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Column by BILL NICHOLS
brnichols@dallasnews.com
ARLINGTON – The Cowboys need a quick turnaround to keep ajar the window of opportunity closing on some key players. Promoting Jason Garrett should provide the best chance for a quick fix.
With Garrett, progress will not be slowed by learning a new offense. His scheme has been in place for four years. Overhauling the defense, which allowed the most points and yards in franchise history, will be the prime focus this offseason.
The Cowboys still have the skill to make a run with quarterback Tony Romo, tight end Jason Witten and linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
If Garrett proved anything during his half season as interim coach, it was his ability to implement immediate change. The Cowboys were 1-7 and reeling after a 45-7 loss to Green Bay when Garrett took over for Wade Phillips.
"My emotions this week are very similar to my emotions I had during the middle of the season when I was named interim head coach," Garrett said. "That decision was made on a Monday afternoon. ... By Wednesday morning, (his message was) 'we need to hit the ground running and get to work.' That's the way I feel right now."
Five days after his first practice, Garrett took his beleaguered team on the road for a victory over the New York Giants. He changed the culture of the team. Practices were more aggressive and competitive as Garrett reintroduced them to full-pad contact during the week.
A team that quit on Phillips went 5-3 under Garrett. The losses were by a combined seven points. That qualifies as a quick turnaround.
"I thought he did a great job coming in at midseason," cornerback Mike Jenkins said. "He came in immediately and turned things around. The week we went up to New York, we could have folded the season. But we had a lot of energy and just kept fighting."
Witten said he became convinced Garrett was the right man for the job his first day as interim coach. Garrett's message was all about maximizing each day of preparation.
"I think we're going to be a lot better with him in charge," Witten said. "I believe in him, not just because I've worked with him the last four years, but I believe that he can make us winners in a timely fashion where we have success soon."
Witten said a new coach would have slowed the rebuilding process. The Cowboys' offense has stayed consistently strong under Garrett. The Cowboys kept rolling this season after Romo suffered a season-ending injury in the sixth game.
"I think this system has held up throughout," Witten said. "If that were to change, you would have to adjust. But I do understand this system and know what it's about."
Garrett hopes to pattern his team after the 1990s Cowboys. He will implement elements he gleaned during his playing days from guys like Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin , Daryl Johnston , and Emmitt Smith.
That system has proved successful.
"All those guys showed me on a daily basis how to go about it," Garrett said. "We talk to our players all the time about approach, being the best you can be and maximizing the opportunities and the potential that you have."
brnichols@dallasnews.com
ARLINGTON – The Cowboys need a quick turnaround to keep ajar the window of opportunity closing on some key players. Promoting Jason Garrett should provide the best chance for a quick fix.
With Garrett, progress will not be slowed by learning a new offense. His scheme has been in place for four years. Overhauling the defense, which allowed the most points and yards in franchise history, will be the prime focus this offseason.
The Cowboys still have the skill to make a run with quarterback Tony Romo, tight end Jason Witten and linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
If Garrett proved anything during his half season as interim coach, it was his ability to implement immediate change. The Cowboys were 1-7 and reeling after a 45-7 loss to Green Bay when Garrett took over for Wade Phillips.
"My emotions this week are very similar to my emotions I had during the middle of the season when I was named interim head coach," Garrett said. "That decision was made on a Monday afternoon. ... By Wednesday morning, (his message was) 'we need to hit the ground running and get to work.' That's the way I feel right now."
Five days after his first practice, Garrett took his beleaguered team on the road for a victory over the New York Giants. He changed the culture of the team. Practices were more aggressive and competitive as Garrett reintroduced them to full-pad contact during the week.
A team that quit on Phillips went 5-3 under Garrett. The losses were by a combined seven points. That qualifies as a quick turnaround.
"I thought he did a great job coming in at midseason," cornerback Mike Jenkins said. "He came in immediately and turned things around. The week we went up to New York, we could have folded the season. But we had a lot of energy and just kept fighting."
Witten said he became convinced Garrett was the right man for the job his first day as interim coach. Garrett's message was all about maximizing each day of preparation.
"I think we're going to be a lot better with him in charge," Witten said. "I believe in him, not just because I've worked with him the last four years, but I believe that he can make us winners in a timely fashion where we have success soon."
Witten said a new coach would have slowed the rebuilding process. The Cowboys' offense has stayed consistently strong under Garrett. The Cowboys kept rolling this season after Romo suffered a season-ending injury in the sixth game.
"I think this system has held up throughout," Witten said. "If that were to change, you would have to adjust. But I do understand this system and know what it's about."
Garrett hopes to pattern his team after the 1990s Cowboys. He will implement elements he gleaned during his playing days from guys like Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin , Daryl Johnston , and Emmitt Smith.
That system has proved successful.
"All those guys showed me on a daily basis how to go about it," Garrett said. "We talk to our players all the time about approach, being the best you can be and maximizing the opportunities and the potential that you have."
