I sort of apologize to you, Jerra

[GimmeTheBall!]

There I was, in all my writin' and grinnin' glory, going on and on about how you are smitten by the expensive, over-the-hill, prima dona "big names."

Jerra, ah swear. Ah didn't know.

You are only responding to what your fan base wants. Time after time, yew go for that over the hill athlete.

Chris Warren. Zach Thomas, Drew Bledsoe. You know the type. Old, expensive and portending to have "leadership" qualities. Well, maybe not Warren.

Jerra, I have been seeing on this Zone place the calls for . . . Ray Lewis? Haynesworth?
And you are only responding what your fan base wants: "big names" big salaries and big flops.

You, out there, fans are to blame!

All yew just have to learn to resist the urge to keep doing this and just draft wisely and if you must go to FA, get someone from this century, OK dawgs?

So at least lend some names about "big names" who have come in and flopped.

I am sure that all of yew, the great unwashed, can pluck out a name from the past. An oldster brought in for supposed talents but whose career flickered out in Dallas.

Jackie Smith? Brad "The Mentor" Johnson?

Hollah some names, smokin' homeboys from da Oaktown.

 

[AKATheRake]

Old and washed up free agents? Jerry hasn't overpaid for any free agents since Parcells was here and when Parcy was here that was Marc rivera who was an all pro at the time, Fergy was serviceable and Henry is still here. Zach Thomas was a heck of a deal to get him here at that price and no long term commitment. T.O, Leonard Davis, Ken Hamlin haven't been free agent busts at all and those are Jerry's pickings. RW11 won't be and he's super young and talented. I don't remember Jerry signing over the hill junk FA's since Parcy left.

In regards to Ray Lewis, he's not over the hill but is old and not worth the cheddar. Haynesworth is in the prime of his career and should be for the next 2-3 seasons. This is not an over the hill, washed up player. This is probably the most dominating defensive tackle in the league and he's 28. Hayneworth is a force but isn't the greatest character. He won't slump after his contract play wise but it's outside of the game and in the locker room you have to worry about him. Keep showing him the Micheal Vick and Pacman ordeals. We see if he wants to jeopardize his wealth. Haynesworth for what the market wants to give him with character clauses in the contract and most of the guaranteed money the first 2-3 years and I'll take him over any other FA or draft pick out there. Then get me a real coaching staff. Haynesworth and Ratiff on the same line with Ware behind that line is outright sick.

Jerry's done a good Job getting players through FA and the draft. As good as anyone in the league if you ask me since Parcy left. Jerry's problem is in choosing coaches and empowering them to oversee the asylum that all this star power can create with or without bad characters. These guys could all be choir boys but because of the level of talent and the expectations that come with such an assembly, the slightest thing goes wrong and the media just tears us to shreds. Then we go out and handle our business but it carries over all the negativity and eventually gets to everyone.

This season was a 3 ring circus from draft time to missing the playoffs. Haynesworth is a nasty monster and has that killer instinct our defense needs. Ratliff has it, Ware is a super nice guy but so talented it just comes to his play and even Bradie James seems to be getting it. The rest defensively, a bunch of talented pushovers. Roy Williams 38 was a monster, MONSTER. He's soft now. Get me Haynesworth with all the variables outlined prior.

 

[jobberone]

Haynesworth is a guy with great character. Know the family. His thing with Gurode was an aberration and not indicative of his character.

Lewis has got another couple of years and Haynesworth should have 5-7 more years if he can stay healthy and train properly. I wouldn't be surprised for Lewis to play 3-4 more years either. I don't see either come here but I'd take both in a skinny second.

 

[rcaldw]

The fact is, Jerry has blown it up, down, and sideways over the years. (In other words, he has tried it and missed in all directions at one time or another). If anything, I think Jerry just doesn't have a plan. A guy like Parcells has a clear picture in his mind of what he is trying to do with a roster. You may agree or disagree, he may be right or wrong, but you always have the sense that Parcells has a finished product he is striving for. With Jerry you always get that feeling that there is "a missing piece" and he doesn't know what that piece is. So he keeps picking, and signing, and releasing and signing.

Fact is, one of the things that Jerry AND this fan base may suffer from more than anything is overvaluing the talent on the Cowboys.

When you think you have a collection of GREAT talent then you keep looking for ONE piece, and being disappointed when it doesn't work out.

 

[Bach]

The fact is, Jerry has blown it up, down, and sideways over the years. (In other words, he has tried it and missed in all directions at one time or another). If anything, I think Jerry just doesn't have a plan.

This is one of the truest things ever written here.

My favorite had to be the time he fell in love with a mobile, rocket-armed black QB, because that was the "going thing" in the league at the time.

The man just doesn't get it and never has. He's the only person in the entire league who would've hired him to be a GM. Oh lucky us.

