Christian Petersen - Getty Images
Jason Witten. RKG prototype.
Not even a week ago, Cowboys Nation was in full-on playoff anticipation mode. Yet the season-ending loss to the Giants already feels like quite a distant memory from quite some time ago, as our collective attention has moved on to the draft with a vengeance.
And one of the interesting early dynamics among Cowboys fans is the use of the "Right Kind Of Guy" label to advocate or categorically rule out certain players. Right now, potential first rounders Janoris Jenkins and Vontaze Burfict seem to get the "Wrong Kind Of Guy" label attached the most often. This worries me. Not because I'm a particular proponent of either player, but because I always get highly nervous and downright angry when, in a world that is dominated by shades of gray, the discussion is reduced to black and white.
And because everybody seems to have their own personal definition of what exactly constitutes a Right Kind Of Guy, or RKG, here's where we go back and look at what Coach Garrett had to say about the Right- and Wrong Kind Of Guys.
"The most important thing is we talk about what it means to be a Dallas Cowboy, the kind of guys we want on our football team. If you look at the guys we've selected, each of these six guys represents that. They're good football players. The top three guys are from big schools. They're prominent players at that school, they have production at a high level. And then as we've gotten a little further down in the draft we've been able to take some guys who we think can fit a particular role for us. At least to create some competition on our football team. Again, they have the right measurables, they're the Right Kind Of Guys, we think they're good football players."
A little later, in his post-draft presser, Garrett expanded on the idea and explained what constitutes the "right kind of guy:
"Obviously they have to have the physical requirements to play this game. The measurables, the talent, the aptitude to play. Part of that is being "The Right Kind Of Guy."
He also explained what he considers to be a wrong kind of guy, or WKG:
"The guys who don't love to play football. Guys who don't love to work. The guys who don't love to be around their teammates. The guys who aren't trying to be the best they can be. All those things."
Garrett also gave a few pointers on some of the specific traits he's looking for in a RKG:
"You want guys who love to play football and show you that they love it each and every day. Passion, enthusiasm, emotion, all of those things come into it....It's one thing to talk that, but you need to see that."
Passion. Emotion. Enthusiasm. That's a mantra that Garrett has repeated again and again over the course of the season. We've heard Garrett talk about 'playing hard', about 'playing through the whistle' repeatedly.
But what we haven't heard from Garrett is that a RKG is a guy who has a spotless attendance record at Sunday School. Or a guy who regularly volunteers at the homeless shelter, gives generously to charity and drives an environmentally friendly car. Don't get me wrong, all of this is laudable - I just don't think it's a prerequisite for being a RKG.
After draft weekend, Garrett seems to have spent some time further articulating his thinking on RKGs. In an interview in July, Garrett again picked up the RKG theme, and explained it much more succinctly:
When we won those Super Bowls in Dallas in the 90s we had some very talented players. But I'll go to my grave saying, what makes Troy Aikman great is who he is, as much as the talent that he has. I can say that for Emmitt Smith, Daryl Johnston and go down the list. Darren Woodson, all the great players that we had on those teams, they were the right kind of guys.
They loved to play. They were talented, but they loved to play and they were great teammates. So as talented a guy as you can get, there's also the right kind of guy who can fit into your team and make the chemistry of your team right. That's what we're trying to do.
In the end, it appears the RKG is about chemistry. It's about making sure that players from different educational, cultural and social backgrounds can come together as one team. It's about putting one RKG next to another RKG until you've put together the right group of guys with the right chemistry to help you achieve your goals.
It's not about right or wrong. It's not about Saints and Sinners. Just because a guy can't pay his bills doesn't mean he can't be a Cowboy. Just because a guy had some other issues doesn't mean he's lacking the passion, emotion and enthusiasm that is going to make him a key part of this team.
Let's face it. Not every player is born a Jason Witten or DeMarcus Ware. But just because they don't arrive as picture-perfect RKGs at Valley Ranch doesn't mean they can't evolve to be RKGs. That's why many front offices talk so much about structure for their young players, about following a process. Most of the young men arriving at Valley Ranch every year still need to develop physically. But many of them also still need to develop in other ways. Some may need more guidance and direction than others in this process, both on and off the field, some may need less. The important thing is that the Cowboys have a structure in place that helps the players to grow into the Right Kind Of Guys while they're here.
