QB - Troy Aikman

RB - Tony Dorsett

FB - Darryl Johnston

TE - Jason Witten

WR - Terrell Owens

WR - Bob Hayes

LT - Mark Tuinei

LG - Larry Allen

C - Mark Stepnoski

RG - Nate Newton

RT - Erik Williams

Feel free to dismantle my offense now. 

Weapon_X:

QB - Troy Aikman  Rodger

RB - Tony Dorsett Emitt

FB - Darryl Johnston

TE - Jason Witten

WR - Terrell Owens Irving

WR - Bob Hayes

LT - Mark Tuinei

LG - Larry Allen

C - Mark Stepnoski

RG - Nate Newton

RT - Erik Williams

Feel free to dismantle my offense now. 

There you go.

usafvet:

The Emperor:

dyhrdfan:

TarheelCowboy:

Drewstar:

How about Ware, Norton, Hollywood, Lilly, White, Lett, Jones, Woodson, Primetime, Renfro, Watters.

Haley got to be there, Not sure if I have Norton just because he left for SF. I hated him for that at the time.

If I had a vote I would say no hired guns could be on the team.

There goes T.O.

and Primetime.

And Novachek, Preston Pearson, Lance Alworth, Charles Haley, etc.

What's the criterion for being a "hired gun" as opposed to a true Cowboy?

The Emperor:

usafvet:

The Emperor:

dyhrdfan:

TarheelCowboy:

Drewstar:

How about Ware, Norton, Hollywood, Lilly, White, Lett, Jones, Woodson, Primetime, Renfro, Watters.

Haley got to be there, Not sure if I have Norton just because he left for SF. I hated him for that at the time.

If I had a vote I would say no hired guns could be on the team.

There goes T.O.

and Primetime.

And Novachek, Preston Pearson, Lance Alworth, Charles Haley, etc.

What's the criterion for being a "hired gun" as opposed to a true Cowboy?

I have distinct memories of Charles Haley and Deion Sanders wearing fortywiners uniforms.  I don't have distinct memories of Tony Dorsett wearing a broncos uniform, or of Emmitt wearing a cards jersey.  It is a feeling that is left behind by the players legacy.  Michael Irvin was nothing but a Cowboy,  Terrell Owens is a hired gun.  I don't know the specific rules but I understand them.

Weapon_X:

QB - Troy Aikman

RB - Tony Dorsett

FB - Darryl Johnston

TE - Jason Witten

WR - Terrell Owens

WR - Bob Hayes

LT - Mark Tuinei

LG - Larry Allen

C - Mark Stepnoski

RG - Nate Newton

RT - Erik Williams

Feel free to dismantle my offense now. 

I would take Irvin and Drew Pearson as my WR's.  I think they are the two best we've ever had.  Including the hired guns.

Aikman, Staubach;  Emmit, Tony, pick your poison.

QB - Troy Aikman / Roger Stabaugh

RB - Tony Dorsett / Emmitt Smith

FB - Darryl Johnston

TE - Jay Novacek / Jason Witten

WR - Michael Irvin

WR - Terrell Owens

WR - Bob Hayes or Drew Pearson

LT - Mark Tuinei / Flozell Adams

LG - Larry Allen

C - Mark Stepnoski

RG - Nate Newton

RT - Erik Williams

QB – Roger Staubach

RB – Emmitt Smith

FB – Don Perkins

WR – Michael Irvin

WR – Bob Hayes

WR – Drew Pearson (slot)

TE – Jay Novacek

LT – Ralph Neely

LG – Larry Allen

C – Dave Manders

RG – John Niland

RT – Rayfield Wright

inromoitrust:

Weapon_X:

QB - Troy Aikman  Rodger

RB - Tony Dorsett Emitt

FB - Darryl Johnston

TE - Jason Witten

WR - Terrell Owens Irving

WR - Bob Hayes

LT - Mark Tuinei

LG - Larry Allen

C - Mark Stepnoski

RG - Nate Newton

RT - Erik Williams

Feel free to dismantle my offense now. 

