ARLINGTON, Texas – "Prepared" and "organized" are two popular adjectives for head coach Jason Garrett's "approach" to practice. (Hey, there's another word.)
Garrett is big on situational work. We saw it in the Blue-White scrimmage in San Antonio. We'll see it in Friday's practice with the Chargers at Cowboys Stadium. He wants his team ready for any circumstance, particularly in the fourth quarter because so many games are decided by one score.
The final segment of Tuesday's practice featured a tie score, first-team offense's ball on its own 2-yard line against the first-team defense with under five minutes left. Quarterback Tony Romo drove the offense in position for a 55-yard field goal by rookie Dan Bailey, which bounced off the right post.
Tight end Jason Witten said the Cowboys have practiced more for situations in this camp than at any point under Bill Parcells or Wade Phillips.
"It's hard to be good," Witten said. "I think that's why he creates these atmospheres where you're down four, you're up three, game-like situations, because that's what the games come down to.
"I think he does a great job of creating those mindsets: you've got to be physical, you've got to be in shape, you've got to have a will to win."
For those reasons, and given his experience with Garrett as the offensive coordinator since 2007, Witten says the first-year head coach "has greatness written all over him."
Garrett's tenure has only started to be written. His only focus is getting his team to play for collective greatness after such a disappointing 2010 season.