What can be a little frustrating for us fans is that there is no easy way to assess who will be an RKG for the Cowboys down the line. Heck, it's far from easy for the Cowboys themselves, who have much more information on individual players than we'll ever have. And importantly, because it is about how an individual fits into the team, what may be a RKG for the Cowboys may not be the RKG for another team, and vice versa.
So with all that, what's your definition of a RKG? Or are you going to with the now-infamous quote by former Supreme Court Justice Stewart on pornography in 1964, "I'll know it when I see it?"
5 recs | 129 comments
even though
Burfict has a rep for having personal fouls, i think he could be the right type of guy. He seems like an agressive passionate football player.
Seems like Garrett wants those types of guys who wants to be first when they are running sprints, wants to be one who works out longer than everyone else, and someone who will show up early on the practice field. Those qualities remind me or Michael Irvin.
cmttx - January 6, 2012
Burfict is a nut case and I want no part of him...
Holchr31 - January 6, 2012
From what I have heard
The RKGs are the guys that LOVE the game and do whatever they can to play it. What they do off the field can be a reflection of how much they love the game and if they love something else more than the game. This can be evident and that is where you see some of the other issues arise. However, you may have a spotted past, but you have a spotless future, as it hasn’t been laid yet…
ProBowlFactory - January 6, 2012
Speaking of RKGs
I think there’s a decent chance Nagy starts at a guard position next year.
clark - January 6, 2012
Nagy
If he is going to start, I hope Woicik makes him a lot stronger because he got abused at the line of scrimmage this year. He was always back in Romo’s face
dabomb1227 - January 6, 2012
fingers crossed that at least two of the group of Nagy, Kowalski, Parnell and Arkin
make a significant enough jump during their first real offseason and big league weight training regimen to become solid contributors next season. We need to keep this churn going.
clark - January 6, 2012
Offensive Line
I think that they should keep Kosier; however, he can be moved back to LG where he is more comfortable. He can compete in camp with Nagy and Arkin for the LG spot. I would love for them to draft DeCastro and plug him in at RG. Flip Tyron and Free.
Parnell seems like a nice swing tackle
dabomb1227 - January 6, 2012
Pernell bad
Game over if he comes in. Nagy bad, worse that Costa when he was in there. Arkin bad, they cut and brought back Daniel Loeper 3 times and still put him on the active list – they never let Arkin even sniff the active roster once this season.
Do not want.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
You have a good point
However, how long did Free sit before he became a starter. Sometimes linemen take a year or two to develop. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water after one season. Let alone one that had a very short (almost nonexistent) offseason!
mho - January 6, 2012 via iPhone app
Nagy wasnt as bad as you are making him to be. With a full off season of
conditioning with Woicik and OTAs and Minicamps I think both Nagy and Arkin will be pushing for at least one of the starting G spots with either Lumpy or Kosier manning the other spot.
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
I would like to draft a new guard in the 3rd
A real one, not another Arkin who wasn’t a fixture on anyone’s draft boards pre-draft.
This is a deep draft class we should be able to find a starter at the top of the 3rd.
Then let all 5 of our current guards fight for the other 1 starting job.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
Agree, if DeCastro is gone in the first.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
I didn't say cut Nagy, Parell, or Arkin
They could turn into something. But for every Doug Free there’s a dozen Alan Balls/Phil Costas/Rob Pettits.
Nothing wrong with their being backups in 2012 but I worry if they’re penciled in as starters
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
I dont think JG has anyone penciled in as a starter other than the obvious
guys on the team. they will have to earn it im sure.
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
that's true, I trust Garrett on that front
I love that he doesn’t hesitate to show someone the door or demote someone if they’re not working out
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
Houck is likely to retire and
with a new hire by JG, I’d give them a full off season in the weight room and training camp before I’d give up.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Sporano as the OL coach?
