FYI - THIS YEAR Dennis finished with a 3-2 record (in singles and doubles), one of only two Americans with a winning record, along with Johnny. He defeated Nick Van Den Berg on the final day when the US trailed 9-7, and was on the verge of losing the Cup. Dennis' win brought the US team within 9-8, with Shane coming up next against Appleton. We all thought Team USA had a chance at this point.
Dennis came up big when he had to imo. It was a must win situation against Van Den Berg and he came though to give his team a chance at victory. If, as you say, "the wheels had truly fallen off," he would have never won this key match on the final day.
Nice post Jay. I agree and feel they would have put a fork in "at least" 90% of us if put in that situation.