Last week Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was fined $25,000 for making comments about official Ed Hochuli's performance during his week 2 game. Jones said on his weekly radio show, "Maybe the answer is to tell people like that, keep that whistle out of your mouth. My gut here is the emphasis is going to have to be taking officials like that and getting somebody else if they're going to be penalty prone." Jones later achnowledged that he should have said what he did.
Sean Payton, head coach of the New Orleans Saints was fined $15,000 for making similar comments about a referee earlier in the week.
Through out the course of any sports season involving referees or officials of any kind, there are always situations in which critisim is a possibility. Sometimes it is warranted and sometimes it isn't. In the NFL an individual can be punished by the league offices and commisioner Roger Godell for making such a comment in the form of a fine. It doesn't matter if the criticism is accurate or fraudulent, simply the presence of any negative comments about referees warants a fine.
My question is this, why shouldn't those people directly affected by the decisions of referees, like coaches, players and owners be allowed to voice their opinions. I understand the problems presented when they chose to do this through the media, but I don't understand why it should be so prohibited. Feel free to disagree...I'm sure I am probaly missing something here. But I just don't understand why warranted criticism shouldn't be allowed by the NFL.
Afterall entire franchises' success from week to week is dependent upon the decision of referees and officials in the NFL.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday Morning T.O. Damage Control
"He's a different player in Dallas....he respects Jerry Jones and this organization too much to behave like he used to...all T.O. needed was a team he believed in...mark my words he will not become a distraction, he's learned from his mistakes and he wants to play in this league."
It's not the first time I've been wrong and it definitely won't be the last. But something about this most recent blunder has me feeling more foolish than normal. I was one of the first people to stick up for T.O. when he first came to Dallas. I commended Jerry Jones for going out there and getting the best talent he could find for his team, no matter what the media or the critics said about the player.
For the first time in his professional career, Terrell Owens would be playing for a team and a franchise that was bigger than he was. The spotlight in Dallas wouldn't be able to focus on one player like Philadelphia had done. Star-power like Tony Romo, Bill Parcels, and company would never allow the media to put T.O. on center stage.
Well it seems like the time has come when the media have been given the opportunity to catch T.O. off guard. In Sunday's loss to the Redskins T.O. had only 11 yards and a few catches in the first half. Then in the second, Jason Garrett all but wished the ball into T.O.'s waiting arms. A combination of great coverage and T.O.'s bad hands led to little success. After the game, T.O. allowed the media to corner him into answering questions about ball distribution that made him sound selfish and prettly close to the "old T.O." that so many critics have been waiting for.
Out of a total of 58 offensive plays, the ball was attempted to go to T.O. 20 times. That's more than a third of the versatile Cowboys offense dedicated to one player. In my opinion that is simply inexcusable. The spark of this Dallas offense, Felix Jones, didn't even get a single carry. The Dallas Cowboys win football games when the opposing secondary is forced to double team T.O. on the outside, opening up the middle of the field for Jason Witten and the running backs.
T.O. needs to shut up and stop bullying the Dallas coaching staff into forcing him the ball, or he'll end up Championshipless and suicidal after another average season. And the coaching staff needs to run the plays that they know will allow their team to win football games, rather than satisfying a single player.
It's not the first time I've been wrong and it definitely won't be the last. But something about this most recent blunder has me feeling more foolish than normal. I was one of the first people to stick up for T.O. when he first came to Dallas. I commended Jerry Jones for going out there and getting the best talent he could find for his team, no matter what the media or the critics said about the player.
For the first time in his professional career, Terrell Owens would be playing for a team and a franchise that was bigger than he was. The spotlight in Dallas wouldn't be able to focus on one player like Philadelphia had done. Star-power like Tony Romo, Bill Parcels, and company would never allow the media to put T.O. on center stage.
