T.O. Not Cowboys' Problem, Lack of Intensity Is

Saturday night's contest between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens tipifies the way the 2008 season has gone for the guys with the blue star on the side of their helmets. Poor tackling, lack of execution, and just disappointing play in general has plagued this team all season. That's why they find themselves needing a win next week just to get into the playoffs.

So why the struggles from what -- on paper anyway -- seems like a highly-talented team?

Forget for a minute the drama surrounding Terrell Owens (if that's possible). Forget the questionable play calling. The thing that stands out to me as being the biggest problem with this team is a lack of urgency.. a sense that every play is critical. What the Cowboys lack, and have lacked all year is the level of intensity needed to be a championship team.

Sure, there are guys like linebacker Demarcus Ware, who bring everything they have every week. But for the most part this seems like a team that thinks it can turn it on at any time. However, they have failed to do so when needed most, as was illustrated Saturday night when they gave up two huge touchdown runs in the fourth quarter with the game on the line.