On Monday, the opening of organized team activities, veterans had the opportunity to see the most immediately impressive of their new teammates in the flesh; like Phillips, they were left somewhat mesmerized by the tools possessed by Bryant.

“I heard a lot of hype about him coming in, and I definitely agree with him being the first pick,” said cornerback Mike Jenkins, per ESPNDallas.com. “The guy is going to be a great receiver in this league. … I think he has all the ability to be the best receiver we have.”

Roy Williams, whose role as a starter was threatened–according to many outsiders–by Bryant’s selection, raved about the young receiver as well, adding that he’d like to aid in his development.

“I’m trying to make him better, not only for him but for the Dallas Cowboys in the future,” Williams said. “He’s the future guy for this football team. Everybody knows that. I want him to be the man, come real soon.”

Of course, Bryant still has some developing to do. Williams, who has made clear that he won’t hand over his starting role without a fight, knows this, as does Bryant’s quarterback Tony Romo. Now this is an obvious conclusion to draw from the situation, particularly in mid-May, but, admittedly, it’s easy to forget.

Bryant, in his brief time with the team, has just been that impressive. Fortunately for us, who find ourselves swooning in the possibilities of the future, Romo is a realist.

“There’s a long way to go, it’s a process and it’s about improving,” Romo said, echoing every interview he’s ever given. “[With] young guys, it sometimes takes a little bit to get adjusted to press, different things, in the NFL, route adjustments. I’ll be interested to see all that as it gets forward. We’re just starting the process now.”

Wade and Keith Brooking whine about the Vikings

Jerry Jones joined Showtime’s Inside the NFL for a sit down last night.

Cris Collinsworth: “You haven’t said Wade (Phillips) is coming back. As the decision maker of the Dallas Cowboys, is that a bit intentional to keep the pressure on this football team as they go into the playoffs?

Jerry: There is no need to because this team is motivated without me having to say, ‘Well I say our coach is going to be back.’ What is the case, and they understand that, is that we are going to be a better football team if we don’t make a coaching change. If I look back over the last 10 years and I need to re-do the last 10 years in varying areas, I look at the revolving door we’ve had with coaches here and that takes its toll. That takes its toll on the top personnel you have, on the schemes you run, so continuity would be important to me. There is no doubt the Dallas Cowboys would be better off in years to come if we can keep Wade Phillips as head coach. ]]> http://firewadephillips.com/?feed=rss2&p=166 http://firewadephillips.com/?p=164 http://firewadephillips.com/?p=164#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:05:59 +0000 admin http://firewadephillips.com/?p=164 No one is rooting for Wade Phillips to succeed more than Jerry Jones.

He’d like nothing better than for Phillips to beat Philadelphia this week and capture his second NFC East title in three years, which means the Cowboys would host at least one playoff game.

If Phillips succeeds, then it justifies Jerry’s decision to hire Phillips instead of Norv Turner, and it justifies his decision to go with a players’ coach after Bill Parcells left.

Besides, Jerry loves working with Phillips because the coach allows him to be himself. He can be part of the process instead of feeling like an intruder when he wants to address the team after a game.

Jerry doesn’t want to fire Phillips.

Frankly, he’s looking for reasons to keep Phillips around. His 32-15 is a good start, but Jerry wants some playoff success. You can’t blame him, considering the Cowboys haven’t won a playoff game since 1996.

That’s why Jerry hasn’t been shy about saying what needs to happen for Phillips to keep his job.

It’s also why he hasn’t yet signed the club option that will guarantee Phillips another year.

Win Sunday and Phillips might just get a belated Christmas gift from the owner.

Lets get Wade Phillips fired before the Cowboys become a joke.