There you go.

You can - and we probably will - debate for a long time about the merits of Roger v. Aikman or Emmitt v. Dorsett and I don't think either side could be "wrong."

I have come to accept and appreciate T.O. as a Cowboy. I don't consider him a "hired gun," if only because of the age in which we live. After the NFL instituted free agency and the salary cap to help ensure that the Cowboys didn't win every Super Bowl of the '90s and beyond, the days of a player, especially an outstanding player, staying with one team his entire career just about vanished. More and more, those of us who grew up fans of our team and players have become fans of the uniform only. The players come and go at a much accelerated pace. I may accept someone as a "hired gun" if he were brought in for one year to secure a title and then is allowed to leave or something to that effect.

All that being said, I have a concern with T.O. being placed on any all-time Cowboys team. I may be looking at the past with rose-colored glasses, but I don't remember Irvin or Pearson dropping as many passes as T.O. does. Owens makes a lot of plays. He also has killed many drives dropping balls that someone of his stature and paycheck (not to mention the cajones to proclaim before a game or season that you should "get your popcorn ready") should catch. Bottom line, when the ball was in the air, you knew Irvin and Pearson were going to catch it. I don't know that for sure everytime the ball is thrown T.O.'s way. Granted, some of the drops can be explained by playing through broken bones in his hand. Even when healthy, I would suspect that Owens' catch/drop ratio doesn't compare well with Irvin's ("What's my name?!?!" "The Playmaker!" "What do I do?!?!" "MAKE PLAYS!!!!") or Pearson's.

May simply be my perception, but I would take either of them over T.O., while fully acknowledging that the current team is much, much better with Owens than without.

In addition, Doug Cosbie is the person who made me appreciate the TE position. I loved Novacek and felt we would never reclaim our greatness until we found a suitable replacement for him. Witten has been more than suitable. I agree, a couple more years would solidify his status as the greatest Cowboy TE, but I see nothing that stands in the way of this. By the time its over, if we continue to utilize him as much as we have so far (minus a Parcells year or two,) I believe he can be remembered as one of the NFL's all-time greats, as well. That catch and run without his helmet tells you everything you need to know about Witten.

landrystadium:

That catch and run without his helmet tells you everything you need to know about Witten.

 

Everybody likes to point to Gonzalez, Gates and Winslow and compare them with Witten. When i try to imagine any of those 3 in that situation, all i can see is a crumpled heap on the turf after those 2 hits. Witten is just one tough SOB.

dyhrdfan:

I have a time machine, and I am going to go back in time and assemble the greatest Dallas Cowboys offense, ever, in the history of mankind.

My QB is none other than Roger.

My backfield has Robert Newhouse and Tony D.

I have to take "The Greatest Line Ever; Mark T., Nate, Mark S., Larry, and Erik Williams. (sorry Rayfield)

Split out wide I've got Michael Irvin, and Bob Hayes.

For my TE I've gotta go with Witten. 

Please reply to the Witten pick first and then you can beat me up on whatever else.

Based solely on his (Witten) toughness and the way he handles himself on and off the field, yeah, absolutely.  Much like you I grew up watching these guys and the ever growing conflict of who would be the starters on an all-time Cowboys team brings much turmoil.  Aikman and Staubach each brought something to this team that I would loved to see combined into one.  Aikman was a hard-ass on the field and commanded the respect of his team mates.  Staubach had nothing but contempt for his opponent and toughness beyond belief, not that Aikman was durable, but Roger just had something about him in that aspect. 

At fullback, I loved the way that Newhouse handled himself, but I still have to go with the "Moose".  Always willing to lay himself out for his team mates blocking and a great pair of hands rolling into the flats.

Much like at QB, how can you choose between one of the greatest runners to ever lace up and the most complete RB to ever play the game, not too mention the all-time leading rusher.  I put them equal in my book and thank them both for what they gave the NFL, the Cowboys and any fan that can appreciate the greatness they both had in their careers.

The only change I make to the O-line is Stepnoski, I thought Ray Donaldson was much more of a pressence.  Though he only was here for a couple of years, he was awesome at getting the job done. (Sorry Andre)

Getting back to TE, I do have Witten at the top, but still hold a lot of respect for guys like Novachek, Doug Cosbie, Billy Joe Dupree and some guy named Ditka.

Hitting wide, I will have to add a couple of names along side Hayes and Irvin.  Please mark off the reliable hands and quick feet of Drew Pearson and (I cant' believe I saying this, but I have to give credit where credit is due) Terrell Owens.  Never did I think I would ever say that, but Owens is a dominant pressence and can not be ignored.

Going to the defensive side. There have been far too many incredible athletes to be named for sure starters, but I will try, some of you may disagree.  The top of this list goes to who I believe is the prototype for every defensive tackle to play, none other than Mr. Cowboy himself, Bob Lilly.  Next you have to put the Manster there.  I will add La'Roi Glover in there as a back-up, dude had skills and the same fire as his predicessors.  On the outside, I think the first name that comes up is Harvey Martin and book end him with Charles Haley, with the rotation of Ed Jones and Greg Ellis (come on, the guy can play).  Going to LB, we've had some great ones here and some here that are on the verge of greatness.  My first pick would have to be Chuck Howley along with Lee Roy Jordan, Eugene "the Hitman" Lockehart and I will add DeMarcus Ware to this list, because before long he will show even more that he belongs there.  For those who question Howley, how can you not put the only player ever to be named MVP from a losing team in the SB.  It is a testament of how good this guy really was.

Going to the DB's, most would say "Primetime" simply because he is considered to be one of the most dominate to ever play CB.  I don't know if he make the top of the list, but I do put him in the top 4 and certainly a starter.  The first name that come to me is Darren Woodson and to round it off, Charlie Waters and Kevin Smith, giving honorable mentions to T-New, Dennis Thurman and Michael Downs.  Now for those going, K Smith over T-New, just my opinion.  Smith had a good career going and played extremely well next to Woody, but Newman certainly is no slouch.

I'm sure  I'll be getting some heat for some of my picks, but that's what happens when you look though someone else's eyes on something like this.

TarheelCowboy:

Drewstar:

How about Ware, Norton, Hollywood, Lilly, White, Lett, Jones, Woodson, Primetime, Renfro, Watters.

Haley got to be there, Not sure if I have Norton just because he left for SF. I hated him for that at the time.

Haley came to us from SF and went back to SF after playing for us. I would put him and Harvey Martin as our all time pass rushers and Ware is proving himself now. Put em all the team.. So what if they played for another team. They produced for us.

You can - and we probably will - debate for a long time about the merits of Roger v. Aikman or Emmitt v. Dorsett and I don't think either side could be "wrong."

 

I have come to accept and appreciate T.O. as a Cowboy. I don't consider him a "hired gun," if only because of the age in which we live. After the NFL instituted free agency and the salary cap to help ensure that the Cowboys didn't win every Super Bowl of the '90s and beyond, the days of a player, especially an outstanding player, staying with one team his entire career just about vanished. More and more, those of us who grew up fans of our team and players have become fans of the uniform only. The players come and go at a much accelerated pace. I may accept someone as a "hired gun" if he were brought in for one year to secure a title and then is allowed to leave or something to that effect.

"All that being said, I have a concern with T.O. being placed on any all-time Cowboys team. I may be looking at the past with rose-colored glasses, but I don't remember Irvin or Pearson dropping as many passes as T.O. does. Owens makes a lot of plays. He also has killed many drives dropping balls that someone of his stature and paycheck (not to mention the cajones to proclaim before a game or season that you should "get your popcorn ready") should catch. Bottom line, when the ball was in the air, you knew Irvin and Pearson were going to catch it. I don't know that for sure everytime the ball is thrown T.O.'s way. Granted, some of the drops can be explained by playing through broken bones in his hand. Even when healthy, I would suspect that Owens' catch/drop ratio doesn't compare well with Irvin's ("What's my name?!?!" "The Playmaker!" "What do I do?!?!" "MAKE PLAYS!!!!") or Pearson's.

May simply be my perception, but I would take either of them over T.O., while fully acknowledging that the current team is much, much better with Owens than without.

In addition, Doug Cosbie is the person who made me appreciate the TE position. I loved Novacek and felt we would never reclaim our greatness until we found a suitable replacement for him. Witten has been more than suitable. I agree, a couple more years would solidify his status as the greatest Cowboy TE, but I see nothing that stands in the way of this. By the time its over, if we continue to utilize him as much as we have so far (minus a Parcells year or two,) I believe he can be remembered as one of the NFL's all-time greats, as well. That catch and run without his helmet tells you everything you need to know about Witten." (quote from landrystadium)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the problem with with this.  In the here and now of today's NFL and free agency, hired guns is the make of your team.  Much like any relationship, 5 years is now an eternity for most.  Owens didn't start out as a Cowboy, but it has become quite appearent that this is where his career will come to an end.  We all have a special place for Jay Novacek, but if Owens plays out his entire contract, he will have been here the same length of time.  My question to anyone that cares to answer would then be, "given that fact, does it make Owens any less of a Cowboy than Novecek, or did it make Novecek anymore of a hired gun than Owens?"  Gives it a little more perspective when you think of it that way, doesn't it?  We hear the name "Jay Novacek" and we automaticly think of Troy Aikman security blanket, you think Dallas Cowboys and Championships.  We hear "Terrell Owens" or "T.O.", and we think talented receiver with an attitude that's been pass around like a case of Herpes, me included at first.  In my mind, Owens has put his past behind him and has earned the right to be considered a Dallas Cowboy.  I also believe that because of this, Owens has earned the right to be put into the catagory of one of this organizations all-time great receivers.  I agree with you landry, but only on the first point I made.  Owens may have dropped more than DP or MI, but Owens brings a much bigger physical style of play.  Don't get me wrong, Irvin was a great receiver and I thought his career had been cut shorter than what it should have been.  Owens like most of the players in today's NFL just carries a bit more attitude, but not much more than Irvin, Pearson just went out and did his job as most of the players under Tom Landry did.

Mr.Cowboy74, I have to agree with your opinion of the evolving definition of "hired gun." 

How can you guys forget one of the greatest DBs to play for the Cowboys, Everson Walls.  The guy was an interception KING.  I will throw this out as well.  If I were to choose my coach it would have to be the man in the hat, Tom Landry.  The Greatest Coach to ever live.....sorry Vince!

mr cowboy74:

You can - and we probably will - debate for a long time about the merits of Roger v. Aikman or Emmitt v. Dorsett and I don't think either side could be "wrong."

 

I have come to accept and appreciate T.O. as a Cowboy. I don't consider him a "hired gun," if only because of the age in which we live. After the NFL instituted free agency and the salary cap to help ensure that the Cowboys didn't win every Super Bowl of the '90s and beyond, the days of a player, especially an outstanding player, staying with one team his entire career just about vanished. More and more, those of us who grew up fans of our team and players have become fans of the uniform only. The players come and go at a much accelerated pace. I may accept someone as a "hired gun" if he were brought in for one year to secure a title and then is allowed to leave or something to that effect.

