ekblaw@uiucdcs.CS.UIUC.EDU (11/07/85)
Inkspots on America: Dark Days in Dallas ------------------------------------------ For many years, the Dallas Cowboys have been called 'America's Team'. They were the "good ole boys" of the National Football League. Players who didn't play to beat up the other team, but people who won by skill and sheer determination. Led by All-Pro Quarterback Roger Staubach, the Dallas Cowboys offense was innovative and successful. The defense outsmarted opponents, not overpowered them. This was the true spirit of American culture. Unfortunately, as America has had its ups and downs, so too has the group hailed as America's Team. Many of the charismatic members of the famous team have retired, and those who have replaced them are not the peaceful innovators of our time. Too, the innovation is waning. The Dallas offense has been guilty of complatency during the last couple of years. The defense, though still powerful, has holes in it. The Dallas francise as a whole has seen dark hours as well. Player dissentions during the strike year, disputes among players about "big stars" not keeping their minds on the game, and a team disunified on the decision of a starting quarterback. This has been a team without a leader, a force with no direction. Is America's Team no longer? I don't think so. True, they have had their share of problems over the last few years. The recent point-fixing controversy has not helped their image much, either. But to say that they are devastated; destroyed with no hope of recapturing their mass appeal and glory? Not so! Last year, though a tough year for the Cowboys, taught them something. Everybody involved decided that it was time to shape up and work out the difficulties. The quarterback controversy was settled, and team meetings were arranged so that the players could discuss matters, both with the coaches and their fellow players. This unique "group therapy" approach may be unusual for a football team to use, but I think it may have worked. Dallas has been playing very well this season, once again attaining first place in the NFC East Division. Though it may take a few more years, I think that those who were called "America's Team" is on the road to recovering their lost glory and, perhaps, their lost distinction. After all, we must remember the tremendous feat that this team achieved.For over a decade this team had made it into the NFC Playoffs at the end of the season, either as a wildcard or the division champion. They have had over fifteen years of consecutive winning seasons. This statistic, though amazing among itself, is even more impressive when one remembers that this team is only twenty-six years old! They have had more winning seasons than losing, and that is a tremendous feat in a league as fiercely competitive as the National Football League. Even more impressive is the fact that this record has been achieved by just one man! This football team is the ONLY team in the NFL to have had only one career head coach -- Tom Landry. Despite all the changes that the NFl has undergone, their coach has been able to compensate for them; sometimes predicting them! This is truly a team to respect, and I think Dallas has been reminded of that. I can think of none other which more deserves the highly-respected status of "America's Team." Next week, a view of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They may be winless, but they have never given up trying. NFL Ace