Dallas Cowboys Blogs

Shopping for free agents in the NFL is not much different from shopping for groceries at the grocery store.  You must make your grocery list based on what you need, while keeping an eye out for great deals.  You want to avoid overpaying for something that you either don’t need or won’t be satisfied with.  You need to keep you eye out for dropping prices.  It is also essential that you stay away from flawed products that have disappointed in the past.  These are all keys to being a smart shopper in the NFL free agent market. 

Continue reading "Let's Go (Free Agent) Shopping!"

The 2010 NFL Draft will commence on Thursday, April 22, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. 

In tribute to the upcoming draft, below are the five best  number one overall selections made by franchises over the course of the past quarter-century.  

Continue reading "The Five Best NFL First Overall NFL Draft Picks"

It has been a while and I don’t really have an excuse for not posting anything the last couple weeks.  I guess since the Cowboys got trounced by the Minnesota Vikings I just haven’t had much inspiration.  But I’ve come out of my temporary depression and have officially transitioned to the off-season.  In between cartons of Ben & Jerry’s and episodes of Cash Cab I have thought long and hard about what the Cowboys need to do over the  next 6-7 months in order to take the next step from playoff team to Super Bowl contender.

Continue reading "Back to the Drawing Board"

The New Orleans Saints will play the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV Sunday at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

 

The Colts (16-2) are currently favored by nearly six points to defeat the underdog Saints (15-3) this weekend.

Continue reading "The Five Best Super Bowl Winners Since 1985"

The Indianapolis Colts will play the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV on February 7 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

 

The contest is expected to be an offensive shootout pitting Colts (16-2) quarterback Peyton Manning against Saints (15-3) signal-caller Drew Brees.

Continue reading "The Best Quarterback Matchups in ..."

Whenever I think back to this past Sunday’s game against the Vikings, everything just seems blurred.  Although the final score read 34-3, I just can’t imagine how things got out of control so quickly.  The Cowboys were moving the ball well and playing pretty well on defense initially.  Then suddenly, they were getting stampeded.  Not by Adrian Peterson.  Not even by Chester Taylor.  They weren’t even being mauled by Minnesota’s Pro Bowl laden offensive line.  So what the hell happened?!  Well in review, it was a lot of things but at the same time it was one thing:  respect.  The Cowboys underestimated and undervalued players on the Vikings and players on their own team.  They underestimated the effect of a home field advantage in Minnesota.  They also under estimated the amount of desperation that needs to be displayed in every playoff game.  Somewhere between beating the Eagles twice and getting demolished by the Vikings, the Cowboys forgot that they were playing the one of the top 2 teams in the conference.

Continue reading "The Underestimated"

Count me among the "fooled" pundits who thought the Dallas Cowboys would have the upper hand over the Minnesota Vikings in their divisional round match-up. How wrong we were. Tony Romo turned the ball over three times en route to an embarrassing 34-3 loss to Brett Favre and the Vikings. 

Continue reading "Cowboys make quiet exit from playoffs ..."

 

Even if yesterday's were drama-less (story of the playoffs so far), I couldn't miss a second. That won't change today as the most hyped game of the weekend starts Divisional round Sunday. New York's Cinderella story (is Rex Ryan the fairy godmother?) closes out the night with a west coast appearance. The Opening Drive of Divisional Sunday in the NFL starts now!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Divisional Sunday"

The Cowboys have a huge match-up this week against the #2 seed Minnesota Vikings.  But, I don’t think that will keep any Cowboys fan from relishing in what has transpired over the last month.  Over these last 4 weeks the Cowboys have exercised all of their “demons” and now simply have to go into the Metrodome and take on the 12-4 Minnesota Vikings led by Brett Favre to advance to the NFC championsip.  Piece of cake, right?  Well before we stuff ourselves, let’s digest the last month of the season and see what the Cowboys were able to stomach (pun intended). 

Continue reading "Exercising the Demons"

The Dallas Cowboys have pulled off their first playoff win in years.  Tony Romo is now 1-2 in the playoffs, and Wade Phillips finally has won one himself.  Phillips and Romo had been known as "choke artists" in the past years, Romo fumbling a kicker hold against the Seattle Seahawks and throwing an interception late against the New York Giants.

Continue reading "First Playoff Win in 14 Years For 'Boys"

Proving that their shut-out win last week was no fluke, the Dallas Cowboys picked up right where they left off with a 34-14 blowout win over the Philadelphia Eagles Saturday night. In a flag-filled contest (actually setting a playoff record for most penalty yards), only Dallas overcame their mistakes. Philly never stood a chance. 

Continue reading "Cowboys send Eagles home with a 34-14 ..."

Every now and then one play can define a career in the NFL.  This was, indeed, the case for Michael Vick in the 2009 Wild Card game against the Dallas Cowboys. One pass in one playoff game may have secured one player's career in the NFL.

Continue reading "Vick's TD Pass Means More to Him Than to Eagles"

Is everyone ready for their repeat of Week 17 in the NFL? That’s certainly what it feels like, with the Eagles returning to Arlington to take on the Cowboys and the Packers returning to Glendale to face the Cardinals. At least the Bengals and Jets are giving us some variety by switching from New York to the Queen City for their rematch. The Patriots and Ravens are the only original match up of Wildcard Weekend, but when we look again, it’s still nothing new.

