Keith Brooking stands up to Steve Dennis

[Alexander]

I don't claim to know the answer to this, because all I know is what you hear about the reputation of the New York media. But the way that the Dallas media deals with Wade Phillips, is it really that tough compared to what he would face in New York?

What Phillips is experiencing now is not that much different than how he had to defend himself in Denver and Buffalo. That has not changed and won't change until his teams start winning in the last quarter of the season and closing strong.

The Dallas media has taken a while to get predatory, but if he thinks this is bad, there is no way he could ever handle the New York media.

The problem he's created by being soft and cuddly for so long is that when things turn ugly, all he can do is throw out statistics and talk about his record, which doesn't satisfy the problem. Dallas isn't Cincinnati where simply getting to the playoffs is cause for celebration. Our bar is much higher.

 

[cowboyjoe]

As far as why do the last Decembers matter Brooking...because you have a head coach that does not do well in the later parts of the season, never has...thats why it matters. Sure you wipe the slate clear at the end of every December but when you have a coach that has shown he has problems (or at least his teams have problems) EVERY SINGLY DECEMBER...you are going to wonder...

exactly and it seems to me utrunner that wade is going back to his old ways of everything is ok, he doesnt see the problems till its too late. then we lose games, just like the Folk kicking situation this has been going on all year, why are we waiting to do something about it now.

yet, that was what wade said a couple of weeks ago and last week, everything is ok. What happened, folk missed one sure shot field goal and another one that was probably way to long against the wind, but the 42 yarder he should have gotten.

Now we hear this has been an ongoing problem with mcbrair and folk, why has it taken this long and why did you wait wade> you cant keep thinking everything is ok, you have to take action.

 

[rcaldw]

What Phillips is experiencing now is not that much different than how he had to defend himself in Denver and Buffalo. That has not changed and won't change until his teams start winning in the last quarter of the season and closing strong.

The Dallas media has taken a while to get predatory, but if he thinks this is bad, there is no way he could ever handle the New York media.

The problem he's created by being soft and cuddly for so long is that when things turn ugly, all he can do is throw out statistics and talk about his record, which doesn't satisfy the problem. Dallas isn't Cincinnati where simply getting to the playoffs is cause for celebration. Our bar is much higher.

I honestly don't agree with what I've put in bold. I think it is true with the long-time fans of the Cowboys, but I think the newer fans can't remember the day when the bar was set. At least not very clearly. I think to a large portion of our present fan base, a winning regular season with a chance to make the playoffs each year, is enough to satisfy them.

 

[Doomsday101]

Only if I cared what they had to say. Apparently, the media matters to this organization. As much as there is the impression we have an adversarial relationship, I'd say it is just the opposite. Our owner loves the attention as it is good for business.

That's why Coach Parcells restricted access to the media. That's why you see Belichick doing the same. It works to diffuse the situation.

Parcells restricted his coaches from saying anything to the media not players, the league says players must make themselves available to the media after all it is business for them as well. Barber was facing a fine for not talking with the media back in Sept.

* Wednesday was pretty predictable at The Ranch when it came to the strained quad muscle of Marion Barber. The Cowboys running back, facing a $12,000 fine for not talking to the media, as has been his choice over the past couple of years, spoke briefly, emphasis on the briefly, his little session lasting a few seconds shy of two minutes.

 

[cowboyjoe]

What Phillips is experiencing now is not that much different than how he had to defend himself in Denver and Buffalo. That has not changed and won't change until his teams start winning in the last quarter of the season and closing strong.

The Dallas media has taken a while to get predatory, but if he thinks this is bad, there is no way he could ever handle the New York media.

The problem he's created by being soft and cuddly for so long is that when things turn ugly, all he can do is throw out statistics and talk about his record, which doesn't satisfy the problem. Dallas isn't Cincinnati where simply getting to the playoffs is cause for celebration. Our bar is much higher.

very true, when wade started the im not getting the respect i should with my winning percentage, he set himself up.

He should have waited to see if he won against the giants or midway in december. But when he is in fact saying he is a better winning coach then jimmy johnson or tom landry throughout the whole season i take offense.

Yet, wade also comes back on the media and says your using stats, but its ok for wade to use stats. Horse Feathers! Bull Corn!

 

[rcaldw]

exactly and it seems to me utrunner that wade is going back to his old ways of everything is ok, he doesnt see the problems till its too late. then we lose games, just like the Folk kicking situation this has been going on all year, why are we waiting to do something about it now.

yet, that was what wade said a couple of weeks ago and last week, everything is ok. What happened, folk missed one sure shot field goal and another one that was probably way to long against the wind, but the 42 yarder he should have gotten.

Now we hear this has been an ongoing problem with mcbrair and folk, why has it taken this long and why did you wait wade> you cant keep thinking everything is ok, you have to take action.

