Year one under Parcells 10-6 and Playoffs and now?

[LarryCanadian]

I don't think you'd find one fan, one mediot, one coach, or one "Expert" that says that the team in Parcells first year had anywhere close to the talent that the team does now. So what is the difference?

Big Plays and Penalties. We give up too many Big Plays on defense, either in long passes or unneccesary penalties. On offense we make badly timed turnovers or make really dumb penalties. Too many whiffs, completely unexplainable non-blocking situations. Too many key dropped balls.

So what did the team do in its first year 10-6. They made a lot less penalties if I remember. They didn't make nearly as many blatant mistakes. They didn't make as many really dumb plays.

I just don't get it. How can this years team be worse than the one from 4 years ago. Mind boggling. We sit in top 5 offense and defence. Our 3rd down offensive stats are outstanding. Our Redzone percentage is excellent.

This team does suffer from a lack of intelligent leadership. TO might be emotional but he's so self serving and doesn't lead by example, he better not be our number one leader. Bledsoe didn't do enough right on the field. Romo is a bit green but he brings some youth, energy, and HOPE, but he's got enough on his plate, playing at an NFL level! We don't have an on field leader. Rivera has been a disappointment in play somewhat, but in leadership a bunch. Ellis is a whiner, although works hard and plays at a decent level. Ware is still a step away. Roy Williams makes as many mistakes as good plays, and doesn't seem the vocal leader. The coaching staff is quiet at Parcells orders. I think we need better assistants with more clout. This is one problem with a Control Freak like Parcells, when things are struggling, it remains only him with the ability to fix it really.

The blown opportunities are giving me heart problems and an ulcer. Mind numbing!

LarryCanadian

 

[CrazyCowboy]

I don't think you'd find one fan, one mediot, one coach, or one "Expert" that says that the team in Parcells first year had anywhere close to the talent that the team does now. So what is the difference?

Big Plays and Penalties. We give up too many Big Plays on defense, either in long passes or unneccesary penalties. On offense we make badly timed turnovers or make really dumb penalties. Too many whiffs, completely unexplainable non-blocking situations. Too many key dropped balls.

So what did the team do in its first year 10-6. They made a lot less penalties if I remember. They didn't make nearly as many blatant mistakes. They didn't make as many really dumb plays.

I just don't get it. How can this years team be worse than the one from 4 years ago. Mind boggling. We sit in top 5 offense and defence. Our 3rd down offensive stats are outstanding. Our Redzone percentage is excellent.

This team does suffer from a lack of intelligent leadership. TO might be emotional but he's so self serving and doesn't lead by example, he better not be our number one leader. Bledsoe didn't do enough right on the field. Romo is a bit green but he brings some youth, energy, and HOPE, but he's got enough on his plate, playing at an NFL level! We don't have an on field leader. Rivera has been a disappointment in play somewhat, but in leadership a bunch. Ellis is a whiner, although works hard and plays at a decent level. Ware is still a step away. Roy Williams makes as many mistakes as good plays, and doesn't seem the vocal leader. The coaching staff is quiet at Parcells orders. I think we need better assistants with more clout. This is one problem with a Control Freak like Parcells, when things are struggling, it remains only him with the ability to fix it really.

The blown opportunities are giving me heart problems and an ulcer. Mind numbing!

LarryCanadian

Great post and very thoughtful points.....I also wonder how in the heck does this talented team don't make it vs that first BP team?

I would be ashamed if I played on this team....

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Well, in 2003 we played an incredible number of very weak teams.

But I do think that Parcells' message was much stronger in his first year. His reputation preceded him, and the players were scared to death of him.

Now, not so much.

Although I do also agree that the lack of good assistants is a huge problem, it's not like they were that much better, or different, back then.

 

[TobiasEagle77]

Q Carter?

 

[LarryCanadian]

To be honest, I actually do think that Tony Romo is an improved version of Quincy Carter. Romo has the elusiveness that will buy that extra time. But, I think Romo is also a bit quicker in making decisions and has a better delivery than Carter so I think he has much bigger upside. Not to mention Romo doesn't have a drug issue or emotional concerns.

So, actually when you bring up Carter, I think well, the mobility and QB position is a part of what we are talking about. QC made some plays for us, and it's only 2 or 3 plays a game that seperate the win from the loss, especially on THIS team.

This is one reason I don't agree with the "mobility" comments Parcells makes. I know he is spinning it, but there is vast difference between a Drew Bledsoe at one end of spectrum, that needs awesome consistent protection to be very good, versus Tony Romo who can buy some extra time, but isn't the next coming of Randal Cunningham, versus the opposite end of the spectrum which is Michael Vick, whereby the QB and scheme make the QB's legs more dangerous than his arm. Yes the success of the super mobile QB is limited in terms of Super Bowls, but the success of somewhat mobile QB's is probably as good as the statues.

And yes, I like Bledsoe, I just think that we didn't have the right oline for him to be consistently succesful here. Romo's strengths might work with it well enough. We'll see, although I'd still be drafting young Tackles and looking at YOUNG free agents as well.

Larry

 

[DMX690]

No Darren Woodson

 

[LarryCanadian]

Great point DMX 690. Free Safety, or safety pass coverage play has ONCE AGAIN cost us 2 games so far this season.

Woodson was underrated even when considered an excellent player.

He gave up some in coverage later in his career, but nothing to the extent we've seen for last 2 season in particular.

Larry

 

[DMX690]

Great point DMX 690. Free Safety, or safety pass coverage play has ONCE AGAIN cost us 2 games so far this season.

Woodson was underrated even when considered an excellent player.

He gave up some in coverage later in his career, but nothing to the extent we've seen for last 2 season in particular.

Larry

Woody was more then a excellent Free Safety, he was the leader, the heart and soul of the entire team. No one has ever replace him as leader. IMO you can't have your head coach as the leader of the team. Maybe Tony Romo can be that leader. But, that may be asking to much for a young player.