Have you ever been the victim of a de-cleater? If you have ever played football, chances are that you have experienced this mind-shaking event. It usually happens when you are running down the field on a special-teams play, or you are a tight-end catching a pass on a slant route just behind the linebackers. My experience is that of the special-team variety.
I can remember vividly running down the field, focusing my laser-guided bulk on the unfortunate individual that is about to receive the kick. He is looking straight up, and is absolutely oblivious to my imminent approach. Like a M1 Abrams tank, I forge onward, and prepare to let my battle cry belch from the center of my being.
Flashing light blinds my eyes, and the next thing that I see is darkness. I then hear the sounds of footsteps that seem to get further and further away. For some reason, the overwhelming stench of sweat attacks my senses. As I sit up, I twist the helmet back to where it usually sits, and realize that I was looking through my ear-hole. I had been de-cleated (taken off of my feet and placed on the ground) by a Mack truck disguised as a defensive back. The impression that I had while sitting on that field, listening to the thundering herd of players racing away from me was the same impression that I had while sitting on my couch after the Sunday debacle of the Arizona-Dallas game. All I can say is “Huh?”
I saw a team that played with far less intensity than what was demanded of them. I have seen this decline in intensity over the last few weeks, and it concerns me. I know that these players pour their heart and soul into the game, but it seems to the untrained mind that there is something missing. Is it a coaching failure, a lack of heart, or just my biased opinion? I am a football nut, and I feel that I am a far better coach at times than the personnel that JJ has hired. I also realize that I am just a fan, and I could never approach the possibility of having the mind that it takes to either coach or play in the NFL.
I see the injury report, and it is definitely disheartening. Romo, Newman, Bryant, Hurd, McBriar, Kosier, Watkins, Williams, Jones, and the roll call continues. Our stars are hurting, and we desperately need a break to lick our wounds. We as fans expect these players to constantly produce, despite the pain that we require them to play through. I realize that they get paid millions a year, but I am a fan and not a heckler. I root for my team, and I am enthralled that we traded for Roy Williams. I think that the defense will step up and start to shine with the luster that we all know they are capable of. I think that Brad Johnson in as quarter back is not the end of the world, and it will force us to hone our skills of “smart football.”
T.O. will appreciate the advent of single and zone coverage that will come as a result of R.W. on the other side of the field. If they instead double both, then Whitten and Barber will light up the stat sheets. Barber will continue to be a barbarian, and Tashard Choice will fill in adequately for Felix Jones. All said, I am looking forward to a Sunday beat-down of the Rams. After that, I will enjoy the destruction of the Buc’s and the G-men. From there, we will see where it goes.
Let’s go, Cowboys!