 

[theebs]

Old and washed up free agents? Jerry hasn't overpaid for any free agents since Parcells was here and when Parcy was here that was Marc rivera who was an all pro at the time, Fergy was serviceable and Henry is still here. Zach Thomas was a heck of a deal to get him here at that price and no long term commitment. T.O, Leonard Davis, Ken Hamlin haven't been free agent busts at all and those are Jerry's pickings. RW11 won't be and he's super young and talented. I don't remember Jerry signing over the hill junk FA's since Parcy left.

I guess you missed Eddie George, Peerless Price, Marcellus Wiley?

convenient.

 

[TNCowboy]

Haynesworth is a guy with great character. Know the family. His thing with Gurode was an aberration and not indicative of his character.

Lewis has got another couple of years and Haynesworth should have 5-7 more years if he can stay healthy and train properly. I wouldn't be surprised for Lewis to play 3-4 more years either. I don't see either come here but I'd take both in a skinny second.

Haynesworth was a lazy underachiever in Knoxville, and he's been that much of his time with the Titans.

He has twice Big John Henderson's talent, but overall, has only been half the player Henderson has been.

 

[yentl911]

We cannot continue to bring in high priced free agients in attempt to get this team on track. It does not work. Look at the 4-Skins....

Like it is said above, we need to concentrate on the draft and bring in high character, "football loving", kids to add youth and energy to this team.

I say no to overpriced free agents.

The one guy that I would love to have - his intagables and leadership are top notch - but is going to cost way to much money is Lewis...it isn't going to happen.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I guess you missed Eddie George, Peerless Price, Marcellus Wiley?

convenient.

That's funny I don't remember any of those three names being brought in since BP left. Which, I believe, was the point of his post. Those guys haven't been brought here in the last two years.

He got guys like Thomas, Jones, and Tank for peanuts. For the cheap prices everyone seems to think he should be able to just pull off of trees cause everyone and their sister, with an ounce of talent, is obviously lining up to play for peanuts.

 

[Doomsday]

Blaming the fans for Jerry's poor decisions is a cop out.

If he cares so much about what the fans think and makes moves based on what we want then answer me this question?

Why wont he hire a real coach?

I guarantee there are very few fans if any that wanted or want to see Wade Phillips as the coach of this team. The real truth is Jerry does things his way, always has always will

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Blaming the fans for Jerry's poor decisions is a cop out.

If he cares so much about what the fans think and makes moves based on what we want then answer me this question?

Why wont he hire a real coach?

I guarantee there are very few fans if any that wanted or want to see Wade Phillips as the coach of this team. The real truth is Jerry does things his way, always has always will

Let's just call some of the fans "enablers" of Jerra's infatuation with over-the-hill, expensive players.

And, yes, hiring a capable coach would do a world of good for this talented but underachieving team.

But these days jerra is more and more acting his age. And maybe Stephen should look around for a nice retirement village for Jerra.

 

[Disturbed]

I don't think fans are to blame...and Jerrah should be smarter than that...but if he does listen -- here is my list.

Cut these guys immediately to help chemistry and salary cap.
- Adams, Flozell OT
- Ellis, Greg LB
- Henry, Anthony CB
- Johnson, Brad QB
- Owens, Terrell WR
- Williams, Roy SS

Bubble guys that should probably go....
- Bollinger, Brooks QB
- Burnett, Kevin LB
- Canty, Cris DE
- Johnson, Tank DT
- Polk, Carlos LB


Don't pay any player a huge deal...this is a guarantee to bite us in the ***...few players on the current roster are playing at a high enough level to justify big money (exceptions, Ware & Witten).

 

[yentl911]

I don't think fans are to blame...and Jerrah should be smarter than that...but if he does listen -- here is my list.

Cut these guys immediately to help chemistry and salary cap.
- Adams, Flozell OT
- Ellis, Greg LB
- Henry, Anthony CB
- Johnson, Brad QB
- Owens, Terrell WR
- Williams, Roy SS

Bubble guys that should probably go....
- Bollinger, Brooks QB
- Burnett, Kevin LB
- Canty, Cris DE
- Johnson, Tank DT
- Polk, Carlos LB


Don't pay any player a huge deal...this is a guarantee to bite us in the ***...few players on the current roster are playing at a high enough level to justify big money (exceptions, Ware & Witten).

No way we are going to cut Adams a year after we sign him to a huge extension. No way.

I don't think that Anthony Henry or RR have a negative impact on team chemistry either.

Depending on price - Canty and Burnett would be nice to have around. Both are good players.

Brad J needs to go because he sucks at QB - no other reason.

