Going into the 2018 season, Jason Garrett's seat might as well be a throne of fire 🔥, at least as far as the fan base is concerned. There are already discussions amongst Cowboys Nation about who should replace the head coach in the 2019 offseason, but we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves, aren't we?
Let's let a guy coach 2018 first before we begin hiring his replacement.
I've stated multiple times my affection for Jason Garrett as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. He's helped them effect real change in the front office that has led to much better drafting, an excellent identity on the offensive side of the football, and he's been a good leader for the team.
How many times has this team quit on him? The only game I can think of them falling flat is the game against the Denver Broncos in week two of last year.
I won't argue that he's had some disappointing moments as the head coach. Clock management and in-game adjustments have been his downfall at times, and relying way too much on his coordinators.
Realistically speaking, 2018 could be his last. I get that. As much as I think he's a good coach, there's only so much leash, even for a Jerry Jones guy.
2018 has to be the year this squad breaks through to the NFC Championship Game.
I ran a poll on Twitter last week to see what Cowboys Nation thought Garrett needed to do in order to stay on as head coach for 2019:
This week's Friday #CowboysPoll is gonna center around the Head Coach. What's the minimum that the team needs to achieve for you to keep Coach Garrett? For the record, for me, it's a playoff win. Wild card or divisional. NFC is stacked. #CowboysNation
— John Williams (@john9williams) June 15, 2018
I meant to run it longer, but it looks like Cowboys fans want to see the Dallas Cowboys make it to the NFC Championship Game.
Honestly, I was a bit surprised by the results. I must have some pretty level-headed followers.
Personally, anything less than a playoff victory — either in the wild card or the divisional round — would be a disappointment. While I think the Dallas Cowboys are good enough to make the playoffs, because of how deep the NFC is, they could also miss the tournament altogether.
Just as I look at things now, I see 10 teams that could make the playoffs in 2018. Sadly, there are only six spots.
- Atlanta Falcons
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Dallas Cowboys
- Minnesota Vikings
- Los Angeles Rams
- Carolina Panthers
- New Orleans Saints
- Green Bay Packers
- Detroit Lions
- Seattle Seahawks
Not all of those teams will make the playoffs, but they'll all be contending for division and wild card playoff spots. Every year there is a team that surprises; could the New York Giants or Washington Redskins surprise in the NFC East?
Hey Roger, let's talk expansion of the playoff field.
And before you start telling me that I'm building in excuses if the team fails to reach the NFC Championship or the Super Bowl, please… just stop. I'm just trying to have a realistic conversation about the fact that the NFC is stacked as a conference.
Since the Green Bay Packers made the Super Bowl in back to back seasons in Super Bowl XXXI and XXXII, only the Seattle Seahawks have represented the NFC in the NFL's championship game in back-to-back seasons.
The NFC is deep.
Gauging the Temperature of the Nation
So how hot is Jason Garrett's seat at the moment? Obviously, a lot can change this during the course of a season, but I'd say Jason Garrett's seat is heated like an 80 degree day. It's warm when you're standing in the sun, but it could be a nice day if you're in the shade and there's a nice breeze.
As those of us who live in Texas know, the weather can change in an instant, much like the security of an NFL head coach.
Jason Garrett has proven to me that he is a leader of men and has done a good job of walking the team through the transition they've had at quarterback, but he leaves a lot to be desired as an in-game x's and o's guy.
2018 is a huge year for the Dallas Cowboys and their head coach. In my opinion, Garrett needs to get them to the playoffs and win a game, whether it's a wild card or divisional round game. Sure, I'd love to see this team win a Super Bowl this season, but I'm also realistic in how difficult it is to win a Super Bowl.
Well, for everyone but Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots at least.
