"I'm embarrassed. I really am. I am really embarrassed."
- Jerry Jones
"I wake up tomorrow and I keep living. If losing a game in a sporting event is the worst thing that happens to me, I've lived a pretty good life."
- Tony Romo
Does anyone else see anything wrong with those comments? So the quarterback of "America's Team" is so distraught by a season-ending loss...that he says that "much worse" has happened to him? That he is going to "keep on living?" That's it? No "I'm pissed! I apologize because I let a lot of fans down. I let my teammates down. I let me city down. I let myself down." None of that?
Instead, Jerry Jones has to be the person that comes out and says that he is "embarrassed" by the performance. Jerry wasn't playing. He wasn't calling plays. And yet, Jerry appears to be the only Cowboy pissed off and utterly embarrassed about the 44-6 loss in Philadelphia. That's a problem.
Look, my friends and I almost break into tears after losing a regular-season flag-football game. It doesn't even have to be the playoffs!! We will then spend the next 3-4 hours dissecting exactly what went wrong. Seriously, we can barely sleep that night...and we are talking about freaking FLAG-FOOTBALL!!!!! What is on the line for us? Nothing significant. But we still can't handle a loss because...well, because we hate losing...at ANYTHING.
Why do I get the feeling that, if Romo were there, after losing he would have been the first in line at the "handshake" line, would have joked with a few of the opponents and then asked us "who is down for a slurpy?!"
I'm sorry, but I don't want my quarterback feeling as though football is merely a game. My buddies and I lose sleep over flag-football contests and Romo, after losing a play-in game to his arch-rivals in the NFL, can only muster "I've had worse things happen to me."
I am not denying that there is something wrong with my friends and I, but there is also something not quite right about Romo. Great NFL quarterbacks don't suffer that kind of defeat and simply shrug it off. Great NFL quarterbacks don't turn the ball over three times in the most critical game of the season and say that they will simply "keep on living." They just don't.
If Peyton Manning throws three interceptions in a loss to San Diego, do you think he will be quoted as saying, "Well, I am going to just keep living and need to get ready to complete a few more hilarious commercials"...? Of course not.
I defend Romo in almost every possible scenario, but it's difficult to defend a guy that appears to take losses much better than the majority of fans do. And while I am holding on to hope that he spends the next six months on football, I have no doubt that we will soon see Tony and Jessica as judges on an upcoming version of MTV's "Skanks vs Sluts" or the new show "America's Got Talent...But We Can't Find It."
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thank You, Wade.
Philadelphia...44
Dallas.........6
That score will not soon be forgotten. Most Cowboy fans spent Sunday by cursing and drinking themselves into oblivion. But as the Cowboy season crashed and burned faster than Lindsay Lohan's career, I could only focus on two words: "Thank you."
No, I am not an Eagles' fan.
No, I am not insane.
I simply recognize the impact that this game will/should have on the Dallas franchise. America's Team needed a jolt, and it came in the way of an Ike Turner-like beatdown! A few days after Christmas, the Cowboys inadvertently left their fans a few additional presents under the tree.
Present One: Wade Phillips will not be the coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 2009.
With a playoff birth on the line Sunday, Phillips' "Cream Puff" Cowboys managed to:
* lose four fumbles (two returned for touchdowns)
* commit five penalties
* throw one interception
* look completely disinterested and unprepared
As has often been the case, Dallas looked outmatched against Philadelphia, both physically and mentally. The Cowboys ended the season leading the league in penalties, finished near the bottom of the league in turnover differential and crumbled during the majority of critical situations throughout the season. Each item relates directly to coaching, or a lack thereof. Adios, Wade!
Present Two: Jason Garrett no longer holds "Golden Boy" status.
Garrett no longer remains a shoe-in for the 2009 head coaching role. Armed with a Pro Bowl quarterback, wide-receiver, running back and multiple stud linemen, Garret produced the 18th-ranked offense in the league. Despite having the reputation of an offensive juggernaut, the 2008 Cowboys scored the same amount of points as the offensive-challenged Buccaneers. Dallas scored less than the Bears, Ravens, Vikings and Falcons. If that doesn't say "average," I don't know what does.
Present Three: Cowboy fans will not be tortured by experiencing another failed playoff venture.
In 2006, fans watched Romo drop a game-winning field-goal snap during their Wild Card game against Seattle. Last year, they watched in horror as Dallas crumbled at home against the Giants.
This year, Cowboy fans will not have to endure their self-created misery. They won't torture themselves by making those "maybe Dallas is getting hot at the right time" comments. There won't be any "if we can just protect Romo..." conversations taking place. We won't have to hear Wade pointing to making the "Final 8" as proof that 2008 was successful.
Nope...we will not hear any of that. Instead, Dallas proved to everyone that they are not a playoff-caliber team. They proved that Wade needs to go. They proved that their team chemistry remains nonexistent.
More importantly, Wade and company spared Cowboy fans. They spared fans from, once again, getting their hopes up. They spared fans from, once again, making excuses for the Rams/Redskins/Ravens games. They spared fans from having to watch the Cowboys lose to the Vikings next week, due to lack of preparation, constant mental mistakes and poor in-game coaching.
And for that Wade, I thank you.
Dallas.........6
That score will not soon be forgotten. Most Cowboy fans spent Sunday by cursing and drinking themselves into oblivion. But as the Cowboy season crashed and burned faster than Lindsay Lohan's career, I could only focus on two words: "Thank you."
No, I am not an Eagles' fan.
No, I am not insane.
I simply recognize the impact that this game will/should have on the Dallas franchise. America's Team needed a jolt, and it came in the way of an Ike Turner-like beatdown! A few days after Christmas, the Cowboys inadvertently left their fans a few additional presents under the tree.
Present One: Wade Phillips will not be the coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 2009.
With a playoff birth on the line Sunday, Phillips' "Cream Puff" Cowboys managed to:
* lose four fumbles (two returned for touchdowns)
* commit five penalties
* throw one interception
* look completely disinterested and unprepared
As has often been the case, Dallas looked outmatched against Philadelphia, both physically and mentally. The Cowboys ended the season leading the league in penalties, finished near the bottom of the league in turnover differential and crumbled during the majority of critical situations throughout the season. Each item relates directly to coaching, or a lack thereof. Adios, Wade!
Present Two: Jason Garrett no longer holds "Golden Boy" status.
Garrett no longer remains a shoe-in for the 2009 head coaching role. Armed with a Pro Bowl quarterback, wide-receiver, running back and multiple stud linemen, Garret produced the 18th-ranked offense in the league. Despite having the reputation of an offensive juggernaut, the 2008 Cowboys scored the same amount of points as the offensive-challenged Buccaneers. Dallas scored less than the Bears, Ravens, Vikings and Falcons. If that doesn't say "average," I don't know what does.
Present Three: Cowboy fans will not be tortured by experiencing another failed playoff venture.
In 2006, fans watched Romo drop a game-winning field-goal snap during their Wild Card game against Seattle. Last year, they watched in horror as Dallas crumbled at home against the Giants.
This year, Cowboy fans will not have to endure their self-created misery. They won't torture themselves by making those "maybe Dallas is getting hot at the right time" comments. There won't be any "if we can just protect Romo..." conversations taking place. We won't have to hear Wade pointing to making the "Final 8" as proof that 2008 was successful.
Nope...we will not hear any of that. Instead, Dallas proved to everyone that they are not a playoff-caliber team. They proved that Wade needs to go. They proved that their team chemistry remains nonexistent.