I wonder if Wade is not more of a grandfatherly type to these players? You love your grandfather. You have respect for him. (A certain kind of respect) You like doing nice things for him. But if he has mellowed through the years, you don't view him as a disciplinarian. He's the guy you go to when you need money and your parents have told you no.

Your grandfather doesn't want to correct you, that is someone else's job. Your grandfather believes in you when no one else does, and sometimes when no one else should.

That is a nice feeling and perhaps appropriate in a family, but it can get you killed in a business setting.

In business it is about performance. You may like a guy, but if he is dragging down the organization in a way that is perceptible, he has to go. And if you won't pull the trigger when everyone else can see it needs to be pulled, then not only do you lose respect with people, the whole organization comes down in its commitment to excellence.

Wade likes the family model for football. The team will even speak in those terms. (which is not altogether unusual in some NFL settings) But its tough to bench your grandson. Its tough not to go on believing in your grandson.

I think Wade is too weak to be the head man. That has been my opinion all along, and I've seen nothing to change my mind at this point. I think he is probably an excellent coordinator, but we need someone who could hurt some feelings if he needs to, yet still communicates well with players.

 

[cowboyjoe]

I honestly don't agree with what I've put in bold. I think it is true with the long-time fans of the Cowboys, but I think the newer fans can't remember the day when the bar was set. At least not very clearly. I think to a large portion of our present fan base, a winning regular season with a chance to make the playoffs each year, is enough to satisfy them.

Now that is all i am asking from wade, to get to the playoffs, win a playoff game or 2. Thats all this year, then improve on that, after the players see what it actually takes to win playoff games, heart, dedication, intensity, urgency, etc. Then, jerry jones can go out and get what we need to get us over the hump in the players like when we got charles haley and thomas everett safety from pittsburgh.

 

[cowboyjoe]

I wonder if Wade is not more of a grandfatherly type to these players? You love your grandfather. You have respect for him. (A certain kind of respect) You like doing nice things for him. But if he has mellowed through the years, you don't view him as a disciplinarian. He's the guy you go to when you need money and your parents have told you no.

Your grandfather doesn't want to correct you, that is someone else's job. Your grandfather believes in you when no one else does, and sometimes when no one else should.

That is a nice feeling and perhaps appropriate in a family, but it can get you killed in a business setting.

In business it is about performance. You may like a guy, but if he is dragging down the organization in a way that is perceptible, he has to go. And if you won't pull the trigger when everyone else can see it needs to be pulled, then not only do you lose respect with people, the whole organization comes down in its commitment to excellence.

Super Point, I think that is exactly who wade is to a large degree. Yet as head coach he has to realize he has to let his feelings out with the players, media and the coaches, and let them know in no uncertain terms, if they keep messing up, he will sit them down, demote them etc like he did or had to with crayton.

 

[cowboyjoe]

Parcells restricted his coaches from saying anything to the media not players, the league says players must make themselves available to the media after all it is business for them as well. Barber was facing a fine for not talking with the media back in Sept.

* Wednesday was pretty predictable at The Ranch when it came to the strained quad muscle of Marion Barber. The Cowboys running back, facing a $12,000 fine for not talking to the media, as has been his choice over the past couple of years, spoke briefly, emphasis on the briefly, his little session lasting a few seconds shy of two minutes.

another good point, wonder why barber got away with not talking to the media after the cowboys giants game?

 

[Alexander]

Parcells restricted his coaches from saying anything to the media not players, the league says players must make themselves available to the media after all it is business for them as well. Barber was facing a fine for not talking with the media back in Sept.

* Wednesday was pretty predictable at The Ranch when it came to the strained quad muscle of Marion Barber. The Cowboys running back, facing a $12,000 fine for not talking to the media, as has been his choice over the past couple of years, spoke briefly, emphasis on the briefly, his little session lasting a few seconds shy of two minutes.

Belichick has to deal with the same NFL-mandated media issues, but you don't see soundbytes from Patriot players that often that deviate from canned programmed responses. You didn't see them defending Belichick's honor after the missed conversion attempt that cost them the game. He handled the media.

Honestly, I think it is nice that Brooking felt compelled to defend the fair maiden's honor, but equally disturbing that he almost had to. That's because Phillips didn't handle the situation.

 

[MapleLeaf]

Whether or not you like Wade, if you're a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, you have to be a fan of what Keith Brooking is doing here. Brooking so ridiculously represents what we need to strive to become.

What I like about him most is that he's not just an apologist. "Golly gee, we're 8-4. Woo!" But he defends the people he's fighting with, all the while acknowledging there are problems that must be fixed. True leadership IMO.

...sensible post I have heard in this thread so far.

