The team that resides inside the beautiful, confines of the Star in Frisco has been on a magical ride throughout the season. With the passing of the torch from former starting quarterback Tony Romo to talented, rookie Dak Prescott, some could even say that the team has put an end to the curse of seasons past. Take a look a closer look and the Dallas Cowboys appear to lack the championship pedigree to make a deep playoff run.
Dallas Cowboys Lack Championship Pedigree
Five of the past ten Super Bowl Champions have had at least one player on their roster who played a significant role in a previous championship run. Experience has proven to be the best teacher, in professional sports. Unfortunately, the Cowboys will enter this year’s post-season with inexperience in big game situations. The team has played in a number of tough and gritty battles, but those challenges pale in comparison to the possibility of hosting the franchise’s first NFC title game since 1995.
Although it is stacked with budding stars and veteran journeymen, there is plenty of pressure on this team. The scariest part is the majority of the team’s players have never won anything. This group will have to lean on the experience and championship pedigree of three important people in the locker room.
Head Coach Jason Garrett
Not too many people know that Jason Garrett is the proud owner of two Super Bowl rings. That’s right! He earned them as a third-string quarterback for the Cowboys in 1993 and in 1995. His role back then was not much different from the role he plays with this Cowboys team. He wore a headset and held a clipboard throughout both years.
However, he was called upon during the 94-95 season as the starter and performed admirably in a memorable Thanksgiving Day game against the Green Bay Packers. Championship pedigree surely lives inside Garrett. He was also fortunate enough to be the backup to quarterback Kerry Collins during the New York Giants failed championship run during the 2000 season. The Giants may have lost the game, but Garrett was there. He was on the sideline, taking notes as he prepared himself for life after his playing career.
His three experiences preparing for those Super Bowls should help him put together the blueprint to put this team over the top. He has experience in the playoffs as a head coach under his belt, as well. Despite the lack of confidence many Cowboys fans have expressed in regard to the red-headed, leader of America’s Team, Garrett personifies due-diligence. He will surely be doing his due-diligence to get his team ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
Defensive Coordinator Rod Marinelli
Rod Marinelli is widely-known as a defensive mastermind. The patchwork he has done with his group of star-less defenders this year has been impressive. Quietly, the Cowboys defensive coordinator earned his championship pedigree on the sidelines for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII. He was the defensive line coach for that team, spearheading the team’s front-four to a record-setting sack total that year. This team may not have the talent those Buccaneers had, but they are beginning to gel at the right time.
Marinelli is a no holds barred kind of coach. He has no problem giving his players an ear-full, when they fall short or fail to execute his scheme the way it is designed. As a member of the Tony Dungy coaching tree, Marinelli has proven unflappable under the heat-lamp that can be the NFL. He will definitely use that knowledge and experience to get the most out of the Cowboys defense as the unit faces heavy competition down the stretch.
Running Back Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott is probably the most decorated player on the Cowboys roster. His championship pedigree began as a football and track star, in high school. He was the key member of three state championship football runner-ups. Although his teams lost all those championship games, Elliott was the work-horse. As an individual, the running back was able to accomplish an almost unrealistic feat as a track and field competitor.
Elliott took home state championships in four events as a senior at John Burroughs School in St. Louis, Missouri. His performance earned him the Gatorade Track Athlete of the year, as well. The kid is used to winning at a high level. From the look of what he has done in his first year in the pros, it is safe to say that the youngster belongs. He has become a vocal leader in the Cowboys locker room, but he also has begun to lead by example.
The runner wore a microphone during a recent game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He can be heard in an exchange with one of the Cowboys assistant coaches on the sidelines. The coach had just advised the rookie that he was great. Elliott acknowledged the compliment for a beat then responded as only he could. “If I’m great, I shoulda broke that tackle!” he exclaimed, passionately. It is his thirst for greatness sets him apart.
Prior to entering the league, his biggest accomplishment was winning a National Championship at the Ohio State University. Elliott put up video game type numbers that day, running for over 200 yards and being named the game’s Offensive MVP. He has not disappointed during his first professional football season. The youngster leads the league in rushing and has been heard imploring his teammates throughout some of their toughest contests. His mantra of “we too physical” appears to have made an impression on the entire team.
This year’s Cowboys team cannot afford to look past their next opponent. They have been grooving to the beat of their head coach’s drum from the start. Garrett preaches to his team daily that they need to “focus on today” and that is exactly what they have been doing. Complacency has not set-in at the Star in Frisco.
The presence of these three catalysts, could lift the team to its sixth Lombardi Trophy. Championship pedigree may be lacking as a whole, but having coaches with rings and a tough, hard-nosed rookie with a propensity for winning could be the difference.
