It’s The Dude’s fault.
Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s newfangled approach turned out to be all hat (and belly) and no cattle.
Either that or he’s heavily invested in NFL Films and is providing them with highlight reels by allowing offenses everywhere to embarrass his players.
Many Dallas Cowboys fans will point to the now dead 2011 season as definitive proof that quarterback Tony Romo is a born loser when games count most. The December curse bit again as the Cowboys dropped four of their last five. For the second year in a row, a talented team underachieved and missed the playoffs.
But I’ll remember 2011 for Romo’s gritty performances, playing through cracked ribs and a bruised hand, and turning into a vocal leader who never quits. That’s the kind of guy I want on my team.
This season should be remembered for a porous defense, Ryan’s over-hyping, and cornerback Terence Newman’s disgrace (I’d tell him to retire, but he did that months ago). Fourth quarter collapses. Players jumping offside every other play. Twiddling their thumbs while New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs danced and mocked the blue star.
On the bright side, this season was a fun ride. Overtimes. Nail biters. Excitement. I stayed highly entertained for four months — and as my hero Miley Cyrus says, that’s pretty cool.
Running back DeMarco Murray looks like he’ll be a major stud for years to come. WR Dez Bryant has “star” written all over him. Romo will be motivated. I’m already looking forward to next season. My prediction: Cowboys win the Super Bowl.
Me likey
Apropos of nothing: Everyone in the local sports media world is in love with Sean Lee, and I think he’s a solid middle linebacker and has a nose for the football. However, dude seems to spend entirely too much time on his back. Anyone else notice how he got run over — twice — by Brandon Jacobs during the last meeting, both times in the second half? Or how he got pancaked yesterday by a pulling tight-end not necessarily known for his blocking prowess? That kind of shit doesn’t happen to Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Patrick Willis, or Lawrence Timmons. Just sayin’.
His ball-hawking ability to intercept passes and recover fumbles helps me overlook his occasional lack of brute strength. Besides, he led the team in tackles by a lot, so he’s got killer instinct if not the physical size of a Ray Lewis.
Lee’s the middle linebacker. He should be leading his team in tackles by a lot. I’m just saying, is he the kind of guy — great stats and football smarts — around which a Super Bowl-caliber defense can be built? Let that marinate a little, because I don’t know. Not that it’s of any concern to ME 😉
@Anthony: For what it’s worth, a Fox Sports writer wrote a column today saying Sean Lee is a guy “you can build a defense around” —
http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/01/03/12/Cowboys-stocked-with-stars-lack-role-pla/landing_cowboys.html?blockID=638668&feedID=3742