Jimmy Johnson is back in the inner circle. Sure, he’s now finally in the Cowboys Ring of Honor. His exclusion up until now has been laughably absurd. But no, that’s not the inner circle being referred to here. Back in Jerry Jones’ good graces, Johnson is now in Jones’ inner circle and is even said be on an advisory board of sorts.
Likely less official than the name indicates, an advisory role is a good step in the right direction for the franchise. The Cowboys haven’t found meaningful postseason success in almost 30 years. Consulting the last person who built a Super Bowl winning roster in Dallas is the least Jones can do.
How much weight that direction carries is another story. Are these just causal conversations or is Jones really seeking direction from his advisory board?
Some of the advice Johnson is giving Jones probably goes without saying. Mental toughness and discipline have been issues for years on the Cowboys. There’s no way Johnson would have tolerated some of the mistakes that have become common place as of late. Besides, when’s the last time a boomer passed up the opportunity to critique the discipline of “the kids these days?”
Linebacker size is another area that almost goes without saying. The Cowboys were severely undersized in the box last season, and they paid for it. It’s led discussions all winter and is something sure to be addressed at various points of the offseason with or without Johnson’s advice.
Thinking back to his era of success, Johnson could be preaching a return to the running game. While the modern game leans heavily in favor of the passing game, the running game isn’t without its value. It’s the basis for which the Cowboys were built under Johnson and could be a direction he’s trying to point Jones going forward.
Yet there’s one trait that truly stands out on the Cowboys of old. Something Johnson worked hard to create and something that was executed with brilliance. A trait that propelled the Cowboys to three Super Bowls (two with Johnson at the helm) and something they’ve never been able to reproduce.
Dominant offensive and defensive lines.
While statements like “establish the run” may be dated and unsupported, statements like “control the trenches” are always applicable. The sun doesn’t set on this principle.