The Dallas Cowboys Season Was Derailed Because Of Laziness, Downright Foolheadedness

When we were watching the Dallas Cowboys installment of HBO’s Hard Knocks before the season started, we were weary of the team because of the way they were being portrayed. It actually swayed us not to take Tony Romo and Marion Barber in the first and second rounds of our fantasy draft (in which we went with Tom Brady and Ryan Grant… whoo!). Wade Phillips was too lenient for a bunch of guys like this, which included three malcontents (Pacman Jones, Tank Johnson and T.O.), two of whom had been in jail within the past two years. Well, as the season unraveled for the team, after a strong start, whispers about their work ethic and chemistry began to leak out until it consumed the team. And now, reports are that the team could’ve been swapped out with your third grade class and not have acted any differently. Yes, including the kid who pissed his pants (we’re going to say that would be Romo, and of course we mean figuratively. We hope.).

Multiple sources close to the team paint a picture of turmoil inside the locker room far greater than originally thought, and the organization is determined to solve the problems.

The team charter left late for road games five times this season because players were late to the airport according to three sources. The total represented more than half of the eight regular season away games. Sources declined to name the late players. The Philadelphia trip was delayed by more than an hour.

Meetings would sometimes start 10 to 15 minutes later than scheduled, those sources said. Phillips may not be completely to blame for the smaller fines. A source said Phillips asked Jones to raise the fine total but was rebuffed by the owner.

According to five sources, several offensive players lost respect for [Offensive Coordinator Jason] Garrett for his failure to corral quarterback Tony Romo in practice. Romo, sources said, often forced throws in practice and often did not treat practice work consistently. The quarterback’s practice habits were so bad, sources said, that they affected the way he played in games and could have factored into the offense’s problems.

Wow, for once we feel sorry for Cowboy fans. Apparently Jerry Jones’ coddling of players doesn’t fly anymore, not like it did during those 90s Cowboy teams. He may have the most glorious stadium in the hemisphere, and “America’s Team” moniker, but none of that will get these guys back to the Super Bowl unless someone starts to take some responsibility down there… starting with the top dog, Jones.
Sources: Dallas Cowboys often tardy, undisciplined in ‘08 [Dallas Morning News]
Image [Dallas Morning News]