Dallas Cowboys: The Jason Garrett Conundrum

The Dallas Cowboys have rolled in the first two weeks of the season, and the end result could have an impact on Jason Garrett…or will it?

Over the past few years when people ask me about the Dallas Cowboys and what they need to do to make a Super Bowl, Jason Garrett always comes up in the conversation. After two weeks of a phenomenal display by the Cowboys, the conversation of Jason Garrett and his “hot seat” has cooled off. Realistically, this season is still a make or break for Garrett, but then again, it might not be.

Over the years I have been very critical of Jason Garrett as a head coach. I do not doubt players love to play for him, nor do I have a doubt that he has a tremendous drive to win a Super Bowl. I do, however, have some issues with his actual coaching and his lingering issues since he became the head coach.

Look back over the seasons and one thing is evident about Jason Garrett as the head coach, the Cowboys have been overly conservative. Sure, Scott Linehan was a huge piece to this issue, but Garrett traditionally been conservative once a lead was gained. This season, looks to be slightly different. I am not sure the killer instinct is Garrett, or everyone else around him. Kellen Moore, Jon Kitna, Marc Colombo, Doug Nussmeier, et al are all possibly running the offense to have that instinct more than Garrett.

It is apparent that the defensive side of the ball belongs to Kris Richard and Rod Marinelli. Garrett is an offensive minded head coach, and has traditionally left the defense to his assistant coaches. But, he is the head coach so he does get some credit and culpability as well. As a whole picture, there are some issues that apply to both sides of the ball.

One of the plagues of the Dallas Cowboys since Jason Garrett has been head coach is undisciplined play. Far too many times has there been an offsides, holding, or other drive killers or defensive stand killer. While there is rarely an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, there are far too many small mistakes at wrong times. This will always fall on the head coach.

Another issue many have with Garrett is poor challenges. Garrett actually ranks in the top 5 in percentage of challenges won with 51.2% before the start of this season, but I believe the issue is not how many, but which calls. I would actually consider this a positive of Garrett as he is fairly conservative throwing the flag, but wins more than he loses.