Well it seems like the time has come when the media have been given the opportunity to catch T.O. off guard. In Sunday's loss to the Redskins T.O. had only 11 yards and a few catches in the first half. Then in the second, Jason Garrett all but wished the ball into T.O.'s waiting arms. A combination of great coverage and T.O.'s bad hands led to little success. After the game, T.O. allowed the media to corner him into answering questions about ball distribution that made him sound selfish and prettly close to the "old T.O." that so many critics have been waiting for.
Out of a total of 58 offensive plays, the ball was attempted to go to T.O. 20 times. That's more than a third of the versatile Cowboys offense dedicated to one player. In my opinion that is simply inexcusable. The spark of this Dallas offense, Felix Jones, didn't even get a single carry. The Dallas Cowboys win football games when the opposing secondary is forced to double team T.O. on the outside, opening up the middle of the field for Jason Witten and the running backs.
T.O. needs to shut up and stop bullying the Dallas coaching staff into forcing him the ball, or he'll end up Championshipless and suicidal after another average season. And the coaching staff needs to run the plays that they know will allow their team to win football games, rather than satisfying a single player.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
'08 Will Bring Better Romo
He's charming, he's polite and he's got a smile that makes me melt, but one thing that Tony Romo doesn't have is the ability to come up big during clutch times for his team. He has proven time and time again that he is a great quarterback and worthy of wearing the silver star. But it seems like certain times when his team needs him the most to come up with a big play or even a routine play, he crumbles under the pressure.
First there's the infamous field goal bobble, then the 5 interceptions at the end of last season and a early exit form the play-offs, and last week in Monday Night Football Romo fumbled in his own endzone before the cowboys pulled off a win at home over the Eagles to imrove to 3-0. So, the question comes up again. With such a talented team for 2008, will Tony Romo be able to lead the Cowboys further than one game in to the playoffs, and finally be able to perform in a clutch situation?
I wish I had the answer to this question, and if anyone does know the answer than I would guess that Jerry Jones would love to speak with you. His million dollar quarterback has't exactly been able to satisfy the championship hopes that come with being the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, and pretty soon he's going to have prove that he can lead this team deep into the playoffs. And his boss, Mr. Jones is going to have to decide how much longer he can aford to let Romo develop as a player.
The only thing I can say is that this season Romo has one more year of experience and dissapoinment under his belt than the year before. And sooner or later that experience and all of those bad memories are either going to get the best of him or propel him to the level of play that so many fans believe he is capable of. In my opinion, this year will be the year that he comes through in the clutch. I am not saying that he is going to play a perfect season or be the next Tom Brady or anything like that, but my gut instincts do tell me that Tony Romo will be able to handle the pressure better than ever before.
First there's the infamous field goal bobble, then the 5 interceptions at the end of last season and a early exit form the play-offs, and last week in Monday Night Football Romo fumbled in his own endzone before the cowboys pulled off a win at home over the Eagles to imrove to 3-0. So, the question comes up again. With such a talented team for 2008, will Tony Romo be able to lead the Cowboys further than one game in to the playoffs, and finally be able to perform in a clutch situation?
I wish I had the answer to this question, and if anyone does know the answer than I would guess that Jerry Jones would love to speak with you. His million dollar quarterback has't exactly been able to satisfy the championship hopes that come with being the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, and pretty soon he's going to have prove that he can lead this team deep into the playoffs. And his boss, Mr. Jones is going to have to decide how much longer he can aford to let Romo develop as a player.
The only thing I can say is that this season Romo has one more year of experience and dissapoinment under his belt than the year before. And sooner or later that experience and all of those bad memories are either going to get the best of him or propel him to the level of play that so many fans believe he is capable of. In my opinion, this year will be the year that he comes through in the clutch. I am not saying that he is going to play a perfect season or be the next Tom Brady or anything like that, but my gut instincts do tell me that Tony Romo will be able to handle the pressure better than ever before.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
NFC East better than the rest?
ESPN's weekly NFL power rankings were released on Tuesday, and the top three spots are filled by NFC East teams.
