Just Chill: The season ending loss in Philly was painful but Jerry Jones said it prompted change

There is a lot of talk about the Cowboys heading back to Philadelphia this Sunday seeking redemption for last year's embarrassing and humiliating 44-6 season ending loss. And rightfully so. The players do need to make up for what was an unforgiveable performance in a game with so much on the line. How you could play that badly when you have chance to make the playoffs is beyond me.

But in hindsight that loss and the way they lost might have been the best thing to happen to the Cowboys.

Owner Jerry Jones admits losing like that was hard because of the hopes the Cowboys had for the season. He really thought the Cowboys could make a Super Bowl run. Watching the Cardinals win the NFC title  was even more proof to him that the Cowboys had the talent to get it done.

But he also says that loss forced him to do a lot of soul searching and "prompted" the changes the Cowboys made in the offseason.

 Jones acknowledged that it was indeed a wakeup call for the organization.

So for all you Terrell Owens haters, be grateful for the loss in Philadelphia.  T.O. might still be here if the Cowboys would have won that game and maybe it stunts the growth of Miles Austin. The same Miles Austin is playing better and is more productive than Terrell Owens and Roy Williams combined. 

Pacman Jones might  still be here as well.  And maybe the Cowboys don't see the maturation of cornerback Mike Jenkins who is playing better than any cornerback on the team.

 Even coach Wade Phillips acknowledges that opposing teams are choosing to pick on high priced veteran Terence Newman more so than Jenkins. That's how well Jenkins is playing.

And that's not even considering how much the changes have benefitted quarterback Tony Romo.

So yes, the season-ending loss to the Eagles was a horrifying experience for the Cowboys. It was evidence of abject failure by the coaching staff of getting the team ready for the game.

It also might have been the best thing to happen to the Cowboys going forward. Just call it a Romo-friendly loss.

 

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Comments

[Blind Boy]

I disagree with your notion that opposing teams are "choosing" to throw at Terrence Newman because of Jenkins coverage. Teams are being forced to throw at Newman. Jenkins only has a few interceptions and the pick six last year against the Giants wasn't exactly spectacular. He has improved greatly and if can become consistent then I believe the Cowboys may have a superstar. He was fun to watch at USF.

[Teddy]

A lot of guys are trying to get on the Miles Austin, including Mike Irwin. But did he forecast it before this season? I did not hear any pros giving high praise to Austin before the season except Jones and Romo.

Jones pointed out Austin when people asked him who would replace Owens and people laughed at him.

In the 2008 training camp, when people talked about bringing another big threat WR (at that time they had Owens, no Williams), Romo said that receiver might be already on the roster (reports guesinng that means Austin). But Austin did not get that much change last year because of injury and depth (he was 4th WR).