USA Today: Without a Super Bowl, 'there is no tomorrow' for the Cowboys

[tr1]

By Tom Pedulla, USA TODAY

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/cowboys/2010-07-20-cowboys-organziation-report_N.htm

The Dallas Cowboys face Texas-sized pressure to

become the first team to enjoy home-field advantage

at a Super Bowl when the NFL title game is staged at

Cowboys Stadium in February.

Team owner Jerry Jones made it clear he was turning

up the heat as never before when he announced a

two-year extension for coach Wade Phillips after a

late-season surge in 2009.

"I'm encouraged by the progress we made this year,

but in no way are we satisfied. This contract

represents that," Jones said. "Two years in the NFL is

an eternity, but it has to be urgent. It has to be

addressed as though there is no tomorrow."

He added he expected the Cowboys to "be knocking

on the door" when Super Bowl XLV was contested in

North Texas.

There is reason to think Jones' dream could come

true. Dallas is loaded with talent and used 2009 to

bury many of its demons. Instead of another late-

season swoon, the Cowboys swept to the NFC East

title by winning their last three regular-season

games. They then drummed the Philadelphia Eagles

out of the playoffs, securing the franchise's first

postseason win in 13 years.

But the late-season charge ended as quickly as it

had begun with a 34-3 defeat against the Minnesota

Vikings in the divisional round.

"Now we know what we have to do to get to that

point, and now we know what we have to do to take

the next step," quarterback Tony Romo sits to pee said after the

disappointment suffered at the Metrodome.

Linebacker Bradie James acknowledges the pressure

associated with wearing the helmet with the lone

star. "We're always judged by championships here

with all the great history and the tradition," he said

at the start of the offseason. "We want to be

remembered just like those other guys, Emmitt Smith

, Moose (fullback Daryl Johnston) and all those

guys. The only way you can do that is go out and

win."

It should help that most of the key players return to

an offense that piled up more than 6,000 yards for

the first time in team history (6,390). The Cowboys

erupted for 75 plays of 20-plus yards. They

averaged a league-best 6.3 yards a play.

There used to be legitimate questions surrounding

Romo sits to pee. He answered many of those in 2009 by

completing the most throws (347) for the most yards

(4,483) in franchise history. Determined to reduce h

is turnovers, he was intercepted only nine times.

Romo sits to pee also proved his durability by becoming the

first passer in club annals to take every snap, and

he played big down the stretch by throwing at least

one touchdown pass in each of the last 12 regular-

season games.

But like his teammates, Romo sits to pee cannot wait to redeem

himself after the season ended on such a sour note.

He lost two fumbles and was picked off in the loss

to Minnesota.

"I'm sure when we get away from it, we'll be able to

look back and see we improved in certain areas and

have stuff to build on," he said after that drubbing.

Dallas' second-ranked offense could be more even

prolific in 2010 as talented rookie wideout Dez

Bryant joins a brew that already includes Romo sits to pee, star

tight end Jason Witten, breakout wide receiver Miles

Austin and a talented troika of running backs.

Romo sits to pee is cautiously optimistic about working with

his dynamic new playmaker.

"Dez has a good feel for the game. He has great

body control, and that's going to allow him to use

his size and speed to an even better degree," Romo sits to pee

told NFL Network last week. "It's hard usually for

young receivers to come right into the league and

perform at a high level; you don't see that a ton. It

happens every once in a while, but it's difficult."

Bryant is doing his best to quickly assimilate into

his first pro offense.

"It's crazy — just a lot of weapons at one time on the

field," he said after a practice in June. "It's going to

be hard to stop. … It's exciting to be able to be out

there with those guys.

"They're trying to get me to learn everything as soon

as possible. I'm doing a good job, and it's just

great."

Bryant's progress could determine how the team

uses Roy Williams, who has 57 catches in 25 games

since joining the Cowboys midway through the

2008 season. Despite his struggles, the ever-

confident Williams thinks Bryant will be hard-

pressed to supplant him.

"I'm in it to win it. If somebody can pull in here and

take my spot, they've got to be a baaad man," said

Williams, who said he and Romo sits to pee were connecting

like Joe Montana and Jerry Rice this offseason. "It's

mine to lose, I guess you can say. I'm not going to

do that. The competition level is going to be high."

