The SB is within reach for the 2009 season

[CoCo]

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.

Yes, this is part of my point.

Those who think I'm saying we have a good chance because we're one of 32 have missed the point.

Rather, the point is that the discussions around here get overly passionate & frustrated to where they cloud truth. Shanahan, Cowher, Gruden and the like get elevated to the point that they are the ONLY choice for a team serious about winning. My point is that in the midst of clamoring for these guys or the perceived best QB & WR etc we need to remember there is more than one way to skin a cat and todays perceived best in the eyes of some gets regularly knocked off by an alleged also ran. Hello, Shanahan & Gruden just got fired. They are not men while everyone else is boys. I thought we learned this with Parcells. (no, that's not a knock on his significant hand in getting this team on the cusp as we have been for 3 years now)

Yes, bring me the best coaches & players we can find. But at the same time don't be quite so sure that you can see who that will be in 2009. Its not as black and white as some of you paint it. And resultantly its not as hopeless as some of you have and will claim when this offseason is over and we're stuck with a "non-successful in 2008" Garrett or Wade.

I've been following since 68. Yeah, I'm tired of the last 12 years of disappointment as well. But at the same time its stupid to sit here today and suggest we are in the same place for 2009 as we were in 1997. Thats a statement of frustration but its not accurate. We've been alive for a playoff spot on the last weekend 4 years running and 5 of the last 6. That is quite a bit different than from the 5-11 years.

Good enough? Of course not. I'm not asking anyone to settle for the standards of (fill in your favorite NFL also ran here). I'm just saying that the last 6 years says we are more on the right track than not even while we absolutely have improvements we must yet achieve.

Its not hopeless people. Its not.

I honestly believe that the vast majority of this organization will be much more focused on doing their part to right the ship in 2009 than fighting about who should get the ball, who should be calling plays, or similar kinds of issues. I suspect this organization is at least as collectively sick of that 2008 crap that was brought on in part by themselves as any of us.

Although I want the best coaches and players possible for 2009 I also believe its far from hopeless even if we just bring everyone back. There is plenty of talent - players & coaches. It needs to be better aligned obviously. But I suspect the vast majority of those folks are well aware of that and eager to do their part in accomplishing that.

 

[lewpac]

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.

Thank You............

Ya' Know, my usual default position is "I ain't buying it". Going into every year since the middle 90's, that's my thinking. Because I don't want to get "left at the alter" and dissappointed. Oh, I watch every game and cheer and hope and pray. But being pragmatic, I know that under Gailey and Campo and Bledsoe and Quincy Carter.............don't get your hopes up.

That's what happens when you've been a "diehard" since 1964 and expect nothing short of a Trophy.

Sorry, but that's life if your a Yankee fan or a Laker fan or a Jeff Gordon fan or a Cowboy fan. You're a little "spoiled". There's no "parade" like in Seattle for losing a SB.

That being said, I dusted off all my Cowboy stuff the last two years and "bought into" they hype. I really did. Decked my office out, license plate frames, bumper sticker, jerseys, the full Monty. Only to get "left at the alter again".

So, as of right now, January of 2009, I'm officially "not buying it" again. I can't erase the "Star" tattoo, and I'll never be a fan of any other team but Dallas. But I'm so disillusioned and so embarrassed and so "left at the alter", that I'm back to "I'll believe it when I see it" mode.

If that time comes, I reserve the right to get right back on board and assume my place as a Cowboy diehard. Because I've earned THAT RIGHT. But I also reserve the right to insulate myself, at the age of 48, to insulate myself from unnecessary heartache and time wasted, rooting for a team who doesn't give a ****......................

 

[bbgun]

Since I'm lazy, I'll just re-post this old post of mine from last July. Sadly, everything I said still applies to 2009:

This is what worries me: what are the odds that Wade will not only win his first playoff game next January, but two or three? And what are the odds that his QB, who has yet to taste victory in the playoffs, will do the same? Doesn't it seem unlikely/farfetched? Why will it suddenly come together for these two? In 1981, Walsh and Montana won their first post-season games together en route to the Super Bowl, but Walsh didn't have a history of post-season failure like Wade does. Therefore, Wade and Tony winning it all this year would be (pretty much) unprecedented.

 

[Garland powerplay]

Remember theres always next year! thanks for the reminder.
We have a chance like all the other teams yippee!
Go Team! Rah Rah,
Hey player any one up for a party. YEAHHHH

 

[5Countem5]

If that time comes, I reserve the right to get right back on board and assume my place as a Cowboy diehard. Because I've earned THAT RIGHT. But I also reserve the right to insulate myself, at the age of 48, to insulate myself from unnecessary heartache and time wasted, rooting for a team who doesn't give a ****......................

What have you earned? You watch when they win and you bellyache when they don't- you've earned nothing. You're a sunshine fan who couldn't stand it if they won the Super Bowl because all you could complain about would be the margin of victory.

