Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is reporting Cowboys Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett traveled back to St. Louis on Friday night. With the Rams expected to make a coach decision by Monday, the trip has fueled speculation that the Rams have already made their choice and are just trying to work out the details.
There are several story lines here. The first revolves around the risk the St. Louis Rams are taking hiring Garrett. If you listen to the show, Jared and I have been vocal in our skepticism about Garrett's coaching ability. The simplicity of the offense and his inability to adapt the offense to Brad Johnson's skill set seems to suggest he is not prepared to be an Offensive Coordinator, much less a head coach. He also showed a level of immaturity if the reported "me or TO" conversation actually took place. Although he had a twelve season NFL career, all as a back-up, his coaching experience is very limited. He was Quarterbacks Coach in Miami for two years before moving to the Cowboys Offensive Coordinator job two years ago, not enough experience for a NFL head coach.
The other story line is about the reported "me or TO" situation. ProFootballTalk.com's Mike Florio said, "If Garrett is the guy [in St. Louis], and if reports that Garrett gave the Cowboys a 'me-or-T.O.' ultimatum are true, it means that the Cowboys have decided to bring back Owens -- at the expense of losing their offensive coordinator." It is a common viewpoint, but one that I do not know if it is completely true. I still think there is a definite possibility that Owens is not a member of the Cowboys next year, even if Garrett is headed to St. Louis. Owens is owed a 3.1 million dollar roster bonus in June and Garrett certainly was not the only person that had problems with Owens. I think there is probably a feeling in the front office that the talent difference between Owens and Roy Williams is not that far, and I would not be surprised if a good offer came in on draft day for Owens, possible a 2nd and a 5th, that the Cowboys would pull the trigger.
The bigger issue, however, is not if the Cowboys will part ways with TO, it is should they. Jean Jacques Taylor of The Dallas Morning News wrote, "...there's not a player or coach on this team with a strong enough personality to bring out the best in [Owens], while limiting his charismatic influence in the locker room." I think he hit the nail on the head, the problems in the locker room stem from the fact that there is not a leader on the team or on the coaching staff. The problems can be helped by dropping Owens, but he still is one of the most talented wide receivers in the league, and talent like his is not something you thoughtlessly part ways with. I think a better solution would be to bring in a player or, even better, a head coach that has the clout and personality to handle TO. When Owens was in San Francisco with Steve Young and Jerry Rice, he was not a problem. It was not until after Young was forced to retire and Garcia took over that the problems began.
So what do the Cowboys really need? To drop a still productive and talented wide receiver, or to hire an actual head coach and sign a respected veteran player that can handle Owens? I will always choose the option that gives me more talent to work with.
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