The Dallas Cowboys are America's team. That's not for debate. The Cowboy's are also America's most visible team with the most visible owner. That too is not to be debated. Being high profile can be a gift and a curse, with great praise and attention comes equal scrutiny. Over the past 50 years we have witnessed the rise and fall of the Cowboys several times over, each new beginning having their own unique transitional point. Tennessee's Music City Miracle officially transitioned the team from the Oilers to the Titans in 99. The Titans went to their first Super Bowl that year. Drew Bledsoe's injury paved the way for Tom Brady and a subsequent Patriot's dynasty. Although the Cowboys' transitional points have been different over the past 2o years, they always seem to involve the New York Giants. Even if the Giants were an unwilling participant.
In the 1993 season finale, the defending champion Dallas Cowboys went into Giants stadium with a must win game on their hands. A win would give the Cowboys home field advantage throughout the playoffs. A young and talented running back by the name of Emmitt Smith separated his shoulder in the first half of the game. Miraculously, Smith continued to play through the pain and turned in an improbable 220 total yard performance in a 16-13 overtime win over the Giants. Keep in mind that Smith missed the first two games in a bitter contract dispute with owner Jerry Jones that season. The Cowboys started the season 0-2. The personal sacrifice and bravery Smith showed in that game set the tone for a repeat championship in 93. The Cowboys went on to win another in 95 and be named the team of the 90's. Smith went on to become the leading rusher in nfl history and hall of fame inductee.
On October 23, 2006 the Dallas Cowboys played host to the New York Giants under the bright lights of Monday Night Football. Gone were the glory days of the 90's. In fact, The Cowboys had not been to the playoffs in over 6 years. Starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe was brought in as part of another failed "replace Troy Aikman" attempt. Former Giants head coach Bill Parcells was brought in to ressurect Dallas, to become America's team once again. But Bledsoe was clearly a shell of his former self and a liability on offense. Bledsoe's play was so bad he was replaced by un drafted free agent Tony Romo at half time. Romo threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns in a failed come back attempt against New York, but he immediately showed he possessed that "it" factor. Not only to be a starting quarterback, but to be a starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo went on to start the remainder of the season and has since went on to three pro bowls, two divisional titles, and a playoff win. Romo remains the Cowboys starter and top ten quarterback in the league today.
October 25, 2010 Dallas is one again under the bright lights of Monday Night Football playing host to the New York Giants. The Cowboys were 1-4 and in serious danger of being out of playoff contention. Buzzards could be seen circling the open roof at Cowboys stadium, knowing that with each loss there would soon be a carcass to feast on. Ironically enough, Tony Romo lay there motionless. The victim of a (clean) but vicious hit from Giants linebacker Michael Boley. It was that point where media and fans alike accused the team (and defense in particular) of quitting. The Cowboys play did little to defuse the rumor as they were blown out in their next two games by a combined 80-24. Head Coach Wade Phillips was fired and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett was promoted to interim head coach. Garrett won in his head coaching debut. His opponent? The New York Giants. I'm just sayin.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment