"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."
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