The SB is within reach for the 2009 season

[CoCo]

Its not going to require the perfect HC, the perfect OC, nor the perfect DC.

Its not going to take the perfect WR, the perfect QB, nor the perfect O-line.

And its not going to take perfect harmony amongst them all.

Understandably, Dallas fans and the organization itself is gazing in the mirror and scrutinizing every single imperfection this team, its coaches, players & execs have. That's natural given our recent crash and burn. By seasons end 31 teams will do exactly the same thing. The one left standing will enjoy its day in the sun and then start its own self analysis and likely discover it too is flawed. Its not about who has no flaws. Forget that standard.

SB championship teams contain plenty of players and coaches heretofore believed to be no better than a bus driver. Declared in previous seasons to be short of talent or heart or discipline. Its true. Because our 2009 roster will contain some of those will not preclude our goal.

No player, coach or GM has the corner on SBs. No one has THE formula. No one KNOWS who is going to pass muster in 2009.

So before you get too depressed thinking that any of our players, coaches or GM are insufficient to accomplish that championship goal and doom us to also ran status or worse again in 2009, I think you ought to consider the fact that we have a great opportunity to tinker with this team during the offseason and then roll out a team for 2009 that will absolutely have a chance to climb the mountain it failed to ascend in 2008.

Far more dramatic and unlikely turnarounds take place annually in teh NFL. Hardly any of them were predicted. Hardly any of them are so perfect (players, coaches, GM) that their place is secure in 2009.

Tomlin, Harbaugh, Reid & Whisenhunt and their associated assistants were not all clearly top shelf desired by all coaches when this season began. I think it remains VERY likely that we will have a collective coaching staff able to satisfactorily compete with these types in 2009.

By all means, we should seek who we think is best. Maybe that will end up being Shanahan, Gruden, Holmgren or Cowher. But if its Wade, or Garrett, it likely does not doom us. Its also quite possible those folks could be as hailed in 2009 as they are despised in 2008. There was plenty of justifiable hope in our staff prior to 2008 and there will be in 2009 for those with the clear eyes to see it.

Our shortcomings in 2008, though more embarrassing than 2007, probably also provide more opportunity for offseason learning and correction. Players who appear limited or unmotivated can turn into champions. It happens every year. That is what's happening right now in Philly, Arizona, Baltimore and Pittsburgh. If you believe those players and coaches are inherently superior to ours, I believe history says you are wrong.

So debate passionately your preferences in players or coaches. Have at it. But put away the doom and gloom. 2009 is far from hopeless no matter who the coaches are and whether or not some of your favorite villain players are on the roster or not. Hope springs eternal and history says very rightfully so.

 

[5Countem5]

Great post!!!


But if some here stopped the "doom and gloom", I am sure they would quit watching all together. I've decided they live for it...

 

[JordanTaber]

Philadelphia and Arizona are playing in the NFC Championship game. 2 9-win teams.

A lot of it just depends on luck.

 

[bigE79]

Its not going to require the perfect HC, the perfect OC, nor the perfect DC.

Its not going to take the perfect WR, the perfect QB, nor the perfect O-line.

And its not going to take perfect harmony amongst them all.

Understandably, Dallas fans and the organization itself is gazing in the mirror and scrutinizing every single imperfection this team, its coaches, players & execs have. That's natural given our recent crash and burn. By seasons end 31 teams will do exactly the same thing. The one left standing will enjoy its day in the sun and then start its own self analysis and likely discover it too is flawed. Its not about who has no flaws. Forget that standard.

SB championship teams contain plenty of players and coaches heretofore believed to be no better than a bus driver. Declared in previous seasons to be short of talent or heart or discipline. Its true. Because our 2009 roster will contain some of those will not preclude our goal.

No player, coach or GM has the corner on SBs. No one has THE formula. No one KNOWS who is going to pass muster in 2009.

So before you get too depressed thinking that any of our players, coaches or GM are insufficient to accomplish that championship goal and doom us to also ran status or worse again in 2009, I think you ought to consider the fact that we have a great opportunity to tinker with this team during the offseason and then roll out a team for 2009 that will absolutely have a chance to climb the mountain it failed to ascend in 2008.

Far more dramatic and unlikely turnarounds take place annually in teh NFL. Hardly any of them were predicted. Hardly any of them are so perfect (players, coaches, GM) that their place is secure in 2009.

Tomlin, Harbaugh, Reid & Whisenhunt and their associated assistants were not all clearly top shelf desired by all coaches when this season began. I think it remains VERY likely that we will have a collective coaching staff able to satisfactorily compete with these types in 2009.

