Some stiff stuff in the last couple of posts, but it's always fun to talk about Chris Cooley. Through the first 4 weeks of the season, as the Redskins hit the bye, Cooley hasn't play nearly as active a role as he is used. Fred Davis is taking a much bigger chunk of the work, but Cooley is slowly working his way back into the offense following an offseason hamstring injury. One thing that is perfectly fine (thank you very much) is Cooley's penchant for sarcasm and off-color humor. On Tuesday, Cooley was quoted on 106.7 the Fan radio that he enjoyed seeing Tony Romo choke away a 3-score lead against the lions. Then he went on to discuss with Chad Dukes and LaVar Arrington who would win in a cage fight. Well, obviously many outside of Redskins' fandom don't really know who Chris Cooley is or what he does.
Our buddy Dan Graziano over at ESPN (as well as many others) wrote that Cooley was out of line when he made those comments. Professionals shouldn't talk down about other professionals in their same profession. That's bad form. In principle, I agree with that. If I were to say bad things about another teacher on the radio or on TV, I would be in a heap of trouble...not like I would EVER do that. However, there are a couple things to think about. First, the profession is football. It's a game. Nobody has to be anybody's friend. At the end of the season, there are 31 losers and just 1 winner, and chances are both the Redskins and Cowboys will be 2 of the 31 losers. Perhaps Cooley should not have used the word "choke" in his commentary, but it is more than fair game to poke fun at a rival team's quaterback for his seemingly endless 4th quarter foibles. I have no reason to believe that Cooley was being anything other than playful. The second point is that Cooley is just that: playful. For his entire career in Washington, he has been a master of the prank, gag, practical joke, and sarcastic one-liner. Graziano himself admitted that he did not fully appreciate the mastery that is Chris Cooley. Take some time to read his blog (Cooley's that is). I have it linked on Caputo's Corner for a reason.
Finally, I love the fact that Cooley is being a Redskins fan at the same time as being a player. Ever since he was drafted, Cooley was proud to be a part of this franchise. His presence has paid big dividends for the successes (though few and far between) the team has had in the last 7 years. He understands the history not only of this team, but of the division, and the rivalry with the Cowboys in particular. So when the Cowboys' quarterback is having a less than stellar season, let him know about it. Like I said, the only thing I really would agree with Graziano on is his condemnation of the word "choke." We as fans know what it means, and so does Cooley, but the multiple meanings of that word can be confusing to some (hopefully not many since people who listen to Chris Cooley ought to know what he's all about). Nevertheless, the point holds.
Also, no surprise here, but Skip Bayless is getting on his soap box...and wow...Stephen A. Smith agrees with me! Nope...the sky isn't falling people.
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