Dallas Cowboys News: Greg Hardy Downplaying Carolina Panthers
As of late, Dallas Cowboys news seems to center around Greg Hardy. The latest one involves the troubled defensive end and his failed attempt to downplay the upcoming Thanksgiving Day game against the Carolina Panthers, his former NFL team, according to a report from NFL.com.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Hardy recently sat down for a heart-to-heart discussion. The former was concerned that the latter was causing too much trouble for head coach Jason Garrett and his staff. Jones obviously wants to keep Hardy around because he provides Dallas with the pass rush that they have desperately needed on defense.
While Jones would not reveal the exact details of the conversation, which was held behind closed doors, the belief is that one of the topics is how to handle the media. Hardy has failed to prove that he comprehends public relations a couple of times already this season. Jones wanted Hardy to remember those courses that every NFL rookie is required to take before speaking to the media.
Hardy did not pay very close attention during those classes.
When interviewed about the Panthers game this week, Hardy pretended that it was simply another game on the calendar and not anything more important.
“Just a nameless, faceless opponent. Next game. Got to stay focused.”
The attempt was there. Hardy made sure that he did not say anything controversial to provide fodder to the media and fans on social media. He did so by going the generic route. It is something that many NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB players have learned to do. It’s just that Hardy was too generic to the point where the statement actually became controversial.
Downplaying games against former teams is something that a lot of players have done. Peyton Manning does it every time his Denver Broncos face the Indianapolis Colts. DeMarco Murray had to do it this season whenever the Philadelphia Eagles played the Dallas Cowboys, his former employers. Hardy knew that he would have to do it this season as soon as the Panthers showed up on the schedule.
Upon hearing Hardy trying too hard to downplay the Panthers, the media sensed blood. They quickly prodded him with further questions. Hardy was asked if he still had friends playing for Carolina. The former Ole Miss star feigned ignorance by asking, “Which team?” Everyone in the room obviously knows that the Panthers were the current topic of discussion.
The smarter move for Hardy would have been to acknowledge his past with the Panthers, for whom he played five seasons. Explain to the media that you look forward to every single game because you were given a second chance in the NFL. Tell them that you are excited about playing on Thanksgiving Day. Even say that you’re looking forward to competing against some old friends.
Considering everything that has been going on with the Cowboys this season, the less attention that Hardy can generate, the better, especially since he has not been as dominant as he can be as a pass rusher. Dallas just won their first game after losing seven straight. They are trying to turn the season around now that star quarterback Tony Romo has returned from a collarbone injury.
Hardy can still help make that happen. They need to win as many games as possible, including the upcoming one against the Panthers, who are still undefeated. Hardy needs to put as much pressure as possible on Carolina’s starting quarterback Cam Newton, who is putting up quite the argument this season for the MVP award.
[Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images]
