jday
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 9,321
- Reaction score
- 13,284
This does truly suck on so many different levels. The corruption aspect of this story is quite possibly the most disconcerting because if ever I truly believe that this league is rigged and games are in fact fixed (as the absence of holding calls against the opposition for the last 16 quarters and the no-helmet to helmet call against Dak in this past game, already suggest), I will likely stop watching. After all, the absolute best part of the NFL versus any other sport in existence is that the team we follow always has a chance….any given Sunday. The parity, in my opinion, is the principal reason behind football’s popularity nationwide. If a fix indeed ever comes to light, regardless of the intent or motivation behind it, professional football will likely concede the national crown for collective viewership.
Basketball is peopled by league killing super teams. Sure, it’s great for the fanbases where the top tier talent tends to flock; terrible for basketball, at large. Why Maverick fans even bother watching is beyond me…top tier talent, for whatever reason, has no interest in Dallas. Baseball implements a luxury tax to discourage teams from purchasing championships, but that doesn’t stop them from picking up the tab as evidenced by this year’s high-salaried Dodgers team currently participating in the World Series.
And yet, in reviewing all that has come to light, it is hard to believe that the proverbial fix is not in play; whether the NFL dug deep in their pockets to secure a ruling crucial to maintaining their power or judge Failla is simply operating under a united sisterhood bias, is beyond me. But something is clearly rotten in Denmark.
Having addressed all that, there is a few silver linings to this situation which (as is the norm for me) I intend to discuss at length (TL/DR crowd – if you haven’t already, you may want to exercise your right to utilize the back button; this thread is clearly not for you) under the following headings: The Cinderella Man Effect, Will the Real Dak Please Stand Up, All We Want for Christmas and The Galvanizing Effect.
Without further ado:
The Cinderella Man Effect
Not to be confused with The Cinderella Effect, which is the noted potential for abuse towards children that occurs at the hands of step-family, The Cinderella Man Effect is my own creation, based on my viewing of the true story turned blockbuster movie, “The Cinderella Man,” starring Russell Crow in the lead role. During the Great Depression, James J. Braddock is forced to give up boxing as a result of breaking his dominant hand in the ring. At the height of his boxing career previous to breaking his hand, he was a middling prospect, predominantly due to the fact that he was a one-trick pony to begin with, who rarely used his off-hand in a fight and was incapable of dealing damage of note with his non-dominant hand; in a manner-of-speaking, he was fighting with one hand tied behind his back throughout the early portion of his otherwise illustrious career.
While not initially ideal, given the financial climate of the Great Depression, breaking his hand turned out to be his eventual salvation. Following boxing, he became a day laborer, trying to provide for his family. Working with a gimpy hand, he was forced to use his off-hand and in doing so slowly but surely became proficient in using both hands.
Shortly thereafter his longtime ring manager and good friend Joe Gould offers him a once-in-a-lifetime chance for just one night to earn some easy money filling in for a last-minute cancellation to fight against the number-two contender in the world, Corn Griffin. Clearly, the widely accepted consensus was Griffin would retire him for good…and Braddock would enjoy a little financial security in a time where a means to live was scarce for the general population at large.
Making a long story short, Braddock stuns the boxing world by knocking out his formidable opponent in the third round. He then went on a tear working his way up from there, against all odds, to becoming the boxing champion of the world winning a close contested match against Max Baer (who had already reportedly killed two men in the ring); Max was also the father of Max Baer Jr, you may know as Jethro Bodine on the television series The Beverly Hillbillies. #themoreyouknow
I suspect the point I am making here is somewhat self-evident. What you might not see coming is the fact that something similar (though, admittedly, not quite as impactful) happened last year. Following the win against the Chicago Bears 3 games into the season, Dez Bryant was forced to sit out the next 3 games against the 49ers, the then thought to be defensively dominant Cincinnati Bengals, and the Aaron Rodgers led Green Bay Packers due to injury. The consensus then is the Cowboys would likely struggle as a result of not having their clear #1 receiver to lean on and Dak was still simply playing in place of the then-injured Tony Romo. As many of you may recall, they struggled in the early going getting something going offensively without Dez, but eventually (fulfilling Dak’s pregame prophecy) and within the confines of that first game against the 49ers, they figured it out, maintaining the win streak that would carry them all the way to their second loss against the Giants on Dec 11.
