Cowboys should learn from last year's Titans

The Dallas Cowboys are slipping into a dangerous area...and I'm not talking about their playoff chances. I am talking about a bigger elephant in the room. I am talking about the relationship between owner, coach, and franchise quarterback. When the relationship (and all it's problems) become bigger than the score, then you're headed for trouble. Titans fans know this all too well. Their message to Jerry Jones...If the head coach does not trust the quarterback then one MUST go. Keeping them both will destroy your team.

On the surface, Cowboys qb Tony Romo and former Titans qb Vince Young have nothing in common. Boy do they. Both qb's started their nfl careers coming off the bench for aging and ineffective veterans. Both had great success early and went to pro bowls. Both have winning records, but neither has a "signature" win. Both have been criticized for a lack of leadership and mental toughness. Both were tabbed as the next great qb to lead their franchise back to the super bowl (Troy Aikman / Steve McNair). And most dangerously...both were protected by the owners who adored them. Vince Young was literally hand picked by owner Bud Adams, and he virtually left then head coach Jeff Fisher helpless with his demand that Young starts no matter what. Young routinely made bone head plays that would cost the Titans the game...then turn around the next week and lead a late drive to win the game. It drove us nuts and fans were split down the middle. Over time Fisher lost trust in Young's inconsistency and the result was a lot of ugly close losses. The locker room was split and everyone suffered. Eventually Bud Adams got rid of Fisher and Young and started anew. The results have been positive so far.

Hopefully Dallas can avoid the same trap, because it sure looked like head coach Jason Garrett played it safe last night in New England. Could it be due to the interceptions that Romo is more than capable of throwing late in games? If it is then there is a problem. Adams would probably tell Jerry Jones to get rid of Garrett, Romo, or both. We know that won't happen..... so get your popcorn ready!