What would Tom Landry say?

The other day while attending the Big 12 Championship game at the new Cowboys Stadium (i.e. the Death Star) I paused and reflected by the statue of the great Tom Landry. Was that a tear I saw streaming down his face? Was it a chuckle?

I believe that the great Tom Landry would do both if he were here gracing us with his presence. I think he would be sad at the change in the NFL from his time to today. Players being paid exorbidant salaries who spend more time practicing their antics and celebrations than plays. A system that rewards the rich teams who can overpay players and coaches. But first and foremost, he would be sad to see his Cowboys wallowing in a puddle of failure.

Over 10 years since the Cowboys have won a playoff game. They are perrenial losers who hope to just make the playoffs and are happy if they are a Wild Card team. Where is the domination of the Doomsday Defense? Where are the playmakers like Staubach, Dorsett, Cliff Harris, Randy White, Harvey Martin, etc?

Tom would be sad to see a team that seems to have no heart, that is soft like its head coach. A team that cannot seem to rise to the occasion but is content to say "we will do better." The Cowboys are not explosive or dominant in even one facet of their game? Who fits that description? How about the Colts or Saints. Explosive energy that keeps a fan on the edge of their seats.

Tom would see a Cowboys team with that has few playmakers, a team that makes too many penalties, and players who miss assignments and half heartedly run routes.

Tom would cut players without hesitation. He would command respect. Players would admire, respect, and yes, even fear him. T.O. would have been dismissed early on just like Thomas Henderson.

Tom would say to Wade Phillips "you are who you are" when referencing a team that cannot seem to win in the month of December. Tom would replace aging players for young talent via free agency or the draft. Tom would wonder why nobody in the Cowboys organization seems to be mad at the status quo.

Finally, Tom would chuckle say that it is not some fancy new stadium that makes the Cowboys America's Team--it's the players and the coaches. It's the results on the field. It is the willingness to play hard each and every game.

Tom, I wish you and Tex Shramm were here. I think many fans do as well.