The Cowboys have plenty of fans like you, we won't miss you a bit and guess we'll see you back when things are looking brighter.

Go root for Cardinals...

 

[Everlastingxxx]

Another homer thread. Will be alot of those this offseason.

 

[Bach]

Somewhere, someone on a Lions forum posted a "anything can happen in '09" thread too.

Our only hope is knowing that even a blind squirrel gets a nut every once in a while.

But as long as Jerry keeps dictating the coaching staff for the HC and running things the way he's been, then this team isn't likely to go far anytime soon.

 

[5Countem5]

Another homer thread. Will be alot of those this offseason.

Guess what, there will be plenty of other ones for the complainers to post in as well- no need to bring that crap into this one.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

Guess what, there will be plenty of other ones for the complainers to post in as well- no need to bring that crap into this one.

Sorry i am raining on your homer parade. Until real change happens, the outcome will not change.

 

[5Countem5]

Sorry i am raining on your homer parade. Until real change happens, the outcome will not change.

Oh golly gee....

Did you call me a "homer"? Oh, heavens to Betsy!!!

 

[Bach]

Sorry i am raining on your homer parade. Until real change happens, the outcome will not change.

It goes with the territory. It's called blind hope. Back when we finished 5-11 several people posted that since the Rams had just gone from 5-11 to the Super Bowl that there was no reason we couldn't. What happened? We went 5-11 again. And then again.

And now, with Jerry running things the way he did in the years before Parcells came to town, there's a better chance this team sees 5-11 again before they see a Super Bowl.

It's a joke the way Jerry tore down the dynasty of the 90's. And now he's in the process of trying to tear down what Parcells put together.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Hooray!
I applaud your being an optometrist.
There is nothing wrong with looking on the sunny side!

On the positive side we have turned out Reid and Stew, and Wade got sent to the woodshed and he looked real sorry for falling flat on his face this season. He promised a new him.

But moreover, If we get an offensive line that is healed, hail yeah!

So, yeah, it very well could be that Wade will hitch up his pants and say "Darn it, no more tomfoolery!" Followed by hoots and backpatting of Wade by his players.
Hoo-wee! Hey, coach, I need a day off!"
Aw, c'mon WadedaMan!"

Yeah, Wade might have them motivated and fearin' next season. There is always hope!

 

[Bleu Star]

The SB is within reach for the 2009 season

They fit you well.

 

[Venger]

This made me laugh out loud. If I had been drinking milk, I would have been victimized.

 

[big dog cowboy]

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

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

Before we were known as America's Team, we were known as Next Years Champions.

Those off seasons were just as painful. Trust me. That nickname.....oh man that nickname.

But those "wait'll next year" speeches were finally answered.

I understand your frustration. But don't give up hope. Ever.

 

[5Countem5]

I understand your frustration. But don't give up hope. Ever.

Someone gets it...finally.

 

[NextGenBoys]

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.

Post of the day by far. Hell, even the week.

I share your thoughts 100%

 

[saphire1]

the SB is always within reach for any team. not just the cowboys. the offseason always gives every team a level playing field and a chance to start anew.

who'd think the giants would have won the sb last season? who would have thought the ravens, cards and eagles are just two wins away from winning the sb this season? who imagined that the dolphins and falcons will make the playoffs this year after a disastrous 2007 season?

its a level playing field for everyone. they all start at 0-0. i wouldnt be surprised if some teams like the chiefs or even the rams make the playoffs next season.

 

[lewpac]

What have you earned? You watch when they win and you bellyache when they don't- you've earned nothing. You're a sunshine fan who couldn't stand it if they won the Super Bowl because all you could complain about would be the margin of victory.

The Cowboys have plenty of fans like you, we won't miss you a bit and guess we'll see you back when things are looking brighter.

Go root for Cardinals...

Yeah, and we got plenty of fans like you too.

So called "fans" who bury their head in the sand, and say NOTHING besides "ALL IS WELL, ALL IS WELL, ALL IS WELL"!!!! Thats what GM and Circuit City did the last few years, and look what that got 'em?

You wanna' turn a blind eye to what's going on and employ what Tony Robbins taught you about "just believe", you have at it. Good luck. Us REAL fans, fans who love the Dallas Cowboys, will remain honest and pragmatic about the state of affairs.

You're like a parent with a problem child who refuses to see a problem or do anything about it. Then the child ends up in prison on a 5-15 year wrap, and the first thing everyone says is "where the hell were the parents???"

So called "fans" like you don't care about winning. All you really care about it your "Cowboy fan identity", and no one is allowed to speak of the Cowboys in less than glowing terms, no matter what the "state of the union" is. Which, of course, makes you a fool.....................

 

[Future]

We have been in contention for like 3 years. Doom and gloom is limited to the frustrated and those who view the glass as half empty.