Moore: Jason Garrett lets Cowboys know he's not playing around
12:36 AM CST on Thursday, November 11, 2010
COLUMN By DAVID MOORE / The Dallas Morning News
dmoore@dallasnews.com
Column by DAVID MOORE / The Dallas Morning News |
dmoore@dallasnews.com
David Moore
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IRVING – The players didn't have to wait for the first practice under Jason Garrett to realize a difference.
"Let's get moving," Garrett barked as the horn sounded and a group of players sauntered over to stretch. "We're not walking. We're not walking."
The first hint that the head coach is serious when he talks about structure and accountability didn't come earlier in the day at the 8:15 team meeting.
The doors to that meeting, by the way, closed at 8:13 a.m.
No, the Cowboys had a pretty good idea on Tuesday's day off that it would not be business as usual at Valley Ranch. That's when several of them received texts to be at the facility on Wednesday by 6:30 a.m. for a 7 o'clock meeting.
What words come to mind to describe Garrett?
"I don't know if I can say it," receiver Roy Williams responded. "Hard-ass. Hard-butt.
"And I like it."
Subtle and significant changes were evident Wednesday as the players returned to work for the first time since the dismissal of Wade Phillips. Garrett set the tone for this 1-7 team and let everyone know what is expected over the final eight weeks of the regular season.
Players practiced in full pads for the first time since training camp. They are expected to run from one drill to the next, not walk or jog. Defensive end Stephen Bowen noted none of the players had time to sit on the water cooler during practice as they have in the past.
There were no card games during the team's afternoon break, no domino marathons as there have been all season.
"For me, it was good just the way he came in there and took charge," linebacker Anthony Spencer said. "The things he was saying, the things he wants to get done. He got straight to the point.
"That's definitely what we need now."
Phillips is more conversational and often relied on relationships to make his point. Garrett's approach is more business-like. That came across as he outlined his plan in the team meeting.
Cornerback Mike Jenkins brought a notebook to the meeting for the first time since his rookie season to take down what Garrett had to say.
"There is zero gray area there," linebacker Keith Brooking said. "It is black and white. Very direct and to the point. No misunderstanding.
"I've been hit in the head a lot, but I could understand what he is saying when he stood up there and communicated to our football team. I believe in anybody like that."
Tight end Jason Witten has always said that Garrett does a great job of living in the now and moving forward. Everything points forward. There is no time for reflection. Not with the players, not with the media.
Garrett's afternoon news conference was a lightning round. He gave a brief opening statement, then answered 38 questions in less than 14 minutes.
Emotions? He's excited about the opportunity.
Lineup changes? Garrett won't talk about them. But he did let the team know it doesn't matter, "whether they're Pro Bowl players, drafted players or undrafted free agents. We're going to play the best guys."
His sideline routine now that he's offensive coordinator and head coach? It will be different.
How is he different from Phillips? Garrett isn't interested in comparisons. The New York Giants will be at the Meadowlands on 4:15 Sunday afternoon (3:15 central), and they're a good football team.
The whirlwind of the last 48 hours? Did you not hear Garrett say the Giants will be waiting for them at 4:15 Sunday afternoon in the Meadowlands?
"We've got to go," Garrett said. "The Giants don't care about this coaching change. The Giants are getting ready to play on Sunday afternoon."
Would that be 4:15 Sunday afternoon?
"It's a new day for me," Jenkins said. "It's a new day for everybody. It's a new coach, a new start.
"We are going to run with it."