Continue reading "NFL Playoffs preview"

Playoffs? Yep, they're here! After another 17 week regular season, the Wild-Card round begins this afternoon with the rematch between NY Jets and Cincinnati Bengals, followed by what could be the game of the weekend. Philadelphia travels to Dallas for the third meeting this season between these NFC East rivals. Time for analysis and predictions! It's the Opening Drive of Wild-Card Saturday!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Wild-Card Saturday"

Though it means nothing, I am required by football law to point out I was 7-0 in my Opening Drive predictions for week 17. Woot. Multiple teams lost because they did not keep their starters in while one NFC East leader got railed on. Now, onto the last week of the regular season with this edition of the Final Drive! 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 17"

After the Cowboys beat up on the Washington Redskins a couple of weeks ago I had a chance to catch up with one of my old teammates, John Phillips, who currently plays tight end for the Cowboys.  We only spoke briefly but we did manage to discuss UVA’s recent hiring of

Continue reading "The Cav Report: A New Era"

Holy idiotic decision Jim Caldwell! This week in the Final Drive features a barrel-full of storylines. The playoff contestants in the NFC were locked in while the AFC remains a dog-fight for the final two playoff spots. Let's wrap up week 16!

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 16"

With a shutout win against the lowly Washington Redskins the Dallas Cowboys split their December games (2-2).  While it is not a complete turn around from their previous struggles, they showed some mettle down the stretch and have officially punched their ticket into the tournament.  There are still many dominoes that need to fall into place to determine final playoff seeding, but at least the ‘Boys got a shot. 

Continue reading "Back in the tournament!"

     Saturday night football in the Superdome had every member of the Who Dat Nation dreaming of an undefeated season with the Saints sporting a 13-0 record. Big Daddy’ s experiences have taught him how great expectations in sports can quickly crash and burn. Guiding the team through the emotional rollercoaster of an NFL campaign requires Coach Payton to juggle more than Tiger Woods managing his harem. Perhaps Tiger should make a guest appearance on HBO’ s series about Mormons,

Continue reading "Big Daddy Blames Lack of Balance ..."

Quick Strikes 

-          I had trouble deciding whether I should start Beanie Wells (vs. Lions) or Cedric Benson (vs. Chargers) in one of my fantasy leagues.  It was a tough choice but I decided to go with Wells.  He rewarded me with 110 yards and a touchdown.  Benson was a must start earlier in the season, but the injury has definitely slowed him down.  Hopefully he bounces back this week against the lowly Chiefs.

Continue reading "Quick Strikes"

After another dramatic Colts win, the still-undefeated Saints try their luck against the Cowboys on Saturday night while the second seed in the AFC is on the line on Sunday. Let's start the Opening Drive of week 15 in the NFL!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 15"

NFL Network presents a Special Saturday Edition of Thursday Night Football!  The battle for the NFC takes center-stage as Tony Romo and the NFC’s East-leading Cowboys storm into the post season.

Continue reading "GAME DAY SATURDAY"

It was a crazy week 14 in the NFL, book-ended by division upsets on Thursday and Monday night. While the playoff picture is coming into focus, we still have loads of drama in the NFC East and two undefeated teams with their eyes set on the Lombardi Trophy. The Final Drive starts now!

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 14"

The Dallas Cowboys have entered their December swoon, and yet I'm not worried.  The defense couldn't contain the pass.  The offense couldn't punch it in from the one yard line.  And off we go to New Orleans, a team that will pass all over you, that will stuff you at the line.

Continue reading "Big Test Coming for Big D"

If the Dallas Cowboys do not defeat the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, then they will not make the playoffs.  At least that’s what ESPN’s Michael Smith implies as he analyzes the Cowboys December schedule.

Continue reading "Must Win Game?"

A game like Sunday begins to make you wonder, “Are the Cowboys truly incapable of finishing out a season?”  Despite getting a career performance from their quarterback

Continue reading "Here We Go Again (Part 2)"

I recently read that the Cowboys were last in the league in terms of forcing turnovers.  Despite playing solid defense(16.5 ppg), they have only forced 23 turnovers this season.  I haven’t seen the defensive backs dropping a lot of passes, so that is not the answer.  I also haven’t seen this team miss out on a lot of fumble recovery opportunities so that can’t be the cause either.  There must be a reason why the Cowboys can’t seem to get the ball back from the other team.  Although it is easy to say that they just haven’t been lucky or gotten the right bounces, there is a definitely a method to causing turnovers and it all starts up front.  The Cowboys front seven needs to be coached up on the value of turnovers and wreaking havoc in the backfield.  Although they do a good job of getting to the passer, they do not get their hands on enough passes and they have not

Continue reading "Coach Harris Presents: The Art of ..."

To this point of the season the Cowboys have taken care of business, for the most part.  The Cowboys could very easily be 9-1 had they just maintained their composure against the likes of the New York Giants and Denver Broncos.  But instead of dwelling on what could have been, the ‘Boys did a good job of moving on as they went on to win 6 of their next 7 games and claim 1st place in the NFC east.  Unfortunately, none of that matters now.  The Cowboys are 8-3 with the Philadelphia Eagles in a close trail at 7-4, and the Giants still kicking at 6-5.  And being that the final five games of this season are in the dreaded month of December, the phrase “anything can happen” is an understatement. 

Continue reading "Going Forward: Can the Dallas Cowboys ..."

Observations from Sunday:

 

- Jason Garrett tried to prove a point and the Cowboys almost lost the game because of it. 

 

Garrett came under fire for only running the ball 11 times all of last week, so he decided to double that total in the first half on Sunday.  That approach was somewhat understandable as the Cowboys got a pretty good push against a Haynesworth-less front four, but they should have mixed it up much more.  The Cowboys play best when they are spreading the ball around to all of their playmakers.  The wide-receivers didn’t even catch a ball until the 4th quarter, and Roy Williams didn’t register a single stat.  Which brings me to my next point?

Continue reading "We gots to do better!"

With all of the surprise upsets, there’s no way I can take the time to properly address them all. I’ll hit the best and worst of week 10 in this edition of the Final Drive! 

(3-6) Tennessee Titans 41

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 10"

Any true Cowboys fan had to see this Sunday’s disappointing loss coming from a mile away.  It was like double reverse psychology.  Everyone starts talking about how the game is a trap game at the beginning of the week, yet most everyone picked the Cowboys to win.  So naturally the Cowboys fell to the Packers and Tony Romo’s streak of

Continue reading "Letdown at Lambeau"

There were a few games I couldn’t even pretend to drum up a story for. Monday night’s Baltimore v. Cleveland match-up is beyond ugly. Still, there's plenty of drama for the week 10 edition of the Opening Drive! 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 10"

The last two undefeated teams carried on their winning ways, the last winless team won, the Giants gave one away by kicking a field goal and the Broncos could not hang with the Super Bowl Champs. Let’s wrap up week nine with the Final Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 9"

The last two undefeated teams carried on their winning ways, the last winless team won, the Giants gave one away by kicking a field goal and the Broncos could not hang with the Super Bowl Champs. Let’s wrap up week nine with the Final Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 9"

 

A slew of division match-ups are highlighted in this week’s NFL schedule. First place is up for grabs in the NFC East and one team hopes to avoid falling further behind the Colts in the AFC South. What games should you be watching? Find out in the Opening Drive of week nine!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 9"

Roy E. Williams is sad.  He’s upset.  He’s frustrated.  Despite playing for a legitimate playoff team (which he hasn’t done…well, ever) he is upset about the chemistry between himself and quarterback Tony Romo. 

Continue reading "The Roy Williams Rant: Are you serious?"

This Sunday the Cowboys will return to Philadelphia in an attempt to try and avenge last season’s beating (hence the word crime) against the Philadelphia Eagles.  There is a lot of hype leading up to this game and it is well deserved.  The winner of this game will gain sole possession of the NFC East.  Both teams are playing extremely well at this juncture of the season.  And, via the embarrassing loss to Philly at the end of last year, the Eagles are currently the Cowboys biggest rival.  In fact, since 2003 there is only one team in the NFC that has more wins than the Cowboys and it is most conveniently those hated Eagles. 

Continue reading "Mid-Season NFC Championship Game?"

Cowboys Receiver Miles Austin and Daddy Warbucks

Wide receiver Miles Austin helped lead the Dallas Cowboys to a 37-21 victory over the Atlanta Falcons Sunday at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. 

Continue reading "Miles Austin, Daddy Warbucks, Shonn ..."

Wide receiver Miles Austin helped lead the Dallas Cowboys to a 37-21 victory over the Atlanta Falcons Sunday at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

 

Austin, 25, an undrafted free-agent from Monmouth University in New Jersey, had eight receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns as the Cowboys improved their record to 4-2.

Continue reading "Cowboys Receiver Miles Austin and Daddy Warbucks"

Wow, it was blowout city this weekend. 11 of the 13 NFL games in week 7 were decided by ten points or more. That’s just ridiculous. Maybe it was good I was moving furniture on Sunday… wait, no it still wasn’t. To the Final Drive of week 7! 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 7"

Um… I struggled to find six games with real significant drama. Bob Sanders will return to the Colts, but it’s against the lowly Rams! The Packers face the bumbling Browns, New England faces winless Tampa Bay in London, and Buffalo takes on Carolina. *shudder* Here’s the best of week seven in my Opening Drive! 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 7"

After the last few years I’m beginning to wonder how many times I’ve thought to myself, “The Cowboys should have won that game.”  So many big games come to mind:

 

Continue reading "History Repeating: The Lost Inches"

I read an interesting little piece over at the Dallas Morning News' Cowboys Blog in which Cowboy's Wide Receiver Roy Williams say's he is unclear what his role is here in Dallas.

Continue reading "Roy Williams is unclear what his role is?"

