later Garrett is hungrily pursuing other head coaching jobs.

Whew, says a lot i think. Garrett wants out and Jerry isn't trying to hold him back again.

It just doesn't look like a bright future with Garrett in Dallas, even if he is as talented as many think, somethings just don't work out. I actually feel kind of bad for the guy, his star will never be higher than last season.

I hope i'm wrong.

 

[Hostile]

I don't think people are ignoring Garret's endorsements, just that they want to see some tangible evidence of it now.

Which is what I have been saying for weeks now. We're currently a Johnny Come Lately fan base.

One day I hope fans will learn that even good coaches have down years. In 2005 the Eagles gave up 388 points. Jim Johnson forgot how to coach football that year?

By this mentality that is exactly what happened. It's nonsense.

 

[Stash]

Okay, let's talk about qualifications.

If a guarantee is needed before the dice is rolled on any coach, how does anyone ever get hired in the first place?

The opposite side of that 'guarantee' argument is annointing him when he hasn't accomplished anything either. Every coach is a question mark. Some turn out well, some don't. But somehow Garrett is beyond question.

That out of the way the next logical question is, how do certain players get to the point where teams want to give them coaching opportunities? Why did Miami hire Jason Garrett in the first place? He wasn't a star QB after all.

Garrett was always considered a smart guy who got by with intelligence over physical ability. Many thought he'd be make a good coach and it runs in the family too.

Next lets ask why Miami didn't want to lose him to Dallas, but couldn't promote him themselves at that time? Were they just plain stupid and didn't know he wasn't any good?

They obviously didn't want him so badly that they'd do anything to keep him - including promoting him. And they had first-hand knowledge of his abilities at that point and knew what kind of coach he was better than anyone.

2007 or 2008. You tell me which one is the aberration. Garrett led the Offenses for both. People will say Sparano is the ingredient of 2007 that was missing in 2008. That is a theory, not a fact. Just like the injuries (particularly to Tony Romo) in 2008 are my theory.

You can throw out all of the games Romo was injured and Garrett still struggled to get the most out of the talent he had while Sparano was able to maximize what he had in Miami. That's not theory, that's fact. Not to mention the criticism leveled against Garrett for even having Brad Johnson here as his backup QB which certainly cost this team.

Two teams offered the guy HC jobs after 2007, but now he's not qualified? That doesn't seem just a teensy bit rash and over reactionary?

Garrett was riding a huge wave of success in '07, there's no denying that. But when the guy had to do it himself, he struggled, and his shine suffered as a result.

Three more teams considered him a candidate in 2008. Still shows he is not qualified? Odd thinking from my perspective.

How many interviews did Sherman Lewis get? And where is he now? Lots of people get interviews for jobs they never get or aren't qualified for. Some even get the job. Funny how even the Rams and Lions wouldn't hire him given how bad they were in '08. That's the bottom of the barrel saying "no thanks".

Finally lets play History. Is there any Coach who has never struggled in the NFL? In the entire 88 year History.

Is he going to struggle? At times he sure will. There is no such thing as NFL utopia and a perfect world. He has potential that interests NFL teams. I named 7 of them basically. Miami, Atlanta, Baltimore, St. Louis, Denver, Detroit, and Dallas. I would stake my butt that more than just those 7 teams recognize his talent and potential.

It is a shame that fans of his own team ignore the endorsements he gets league wide because of one bad season.

And yet, when all is said and done, he's still here in Dallas, trying to fix his struggles of 2008.

As a fan, I hope he succeeds, but that's far from the certainty some would like to believe.

 

[dreghorn2]

Romo missed 3 games in 2008, played at least 4 others beat up so bad he was not himself, and still managed 26 TDs and a QB rating over 90.

How is that "not developing?"

With all due respect, the Romo of 2008 was simply not as polished as 2007. I don't believe i am alone in making that statement.

 

[Hostile]

Its not that he might not be a bright guy, or respected around the league, he just had such a poor year on so many levels that it is really a legitimate concern for some with a new season appraching.

On the field and off (i stated earlier my biggest concern is players calling him out publicly, that is usually the sign that its over) it just wasn't a good year for Jason.

Jerry talked him out of taking two head coaching positions the previous season. How did he do that? How do you stop a man from reaching the top of his profession?

He did it might telling him he would be the next caoch of the Cowboys thats how.. in my opinion. Yet a year later Garrett is hungrily pursuing other head coaching jobs.

Whew, says a lot i think. Garrett wants out and Jerry isn't trying to hold him back again.

It just doesn't look like a bright future with Garrett in Dallas, even if he is as talented as many think, somethings just don't work out. I actually feel kind of bad for the guy, his star will never be higher than last season.

I hope i'm wrong.

I'll be honest with you. I am glad he had a bad year. I am glad he is taking so much heat. It will show him how easy it is to take things for granted and how hard he has to work to succeed.

Thank heavens his pride is hurt while he is our Coach and not someone elses so we don't see him succeed and then have 20 threads about how could we let him get away. I am wondering how many more Todd haley threads we will have.

Johnny Come Lately...

 

[Iago33]

Dan, you've had 23 years of Head Coaching experience and 16 years before that in Dallas as a player, a player/coach, and an Assistant Coach. You know what the saddest thing of all that is? Your positive comments about Jason Garrett and the entire Offensive Staff will be ignored completely by people who know more than you do despite your experience.

Even though I agree that he had positive comments about Garrett and they will be ignored, I don't think that is "the saddest thing of all" in this situation.

 

[Stash]

I don't think people are ignoring Garret's endorsements, just that they want to see some tangible evidence of it now.

You summed it up nicely

 

[dreghorn2]

One day I hope fans will learn that even good coaches have down years. In 2005 the Eagles gave up 388 points. Jim Johnson forgot how to coach football that year?


And that is a legitimate commit, no doubt.

Johnsons' pedigree and resume is more pronounced, but fair observation.

 

[theogt]

Which is what I have been saying for weeks now. We're currently a Johnny Come Lately fan base.

One day I hope fans will learn that even good coaches have down years. In 2005 the Eagles gave up 388 points. Jim Johnson forgot how to coach football that year?

By this mentality that is exactly what happened. It's nonsense.

I think he needs more than 3/4 of a season of success to hang his hat on before you can start saying, "It was just one bad season." Heck, even that 3/4 of a season he can't take 100% credit for.

 

[dreghorn2]

Johnny Come Lately...

I hope you are not referring to me sir.

 

[khiladi]

I think he needs more than 3/4 of a season of success to hang his hat on before you can start saying, "It was just one bad season." Heck, even that 3/4 of a season he can't take 100% credit for.

How about...

He coached Joey Harrington during his tenure in Miami and now, Harrington is a sought after number one QB...

O, wait a minute....

 

[khiladi]

For every Landry and Lombardi that didn't show much there first few years, there are a thousand average coaches or one's that sucked that didn't show much there first few years...