The point is simple. Sometimes having a great player can be a crutch in the long run. As it is, I would imagine it is very difficult for Linehan to call a play that doesn’t in some way involve him leaning on Zeke if not at least his reputation. Be it play-action or what everyone expects the majority of the day (a play directly involving Zeke touching the ball), the Cowboys of the last two seasons have struggled to spell win without a significant contribution coming for Zeke.
In the playoffs, however, we all know that teams tend to specialize in taking away what you like to do the most and clearly handing the ball to Zeke is the Cowboys favorite thing. So, what if this suspension forcing the Cowboys to use their non-dominant hand, ultimately leads to them learning to win in ways that will serve them well come playoffs and, dare I say it, the Super Bowl? Clearly, they will have to survive the hardest part of their schedule to remain in playoff contention. But in the long run, and in hindsight, it very well could be viewed as the best possible thing to happen to our beloved Cowboys. Just maybe…Zeke, of course, will never think so, given the negative impact this will have on his off-the-field reputation.
Will the real Dak Please Stand Up
Since coming into the league, one of the debates constantly circling Dak & Zeke, was whether or not Dak could survive being a professional quarterback on his own merits and without the benefit of Zeke to hand the ball to. Unlike most debates circling the Cowboys, Zeke’s suspension will assist in answering that very question. Is Dak who I really think he is or has his ability to drive the proverbial bus been propped up by Zeke’s very special talent?
It is a valid question…made all the more tenuous by the unfortunate fact that if the Cowboys lose, it will remain a debate for many. To be clear, on deciding what Dak is without Zeke, I’m not looking for Dak to win the game. That feat depends on 46 players and the Head Coaches out-maneuvering the opposition without their favorite toy. I will simply be watching how he responds, in general. To be successful and move the ball down the field, is he truly reliant on the services of Zeke or can he author an offensive attack regardless of Zeke? That is the question.
Mind you, the vast majority of Dak’s successful runs come on the option with the opposing defense getting sucked inside to stop Zeke. Now, Dak will be forced to create without the benefit of the doubt suggesting he will keep it. Now, Dak doesn’t have the security blanket of having one of the best (if not the best) blitz pickup specialist in the game. Now, it will be Dak’s sole responsibility to figure out ways to keep the defense off the field and keep the chains moving without his best possible chain-moving option.
I’ve made this point before, but I will do so again, because as is, this section looks lopsided following the Cinderella topic: This is not Dak’s first rodeo winning with inferior talent. Mississippi State was not a recruiting juggernaut before or while he attended, though, their recruiting returns, I’m sure, have improved following Dak’s exodus and ascension in the pro ranks. And yet, throughout his tenure, he routinely placed that team on his back, accounting for both pass touchdowns and rush touchdowns, finishing third in SEC history for total yards and fourth in total touchdowns. Mind you, the SEC has been and still is in the opinion of many, the conference where the absolute best college football is played, so that is by no means an accomplishment to be overlooked.
And, pray tell, can anyone tell me when it is Dak says he plays his best football?
Anyone?
You in the back of my mind; what say you?
When the pressure is at its highest?
Are you asking me or telling me?
Telling you?
Still not convincing with the question mark adorning the end of your answer, but, yes, you are correct…Dak has been quoted as saying he plays his best football when the pressure is at its highest. There is not a single player you could subtract from this team that would create more pressure than Zeke. Add to that the fact that the Cowboys are 4 & 3 and staring down the barrel of the most difficult 6 games of their schedule (Chiefs, Falcons, Eagles, Chargers, Commanders & Giants…again), with following games against the Raiders, Seahawks and Eagles (again) to make up for the potential losses in Zeke’s absence to close the season. Honestly, the Cowboys schedule, given the circumstances, could not be much worse…and the pressure could not be much higher. So…will the real Dak please stand up?
All We Want for Christmas
If ever there was a time for the defense to put it all together at once, now has to be it…especially with the Chiefs coming to town. I don’t mean to sound wishy-washy here. I get it. They are getting sacks now. For the first time in years we have a passrush…and for years now that’s what every Cowboys fan has wanted for Christmas. Now that we have it, we have found something new to wish for. Can you top that passrush Sundae with some better overall pass coverage and the occasional interception?
Without it, the Cowboys playoff hopes are next to nil…and every player on that side of the ball is certainly well aware of what their role will now be without the benefit of a dominant run game helping them, given the likely event that the Cowboys offense is unable to find a viable replacement for what Zeke specifically adds. In the early going while the Cowboys offense takes the necessary time to (hopefully) figure out a different attack that works, against the Chiefs in particular, they will need the defense to take on the role of establishing a new team identity.