More importantly, Wade and company spared Cowboy fans. They spared fans from, once again, getting their hopes up. They spared fans from, once again, making excuses for the Rams/Redskins/Ravens games. They spared fans from having to watch the Cowboys lose to the Vikings next week, due to lack of preparation, constant mental mistakes and poor in-game coaching.
And for that Wade, I thank you.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Really?
The number two.
If we are talking about how many million you have in the bank...or how many supermodels that you have dated...or how many terms that you have served as President, "two" stands to be a rather large number. In college football, if we are talking about the number of ranked opponents you have beaten, not so much.
The University of Florida currently sits atop the AP poll, after receiving 50 of 65 first-place votes. Vegas opened the betting lines by positioning the Gators as seven-point favorites. Just about everyone involved in college football believes that Florida outclasses the rest of the field. I'm just not sure why.
Is Florida a really good football team? Absolutely.
Is Tim Tebow one of the best quarterbacks in college football? Yep.
Has Florida proven that they are the best team in the nation by consistently beating quality teams? No, at least not in my opinion.
In recent years, suffering only one loss while running through the SEC gauntlet would be very impressive. In 2008, it simply is not. Right now, three SEC teams sport a top-20 ranking. Florida (#1), Alabama (#4) and Georgia (#16). The Gators beat Georgia in early November and Alabama in early December. In other words, Florida had plenty of time to prepare for each big game because the "filler" teams in between did not require much additional attention.
LSU, Arkansas and Tennessee are usually high-end programs. This year, they just haven't been good. It's much easier to play well against tough teams when you have the ability to circle them on the calendar and sleepwalk through the rest of your schedule. But if Florida had just been able to do that, you really could justify their ranking and the national perception that they are undoubtedly the best team in the country. Unfortunately for Gator fans, they did not do that.
Florida lost at home to an unranked (at the time) Mississippi. Despite playing poor competition throughout the year, Florida still found a way to stumble during conference play. Again, I am not suggesting that Florida is not one of the top teams in the nation. I am suggesting that Florida continues to benefit from the perception that the SEC is a really strong conference, when in fact, it's not. Again, Florida is the unanimous #1 team in the nation despite a very weak schedule and a loss to an average Mississippi team.
Oklahoma, on the other hand, presents one of the most impressive resumes in the country. They have beaten four teams currently ranked in the Top 25 and their only loss came at the hands of the #3 ranked Texas Longhorns, on a neutral field. Florida beat two teams currently ranked in the Top 25, and lost at home to #25 Mississippi.
In actuality, the Gators got a significant boost by beating Alabama, another team benefitting from playing in the weak SEC. Alabama didn't beat a Top 10 team all season. They needed overtime to beat a 5-loss LSU team. Still, a Florida victory over the Crimson Tide impressed voters enough to propel the Gators into the BCS Championship. Crazy stuff.
Look, Tim Tebow and company are really good. They are absolutely a top 5 team. But they haven't faced the type of competition that Oklahoma has faced week in, week out. Florida had weeks to focus on Alabama, maybe even months. Oklahoma had to play ranked teams in each of their last three games. During those games, the Sooners avoided emotional letdowns to dominate each ranked team by a combined 105 points.
Consistently playing high-level competition provides Oklahoma with more big-game experience than their counterpart. Florida's puff cake schedule, something that helped them get into the BCS Championship, might be the thing that prevents them from winning it.
If we are talking about how many million you have in the bank...or how many supermodels that you have dated...or how many terms that you have served as President, "two" stands to be a rather large number. In college football, if we are talking about the number of ranked opponents you have beaten, not so much.
The University of Florida currently sits atop the AP poll, after receiving 50 of 65 first-place votes. Vegas opened the betting lines by positioning the Gators as seven-point favorites. Just about everyone involved in college football believes that Florida outclasses the rest of the field. I'm just not sure why.
Is Florida a really good football team? Absolutely.
Is Tim Tebow one of the best quarterbacks in college football? Yep.
Has Florida proven that they are the best team in the nation by consistently beating quality teams? No, at least not in my opinion.
In recent years, suffering only one loss while running through the SEC gauntlet would be very impressive. In 2008, it simply is not. Right now, three SEC teams sport a top-20 ranking. Florida (#1), Alabama (#4) and Georgia (#16). The Gators beat Georgia in early November and Alabama in early December. In other words, Florida had plenty of time to prepare for each big game because the "filler" teams in between did not require much additional attention.
LSU, Arkansas and Tennessee are usually high-end programs. This year, they just haven't been good. It's much easier to play well against tough teams when you have the ability to circle them on the calendar and sleepwalk through the rest of your schedule. But if Florida had just been able to do that, you really could justify their ranking and the national perception that they are undoubtedly the best team in the country. Unfortunately for Gator fans, they did not do that.
Florida lost at home to an unranked (at the time) Mississippi. Despite playing poor competition throughout the year, Florida still found a way to stumble during conference play. Again, I am not suggesting that Florida is not one of the top teams in the nation. I am suggesting that Florida continues to benefit from the perception that the SEC is a really strong conference, when in fact, it's not. Again, Florida is the unanimous #1 team in the nation despite a very weak schedule and a loss to an average Mississippi team.
Oklahoma, on the other hand, presents one of the most impressive resumes in the country. They have beaten four teams currently ranked in the Top 25 and their only loss came at the hands of the #3 ranked Texas Longhorns, on a neutral field. Florida beat two teams currently ranked in the Top 25, and lost at home to #25 Mississippi.
In actuality, the Gators got a significant boost by beating Alabama, another team benefitting from playing in the weak SEC. Alabama didn't beat a Top 10 team all season. They needed overtime to beat a 5-loss LSU team. Still, a Florida victory over the Crimson Tide impressed voters enough to propel the Gators into the BCS Championship. Crazy stuff.
Look, Tim Tebow and company are really good. They are absolutely a top 5 team. But they haven't faced the type of competition that Oklahoma has faced week in, week out. Florida had weeks to focus on Alabama, maybe even months. Oklahoma had to play ranked teams in each of their last three games. During those games, the Sooners avoided emotional letdowns to dominate each ranked team by a combined 105 points.
Consistently playing high-level competition provides Oklahoma with more big-game experience than their counterpart. Florida's puff cake schedule, something that helped them get into the BCS Championship, might be the thing that prevents them from winning it.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Credibility Injection
Tom Hicks and Chuck Morgan continue adding credibility to the Texas Ranger franchise. Despite the troubling economic situation, Hicks approved $4 million of improvements to Ranger Ballpark in
While Hicks has not always been a great front-man for the Ranger organization, within the last year, he deserves credit for building legitimacy within his
In February, Hicks hired
In November, the Rangers named Mike Maddux as their new pitching coach. Maddux is widely thought of as one of the best pitching minds in baseball. In 2008, His Milwaukee pitching staff finished second in the National League in team ERA.
Lastly, with the stadium updates, Hicks and company continue to give Ranger fans reasons to support the team. And while each noted decision will add legitimacy to the club, the real change needs to happen on the field. As Jon Daniels continues trading team depth to fill organizational holes, and with Ben Sheets becoming a free-agent priority, the next few months could provide Ranger fans with legitimate reasons to get excited.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Worse Than The Madden Cover Jinx?
On Saturday evening, Sam Bradford won the Heisman Trophy. On Sunday, he should have given it back! Throughout the last twenty years, nothing has damned a college quarterback like the Heisman Trophy.
Each of these signal-callers won the illustrious college award within the last two decades:
Ugh! Seriously, that's a gross list.
