DMN: Cowboys didn't break preseason code

by JJTaylor

So the Broncos think the Cowboys violated some code of ethics by blitzing them relentlessly in their preseason loss to Dallas.

So what.

Wade Phillips' job is to prepare his team for the regular season – not make sure the Broncos aren't embarrassed because they can't pick up the Cowboys' blitz. Dallas is putting in a new defensive scheme, and the only way to really practice it is in preseason games.

So that's what they did.

Every team takes a different approach in the preseason. Some, like the Cowboys under Bill Parcells, try to win. Under Dave Campo, the Cowboys focused more on player evaluation than winning, which is why I heard him complain more than once after a preseason debacle that some team had game-planned the Cowboys.

It sounded like an excuse then, and it sounds like one now.

Phillips has been around long enough to know preseason wins mean little. It's more important for the team to play well than it is to win.

For now, the Cowboys are playing well. We'll see how long it lasts.