Kyle Shanahan, Jerry Jones and the fatal flaws that doom
Kyle Shanahan is the helicopter parent who doesn't get quarterbacks. Jerry Jones is still sticking his nose where he shouldn't. As a result, both San Francisco and Dallas fall short.
“Weird situation. But a lot of weird situations over there in San Francisco. I’ll just leave it at that.” — Jimmy Garoppolo to Sports Illustrated this week.
“Jerry made the franchise to what it is now and he likes to be hands-on — to a fault.” — Brice Butler to Go Long two years ago.
One is the most powerful employee of the San Francisco 49ers. Kyle Shanahan bursts with chutzpah.
The other is the most powerful man in the sport itself and remains the Dallas Cowboys’ self-appointed president and general manager. Jerry Jones turns 81 in October. He is not slowing down.
When it comes to their respective areas of expertise, nobody’s better. Shanahan is a schematic sorcerer. Coaches across the league have been copying the play designer who just rode “Mr. Irrelevant” to the NFC Championship Game. Jones has mastered the business of football unlike anyone in the sport’s history, turning his $150 million purchase into a $9.2 billion machine. The Cowboys, an iconic brand, are the most profitable sports franchise in the world despite not even making a conference title game in 27 years.
More good news? These archrivals enter the 2023 NFL season with two of the three most talented rosters in the NFC. Both are popular Super Bowl picks.
But here’s some free gambling advice from a non-gambler: Neither team will be winning the Super Bowl any time soon.
This week slid the damning fatal flaws of both men underneath a microscope. Shanahan has a quarterback problem; Jones a GM problem. Both are rooted in ego. Despite the undeniable gifts of both — despite loaded rosters — I do not think this ends well for either.
Subscribers can access our full series of 2023 Kickoff features. We’ve examined the Jaguars, Lions, Giants, Vikings and Buccaneers at length, with more player profiles to come.