If JG’s open to hiring help I’d like Sporano to work with the OL and Haley to run the offense. Tom Cable as the OL coach is the obvious dream. Mangini as the DBs coach too much to ask for? I don’t watch much ESPN but is he entrenched there?
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I like Arkin
Dude has a mean streak in the way he plays. Heard his main issue was strength, hope he is hitting the weights hard
Nardfather - January 6, 2012
I was telling Tarheel Paul in the other thread
That I heard they have him on a strict dragon steroids regimen. He should be breathing fire next year.
Nickthegrip - January 6, 2012
When he wasn't diving at people's feet
He’s got a few realms in which to improve…
Lord Humungus - January 6, 2012
he didn't even start as a senior at Wisconsin
he should have never been put in that position this year. It was simply poor roster management by an inexperienced coach and an inept GM and it wasn’t fair to the player.
That said, I still think 1-2 of the 4 listed above will pleasantly surprise us in August.
clark - January 6, 2012
God I hope so, but I don't like relying on hope where Romo has taken 3 terrible injuries (ribs, collarbone, throwing hand) in 2 years
In addition to putting their QB on IR last year and giving him two serious injuries this year, the O-line allowed the 10th most hits on their QB of anyone in the NFL this season.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
They also faced two great pass rushing defenses...
Eagles and Giants…they’ll face them again next season. Gotta beef up the OL draft David DeCastro.
Change We Can Believe In
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
You do realize...
The reason Nagy started was due to Montrae Holland showing up as a dough boy instead of a football player. They had no intention of starting Nagy but were left with little choice. They gave Arkin a chance, but he just lacked the fundamentals necessary at this level as well as strength issues. At least Nagy had the proper fundamentals.
Nagy and Arkin will have a spot on this team next year. One or both of them will start, but most likely only one.
Kevin A. Black - January 6, 2012
Nagy not likely to get a lot stronger
he was a 5th year senior at the school with arguably the best weight training program in college football. Some of you have this wet dream that Woicik waves a magic wand and everyone is twice as strong.
burmafrd1944 - January 6, 2012
He might just be a good swing guard
For a 7th round pick, that’s not bad, provided it’s not a waste of a roster space.
Lord Humungus - January 6, 2012
Nobody knows just how much stronger he is or isnt going to get. We just have
to wait and see.
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
sorry not true
this is not like Tyron who was very young and building up. Nagy is more than 2 years older and as I said was in one of the best Weight Training programs in college football; many say the best. He had FIVE years there. So the plain and simple fact is that baring a truly UNUSUAL situation he will NOT get much stronger or bigger without losing flexibility and agility.
burmafrd1944 - January 7, 2012
He will gain some, not double of course. But we do now have the top S&C coach in the pros.
No matter how good Wisconsin is, it isn’t the NFL. He will also have some time to catch up to playing up to the NFL level with the tricks learned there.
Rena - January 7, 2012
Your comparing a collegiate program to that of an NFL franchise. They
are not comparable. Plus you also have to remember that most pro athletes become physically mature around the age of 27 so there is always room to get stronger.
StrosSouth - January 7, 2012
Nagy did start in 8 of the 13 games his senior year, and played in all of them.
So to call him not a starter isn’t quite true. It is true he wasn’t a “starter” of any named spot, but instead was starting all over the line, wherever need was greatest.
Rena - January 6, 2012
And the only reason he wasnt a "starter" at one position is because of a freak
moped accident the season before. I personally am still trying to picture a 300lber on a moped myself.
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
not to mention that the guy that replaced him at Center,
which is the position that Nagy played before the Accident, was none Other than Peter Konz, is the top rated Center, for the 2013 Draft Class, and is ranked #4 by Wes Bunting this year, ahead of Matt Kahil, Devon Still, and Robert Griffin III, all who are expected to be Top ten picks…..
Just saying is all
I am Ironman!!! - January 8, 2012
RKG v. WKG
Very well written OCC.
This is definitely something that needed to be clarified as the terms will be talked about over the next few months.
The hard work and dedication aspects are what make Dez Bryant an RKG. He is a passionate football player, who wants the ball in his hands and wants to win. When we see him on the sideline, he isn’t screaming at players, he is attempting to pump the team up.
A stereotypical WKG to me is Albert Haynseworth. He does not have consistent effort and lacks enthusiasm and passion.
To discuss some of the players in the draft. I do not know enough about Janoris Jenkins to be decisive. I know that he had marijuana problems and that is why he is no longer at Florida. I do not know about his effort; however, those problems can have an impact in the NFL (Trent Williams and Fred Davis’ suspensions).
Vontaze Burflict and Donte Paige Moss are the biggest WKGs in my mind. Both have been openly questioned in terms of effort and character by their coaches and teammates.
dabomb1227 - January 6, 2012
WKG= TO or Pacman Jones as it relates to the Boys.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Marty B is the WKG of WKGs for current players.
Much more interested in his image than his on-field performance.
3hacks - January 6, 2012 via iPhone app
When the Cowboys are looking at drafting a player they have a profile of what they want in a player.
This goes beyond just position skill. For the Cowboys they identified 7 critical factors. These are confirmed speed, play speed, QAB (Quickness, Agility, Balance), Competitor, Character, Mental Alertness and strength/explosion. I will be touching on this in depth leading up to the draft where I want to talk some about my expierence in scouting this year.
Birddog26 - January 6, 2012
Looking forward to that Birddog,
enjoyed reading your’e training camp reports.
scotscowboyfan - January 6, 2012
That's awesome. I can't wait for the discussion.
Fernie67 - January 6, 2012
No way!
Can not wait!!
thebigham - January 6, 2012
Isn't QAB three factors? :)
jazzbo251 - January 6, 2012
It is actualy a lot more than 3 factors. I will try and explain it.
QAB (Quickness, Agility, Balance): The athleticism of the player; the “heart of the heart”
a. Stride
L = Long Stride: Randy Moss-like
M = Medium Stride
S = Short Stride: short-striders don’t cover ground; 4.6, 4.7 timers often have
short strides
b. Quickness: ignition, explosiveness, any sudden movement, ability to catapult or
leapfrog
c. Agility: nimbleness, ease of movement, ability to move
Agility grade is a check on Quickness grade
d. Body Balance: basic equilibrium, ability not to fall on face
e. Quick Feet: “Happy feet” – ability to move feet so quickly, nimble, adroitly to get
the job done
Athleticism starts at the feet and goes all the way up:
Pigeon-toed feet (toes point inward): Feet come down straight. OK as
long as the player is not knock-kneed
A pigeon-toed, knock-kneed player cannot change direction no matter
how quick the feet are
Bow-legged knees: usually (but not always) short-striders
Splay feet (toes point outward): Can’t change direction. Can’t
backpedal
OL can play with splay feet and bow-legs for their broad base
You have to know what is QAB and what is being coached:
Example: OL widen base as part of their technique
Example: DB coach tells player to widen back foot to stop backpedal,
plant, and move forward
f. COD (Change of Direction): see discussion of feet above
g. Acceleration: a seen quickening of speed; burst
h. Flexibility: elastic, pliable as opposed to stiff, starchy, rigid
Flexibility as in functional flexibility; football flexibility
i. Ease of Movement
j. Overall Body Coordination
Agility and Quick Feet are almost identical
= Body Balance and Ease of Movement go together
Check Acceleration with Confirmed Speed
These reported attributes almost have a binary quality to them; either he haslhasn’t
this attribute
You’ll put down a number that you think fits; that you are going to describe him with
You are summarizing what you saw. There is no averaging, here
GK never uses the word “good” because that word is too subjective
The further out from the middle guys play, the better athletes they must be
From the C and MB outward through the RB, to the TE, DE, 0 6 and all the way out to
the WR, CB: QAB athleticism increases
Birddog26 - January 6, 2012
Sounds as though you'd need a degree in Biomechanics to measure all of that.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Dude pro sports fields get all sorts of those types
And they get them for cheap. There’s basebeall teams that have guys that have degrees in Math and Economics from like MIT to work for basically nothing.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
MIT holds the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics conference every year.
This year it is March 2nd and 3rd. Great place to meet many rising stars. Sadly onbly about 8 NFL teams employ full time people for analytics.
Birddog26 - January 6, 2012
Would probably help
Being a scout is not as easy as some think. I also work in a system that does not believe in the old addage “I don’t know what it is, but I know it when I see it”. The system I work in wants to quantify attributes and results. Better know your math and be very organized.
Birddog26 - January 6, 2012
Nice Birddog, rec. And I am looking forward to the post with the others.
Rena - January 6, 2012
Oh,man.
I am dying with anticipation for this.
Tom Ryle - January 6, 2012
this miss-perception had been a concern of mine as well
Thanks for clearing it up so concisely.
TheCowboyWay - January 6, 2012
Never like branding someone as WKG until he's made so many mistakes or is so disruptive to a team that he clearly must go or not even be considerd in the first place..
TO clearly was the RKG, and he had a track record to prove it. J Jenkin’s has been clean as far as I know at N Ala. The nice thing is he may slide as Dez did and we might have a bargain in round 2. Burfict is an ILB so I’m not sure why we’d consider him, but again he doesn’t appear to be the WKG as far as I know. College players are still kids and spoiled at that. Unless they’re clearly repeat offenders, I’d give them the benefit of the doubt, if they met the other criteria of RKG as outlined by JG.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
If Jason is trying to be Jimmy Part Deux......
RKG=Michael Irvin in Jason’s mind
They can be an idiot off the field as long as they are competing and passionate during practice and on the field and if they aren’t disrupting the team.
Jace M - January 6, 2012
We'll see if we stick to this
if Burfict or Jenkins falls to us in the second round. Guys like that fall every year.
When the right value appears, a WKG can look like a nice little redemption story.
clark - January 6, 2012
Call them RKGs or
WKGs my bet is that neither of those guys gets to the second round.
jevans1729 - January 6, 2012
they're both mocked in the top 25 right now
but character guys fall every year, and other guys jump after the combine and pro days are held. Jenkins, especially, seems headed in the wrong direction. With the depth at CB in this draft, I could see Jenkins falling well into round 2.
clark - January 6, 2012
Burfict would be the third ILB taken by us in the second round in the last three years.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
We'll see how confident the team is in Carter.
I’d much rather take a guy like Tank Carder in the fifth than another ILB in the 2nd, but if Burfict falls, the value might be too great to pass up.
clark - January 6, 2012
Someone who doesn’t cover a receiver a mile away?
Kevin L - January 6, 2012
+41
scotscowboyfan - January 6, 2012
I'm not sure if there's a designated draft thread...
but Norm made a comment on the Ticket yesterday that, should a true left tackle like Martin or Reiff fall to us, it might make more sense to draft him, let Smith stay at RT, and slide Free over to LG. Obviously we’re a long way from that scenario materializing, but it would be interesting to consider.
However, more than likely the tackles will start sliding up the draft boards and DeCastro will be pushed down, and if that happens, he’s probably the logical pick.
clark - January 6, 2012
Yeah, I think because they are valued more highly, both LTs will be drafted before DeCastro even though I think he's the safest pick of the three.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
I do like they way you think though. Either Martin or Reiff would be great additions, although I don't think either is as good as Tron, but Free could play guard.
That would ultimately be one expensive OL.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Actually Free at G would let us have him available as a swing/backup tackle also.
Rena - January 6, 2012
I hope we are aggressive in FA this year,
DL and DB help are a priority.we have too many holes to fill in the draft alone.
scotscowboyfan - January 6, 2012
FA is the key for the Boys relative to what we do in this year's draft.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Really is crucial this year.
scotscowboyfan - January 6, 2012
Cowboys also need Right Kind of Coach!
Go get Chad Morris from Clemson, for example. Hey r you aware of the connection between him, Kevin Kolb and Art Briles? Stephenville Yellow Jackets. Briles left there to go to TexTech when Kolb was a freshman. Of course Kolb wound up at UH with Briles. Morris coached at SV a couple yrs after Kolb graduated, but implemented the high speed offense there. Anyway, Cowpokes need better coaching if you ask me and I’d start with getting an OC.
coca cola cowboy - January 6, 2012
tired head
They’re not getting a GM and they’re not getting an OC.
But I do think Morris will make a great collegiate head coach one day.
clark - January 6, 2012
I can dream can't I? lol
coca cola cowboy - January 6, 2012
RKG can turn into WKG
Hayneworth gets a big contract and has no desire to play hard anymore.
Romo = RKG will play hurt and has restrucured his contrat so we have cap money to sign FAs.
Then there is Madden when he was at Oakland took a lot of WKGs and turned them into RKGs for that team.
On this team now a WKG all the cornerbacks.RKG is Ratliff.
I think the more players Garrett can get and replace the Phillips cupcakes will change the dynamics of this team.
My prime example of WKG was Quincy Carter.If marty B doesn’t greatly improve I think he is one too.
TCB Orange Dino - January 6, 2012
Since you talk about it more indepth here, here is where I'll post my response to your comment
Here’s my problem,
To be honest Finnegan is a better guy away from the game than he is on it. He would be the guy I’d expect at sunday school as his 2010,2011 Community man of the year award shows. The issue I have with him is when you start talking about chemistry. And about a love for football above all else. He walked out in the middle of practice at the beginning of this year because of a problem with his contract(once the media firestorm got going he later lied about this and said that the team knew where he was even though the team was calling his home trying to find him… lol… and stated that they DIDN’T KNOW where he was). I’ll leave out the whole ‘dirtiest player in the NFL’ thing and the fights with players on the field. But it bothered me that he was still complaining about his contract while his team was trying to make a playoff run late in the season. He can teach at my sunday school, just not sure I want him on my team.
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 6, 2012
I don't recall him trashing teammates or past coaches or anything...
I haven’t heard his teammates say anything about him, he’s definitely no Santonio Homes or anything like that. He just gets in fights on the field…I’d be more worried about him getting thrown out of games if anything.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
who was the CB last year who was similar to Janoris?
i dont remember his name i know alot of people wanted him. how did he do this year?
yehti - January 6, 2012 via mobile
similar athletically but had off field peoblems*
think he went late 1st early 2 nd
yehti - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Jimmy Smith?
He went to the ravens and has been good playing in about half their games.
livemontana - January 6, 2012
Amukamara?
Silverblue - January 6, 2012
I think Smith is the one he meant.
I think Prince slid because of concerns about his skill and readiness to play at the next level. He really was marginal for the Gmen this year.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
I hope the RKG includes more emphasis on intelligence than it seems to have been in years past.
I’m tired of watching Romo call the play and then have to explain to Bennett or Bryant what their route is. I’m really tired of blown coverages and of hearing about how our Defensive coordinator has, yet again, had to “simplify his schemes” for these the players.
I see other teams managing to get lined up and run complex zone blitzes and combination coverages week after week and yet our players can’t do it coach after coach.
Garrett’s Offensive Line overhaul seemed to place some emphasis on intelligence (Smith 26 Wonderlic, Nagy 33 Wonderlic) that was much needed after the many years of Gurode and Davis. I’d like to see average level of intelligence raised on the Defense too so hopefully next year our D coordinator won’t again be dumbing down his schemes half way through the year.
Luke. - January 6, 2012
How come Marty B seems to have a great Rapport with McGee and none with Romo. Does he primarily work with McGee in practice and rarely with Tony?
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Could be that they are both Aggies
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
And therefore genetically inferior human beings.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
LOL... I wasnt gonna go there
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
Some Aggies have connections around here.
And might be offended.
But McGee and Bennett played together for, I think, three seasons in college, so they probably do have a better connection, especially if Bennett is the tight end when McGee gets his snaps.
Tom Ryle - January 6, 2012
Were just ribbing them...
They deserve it for leaving for the SEC!!!!
But at the end of the day were all Cowboys fans. Whether you’re a Sooner, Longhorn, Aggie, Red Raider, Tiger, Gump, Cornhusker, Badger, Nittany Lion, Cyclone, Tarheel, Cowboy, Hurricane, or any other college football fan. As far as I’m concerned you’re a Cowboys fan.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Offend someone on BTB, never.
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
Did I ever tell you that I can't watch Game of Thrones without thinking of you?
I didn’t really know what a Dire Wolf was prior to watching that show and now whenever I watch it I always think of your posts.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
What's Thrones?
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
Game of Thrones?
It’s this totally badass show on HBO about old knight days and stuff. It’s really really awesome. Check it out.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I want a Dire Wolf
Shaggy Dog or Summer
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Yeah, but when you are an Aggie, and your daughter is one too . . .
And I have to defend my heritage, you know. But no real offense taken.
Yet.
Tom Ryle - January 6, 2012
you know what a longhorn calls an aggie?
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
Boss.
Tom Ryle - January 6, 2012
lol, yep
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
That's not what I've heard.
But you can try again.
TexasGarcia37 - January 6, 2012
That joke typically works at the engineering/business school thing, right?
I always thought A&M was the engineering school and Texas was the more diverse school with the med school, B school, and law school whereas the A&M was more the science-y school? Kinda like Auburn/Bama.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
what do you think about them going to the SEC?
I think they get their head handed to ’em on a platter.
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
I think they are going to regret it when they have to start playing the games.
They are going to get chewed up.
Rena - January 6, 2012
Please tell me you thicker skin than that Tom lol
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
Totally agree
oldboysfan - January 6, 2012
To be fair RR and the D didn't have a full off season, but your point is well taken.
My biggest beef is with Tree. He’s either clueless or just doesn’t give a damn. He must go.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Also to be fair to RR and the D
He had an average defense this season by any objective measure. I know it’s not as good as we’d like it to be but given the context of the offenses that were seeing his defense was pretty average. Much better than it was in 2010 while only adding Elam and getting miles worse play from Newman.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I think you nailed it on RKG
It’s not about being a choir boy, but being a hard worker who has passion for the game. That’s why Irvin could drink, party all night, but be the first one at practice hitting the weights and pushing his teammates to be better players. I think JG just doesn’t want lazy or selfish players.
ScottB1985 - January 6, 2012
Man Irvin was really something wasn't he?
He’s a guy that would drink and do coke and hookers all night way past closing time up until it was time to go to practice at 8, show up and outwork everyone on the field and do the same thing all over again. And then he’d bring it hard to any corner back on Sunday just to do the same thing again next week. Dude was something special. They just don’t make them like him anymore.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Another thing I hate about missing the playoffs,
the draft is beat absolutely to death.
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
Yeah, but it allows us to become really knowledgeable about the talent out there .
AND there is nothing else to look forward to.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Inclined to agree with ScottB1985....
Irvin was a BEAST on the practice field and that in turn made him a WR HOF BEAST. The RKG has all the intangibles: drive, desire, intelligence, wants to win, absolutely HATES to lose does everything in their power to help the TEAM win. Doesn’t care about personal stats. The only two things that matter are wins and winning a super bowl. Call it cliche but I don’t know any other way to put it.
Cowboy88 - January 6, 2012
Jerry said he's the hardest worker he's ever seen.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I think Zakk Wylde nailed this one:
“The prerequisite for being a Black Label guy is that you can’t be a douche bag and you got to know how to play your instrument. "
http://lamusicblog.com/2010/08/uncategorized/interview-with-zakk-wylde-of-black-label-society/
Just replace “instrument” with “position” and “Black Label guy” with “Dallas Cowboy”
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I think too much is made of this whole RKG thing
I’d put Jack the Ripper at OLB opposite Ware if I thought he could pull double digit sacks.
5Blings - January 6, 2012
Well if he was spending too much time around cheerleaders or players' wives I could see it being an issue.
Though more seriously, you didn’t have a problem with TO or wouldn’t have a problem with Corland Finnegan?
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I hated the signing of T.O.
Jack the Ripper would sell out for a sack. You’d just need to search him for sharp objects before every play is all.
5Blings - January 6, 2012
I do not mind big uglies or nasties on the Oline or Dline
Is Jack in the draft. Send him my contact info.
