It is that time of year, once again, when my mind forgets everything else and suddenly the main focus of life is NFL Football. The season is starting to heat up as training camp is now underway for a few teams and by this upcoming Friday, all 32 squads will be back to the grind, working on plays, studying the schedule, testing their rookies and pushing themselves to the limits.
I plan on being very busy this season myself. My long list of things to do is setting up highly detailed spreadsheets, working on fantasy football drafts, playing far too much Madden 10, listening to more and more sports talk shows, studying this years opposition (NFC South and AFC West) and keeping an eye on the betting lines... not to mention, posting more on here and using twitter.
It's going to be a hectic season... maybe I should quit my job so I can fit it all in... or maybe not... either way, job or no job, nothing will be getting in the way of Football Season and I couldn't be more happy that it is almost upon us.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Where the Hell Have You Been?!?
It has been forever and a day that I've posted on here, huh?!
Well, the draft has come and gone, the Cowboys' practice facility is a thing of the past. OTA's are over with and so is Greg Ellis.
Hell, it's practically August, which means that the newest Madden game and the Preseason are right around the corner, so I really am late to the party... I should be ashamed of my blogging frequency... downright ashamed.
I also doubt that I will be posting any more frequently than I am now... at least until the Preseason begins and I can go back to posting my recaps, which I do intend to write every week.
For actual news that is up to date, and well-written, check out my main source, www.dallasnews.com and go to the Dallas Cowboys section. It is informative and entertaining, two things I very rarely accomplish.
If there is actually anyone who reads this besides me, please come back in August, when there will be something to read. I may drop the occasional post in the meantime, but even I doubt it.
Well, until then... peace out!
Well, the draft has come and gone, the Cowboys' practice facility is a thing of the past. OTA's are over with and so is Greg Ellis.
Hell, it's practically August, which means that the newest Madden game and the Preseason are right around the corner, so I really am late to the party... I should be ashamed of my blogging frequency... downright ashamed.
I also doubt that I will be posting any more frequently than I am now... at least until the Preseason begins and I can go back to posting my recaps, which I do intend to write every week.
For actual news that is up to date, and well-written, check out my main source, www.dallasnews.com and go to the Dallas Cowboys section. It is informative and entertaining, two things I very rarely accomplish.
If there is actually anyone who reads this besides me, please come back in August, when there will be something to read. I may drop the occasional post in the meantime, but even I doubt it.
Well, until then... peace out!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
2009 Schedule
April showers might bring May flowers, but April also brings us a little bit closer to Football Season. There are still 5 months before the actual battles will begin, but April is when the schedules are announced and also when the draft takes place. It is the difibulator that electrifies the heart and keeps Football alive in these lonely, cold off-season days.
On Tuesday the schedules for the 2009 season were released, and Dallas sure doesn't get many breaks. Sure, you could say that Kansas City & Oakland might be easy wins, but you could have said the same thing about St. Louis and Baltimore last year, and we all know how that turned out.
Regardless of what happened then, this is now and we have a clean slate for 2009. If you haven't already noticed, I posted the new schedule on the right side of this blog, and it was definitely a good feeling deleting last season's dismal schedule and scores.
The new schedule has Dallas in five prime time matchups, with the possibility of even more (depending on late season flexes.) This is definitely welcome, especially for me since I no longer have DirecTV and unfortunately all of the local bars are either Eagles, Steelers or Ravens bars... ugh.
There are a few teams that Dallas seems to play every year now (besides our division,) so we will once again face Tampa Bay (Week 1 @ TB), Seattle (Week 8 @ Dal) & Green Bay (Week 10 @ GB.) I am looking forward to the opening game against Tampa Bay, as that is my nephew's favorite team. If Dallas comes out strong, as they have the past few years, The Bucs should provide The Cowboys with their first 'W'.
Week 2 will be the Grand Opening of Dallas' new stadium in Arlington (if you don't count the pre-season). Whether you call it JerryWorld, JonesMahal or just The New Texas Stadium it will be ready for the world to see on September 20th against division rivals, The New York Giants. I got my popcorn ready... oh wait, I guess I should come up with a new phrase now huh?!
The "unfortunates" of the schedule include: An early BYE (Week 6,) and another tough final stretch. Lately, Dallas has not exactly been top-notch by the time December comes, and this year doesn't seem any easier.
The last five games are against The Giants, San Diego, New Orleans, Washington and then Philly... (again!)
