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Patience is a virtue, but it’s not smart business for the Dallas Cowboys.
In the aftermath of an ugly Thanksgiving Day loss to the Buffalo Bills, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stood behind his embattled head coach Jason Garrett. While admirable (if not ironic because Jones’ own words have ignited hot-seat talk all season), we’re not watching Jones at his best or smartest.
If the Cowboys have any chance at winning a Super Bowl in the near future, it’s time to move on from Garrett ASAP.
Here’s why.
Season is still salvageable: Both NFC East “contenders” should be thankful for the other. Despite back-to-back losses and an early-season loss to the then-hapless Jets, the Cowboys are still ahead of the 5-6 Eagles. If Dallas can just round into form over the final four games (including a huge Week 16 tilt in Philadelphia) a division title and home playoff game will be there for the taking.
Interesting assistants at the helm: Defensive coordinator Kris Richard interviewed for head coaching gigs last winter. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was one of the bright spots for Dallas earlier this season. This isn’t a staff devoid of coaches capable of taking over the ship for a month or so.
Find out what another voice can do before the inevitable: It’s time for Jones to be honest with himself here. Garrett, barring a miracle run to the NFC Championship Game or Super Bowl, feels as good as gone. The pursuit of, say, Lincoln Riley or Urban Meyer or Matt Rhule will soon be upon us. So why not see if Richard or Moore truly deserve the chance to be in the mix by giving them the opportunity now?
Too much talent to waste: The Cowboys are 6-6 despite being favored in 11 of 12 games this season. If Dallas had the talent of a .500 team, retooling after the year would make sense. Continuity, which Jones is preaching, would have merit. But that’s not what we’re talking about here. Instead, an underachieving (and now bickering) team is in need of a jolt. The Cowboys have a chance to compete with the NFC’s best in the middle of January. But it won’t happen without better coaching.
We’ll soon see if Jones changes his mind and realizes the importance of fixing a problem now, not later.
Joe Giglio may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