In week four of the NFL season, at least one more undefeated team will fall. AFC forces meet in Boston, and one of the best rivalries in the league takes it to a whole ‘nother level thanks to a certain unretiring quarterback. Week four Opening Drive commence! 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 4"

Tuesday evening hangover…

Here are some of my astute observations from the Cowboys’ Monday night victory against the Panthers:

     1. The Cowboys played a very gritty game.

Continue reading "Tuesday Evening Hangover: Dallas ..."

Plenty of drama in a weekend that saw one team break a 19-game losing streak and another keep their undefeated streak going. Let’s start the Final Drive of week 3! 

(1-2) Detroit Lions 19 (1-2) Washington Redskins 14 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 3"

-Tennessee Volunteers hoops coach Bruce Pearl apologized for making a insensitive joke at a fundraiser:

"I've got a tough job. I've got to put these guys from different worlds together, right?" Pearl said. "I've got guys from Chicago, Detroit ... I'm talking about the 'hood! And I've got guys from Grainger County, where they wear the hood.''

Continue reading "In other news"

Good morning fantasy friends!

Today is Saturday September 26, 2009 so you have a little more than 24 hours to get your fantasy act together or you may end up with that crucial week 3 L.  

Continue reading "Welcome to Fantasy Land!"

For the past few years, anyone and everyone who I have discussed UVa football with has asked me how I felt about Al Groh. “Do you think he’s a better NFL or college coach?”  “Is he too tough on his players?”  “Is he tough enough on his players?”  “Did he deserve that contract?”  And the beat goes on and on.  For the most part I have been a Groh defender.  Even though he didn’t have the warmest personality, I respected and admired his knowledge of the game and I still do.  However, after hearing of the embarrassing loss to William & Mary, watching the game against TCU live and in person, and then witnessing UVa’s collapse this past weekend against Southern Miss, I do believe there will be a change at the top of Cavaliers Football at the end of this season, if not before the end of the season.

Continue reading "Must Groh Go?"

 

In week three, two early unbeatens face off at the Metrodome while numerous 0-2 teams try to avoid the near-insurmountable playoff climb out of the 0-3 hole. Let’s get started with this week’s Opening Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 3"

     Experienced Big Daddy readers know a Saints road trip means a Kingpin blowout. Sunday’s relentless beat-down served notice to the football world that the Saints Are Coming! Perhaps Fats Domino’s old hit song “Blue Monday” soothed the City of Brotherly Love after the Saints took the Eagles to the woodshed Sunday. In this week’s

Continue reading "Big Daddy Kicks Off Kingpin Season"

Well, I have neglected this blog all year, but I had some free time today, so I figured I'd add a new post.  The first two weeks of the NFL season have been pretty good, with the stupid Hail Mary from the Broncos to win week 1 (gosh I hate watching the highlights of that play) to the great game between Dallas and the NYG last week in the Texas palace.  But the thing that has me the most excited is the Bengals' defense.  They played hard all preseason, did really well agaianst Denver, minus that stupid Hail Mary, and recorded 6 sacks on Aaron Rodgers last week.  This defense finished 15th last year and I feel they are well on their way to being a top 10 unit.  With Odom healthy, it's easy to see why Cincy shelled out so much money for him last offseason.  He has 7 sacks on the season (which leads the NFL) and works really well on third downs with Geathers on one end, Michael Johnson on the other, and Odom inside.  This combo causes a lot of problems for the offenses and I feel that it will again this week against Pittsburgh.

Continue reading "Steelers are going down this Sunday"

Week two had its fair share of upsets and surprises. (Not the least of which were my Bears!) Let’s take a look at the week that was in my Week 2 edition of the Final Drive!

(2-0) Atlanta Falcons       28

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 2"

A lot of thoughts went through my head as Lawrence Tynes lined up for the game-winning 37 yard field-goal last night.  I though about how the Cowboys had turned the ball over four times to the Giants zero, yet they still led with 4 seconds on the clock.  I thought about the sheer buffoonery, gluttony, and excess that is Cowboys Stadium.  I thought about that 1.5 million pound screen being suspended over the football field and how it should be the scariest thing ever considering the tragedy that occurred earlier in the summer at a  Cowboys facility.  But none of these was the dominant thought in my mind as certain defeat loomed over America’s team. With 4 seconds left and the Giants on the verge of ruining the opening of the greatest venue in sports history I realized why I felt uneasy the entire game.  I realized then, why I had a sneaky suspicion that fate was not on the Cowboys’ side.  The ‘Boys were doomed from the coin toss.  George W. Bush was given the esteemed honor of tossing the first coin in Cowboy’s Stadium regular season history.  Jerry Jones let George W. Bush christen what was supposed to be one of the greatest triumphs in Dallas history.  I’m not a superstitious man, but every thing George Bush touches turns into a grammatically incorrect mess.  But it is neither analytical or politically correct (no pun intended) to blame George Bush for a Cowboys loss.  That would be like blaming Bill Parcells North Korea’s development of

Continue reading "Doomed from the coin toss?"

Monday Morning Moneyball: Week 2- Big Apple Stars Are Born!