And despite getting sacked six times in the loss to

the Vikings— longtime left tackle Flozell Adams

missed most of the game with a calf injury — Romo sits to pee

is unfazed after Adams' release and the promotion of

Doug Free to protect his blind side.

"We wouldn't have made the decision — the

organization wouldn't have — if they didn't feel

strongly in Doug and they didn't feel strongly in the

offensive line," Romo sits to pee said.

Left tackle Alex Barron was acquired from the St.

Louis Rams in case Free flops.

But if the Cowboys flop, it could be a long time

before they get another chance to play in a Super

Bowl in their home stadium.

"I know where the Super Bowl is this year, and the

owner knows where it is," all-pro linebacker

DeMarcus Ware Where said. "He lets us know where it is

every time he talks to us. It's a big thing, and it's

going to motivate us. If you are hosting a Super

Bowl, why not play in it?"

AROUND THE FIELD IN DALLAS

Quarterback: Tony Romo sits to pee has an excellent

supporting cast and knows how to capitalize on it.

His 38-17 record through 55 starts puts him in elite

company, trailing Tom Brady (42-13), Ben

Roethlisberger (39-16) and Kurt Warner (39-16).

The key to continued success will be Romo sits to pee's ability

to avoid interceptions.

Running back: Dallas has three capable tailbacks,

each with a different style. Need tough yards near

the end zone? Bruising Marion Barber III is ideal.

Looking for a big play? Felix Jones averaged a

whopping 5.9 yards a carry. When it comes to

workmanlike dependability, Tashard Choice is an

excellent choice.

Wide receiver:

The pressure will be on Miles Austin to prove he

isn't a one-year wonder after he joined Drew

Pearson as the only undrafted players in team

history to reach 1,000 receiving yards. There is no

telling how long it will take for rookie Dez Bryant to

replace Roy Williams, but it could happen in a

hurry. Williams, plagued by dropped balls, has been

a huge disappointment since being acquired from

the Detroit Lions in 2008.

Tight end:

In times of trouble, Romo sits to pee turns to Jason Witten. And

why not? The inviting 6-5, 263-pound target is the

fourth tight end in NFL history to surpass 800

receiving yards for three consecutive seasons.

Martellus Bennett regressed after an auspicious

rookie season, running sloppy routes and failing to

snare catchable balls.

Offensive line: All eyes will be on Doug Free as he

takes over for Flozell Adams at the all-important left

tackle position. Free distinguished himself replacing

injured Marc Colombo at right tackle in 2009. It

remains to be seen how he will respond to the

greater responsibility as Romo sits to pee's primary

bodyguard. Center Andre Gurode eyes a fifth

consecutive Pro Bowl trip. Right guard Leonard

Davis can make it four in a row.

Defensive line: Demarcus Where Jay Ratliff is arguably Dallas' most

important defender. Ratliff is not only a nose tackle

who holds his ground, but he also gets upfield.

Ends Igor Olshansky and Marcus Spears are solid,

as is depth along the line.

Linebacker: DeMarcus Ware aims to reach double

figures in sacks for the fifth consecutive season.

Anthony Spencer, who produced six sacks in the

last six games to cap a breakthrough season, is

almost as dangerous. Wide-ranging Bradie James

will attempt to pace the Cowboys in tackles for the

sixth year in a row. Keith Brooking contributes a

steadying presence in the locker room and on the

field.

Secondary: Cornerback Mike Jenkins met lofty

expectations when he developed into a shutdown

corner last season. Terence Newman provides more

Pro Bowl ability on the other side. Strong safety

Gerald Sensabaugh can be exploited. The team must

anoint a free safety after releasing Ken Hamlin.

Special teams: Strong-legged kickoff specialist

David Buehler (club-record 29 touchbacks) will be

given every opportunity to show he can match

strength with accuracy and finally provide a

dependable placekicking option. Punting is not an

issue. Mat McBriar landed a club-record 38 punts

inside the 20-yard line. Two rookies, Bryant and

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, are capable of juicing the

return game if called upon.

Coaching staff: Memo to Wade Phillips detractors:

In his last 20 years as a head coach or coordinator,

he has been part of only four teams with non-

winning records. Yet the constant presence and

involvement of owner Jerry Jones would make it

difficult on any head coach. Despite his two-year

extension, Phillips occupies one of the league's

hottest seats.