Birddog26 - January 6, 2012
hahahaha I agree
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
yep me too
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
Sweet, Blings
oldboysfan - January 6, 2012
OCC, thank you for writing this
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Chia, check your e-mail when you get a chance.
Tom Ryle - January 6, 2012
just did, sorry been out
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
great post
ratware - January 6, 2012
sometimes it is black and white
TO for example
Haynesworth
Hurd I thought was a RKG; clearly totally WRONG.
RKG’s do not get in trouble at 2AM – in this day and age it will come back and bite.
So you need that.
You need guys that absolutely HATE to lose. JUST DESPISE losing.
Guys that will work their butts off and give 110% every game.
BUT guys that have self control; no crazy types. Not in todays NFL.
burmafrd1944 - January 6, 2012
I would love to have a second round pick that
actually helps the team in his first year.
Right now we are three for three in picking a second round guy that has done absolutely nothing in their first year.
Two were hurt and one was a wasted pick.
Sharksbreath - January 6, 2012
Lee did a lot last year (2010). I don't think we had a 2nd rounder in '09.
ScottB1985 - January 6, 2012
I'm like this...
I believe in redemption and trying to make it right. But I think you need a strong locker room when adding these kinds of guys. I don’t know if our locker room could at this point take these kind of guys. We are still trying to establish a new culture ourselves. These guys that we are picking are picking we need to come in and instantly make an impact. I need to know that they aren’t going to do something stupid to jeopardize what we have going on. That is why I worry about Burfict, and his personal foul problem. Or Jenkins failing a drug test and missing games. We were essentially one game out of the playoffs.
Holchr31 - January 6, 2012
Ndomakong Su
rkg or wkg on our boys line? Just wondering. I’m from Mich.
how bout them Spartans? Speaking of Spartans, they have a pretty good Qb. & T.E. gonna be in the draft this year.
letsgtld - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Yep, I really like Cousins and wouldn't mind taking a chance on him in the fourth if he's there.
Suh is an immense talent, but if he continues getting PF’s and suspended that’s the WKG.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Thats the dilema of immense talent vs rkg
suh looked like he was gonna be a mature player but his tru character was being overlook til his 2nd yr. I think he is getting frustrated from all the double teams. selfishness is a cancer in a team sport even if u r an awesome talent.
I still think Magee will make a good backup for Tony, but will he be able to take over when Romo shelves his cleats? Thats still to b determined. But definately rkg.
letsgtld - January 6, 2012 via mobile
I think a lot of RKGs can make a WKG a RKG
Case-in-point Randy Moss. Definitely a wrong kind of guy until he landed in New England. That’s a team with a culture that is maintained by having a locker room full of RKGs. So that culture can sustain a few guys and keep them in check.
I think Suh would stay in check if he was in New England. Instead, he’s in a culture led by a coach who tries to get into fights with Harbaugh. So when your leader is a hot head who tries to punch coaches, that only encourages Suh to act out how he does.
In an ideal Jason Garrett culture Suh would be more restrained. See: Dez Bryant. I believe Dez would be a diva in another culture.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
Stephen McGee = RKG
When you move a couple of blocks away so you can get to practice early and leave late…
scraig - January 6, 2012
Cowboys need a DB in Draft
The Cowboys might be able to draft T. Johnson from Montana early in 2nd round or late 2nd Round that would be a player to handle Big Receivers.
Dcbennett - January 6, 2012
When trying to understand the concept...
I go back to the first 25 words Garrett speaks on the subject, and break it down into it’s simplest form.
And from that we must digest the operative words:
Physical Requirements
Measurables
Talent
Aptitude
Then he expounds further with another summary of WKG.
And within that more operative words:
Don’t love to play
Don’t love to work
Don’t love to be around their teammates
Aren’t trying to be their best
It’s clear what Garrett wants, and what he does not want. The acronym RKG gets bandied about far too often around here when speaking of character concerns. And while we know the Cowboys are careful with players that have true character concerns, too many people have confused the two issues.
Definition of RKG: Someone who has the physical gifts, the measurables, the talent, and the aptitude, loves to work hard and loves play the game, wants to be here, and is proud to be a Cowboy.
White Wolf - January 7, 2012
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