Miles Austin - Disappointing Last Two Seasons

I remember clearly watching Miles Austin burst into prominence several years ago against the Kansas City Chiefs. He had a huge game and with it took over the starting role as a Cowboys wide receiver. The future looked bright and he was rewarded with a multimillion dollar contract.

Looking back on the last two seasons, Miles showed flashes of brilliance in making several key catches that were dramatic and difficult. At the same time, he had been fighting against hamstring injuries, and a large number of dropped passes. At various times during games, he'd seemingly not been open or present on the field. A starting wide receiver needs to be able to get open. He needs to catch more passes than he drops, and a Professional needs to stay fit, and in condition, to avoid things such as hamstring injuries.

IF Miles Austin does return next season, it should only be if he can become steady and reliable to become a solid counterpart to the way Dez Bryant showed he could play at the end of this past season.

Changes Coming?

After the Cowboys were defeated by the Redskins, Jerry Jones was quite upset and angry at the way the season ended. He has been quoted as saying that the climate would change, and that Valley Ranch, home of the Cowboys would be uncomfortable for a while. There has been speculation that Jason Garrett's play calling duties would be taken away. I believe that may be a good thing. It's not good play calling, when I, a nobody can predict what he will be doing 80-90% of the time.

I'd love to see Jerry Jones committing more money to a better offensive line, and committing more energy to shoring up the safety positions on defense. Too often we watched other teams' taking advantage of our secondary this season and last year. Our cornerbacks have become very decent; but very clearly our coaching staff must emphasize tackling.

Jerry Jones needs to understand that Jimmy Johnson, back in the day, really had it right when he created teams that were very fast, very hungry and very committed to hard and tough play, in order to develop a dominating team. After Jimmy left, Jerry Jones has been all about image, and it pains me to see the Cowboys physically beaten up at times. I hope that change IS coming and I hope that change will be positive for the Cowboys.

End of the 2012 Season for the 'Boys

I had intended to start this blog earlier in the season, but never got around to it. After watching the tragic loss to the Redskins the other night, I wanted to post about Tony Romo.

I am very much a fan of Tony Romo. He is very much a human being and unfortunately for the Cowboys, not a super human or infallible. I've watched that Man play ball and improve steadily each year he has been in the league. His release has gotten better, overall he has gotten better protecting the ball, he has become more of a leader on this team, and there is no doubt that he is a darn good ball player.

I don't think we can deny that he has the 'yips.'In the biggest games he has faltered, yet even there, I can say i've seen him improve greatly, too. Look at how this past season, he repeatedly brought the team back when trailing in the fourth quarter. Years past the media would talk about how poorly he would do in December, yet, this year, he did quite well.

I believe in Tony Romo. He continues to grow, and show character. He has been in the spotlight, and repeatedly he has gone down in flames, and each year, he comes back and plays and shows growth in his leadership. Do I think he is a great player? No, but he is a role model in my eyes. Battered, bruised, and defeated each year, he comes back strong, and with passion and with a drive to win and get better. I think Tony is an exceptional person. I root for him while I worry about those short passes he throws out to the sidelines during big games. I believe he will continue to grow and show improvement, the question is, will he be able to bring enough change to take the 'Boys to the big show, before he is forced to retire? I honestly hope so. Tony, hang tough, and know that here at least is a big fan of yours in NYC.