1. Dallas Cowboys (3-0)
2. New York Giants (3-0)
3. Philidelphia Eagles (2-1)
The only team not in the top three are the Redskins, and they're at number 15.
It's still early but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the NFC East is the best division in the NFL. Led by the Superbowl favorites and the Superbowl Champions, I see no other division with the type of diversity that these four teams have. From top to bottom there aer 4 quality quarterbacks with the experience and talkent to lead a successful team (yes, including Campbell).
The top three teams separate themselves easily from Washington in most areas of the game, but the Redskins definitely aren't deserving of the "cellar" type status they will occupy this season. It's really a shame that only two teams will have the opportunity to make it to the post season, because I think that all three of the top teams have the potential to get to the Superbowl.
We'll find out a lot about the Superbowl favorites this weekend when the Cowboys take on the Redskins in Dallas. This rivalry is kind of like Iowa vs. ISU football game. The Redskins are the thorn in the side of the Dallas Cowboys. They play this game every year like it's the Superbowl. I just wish that this years game was in D.C. rather than Dallas. Then all of those critics out there that still question Romo and the Boys would be able to see how the team plays in the most hostile environment they would face all season.
1. Dallas Cowboys (3-0)
2. New York Giants (3-0)
3. Philidelphia Eagles (2-1)
The only team not in the top three are the Redskins, and they're at number 15.
It's still early but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the NFC East is the best division in the NFL. Led by the Superbowl favorites and the Superbowl Champions, I see no other division with the type of diversity that these four teams have. From top to bottom there aer 4 quality quarterbacks with the experience and talkent to lead a successful team (yes, including Campbell).
The top three teams separate themselves easily from Washington in most areas of the game, but the Redskins definitely aren't deserving of the "cellar" type status they will occupy this season. It's really a shame that only two teams will have the opportunity to make it to the post season, because I think that all three of the top teams have the potential to get to the Superbowl.
We'll find out a lot about the Superbowl favorites this weekend when the Cowboys take on the Redskins in Dallas. This rivalry is kind of like Iowa vs. ISU football game. The Redskins are the thorn in the side of the Dallas Cowboys. They play this game every year like it's the Superbowl. I just wish that this years game was in D.C. rather than Dallas. Then all of those critics out there that still question Romo and the Boys would be able to see how the team plays in the most hostile environment they would face all season.
For my weekly blog edition, I will be posting a "best and worst" list from the previous gamd and world of the Dallas Cowboys. Not sure exactly how this is going to work out yet, so bare with me.
Best proof that the Cowboys are "America's Team" once again: Last Monday night's game between the Eagles and the Cowboys drew the largest audience in cable history for ESPN. 18.6 million viewers tuned in for what would be one of the best games of the season. And I don't think that was thanks to the Eagles. The previous record was also set by the MNF crew, 17.5 million viewers watch last season's Patiots vs. Ravens game.
It was also the last time that a MNF game will ever be played inside Texas Stadium. tear... Whether you love them or hate them, chances are you still love to watch them. And ESPN is raking it in, thanks to all you Cowboy haters out there that just can't help but watch.
Worst uniform accessory: Tony Romo's is still sporting the chin cast that covers 1/4 of his face. I understand that he has a few stiches in there and the chin is exposed during the game and probably an easy place to get knicked up. But with Tony messing with it during his post game interview and now having a couple of weeks of recovery under his belt, was that the last we'll see of the chin cast?
Best proof that the Cowboys are "America's Team" once again: Last Monday night's game between the Eagles and the Cowboys drew the largest audience in cable history for ESPN. 18.6 million viewers tuned in for what would be one of the best games of the season. And I don't think that was thanks to the Eagles. The previous record was also set by the MNF crew, 17.5 million viewers watch last season's Patiots vs. Ravens game.
