In the world of the NFL there is no such thing as a “gimme” game. There is no game on the schedule that you can count as an automatic win no matter how bad of an opponent you are facing. Somehow, this idea is lost on the Dallas Cowboys. They are playing uninspired and underperforming football. They have the most talent in the league on that team. It’s a team full of stars and great playmakers on both sides of the ball. Yet, they have only shown glimpses of that so far this season.
Most of the blame for this is on the NFL’s highest paid cheerleader. Wade Phillips is one of the worst coaches in the league today. But he’s at the helm of arguably the league’s greatest franchise. How could this happen? Well, it happens because Wade is a “yes” man.
Jerry Jones, the captain of this ship, is everything Al Davis wishes he could be. He actually is a successful meddler. Nothing goes on in Big D without Jones putting a stamp of approval on it. It’s because of that reason Dallas’ biggest asset (a great owner who goes after great players at any cost) is also the thing that gets in their way.
There aren’t many coaches who can work without the control. Successful coaches want things done their way. It’s because of that they are successful. It’s that ego and the in charge feeling they have which make them who they are. They will take all the blame when they lose and all of the credit when they win, even if it's only done in their mind. That’s why they live and breathe football. It’s the adrenalin rush from having the power in success and defeat that keeps them motivated to coach. They love it.
There is room for one ego per NFL team. That ego belongs to Jerry Jones. That's why Jimmy Johnson left and that's why Parcells grew tired of coaching under Jones.
Bill Parcells is also the guy who said it best in one of his many great press conferences. “If they want you to do the cooking, they can at least let you pick out some of the groceries”. Ok, that’s not exactly word for word but you get the drift. The point is coaches need to feel that total control.
Phillips doesn't fit that bill of a successful coach. He got this gig because Jerry Jones knew he could work with him. He needed someone who would sit across the table and say “yeah, Jerry, I can coach that guy” when Jerry asks him what he thinks. He knows what Jones wants to hear and will gladly agree. It’s not like he has a choice. No other team in the NFL wants him.
For that reason, Wade Phillips got this job. His job is to say yes to Jerry Jones while keeping order in the locker room. By order, I don't mean he puts his foot down. He has to keep his guys happy. He’s like the players’ friend. That’s why they love playing for him. They get to do what they want. But a happy locker room doesn’t translate to a Super Bowl team.
When this team wants to play, there are few teams that can step on the field with them. The problem is they need someone to motivate them to play up to their potential every week. Instead, they look bored. They think they are just going to start playing come playoff time. They don’t have respect for the other teams in the NFL. They expect to win just because they know how good they are. They forget it takes hard work to win in this league. Somehow, the guys in the Cowboys’ locker room are going to have to light a fire under themselves because Philips isn’t going to demand that kind of disciplined. That kind of discipline is brought on by tough love and hurt feelings. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, Phillips is their friend. He’s their cheerleader. But he’s no coach.
1 comment:
I agree with most of what you said. Jones hired Wade, not because he can work with him, but because he can work him. If Jerry keeps operating this way he needs only to look to Oakland to see what his future holds. Jerry Jones was a great owner much like, and this pains me to say, Steinbrenner. The problem with their methods is that they don't trust the people they pay millions of dollars to handle their business. It's the attitude of "Yes, I will pay you to do the work, but I will stand over you because it isn't done right unless it's done by me." This is why Jerry travels down to the sidelines during the each game. Jerry couldn't stand that Jimmy Johnson won super bowls and didn't immediately and publicly turn and give Jones the credit. The real question is, if you can write a big check does that entitle you to claim the success entirely and solely...I say no. Coaches prepare players, manage their egos, and adjust during games...Players play and prepare...Owners write checks and sit & watch just like the fans.
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