Wade Phillips isn't known as one of the most charismatic post-game speakers in the league, but he sounded especially defeated after tonight's game. Owner Jerry Jones hired him based on his reputation as a defensive guru, but his unit was overwhelmed by Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who was 31-of-46 for 388 yards and a personal-record five touchdown passes.
"We wanted to be one of the elite teams, but obviously we're not," said a dejected Phillips.
He said the Cowboys used "almost every coverage and blitz" they could think of, but nothing worked. Across the hall, his players sat in front of their lockers looking shell-shocked.
Last week, defensive end Chris Canty delivered a stirring message in the post-game locker room. When I stopped by his locker this evening and tried to politely ask what the hell happened to the defense, he said, "It wouldn't be wise for me to say anything right now."
Meanwhile, starting nose tackle Jay Ratliff was at the next locker warning teammates not to say anything they might regret.
"I know how you guys work," he kept repeating to me.
Back in a moment with more.
