As with any team, the road to the Superbowl is not an easily

traveled one. But for the Cowboys, a lot of extra baggage accompanied this season’s trip to Tempe and the ride was exceptionally turbulent.

You name it, America’s team had to overcome it in order to get to Super Bowl XXX.

Advertisement

From controversial call sent in to the huddle that failed miserably, to the not so amusing sideline shenanigans of owner Jerry Jones (who has no business being on the sideline to begin with), the players have had to deal with one Texas size wagon load of manure after another.

An early season loss to the Redskins got the wagons warmed up and began to raise a few eyebrows. Another loss at home to the Redskins got the wagons rolling in high gear and brought serious doubts about another Super Bowl appearance from fans and the media.

From that point on, the Cowboys’ wagon ride seemed destined for a downhill ride. Sure, they won some games and continued to improve their record, but the worst was yet to come.

Midway through the season, charges of illegal drug use by Leon Lett and Erik Williams made the news. Accompanying the drug charges came allegations of a lack of discipline among the two violators. However, it was the Devil that made them do it, not Switzer.

And remember that embarrassing loss to an injury ridden San Francisco 49ers team. The loss resulted in a barrage of criticism from fan and foe alike. Much of the criticism was aimed at Switzer, yet the players took their fair share as well. No matter who was responsible, the entire organization felt the weight of the wagons increase even more.

Prior to the game, both teams were major threats in their respective leagues and many envisioned Dallas and San Francisco battling it out for the NFC Championship.

After the game, when all was said and done, it was the 49ers’ gaining the advantage in the NFC opinion polls. Nor did Dallas’ December loss to the Eagles win them any popularity votes.

Advertisement*

Perhaps the straw that broke the camels back was Switzer’s controversial call on 4 and 1 against Philadelphia. The Coboys couldn’t convert, and the Eagles went on to win the game; angering Cowboy fans who had little faith left in Switzer’s ability to get them to the big show.

And last, but certainly not least, who could ever forget Jerry Jones’ blockbuster deal with Nike. A move which more than upset NFL team owners, which in turn only added more weight to the already overloaded wagon. Don’t forget Jones’ spectacle with the company’s owner on Monday Night Football either.

But despite all the controversy and all the hoopla, the Boys weathered the storm and get off the wagon ride. At last confindence has returned to Texas and Switzer has gotten a rather large cowchip off his back.

The Cowboys are returning to the Super Bowl for the third time in four years and looking to record Super Bowl win No. 5.

That’s not too bad for a team who many said were incapable of even making the NFC Championship.

But inlight of their unlikely success the Boys must overcome three final obstacles to ensure success in the future. Surprisingly, it’s not the Pittsburgh Steelers.

These obstacles come in the form of the almighty dollar and go by the names Dieon I’m highly overpayed Sanders, Jerry I can’t manage my money Jones and Emmit where’s my money Smith.

We all know where Smith’s money is; it’s still on the wagon.