It’s funny sometimes, the ideas you have when you are doing
laundry and have a little time to kill. That’s what happened to me the other
day. I wanted to freshen up this blog somewhat. I know I have a tendency to
write about personal things a bit much, and well, there’s a song that I can’t
think of the title of that states “I’m tired of me.” That all being said, I
decided I wanted to write about a few different subjects, so I took out my
computer, wrote 26 letters from A to Z, and tried to come up with an idea for
each letter. (If you think it’s easy, try coming up with a word or subject that
starts with “Q” or “Z.”) So, over the next little while, I may be writing about
a person, a business, a place, or something that has left a mark on me.
Today, I’ll start with……the Dallas Cowboys!
I know what you’re thinking. He’s going to talk about Dallas?
This week? Well, I have to admit that I did go to sleep Sunday night in
somewhat of a foul mood after the ‘Boys fell to Green Bay 34-31.
But, then, I woke up on Monday.
I have to admit that while I am none too happy saying ‘There’s
always next year” – our team motto since 1996, I woke up the most upbeat I have
been about Dallas’s chances in a long time. 2016 was a year to remember. Dak,
Eke, Dez, and the whole team were pheneomenal to watch. 13-3 was a record that
the team only has accomplished two other times in history.
Alas, most people say, the Cowboys were still “one and done”
in the postseason.
That fact is true, I have to admit. But, unlike some of the
previous losses, this game was different – or at least that’s what I’m clinging
to. Dallas was down 21-3 and Aaron Rodgers was having a field day against a
defense that bended but didn’t break all year….until Sunday. Just as quick as
you could say “Put in Romo,” Dak Prescott caught fire, and Ezekiel Elliot found
his groove quickly. Eventually the team tied things up at 28-28.
Then, the final two minutes ensued.
One can say that Dallas lost the game. That’s true,
technically. But, to me, the Packers and Aaron Rodgers won the game more than
anything else. And, kudos to them. But, Prescott & Company showed as much
character in such a valiant effort than in any victory this season. I am even
more proud to be a Dallas fan than ever.
But, it’s still the off-season. There’s a Super Bowl I have
to admit that I don’t really care about, the beginning of Free Agency, the
reveal of the NFL schedule, the draft, and a long, hot – emphasis on the hot –
summer.
However, I have to say that I think 2017 is going to be one
heck of a year. All the key players on offense are back next season – save for
Terrance Williams. I really think this team is close, kind of a mirror image of
where they were in 1991, before they went to four straight NFC title games
(including three Super Bowls. That kind of dominance might be tough to achieve
in this free agency period, but I do think they are on the verge of something
special.
The key is going to be defense. Not to take a shot at the
secondary, but I think I could catch and run for 40 against the corners – with my
bad feet and legs. Claiborne is ok, but they need to upgrade the position, and
maybe make a few changes at LB. Free agents? JPP or Eric Berry would be nice,
perhaps. And, there’s the draft – and some Alabama players from that Saban “D”
would be welcome. Don’t forget about Jaylon Smith, either. He didn’t see one
snap in 2016. He could be a game changer.
Of course, it’s not going to be easy. You’ve got the
offseason. You’ve got a tough schedule with likely struggles against the
Giants, the Redskins, and the Eagles – none of which are ever easy. Green Bay
comes to Dallas next season, and I can already imagine the hype leading up to
that one. But, if things fall their way with the draft and free agency, if
there are no major injuries, and “The Rookies” hold court in ’17 like they did
last season, it could be the year that Dallas fans have been waiting for.
A lot of “If’s,” I will admit. But……I’ve got a feeling!
