By Jon Machota
jmachota@dallasnews.com
Why should anyone believe this year will be different for the Dallas Cowboys?
Many of the pieces are the same, ranging from the general manager on down to the coaching staff and franchise quarterback. Understandably, four consecutive seasons without a playoff berth makes it difficult for critics to envision the Cowboys getting over the .500 hump in 2014.
Before the Albertsons All-Star Gala last week at the Hilton Anatole, I asked Cowboys tight end Jason Witten and cornerback Brandon Carr what gives them confidence that this year’s group will improve on the 8-8 record they’ve posted each of the previous three seasons.
“We still have guys that are capable of going out there and producing, making plays and representing the star,” Carr said. “We have a ton of talent that nobody knows about but the guys in the locker room.”
Carr didn’t name the players he was referring to, but an educated guess could lead to defenders like Tyrone Crawford, DeVonte Holloman and J.J. Wilcox. All three are between the ages of 23-25 and they should step into larger roles this season.
“It’s up to us to get the most out of each other each and every day and the coaches to do the same,” Carr added. “It’s still a learning process. We’re still growing as a team and figuring each other out. I just feel like we have what it takes inside that locker room. It’s up to us to unlock each and everyone’s potential to go out there and execute and win ballgames.”
Witten focused on the slim margin for error in the NFL today, pointing out that 75 percent of games last season were decided on the final drive.
“That’s the league we live in,” the nine-time Pro Bowler said. “You can look at it one way and say we’re three plays away from having 11-12 wins or you can look at it the other way. You believe in the people you have around you that are good enough to go do it, then you just got to go cut it loose. You can’t be bitter or just think that it’s going to happen. This is a results driven league. Nobody’s going to give Peyton Manning anything, either.
“I believe you have to earn it. Obviously, we need to add pieces just like every team needs to do that, but I believe in our core group of guys and that we can overcome that. I understand what fans and people are going to think, but I don’t think that can get in the way of what you’re trying to accomplish.”
Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota
jmachota@dallasnews.com
Why should anyone believe this year will be different for the Dallas Cowboys?
Many of the pieces are the same, ranging from the general manager on down to the coaching staff and franchise quarterback. Understandably, four consecutive seasons without a playoff berth makes it difficult for critics to envision the Cowboys getting over the .500 hump in 2014.
Before the Albertsons All-Star Gala last week at the Hilton Anatole, I asked Cowboys tight end Jason Witten and cornerback Brandon Carr what gives them confidence that this year’s group will improve on the 8-8 record they’ve posted each of the previous three seasons.
“We still have guys that are capable of going out there and producing, making plays and representing the star,” Carr said. “We have a ton of talent that nobody knows about but the guys in the locker room.”
Carr didn’t name the players he was referring to, but an educated guess could lead to defenders like Tyrone Crawford, DeVonte Holloman and J.J. Wilcox. All three are between the ages of 23-25 and they should step into larger roles this season.
“It’s up to us to get the most out of each other each and every day and the coaches to do the same,” Carr added. “It’s still a learning process. We’re still growing as a team and figuring each other out. I just feel like we have what it takes inside that locker room. It’s up to us to unlock each and everyone’s potential to go out there and execute and win ballgames.”
Witten focused on the slim margin for error in the NFL today, pointing out that 75 percent of games last season were decided on the final drive.
“That’s the league we live in,” the nine-time Pro Bowler said. “You can look at it one way and say we’re three plays away from having 11-12 wins or you can look at it the other way. You believe in the people you have around you that are good enough to go do it, then you just got to go cut it loose. You can’t be bitter or just think that it’s going to happen. This is a results driven league. Nobody’s going to give Peyton Manning anything, either.
“I believe you have to earn it. Obviously, we need to add pieces just like every team needs to do that, but I believe in our core group of guys and that we can overcome that. I understand what fans and people are going to think, but I don’t think that can get in the way of what you’re trying to accomplish.”
Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota
