Photo Credit: Ray Carlin/USA TODAY Sports
You know things must be really bad when a 2-6 record is not the biggest problem for the Dallas Cowboys. At the end of last season, the Cowboys looked like they had finally turned the corner from embarrassment to title contender. They had one of the best, if not the best, offensive line to protect Tony Romo who had a fantastic season and they even drafted well, picking up UConn safety Byron Jones. The team did lose running back DeMarco Murray to rival Philadelphia, however, the team was confident they would replace his production numbers especially with their offensive line blocking.
However, things have gone much, more worse than the team could have ever expected. The team signed DE Greg Hardy who is a great pass rusher, but a not-so-great human being. Initially Hardy was suspended ten games this season stemming from domestic violence charges he was initially found guilty of, but after winning his appeal, the suspension was reduced to four games. Team owner Jerry Jones thought it was a smart move as the Cowboys’ lacked a veteran pass rusher; what a bad decision that was. Since returning from his suspension, Hardy has been nothing more than a distraction and nuisance to the team. Sure, he has gotten sacks on the field, but they have come with a heavy price. A sideline fight between Hardy and a coach that involved him shoving Dez Bryant definitely did not make things any better.
All the blame cannot be placed on Hardy for their losing streak, quarterback Tony Romo has been sidelined since week 2, the last game Dallas has won. Backups Matt Cassell and Brandon Weeden have tried to right the ship, but have fallen flat in six straight games. The team did welcome back star receiver Dez Bryant two weeks ago, but it is clear he is beyond frustrated with his team’s losing streak. Bryant, who is known to express his emotions, unleashed on a reporter in the locker room. Of course, the entire 15 minute tirade was caught on video and made it’s way onto the internet. Further showing how bad things are going for Dallas.
This team is not going to the playoffs not matter how well Romo plays when he is healthy. This team has deep fractures within it that need to be resolved before this team can ever think about competing for a Super Bowl title. Head coach Jason Garrett clearly has no control over his locker room with players acting however they want whenever they want. Jones has no intention of disciplining Hardy even after Deadspin’s public release of the photos taken of Hardy’s victim. Instead, he backed the defensive end and called him a leader in the locker room. No Jerry, Jason Witten who continues to be a model citizen on and off the field should be a leader in your locker room. Another example of why a Super Bowl title is the last thing coming to Arlington.
