Post by ironmaiden on Jan 8, 2009 5:53:45 GMT -7
DC.COM: Mailbag: Coaching Staff Cutting The bad Apples?
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Mailbag: Coaching Staff Cutting The bad Apples?
January 7, 6:38 PM
(Editor's Note: Each day we will take the 2 best questions for our staff writers to answer from the Mailbag. "Click here" to email questions now.)
SCOT MARTIN, LAS CRUCES, NM: From the outside looking in, it would seem obvious there are a few "bad apples" that seem to be rotting the team chemistry. So if the coaching staff is really not changing, and you have your roster basically in place, what would you say we as fans can realistically expect to change for 2009?
Josh: First of all, a healthy version of this roster is much better than what the Cowboys were lining up with at the end of the season. That's a start. As for your "bad apples," I think the Cowboys will - or should, rather - attempt to make some additions by subtraction. We're pretty sure Tank Johnson will be gone, a guy who was expected to be an emotional leader, but by the end of the year had serious attitude problems, and maybe Pacman Jones is let go as well. He was pretty good in coverage, but I don't think he brought more to the table than the distraction of having him around took away.
Nick: Funny you should ask that. It appears the Cowboys will be getting rid of one of those bad apples very soon. But you're right, there are some players on this roster that affect team chemistry and they're not worth it on the field. I think the Cowboys take a strong look at removing them.
Rob: The team's cohesiveness and attention to detail. That's the goal, because you're right, the core is saddled with long-term contracts. Wade Phillips has pledged to change his approach, but to me, the key is player leadership -- having certain players step up and demand accountability among themselves.
RAFAEL RAMOS, ALBUQUERQUE, NM: I think we need to keep Ray Sherman. If people think T.O. or Roy Williams had issues this season, it will get worse without their coach. Sherman handled the receiving corps with the professionalism and openness that Owens likes. We all remember T.O.'s relationship with Todd Haley. What impact do you think it will have if Sherman decides to part ways with the Cowboys?
Josh: Clearly if Sherman left it would have a dramatic impact on the offense. With the two or three guys at the top of the depth chart at the position, it isn't going to work if the position is coached by someone who doesn't have their respect. But I'll say this, I hope for Sherman's sake that he gets a head coaching job. He's been at the NFL grindstone for a long time, he is well-liked around the league, and I think he would be an excellent hire for some team. Losing Sherman would almost certainly be a step backward for the Cowboys.
Nick: Agreed! I like what Sherman gives to this team and if for some reason Garrett were to leave for a head coaching job, and Sherman doesn't get one himself, then I think you've got your offensive coordinator. And you're right, if you're going to keep T.O., which seems to be the plan, then keeping Sherman would go a long way with that.
Rob: Couldn't agree more. Sherman has a terrific relationship with his receivers, but Owens in particular feels he can confide in him. He's also a highly experienced assistant who has worked with some of the NFL's all-time greats (Jerry Rice, Randy Moss). Not sure how high Sherman is on St. Louis' head coaching list, but if he stays, he would seem to be a logical candidate to take over play-calling duties if Jason Garrett leaves.
__________________
Cowboy Fan since 1960.......You young-uns stay outta my yard.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mailbag: Coaching Staff Cutting The bad Apples?
January 7, 6:38 PM
(Editor's Note: Each day we will take the 2 best questions for our staff writers to answer from the Mailbag. "Click here" to email questions now.)
SCOT MARTIN, LAS CRUCES, NM: From the outside looking in, it would seem obvious there are a few "bad apples" that seem to be rotting the team chemistry. So if the coaching staff is really not changing, and you have your roster basically in place, what would you say we as fans can realistically expect to change for 2009?
Josh: First of all, a healthy version of this roster is much better than what the Cowboys were lining up with at the end of the season. That's a start. As for your "bad apples," I think the Cowboys will - or should, rather - attempt to make some additions by subtraction. We're pretty sure Tank Johnson will be gone, a guy who was expected to be an emotional leader, but by the end of the year had serious attitude problems, and maybe Pacman Jones is let go as well. He was pretty good in coverage, but I don't think he brought more to the table than the distraction of having him around took away.
Nick: Funny you should ask that. It appears the Cowboys will be getting rid of one of those bad apples very soon. But you're right, there are some players on this roster that affect team chemistry and they're not worth it on the field. I think the Cowboys take a strong look at removing them.
Rob: The team's cohesiveness and attention to detail. That's the goal, because you're right, the core is saddled with long-term contracts. Wade Phillips has pledged to change his approach, but to me, the key is player leadership -- having certain players step up and demand accountability among themselves.
RAFAEL RAMOS, ALBUQUERQUE, NM: I think we need to keep Ray Sherman. If people think T.O. or Roy Williams had issues this season, it will get worse without their coach. Sherman handled the receiving corps with the professionalism and openness that Owens likes. We all remember T.O.'s relationship with Todd Haley. What impact do you think it will have if Sherman decides to part ways with the Cowboys?
Josh: Clearly if Sherman left it would have a dramatic impact on the offense. With the two or three guys at the top of the depth chart at the position, it isn't going to work if the position is coached by someone who doesn't have their respect. But I'll say this, I hope for Sherman's sake that he gets a head coaching job. He's been at the NFL grindstone for a long time, he is well-liked around the league, and I think he would be an excellent hire for some team. Losing Sherman would almost certainly be a step backward for the Cowboys.
Nick: Agreed! I like what Sherman gives to this team and if for some reason Garrett were to leave for a head coaching job, and Sherman doesn't get one himself, then I think you've got your offensive coordinator. And you're right, if you're going to keep T.O., which seems to be the plan, then keeping Sherman would go a long way with that.
Rob: Couldn't agree more. Sherman has a terrific relationship with his receivers, but Owens in particular feels he can confide in him. He's also a highly experienced assistant who has worked with some of the NFL's all-time greats (Jerry Rice, Randy Moss). Not sure how high Sherman is on St. Louis' head coaching list, but if he stays, he would seem to be a logical candidate to take over play-calling duties if Jason Garrett leaves.
__________________
Cowboy Fan since 1960.......You young-uns stay outta my yard.