Dallas Cowboys: Execution Starts with Jason Garrett

A lot of people point to the players execution for the Dallas Cowboys’ issues this year, but it all starts with Jason Garrett.

I’m watching the Dallas Cowboys game and conversation on Twitter almost immediately the conversation turns to how bad the Cowboys started. Of course there were the usual themes, and the conversation turns to Jason Garrett. A few people started saying Garrett wasn’t responsible for the interception, or fumble, or penalties. Then I thought about it, and yes, he is. Hear me out.

Execution is certainly up to the players, and I am not taking blame away from mistakes from the players. However, the sloppy play that has occurred for years falls on the one constant, Jason Garrett. The coach sets the tone for the players, holds them accountable, correct mistakes (you know, coaching).

Coming off of the bye week the Cowboys have been a .500 team under Garrett. Preparation has been as up and down as the record. Quarterbacks have changed, running backs, defensive players, a lot has changed, except Garrett. Still, there is some blame with the players, but it all starts with Garrett.

We can argue the theories of how the NFL calls Cowboys games, but the one thing we know is that Jason Garrett does what he is comfortable with. Far too often have we seen the Cowboys come off of a bye week and have very little change to address the issues with the team over the first half of their season.

This season the issue of Jeff Heath in coverage has sprung to the forefront again. The Cowboys made a play for a safety, and smartly didn’t overpay. However, when they didn’t get their guy, Garrett should have found ways to adjust or to replace Heath. The Giants game starts, and Heath is starting, and a liability.

Why didn’t the Cowboys try to rotate Jourdan Lewis into corner and move Byron to safety to confuse the offense? Just an idea, but the players are there, make the adjustment. Again, that falls on Garrett. Instead the Cowboys head into the game with the mentality of line up, execute perfectly, and you will win.