Outlook: This is a team loaded with talent, and the

players are filled with confidence. But with great

expectations come an equally enormous amount of

pressure. Can "America's Team" stand up to that?

[tr1]

Golly, there just isn't any reason to play this season.

I think we should suspend the regular season and playoffs...let's just put the pukes into the SB...

After all, they're the best team on paper before the season starts ....and we KNOW how that usually works out.

[paloosa]

All this because the Cowboys won a playoff game against the Eagles that had injuries galor. Plus it was at home in Dallas and we are suppose to think that they put to rest all their demons? :laugh:They still beat themselves when it really matters especially with the SB being in Dallas. Yes they have the team and the talent but they have the same clowns that can't get out of their own way. Wade Phillips is taking over where Marty left off. He will be known as a HC that can win during the regular season but not in the post season. Romo sits to pee still throws INT's and has fumble fingers that cost them big games. So what that he has won games against the Patriots and other teams that won Super Bowls during the year they won the Super Bowl. What it comes down to is that it doesn't matter if you are sitting at home watching them win the Super Bowl. So they can hype them all they want but until Romo sits to pee and Wade win a Super Bowl they will continue to be known for being a choke artist and a Marty protege.

[LD0506]

So this is actually a good thing, right? Instead of just having to finally win a playoff game, now the bar has been raised to having to win a SB? I love it, keep up the good work Jerry! This only increases the scrutiny and second-guessing on the 'Boys, and any loss will bring up "Oh no, here we go" commentary again. Dallas is just like several other teams, lots of potential but nobody knows nothin' til the games get played. Like every other season these reports will just make it all the sweeter when they stumble.

[Hitman21ST]

USA Today: Without a Super Bowl, 'there is no tomorrow' for the Cowboys

Does that mean that if they don't make the Super Bowl, they will cease to be a franchise?

[SWFLSkins]

All this attentions, is giving me headaches.

[LD0506]

All this attentions, is giving me headaches.

"Hey Jerry, your 'Boys just got knocked outta the playoffs again!"

[brianm23]

Incoming Cowboys implosion in T minus 10...9....8....7....

[doncherry]

thanks for posting TR1, excellent article....

[Riggo#44]

Coaching staff: Memo to Wade Phillips detractors:

In his last 20 years as a head coach or coordinator,

he has been part of only four teams with non-

winning records. Yet the constant presence and

involvement of owner Jerry Jones would make it

difficult on any head coach. Despite his two-year

extension, Phillips occupies one of the league's

hottest seats.

Hmmm...the author conveniently neglected to mention that, despite all those great season, he won his 1st playoff game as a head coach last year...

[#98QBKiller]

This season has the makings for a perfect Cowgirls choke. Romo sits to pee's going to get hassled by decent defensive lines and he's going to struggle mightily.

[JustAfan47]

He(Romo sits to pee) lost two fumbles and was picked off in the loss

to Minnesota.

Sounds like the Tony Turnover we all know.

[JustAfan47]

And despite getting sacked six times in the loss to

the Vikings— longtime left tackle Flozell Adams

missed most of the game with a calf injury — Romo sits to pee

is unfazed after Adams' release and the promotion of

Doug Free to protect his blind side

unfazed cause the Turnover machine is accustom to failure. Was that Doug Free protecting his blind side in that game?. Man it's going to be a long hilarious season for the cowturds.

[Califan007 The Constipated]

"Now we know what we have to do to get to that point, and now we know what we have to do to take the next step," quarterback Tony Romo sits to pee said...

They now "know what they have to do" to get to that point? Um, yeah, you had to win a wildcard game lol ...didn't you guys know that before, Romo sits to pee?

[pjfootballer]

Does that mean that if they don't make the Super Bowl, they will cease to be a franchise?

We could only hope that would happen.

[slogriff]

We could only hope that would happen.

Oh c'mon. What is football without the hated rival(s) to root against?

The hope of beating the Boys in either wk 11 or 16 and rooting against them every other week, was the main distraction/potential source of enjoyment for many skins fans in trying to get thru a 4-12 season.

[HapHaszard]

According to Matt Mosley the NFCE blogger for ESPN there is no way his beloved cowboys will fail this year. There are no other teams in the NFCE that can come close to them. In fact for pure talent there is no other team in the NFL that even comes close. It should be a wonderful season, I have all his statements archived and ready to shoot back to hiim later in the season.

