Cowboys at The Combine: Dak Prescott, 'Culture' Problem & 'The Next Larry Allen' - 'The Good, The Bad & The Ugly' FISH PODCAST
Stephen Jones' visit with the media to launch the Dallas Cowboys' week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis featured what the Fish Podcast and the Fish Report is labeling "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly'' in terms of the news, and Stephen's framing of it. ...
And we're a bit concerned about "Dallas in Denial'' when it comes to the "culture'' issue ...
The good? Dallas' COO offered up a lofty comparison when discussing young All-Pro offensive lineman Tyler Smith.
It’s starting to feel like Larry Allen all over again,” Jones said, speaking of both Smith's skill and his position flex. And our reaction? Good for the Cowboys, as they are open-minded about whether Smith is a guard or a tackle, maybe recognizing that he might end up being both - like Allen, who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is one of the greatest offensive linemen in football history.
The bad? It's about Dak Prescott. For the very first time, the Cowboys have now conceded that while a long-term extension is the goal, "The Voidable-Years Band-aid'' Option.
"Our whole thing with Dak is him being a Cowboy," he said. "That's all that's on our mind."
Jones said Dallas “absolutely” wants to craft an extension with its MVP quarterback. But ... "We’ve got ways to adjust his cap number for this year," he added.
Meaning ... As CowboysSI.com has detailed in depth, Dallas might have to pick among a trio of options here, including what we're terming "The Voidable-Years Band-aid.''
Why is that "bad''? Because is would represent a sharp turn away from what the Cowboys feel like has been a meticulously-crafted plan to make Dak the long-term centerpiece of a championship contender.
And all that "meticulousness'' might end in a contract that blows up in their faces.
Finally, the ugly? Stephen was asked about a possible "culture problem'' inside the organization. Relays the Dallas News ...
"Stephen Jones was unwilling to validate the notion the Cowboys have a culture problem. He stood ... his lips curled and eyes lowered while a reporter raised that perception. Jones shook his head and said “no” beneath his breath.
We have theorized that the Cowboys Culture Concern is all about what we call "#53Brands.'' (See above.) And here's the COO seemingly so offended by and dismissive of the concept that there is a problem at all that he "curls his lips'' and he "lowers his eyes'' and he "shakes his head'' and he mumbles "no''?
We would suggest, with all due respect to the Jones, that if you are unwilling to look in the mirror to examine a potential problem ... you have indeed revealed that you have a potential problem.
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