Within that group, only Carson Palmer has overcome the Heisman curse to become a good NFL quarterback, and you could argue that even Palmer could not escape the trophy's grasp...seeing that he has been forced to "play" in Cincinnati! His teammates include Odell Thurman, Chris Henry and AJ Nicholson...so in a way, being drafted was more of a prison sentence than a reward!
Matt Leinart went from future NFL star to hanging out with Paris Hilton...and actually thinking she was cool! He tried to throw the award away, but he missed the trash can.
Jason White won the award just five years ago. His NFL career was over...five years ago.
It looked like Troy Smith had beaten the curse: in August of this year, he held the starting role for the Baltimore Ravens. Within two weeks, "the wrath" infected him with a mysterious tonsil infection...sidelining him indefinitely. C'mon, you can downplay it all you want, but guys don't just come down with a tonsil infection. That just doesn't happen!
Outside of Palmer, Ty Detmer has probably achieved more than any other name on that list. And if Ty Detmer is at the top of the list, you know that you are in trouble!
Sam, you need to give it up...it's for your own good. Give it to Colt, he needs a little pick-me-up after being screwed out of the National Championship Game! Or give it to Tebow, we all know that a QB who threw for more than 300 yards once all season deserves it!
If you decide to keep it, that's understandable. At least I will know who to get car insurance from four years from now!
Each of these signal-callers won the illustrious college award within the last two decades:
- Andre Ware
- Ty Detmer
- Gino Torretta
- Charlie Ward
- Danny Wuerfel
- Chris Weinke
- Eric Crouch
- Carson Palmer
- Jason White
- Matt Leinart
- Troy Smith
Ugh! Seriously, that's a gross list.
Within that group, only Carson Palmer has overcome the Heisman curse to become a good NFL quarterback, and you could argue that even Palmer could not escape the trophy's grasp...seeing that he has been forced to "play" in Cincinnati! His teammates include Odell Thurman, Chris Henry and AJ Nicholson...so in a way, being drafted was more of a prison sentence than a reward!
Matt Leinart went from future NFL star to hanging out with Paris Hilton...and actually thinking she was cool! He tried to throw the award away, but he missed the trash can.
Jason White won the award just five years ago. His NFL career was over...five years ago.
It looked like Troy Smith had beaten the curse: in August of this year, he held the starting role for the Baltimore Ravens. Within two weeks, "the wrath" infected him with a mysterious tonsil infection...sidelining him indefinitely. C'mon, you can downplay it all you want, but guys don't just come down with a tonsil infection. That just doesn't happen!
Outside of Palmer, Ty Detmer has probably achieved more than any other name on that list. And if Ty Detmer is at the top of the list, you know that you are in trouble!
Sam, you need to give it up...it's for your own good. Give it to Colt, he needs a little pick-me-up after being screwed out of the National Championship Game! Or give it to Tebow, we all know that a QB who threw for more than 300 yards once all season deserves it!
If you decide to keep it, that's understandable. At least I will know who to get car insurance from four years from now!
Cowboys Utilize Their "Playmaker"
For the last several years, people have continued to doubt the San Antonio Spurs. They have been told that they, "are old, aren't athletic enough, can't score, etc..." And for the last several years, the Spurs continue to prove their doubters wrong. The reason: Tim Duncan. Regardless of what happens around him, if Duncan is on the court, the Spurs will be in the game.
When I watch Tony Romo, I can't help but feel the same way.
Throughout last week, the Dallas Cowboys appeared to focus on anything other than the New York Giants. The wide-receiving core, led by Terrell Owens, highlighted the distraction-filled week by suggesting out-loud that Tony Romo favored Jason Witten and, as a result, targeted him more during games than wide-receivers.
TO even went as far as accusing Romo and Witten of drawing up "secret" plays meant to be used in critical game situations, depriving Owens of the opportunity to make an impact.
The situation climaxed Friday in the Cowboy locker room, when Witten and Owens had to be separated by teammates after tempers flared following a discussion on pass-routes. As Sunday evening approached, rampant speculation surrounded the Cowboy gameplan: Would Dallas make an effort to appease Owens and get him involved early in the game? Should the Cowboys continue as usual while risking the further exile of their polarizing receiver?
Even the media appeared to be split. On every local sports station, an explosion of 'Owens vs Witten' debates arose. "Owens is the big-play threat...but Witten is the security blanket. Witten has more catches...but Owens has more yards." The conversations then transitioned to Sunday's gameplan: "Should Dallas make an attempt to get TO involved early...or should they continue as planned, risking further exile of their polarizing receiver?"
On Sunday evening, against the defending Super Bowl champions, Dallas chose to get the ball in the hands of its best player...on every single play: Tony Romo. Amidst all of the controversy throughout the week, people seemed to almost forget that Romo drives this bus, not TO or Witten or anyone else. Maybe we don't talk about Tony because he doesn't provide us with great sound-bytes or talking points. He didn't talk to the offensive-coordinator and complain that the receivers weren't getting open. He didn't go toe-to-toe with any of his teammates in the locker room. Hell, Romo wasn't even interested in clearing the air by speaking with the media. As has been the case throughout his career, he simply led by example.
On Sunday, Romo's actions spoke louder than words. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 244 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. And he produced the majority of those numbers after injuring his back in the first quarter.
While TO keeps us entertained, we would be wise to recognize that Romo is, and has been, the best playmaker on the Cowboys' offense. It doesn't matter whether Witten is out with a broken rib, Owens isn't creating separation as he has in the past, Barber is running at 60%, the offensive-line isn't protecting well...Romo will find a way to get his team in position to win.
As a Mavericks' fan, it pains me to write this, but watching Dallas play with Romo is akin to watching the Spurs play with Tim Duncan. As long as that guy is there, you know that his team will be in the game.
A few interesting Romo nuggets:
Individual NFL Ranks
When I watch Tony Romo, I can't help but feel the same way.
Throughout last week, the Dallas Cowboys appeared to focus on anything other than the New York Giants. The wide-receiving core, led by Terrell Owens, highlighted the distraction-filled week by suggesting out-loud that Tony Romo favored Jason Witten and, as a result, targeted him more during games than wide-receivers.
TO even went as far as accusing Romo and Witten of drawing up "secret" plays meant to be used in critical game situations, depriving Owens of the opportunity to make an impact.
The situation climaxed Friday in the Cowboy locker room, when Witten and Owens had to be separated by teammates after tempers flared following a discussion on pass-routes. As Sunday evening approached, rampant speculation surrounded the Cowboy gameplan: Would Dallas make an effort to appease Owens and get him involved early in the game? Should the Cowboys continue as usual while risking the further exile of their polarizing receiver?
Even the media appeared to be split. On every local sports station, an explosion of 'Owens vs Witten' debates arose. "Owens is the big-play threat...but Witten is the security blanket. Witten has more catches...but Owens has more yards." The conversations then transitioned to Sunday's gameplan: "Should Dallas make an attempt to get TO involved early...or should they continue as planned, risking further exile of their polarizing receiver?"
On Sunday evening, against the defending Super Bowl champions, Dallas chose to get the ball in the hands of its best player...on every single play: Tony Romo. Amidst all of the controversy throughout the week, people seemed to almost forget that Romo drives this bus, not TO or Witten or anyone else. Maybe we don't talk about Tony because he doesn't provide us with great sound-bytes or talking points. He didn't talk to the offensive-coordinator and complain that the receivers weren't getting open. He didn't go toe-to-toe with any of his teammates in the locker room. Hell, Romo wasn't even interested in clearing the air by speaking with the media. As has been the case throughout his career, he simply led by example.
