Who Dares Wins

I have just finished watching one of the most embarrassing debacles in National Football League with the final burial of the cancer-riddled Dallas Cowboys. The Green Bay Packers absolutely put the Cowboys to the sword, killing them 45-7. This is not anything I lament because I detest the Cowgirls, but I comment because of an interesting phenomenon, a bemused Jerry Jones who has basically done nothing to help his team for the last year. Abrogation of responsibility is just something I didn't expect from the micro-manager of the century. Wade Phillips is a nice guy, he has a great footballing brain, and is probably a good coach! Just NOT for the Dallas Cowboys.

I keep hearing commentators, many of whom I highly respect, saying 'categorically' that changing a coach in mid-season does not work. Well, aside from the fact that Wade should have been fired as ineffective by the end of last season, what a load of manure! The argument is usually something like... well, the change can't make any difference now, so why do it? Because the now is the present, and the Dallas Cowboys don't have a present! They have a glory filled past, with heavily expectant fans, and future! But this season is done. Kaput.

That leaves next year and beyond. The reason you let Wade go now is so that someone can come in and starting laying a guiding hand of the helm (the rudderless one that Dallas has right now). Any owner or general manager worth his salt would have had a replacement shortlist for some time, so it shouldn't be a guessing game. Get someone in to right the ship. Even if the its a temporary Head Coach at least it is change, stops the rot, and gives that new guy a chance to stamp his brand on the steers hide. Pardon the pun. It could be Jason Garrett the Offensive Coordinator or Bill Cowher, it doesn't matter, just do SOMETHING. DARE to do something positive. The one smart observation that came out of tonight commentary, from Cris Collinsworth, is that Dallas responds best as a team to a demanding taskmaster. So Jerry let's great cracking, times-a-wasting!

Post note: It happened. NFL Network: Cowboys fire Wade Phillips as head coach, promote Jason Garrett.