It was an unanimous belief that if interim head coach Jason Garrett went 5-2 or better under his watch he would be the definite head coach next year. But after Sundays close loss the Arizona Cardinals, all bets are off. You could always say that missing an extra point field goal, Kitna getting hurt or throwing interceptions caused the loss and its not Garrett's fault; but these are the same players making the same plays that got another coach fired this season. Why should this be any different?
Jerry said Saturday after the loss, "Everything that would be entailed looking at the team [or] looking at the losses, [and] looking at him for the last 20-something years." Lets just look at Garrett's time here in Dallas on the coaching staff. He was the first hired coach after Bill Parcells quit. His offense has been one-of-the-best in the NFL in those years statistically. Even since becoming head coach the team has averaged over 30 points a game. Minus the penalties on the offense and lack of a running game you would say Garrett is a great coach, but a head coach has to take responsibilities for both sides of the ball. The defense has been horrible this year and Garrett could not improve it.
Jerry needs put on the GM hat and take a long look at the defense. What has happened to DeMarcus Ware and Jay Ratliff causing QBs to scramble and make bad decisions? Once the pass rush subsided this season it exposed the secondary for what it is, one cornerback that is not always into the game, another that has physically lost a few steps and should be playing safety, and safeties that play the ball to safe. There is some promise from the younger players that should get a chance the last game of the season. Linebacker Sean Lee and conerback Bryan McCann should get more reps with the starting rotation. At this point, what do have to lose?
Jason Garrett will be a head coach in the NFL, but not in Dallas. Rumors have already started to swirl around Valley Ranch as the season comes to a close. Nick Saban has even become a candidate as NFL teams begin to interview for next season. Even with the lock-out looming, there are several good jobs available that come with more "perks". San Francisco, Minnesota, Denver, and even possible vacancies in Jacksonville, Houston, Cleveland, and Carolina with the number one pick in the draft all have one good thing in common; no GM Jerry. That means a head coach can control players without having the open door policy with the owner undermining their authority.
If Cowboy fans are left with Jason holding the playbook next year, then we need a better defensive coordinator. The Cowboy defense needs an outspoken coach to becoming an outspoken leader for the defense. No defensive players have stepped up this year to take responsibility for a bad year. It has been the d-line blaming the secondary and vice versa. When Keith Brooking does his "get you fired up" hoo-rahs before the game he is surrounded by special teamers. It seems only fitting that this defense can't defend themselves.
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