Since the only really good thing this defense seems to do presently is get after the quarterback, the Cowboys needs to do so with a vengeance. The opposing QB needs to fear plays that don’t involve handing the ball to his running back. The Cowboys passrush needs to hijack the QB’s eyes, forcing him to look at them and not the place where at least one of his receivers is likely running open. Either that, or the youngsters in the secondary need to grow up and do so quick, fast and in a hurry.
Just like the 49ers game in 2016 where the Cowboys initially trailed by 14, I suspect it will take some trial and error on the part of the Cowboys’ offense early on against the Chiefs to figure out what will work without Zeke. I recommend Marinelli doesn’t feed his dogs anything for a few days until after the game, because they are going to need to be extra hungry against that Chiefs balanced attack. By my estimation, the Cowboys absolutely have to win 4 of the next 6, so a loss against the Chiefs would neither be surprising or season-ending. But at some point, regardless of Zeke’s absence, if the Cowboys have their sights on a Super Bowl in 2017, this defense has to be better than the occasional sack. If the Cowboys defense doesn’t rise to the occasion, all we will want for Christmas is the season to hurry up and end, so we can start talking draft.
The Galvanizing Effect
Consider for a moment everything that has happened to the Cowboys in this calendar year to upset and disrupt their ultimate goal (injuries, suspensions, questionable penalties assessed and not assessed when one should have been and then more suspensions). If I didn’t know any better (which I don’t), I would think the powers-at-be are out to get our Cowboys.
The message of the coaches should be clear: It’s US against the WORLD. The world says we can’t win without Zeke; one of 53 players. The world thinks we should be called the Zekeboys. With Zeke, we are considered a contender. Without him, many have already started looking forward to the 2018 draft. If we can’t win without Zeke, not a single person in this room deserves to wear a Championship ring! If you want a championship, go get it now…the next 6 games decides whether or not you truly deserve it.” Or something like that.
While the above might not play well in a lockerroom, I for the most part believe in the sentiment. I say “for the most part” because even The Dynasty struggled to win without Emmitt, however, Emmitt’s backups at that time would likely be on the streets in today’s game, whereas we have serviceable backs in Zeke’s absence. This is all decidedly beside the point, because what I’m actually talking about here is the galvanizing effect this entire situation could potentially have on the team.
Over the course of the next few days as Zeke’s subsequent attempts to play this weekend are likely met with roadblocks and failure, the discussion at large will, of course, be how will the Cowboys fare down the stretch without Zeke. The overwhelming majority will absolutely and understandably count the Cowboys out. Many of the experts, analyst, mediots and talking heads alike have already suggested the Cowboys season hinged on this latest appeal ruling; I don’t see too many changing their minds now. The smart bet, given how much the Cowboys offense depends on a solid to elite run game, is the Cowboys season is over.
If you are 1 of the other 52 presently on the Dalllas Cowboys roster, there’s a good chance you take umbrage with this assessment…at least, I know I would were I counted among their number. Can the Cowboys embrace the disrespect and allow that to fuel overcoming the odds?
It wouldn’t be the first time…nor the second time…nor the third time in the history of everything that has ever happened. Some of the greatest stories of human lore revolve around, “impossible odds set(ting) the stage for amazing miracles (Jentezen Franklin). David & the Giant, 300, Samson and the Philistines, Remember the Alamo (sorta…they still lost the battle, but it set the stage for winning the war), Remember the Titans, the Patriots without the services of Tom Brady, etcetera, etcetera. The fascinating and inspiring aspect of all these stories always happened at the beginning of the conflict, not necessarily the end in the aftermath of odds overcame. No, the best part (for me anyway) is that part where the individual or group decides they will not go gently into that good night…they will rage, rage against the dying of the light (Dylan Thomas).
Will the Cowboys collectively embrace that rage? Can the Cowboys coaches figure out a new way to get it done or find a viable replacement through the efforts of their remaining running back collective? I have my doubts and my beliefs. I doubt that young secondary is ready for Sunday’s challenge. I believe Dak will give it his absolute all regardless of the results. I have my doubts the Cowboys coaches can figure out a new way to win. But I believe in the roster they have built and the passion and hunger these players have for winning. I doubt Garrett has a run-threw-a-brick-wall pregame speech on deck that will light that collective fire. But I believe in the potential of these players self-motivating to prove to the world that Zeke is 1 of 53 and is merely icing on otherwise delicious cake that can be enjoyed without icing on its own merits.
