Dallas Cowboys: Garret’s Time to Shine

photo: Bleacher Report.com

On November 24, 2012, I posted a blog comparing the start to the NFL head coaching careers of Jimmy Johnson and Jason Calvin Garrett titled Garrett Walk By Faith Not By Sight.

Garrett was a player drafter by Jimmy Johnson and Garrett would love nothing better than to match what his mentor did in his fourth season as head coach. 

Year	Jimmy Johnson	Jason Garrett
1	1-15	**5-3
2	7-9	8-8
3	11-5	8-8
4	13-3	??
5	*12-4	??
Total	44W - 36L= 80	21W -19L = 40
Win %	44 / 80 = 55%	21 / 40 = 53%

* RB, Emmitt Smith held out the 1st two games of Jimmy’s 5th year-contract dispute

**Garrett took over as head coach the 2nd half of 1st season

 The comparisons are early similar when you see it on paper. When you go to the film, many will see a different side. This is Garrett’s year to show everyone what he can do. He now has an opportunity to be a leader of men.

photo: AOL News.com

It is up to Garrett to manage the game when it gets crucial. So far Romo has not proven he can consistently win the big game, so Garrett must show he can control the play calling along with new play caller, Bill Callahan.

Before the Hall of Fame game on August 4, 2013, one of the NFL Network analysts stated the Cowboys penalties reduced tremendously during the 2012 season. I don’t think anyone paid attention to that stat because fans and the media were so focused on another 8-8 go home on the last game ending.

Garrett is slowing making a case to place this team in the position it needs to be in. One thing is for sure…Garrett can get the Boys eight wins. The key is adjusting to two or three games in the past where there was poor clock management or Romo gave the game away. Either way, these are things Garrett can fix. Ole’ Jerry has stripped Garrett of his play calling duties to focus solely on managing men.

I believe if Garrett wins one playoff game and losses the next post-season game because the other team was better, Garrett will return as head coach for the 2014 season. If he wins a post-season game and losses the next post-season game because of the regular season endings like the Skins, Giants, or Eagles in recent years, Garrett will be gone.

It all depends on how Garrett can close games. Maybe Garrett should call on New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera to get some tips on closing. I do believe he has some in experience in that department.

It’s this year or never. Monte Kiffin and the new defense can help a lot. Let’s see what Garrett can do to match Jimmy Johnson from 1991.