Jordan’s Serial: Reasons for the Cowboys to be cheerful
For far too long the Dallas Cowboys have failed to deliver on their potential. Then again maybe the media have built them up to be something they are not.
A team that has had a dynasty has earned the right to be considered when pre-season predictions roll around; experts will look at the talent pool and then remember the glory days of years gone by. That is exactly the predicament that befalls the Cowboys year in, year out. We seem to forget that it’s been a quarter of a century since they last had their hands on a Super Bowl victory.
When the dust settles on this year’s camp and the roster is cut down to the league requirement of 53, there will be those that say the Cowboys are ready and primed for a deep play-off run, others will smirk and point back to the last few seasons and remind us that this group is no different to the teams that have let the franchise down recently.
Two reasons to get excited though, even for fans outside of Dallas, are the quarterback-receiver tandem of Tony Romo and Dez Bryant.
Both players have had their fair share of criticism, some fair but most of it unjust. There can be no question though that the two have an appetite for the game that is waiting to be fulfilled in the way of a Lombardi Trophy. This could, and I use the word reasonably lightly, be the year they see that burning itch to be the best scratched and here’s why.
Romo is a good quarterback. Notice I said good.
He cannot be called great until he wins the big one. He will pass for fun but he also knows the value of team, and that has been strengthened this offseason. Team is not just the player personnel, it goes beyond that. His head coach Jason Garrett has had his offensive play calling duties removed, and new coordinator Bill Callahan has told his quarterback that he will have more of an opportunity to change plays at the line of scrimmage as he sees fit during game time. His ability to freelance has often led to trouble but to change his way of play and make him a pocket quarterback would be detrimental to his game. He will thrive on a free role, he will also be better because his primary target has improved.
Dez Bryant is ready to take over the role of the league’s best wide receiver. The 2,000 yards in a season seems far-fetched, with Romo passing him the ball, he can achieve that. With those yards will come touchdowns, and as a result wins. Since his self imposed curfew last year, his off field persona has improved and in turn his on field performance matured. He has been the standout player during this year’s camp in Oxnard, Ca. showing speed, strength, aggressiveness and attitude.
Bryant is coming to his prime years in the league, whereas you could say Romo is on the downward slope in his career, nevertheless the two are probably the most potent force in the league when they are in the zone. Expect big plays and drama when these two hook up. If the Cowboys are to have any chance of realising their collective dreams, these two will be at the very heart of it.