 

[NextGenBoys]

The fact is, Jerry has blown it up, down, and sideways over the years. (In other words, he has tried it and missed in all directions at one time or another). If anything, I think Jerry just doesn't have a plan. A guy like Parcells has a clear picture in his mind of what he is trying to do with a roster. You may agree or disagree, he may be right or wrong, but you always have the sense that Parcells has a finished product he is striving for. With Jerry you always get that feeling that there is "a missing piece" and he doesn't know what that piece is. So he keeps picking, and signing, and releasing and signing.

Fact is, one of the things that Jerry AND this fan base may suffer from more than anything is overvaluing the talent on the Cowboys.

When you think you have a collection of GREAT talent then you keep looking for ONE piece, and being disappointed when it doesn't work out.

Great post, and you make a strong point.

 

[Disturbed]

No way we are going to cut Adams a year after we sign him to a huge extension. No way.

I don't think that Anthony Henry or RR have a negative impact on team chemistry either.

Depending on price - Canty and Burnett would be nice to have around. Both are good players.

Brad J needs to go because he sucks at QB - no other reason.

All the guys need to go. Don't care about contracts or other BS. They are not performing... In fact, we need to cut all older players not performing -- no big contract extentions except for Ware and Witten. Everyone else can leave...

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I guess you missed Eddie George, Peerless Price, Marcellus Wiley?

convenient.

Ken Hamlin

 

[Chief]

The fact is, Jerry has blown it up, down, and sideways over the years. (In other words, he has tried it and missed in all directions at one time or another). If anything, I think Jerry just doesn't have a plan. A guy like Parcells has a clear picture in his mind of what he is trying to do with a roster. You may agree or disagree, he may be right or wrong, but you always have the sense that Parcells has a finished product he is striving for. With Jerry you always get that feeling that there is "a missing piece" and he doesn't know what that piece is. So he keeps picking, and signing, and releasing and signing.

Fact is, one of the things that Jerry AND this fan base may suffer from more than anything is overvaluing the talent on the Cowboys.

When you think you have a collection of GREAT talent then you keep looking for ONE piece, and being disappointed when it doesn't work out.

Great post.

 

[Alexander]

When you think you have a collection of GREAT talent then you keep looking for ONE piece, and being disappointed when it doesn't work out.

That happens when you have a myopic general manager who really does not allow his football minds to make the tougher decisions. Couple that with his excessively optimistic viewpoint, and you have a recipe for disaster.

We are always that one player away. We spend gobs of time and resources plugging that one glaring hole but there is always another crack waiting to spring because we really do not approach talent acquisition with an eye to the future.

The issue is that we do not breed competition these days. Jones' approach breeds complacency. There are very few open competitions in camp and when we do have an open spot, we fill it and that new acquisition is ordained and uncontested. I cannot recall a time recently where we threw several players at an open spot and let them fight it out. There has always been a pecking order and that was usually predetermined by the business reasons for the player being on the payroll, not the football ones. We even drafted that way last April. We got some good good players but they were all slotted for backup roles and not a one even got the opportunity to compete, even after injuries came into play.

It is a strange approach for a team that has not won a playoff game in over a decade.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

That happens when you have a myopic general manager who really does not allow his football minds to make the tougher decisions. Couple that with his excessively optimistic viewpoint, and you have a recipe for disaster.

We are always that one player away. We spend gobs of time and resources plugging that one glaring hole but there is always another crack waiting to spring because we really do not approach talent acquisition with an eye to the future.

The issue is that we do not breed competition these days. Jones' approach breeds complacency. There are very few open competitions in camp and when we do have an open spot, we fill it and that new acquisition is ordained and uncontested. I cannot recall a time recently where we threw several players at an open spot and let them fight it out. There has always been a pecking order and that was usually predetermined by the business reasons for the player being on the payroll, not the football ones. We even drafted that way last April. We got some good good players but they were all slotted for backup roles and not a one even got the opportunity to compete, even after injuries came into play.

It is a strange approach for a team that has not won a playoff game in over a decade.

I think that's more attributed to both Parcells' and Wade's reluctance to trust younger players

 

[Disturbed]

That happens when you have a myopic general manager who really does not allow his football minds to make the tougher decisions. Couple that with his excessively optimistic viewpoint, and you have a recipe for disaster.

We are always that one player away. We spend gobs of time and resources plugging that one glaring hole but there is always another crack waiting to spring because we really do not approach talent acquisition with an eye to the future.

The issue is that we do not breed competition these days. Jones' approach breeds complacency. There are very few open competitions in camp and when we do have an open spot, we fill it and that new acquisition is ordained and uncontested. I cannot recall a time recently where we threw several players at an open spot and let them fight it out. There has always been a pecking order and that was usually predetermined by the business reasons for the player being on the payroll, not the football ones. We even drafted that way last April. We got some good good players but they were all slotted for backup roles and not a one even got the opportunity to compete, even after injuries came into play.

It is a strange approach for a team that has not won a playoff game in over a decade.

Excellent. I hope someone in the organization reads this and takes it to heart. They seem clueless.