Randy White singles out Jason Garrett behind Cowboys’ rise
Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Dallas Cowboys great Randy White knows something about success.
As for the current Cowboys, White believes the team’s turnaround began at the top, with coach Jason Garrett.
Here’s White’s take on the Cowboys, who play Detroit on Sunday in an NFC wild-card game at AT&T Stadium:
What do you think was the key or turning point to the season? I just think it’s the leadership, Jason Garrett and his approach to the game. He has never deviated from his values and what he has been preaching to these guys. I think they have bought into it, and they have the talent. I think that offensive line has really been the catalyst of the football team. Thankfully, now, Rob Marinelli has done a wonderful job with that defense all year long as far as motivating and effort. That’s what impressed me the most on the defense was their effort. But now they’re seeming to gain more knowledge and more confidence. The last few weeks they’ve started putting pressure on the quarterback. If you’re going to win in the playoffs, your defense has got to play well. We can’t let [Detroit quarterback Matthew] Stafford have all day back there to throw the football, because he can pick you apart. Hopefully they can continue to do it. Marinelli has done a fabulous job with that defense.
How does strategy change in the NFL playoffs? Well, I don’t think it changes. You do what you do to get where you are. Obviously, game plans differ from team to team, but the differing philosophies on offense and defense, I don’t think it changes. Offensively, they try to run that football, try to open the passing game up. Running that football has been their catalyst all year long, and defensively it’s been hustle, hustle, hustle, and turnovers. I don’t think we’re going to see anything change in this game, and if they’re able to do that, you know, if DeMarco Murray has 150 yards and we have two or three turnovers, I think we’re moving on to that next game in Green Bay.
Who’s your pick for the most valuable Cowboy this season? Wow, tough choices. Dez Bryant’s had a excellent year, Tony Romo’s had an excellent year, Zack Martin, that offensive line’s had an excellent year. You know, Rolando McClain, I think when he’s been in there this year and healthy, he makes a big difference. It’s a different team when Rolando McClain’s been out there playing. But you know, it’s a team effort and that defensive line is starting to come on now. If we can take the Colts’ offensive line and put it in our pocket and take it with us every week, we’d like to do that. But I think [Jeremy] Mincey and these guys are really starting to crank it up. [Tyrone] Crawford’s done an excellent job on that defense. But the guy that stands out to me is Rolando McClain.
Do you think they have enough to go all the way? With what I’ve seen, yes, if they could stay healthy. That offensive line is as good as there is. As long as they can run the football, and if that defense can step up and pressure the opposing teams. The defense has got to play good. But I think they have a good chance to go all the way this year, I really do think they have a legitimate chance. I think they’re for real. I think they’ve turned a corner. I think moving forward, regardless of what happens in this playoff game, I think that this team has got a bright future and going to do nothing but get better.
Who do you think deserves the most credit for this breakthrough season? Well, Jerry [Jones] takes all the heat when things don’t go well, but I think it’s been a team effort. You’ve got to give Jerry credit. He’s brought, you know, pulling his teeth, but he took Zack Martin instead of [Johnny] Manziel. But you know, Jerry catches some heat some time, but you’ve got to give him credit. I really think Jason Garrett, and I think the offensive coordinator, and Rob Marinelli, have done a fabulous job. When you watch them, what’s different? We’ve got the offensive line, [Tony] Romo’s got time to throw the football, DeMarco Murray is getting holes to run into, but it’s the offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and the leadership of Jason Garrett and the front office, and the scouting department, that’s another thing. They’ve brought in some no-name guys that have ended up being big contributors to this team.
This story was originally published January 2, 2015 at 6:24 PM with the headline "Randy White singles out Jason Garrett behind Cowboys’ rise."