I don't know what the cruel joke is, but that's two years in a row that the season has ended with a Dallas/Philly matchup. Sure it's a great storyline, but it's hard not to think of that 44-6 loss from last season and throw up a little in my mouth. Let's just hope it's not another do-or-die playoff scenario.
I mentioned that there will be five prime time games. Week 2 against The Giants, Week 3 (MNF) against Carolina, Week 9 against Philly, Week 15 (NFLN) against New Orleans and Week 16 against Washington.
The excitement of new schedules has me a little antsy, and I'll be even more excited next weekend when the draft begins.
To sum it up, and my first prediction of the 2009 Season... The Cowboys will go 11-5 and reach the playoffs, hopefully forging a path to the Super Bowl. Is this a realistic prediction? Nah, just high hopes, but we'll see how it all plays out.
I will do my best to update my blog after the draft to see what new weapons Dallas will have. Until then... Good day!
On Tuesday the schedules for the 2009 season were released, and Dallas sure doesn't get many breaks. Sure, you could say that Kansas City & Oakland might be easy wins, but you could have said the same thing about St. Louis and Baltimore last year, and we all know how that turned out.
Regardless of what happened then, this is now and we have a clean slate for 2009. If you haven't already noticed, I posted the new schedule on the right side of this blog, and it was definitely a good feeling deleting last season's dismal schedule and scores.
The new schedule has Dallas in five prime time matchups, with the possibility of even more (depending on late season flexes.) This is definitely welcome, especially for me since I no longer have DirecTV and unfortunately all of the local bars are either Eagles, Steelers or Ravens bars... ugh.
There are a few teams that Dallas seems to play every year now (besides our division,) so we will once again face Tampa Bay (Week 1 @ TB), Seattle (Week 8 @ Dal) & Green Bay (Week 10 @ GB.) I am looking forward to the opening game against Tampa Bay, as that is my nephew's favorite team. If Dallas comes out strong, as they have the past few years, The Bucs should provide The Cowboys with their first 'W'.
Week 2 will be the Grand Opening of Dallas' new stadium in Arlington (if you don't count the pre-season). Whether you call it JerryWorld, JonesMahal or just The New Texas Stadium it will be ready for the world to see on September 20th against division rivals, The New York Giants. I got my popcorn ready... oh wait, I guess I should come up with a new phrase now huh?!
The "unfortunates" of the schedule include: An early BYE (Week 6,) and another tough final stretch. Lately, Dallas has not exactly been top-notch by the time December comes, and this year doesn't seem any easier.
The last five games are against The Giants, San Diego, New Orleans, Washington and then Philly... (again!)
I don't know what the cruel joke is, but that's two years in a row that the season has ended with a Dallas/Philly matchup. Sure it's a great storyline, but it's hard not to think of that 44-6 loss from last season and throw up a little in my mouth. Let's just hope it's not another do-or-die playoff scenario.
I mentioned that there will be five prime time games. Week 2 against The Giants, Week 3 (MNF) against Carolina, Week 9 against Philly, Week 15 (NFLN) against New Orleans and Week 16 against Washington.
The excitement of new schedules has me a little antsy, and I'll be even more excited next weekend when the draft begins.
To sum it up, and my first prediction of the 2009 Season... The Cowboys will go 11-5 and reach the playoffs, hopefully forging a path to the Super Bowl. Is this a realistic prediction? Nah, just high hopes, but we'll see how it all plays out.
I will do my best to update my blog after the draft to see what new weapons Dallas will have. Until then... Good day!
Monday, March 16, 2009
K.I.T.
Just a very brief update of a few happenings in the world of The Cowboys.
- Kevin Burnett has parted ways with The 'Boys and is heading to San Diego.
- Speaking of San Diego, defensive end Igor Olshansky has left The Chargers and is now in Dallas with a 5 year deal. He will be a nice filler in Chris Canty's absence.
- Speaking of Jacksonville (which I wasn't,) safety Gerald Sensabaugh has been signed to a 1-year deal and speaking of Jacksonville some more, it is reported that recently released wide-out, Matt Jones, may soon be a Cowboy, if Jerry Jones has any say in the matter, that is.
- Kevin Burnett has parted ways with The 'Boys and is heading to San Diego.
- Speaking of San Diego, defensive end Igor Olshansky has left The Chargers and is now in Dallas with a 5 year deal. He will be a nice filler in Chris Canty's absence.
