by Gibby McCaleb - AccuScore Analyst
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What really puzzles me is the hiring of Jason Garrett who is not to be confused with Mrs. Garrett from TV’s ‘the Facts of Life.’   MISTER Garrett was hired as offensive coordinator and he has been a coach for exactly two years, serving as the quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins.  Did anyone see anything out of the QB position in Miami that made you go “Ooh, who’s the coach of that guy?”

To make matters worse, Garrett was hired by Jones BEFORE Jerry even interviewed Wade Phillips.  No matter what was said, it is clear that Garrett is Jones’ guy and not Wade Phillips’ guy but if the Cowboys falter, you can be sure Phillips will swing for it.  I hope Wade pulls it off because in the post-Jimmy Johnson era, not one ex-Cowboy head coach has gone on to anything.  Chan Gailey is the head coach at a mediocre Georgia Tech program, Dave Campo is the secondary coach at Jacksonville and Barry Switzer is probably selling used cars in Norman, Oklahoma. Well, if he’s not, he should be.  He has that “Have I got a deal for you” sort of a look, doesn’t he?

Point is, there is a ton of pressure on Phillips beyond the insane amount of media attention garnered by the Cowboys, maybe rivaled only by the Yankees in baseball.  Wade inherits a pretty talented squad that is capable of making a Super Bowl run in a weak NFC and anything short of that in the next year or two would be a failure.  Having one of if not the most key coaching position not be your own choice and that guy having almost zero coaching experience…welcome to Irving, Texas Wade.  You better bring us a ring.  As a new head coach, you’d almost prefer to inherit a crappy team because at least expectations are low and there is no way but up.

And apparently Jason Garrett is “really smart” as we’ve been told over and over again in the media. I’ve never met the guy nor has he appeared on Celebrity Jeopardy so I can’t gauge his intellect or his keen knowledge of Potent Potables but going to Princeton does not a genius make. Remember Brooke Shields went to Princeton too, majoring in French Literature.  Garrett’s degree was in History. Neither course load compares to say that of an Atomic Physicist.

But maybe this will work.  First, let’s assume Garrett is the Mensa candidate he’s portrayed to be.  He has certainly been around the NFL block and seen a lot of different offensive schemes.  Then you bring in Wade Wilson who also took a turn in Big D and for the past few years has been the quarterback coach in Chicago.  The Cowboys media guide states: “In 2006, Wilson's guidance helped steer fourth year quarterback Rex Grossman in leading the Bears to an NFC title and a berth in the Super Bowl.”

That statement has more spin on it than an Agassi backhand.  Did anyone see Grossman’s quarterback skills last year?  If I was Wade Wilson, I’m not sure if I’d even list that on my resume. 

But wait, maybe there is hope after all.  The things that may prove the most hopeful is an upgrade at the offensive line with the acquisition of Leonard Davis and the signing of Brad Johnson who has traditionally been a slow and steady, low risk sort of a quarterback.  Brad may prove to be the perfect mentor for Tony Romo.

An improved offensive line, a great tight end in Jason Whitten, two all star receivers in Glenn and Owens, a decent running game and three ex-quarterbacks hanging around to mentor. 

One thing is for sure, if the offense sputters this year, Jones will be vilified, saying the hiring of Jason Garrett is yet another stupid egotistical move like the handling of NFL legend Tom Landry or the hiring of Barry Switzer to replace Jimmy Johnson.  If this team succeeds, maybe Jerry Jones will look like a true genius.  If you close your eyes, you can almost hear Jerry say: “I’ll take Potent Potables for 600 Alex…”