By all means, we should seek who we think is best. Maybe that will end up being Shanahan, Gruden, Holmgren or Cowher. But if its Wade, or Garrett, it likely does not doom us. Its also quite possible those folks could be as hailed in 2009 as they are despised in 2008. There was plenty of justifiable hope in our staff prior to 2008 and there will be in 2009 for those with the clear eyes to see it.

Our shortcomings in 2008, though more embarrassing than 2007, probably also provide more opportunity for offseason learning and correction. Players who appear limited or unmotivated can turn into champions. It happens every year. That is what's happening right now in Philly, Arizona, Baltimore and Pittsburgh. If you believe those players and coaches are inherently superior to ours, I believe history says you are wrong.

So debate passionately your preferences in players or coaches. Have at it. But put away the doom and gloom. 2009 is far from hopeless no matter who the coaches are and whether or not some of your favorite villain players are on the roster or not. Hope springs eternal and history says very rightfully so.

One of the best posts ive read in a LONG time

 

[GoCowboysGo]

Or maybe it's because we play the AFC West next season?

 

[lewpac]

Yeah right.............

How many more January's and February's do I have to sit through, reading the next "wait'll next year" speech?

Because that's all your post is. Oh, it's all "lawyer'd" up with a sophisticated philosophical agenda, and an "every reason to be hopefull" resonance, but in the end, its' a glamorized "wait'll next year" expose'.

You're right. No One has "THE" formula for perfection. But apparently, many have a better angle and approach than we do. No one is asking for "perfection". We're asking our team to, at the very least, not embarrass us and fail. THAT'S a long way from perfection. Just a little something to believe in. That TOO, is a long way from asking for "pefection".

You can call it "tinkering" all you want. But this team needs a cattle prod up the arse to get it's attention. The whole lot, from Jerry on down to the third string RG need to "get it" that, in this day and age, this talented team ain't gonna' be the same team in 2010. Free agency, salary caps, and other "parity" measures will strip this team of all previous 13 pro bowlers in short order.

Romo's career is in the balance. "Is he or isn't he" is NOW, unfortunately, his M.O. It shoulda' never come to this for him. If Dallas isn't 6-1 come next October, Romo's entire equity may be gone.

So, I appreciate your positive thinking agenda and your undying support for our Dallas Cowboys. But, a pragmatic and "realist" fan understands that, this mess is more than simply a "positive thinking/positive approach" and "just believe" thing.

We're pissed. The last two campaigns are UNACCEPTABLE to folks who live by NOTHING LESS THAN A RING WILL DO!! We're not the Saints, who have a parade for making the playoffs. We're the Dallas FRICKEN Cowboys.

It's gonna' take a little more than "hang in there", and "don't give up" and "it could be worse" to get me back to even. Hell, all I want is a stupid playoff win................

The premise of your thread is "failure". A "zero sum" loss thing, that could be overcome. A "hey, we're not worse off than 31 other teams" thing. Is that the standard????? Is that the default position we're to assume as Cowboy fans? The beginning of your position is to "settle" for "good enough", be thankful, and "hang in there". I won't get on that ship. Sorry. Just can't do it. I've been "on board" since 1964. Nothing but a championship will do. I'll even settle for a couple/few playoff wins.

You keep medicating yourself with "wait'll next year" stuff if it makes you sleep at night. I'll not take the Seattle Seahawk or San Deigo Charger fan mindset, thank you very much. I'll remain a Cowboy fan and insist upon championships.................ESPECIALLY when we have all the talent and tools to pull it off!!!!!

 

[fanfromvirginia]

Its not going to require the perfect HC, the perfect OC, nor the perfect DC.

Its not going to take the perfect WR, the perfect QB, nor the perfect O-line.

And its not going to take perfect harmony amongst them all.

Understandably, Dallas fans and the organization itself is gazing in the mirror and scrutinizing every single imperfection this team, its coaches, players & execs have. That's natural given our recent crash and burn. By seasons end 31 teams will do exactly the same thing. The one left standing will enjoy its day in the sun and then start its own self analysis and likely discover it too is flawed. Its not about who has no flaws. Forget that standard.

SB championship teams contain plenty of players and coaches heretofore believed to be no better than a bus driver. Declared in previous seasons to be short of talent or heart or discipline. Its true. Because our 2009 roster will contain some of those will not preclude our goal.

No player, coach or GM has the corner on SBs. No one has THE formula. No one KNOWS who is going to pass muster in 2009.

