Just a quick public service announcement folks. Every time 'Player X' gets released, he will be rumored to be a good fit for Dallas. Every time 'Coaching Position Y' becomes available, a Dallas Cowboys assistant will be rumored to be in the running for it. There doesn't have to be any truth to the rumor, no substance, no smoking gun.
The only requirement is a website, television station and requisite opening and eventually the Cowboys will become involved.
This is the world we live in folks, nothing we can do about it but enjoy (have disdain for) the ride. I don't know if owner/general manager Jerry Jones is ultimately behind some of the occasional linkage. He could in fact be, as the snake oil salesman doesn't believe negative is a linguistic possibility as an adjective for attention. Jones loves the spotlight, we know this.
Of course, this article is fueled by two things. Early in the week, defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was linked to the Jacksonville Jaguars opening after head coach Jack Del Rio was mercifully relieved of his duties. Can you see Rob working his way up the coaching ladder... for Jacksonville? Now, maybe if they admit they are moving to LA in the couple years taht might do it. I'm more concerned about losing Rob to a team like Philly or the New York Giants. Seeing the recent trends, both jobs should be available by mid-January.
Then there were the questions yesterday about Dallas' interest in recently waived quarterback Donovan McNabb. As I stated on the BTB twitter acount (Follow @BloggingTheBoys, shameless plug), I cannot support this move because I've actually paid attention to how McNabb has perormed over the last three years. In actuality, he may turn out to have something left in the tank., I know what I saw of him in Washington in 2010 and the first few games of 2011 in Minny, though... that love boat has long sailed away.
What makes it worse, is that Dallas actually is in need of a backup quarterback with Jon Kitna's back injury appearing to be of the major variety. However, I would much rather roll with third-year pro Stephen McGee (whom I'm also not all that enamored with) than to reach out to Mr. Chunky Soup. Who needs the hoopla and hysteria for a backup quarterback? Not I, especially after how I've trashed him all over the interwebs.
So all in all, if you're new to this, just take every rumor with a grain of salt, and keep chewing over the fact that Dallas sits alone in first place of the NFC East. They play the Arizona Cardinals in the late afternoon slot on Sunday and look to extend their winning streak to five games. Don't get distracted by the fact that just uttering the words 'Dallas Cowboys' generates clicks, viewers and all sorts of warm and fuzzies for company execs. Stay focused.