Wrap It Up
‘Cause sometimes you just feel tired, feel weak
And when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up
But you gotta search within you
And gotta find that inner strength
And just pull that (explicit) out of you
And get that motivation to not give up
And not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face, and collapse
~ Eminem – ‘Till I Collapse ~
Ultimately, we have to collectively hope 46 players have a similar internal monologue in the proceeding moments of the next 6 games.
Thoughts?
Basketball is peopled by league killing super teams. Sure, it’s great for the fanbases where the top tier talent tends to flock; terrible for basketball, at large. Why Maverick fans even bother watching is beyond me…top tier talent, for whatever reason, has no interest in Dallas. Baseball implements a luxury tax to discourage teams from purchasing championships, but that doesn’t stop them from picking up the tab as evidenced by this year’s high-salaried Dodgers team currently participating in the World Series.
And yet, in reviewing all that has come to light, it is hard to believe that the proverbial fix is not in play; whether the NFL dug deep in their pockets to secure a ruling crucial to maintaining their power or judge Failla is simply operating under a united sisterhood bias, is beyond me. But something is clearly rotten in Denmark.
Having addressed all that, there is a few silver linings to this situation which (as is the norm for me) I intend to discuss at length (TL/DR crowd – if you haven’t already, you may want to exercise your right to utilize the back button; this thread is clearly not for you) under the following headings: The Cinderella Man Effect, Will the Real Dak Please Stand Up, All We Want for Christmas and The Galvanizing Effect.
Without further ado:
The Cinderella Man Effect
Not to be confused with The Cinderella Effect, which is the noted potential for abuse towards children that occurs at the hands of step-family, The Cinderella Man Effect is my own creation, based on my viewing of the true story turned blockbuster movie, “The Cinderella Man,” starring Russell Crow in the lead role. During the Great Depression, James J. Braddock is forced to give up boxing as a result of breaking his dominant hand in the ring. At the height of his boxing career previous to breaking his hand, he was a middling prospect, predominantly due to the fact that he was a one-trick pony to begin with, who rarely used his off-hand in a fight and was incapable of dealing damage of note with his non-dominant hand; in a manner-of-speaking, he was fighting with one hand tied behind his back throughout the early portion of his otherwise illustrious career.
While not initially ideal, given the financial climate of the Great Depression, breaking his hand turned out to be his eventual salvation. Following boxing, he became a day laborer, trying to provide for his family. Working with a gimpy hand, he was forced to use his off-hand and in doing so slowly but surely became proficient in using both hands.
Shortly thereafter his longtime ring manager and good friend Joe Gould offers him a once-in-a-lifetime chance for just one night to earn some easy money filling in for a last-minute cancellation to fight against the number-two contender in the world, Corn Griffin. Clearly, the widely accepted consensus was Griffin would retire him for good…and Braddock would enjoy a little financial security in a time where a means to live was scarce for the general population at large.
Making a long story short, Braddock stuns the boxing world by knocking out his formidable opponent in the third round. He then went on a tear working his way up from there, against all odds, to becoming the boxing champion of the world winning a close contested match against Max Baer (who had already reportedly killed two men in the ring); Max was also the father of Max Baer Jr, you may know as Jethro Bodine on the television series The Beverly Hillbillies. #themoreyouknow
I suspect the point I am making here is somewhat self-evident. What you might not see coming is the fact that something similar (though, admittedly, not quite as impactful) happened last year. Following the win against the Chicago Bears 3 games into the season, Dez Bryant was forced to sit out the next 3 games against the 49ers, the then thought to be defensively dominant Cincinnati Bengals, and the Aaron Rodgers led Green Bay Packers due to injury. The consensus then is the Cowboys would likely struggle as a result of not having their clear #1 receiver to lean on and Dak was still simply playing in place of the then-injured Tony Romo. As many of you may recall, they struggled in the early going getting something going offensively without Dez, but eventually (fulfilling Dak’s pregame prophecy) and within the confines of that first game against the 49ers, they figured it out, maintaining the win streak that would carry them all the way to their second loss against the Giants on Dec 11.
The point is simple. Sometimes having a great player can be a crutch in the long run. As it is, I would imagine it is very difficult for Linehan to call a play that doesn’t in some way involve him leaning on Zeke if not at least his reputation. Be it play-action or what everyone expects the majority of the day (a play directly involving Zeke touching the ball), the Cowboys of the last two seasons have struggled to spell win without a significant contribution coming for Zeke.