So before you get too depressed thinking that any of our players, coaches or GM are insufficient to accomplish that championship goal and doom us to also ran status or worse again in 2009, I think you ought to consider the fact that we have a great opportunity to tinker with this team during the offseason and then roll out a team for 2009 that will absolutely have a chance to climb the mountain it failed to ascend in 2008.

Far more dramatic and unlikely turnarounds take place annually in teh NFL. Hardly any of them were predicted. Hardly any of them are so perfect (players, coaches, GM) that their place is secure in 2009.

Tomlin, Harbaugh, Reid & Whisenhunt and their associated assistants were not all clearly top shelf desired by all coaches when this season began. I think it remains VERY likely that we will have a collective coaching staff able to satisfactorily compete with these types in 2009.

By all means, we should seek who we think is best. Maybe that will end up being Shanahan, Gruden, Holmgren or Cowher. But if its Wade, or Garrett, it likely does not doom us. Its also quite possible those folks could be as hailed in 2009 as they are despised in 2008. There was plenty of justifiable hope in our staff prior to 2008 and there will be in 2009 for those with the clear eyes to see it.

Our shortcomings in 2008, though more embarrassing than 2007, probably also provide more opportunity for offseason learning and correction. Players who appear limited or unmotivated can turn into champions. It happens every year. That is what's happening right now in Philly, Arizona, Baltimore and Pittsburgh. If you believe those players and coaches are inherently superior to ours, I believe history says you are wrong.

So debate passionately your preferences in players or coaches. Have at it. But put away the doom and gloom. 2009 is far from hopeless no matter who the coaches are and whether or not some of your favorite villain players are on the roster or not. Hope springs eternal and history says very rightfully so.

This has just the right proportion of length and rationality to bring out every crotchety curmudgeon in here. It's like Tom Cruise's manifesto in Jerry Maguire. Here's me clapping and cheering. Here's you about to get pummeled.

 

[Venger]

Hope springs eternal and history says very rightfully so.

Hope may spring eternal, but you'll wait an eternity for a championship if you rely on it.

I would rather rely on addressing and improving areas of concern, fixing problems, creating opportunities, and executing with effort and perspicacity.

I'll settle for playing well enough to get to the playoffs with good late season execution and getting hot in the playoffs. That's kinda what most seasons do in the parity league.

 

[visionary]

i have read some ridiculous posts on this forum over the last few years and this one is right up there..

of course it is POSSIBLE that these same coaches and players MIGHT turn it around
it is also possible that the world might end tonight

ANYTHING is POSSIBLE

However

to COUNT on it happening is ridiculous

by this logic none of the teams should ever fire their coaching staff or sign new players because IT IS POSSIBLE the same coaches and players they had last year MIGHT turn it around.

why then did we fire Stewart as DC, he COULD have turned it around.

there is a reason we study history


but by your logic, no matter how bad any year is, how poor the performance, JJ should sit back, relax, close his eyes and say "none of it matters because next year MIGHT be different"

the question when planning for the future should not be "Is it POSSIBLE" the question should be "Is it LIKELY"

so that is what you and all of us have to answer

Is it LIKELY these same players and coaches will suddenly turn things around for no earthly reason.

the only logical answer is a resounding NO.

 

[CowlyFanby]

Hope may spring eternal, but you'll wait an eternity for a championship if you rely on it.

I would rather rely on addressing and improving areas of concern, fixing problems, creating opportunities, and executing with effort and perspicacity.

I'll settle for playing well enough to get to the playoffs with good late season execution and getting hot in the playoffs. That's kinda what most seasons do in the parity league.

Agreed, if you wait for it like that you're nothing more than Cinderella waiting for the pumpkin carriage ride to the ball. Once in a generational-type wishing upon a 'Star' shouldn't be the Dallas Cowboys way...

 

[fanfromvirginia]

Agreed, if you wait for it like that you're nothing more than Cinderella waiting for the pumpkin carriage ride to the ball. Once in a generational-type wishing upon a 'Star' shouldn't be the Dallas Cowboys way...

Wait a second -- are you saying Cinderella shouldn't have waited for the pumpkin carriage? That kind of glass-half-empty strategical thinking and the poor girl would be covered in soot right now.

 

[TheCount]

lol, the 2009 Superbowl talk already? Usually we wait till around draft time to start proclaiming this team Superbowl bound.

 

[Switz]

Its not going to require the perfect HC, the perfect OC, nor the perfect DC.

Its not going to take the perfect WR, the perfect QB, nor the perfect O-line.