It was also the last time that a MNF game will ever be played inside Texas Stadium. tear... Whether you love them or hate them, chances are you still love to watch them. And ESPN is raking it in, thanks to all you Cowboy haters out there that just can't help but watch.
Worst uniform accessory: Tony Romo's is still sporting the chin cast that covers 1/4 of his face. I understand that he has a few stiches in there and the chin is exposed during the game and probably an easy place to get knicked up. But with Tony messing with it during his post game interview and now having a couple of weeks of recovery under his belt, was that the last we'll see of the chin cast?
Monday, September 15, 2008
Top Ten Sports Moments
Ranking the World's most memorable sports moments of the past 10 years is a daunting task to say the least. But I think I've come up with a somewhat comprehensive list. Not perfect, but hopefully I didn't forget anything too major.
10. Rulon Gardner wins the gold medal in the 2000 Olympics for Greco-Roman wrestling. Gardner defeated Russian Alexander Karelin, who had never lost a match.
9. Tiger Woods wins the 2008 U.S. Open in a 19 hole playoff against unknown, Rocco Mediate. Woods played in the tournaments against doctor's orders, with a severely injured knee.
8. The unbeaten New England Patriots lose Super Bowl 42 to the New York Giants. The Patriots fail to finish their already historic, but imperfect season while the Giants become the first NFC wild card team to win the Super Bowl.
7. Usain Bolt, representing Jamaica, becomes the fastest man in the world at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Bolt runs the 100 meter dash in 9.69 seconds, and celebrates before the finish line in the world's fastest race.
6. Dale Earndhart crashes his car and dies in the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. Earndhadt, nicknamed "the intimidator" was arguably the most controversial and popular NASCAR driver ever.
5. Brandi Chastain rips off her shirt after scoring the winning penalty goal against China in the 1999 World Cup on American soil. Chastain's actions became one of the most controversial sports moments of all time.
4. Mark McGwire hits homerun number 70. An epic home run race between McGwire and Sammy Sosa is ended when McGwire finishes the season with 70 home runs, a new single season record.
3. Lance Armstrong wins his 7th consecutive Tour de France. Cancer survivor, Lance Armstrong, became the winningist cyclist of all time.
2. Michael Jordan's makes his last shot. Michael Jordan made the final shot of his career as a Chicago Bull, winning game six of the 1998 NBA finals over the Utah Jazz, clinching his 6th and final NBA title.
1. Michael Phelps wins 8 Gold Medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Michael Phelps won 8 gold medals in swimming, to top Mark Spitz's record of 7 gold medals in the Munich Games of 1972
10. Rulon Gardner wins the gold medal in the 2000 Olympics for Greco-Roman wrestling. Gardner defeated Russian Alexander Karelin, who had never lost a match.
9. Tiger Woods wins the 2008 U.S. Open in a 19 hole playoff against unknown, Rocco Mediate. Woods played in the tournaments against doctor's orders, with a severely injured knee.
8. The unbeaten New England Patriots lose Super Bowl 42 to the New York Giants. The Patriots fail to finish their already historic, but imperfect season while the Giants become the first NFC wild card team to win the Super Bowl.
7. Usain Bolt, representing Jamaica, becomes the fastest man in the world at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Bolt runs the 100 meter dash in 9.69 seconds, and celebrates before the finish line in the world's fastest race.
6. Dale Earndhart crashes his car and dies in the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. Earndhadt, nicknamed "the intimidator" was arguably the most controversial and popular NASCAR driver ever.
5. Brandi Chastain rips off her shirt after scoring the winning penalty goal against China in the 1999 World Cup on American soil. Chastain's actions became one of the most controversial sports moments of all time.
4. Mark McGwire hits homerun number 70. An epic home run race between McGwire and Sammy Sosa is ended when McGwire finishes the season with 70 home runs, a new single season record.
3. Lance Armstrong wins his 7th consecutive Tour de France. Cancer survivor, Lance Armstrong, became the winningist cyclist of all time.