"All that being said, I have a concern with T.O. being placed on any all-time Cowboys team. I may be looking at the past with rose-colored glasses, but I don't remember Irvin or Pearson dropping as many passes as T.O. does. Owens makes a lot of plays. He also has killed many drives dropping balls that someone of his stature and paycheck (not to mention the cajones to proclaim before a game or season that you should "get your popcorn ready") should catch. Bottom line, when the ball was in the air, you knew Irvin and Pearson were going to catch it. I don't know that for sure everytime the ball is thrown T.O.'s way. Granted, some of the drops can be explained by playing through broken bones in his hand. Even when healthy, I would suspect that Owens' catch/drop ratio doesn't compare well with Irvin's ("What's my name?!?!" "The Playmaker!" "What do I do?!?!" "MAKE PLAYS!!!!") or Pearson's.

May simply be my perception, but I would take either of them over T.O., while fully acknowledging that the current team is much, much better with Owens than without.

In addition, Doug Cosbie is the person who made me appreciate the TE position. I loved Novacek and felt we would never reclaim our greatness until we found a suitable replacement for him. Witten has been more than suitable. I agree, a couple more years would solidify his status as the greatest Cowboy TE, but I see nothing that stands in the way of this. By the time its over, if we continue to utilize him as much as we have so far (minus a Parcells year or two,) I believe he can be remembered as one of the NFL's all-time greats, as well. That catch and run without his helmet tells you everything you need to know about Witten." (quote from landrystadium)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the problem with with this.  In the here and now of today's NFL and free agency, hired guns is the make of your team.  Much like any relationship, 5 years is now an eternity for most.  Owens didn't start out as a Cowboy, but it has become quite appearent that this is where his career will come to an end.  We all have a special place for Jay Novacek, but if Owens plays out his entire contract, he will have been here the same length of time.  My question to anyone that cares to answer would then be, "given that fact, does it make Owens any less of a Cowboy than Novecek, or did it make Novecek anymore of a hired gun than Owens?"  Gives it a little more perspective when you think of it that way, doesn't it?  We hear the name "Jay Novacek" and we automaticly think of Troy Aikman security blanket, you think Dallas Cowboys and Championships.  We hear "Terrell Owens" or "T.O.", and we think talented receiver with an attitude that's been pass around like a case of Herpes, me included at first.  In my mind, Owens has put his past behind him and has earned the right to be considered a Dallas Cowboy.  I also believe that because of this, Owens has earned the right to be put into the catagory of one of this organizations all-time great receivers.  I agree with you landry, but only on the first point I made.  Owens may have dropped more than DP or MI, but Owens brings a much bigger physical style of play.  Don't get me wrong, Irvin was a great receiver and I thought his career had been cut shorter than what it should have been.  Owens like most of the players in today's NFL just carries a bit more attitude, but not much more than Irvin, Pearson just went out and did his job as most of the players under Tom Landry did.

Mr. Cowboy74, I don't see where we disagree. You say you only agree with me on the first point you made, which was, I think, that Owens is as much a Cowboy as anyone. If that was what you are agreeing with, that's good. I don't think Owens is a more physical receiver than Irvin was, though. They are pretty similar in style, I think. My point remains that Owens is not worthy of "all-time" status when you are considering all of the receivers in our history. He drops too many passes. I never said he wasn't great. He is. I'm glad he's a Cowboy. I'm happy that he has learned from his past mistakes and become a leader. I was absolutely thrilled when he cried after the playoff loss last year. As I said in my other post, I acknowledge that this team is much, much better with him than without him. I think I fully gave him his props. I just don't think he bumps Irvin or Pearson off the all-time list. I never mentioned T.O's attitude, except to say that if you are going to bark, you better catch balls thrown right to you. Otherwise, you are just Patrick Crayton. Sorry, that may have been a bit harsh.

And I think we agree on the "hired gun" thing. It was my position that, in today's NFL, there is no such thing. My only concession to the term was if someone were simply brought in for one year, with no intentions of re-signing him after that one year. Do we agree on that?

I guess, overall, I was just a little confused by your post. It sounded as if you disagreed with me, but our points all seem to line up, with the exception of whether or not T.O. belongs on the 'all-time' list.