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Jason Garrett gains players' support: 'I believe that he can make us winners in a timely fashion'
Bill Nichols / Reporter
If Jason Garrett gets the head coaching job as expected, then Jerry Jones has made the right decision, players said.
Garrett's leadership helped turn around a team that started 1-7 and had virtually quit halfway through the season.
``I think he's proved a lot to everyone on the outside,'' veteran linebacker Keith Brooking said. ``I think everyone on the inside knew immediately his approach. The first day he took over it was like he had been planning for this all his life. And he really has.
``I think our record, what we did the last eight games of our season, considering what the first half was like, says a lot about Jason Garrett and his ability to lead a football team.''
Under Garrett, the Cowboys went 5-3. And their losses to New Orleans, Philadelphia and Arizona were by a combined seven points. He did not have starting quarterback Tony Romo, and he lost receivers Dez Bryant, Kevin Ogletree and Sam Hurd.
In Sunday's season finale, third-string quarterback Stephen McGee was throwing to rookie Manny Johnson, who was making his NFL debut, in key situations. A team that seemed ready to quit after a 45-7 loss to Green Bay played as if something was at stake despite having no shot at the playoffs.
``The only difference that I notice is the tempo in practice is a lot faster,'' nosetackle Jay Ratliff said. ``The players responded to that. It's more competitive, and that paid off for us. We ended up playing like a team. We didn't slow down, and finished the way we wanted.''
Players stressed the importance of not having to change offensive systems. Garrett has been offensive coordinator for four seasons.
``I think this system has held up throughout, even when Tony's gone down,'' Witten said. ``If that were to change, you'd have to adjust. Any time you're four or five years deep in an offense, everything's just clicking, it's like in the back of your head. That allows you to be even more detailed and add to your package.''
According to players, Garrett's strength is his leadership. He managed to change the culture of the team almost overnight. Garrett has stressed accountability, dependability and trust among teammates.
``I think we're going to be a lot better with him in charge,'' Witten said. ``I think he has a clear message. He has a plan and he does a great job of making that plan is clear and giving us the best chance to be at our best, coaches and players, on Sunday.
``I believe in him. I believe that he can make us winners in a timely fashion. All his messages, his mentality, all of that is so we're at our best, and those distractions are eliminated and you focus on being the best football player you can be.''
Bill Nichols / Reporter
If Jason Garrett gets the head coaching job as expected, then Jerry Jones has made the right decision, players said.
Garrett's leadership helped turn around a team that started 1-7 and had virtually quit halfway through the season.
``I think he's proved a lot to everyone on the outside,'' veteran linebacker Keith Brooking said. ``I think everyone on the inside knew immediately his approach. The first day he took over it was like he had been planning for this all his life. And he really has.
``I think our record, what we did the last eight games of our season, considering what the first half was like, says a lot about Jason Garrett and his ability to lead a football team.''
Under Garrett, the Cowboys went 5-3. And their losses to New Orleans, Philadelphia and Arizona were by a combined seven points. He did not have starting quarterback Tony Romo, and he lost receivers Dez Bryant, Kevin Ogletree and Sam Hurd.
In Sunday's season finale, third-string quarterback Stephen McGee was throwing to rookie Manny Johnson, who was making his NFL debut, in key situations. A team that seemed ready to quit after a 45-7 loss to Green Bay played as if something was at stake despite having no shot at the playoffs.
``The only difference that I notice is the tempo in practice is a lot faster,'' nosetackle Jay Ratliff said. ``The players responded to that. It's more competitive, and that paid off for us. We ended up playing like a team. We didn't slow down, and finished the way we wanted.''
Players stressed the importance of not having to change offensive systems. Garrett has been offensive coordinator for four seasons.
``I think this system has held up throughout, even when Tony's gone down,'' Witten said. ``If that were to change, you'd have to adjust. Any time you're four or five years deep in an offense, everything's just clicking, it's like in the back of your head. That allows you to be even more detailed and add to your package.''
According to players, Garrett's strength is his leadership. He managed to change the culture of the team almost overnight. Garrett has stressed accountability, dependability and trust among teammates.
``I think we're going to be a lot better with him in charge,'' Witten said. ``I think he has a clear message. He has a plan and he does a great job of making that plan is clear and giving us the best chance to be at our best, coaches and players, on Sunday.
``I believe in him. I believe that he can make us winners in a timely fashion. All his messages, his mentality, all of that is so we're at our best, and those distractions are eliminated and you focus on being the best football player you can be.''