2. Michael Jordan's makes his last shot. Michael Jordan made the final shot of his career as a Chicago Bull, winning game six of the 1998 NBA finals over the Utah Jazz, clinching his 6th and final NBA title.
1. Michael Phelps wins 8 Gold Medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Michael Phelps won 8 gold medals in swimming, to top Mark Spitz's record of 7 gold medals in the Munich Games of 1972
Big Mouths in Big D!
I would definitely say the Cowboys are big favorites in tonight's match up with the Eagles. The bright lights of Monday Night are fitting for T.O., Romo and company. The only thing holding them back are the big mouths Adam Jones, Jessica Simpson and Terrell Owens.
In the past week to 10 days all three of them have made comments worthy of bulletin board material for Philly. Jones slammed the Eagles in a round-about way by insulting their previous opponent. "Dude, they played the Rams," said Jones. I don't see where Adam gets off thinking that he has the right to insult anyone in the NFL, including the hopeless Rams. He should feel lucky to be wearing a uniform with a big silver star instead of black and white stripes. Keep your mouth shut and play the game, son!
Then there's Jessica Simpson. She appeared on Good Morning America last week for a concert series performance. While her voice was a little shakey and the southern accent sounded quite forced most of the time, her post-performance interview was entertaining. Diane Sawyer spotted an Eagles fan in the crowd and Simpson commented, "That's next week, we're gonna kick your butts too!" As if last year's pink jersey shimmy wasn't a big enough lesson for Jessica, she had to go ahead and do it again. Let's just hope that curse doesn't continue this weekend! Romo should be thrilled to have a hotty girlfriend, but he really needs to invest in a muzzle. Don't worry Jes, I'm sure he can find a pink one for you!
And, last but not least T.O. "I think I got too big for Philly, too big for him(McNabb)." If T.O.'s goal was to give the Eagles players and fans more reasons to hate him, he succeeded. And if NFL player feed of of anger, than T.O. might have just made those inevitable tackles a little more painful for Monday night. T.O. went on to insult Donovan McNabb and the city of Philadelphia several more times during his interview. It's a good thing the game is in Dallas, because I'm not sure security at Lincoln Financial Field could have kept all of the eager snipers off of the roof.
Here's my final thought. Maybe the "3 stooges" (Simpson, Owens, and Jones) are smarter than we think. The fact that off the field distractions create pressure for the team to succeed may be just what they need. After all, I'd rather have Romo learning how to handle big pressure games now, rather than in 14 weeks
In the past week to 10 days all three of them have made comments worthy of bulletin board material for Philly. Jones slammed the Eagles in a round-about way by insulting their previous opponent. "Dude, they played the Rams," said Jones. I don't see where Adam gets off thinking that he has the right to insult anyone in the NFL, including the hopeless Rams. He should feel lucky to be wearing a uniform with a big silver star instead of black and white stripes. Keep your mouth shut and play the game, son!
Then there's Jessica Simpson. She appeared on Good Morning America last week for a concert series performance. While her voice was a little shakey and the southern accent sounded quite forced most of the time, her post-performance interview was entertaining. Diane Sawyer spotted an Eagles fan in the crowd and Simpson commented, "That's next week, we're gonna kick your butts too!" As if last year's pink jersey shimmy wasn't a big enough lesson for Jessica, she had to go ahead and do it again. Let's just hope that curse doesn't continue this weekend! Romo should be thrilled to have a hotty girlfriend, but he really needs to invest in a muzzle. Don't worry Jes, I'm sure he can find a pink one for you!
And, last but not least T.O. "I think I got too big for Philly, too big for him(McNabb)." If T.O.'s goal was to give the Eagles players and fans more reasons to hate him, he succeeded. And if NFL player feed of of anger, than T.O. might have just made those inevitable tackles a little more painful for Monday night. T.O. went on to insult Donovan McNabb and the city of Philadelphia several more times during his interview. It's a good thing the game is in Dallas, because I'm not sure security at Lincoln Financial Field could have kept all of the eager snipers off of the roof.