And its not going to take perfect harmony amongst them all.

Understandably, Dallas fans and the organization itself is gazing in the mirror and scrutinizing every single imperfection this team, its coaches, players & execs have. That's natural given our recent crash and burn. By seasons end 31 teams will do exactly the same thing. The one left standing will enjoy its day in the sun and then start its own self analysis and likely discover it too is flawed. Its not about who has no flaws. Forget that standard.

SB championship teams contain plenty of players and coaches heretofore believed to be no better than a bus driver. Declared in previous seasons to be short of talent or heart or discipline. Its true. Because our 2009 roster will contain some of those will not preclude our goal.

No player, coach or GM has the corner on SBs. No one has THE formula. No one KNOWS who is going to pass muster in 2009.

So before you get too depressed thinking that any of our players, coaches or GM are insufficient to accomplish that championship goal and doom us to also ran status or worse again in 2009, I think you ought to consider the fact that we have a great opportunity to tinker with this team during the offseason and then roll out a team for 2009 that will absolutely have a chance to climb the mountain it failed to ascend in 2008.

Far more dramatic and unlikely turnarounds take place annually in teh NFL. Hardly any of them were predicted. Hardly any of them are so perfect (players, coaches, GM) that their place is secure in 2009.

Tomlin, Harbaugh, Reid & Whisenhunt and their associated assistants were not all clearly top shelf desired by all coaches when this season began. I think it remains VERY likely that we will have a collective coaching staff able to satisfactorily compete with these types in 2009.

By all means, we should seek who we think is best. Maybe that will end up being Shanahan, Gruden, Holmgren or Cowher. But if its Wade, or Garrett, it likely does not doom us. Its also quite possible those folks could be as hailed in 2009 as they are despised in 2008. There was plenty of justifiable hope in our staff prior to 2008 and there will be in 2009 for those with the clear eyes to see it.

Our shortcomings in 2008, though more embarrassing than 2007, probably also provide more opportunity for offseason learning and correction. Players who appear limited or unmotivated can turn into champions. It happens every year. That is what's happening right now in Philly, Arizona, Baltimore and Pittsburgh. If you believe those players and coaches are inherently superior to ours, I believe history says you are wrong.

So debate passionately your preferences in players or coaches. Have at it. But put away the doom and gloom. 2009 is far from hopeless no matter who the coaches are and whether or not some of your favorite villain players are on the roster or not. Hope springs eternal and history says very rightfully so.

superbowl?

we have not won a playoff game since the mid 90's come one man....

talk to me if we ever win a playoff game again.

 

[wileedog]

 

[bbgun]

superbowl?

we have not won a playoff game since the mid 90's come one man....

talk to me if we ever win a playoff game again.

You'll find better odds on the back of a lottery ticket.

 

[dreghorn2]

To lewpac.. outstanding!!

Personally, these last few years have numbed my passion for the team, and that is a sad sad thing to say.

I have gone from despising teams like the Giants, Eagles and Steelers, to actually admiring them in a twisted sort of way for producing solid teams with good management.

Again, for me personally, very sad indeed.

 

[Kevinicus]

I have to laugh at the Negative Nancies on here who act like the OP is crazy because he realizes everything is not lost. The Cowboys aren't a 1-15, or 3-13 team. The team has a ton of talent. These coaches, and these players did go 13-3 not too long ago. To just assume they won't do it again because they didn't do it this year is just as stupid as assuming they'd go 9-7 after just going 13-3 and then going and then having the draft that they did. It's as stupid as assuming the Falcons and Dolphins would go 11-5 or that the Cardinals would be hosting the NFC Championship this year.

If you want to ask what makes someone believe they have a good shot to go real far next year, the answer is because they still have pretty much everything they had to go real far before, and probably even more. This team has enough talent to go to the Superbowl, that doesn't mean they will, it doesn't even mean they'll make the playoffs, but you know what? It gives them a hell of a chance. And that's the most you can hope for in January when you're out of the playoffs.

 

[CowboyPrincess]

Before this season began everyone said the Cowboys were a shoe in to win the superbowl this year. Well we now know they were wrong.

I'm not going to speculate on what we need or what we have to get to the superbowl in 2009. I'll just concentrate on getting to the playoffs first

Anything else is a jinx

But it was a good read

 

[DandyDon1722]

I have this awful feeling that if we lose the opener in the new place, which would involve a letdown on so many levels that we do not have the character to bounce back and we could be nothing more than a .500 team.

Just a feeling...

 

[Cochese]

Not with this coaching staff.