Welcome to Monday Morning Moneyball! Week 2 provided us with two New York tales of triumph that not only bucked old trends, but also may have unveiled the dawn of a new quarterback era in green and wide receiver tandem in blue. We start with the J-E-T-S, JETS JETS JETS! All week, media outlets all over the country have been replaying Rex Ryan’s message to the Jets season ticket holders. 70 seconds of fanfare and propaganda from Ryan begged for support over and beyond the norm from the Jets faithful, and his message was reiterated by Kerry Rhodes and several other Jets players, and the message was simple: We can beat the Patriots. That they did, 16-9, showing off their Baltimore style dominant defense that Ryan has brought over from the Raven dynasty. While I’ll delve into New England’s deficiencies in my Money Bites below, praise needs to be given to Mark Sanchez for his 2nd consecutive strong performance. While his numbers weren’t gaudy (14 of 22, 163 yards with 1 TD, 0 Int), his 101.1 passer rating is indicative of his efficient performance. Sanchez did everything Ryan and the Jets could ask of him in his rookie season. He stayed away from risky unnecessary throws, threw for a 65% completion percentage in the second half and executed on big plays down the stretch, including the go-ahead touchdown strike to Dustin Keller. Watch out young QB society, Tom Brady, and everyone else in the AFC, if Sanchez keeps up this act, the Jets will be a team to be reckoned with come January.

Continue reading "Monday Morning Moneyball: Week 2- ..."

I was a decent 3-1 last week. Called the Games straight Up and where to take the points. My only lost was the Upset special. Which seems not so special for week 1. The Colts help on for the win, Yet like I said did not cover the spread. The Saints went marching in to the season with 6 touchdowns from Brees. The Dolphins seem to let me down in more then one way, I actual  sipped the Ronnie Brown Kool aid and left a sour taste in fantasy for week 1.

Continue reading "Week 2 NFL Picks"

It is the time of the year where we bid adieu to our Sunday trips to the local outlet malls and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Where, as men, we stop our tofu and salad diets in the name of our loved ones who are repulsed by our manly guts, and turn the grill up to happiness. No more flavored waters, playing cards with the in-laws or going to the zoo with your kids- no, my fellow men, it is Football season. It is the dawning of imported German sausage links, cheap-hardcore domestic manly beers (ok, maybe Light beers, let's be honest, we are a little fat), and the most destructive hard hitting American game filling our heads with fantasy stats, eye-popping hits, and hope for a glorious triumph.

Continue reading "Fall Springs Eternal- It is once ..."

Week one of the 2009 NFL season is in the books. Filled with injuries, blowouts and a dramatic ending out in Cincinnati, let’s take a look around the league in this first edition of the Final Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 1"

Now that the preseason is over, let the countdown to the real games begin.

The Dallas Cowboys open their 2009 NFL season on the road Sunday, 12 noon, in Tampa, Florida.
The Cowboys’ organization improved the team’s chances of finishing the season stronger by the decisions they made during the off season.

Continue reading "Dallas Cowboys "Reel" 09 Season Begins Sunday"

Jenkins vs. Scandrick 2

 For most football fans, the battle between Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins for the Dallas Cowboys’ starting right cornerback spot is quite insignificant.  They are both second year players attempting to replace a second tier veteran in Anthony Henry.  They are two of the fastest players on the team and they have shown flashes of their potential over the duration of last season, this off-season, training camp, and pre-season.  To the casual fan, the only difference between Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick is their draft position (Jenkins a 1st rounder, Scandrick a 5th Rounder) and their height.  Actually Jenkins and Scandrick are about the same height but Jenkins has freakishly long arms so I give him the advantage by default…work with me people.  But for me, Mike Jenkins’ comes up short (no pun intended) in this competition for a starting position on the most high profile team in the National Football League. 

Continue reading "Dallas Cowboys Presents the Main ..."

It's that time of year again folks. Time to start predicting the unpredictable. Will any of the Denver Broncos running backs get enough carries to warrant a spot on your roster? Can Michael Turner replicate last season's performance and warrant the second overall pick in your draft? What will Terrell Owens's numbers look like now that he is in Buffalo? And how does that impact Trent Edwards value as the Bills' QB? Who am I taking if I get the first pick? What if I get stuck at the end of the first round? Do I snatch up two running backs? Or should I go one running back and also nab a top tier receiver?

Continue reading "Fantasy Footbal is Upon Us"

I’m not much of a poker player, but since the beginning of training camp, head coach Bill Belichick has been exchanging cards, looking for a full house.

 

They looked at QB Cleo Lemon. DE Kevin Carter seems to be getting serious consideration. QB Matt Gutierrez was cut and QB Andrew Walter signed to replace Gutz.

Continue reading "Ninkovich in the Cards"

As long as everyone else is throwing in their two cents about disgraced NFL quarterback Michael Vick's next career move, I thought I should chime in because the answer is just common sense.

Mike -- can I call you Mike? -- this is what you should do: Forget about a return to pro football for 2009 and contact dog whisperer Cesar Millan about becoming his sidekick.