Here's my final thought. Maybe the "3 stooges" (Simpson, Owens, and Jones) are smarter than we think. The fact that off the field distractions create pressure for the team to succeed may be just what they need. After all, I'd rather have Romo learning how to handle big pressure games now, rather than in 14 weeks
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
New Jones, Same Plan
When the Cowboys got rid of Julius Jones last season I truly thought that Marion Barber would finally be the featured running back for the Dallas Cowboys. While Barber is the Cowboys' #1 running back, there is another Jones vying for carries this season. Granted, he probably wouldn't have seen as much playing time if Barber wouldn't have gotten injured in the 3rd quarter, Felix Jones made quite a case for himself as a close #2.
Scoring a TD on the very first carry of his career, Jones burst on to the scene in a big way. He almost shook off defenders for a second touchdown later in the game. With Barber injured, but probable for this weekend many are wondering if Jones will carry more of the load now that he has proven he can handle the job.
I will always wonder what Wade Philips original plan for Jones would have been, had Barber not have gotten injured and given Jones the chance to steal the spotlight for a bit. But the truth is that Jones proved something on Sunday and now Wade Philips has to decide what to do about it.
In his first 2 seasons with Dallas Marion Barber played in all 16 games, averaging nearly 5 yards a carry. You can not tell me that he would have been that healthy or that productive if he wouldn't have been sharing the backfield with Julius Jones. I understand that fans want that clear cut #1 guy, but let's face it. Marion Barber is not and will never be Emmitt Smith.
Barber had more yards in limited playing time this past Sunday than his individual game averages for both of the past two years. That has to say something. Right now this kid is healthy and ready for the grueling NFL season.
I don't believe that this one minor injury will set him back, and if fans and coaches want him to be nearly as productive and efficient as he was a year ago than the Cowboys are going to need someone like Felix Jones to help out. Dallas should feel privileged to have such a promising young running back behind Barber. Because in the end it's not about having a thousand yard back on your roster, it's about winning football games.
Scoring a TD on the very first carry of his career, Jones burst on to the scene in a big way. He almost shook off defenders for a second touchdown later in the game. With Barber injured, but probable for this weekend many are wondering if Jones will carry more of the load now that he has proven he can handle the job.
I will always wonder what Wade Philips original plan for Jones would have been, had Barber not have gotten injured and given Jones the chance to steal the spotlight for a bit. But the truth is that Jones proved something on Sunday and now Wade Philips has to decide what to do about it.
In his first 2 seasons with Dallas Marion Barber played in all 16 games, averaging nearly 5 yards a carry. You can not tell me that he would have been that healthy or that productive if he wouldn't have been sharing the backfield with Julius Jones. I understand that fans want that clear cut #1 guy, but let's face it. Marion Barber is not and will never be Emmitt Smith.
Barber had more yards in limited playing time this past Sunday than his individual game averages for both of the past two years. That has to say something. Right now this kid is healthy and ready for the grueling NFL season.
I don't believe that this one minor injury will set him back, and if fans and coaches want him to be nearly as productive and efficient as he was a year ago than the Cowboys are going to need someone like Felix Jones to help out. Dallas should feel privileged to have such a promising young running back behind Barber. Because in the end it's not about having a thousand yard back on your roster, it's about winning football games.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Week One Win: Hard to Measure
It's strange to start an NFL post with a comment on a Basketball note, but today it's appropriate. I would like to draw attention to the passing of a legend in the world of Collegiate Basketball. Don Haskins passed away on Sunday after loosing his battle with congestive heart failure. While the interests of this blog are served by the NFL, Haskins' courage has effected the entire sporting world. Don Haskins was the first coach to ever win an NCAA Basketball title with a starting line up consisting of 5 African American Players in 1966 while coaching for Texas Western College.