- Speaking of Jacksonville (which I wasn't,) safety Gerald Sensabaugh has been signed to a 1-year deal and speaking of Jacksonville some more, it is reported that recently released wide-out, Matt Jones, may soon be a Cowboy, if Jerry Jones has any say in the matter, that is.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
T.O. is IN... Buffalo
Barely two days after being released from Dallas, Terrell Owens has landed himself a spot with The Buffalo Bills for a $6.5 million guaranteed, 1 year contract.
If it wasn't shocking enough that T.O. was cut from The Cowboys, it was even more of a surprise that he will now be a Bill. After his dismissal from Dallas, it was speculated that he would be pursued by Oakland, Washington or even Philadelphia (just kidding,) but as it turns out, Buffalo came in quick with an offer and baited the offensive superstar, who will now play opposite Lee Evans.
After Buffalo's unsuccessful attempt to steal away Laverneus Coles from The Jets, they were shopping for a playmaker that could compliment Evans, the T.O. situation came with perfect timing. This move creates a much more powerful offense for Trent Edwards to flourish in. The Bills may be on a steady path to go all the way and lose another Super Bowl, we'll have to see how it all plays out.
If it wasn't shocking enough that T.O. was cut from The Cowboys, it was even more of a surprise that he will now be a Bill. After his dismissal from Dallas, it was speculated that he would be pursued by Oakland, Washington or even Philadelphia (just kidding,) but as it turns out, Buffalo came in quick with an offer and baited the offensive superstar, who will now play opposite Lee Evans.
After Buffalo's unsuccessful attempt to steal away Laverneus Coles from The Jets, they were shopping for a playmaker that could compliment Evans, the T.O. situation came with perfect timing. This move creates a much more powerful offense for Trent Edwards to flourish in. The Bills may be on a steady path to go all the way and lose another Super Bowl, we'll have to see how it all plays out.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
T.O. is Out
Jerry Jones is a very mysterious person. At times it seems that he is not afraid to speak his mind, and at other times he tip toes around a subject and barely says anything at all. He plays his cards close and does what he feels, which has resulted in good and bad things in the past.
A week or so ago, Jerry Jones was asked if he has plans to release controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens, at which Jones exclaimed that he doesn't see that happening.
Well, it appears that Jerry Jones once again had his cards close to his chest as a week later, T.O. has
been officially released from The Dallas Cowboys.
Repeat: Terrell Owens, the number one offensive weapon that the Cowboys have had for these past 3 seasons, has been released.
This move tells me that despite the numbers T.O. racks up on the field, he must have truly been a cancer behind the scenes for Dallas to cut him and cause a $9 million dollar salary cap hit.
At least if this was going to happen anyway, I'm glad it's happening now, before the draft and far before the start of off-season training. I'm sure there will be some players in the locker room who are opposed to this move and others who will welcome it, but giving this much time will help everyone adjust to life in Dallas without T.O.
Where does that lead our receiving unit? Well, unless there is some kind of crazy free agent pick up or a trade for someone of Andre Johnson's caliber, Roy Williams will be our number 1, Patrick Crayton will be number 2 and battling for
number 3 will be Sam Hurd and Miles Austin. Williams has to step it up and play like a number 1 or Dallas will be in major trouble this upcoming season.
This news was a shock, but there's no turning back now, so everyone will have to move on. T.O. it has been good having you and it was very entertaining... I wish you well on all of your future endeavors... (unless he joins up with The Giants or 'Skins, that is.)
**NOON UPDATE**
Not only is T.O. officially Out, but safety Roy Williams is Out as well. Not as much of a shock due to his age, recent productivity and last season's injuries, but Williams was a Dallas Cowboys staple for a long while and will be missed.
I can remember a time when everyone in the league was afraid to take one of Roy Williams' hits, but that spark just hasn't been with him in the past few years and it doesn't seem that it would be returning anytime soon. Farewell Roy, you will not be forgotten.
A week or so ago, Jerry Jones was asked if he has plans to release controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens, at which Jones exclaimed that he doesn't see that happening.
Well, it appears that Jerry Jones once again had his cards close to his chest as a week later, T.O. has
been officially released from The Dallas Cowboys.Repeat: Terrell Owens, the number one offensive weapon that the Cowboys have had for these past 3 seasons, has been released.
