What Sun Tzu would say about the Cowboys

[T-RO]

Sun Tzu's "Art of War" was written 26 centuries ago yet it is studied by generals around the world even in the context of modern combat.

I was curious to evaluate his tenets in the light of the Cowboys. What would he say about the team, headed into it's 2010 campaign?

In this thread I will focus on this:
Tsu,: "Seven elements that define a successful outcome"

As always I try to be objective. I'm not a mindless homer (like Hostile). Winning popularity contests is irrelevant to me.

So if you are thin-skinned or soft and can't handle any Cowboy criticism you might be ill-advised to read elsewhere.

 

[Hoofbite]

Sun Tzu's "Art of War" was written 26 centuries ago yet it is studied by generals around the world even in the context of modern combat.

I was curious to evaluate his tenets in the light of the Cowboys. What would he say about the team, headed into it's 2010 campaign?

In this thread I will focus on this:
Tsu,: "Seven elements that define a successful outcome"

As always I try to be objective. I'm not a mindless homer (like Hostile). Winning popularity contests is irrelevant to me.

So if you are thin-skinned or soft and can't handle any Cowboy criticism you might be ill-advised to read elsewhere.

That movie was awful. Wesley Snipes was past him prime in this flick.

NEXT!!!!!!

 

[T-RO]

Before we delve into the tenets I want to first make a connection between a military campaign and a football season:

1. There is great conflict. Football is about collision, struggle, battle. Each play has a winner and a loser that is a composite of many individual struggles.

2. There are many battles (16 regular season games) and a ultimate war (the season consummated in the playoffs and a super bowl.

3. Coaches/Generals game plan and strategize in both war and football.

4. You have generals (coaches) and soldiers (players).

5. Cohesion to fellow troops and the battle plan are essential.

6. There is attrition (injuries)

7. Will to dominate must reside in the heart of both soldier and player.

There are many other similarities. The difference of course is that war is a *game* something we sometimes forget. Nobody dies. Players and coaches shake hands at the end of the game and say, "good job."

 

[T-RO]

That movie was awful. Wesley Snipes was past him prime in this flick.

NEXT!!!!!!

Where have I been? I didn't even see the trailers? :laugh1:

 

[T-RO]

A complete digital version of "The Art of War" is here:

http://books.google.com/books?id=HNo6cpfarAUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Sun+Tzu+ARt+of+war&hl=en&ei=RfcbTOGaOsOGnQeEycX0DQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false

 

[theogt]

This thread should be titled: "Awesome, Part II"

 

[T-RO]

I would love to hear your thoughts on any aspect of Tsu's work. I will limit my own discussion to a very brief section, where Sun Tsu identifies the 7 factors he uses to determine who will win a war.

 

[T-RO]

Here are the 7 criteria to judge who will win and who will lose:


1. Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral law?
2. Which of the two generals has most ability?
3. With whom lie the advantages derived from Heaven and Earth?
4. On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced?
5. Which army is stronger?
6. On which side are officers and men more highly trained?
7. In which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment?

 

[T-RO]

#1 Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral law?

Generally there is little moral law between two football teams. You don't have a Great Britain versus an imperialistic Germany.

However...I do think it helps when your team feels deserving of a victory. This can be attained when you as a player and as a team believe you have merited victory by greater hard work and dedication.

 

[T-RO]

2. Which of the two generals has the most ability?

Wade Phillips is a very underrated coach in terms of Xs and Os. He may be the single best defensive mind in the game today. There is little doubt, however, that Phillips is fundamentally more a Defensive Coordinator than he is a "General." Phillips coaches essentially only the defense. He is not the emotional fulcrum of the team as Jimmy or Parcells were.

The Cowboys may very well win a Super Bowl this year, but I think Tsu would contend we lack a true General. Jerry Jones' desire to be GM and head coach diminishes us.

 

[Hostile]

Sun Tzu's "Art of War" was written 26 centuries ago yet it is studied by generals around the world even in the context of modern combat.

I was curious to evaluate his tenets in the light of the Cowboys. What would he say about the team, headed into it's 2010 campaign?

In this thread I will focus on this:
Tsu,: "Seven elements that define a successful outcome"

As always I try to be objective. I'm not a mindless homer (like Hostile). Winning popularity contests is irrelevant to me.

So if you are thin-skinned or soft and can't handle any Cowboy criticism you might be ill-advised to read elsewhere.

Would you like to explain that blast? I warn you ahead of time you are quite likely going to get shot full of holes. Those 2 sentences are so far off base it is laughable.

 

[T-RO]

We continue our interview with Sun Tsu and Jimmy Johnson after a word from our sponsors.

 

[T-RO]

Would you like to explain that blast? I warn you ahead of time you are quite likely going to get shot full of holes. Those 2 sentences are so far off base it is laughable.

I wanted to see if you were paying attention...and how easy it would be to draw you out onto the field of engagement.

 

[gimmesix]

This thread should be titled: "Awesome, Part II"

I plan to do one next titled: "What Steven Wright would say about the Cowboys"

I think his philosophies are much more applicable.

 

[Jack-Reacher]

Sun Tzu would probably be left speechless wondering why such large men were running around chasing a dead pig.

 

[Jack-Reacher]

We continue our interview with Sun Tsu and Jimmy Johnson after a word from our sponsors.

Do your fingers cramp up after so many words? Or do you need attention that bad?

 

[T-RO]

Sun Tzu would probably be left speechless wondering why such large men were running around chasing a dead pig.

:laugh2:

 

[T-RO]

Do your fingers cramp up after so many words? Or do you need attention that bad?

Yes and yes. :

 

[Hostile]

I wanted to see if you were paying attention...and how easy it would be to draw you out onto the field of engagement.

Good answer.

 

[casmith07]

Great thread, lol.