[Landryslegend]

Can I get an AMEN Brother!!

[DefenderoftheStar]

Oh c'mon. What is football without the hated rival(s) to root against?

The hope of beating the Boys in either wk 11 or 16 and rooting against them every other week, was the main distraction/potential source of enjoyment for many skins fans in trying to get thru a 4-12 season.

thats the enjoyment thru any season, Skin fans think the SB is a game against the Cowboys, even when we sweep your team. Than the excuses fly, "well it wasnt by much" Or if your team win than its a perfect win. Get out of here with that. I sen more "We want Dallas" on this board than I see Cowboy boards that chant they want to beat teh Skins, Sorry your team isnt worth taht effort. Maybe our team is because this board chants it so much, but believe me from my personal point of view, beating the Skins isnt all that impressive.

[hoskins]

thats the enjoyment thru any season, Skin fans think the SB is a game against the Cowboys, even when we sweep your team. Than the excuses fly, "well it wasnt by much" Or if your team win than its a perfect win. Get out of here with that. I sen more "We want Dallas" on this board than I see Cowboy boards that chant they want to beat teh Skins, Sorry your team isnt worth taht effort. Maybe our team is because this board chants it so much, but believe me from my personal point of view, beating the Skins isnt all that impressive.

Says the guy who hangs out on a Redskins fan board.

[mossomo]

beating the Skins isnt all that impressive.

But taking out your QB was. And wtf are you on our boards for, 594 posts. Only retards would tell me they don't like McDonalds but still eat it every day.

[HapHaszard]

Sorry your team isnt worth taht effort. Maybe our team is because this board chants it so much, but believe me from my personal point of view, beating the Skins isnt all that impressive.

Yet out of the last 10 meeting your so very superior team has only managed to split 5-5 with us. Not very impressive for such a fantastic team you support.:ols:

[Califan007 The Constipated]

thats the enjoyment thru any season, Skin fans think the SB is a game against the Cowboys, even when we sweep your team. Than the excuses fly, "well it wasnt by much" Or if your team win than its a perfect win. Get out of here with that. I sen more "We want Dallas" on this board than I see Cowboy boards that chant they want to beat teh Skins, Sorry your team isnt worth taht effort. Maybe our team is because this board chants it so much, but believe me from my personal point of view, beating the Skins isnt all that impressive.

You know what this reminds me of?...It reminds me of your typical Cowboys fan back in 2005 after Brunell and Moss destroyed their team on Monday Night Football in the last 5 minutes of the game. Afterwards, the prevailing sentiment among Dallas fans was that we acted like that was our "Super Bowl", that Gibbs and the players looked like fools for celebrating to much (just more "proof" that it was our Super Bowl)..and that the Skins got lucky anyway and the Cowboys will prove that when they met up again later in the season. Hell, even the media was saying the Skins got "lucky" and that Dallas would show they were obviously the better team when the two squads met up again.

We know what happened, of course lol :cool:...Dallas got it's ass stomped by those "lucky", "It was their Super Bowl" Redskins...who happened to go on and make the playoffs while the Cowboys did their annual season's-end nosedive and watched from their livingroom couches.

I love Cowboys fans arrogance. :thumbsup:

[JustAfan47]

According to Matt Mosley the NFCE blogger for ESPN there is no way his beloved cowboys will fail this year. There are no other teams in the NFCE that can come close to them. In fact for pure talent there is no other team in the NFL that even comes close. It should be a wonderful season, I have all his statements archived and ready to shoot back to hiim later in the season.

Ha nice Hap. I can't wait for when you do that.

[slogriff]

Yet out of the last 10 meeting your so very superior team has only managed to split 5-5 with us. Not very impressive for such a fantastic team you support.:ols:

Records can often be thrown out the door when rivals play and Dallas vs wash is no exception. However, I do love the convenient "talking point" where the last 10 games played between the two seems to be the relevant history worthy of recognition.

The more recent history would show 3 straight Dallas wins. If you continue past that 10 game mark you hit just a little bit of a bump in the road with Dallas winning 15 of 16 (ouch) making 20 out of the last 26. Of course, you can go with the entire history of the teams and that too is quite favorable for the Boys at 59-39-2.