In the playoffs, however, we all know that teams tend to specialize in taking away what you like to do the most and clearly handing the ball to Zeke is the Cowboys favorite thing. So, what if this suspension forcing the Cowboys to use their non-dominant hand, ultimately leads to them learning to win in ways that will serve them well come playoffs and, dare I say it, the Super Bowl? Clearly, they will have to survive the hardest part of their schedule to remain in playoff contention. But in the long run, and in hindsight, it very well could be viewed as the best possible thing to happen to our beloved Cowboys. Just maybe…Zeke, of course, will never think so, given the negative impact this will have on his off-the-field reputation.
Will the real Dak Please Stand Up
Since coming into the league, one of the debates constantly circling Dak & Zeke, was whether or not Dak could survive being a professional quarterback on his own merits and without the benefit of Zeke to hand the ball to. Unlike most debates circling the Cowboys, Zeke’s suspension will assist in answering that very question. Is Dak who I really think he is or has his ability to drive the proverbial bus been propped up by Zeke’s very special talent?
It is a valid question…made all the more tenuous by the unfortunate fact that if the Cowboys lose, it will remain a debate for many. To be clear, on deciding what Dak is without Zeke, I’m not looking for Dak to win the game. That feat depends on 46 players and the Head Coaches out-maneuvering the opposition without their favorite toy. I will simply be watching how he responds, in general. To be successful and move the ball down the field, is he truly reliant on the services of Zeke or can he author an offensive attack regardless of Zeke? That is the question.
Mind you, the vast majority of Dak’s successful runs come on the option with the opposing defense getting sucked inside to stop Zeke. Now, Dak will be forced to create without the benefit of the doubt suggesting he will keep it. Now, Dak doesn’t have the security blanket of having one of the best (if not the best) blitz pickup specialist in the game. Now, it will be Dak’s sole responsibility to figure out ways to keep the defense off the field and keep the chains moving without his best possible chain-moving option.
I’ve made this point before, but I will do so again, because as is, this section looks lopsided following the Cinderella topic: This is not Dak’s first rodeo winning with inferior talent. Mississippi State was not a recruiting juggernaut before or while he attended, though, their recruiting returns, I’m sure, have improved following Dak’s exodus and ascension in the pro ranks. And yet, throughout his tenure, he routinely placed that team on his back, accounting for both pass touchdowns and rush touchdowns, finishing third in SEC history for total yards and fourth in total touchdowns. Mind you, the SEC has been and still is in the opinion of many, the conference where the absolute best college football is played, so that is by no means an accomplishment to be overlooked.
And, pray tell, can anyone tell me when it is Dak says he plays his best football?
Anyone?
You in the back of my mind; what say you?
When the pressure is at its highest?
Are you asking me or telling me?
Telling you?
Still not convincing with the question mark adorning the end of your answer, but, yes, you are correct…Dak has been quoted as saying he plays his best football when the pressure is at its highest. There is not a single player you could subtract from this team that would create more pressure than Zeke. Add to that the fact that the Cowboys are 4 & 3 and staring down the barrel of the most difficult 6 games of their schedule (Chiefs, Falcons, Eagles, Chargers, Commanders & Giants…again), with following games against the Raiders, Seahawks and Eagles (again) to make up for the potential losses in Zeke’s absence to close the season. Honestly, the Cowboys schedule, given the circumstances, could not be much worse…and the pressure could not be much higher. So…will the real Dak please stand up?
All We Want for Christmas
If ever there was a time for the defense to put it all together at once, now has to be it…especially with the Chiefs coming to town. I don’t mean to sound wishy-washy here. I get it. They are getting sacks now. For the first time in years we have a passrush…and for years now that’s what every Cowboys fan has wanted for Christmas. Now that we have it, we have found something new to wish for. Can you top that passrush Sundae with some better overall pass coverage and the occasional interception?
Without it, the Cowboys playoff hopes are next to nil…and every player on that side of the ball is certainly well aware of what their role will now be without the benefit of a dominant run game helping them, given the likely event that the Cowboys offense is unable to find a viable replacement for what Zeke specifically adds. In the early going while the Cowboys offense takes the necessary time to (hopefully) figure out a different attack that works, against the Chiefs in particular, they will need the defense to take on the role of establishing a new team identity.
Since the only really good thing this defense seems to do presently is get after the quarterback, the Cowboys needs to do so with a vengeance. The opposing QB needs to fear plays that don’t involve handing the ball to his running back. The Cowboys passrush needs to hijack the QB’s eyes, forcing him to look at them and not the place where at least one of his receivers is likely running open. Either that, or the youngsters in the secondary need to grow up and do so quick, fast and in a hurry.
