Perennial Punchline, Dallas Cowboys A Serious Contender

You know how it’s almost impossible to like food you consumed just prior to “losing your cookies”? That’s what happened to me in 1989. Instead of food, however, it was a franchise I loved second only to the Seattle Seahawks.

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Yep, it’s “them Cowboys”.

For the kids, the Dallas Cowboys trip to the Clink is brought to you by the number 8 (I mean seriously Romo, shake things up and finish the year 7-9). Along with players and coaches, Dallas is usually accompanied by owner Darth Sidious, AKA, Jerry Jones.

Yes, I’m still bitter.

Twenty-five years have passed since Tom Landry was unceremoniously kicked to the curb, making room for a new era of Dallas football. I idolized coach Landry. As a kid my plan was to play for Landry, be as great as Steve Largent, then join Landry’s coaching staff. If Jerry Jones hadn’t purchased my ‘Boys’, well, I’d still be a guy who didn’t play football after the age of 16. But at least I wouldn’t have had to watch how Tom Landry was treated.

I understand the desire to clear out the old regime quickly. This will allow the organization to focus on the future. But this wasn’t Lane Kiffin being shoved out. It was a legendary coach who gave his heart to the Cowboys. And for this unforgivable disrespect, Jerry Jones became salt and vinegar chips to me. I never wanted to see or smell either again because I’d get sick (that opening paragraph makes sense now, huh?). I’ve never actually smelled Jones, but I can’t imagine it being much different than fire and brimstone.

So, as you’re watching Tony Romo throw pick sixes Sunday, think back 30+ years to a time when Dallas dominated the league. A time in which the Seahawks were young. A time when players weren’t on Wanted posters. That extraordinary time when greatness paced the Dallas sideline.

– Speaking of great coaches, Chuck Knox weighed heavily on my mind while writing about Tom Landry. Can you think of another coach, ever, with the ability to transition from a style of play calling like coach Knox?

He used an offense known as “Ground Chuck” in St. Louis due to his propensity to focus on running plays. As coach of the Seahawks, he let Dave Krieg loose, becoming an offense with impressive flexibility. This was his answer to Seattle losing the great Curt Warner in the first game of the 1984 season.

“Ground Chuck” became “Air Knox” and the Seahawks continued to win.

At 82 years old, he deserves to see his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. C’mon Canton, get it done.

– Have any of you 12s seen a greater sense of determination in Russell Wilson before this year. He just gets better and more confident every few games. He’s still hungry to win, focusing on getting to Glendale for another Super Bowl. Becoming a star hasn’t hurt his work ethic or passion.

– Even with Golden Tate looking awkward in a different jersey, his success so far is good to see. An amazing talent for sure.

GO HAWKS!

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