Continue reading "Two Words of Advice for Vick: Reality Series"

Cowboy Nation
4th and Long edition

Michael Irving and Monday Night Football.  Two statements that seem to go together.  Just when Cowboy fans thought the best thing in the summer months were training camp and pre-season, here comes #88.  The Playmaker's new show "4th and Long" brings the spirit of competition to six wide receivers and six defensive backs.  I'll admit, I though this was going to be just as embarrassing as all those cocaine arrests that Mike had to endure late in his career.  But with the help of Bill Bates and Joe Avezanno, Mike has turned this "Reality Show" into a true drive to the dream of becoming a Dallas Cowboy.  Once more, he removes the stigma of "Reality Show" in the first episode, stating that this is a "Football Tryout Camp, don't give me that (expletive) about a reality show".  Each week the competitors are graced with the presence of Cowboy greatness.  Tony Dorsett, Roger Staubach and Daryl "The Moose" Johnston drop by with their own words of wisdom and specific drills.  Not to mention the original #88, Drew Person, who shared a poignant story of not being drafted, and finding the fire to be the best.  There is even an episode where Mike's "home" team heads up against Jerry Rice's team of rivals (rejects from the previous episodes).  

Continue reading "Cowboy Nation: 4th and Long edition"

Cowboy NationJuly 13th, 2009

We're back!  The Nation has returned.  All of those beatings in December have finally healed, or would have been totally forgotten if the NFL Network didn't replay the Philly game this past Sunday.  But all that is in the past, just like TO, Pacman, Anthony Henry (the only good guy in the bunch), Roy (I used to be good, but can't cover for (insert expletive here)) Williams, and Greg ("It's Demarcus' fault") Ellis.  Let's not forget the great Zach Thomas.

Continue reading "Cowboy Nation: July Edition"

Most Cowboy fans have probably heard that Greg Ellis will either be traded or released before the upcoming season.  It what has been a turbulent past decade for the cowboys, Ellis provided solid performance at the DE and more recently at LB when the Boys shifted to the 3-4.  He was never a perenial All-Pro and maybe not worth a 1st Round pick, but he was a good solid player and a starter on most teams.  Minus his troubles converting to the 3-4 and contracts that go with it, it will feel strange not to see him in a Cowboys uniform.

Continue reading "Goodbye Greg Ellis"

     Over the years PETA has made a huge production out of attacking rodeo and its participants but this is over the top. Below is a post released on FoxNews.com

     Exclusive: PETA Going After DWTS Bull-Rider Ty Murray

Continue reading "PETA manages to put it's foot in ..."

Long before BMX racing, NASCAR, or UFC fights there were cowboys and rodeo. There have always been horses that couldn’t be rode and cowboys who knew they could ride them. From this cowboy pride rodeo was born. From rodeo America’s first extreme sport was born. No skate boards, no bikes, no cars. Just a man, an animal, and a shear determination to see who will win. Let’s see Tony Hawks ride a bull. I’d pay to see that.

Continue reading "Rodeo has always been America's first ..."

The American sports landscape has been continually tattooed with dynastic labels like “Team of the Year” or “Team of the Decade.”  The NFL in particular has been defined each decade by a juggernaut winning …. a lot.  The dominance of franchises like the 70’s Steelers, the 80’s Niners, the 90’s Cowboys, and the Patriots of the new millennium has immortalized the likes of Bradshaw, Aikman and Montana to deific status.  The NBA has also provided its share of dynastic runs from the Celtics to the Lakers to the Pistons to the Bulls, and examples abound exist in both hockey and baseball as well. 

Continue reading "Bruins Cup could give Boston Most ..."

Continue reading "Chicago Bears Draft Day Two: Angelo ..."

By now we've all heard the story and probably seen the video. Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats was driving his family to the Baylor Regional Medical Center in the Dallas Suburb of Plano, to make it to see his mother-in-law as she was in critical condition. She was suffering from breast cancer, and they had been told she didn't have much time. Moats put on his hazards, and by his account rolled through a red light after making sure the way was clear. Officer Robert Powell was parked nearby and attempted to pull him over. Moats continued to drive a short distance to the hospital, as Powell pursued. As he pulled up near the entrance of the hospital, the family jumped out of the car. Officer Powell instructed them to get back in the car, but Moats wife Tamishia and another family member ran inside. Ryan Moats tried explaining the situation to Officer Powell, who over the course of the next thirteen minutes would not listen, and herein lies the controversy.

Continue reading "Ryan Moats, You Are a Better Man Than Me..."

Can Bill Belichick really swindle the Carolina Panthers into trading 4-time Pro Bowl DE Julius Peppers for just the 34th overall pick?

While I'm sure Peppers will stand by his word and push to play with a 3-4 defense, the Panthers know what they have and won't just trade him just to satisfy Peppers.

Continue reading "The Price of Peppers"

The Bronx Will Be a Better Neighborhood without A-Roid*

New York Yankees parasite Alex Rodriguez had arthroscopic surgery Monday to repair torn cartilage in his right hip and doctors said they found nothing during the procedure that would keep the overrated ballplayer from returning to the Bombers lineup in May.

Continue reading "The Bronx is Nicer without A-Roid* ..."

I know. I was just as confused when you heard the news that controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens had been signed by the Buffalo Bills. For a player with a troublesome history like Owens, this might be his last chance to redeem himself and prove he can play nice with others. For a team that barely gets any national attention, Buffalo just cannon-balled into the media pool. I did not see this coming. Oakland? Yes. Al Davis loves stockpiling problem children. Then it’s always a surprise when they’re a problem and are released a year later. Buffalo? Dick Jauron is the model of calm and non-confrontational. Trent Edwards is a second year quarterback whose growth could be stunted if T.O. starts acting up early. Is this a good acquisition for the Bills? Well, to answer simply: maybe.

Continue reading "Owens to Buffalo: Really?"

OK. So I lied. In last week’s musings I apologized for a sudden lack of blogs due to an increased workload at my paid writing job and I was back, better than ever and writing incessantly. If you haven’t noticed, and I’d be disappointed if you didn’t, another seven days has gone by without a new posting. Well, now, I truly have returned. You have my word. Following this edition of The Sports Don’s Sunday Musings, make sure you tune in later in the week for a blog about the impending superstardom of the Celtics’ Rajon Rondo, a look at the post Seattle Mariner careers of Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez (at the suggestion of my buddy Taco) and whatever else my twisted sports mind can conjure. As always, thank you for your support.

Continue reading "The Sports Don's Sunday Musings: Volume V"

According to the Cowboys 2009 schedule, they won't encounter their ex-wide receiver. Terrell Owens signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills and has said he has gone from America's Team to North America's Team.

Continue reading "Terrell Owens is now a Buffalo Bill"

                Maybe Terrel will finally figure out how special he is not!!! Yes he puts up good stats but the Cowboys actually had a shot there for a minute. They tried to shrug off the drama in the locker room like it wasn't going to affect the way they played the game. Obviously it did. I mean how can an organization such as the cowboys, and let's face it, they are all about the aspects of Pro-football that most people hate, but, how can they focus on the playoffs when you're worried about Jessica Simpson, T.O., the cheerleaders little TV show and Jerry Jone's ego. It's a messed up crew down there right now and I think that they made the right decision for now. I believe they have a lot of work left to do though. Romo is good and I think he has the capability of taking "a" team to the playoffs, at least. But we'll just have to wait and see what they do down there.  It's unlike the cowboys to go into a season without a big play wide receiver. So I wonder who they think they are going to get. We can only wait and see as the Dallas Drama unfolds once again.

Continue reading "Bye-Bye T.O.!!!"

How do you do it, Terrell Owens?

 

How do you get booted off a team that hasn’t won a playoff game since 1996?

 

How do you get cut from the team that gave Adam “Pacman” Jones another chance to screw up?

Continue reading "T.O. Be Or Not T.O. Be?"

     According to ESPN the Dallas Cowboys have released Terrell Owens. Thank God!!!

   

    There are a few things to look at over the next few weeks. One, where will Owens end up? Two, how will this affect the draft and Roy Williams? Three, who will become the replacement in the Cowboy's receiving courps?

Continue reading "T. O. is Released From the Dallas Cowboys"

 As football fans across the globe cast their longing eyes in the direction of the April draft, I decided that now might be a good time to reflect on draft classes of the last 10 years. Too often in this business, we rush ahead to the next big event without taking pause to evaluate the past and learn from it. In a way, this study will still be a celebration of the coming 2009 draft as I believe it will shed some light on certain overlooked trends that no one ever stops to consider. I will begin with a class by class showdown of sorts at the quarterback position over the last 10 drafts.  This is part II in the series:

Continue reading "NFL Quarterback Draft Class Showdown: 2002 vs 2001"

As football fans across the globe cast their longing eyes in the direction of the April draft, I decided that now might be a good time to reflect on draft classes of the last 10 years. Too often in this business, we rush ahead to the next big event without taking pause to evaluate the past and learn from it. In a way, this study will still be a celebration of the coming 2009 draft as I believe it will shed some light on certain overlooked trends that no one ever stops to consider. I will begin with a class by class showdown of sorts at the quarterback position over the last 10 drafts.  First up, we have the class of 1999 taking on that of 2000:

Continue reading "NFL Quarterback Draft Class Showdown: 2000 vs 1999"

It’s no secret that the NFL draft draws worldwide interest. In fact, next to the Super Bowl, it is the most watched football-related event of the year. Now, it’s true that some of this mass appeal can be attributed to scheduling: its late April arrival each year serves as an oasis of sorts to the average football fan in the barren emptiness that separates the end of the Super Bowl and the start of training camp. Plus, it is the one true event that merges the collegiate and professional levels–thus, unifying two enormous pools of fans. So, this is all to say that I fully understand the inherent appeal of the system. The yearly NFL Combine, however, I believe to be an entirely different animal.

Continue reading "The 2009 NFL Meat Market"

Continue reading "Rookie Combine"

In his address to the nation Monday night, President Barack Obama spoke about the plan to stimulate the U.S. economy, which some experts say is at its worst since the Great Depression.  Although, if I had my choice, I’d rather live through the Depression as described in John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” than be part of the current period that spawned “The Hills” and the Jonas Brothers. 

Continue reading "Pacman, What Color Is Your Parachute?"

And that's it.

It's all over. 

Now is the time when we look through sick spring/summer months before another game.  Sure, there will be the draft, very few, compelling stories to sift through.  A Pacman story or two.  But now is the hour of our discontent.  Sunday will once again be an empty shell of a day.  What will we do for the 12+ hours that used to be dedicated to watching football on the holiest of days.  Fantasy points and trash talk.  Loud cheers from a touchdown.  Prayers before the snap for an interception, then bragging that your middle name is "Nostradamus" when it actually happens.  Having to live through six months of the knowledge that an average football team took home the trophy this year.  That's right, I said it.  Average.

Continue reading "Cowboy Nation: I miss Football edition"

Well, we got a coach--Todd Haley. Did you know that he is the son of Dick Haley, long-time Pittsburgh Steelers personnel director? Dick Haley was personnel director from 1975 to 1990, I think. Now, that is some impressive pedigree...Todd also worked as receivers coach and passing coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys when Bill Parcells was head coach. He was also receivers coach for the New York Jets in the late 90s when they went from 1-15 in 1996 to 12-4 two years later. In other words, this guy is a winner, and he has impressive credentials. He was not hired just because of his success the last 2 years with the Arizona Cardinals. I am encouraged by the hiring.

Continue reading "Excellent Choice - Todd Haley Named ..."

What better of a barometer of the organizational woes of the Cowboys, than the fact that a respectable coach like a Dan Reeves can only last a whopping 3 days before packing up and leaving town. 

Continue reading "Gone Off The Reservation"

 

           Each week, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will prognosticate on all the playoff games each week.  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!

Continue reading "Predictions Super Bowl XLIII"

 

           Each week, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will prognosticate on all the playoff games each week.  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!

Continue reading "Predictions Conference Championships"

Obviously, going from an abysmal 1-15 to 11-6 and AFC East Champions was quite the storybook turnaround. But, it wasn't enough, and the team still has a long way to go before it can compete with the AFC powerhouses like the Steelers and the Ravens. 

Continue reading "Dolphins 2009-10 needs — what do you think?"

 

The crystal ball had a dreadful performance this past week, posting a woeful 1-3 record.  This is playoff time, so that is totally unacceptable!  The crystal ball started off 1-0, but then dropped its last three for the weekend!  Anyway, that puts the crystal ball at 3-5 for the post-season, and 36-31-1 overall.  That’s five games over .500 (.537 to be exact).  Hopefully the crystal ball will perform better this coming week, as the pressure mounts in the Championship games!  Let’s take a look back, and review what happened last week.

Continue reading "Divisional Round Review"

" It´s like Deja-Vous all over again ". Ahh, yes, who could forget  that humorous, infamous quote from the legendary Yogi Berra. Well it could not be more fitting for the upcoming

Continue reading "GIANTS , EAGLES : " Best two out of three ""

Continue reading "Play off Picks."

 

           Each week, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will prognosticate on all the playoff games each week.  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!

Continue reading "Predictions Divisional Round"

Continue reading "I'm a believer"

  

           Each week I will answer questions submitted by my loyal readers.  I personally read every single email I receive.  I will pick out the best five or so to use for the weekly post, as I won’t be able to answer all of them.  I will also answer one or two questions on my daily posts as well.  Now it’s time to open the mail!

Continue reading "Reality Mail Bag - 01/08/09"

So, another year, another Buffalo Bills season without the playoffs. The Buffalo Bills finished 7-9 for the 3rd straight season. I thought the point of the NFL was to try to constantly improve on your team, not stay the same. I mean, I can understand the New England Patriots not being able to finish 16-0 every season, but 7-9 is terrible. The Buffalo Bills and the Detroit Lions are now the only 2 teams who have not made the playoffs since the 1999-2000 season (The longest playoff droubt's currently in the NFL). Now, Ralph Wilson Sr. has decided to stick with the current coaching staff, and hope to build on a team, that is just one or two things away from being a contender.

Continue reading "Things are beginning to look too ..."

 

The crystal ball had a mediocre performance this past week, going a mere 2-2.  This is playoff time, so that is unacceptable!  The crystal ball took its lumps on the Colts game, but it’s okay with it since Norv’s our buddy!  Anyway, that puts the crystal ball at 2-2 for the post-season, and 35-28-1 overall.  That’s seven games over .500 (.555 to be exact).  Hopefully the crystal ball will perform better this coming week, as the pressure mounts in post-season play!  Let’s take a look back, and review what happened last week.

Continue reading "Wildcard Weekend Review"

 

           Wildcard weekend had an interesting lineup of games this year.  All four road teams (wildcard teams) were favored to win over the home teams (division winners).  That’s unusual, but this year it actually makes a lot of sense.  Many of the wildcard teams had better records than the division winners.  In the end, the underdogs won two of the four games (both 6th seeds defeated the 3rd seeded teams).

Continue reading "Where Are All The Nay Sayers Now?"

  

           Each week, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will prognosticate on all the playoff games each week.  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!

Continue reading "Predictions Wildcard Weekend"