Dallas Cowboys’ Brooking has a direct approach
Posted by rsanrel on October 19th, 2009
Keith Brooking, consummate combatant on the field and refreshingly frank orator off it, has quickly provided stability at a position that lacked it and accountability in a locker room that needed it
The Dallas Cowboys inside linebacker spent the first 11 seasons of his career playing for the Atlanta Falcons. Those in the media who covered him most described the five-time Pro Bowler as the conscience of the defense, switching positions for the good of the team, consistently leading the unit in tackles and speaking up when others walked away in tough times.
“He just came in and his only thing he wanted was to win and just be a team,” Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff said. “And who can’t respect that?”
Coming out of the bye week, the Cowboys face another earlier-than-expected must-win scenario Sunday against Brooking’s old team, the Falcons, a rising NFC contender.
“I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t have it circled on my calendar since I signed here,” Brooking said. “I’m an emotional guy so I have to tame my emotions. This game is not about me, it’s about us winning. Do I want to win this game really bad? Yes. But, it’s about winning and going to 4-2.”
Playing at home for the first time since Sept. 28, the Cowboys can’t afford to drop to 3-3 with a loss — and 1-2 at their supposedly inspirational palatial new home. Defeat would ignite new rounds of criticism and derision, and questions of impending divisiveness.
Yes, Brooking came to Dallas well aware of last season’s fallout. It’s a big reason why the Cowboys wanted him. Brooking played nine seasons under special teams coach Joe DeCamillis and spent time under Wade Phillips when he was defensive coordinator and then head coach of the Falcons.
Brooking, without hesitation, proclaimed locker-room issues won’t split these Cowboys.
Click here to read the full article – By JEFF CAPLAN of Star-telegram.com
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