Just like the 49ers game in 2016 where the Cowboys initially trailed by 14, I suspect it will take some trial and error on the part of the Cowboys’ offense early on against the Chiefs to figure out what will work without Zeke. I recommend Marinelli doesn’t feed his dogs anything for a few days until after the game, because they are going to need to be extra hungry against that Chiefs balanced attack. By my estimation, the Cowboys absolutely have to win 4 of the next 6, so a loss against the Chiefs would neither be surprising or season-ending. But at some point, regardless of Zeke’s absence, if the Cowboys have their sights on a Super Bowl in 2017, this defense has to be better than the occasional sack. If the Cowboys defense doesn’t rise to the occasion, all we will want for Christmas is the season to hurry up and end, so we can start talking draft.
The Galvanizing Effect
Consider for a moment everything that has happened to the Cowboys in this calendar year to upset and disrupt their ultimate goal (injuries, suspensions, questionable penalties assessed and not assessed when one should have been and then more suspensions). If I didn’t know any better (which I don’t), I would think the powers-at-be are out to get our Cowboys.
The message of the coaches should be clear: It’s US against the WORLD. The world says we can’t win without Zeke; one of 53 players. The world thinks we should be called the Zekeboys. With Zeke, we are considered a contender. Without him, many have already started looking forward to the 2018 draft. If we can’t win without Zeke, not a single person in this room deserves to wear a Championship ring! If you want a championship, go get it now…the next 6 games decides whether or not you truly deserve it.” Or something like that.
While the above might not play well in a lockerroom, I for the most part believe in the sentiment. I say “for the most part” because even The Dynasty struggled to win without Emmitt, however, Emmitt’s backups at that time would likely be on the streets in today’s game, whereas we have serviceable backs in Zeke’s absence. This is all decidedly beside the point, because what I’m actually talking about here is the galvanizing effect this entire situation could potentially have on the team.
Over the course of the next few days as Zeke’s subsequent attempts to play this weekend are likely met with roadblocks and failure, the discussion at large will, of course, be how will the Cowboys fare down the stretch without Zeke. The overwhelming majority will absolutely and understandably count the Cowboys out. Many of the experts, analyst, mediots and talking heads alike have already suggested the Cowboys season hinged on this latest appeal ruling; I don’t see too many changing their minds now. The smart bet, given how much the Cowboys offense depends on a solid to elite run game, is the Cowboys season is over.
If you are 1 of the other 52 presently on the Dalllas Cowboys roster, there’s a good chance you take umbrage with this assessment…at least, I know I would were I counted among their number. Can the Cowboys embrace the disrespect and allow that to fuel overcoming the odds?
It wouldn’t be the first time…nor the second time…nor the third time in the history of everything that has ever happened. Some of the greatest stories of human lore revolve around, “impossible odds set(ting) the stage for amazing miracles (Jentezen Franklin). David & the Giant, 300, Samson and the Philistines, Remember the Alamo (sorta…they still lost the battle, but it set the stage for winning the war), Remember the Titans, the Patriots without the services of Tom Brady, etcetera, etcetera. The fascinating and inspiring aspect of all these stories always happened at the beginning of the conflict, not necessarily the end in the aftermath of odds overcame. No, the best part (for me anyway) is that part where the individual or group decides they will not go gently into that good night…they will rage, rage against the dying of the light (Dylan Thomas).
Will the Cowboys collectively embrace that rage? Can the Cowboys coaches figure out a new way to get it done or find a viable replacement through the efforts of their remaining running back collective? I have my doubts and my beliefs. I doubt that young secondary is ready for Sunday’s challenge. I believe Dak will give it his absolute all regardless of the results. I have my doubts the Cowboys coaches can figure out a new way to win. But I believe in the roster they have built and the passion and hunger these players have for winning. I doubt Garrett has a run-threw-a-brick-wall pregame speech on deck that will light that collective fire. But I believe in the potential of these players self-motivating to prove to the world that Zeke is 1 of 53 and is merely icing on otherwise delicious cake that can be enjoyed without icing on its own merits.
Wrap It Up
‘Cause sometimes you just feel tired, feel weak
And when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up
But you gotta search within you
And gotta find that inner strength
And just pull that (explicit) out of you
And get that motivation to not give up
And not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face, and collapse
~ Eminem – ‘Till I Collapse ~
Ultimately, we have to collectively hope 46 players have a similar internal monologue in the proceeding moments of the next 6 games.
Thoughts?
Last edited:
