Trepidation for 2008

[Joe Realist]

I know we have a bunch of talented players, some really good coaches and a passionate owner. However, I do have concerns for this year and ask you share your opinion as well.

1. The bar has clearly been raised this year after last year's very suprising 13-3 record and division crowd. How do the Cowboys respond?

2. Pressure. I am still not convinced Romo can handle the heat as the games get more meaningful down the stretch.

3. Distractions - I know we name alot of them in a previous thread (Hard Knocks, outside interests, Greg Ellis and Terry Glenn, etc.)

4. Getting paid - This is the one that concerns me the most. Alot of players got " their money " this year and sometimes it leads to not giving that discretionary effort you saw previously (How many of you have seen someone get a raise, give someone a raise or promotion, yet do not get that same effort or see that same hunger they once have?)

5. Health - The Cowboys really did not miss anyone for an extended amount of time that was critical. What are the chances that happens again?

Thoughts?

 

[notherbob]

In keeping with my new posting philosophy of trying to be optimistic and positive, I just hope they do well, especially from Thanksgiving Day on. I'm not making any predictions, just hoping for the best.

 

[Rampage]

I know we have a bunch of talented players, some really good coaches and a passionate owner. However, I do have concerns for this year and ask you share your opinion as well.

1. The bar has clearly been raised this year after last year's very suprising 13-3 record and division crowd. How do the Cowboys respond?

2. Pressure. I am still not convinced Romo can handle the heat as the games get more meaningful down the stretch.

3. Distractions - I know we name alot of them in a previous thread (Hard Knocks, outside interests, Greg Ellis and Terry Glenn, etc.)

4. Getting paid - This is the one that concerns me the most. Alot of players got " their money " this year and sometimes it leads to not giving that discretionary effort you saw previously (How many of you have seen someone get a raise, give someone a raise or promotion, yet do not get that same effort or see that same hunger they once have?)

5. Health - The Cowboys really did not miss anyone for an extended amount of time that was critical. What are the chances that happens again?

Thoughts?

#1 with playoff success that I expect and hopefully it happens

#2 i'm not convinced either(ducks head) but hopefully he convinces us this season. I think he will.

#3 if you can't deal with the distractions you're on the wrong team.

#4 i'm not to concerned about this. tnew and T.O. are gamers. my only concern is barber staying healthy. but i barber plays with heart and passion so just his health is my concern.

#5 injuries are part of the game. when they happen other guys have to step up. imo their's no excuse for not atleast going to the bowl. we are the best team in this conference and better prove it this year.

#6 ive had 3 cups of southern comfort. cheers!

 

[Disturbed]

I think each of your concerns can be valid to some degree, but some issues are far more serious.

Distractions - I agree that the team seems to lose focus and lacks proper on field leadership late in the season. Part of this issue has been veteran players who do not lead, and in fact at times seem to be selfish (individual goals, not team goals). Another part is playing not to lose instead of playing to win.

Pressure - The longer the team goes without winning a playoff game or finishing the season strong, the worse it gets -- psychological. And the team is fairly young -- see leadership comments above. I think the team has relaxed the past two years thinking the good regular season record achieved their goals. And that putting that same effort forward in the playoffs meant they would win. Wrong. You must elevate your game and intensity in the playoffs.

Humble - The team needs to stay hungry and humble. Too many of the players who have never done anything believe the press clips on how great they are... Delusional. And the team believes they can come back to win at the end of the game...great, but don't always count on it. Put teams away when you can -- killer instinct.

 

[Joe Realist]

I think each of your concerns can be valid to some degree, but some issues are far more serious.

Distractions - I agree that the team seems to lose focus and lacks proper on field leadership late in the season. Part of this issue has been veteran players who do not lead, and in fact at times seem to be selfish (individual goals, not team goals). Another part is playing not to lose instead of playing to win.

Pressure - The longer the team goes without winning a playoff game or finishing the season strong, the worse it gets -- psychological. And the team is fairly young -- see leadership comments above. I think the team has relaxed the past two years thinking the good regular season record achieved their goals. And that putting that same effort forward in the playoffs meant they would win. Wrong. You must elevate your game and intensity in the playoffs.

Humble - The team needs to stay hungry and humble. Too many of the players who have never done anything believe the press clips on how great they are... Delusional. And the team believes they can come back to win at the end of the game...great, but don't always count on it. Put teams away when you can -- killer instinct.

I agree, especially with the humble part. I forgot to mention that in my original post. It is annoying when some players (yes Crayton I mean you) talk smack. Just don't say a word and let the play on the field speak for itself.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

ROMO is of the least of our worries.

 

[Dangerous Dave]

5. Health - The Cowboys really did not miss anyone for an extended amount of time that was critical. What are the chances that happens again?

Thoughts?

Newman missed extensive time, Jason Ferguson was lost for the year, and Terry Glenn was out. I think those were all significant, but the Boys stepped up pretty well. I'm not worried about injuries to any position except Romo, TO, Witten & maybe MB III. And every great team in history had players that they can't afford to lose.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

I know we have a bunch of talented players, some really good coaches and a passionate owner. However, I do have concerns for this year and ask you share your opinion as well.

1. The bar has clearly been raised this year after last year's very suprising 13-3 record and division crowd. How do the Cowboys respond?

2. Pressure. I am still not convinced Romo can handle the heat as the games get more meaningful down the stretch.

3. Distractions - I know we name alot of them in a previous thread (Hard Knocks, outside interests, Greg Ellis and Terry Glenn, etc.)

4. Getting paid - This is the one that concerns me the most. Alot of players got " their money " this year and sometimes it leads to not giving that discretionary effort you saw previously (How many of you have seen someone get a raise, give someone a raise or promotion, yet do not get that same effort or see that same hunger they once have?)

5. Health - The Cowboys really did not miss anyone for an extended amount of time that was critical. What are the chances that happens again?

Thoughts?

All very valid points and concerns. Until we accomplish something... we are just a very good team that has gotten better progressively.

In keeping with my new posting philosophy of trying to be optimistic and positive, I just hope they do well, especially from Thanksgiving Day on. I'm not making any predictions, just hoping for the best.

Agreed.
I am very optimistic and feel like we are gonna win every game we go into. There is a reality here. This organization hasnt won anything in a long time.... with that said... this team has an opportunity to be on the verge of greatness.

My question is: Do they feel like they are entitled to it or are they gonna TAKE IT?

Last year we were entitled...
the Giants took it. <---We need THAT!!