Who Deserves Credit for Cowboys Success?
 |
| Tuesday, November 13, 2007 |
DMN columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor argues that former coach Bill Parcells and new coach Wade Phillips both deserve substantial credit for putting together this Dallas Cowboys team that’s 8-1 and appears a favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Parcells, [ owner/GM Jerry] Jones’ fourth coach in seven seasons, gave the Cowboys direction by adding quality players with high character and strong work ethic through the draft and free agency. Terence Newman, DeMarcus Ware and Jason Witten arrived with premium draft choices. Marion Barber, Chris Canty, Patrick Crayton, Jay Ratliff and Jacques Reeves were terrific Day 2 selections. Let’s not forget the undrafted free agents not named Romo like Stephen Bowen, Sam Hurd and Tony Curtis who have each contributed this season. Parcells, always fond of saying he was in the talent acquisition business, can take credit for 20 of the 22 starters.
But it’s Phillips who has created an atmosphere that allows the players to maximize their ability because it’s OK to have fun.
That sounds about right. Of the current starters, only Anthony Spencer (first round draft pick), Leonard Davis (free agent), and kicker Nick Folk (7th round draft pick) came on board under Phillips’ rein.
Then again, the team played very poorly under Parcells during the final weeks of last season. His old school, drill sergeant mindset alienated star players and failed to produce a disciplined, focused football team. Phillips’ “players’ coach” approach hasn’t fixed the latter problem but it has at least rid the team of the first.
- Greg Ellis Fears Spencer Pick Means Cowboys Days Over
- Dallas Cowboys Camp Battles
- Dallas – Cleveland Draft Day Trade
- Has Jerry Jones Learned His Lesson?
- Parcells: Stay or Go But Do it Now
- Marcus Spears In Shape, Ready for Fresh Start
- Parcells for Wade Change: So Far, So Good
- Cowboys Sign Safety Ken Hamlin
- NFL Draft 2008 – Round 4 – Dallas Trades Down Again – And Again!- And Again!
- NFL Draft 2006 – Round 1 #18 – Dallas Cowboys – OLB Bobby Carpenter
- Eight is Enough- Edmonton beats Chicago 8-4
- Lydia Ko wins New South Wales Open
- The Comeback I- Pittsburgh Penguins beat NY Islanders 5-0
- Seattle Mariners Outfielder Greg Halman stabbed to death at age 24
- Hee Young Park wins CME Titleholders Championship
- Oklahoma State Women’s Basketball Coach Kurt Budke dead at 50
- Costly mistake- Blackhawks waive Rostislav Olesz
- Manager Tony La Russa announces retirement
- Puck Drop- Florida Panthers start the 2011-12 NHL season
- 13-time PGA Tour winner Dave Hill dead at 74
Comments are Closed