DC Fanatic, I do agree to some extent that Brooking has pasted a target on his back, but that's what leaders are suppose to do.

It doesn't matter what endeavor a person is involved in from sports teams to work places there will always be team members who are "less than" desirable, but you don't call them out in public.

You don't criticize, you support them and the team so they can hopefully understand that the team is greater than one singular person in not only the losses, but also the wins.

If you don't like the situation then you follow the Zach Thomas platform and quietly leave at the end of the season. No bagging on the team on your way out, just walk away and live with your own decision.

Brooking is a real pro. You can see it. He knows the kids on the team need emotion and leadership and he's willing to take the bull by the horns. He doesn't have many opportunities left and you can't wait for the hanger ons to take the reins.

Good leaders not only stand in front of the crowds to take in adulation and carry the trophies, but they are also the first to stand up front and fall on the sword if necessary to inspire and propel their comrades forward.

These are time honoured rules for leaders and the sooner we has fans can accept that the sooner we can properly view the game of football and Brooking's response to Dennis.

He's not just standing up for Wade Phillips, he's standing up for the Dallas Cowboys and we can't lose sight of that, players and fans, or what Brooking has done is for naught.

BTW, despite Brooking's video I personally have reservations about certain elements of the team, and certain players, but I wholly support a move and response like the one Keith made.

 

[Doomsday101]

another good point, wonder why barber got away with not talking to the media after the cowboys giants game?

Not every player is going to be interviewed what I said it the league requires players to make themselves available to the media.

Romo is not going to be able to get away with not talking throughout the week with the media and guys like Brooking choose to stand up and defend his coach of his own free will. If people take issue with that fine we each see things from a different vantage point

 

[jterrell]

I honestly don't agree with what I've put in bold. I think it is true with the long-time fans of the Cowboys, but I think the newer fans can't remember the day when the bar was set. At least not very clearly. I think to a large portion of our present fan base, a winning regular season with a chance to make the playoffs each year, is enough to satisfy them.

Honestly who cares if a fan is satisfied. The NFL is here to entertain and all the crying the non-satisfied fan does works just as well as cheers to promote the product.

This isn't 1970 NFL where 4 teams have a chance to win a SB every year.

This team needs to go to and win 'A' playoff game.

Anyone looking beyond that is just too dense to breathe. The 1991 Cowboys were a VERY talented group but they weren't ready for a title and no one gave them crap when they didn't win one.

 

[Doomsday101]

Belichick has to deal with the same NFL-mandated media issues, but you don't see soundbytes from Patriot players that often that deviate from canned programmed responses. You didn't see them defending Belichick's honor after the missed conversion attempt that cost them the game. He handled the media.

Honestly, I think it is nice that Brooking felt compelled to defend the fair maiden's honor, but equally disturbing that he almost had to. That's because Phillips didn't handle the situation.

I don't see the Pats being thrown the same question time after time. Also yes Brady defended Belichecks call of going for it on 4th. However if the favorite Pats continue to fall off then I would expect to see alot more coming out of NE and we will see how the great Belichich so call handles the media.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Boy, did this thread get crapped up in a hurry.

Keith Brooking, who unlike any of us is actually inside the locker room, said Wade does address December and accountability every day with the team. And yet we still have people arguing that the way he handles press conferences is exactly the way he handles the team behind closed doors.

That is the very definition of ignoring evidence so you can speculate that things are the way you think and hope they are, which in this case is that Wade just rolls the footballs out on the field and says All is Well. Keith sat there and told you otherwise and you still refuse to believe it!

Says a lot about certain posters in this thread.

 

[jterrell]

...sensible post I have heard in this thread so far.

DC Fanatic, I do agree to some extent that Brooking has pasted a target on his back, but that's what leaders are suppose to do.

It doesn't matter what endeavor a person is involved in from sports teams to work places there will always be team members who are "less than" desirable, but you don't call them out in public.

You don't criticize, you support them and the team so they can hopefully understand that the team is greater than one singular person in not only the losses, but also the wins.

If you don't like the situation then you follow the Zach Thomas platform and quietly leave at the end of the season. No bagging on the team on your way out, just walk away and live with your own decision.

Brooking is a real pro. You can see it. He knows the kids on the team need emotion and leadership and he's willing to take the bull by the horns. He doesn't have many opportunities left and you can't wait for the hanger ons to take the reins.

Good leaders not only stand in front of the crowds to take in adulation and carry the trophies, but they are also the first to stand up front and fall on the sword if necessary to inspire and propel their comrades forward.

These are time honoured rules for leaders and the sooner we has fans can accept that the sooner we can properly view the game of football and Brooking's response to Dennis.

He's not just standing up for Wade Phillips, he's standing up for the Dallas Cowboys and we can't lose sight of that, players and fans, or what Brooking has done is for naught.