Now on to Week 1 in the NFL. Sunday was day marked with huge headlines by teams in almost every division. From Tom Brady's season ending knee injury, Brett Favre's debut as a Jet and the Colts first loss in the months of September or October since 2004; there was plenty to talk about on the Monday morning sports shows. Not surprisingly, Dallas' routine win over Cleveland wasn't at the top of the newscasts.
Jason Witten called Sunday's game "the best game Romo has played in three years." In the same article Randy Galloway wondered when the last time a Dallas quarterback has had that much time to throw the ball. Matt Moseley of ESPN.com said that the Browns looked like a scout team for Dallas and that the Cowboys thoroughly embarrassed the Browns.
I don't think that I am going to go as far as many sports-writers have. Tony Romo's 320 passing yards on Sunday were wonderfully, but isn't that what he's supposed to deliver? He isn't he paid the big bucks to lose to the Cleveland Browns, even on the road; I don't care how hyped they are. If Tony Romo's eighteen point spread against a banged up Brown defense is his best game of the year than I see them barely getting out of the NFC East.
I'll start doing the Superbowl shuffle when Dallas beats a legitimate team in Philadelphia next week. However, I did have some observations from the game:
1) Lebron James should be ashamed of himself for sporting a New York Yankees hat and Dallas Cowboys shirt in the same city where he makes his money in another professional league. The fans of Cleveland should feel betrayed.
2) It appears as if Marian Barber will be sharing the backfield with another Jones this season. The Cowboy's first round draft pick, Felix Jones scored an 11-yard touchdown on his first carry of the game. A third quarter rib injury took Barber out of the game and gave Jones the opportunity to convince coaches that he's ready. While Barber's injury doesn't seem serious and he will be back next week, it appears as if it gave Jones an opportunity he might not have had otherwise.
3) Jerry Jone's might have found a #2 wide receiver on Sunday and I'm not talking about Patrick Creighton. T.O. stole a play from the Olympic Gold medalist when he mocked Bolt's effortless win in the Olympics by "walking" out fake starting blocks. The touchdown celebration gave Dallas a 15-yard penalty, but it might have given Jerry Jones the epiphany he needed.
Now on to Week 1 in the NFL. Sunday was day marked with huge headlines by teams in almost every division. From Tom Brady's season ending knee injury, Brett Favre's debut as a Jet and the Colts first loss in the months of September or October since 2004; there was plenty to talk about on the Monday morning sports shows. Not surprisingly, Dallas' routine win over Cleveland wasn't at the top of the newscasts.
Jason Witten called Sunday's game "the best game Romo has played in three years." In the same article Randy Galloway wondered when the last time a Dallas quarterback has had that much time to throw the ball. Matt Moseley of ESPN.com said that the Browns looked like a scout team for Dallas and that the Cowboys thoroughly embarrassed the Browns.
I don't think that I am going to go as far as many sports-writers have. Tony Romo's 320 passing yards on Sunday were wonderfully, but isn't that what he's supposed to deliver? He isn't he paid the big bucks to lose to the Cleveland Browns, even on the road; I don't care how hyped they are. If Tony Romo's eighteen point spread against a banged up Brown defense is his best game of the year than I see them barely getting out of the NFC East.
I'll start doing the Superbowl shuffle when Dallas beats a legitimate team in Philadelphia next week. However, I did have some observations from the game:
1) Lebron James should be ashamed of himself for sporting a New York Yankees hat and Dallas Cowboys shirt in the same city where he makes his money in another professional league. The fans of Cleveland should feel betrayed.
2) It appears as if Marian Barber will be sharing the backfield with another Jones this season. The Cowboy's first round draft pick, Felix Jones scored an 11-yard touchdown on his first carry of the game. A third quarter rib injury took Barber out of the game and gave Jones the opportunity to convince coaches that he's ready. While Barber's injury doesn't seem serious and he will be back next week, it appears as if it gave Jones an opportunity he might not have had otherwise.
