Wrong. The team was never "in the gutter".
Landry's three losing seasons? 7-9, 7-8 (strike shortened), and 3-13.
"Bum" Bright was selling the Cowboys only because he was failing financially in his other business ventures.
Many players on the team that you saw in the Super Bowls were there before Jimmy arrived, including three starters on the offensive line, Newton,Tuinei,and Gogan. They had Michael Irvin, Ken Norton, Jim Jeffcoat, Bill Bates, Kelvin Martin, and Chad Hennings after his military obligation).They still had Herschel Walker.
Everyone knew Schramm was going to draft Aikman with the #1 overall pick. Landry had attended a few of Aikman's workout himself, Landry had changed his defensive coordinator because he had come up with a new defense, a 4-3, 3-4 hybrid.
And if the game had "passed him by", as so many revisionists like to say about Coach Tom Landry, then I am confused every time I watch a game on TV. Why? Because half of what I still see today was invented by the man. I still see the 4-3 defense. I still see offensive pre-snap motion. I still see passing from the shotgun. The game could never have passed Landry by because he would have simply changed it.
Landry would have rebuilt the Cowboys into winners and it would have been quick. I am by no means saying that he would have won three Super Bowls, we will never know, but the idea that the Cowboys were "in the gutter", either financially or competitively is ridiculous.
But the real point is, how much time does these Super Bowls buy you? How long is the excuse, "But he is responsible for bringing 3 Super Bowls" supposed to last? As long as Landry? Landry lasted seven seasons after his most recent NFC championship appearance. Jones has been so-called GM for almost four times as long after his.
And as far as the 90's "dynasty" is concerned, a dynasty typically lasts at least ten years.It was Jerry's fault that it lasted half that time. All we have to do is remember little gems like "500 coaches could coach the Cowboys" and "Emmitt Smith is a luxury not a necessity"toremind us of his contribution.
Finally,who gives a _______ what the team is worth?