BTW, despite Brooking's video I personally have reservations about certain elements of the team, and certain players, but I wholly support a move and response like the one Keith made.

Excellent and well-balanced post.

But I certainly wouldn't say you should be shocked a media wannabe would try to paint Brooking's move as a poor one.

Ironically, it was a similar attack of Coughlin by the NYC media in 2007 and subsequent team-wide defense of him that got that team going.

 

[snapper]

Boy, did this thread get crapped up in a hurry.

Keith Brooking, who unlike any of us is actually inside the locker room, said Wade does address December and accountability every day with the team. And yet we still have people arguing that the way he handles press conferences is exactly the way he handles the team behind closed doors.

That is the very definition of ignoring evidence so you can speculate that things are the way you think and hope they are, which in this case is that Wade just rolls the footballs out on the field and says All is Well. Keith sat there and told you otherwise and you still refuse to believe it!

Says a lot about certain posters in this thread.

The impact of Brooking's effort can only be measured on Sunday after the game. If the Cowboys win, then it will have served a purpose.

 

[Doomsday101]

Boy, did this thread get crapped up in a hurry.

Keith Brooking, who unlike any of us is actually inside the locker room, said Wade does address this every day with the team. And yet we still have people arguing that the way he handles press conferences is exactly the way he handles the team behind closed doors.

That is the very definition of ignoring evidence so you can speculate that things are the way you think and hope they are, which in this case is that Wade just rolls the footballs out on the field and says All is Well. Keith sat there and told you otherwise and you still refuse to believe it!

Says a lot about certain posters in this thread.

Because their own preception means more to them. It is funny how the Charger players as well have praised Wade Phillips this week even guys who were on the injury list and will not play this week and who are not required to talk to the media made time to talk about how they feel about Wade.

 

[craig71]

I think there's no doubt that Wade creates a highly weak public profile. I can't say what goes on in the locker room, but perception matters at least a little when in a position of power, you would think. And who knows, maybe he 53 players would kill for Wade, but he sure does do his absolute best to portray a public image of being a simpleton.

My problem has never been that he doesn't stand up and bang a desk, or goes "P. . . p . . . playoffs?" But I do wish he wouldn't be so darn rosey about everything. It's OK to occasionally say, "Hey, this performance was not representative of what we're about, and we're going to spend the rest of the week making sure we return to being the team we think we are."

His playoff failure is the reason for much of the harassment he takes, but the way he conducts himself publicly only adds to it. If nothing else, you'd think he would realize it does him no good professionally.

There's alot of truth in those words.

Wade never has been one to rant and rave about a loss.I also think that Wade is what he is and is going to always be just what you see.What is perplexing is his lack of preperation,he should have known the wolves were going to be hungry going into the PC.

I wonder if Wade should start game planning the PC?


Craig

 

[rcaldw]

Honestly who cares if a fan is satisfied. The NFL is here to entertain and all the crying the non-satisfied fan does works just as well as cheers to promote the product.

This isn't 1970 NFL where 4 teams have a chance to win a SB every year.

This team needs to go to and win 'A' playoff game.

Anyone looking beyond that is just too dense to breathe. The 1991 Cowboys were a VERY talented group but they weren't ready for a title and no one gave them crap when they didn't win one.

What else to expect from a Penguinite?

Using your logic, just watch NFL games every week and don't bother being a fan of one team. Just be entertained.

I'm not even taking issue with your statements, if that is a person's approach.

I think the NFL is a business, and it exists to make money. I think you are right, in that if the fans are satisfied, to a very large degree, the owners are satisfied because they provided a product and we supported it.

But for some fans it is more than entertainment, it is allegiance. It is history and tradition. For some fans it isn't just one generation of allegiance either. It was watching the games with your dad who lived and died with whether we won the ice bowl, or got beat on a tipped pass against the Baltimore Colts in the 1970 Super Bowl. It was about the joy of seeing "next year's champ" win one in 1971. For some fans its not just entertainment, IT IS OUR TEAM, though we logically know that we don't own it and most the owners, if not all of them, don't give a rip about their fans personally, just about their money.

So, I'm not naive, but I don't follow the NFL, or the Cowboys the way you apparently do. They don't just represent entertainment for me, they represent allegiance and an allegiance that preceded my own, as my father attended games at the Cotton Bowl. My sons and my daughter are now Cowboys fans. I have a brother who is one. I have a 104 year old grandfather, who is still living and is a Cowboys fan.

I understand what you are saying, I really do, but for me, the goal of the Dallas Cowboys should be SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE. Gonna win the SB every year? Of course not. Should we win more than other teams do? Those were the Cowboys I got used to, and the Cowboys I still desire.