On Sunday, Romo's actions spoke louder than words. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 244 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. And he produced the majority of those numbers after injuring his back in the first quarter.
While TO keeps us entertained, we would be wise to recognize that Romo is, and has been, the best playmaker on the Cowboys' offense. It doesn't matter whether Witten is out with a broken rib, Owens isn't creating separation as he has in the past, Barber is running at 60%, the offensive-line isn't protecting well...Romo will find a way to get his team in position to win.
As a Mavericks' fan, it pains me to write this, but watching Dallas play with Romo is akin to watching the Spurs play with Tim Duncan. As long as that guy is there, you know that his team will be in the game.
A few interesting Romo nuggets:
Individual NFL Ranks
- QB Rating: #2 in the NFL
- Touchdowns: #4 in the NFL
- Yards/Game: #4 in the NFL
- Since 2006, Romo is 27-13 (.675 winning %) as a starter...
- Since 2006, Dallas is 4-6 (.400 winning %) without Romo.
- In 2008, Romo is 8-3...
- In 2008, Dallas is 1-2 without Romo.
- Romo has been sacked 15 times in 11 games this season...
- Dallas has allowed 10 sacks in 3 non-Romo games.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Could you play for the Michelin man? Part II
...coaching miscues during the Cowboys-Steelers game continued...
Defensive Gaffes:
Truth be told, the Dallas defense played well enough to win on Sunday. They dominated the Pittsburgh offense for the majority of the afternoon so much so that, up until the 3-minute mark in the 3rd quarter, the "mighty" Steelers had produced a total of 105 offensive yards.
Pittsburgh produced:
Pittsburgh's scoring drives:
As much as I would like to pile on Wade and Company for going "prevent" in the 4th quarter, I just can't. Despite getting blasted for "folding" at the end of the game, the Dallas defense only gave up 71 yards in the final quarter. If your defense holds the opponent to under 80 rushing yards, less than 250 total yards, forces two turnovers AND comes up with a giant goal-line stand, they did their job.
The offense, on the other hand...part III coming soon.
Defensive Gaffes:
Truth be told, the Dallas defense played well enough to win on Sunday. They dominated the Pittsburgh offense for the majority of the afternoon so much so that, up until the 3-minute mark in the 3rd quarter, the "mighty" Steelers had produced a total of 105 offensive yards.
Pittsburgh produced:
- 238 offensive yards
- 3/16 on 3rd-down
- 70 yards rushing
- 2 lost fumbles
Pittsburgh's scoring drives:
- 6 plays - 16 yards: Field Goal
- 4 plays - 2 yards: Field Goal
- 8 plays - 67 yards: Touchdown
As much as I would like to pile on Wade and Company for going "prevent" in the 4th quarter, I just can't. Despite getting blasted for "folding" at the end of the game, the Dallas defense only gave up 71 yards in the final quarter. If your defense holds the opponent to under 80 rushing yards, less than 250 total yards, forces two turnovers AND comes up with a giant goal-line stand, they did their job.
The offense, on the other hand...part III coming soon.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Could you play for the Michelin man?
Steelers 20...Cowboys 13.
If we had told you before the game that
If you watched the game however, you know that
And while we all understand that "players play" and "coaches coach," when a team consistently fails to execute, that falls at the coach's doorstep. There were so many coaching blunders made on Sunday that we will break it into a three-part series: offense, defense and special teams/attire.
Today's edition includes "Attire" and "Special Teams."
Attire
Team attire isn't something that gets a lot of coverage by most media outlets, but it should. I have a current poll running: Who did Wade Phillips look more like:
- George Costanza?
- The Michelin Man?
Seriously, how are players expected to go into battle when they can look to the sideline and see a big ball of gore-tex celebrating a missed field goal?! That's just not fair.
Secondly, why wasn't Romo wearing sleeves with game-time temperatures dropping below freezing? Dude, you date Jessica Simpson and you love singing karaoke...no one thinks that you are tough! And if you are going to go the "tough" route, you cannot be seen running to the heaters during every timeout. That's like ordering fried chicken and mashed potatoes, but then demanding diet coke because, "I'm watching my weight." I love the guy, but that was a big mistake.
Special Teams
Wade Phillips and Company achieved the Special Teams’ Tri-fecta: poor roster management, poor positioning and poor execution. Amazing!
1) Poor Roster-Management: Pacman was inserted as the punt AND kick-returner after his reinstatement: Apparently, Phillips felt that the kickoff return could use a boost and that Jones, who averages an amazing 4.6 yards per punt-return, could provide a “spark.” Promoting Pacman to kickoff return duty is like Plaxico being named the "Gun-Control Representative" for the Giants: "Hey, we know that you have had issues in the past, but we think that giving you MORE responsibility is the answer!"
Surely Jones “sparked” the kickoff return unit, right? Well, only if 16 yards/return constitutes a "spark." Okay, okay…but as a punt-returner, he must have given the team that little “boost” that they were looking for. He absolutely did, but he did it for the wrong team. Pacman muffed one punt return, after attempting to catch the ball on the 5 yard-line, nearly resulting in a turnover. His second gaffe led to number 2:
Pacman Jones stood at the Cowboys 45, fifty yards away from the line of scrimmage. Berger, who averaged 33 yards/punt on Sunday, "boomed" a 28-yard punt landing near the Steeler 35. Pacman, strategically positioned beyond the 50-yard-line, had no opportunity to make the catch. Instead, the punt struck a
3) Poor Execution: Finally, the special teams play that signaled the beginning of the end: in the 4th quarter, Dallas calls "punt left " from their own 18, but the 42-yard punt travels up the middle, then bounced right...leading to a 35 yard return by Santonio Holmes, setting up a key 4th-quarter field-goal, bringing the Steelers to within seven.
Stay tuned, offensive and defensive blunders will be dissected when parts II and III of "I wish we had hired Mike Singletary" continues!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Chinese Democracy = Dallas Mavericks?
While watching the Mavericks roll last night on TNT, I couldn't help but make a few observations:
While this team doesn't look like a legitimate contender in the West, it's still exciting to see that they have crawled their way to a couple of games above .500 after sleepwalking to a 2-7 start. And while Shawne Williams and JJ Barea may not have the talent or pedigree of most NBA players, they have one thing that the Mavericks desperately needed: hunger.
Prior to 2008, JJ Barea and Shawne Williams had combined to average about 21 minutes/game.
Stretching over their last seven contests, the two unheralded players have averaged 37 minutes/game. They have both responded by playing hard, fighting for loose balls, crashing the boards and simply out-hustling their opponents. In other words, these guys are hungry...not just to win, but to earn playing time. Thinking back about recent seasons, would you have described any of the Mavericks as "hungry" for playing time? I know that I wouldn't.
Over the last two years, the Dallas' window of opportunity was closing faster than the Stars' organization threw Sean Avery under the bus. During that time, the Mavericks' primary bench players included:
Every good team needs a few "high-energy" players like Eduardo Najera, Luke Walton, Rajon Rondo: guys that weren't highly touted coming out of school and enter the league with a chip on their shoulder, determined to make a difference in each game by outworking their opponents.
The Mavericks either haven't had young, hungry guys recently or certain coaches (rhymes with Stavery Bonson), refused to hand the reigns to inexperienced players (see the Devin Harris trade). Whatever the reason, Rick Carlisle appears willing to give the young guys a chance, and so far, it's paying dividends.
It has been fun to watch the Mavericks add the much-needed infusion of youth an energy to the mix; however, anytime you play inexperienced players, there will be growing pains. Up to this point, Carlisle appears to have a necessary ingredient needed to deal with young players, as stated by Axl Rose:
"Patience."
- Dirk looks like he is having fun out there. Over the last two seasons, I'm not sure that was the case.
- At one point in the 2nd quarter, I was reminded of the new Guns 'N Roses album, Chinese Democracy: "I recognize Axl...but who in the hell are the rest of those guys?!"
- The G-N-R similarities don't end there: Rick Carlisle appears to be very "democratic" with playing time, and just like Axl, he continues to move forward with new faces playing different roles. So far, Carlisle has used 10 different starting lineups, in 18 games, and during their recent hot streak, the 1st-year coach has given many unknown/unproven players extended minutes.
While this team doesn't look like a legitimate contender in the West, it's still exciting to see that they have crawled their way to a couple of games above .500 after sleepwalking to a 2-7 start. And while Shawne Williams and JJ Barea may not have the talent or pedigree of most NBA players, they have one thing that the Mavericks desperately needed: hunger.
Prior to 2008, JJ Barea and Shawne Williams had combined to average about 21 minutes/game.
Stretching over their last seven contests, the two unheralded players have averaged 37 minutes/game. They have both responded by playing hard, fighting for loose balls, crashing the boards and simply out-hustling their opponents. In other words, these guys are hungry...not just to win, but to earn playing time. Thinking back about recent seasons, would you have described any of the Mavericks as "hungry" for playing time? I know that I wouldn't.
Over the last two years, the Dallas' window of opportunity was closing faster than the Stars' organization threw Sean Avery under the bus. During that time, the Mavericks' primary bench players included:
- Jerry Stackhouse: NBA Veteran
- Eddie Jones: NBA Veteran
- Juwan Howard: NBA Veteran
- Greg Buckner: NBA Veteran
- Anthony Johnson: NBA Veteran
Every good team needs a few "high-energy" players like Eduardo Najera, Luke Walton, Rajon Rondo: guys that weren't highly touted coming out of school and enter the league with a chip on their shoulder, determined to make a difference in each game by outworking their opponents.
The Mavericks either haven't had young, hungry guys recently or certain coaches (rhymes with Stavery Bonson), refused to hand the reigns to inexperienced players (see the Devin Harris trade). Whatever the reason, Rick Carlisle appears willing to give the young guys a chance, and so far, it's paying dividends.
It has been fun to watch the Mavericks add the much-needed infusion of youth an energy to the mix; however, anytime you play inexperienced players, there will be growing pains. Up to this point, Carlisle appears to have a necessary ingredient needed to deal with young players, as stated by Axl Rose:
"Patience."
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Pittsburgh: Paper Curtain??
When the Cowboys travel to Pittsburgh this Sunday, they will face one of the best teams in the NFL...or so it appears.
Pittsburgh is 9-3 and currently sits in 1st place within AFC North. They have the #1 ranked defense in points allowed, yards allowed and a slew of other statistical categories. They are a great team...or so it appears.
Upon taking a deeper look at the Steeler' situation, you will find these numbers:
In addition, many pundits have recently highlighted how difficult it will be for Dallas to win in Pittsburgh. Think about it: the "field" is more of a marsh than a football surface, inclement weather will be a factor and the Steelers are used to playing in those types of conditions.
Unfortunately for Mike Tomlin, the stats don't bare that out: two of Pittsburgh's three losses happened at Heinz Field and they needed a 10-point comeback AND overtime to defeat Baltimore at home. Interestingly, Baltimore is the only team with a winning record to have lost at Pittsburgh this year, and they did so in Joe Flacco's third professional game. The two winning teams to recently visit Heinz Field, the Giants and Colts, both left victorious.
While many have detailed the Cowboys' struggles in December and
questioned their mental toughness, the Steelers face a question of their own: are they really the "beasts of the AFC" or are they simply paper tigers.
Pittsburgh is 9-3 and currently sits in 1st place within AFC North. They have the #1 ranked defense in points allowed, yards allowed and a slew of other statistical categories. They are a great team...or so it appears.
Upon taking a deeper look at the Steeler' situation, you will find these numbers:
- 40-55-1 = Records for teams that Pittsburgh has beaten
- 25-10-1 = Records for teams that Pittsburgh has lost to
- The teams that have lost to Pittsburgh have a winning percentage of.........42%
- The teams that have beaten Pittsburgh have a winning percentage of.........71%
- The Dallas Cowboys, as it sits right now, have a winning percentage of..........67%
In addition, many pundits have recently highlighted how difficult it will be for Dallas to win in Pittsburgh. Think about it: the "field" is more of a marsh than a football surface, inclement weather will be a factor and the Steelers are used to playing in those types of conditions.
Unfortunately for Mike Tomlin, the stats don't bare that out: two of Pittsburgh's three losses happened at Heinz Field and they needed a 10-point comeback AND overtime to defeat Baltimore at home. Interestingly, Baltimore is the only team with a winning record to have lost at Pittsburgh this year, and they did so in Joe Flacco's third professional game. The two winning teams to recently visit Heinz Field, the Giants and Colts, both left victorious.
While many have detailed the Cowboys' struggles in December and
questioned their mental toughness, the Steelers face a question of their own: are they really the "beasts of the AFC" or are they simply paper tigers.Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Mack Brown should start playing Madden!
I am not a huge video game aficionado; however, I have played Madden consistently over the last decade. With the progression of Playstation and the internet, I began to play online. After replacing several controls that "slipped" out of my hand, I quickly learned two things:
- I am not nearly as good as I thought I was
- Clock management can decide a game
You can actually argue that Texas Tech's entire final drive shouldn't have happened. The final four Texas offensive plays are listed below:
Down and Distance.........Play-Clock..........Result
1st & 10 at Texas Tech 20 3:04......:29......Pass to Shipley
2nd & 2 at Texas Tech 12 2:34.......:17......McCoy runs
1st & Goal at Texas Tech 6 2:08......:07......Whittaker runs
Texas Tech player (Dixon) injured at 1:53 on the clock
2nd & Goal at Texas Tech 5 1:34.....:21......McGee runs: TD
1:29 remaining in game
A total of 74 seconds were left on the play clock...just during the last four plays!! Texas left 1:14 on the play clock for no apparent reason. Seriously, what the hell, Mack??!!
If Colt and Company had played it right, and ran the play clock under five before each snap, only 10-15 seconds would have remained on the clock after the touchdown. Harrell probably throws a couple desperation tosses, the game ends, Colt wins the Heisman, Texas goes to the National Championship, etc...
Instead, this happens...and you know the rest.
My buddies have attempted to provide a couple of suggestions as to why Mack chose not to drain the clock:
Reason 1) Texas scored with 1:29...they didn't want to risk letting the clock run out prior to scoringTexas left 20 seconds on the clock with their final snap alone! Harrell threw the winning touchdown with 12 seconds on the clock. Weird.
Response) Texas had two timeouts, so there should have been no reason to worry about running "too much" clock. If the clock dipped below 30 seconds, Texas simply would have taken a timeout and then run the next play.
Reason 2) McCoy running out of bounds cost them the ability to run clock.
Response) Nope...simply not true. Colt did indeed run out of bounds...but he did so with 2:27 left on the clock. With college football's new clock rules, running out of bounds ONLY stops the clock if less than two minutes remain. After Colt's run, the officials spotted the ball and started the clock.
Madden gamers simply would never allow this to happen. Never! And this exemplifies why each college and professional football team should employ an experienced gamer as their "Clock Manager." If a fancier title is needed, go with "Director of Time Operation" or "Continuum Chronometer Coordinator." But just think about how many times teams lose games by a "second here" or a "few seconds there." Think about coaches who can barely determine the best time to call their timeouts in conjunction with the two-minute warning. If it can happen to Texas, one of the largest and most successful football programs in the history of college football, it can happen to anyone!
Mack, I can be available as soon as you need me!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Al Gore 2.0
In 2000, Al Gore won the Presidential popular vote against George Bush. Unfortunately for Gore, Bush won more Electoral Votes leading to his Presidency. Gore was mad...and still remains bitter.
Mac Brown and the Longhorns find themselves in a similar situation. On Sunday, a day after Oklahoma beat Oklahoma State, despite giving up 41 points, college football voters chose Texas as their 2nd best team in the country. Just like the 2000 Presidential Election, the popular vote wasn't enough.
And just as Al Gore helplessly flailed away at the "flawed" system in 2000, I assume that the rest of 2008 will be filled with constant grumblings from Longhorn fans, players, coaches and anyone else that dislikes the current BCS system. The arguments have already begun: "Texas beat OU head-to-head on a neutral field...Human voters voted Texas ahead of the Sooners in the human polls...This system isn't fair!"
The problem for the Longhorns, as it was for Gore, is that we ALL knew the specifics of each system before the season started. The United States has never elected a President based on the popular vote...and the BCS has never elected a champion based on the human polls. It's nothing new.
Whining about the BCS at the end of the season is like going to see High School Musical 3...and then complaining that it sucked!! Yeah, who would have known that 2 hours of teenagers singing and dancing would force you to consider taking your own life?! In other words, you knew what you were in for before it started.
Oklahoma vaulted above Texas in the computer polls because they played two top 15 teams in the non-conference (#11 TCU and #13 Cincinnati)...and Texas didn't. Pretty simple. The BCS isn't perfect, but we all understood that prior to the beginning of the season.
So while Mac and Company sit at home this weekend while Oklahoma plays for the Big 12 Championship, he would be wise to follow the insightful lead of former Vice President Dan Quayle:
"We are ready for any unforeseen event that may or may not occur."
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Greg Golson: "If they don't think that I'm ready..."
The Rangers recently acquired outfielder Greg Golson from the Phillies. Golson hit .282 in AA this year while striking out in 28% of his at-bats. He produced an OPS of .767 in 2008 (his 5th consecutive MiL season without exceeding an OPS of .800).
A local writer interviewed Golson this week and Greg had an interesting perspective regarding his 2009 expectations:
In other words: "Greg, you are NOT READY!!!!!!!!"
A local writer interviewed Golson this week and Greg had an interesting perspective regarding his 2009 expectations:
"My goal is to be in the big leagues...If they don't feel like I'm ready, I'll be more than willing to try to prove them wrong in the minor leagues."After wiping away my tears of laughter, I was reminded of the classic Tommy Boy line:
"Hi, I'm Earth. Have we met?!"Greg saying that he "isn't sure" if Texas thinks that he is ready for the Major Leagues is kind of like saying, "I would like to date Marissa Miller, but I'm not sure if she would agree...so I might just stick with Rosie."
In other words: "Greg, you are NOT READY!!!!!!!!"
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Even Japanese players hate the Rangers!
According to numerous sources, four teams have made ML offers to 22-year-old Japanese pitcher, Junichi Tazawa (video here). The reported offers are as follows:
Again, according to numerous sources, Tazawa will sign with Boston by the end of the week. This isn't CC or Sheets...this is a 22-year-old living in Japan, and even HE won't consider signing with Texas, despite being offered almost twice as much money!
Jon Daniels trying to sign a marquee free-agent pitcher is probably like watching a infomercial on the "ab-tronic" at three in the morning, thinking to yourself, "Man, that's what I need. The only thing standing between me and a six-pack is $24.95..."...only to realize that you can't buy it because you spent the last of your paycheck on Oreos and Fallout 3 for XBox (If the ab-tronic is a free-agent, and users are the General Managers, this guy must be Theo Epstein: doing what it takes to get the job done).
Another day in the life of a Ranger fan.
- Boston: 3 years, $3 million
- Seattle: 3 years, $3 million
- Atlanta: 4 years, $4-5 million
- Texas: 4 years, $7 million
Again, according to numerous sources, Tazawa will sign with Boston by the end of the week. This isn't CC or Sheets...this is a 22-year-old living in Japan, and even HE won't consider signing with Texas, despite being offered almost twice as much money!
Jon Daniels trying to sign a marquee free-agent pitcher is probably like watching a infomercial on the "ab-tronic" at three in the morning, thinking to yourself, "Man, that's what I need. The only thing standing between me and a six-pack is $24.95..."...only to realize that you can't buy it because you spent the last of your paycheck on Oreos and Fallout 3 for XBox (If the ab-tronic is a free-agent, and users are the General Managers, this guy must be Theo Epstein: doing what it takes to get the job done).
Another day in the life of a Ranger fan.
Monday, November 24, 2008
UT Fans: Smallest Brains in the World?
If watching Michael Crabtree spin away from the hapless Longhorn secondary wasn't torturous enough for UT followers, Oklahoma's beat-down of the Red Raiders on Saturday night should have done the trick.
For some reason, throughout last week I constantly heard Texas fans claim that they were going to put down their "Oklahoma girls are fat" t-shirts and root for the Sooners. Well, the Sooners obliged and absolutely destroyed Texas Tech...65-21. The Red Raiders, the only team to defeat the Longhorns, were authoritatively dismantled by a superior team.
If you are going to go all Nick Saban on us and flip to the other side, at least do it when it matters! Oklahoma winning didn't help Texas in any way...Texas needed a Rocky type of game...where both competitors duked it out until the end and neither looked dominant in doing so.
This was more along the lines of Mike Tyson destroying Peter McNeeley: lots of hype and watching parties ending after about 2 minutes leaving everyone asking, "what the hell just happened?"
So the Longhorn fans got what they wanted: an OU victory. Unfortunately for the Austinites, the resounding victory jettisoned Oklahoma over Texas in both human polls. Texas still holds the 2nd spot within the BCS standings...but only by the slimmest of margins.
And while Texas rolls over a hideous A&M team on Thanksgiving Day, the Stoops Crew will have an opportunity to continue their BCS rise by playing #12 Oklahoma State this Saturday. A victory over another top 25 team, on the road, will almost certainly catapult Oklahoma ahead of the Longhorns in the BCS standings, propelling the Sooners into the Big 12 Championship and, with a win, the National Championship.
And just like the guy who wished that he had the largest brain in the world, UT fans soon realized that they should have been careful what they wished for.
For some reason, throughout last week I constantly heard Texas fans claim that they were going to put down their "Oklahoma girls are fat" t-shirts and root for the Sooners. Well, the Sooners obliged and absolutely destroyed Texas Tech...65-21. The Red Raiders, the only team to defeat the Longhorns, were authoritatively dismantled by a superior team.
If you are going to go all Nick Saban on us and flip to the other side, at least do it when it matters! Oklahoma winning didn't help Texas in any way...Texas needed a Rocky type of game...where both competitors duked it out until the end and neither looked dominant in doing so.
This was more along the lines of Mike Tyson destroying Peter McNeeley: lots of hype and watching parties ending after about 2 minutes leaving everyone asking, "what the hell just happened?"
So the Longhorn fans got what they wanted: an OU victory. Unfortunately for the Austinites, the resounding victory jettisoned Oklahoma over Texas in both human polls. Texas still holds the 2nd spot within the BCS standings...but only by the slimmest of margins.
And while Texas rolls over a hideous A&M team on Thanksgiving Day, the Stoops Crew will have an opportunity to continue their BCS rise by playing #12 Oklahoma State this Saturday. A victory over another top 25 team, on the road, will almost certainly catapult Oklahoma ahead of the Longhorns in the BCS standings, propelling the Sooners into the Big 12 Championship and, with a win, the National Championship.
And just like the guy who wished that he had the largest brain in the world, UT fans soon realized that they should have been careful what they wished for.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
DSK Hot Stove Exclusive! Email leaked from 4 Yawkey Way
Hey Jon,
Good to hear from you, dude. Tough day yesterday ~ I couldn't make it over to the stadium for the game, but that didn't stop me from losing another bet to that jerk Hill. You gotta be happy with how the Big Red are playing in the ECAC though, huh?
Anyhow. Yeah, that guy Edes is pretty funny. (Not as funny as his CHB, though.) Why people still put any credence in his writing after he was gullible enough to report that Marie and I got married at a Nathan's Famous hot dog stand at Coney Island is beyond me.
So, yeah. The pieces are starting to fall into place, and we'll talk after Thanksgiving. I sent Edes an email yesterday telling him that our family's going to sit down to a main course of cholent and gefilte instead of turkey ~ I told him it's a Lenny Bruce thing. "Fish, kishka, and horseradish? Very Jewish. Turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce? Very goyish."
You know what I'm talking about, right?
Anyhow, yeah, we'll touch base on the other side of December. Your guys are hugely overvaluing Byrd. You don't have a prayer of getting both Masterson and Bowden in that deal, so give it up.
By the way: I was bored at work Friday afternoon, so I surfed over to that guy Newberg's board. Lots of talk over there about how you screwed, raped, and spanked me in the Gagne trade. Besides it being silly ~ where do these people get their ideas about how GMs operate? ~ it's kind of sick, you know? Eventually Jack's gonna be old enough to read that stuff about his old man, and you know how the interwebs are. Could you maybe say something to Newberg? I know you two are tight.
OK, I got to go practice me some guitar. There's a chance that Vampire Weekend could invite me to play with them at a charity gig early 2009 ~ something like that Music for Democracy thing they did last month. Sweet!
Love to Robyn and Lincoln,
Theo
Good to hear from you, dude. Tough day yesterday ~ I couldn't make it over to the stadium for the game, but that didn't stop me from losing another bet to that jerk Hill. You gotta be happy with how the Big Red are playing in the ECAC though, huh?
Anyhow. Yeah, that guy Edes is pretty funny. (Not as funny as his CHB, though.) Why people still put any credence in his writing after he was gullible enough to report that Marie and I got married at a Nathan's Famous hot dog stand at Coney Island is beyond me.
So, yeah. The pieces are starting to fall into place, and we'll talk after Thanksgiving. I sent Edes an email yesterday telling him that our family's going to sit down to a main course of cholent and gefilte instead of turkey ~ I told him it's a Lenny Bruce thing. "Fish, kishka, and horseradish? Very Jewish. Turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce? Very goyish."
You know what I'm talking about, right?
Anyhow, yeah, we'll touch base on the other side of December. Your guys are hugely overvaluing Byrd. You don't have a prayer of getting both Masterson and Bowden in that deal, so give it up.
By the way: I was bored at work Friday afternoon, so I surfed over to that guy Newberg's board. Lots of talk over there about how you screwed, raped, and spanked me in the Gagne trade. Besides it being silly ~ where do these people get their ideas about how GMs operate? ~ it's kind of sick, you know? Eventually Jack's gonna be old enough to read that stuff about his old man, and you know how the interwebs are. Could you maybe say something to Newberg? I know you two are tight.
OK, I got to go practice me some guitar. There's a chance that Vampire Weekend could invite me to play with them at a charity gig early 2009 ~ something like that Music for Democracy thing they did last month. Sweet!
Love to Robyn and Lincoln,
Theo
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Cowboys & Coaches: Cowher for Christmas?
Not so long ago, Jason Garrett was the heir apparent to the blue, silver, and star-adorned mantle shouldered by the coach of the Dallas Cowboys. In contrast, Wade Phillips — the rotund, avuncular bearer of that mantle — was fitted with a moniker more famously worn by his father.
How much things can change in a few games.
The crown now rests somewhat more lightly on Phillips’ brow. The Cowboys’ recent defensive efforts (in the face of injuries on both sides of the ball) have won him a bit of breathing room, and a few grudging plaudits from Metroplex scribes — though he’s likely still feeling the heat through the bottom of his breeches. (Perhaps Phillips should take a sartorial page from the book of a noted Dallas sports nemesis.)
Meanwhile, Garrett’s glow has apparently dimmed. The offense installed by the Princeton grad, erstwhile Cowboys third-string QB, and wunderkind offensive coordinator has come under fire from ever-restive receiver and popcorn-muncher Terrell Owens. Owens has now repeated his complaints that the Cowboys’ offense is stultifying and inflexible, and that the NFL's defensive coordinators have caught up with the Ginger Genius. Phillips (perhaps fighting a grin that he wears only behind closed doors in his office at Valley Ranch) has effectively agreed with his star wideout, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has added his voice to the chorus of concerns.
And even Garrett's friends have begun to turn on him.
So after we're done nailing the Redheaded Jesus to his cross: anyone for a Mustachioed Messiah?
How much things can change in a few games.
The crown now rests somewhat more lightly on Phillips’ brow. The Cowboys’ recent defensive efforts (in the face of injuries on both sides of the ball) have won him a bit of breathing room, and a few grudging plaudits from Metroplex scribes — though he’s likely still feeling the heat through the bottom of his breeches. (Perhaps Phillips should take a sartorial page from the book of a noted Dallas sports nemesis.)
Meanwhile, Garrett’s glow has apparently dimmed. The offense installed by the Princeton grad, erstwhile Cowboys third-string QB, and wunderkind offensive coordinator has come under fire from ever-restive receiver and popcorn-muncher Terrell Owens. Owens has now repeated his complaints that the Cowboys’ offense is stultifying and inflexible, and that the NFL's defensive coordinators have caught up with the Ginger Genius. Phillips (perhaps fighting a grin that he wears only behind closed doors in his office at Valley Ranch) has effectively agreed with his star wideout, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has added his voice to the chorus of concerns.
And even Garrett's friends have begun to turn on him.
So after we're done nailing the Redheaded Jesus to his cross: anyone for a Mustachioed Messiah?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Longhorn Fans: Just Face It
I admit, I am a UT grad. Trust me, I can put on the rose-colored glasses like everyone else, but regarding the Big 12 Championship, us Longhorns need to get real.
Brace yourself: Texas won't be playing for the Big 12 Championship this season.
I know...I know. If Oklahoma beats Tech and all three teams win out, there will be a three-way tie. Unfortunately for Bevo, Texas won't win that tiebreaker. Here's why:
#1: If two teams tie for a division title, the head-to-head matchup will determine the winner.
This scenario only applies if the Sooners beat Texas Tech this weekend...and then loses to Oklahoma State next week. After Tech beats Baylor, that will leave Texas and Texas Tech with one conference loss each...but the Red Raiders beat Texas head-to-head, so Tech prevails.
#2: If three teams tie for the Division Lead, the highest ranked BCS team gets the nod.
If Oklahoma beats the Leach Pirates this weekend and Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma all win out, there will be a three-way tie for the Big 12 South Champion. In that case, the highest ranked BCS team will become the Division Champ. Unfortunately for Texas Tech and Texas, Oklahoma will prevail.
Think about it: Tech, Texas and Oklahoma all have common conference opponents...so nothing will be gained/lost there. The true difference will lie within the timing of the losses and each team's non-conference schedule.
Timing:
Oklahoma lost first...and as we all know, losing early is much better than losing late.
Texas lost next...less than two weeks ago.
Tech, again...assuming that they lose on Saturday, will have lost last.
Advantage: Oklahoma
Non-Conference Schedule:
Texas and Texas Tech have a total of ZERO Top 25 non-conference victories.
Oklahoma has two Top 25 non-conference victories (TCU, Cincinnati)
Advantage: Oklahoma
Sorry guys, but:
Texas will not be playing in the Big 12 Championship this year, but it might be a good thing. I will explain more tomorrow.
Brace yourself: Texas won't be playing for the Big 12 Championship this season.
I know...I know. If Oklahoma beats Tech and all three teams win out, there will be a three-way tie. Unfortunately for Bevo, Texas won't win that tiebreaker. Here's why:
#1: If two teams tie for a division title, the head-to-head matchup will determine the winner.
This scenario only applies if the Sooners beat Texas Tech this weekend...and then loses to Oklahoma State next week. After Tech beats Baylor, that will leave Texas and Texas Tech with one conference loss each...but the Red Raiders beat Texas head-to-head, so Tech prevails.
#2: If three teams tie for the Division Lead, the highest ranked BCS team gets the nod.
If Oklahoma beats the Leach Pirates this weekend and Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma all win out, there will be a three-way tie for the Big 12 South Champion. In that case, the highest ranked BCS team will become the Division Champ. Unfortunately for Texas Tech and Texas, Oklahoma will prevail.
Think about it: Tech, Texas and Oklahoma all have common conference opponents...so nothing will be gained/lost there. The true difference will lie within the timing of the losses and each team's non-conference schedule.
Timing:
Oklahoma lost first...and as we all know, losing early is much better than losing late.
Texas lost next...less than two weeks ago.
Tech, again...assuming that they lose on Saturday, will have lost last.
Advantage: Oklahoma
Non-Conference Schedule:
Texas and Texas Tech have a total of ZERO Top 25 non-conference victories.
Oklahoma has two Top 25 non-conference victories (TCU, Cincinnati)
Advantage: Oklahoma
Sorry guys, but:
- if there is a three-way tie atop the Big 12 South, Oklahoma will be the representative
- if there is a two-way tie between Texas Tech and Texas, Texas Tech will be the representative
Texas will not be playing in the Big 12 Championship this year, but it might be a good thing. I will explain more tomorrow.
Pacman...I'm Confused
I just want to make sure that I have the facts straight:
This is my question: if you were the NFL commissioner, and Pacman was thought to have had an alcohol problem...and that alcohol had created his inability to act like a normal human-being...but it was then determined that alcohol was NOT the cause of his Ike Turner-like tantrums...wouldn't you think that he may need some additional type of treatment or rehab?
Simpler version: If you thought alcohol was the problem...only to find out that alcohol was NOT the problem...wouldn't you continue to search for the problem?
The idea of reinstating this guy is worse than the creation of the "Crazy Crab" in San Francisco!!!
This is just a trainwreck waiting to happen...all aboard the Pacman Express!!
- Pacman was suspended in October because of an "alcohol-related incident"
- Pacman attended an alcohol rehab program while suspended
- The alcohol rehab program determined that Pacman does NOT have a drinking problem
- Goodell, based on the information gathered by the rehab program, reinstates Pacman to the NFL
This is my question: if you were the NFL commissioner, and Pacman was thought to have had an alcohol problem...and that alcohol had created his inability to act like a normal human-being...but it was then determined that alcohol was NOT the cause of his Ike Turner-like tantrums...wouldn't you think that he may need some additional type of treatment or rehab?
Simpler version: If you thought alcohol was the problem...only to find out that alcohol was NOT the problem...wouldn't you continue to search for the problem?
The idea of reinstating this guy is worse than the creation of the "Crazy Crab" in San Francisco!!!
This is just a trainwreck waiting to happen...all aboard the Pacman Express!!
Evan Grant: As Stupid as Dustin Pedroia is Short!!
Not really...but it sounded good.
Evan Grant, a Dallas Morning News reporter who covers the Texas Rangers, has been grilled over the last few days for failing to include AL MVP, Dustin Pedroia, anywhere on his MVP ballot. Of all the writers who voted on the AL MVP, Grant was the ONLY person to have not ranked DP anywhere within the Top 10 candidates.
I hate the Red Sox as much as everyone else, but c'mon! That little dude was definitely Top 10 material. And while Grant has stated that he "made a mistake," he added fuel to the fire yesterday by doing a radio interview with WEEI, a local Boston radio station, and attempted to continue presenting evidence justifying Pedrioa's omission:
Please be prepared for: Guy that has lost the argument but refuses to go quietly into the night...so he finds one very obscure piece of evidence supporting his stance and holds on for dear life...Cliffhanger style!!
Poor Evan. He's a good guy and knows his stuff...he just had a mental lapse on this one. It's great to focus on stats...but using "OBP with runners in scoring position" as a statistical measuring stick for the MVP? That is simply ludicrous.
Evan...let's just pretend that this never happened!
Evan Grant, a Dallas Morning News reporter who covers the Texas Rangers, has been grilled over the last few days for failing to include AL MVP, Dustin Pedroia, anywhere on his MVP ballot. Of all the writers who voted on the AL MVP, Grant was the ONLY person to have not ranked DP anywhere within the Top 10 candidates.
I hate the Red Sox as much as everyone else, but c'mon! That little dude was definitely Top 10 material. And while Grant has stated that he "made a mistake," he added fuel to the fire yesterday by doing a radio interview with WEEI, a local Boston radio station, and attempted to continue presenting evidence justifying Pedrioa's omission:
*Desperation Warning*
Please be prepared for: Guy that has lost the argument but refuses to go quietly into the night...so he finds one very obscure piece of evidence supporting his stance and holds on for dear life...Cliffhanger style!!
Grant: "...he [Pedroia] was 53rd in OBP with runners in scoring position …"
Poor Evan. He's a good guy and knows his stuff...he just had a mental lapse on this one. It's great to focus on stats...but using "OBP with runners in scoring position" as a statistical measuring stick for the MVP? That is simply ludicrous.
Evan...let's just pretend that this never happened!
Why Avery was fired...
Many suggest that Avery Johnson was fired because of his unwillingness to delegate tasks, his overbearing nature or his inability to just let the "plaiy-errs" play! That was not the case.
Bienvenidos!
Welcome to the Dallas Sports Keg.
Basically, we have dedicated this blog to comedic (attempted) coverage of the Dallas Sports world. I know, with Pacman and his 230 arrests, Mark Cuban's Martha-Stewart-like SEC situation and Jerr-uh Jones, this stuff basically writes itself; however, we thought it might be worth documenting.
Regards,
Guy
Basically, we have dedicated this blog to comedic (attempted) coverage of the Dallas Sports world. I know, with Pacman and his 230 arrests, Mark Cuban's Martha-Stewart-like SEC situation and Jerr-uh Jones, this stuff basically writes itself; however, we thought it might be worth documenting.
Regards,
Guy
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