3) Jerry Jone's might have found a #2 wide receiver on Sunday and I'm not talking about Patrick Creighton. T.O. stole a play from the Olympic Gold medalist when he mocked Bolt's effortless win in the Olympics by "walking" out fake starting blocks. The touchdown celebration gave Dallas a 15-yard penalty, but it might have given Jerry Jones the epiphany he needed.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Still America's Team? Prove It!
Over eight hundred miles and a family full of bitter Bears fans haven't been enough to dilute my fascination with the Dallas Cowboys football team. When I was 8-years-old Santa Claus brought me a barbie, a doll house, and a Troy Aikman jersey. America's Team has been "my team" for as long as I can remember, and I'm not a fair weather fan like some. I rocked the blue and silver Starter jacket through the early 2000s when he Dallas Cowboys were the punch line of the NFL.
So, I guess this blog will come from the perspective of a fan, but a fan who is sick of defending Tony Romo's mid-season vacations and sticking up for characters named Tank and Pacman. In many ways, this blog will say what many Cowboys fans have too much pride to admit. If 2009 doesn't produce more results than a dozen pro-bowlers, are the days of Jerry Jones being able to purchase Super Bowls over? Over the course of the 2008 NFL season this quetion will be answered. I will follow the Cowboys from week to week giving you a closer look at the team, on and off of the field.
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From a big silver star to a target with a bulls eye, the media seem to scrutinize the Dallas Cowboys football team more than other teams. And oh yeah, there's also those people called fans to satisfy. Jerry Jones' deep pockets have given him the personnel on the field and in the front office for nearly 20 years, but he hasn't been able to buy a Super Bowl Championship since 1996. That's a long time in Cowboy years, and fans are restless. For the third straight year, the team will enter the season with expectations higher than just making the post-season.
ESPN's power rankings have the Cowboys at #3, but many football analysts have picked the Cowboys to win the Super Bowl. I have chosen to hold off on my bold predictions until a fomitable wide recieve is added to the roster to compliment T.O. With many of Jones' favorites for the job staying put, I don't see a reslolution in teh near future. With that said, there are no excuses. The team does have other offensive weapons coming out of the backfield and at T.E.
The hype of the 2008 Dallas team will begin to be answered this weekend when week 1 kicks of with the Cleveland Browns. On Sunday I'll play the roll of fan, but expect an honest Monday morning review from this blogger.
So, I guess this blog will come from the perspective of a fan, but a fan who is sick of defending Tony Romo's mid-season vacations and sticking up for characters named Tank and Pacman. In many ways, this blog will say what many Cowboys fans have too much pride to admit. If 2009 doesn't produce more results than a dozen pro-bowlers, are the days of Jerry Jones being able to purchase Super Bowls over? Over the course of the 2008 NFL season this quetion will be answered. I will follow the Cowboys from week to week giving you a closer look at the team, on and off of the field.
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From a big silver star to a target with a bulls eye, the media seem to scrutinize the Dallas Cowboys football team more than other teams. And oh yeah, there's also those people called fans to satisfy. Jerry Jones' deep pockets have given him the personnel on the field and in the front office for nearly 20 years, but he hasn't been able to buy a Super Bowl Championship since 1996. That's a long time in Cowboy years, and fans are restless. For the third straight year, the team will enter the season with expectations higher than just making the post-season.
ESPN's power rankings have the Cowboys at #3, but many football analysts have picked the Cowboys to win the Super Bowl. I have chosen to hold off on my bold predictions until a fomitable wide recieve is added to the roster to compliment T.O. With many of Jones' favorites for the job staying put, I don't see a reslolution in teh near future. With that said, there are no excuses. The team does have other offensive weapons coming out of the backfield and at T.E.
The hype of the 2008 Dallas team will begin to be answered this weekend when week 1 kicks of with the Cleveland Browns. On Sunday I'll play the roll of fan, but expect an honest Monday morning review from this blogger.
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