John Tornow-Flickr
There was a time not long ago the Dallas Cowboys’ franchise seemed to be a ship aimlessly adrift: a media circus with a revolving door of coaches and diva free agents.
All that has changed for “America’s Team” under Jason Garrett. Since his tenure began, Garrett has run a tight ship and the team more closely resembles a well run destroyer then a “ship of fools”. Three years ago Jerry Jones wisely chose Garrett to lead this team out of stormy seas and back to the Super Bowl. During that time Garrett put the team on a path that will lead the Cowboys back to the playoffs.
Under Garrett’s direction the Cowboys have chartered a course used by the league’s premiere franchises. By building the roster through the draft and signing sensible free agent contracts, the Cowboys will once again become a perennial playoff contender in the NFL. Tough choices, such as cutting former stars past their prime and keeping the roster at a sustainable cap number have greatly enhanced the team’s long term prospects. These moves are exactly what are needed for this team to return to league super power status it historically enjoyed. After three consecutive seasons at 8-8, the Cowboys reloaded in the 2014 NFL Draft and in doing so, addressed critical needs for future success.
America’s Team, under Garrett’s direction has made a concerted effort to get younger, faster and more athletic on game day. This strategy is achieved in both the draft and by shedding overpaid, aging veterans. The Cowboys allowed players, such as DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher, to be signed elsewhere; while resigning former first round pick DE Anthony Spencer. Spencer, along with free agent DT Henry Melton (former pro bowler reuniting with Rod Marinelli ) will provide veteran leadership to an otherwise young and unproven defensive squad on the verge of a break out season.
Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. Here again, the Cowboys have drafted to strengthen their game at the point of attack with what will prove to be one of the best offensive lines in the NFC. In drafting Zack Martin in 2014 NFL Draft, the Cowboys added a third first-round pick to an O-line that already boasts first-round picks Travis Frederick and Tyron Smith. These young starters will protect franchise quarterback, Tony Romo, and help win the time of possession battle, critical in keeping the defense fresh and in winning games.
When asked about the current state of the team, three-time Super Bowl Champion, Troy Aikman spoke of Jason Garrett’s leadership in glowing terms stating:
This organization internally is better now then it was when he took over as head coach of the Cowboys.
Aikman further implied that if Garrett’s contract weren’t renewed in 2015, the next head coach would be reaping the benefits of decisions Garrett made. Stellar drafting, cap management, and shrewd player personnel decisions have turned this team around and set it on the path that will soon lead to another championship.
Chris DuVall is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook.