Archive for May, 2010

Written by theMBIIIeffect I have to give credit to SI’s Peter King for coming up with this great concept for an article. I disagree with him rating us as the 10th-best team in the NFL–picking us after the Dolphins and the Panthers is bordering on lunacy–but I have to give him credit on this idea of writing about things he thinks he thinks about the NFL. I’ll be focusing on the Cowboys, of course. 1. The Cowboys have to have one of the most difficult schedules in the NFL: The Cowboys get the new-look Redskins the first week of the season [...]

By Joe D. It’s not often that I carry a grudge about football games, especially regular season matchups early in the season.  This game (I’m about to discuss) is especially frustrating. Allow me to take you back to a simpler time.  September 2005.  The Dallas Cowboys host the Washington Redskins for a Monday Night clash.  Both teams are coached by legends (Parcells and Gibbs), and both teams appear to be rising from the dead.  At half time, Troy Aikman, Micheal Irvin and Emmith Smith will be inducted into the Dallas Cowboys famed Ring of Honor. The Cowboys thoroughly dominate the game [...]

Written by theMBIIIeffect There are stats that are only good for fantasy sports and there are stats that really mean something. Points per hundred is the latter. According to this article, former Cowboys coach Bill Parcells used to say that really good football teams scored about seven points per one hundred yards. It’s brutally simple but a very telling statistic: if you make one whole trip down the football field, you should end up with seven points. Do note that he’s saying every drive doesn’t need to be a touchdown, but really strong teams should average about 7 points per hundred [...]

By: Joe D. This will read like a love song to Patrick Crayton.  Crayton has been a consumate professional during his tenure with Dallas.  While he may have opened his mouth at times, I never objected to his statements.  Crayton was originally drafted in the 7th round in 2004.  He has been remarkably productive for a late round pick, especially since he has been demoted at every opportunity. Crayton has limited value in regards to trade value.  It’s not outside the rhealm of possibility, however.  He has a managable contract, and can play a variety of positions, from punt returner, [...]

By: Joe D. Chalk this up to good news/bad news.  Tony Romo requested the latest possible tee time for the qualifying round for the HP Byron Nelson Championship.  This request was granted and Romo is scheduled to tee off at 9:57a.m.  The problem is that there is an organized team activity (OTA) which is scheduled at the same time.  Barring a long rain delay, it is unlikely Romo will be able to qualify and subsequently participate in the PGA tournament. While this is certainly disappointing for Romo and the fans who would love to see him play in PGA event, [...]

By Joe D. As many of yall know, I love “what if” scenarios.  They make you think about not only what could have been, but also make you think about what is.  More often than not, the reflection makes you appreciate the “what is” even more.  It is widely speculated the the Ravens were going to pull the trigger on Dez Bryant at the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.  The Cowboys traded up with the New England Patriots (swapping the Cowboys 3rd round pick for the New England 4th round pick).  The Cowboys drafted Bryant (who was [...]

Roy Williams is becoming a scratched record in Dallas: he keeps repeating that his drops will stop and his play will improve for the Dallas Cowboys. He told the media the same thing last year after a dismal half year with the Cowboys. He was brought on this team to become the No. 1 receiver after the Cowboys let Terrell Owens go. Williams’ eight drops was 12th in the NFL, or 25 percent of the Cowboys 32 total drops. This time, Williams is working more with Tony Romo on those little nuances that make a receiver better. “I bet anybody [...]

The Dallas Cowboys desperately need a breakout season from one of their three running backs and it is likely that person will have to be Felix Jones. Jones has already been named the Cowboys starter this season, sending Marion Barber back in line. What has prevented the Cowboys, and a lot of other teams, from using one guy to run the ball? In this article from SportingNews, a panelist of former Cowboy greats were asked five questions about the upcoming season. One question popped out to me as very important: 3. The Cowboys have three good running backs, but they’re [...]

Written by theMBIIIeffect Dallas and St. Louis have exchanged former first rounders, with the Cowboys sending former Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter to the Rams in exchange for former Florida State tackle Alex Barron. The writing was on the wall for Carpenter when the Cowboys took Penn State linebacker Sean Lee in the second round of this year’s draft. With five players-Bradie James, Keith Brooking, Jason Williams, Carpenter and Lee-in contention for two starting spots in the base 3-4 defense and another in the nickel defense. Somebody had to go, and the Cowboys made the right pick. The Rams also [...]

By Joe D. In a twist of good luck, the Cowboys play the Houston Texans week three of the 2010 NFL Season. Brian Cushing, 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year, was suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.  Certainly the Cowboys offense is formidable, but missing a top defender will pose another challenge for the Texans who have be mired in mediocrity the past few years.