This move tells me that despite the numbers T.O. racks up on the field, he must have truly been a cancer behind the scenes for Dallas to cut him and cause a $9 million dollar salary cap hit.
At least if this was going to happen anyway, I'm glad it's happening now, before the draft and far before the start of off-season training. I'm sure there will be some players in the locker room who are opposed to this move and others who will welcome it, but giving this much time will help everyone adjust to life in Dallas without T.O.
Where does that lead our receiving unit? Well, unless there is some kind of crazy free agent pick up or a trade for someone of Andre Johnson's caliber, Roy Williams will be our number 1, Patrick Crayton will be number 2 and battling for
number 3 will be Sam Hurd and Miles Austin. Williams has to step it up and play like a number 1 or Dallas will be in major trouble this upcoming season.This news was a shock, but there's no turning back now, so everyone will have to move on. T.O. it has been good having you and it was very entertaining... I wish you well on all of your future endeavors... (unless he joins up with The Giants or 'Skins, that is.)
**NOON UPDATE**
Not only is T.O. officially Out, but safety Roy Williams is Out as well. Not as much of a shock due to his age, recent productivity and last season's injuries, but Williams was a Dallas Cowboys staple for a long while and will be missed.
I can remember a time when everyone in the league was afraid to take one of Roy Williams' hits, but that spark just hasn't been with him in the past few years and it doesn't seem that it would be returning anytime soon. Farewell Roy, you will not be forgotten.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Around the Division
If you haven't heard or followed the news, there are a few free agency/trade tidbits that recently happened and will impact The Cowboys for the 2009 season.
For one, Anthony Henry has been traded to Detroit for none other than 'Bradie James basher', Jon Kitna. Although Kitna wouldn't be one of my top choices, I feel much more confident with him behind Romo than Brad Johnson or Brooks Bollinger.
Chris Canty has also been signed by The New York Giants. There's not much Dallas could do to retain him since he was a free agent and most of the restricted tenders have been placed. It will be sad to see him go.
Atlanta linebacker Keith Brooking has been signed by Dallas to replace Zach Thomas, who apparently wasn't comfortable in Wade Phillips' scheme last year and vocalized that after the loss in Philly.
Another free agent, Kevin Burnett, might also be testing the waters. Burnett has scheduled a trip to Oakland to see what The Raiders are willing to do for him. With Brooking joining the team, Burnett's future in Dallas definitely looks grim.
That's pretty much everything that directly impacts Dallas for '09, but throughout the division there have been some shocking moves as well.
Of course, Haynesworth will be joining The Redskins, and joining him is DeAngelo Hall, who has just signed a multi-year deal. These two players should bring a load of memories in relation to Dallas, including Haynesworth stomping on Gurode's helmetless head, and DeAngelo Hall accusing T.O. of spitting on him.
Ok, so playing Washington is going to be tough for a while, but meanwhile in Philly, things are looking up.
The Eagles have traded Lito Sheppard to The Jets and lost Brian Dawkins to Denver. When you think of Eagles defense, those two players were at the top of the list. This was a shocking move that upset many Philly fans but thankfully gave the rest of the NFC East reason to breath a little easier.
For one, Anthony Henry has been traded to Detroit for none other than 'Bradie James basher', Jon Kitna. Although Kitna wouldn't be one of my top choices, I feel much more confident with him behind Romo than Brad Johnson or Brooks Bollinger.
Chris Canty has also been signed by The New York Giants. There's not much Dallas could do to retain him since he was a free agent and most of the restricted tenders have been placed. It will be sad to see him go.
Atlanta linebacker Keith Brooking has been signed by Dallas to replace Zach Thomas, who apparently wasn't comfortable in Wade Phillips' scheme last year and vocalized that after the loss in Philly.
Another free agent, Kevin Burnett, might also be testing the waters. Burnett has scheduled a trip to Oakland to see what The Raiders are willing to do for him. With Brooking joining the team, Burnett's future in Dallas definitely looks grim.
That's pretty much everything that directly impacts Dallas for '09, but throughout the division there have been some shocking moves as well.
Of course, Haynesworth will be joining The Redskins, and joining him is DeAngelo Hall, who has just signed a multi-year deal. These two players should bring a load of memories in relation to Dallas, including Haynesworth stomping on Gurode's helmetless head, and DeAngelo Hall accusing T.O. of spitting on him.
Ok, so playing Washington is going to be tough for a while, but meanwhile in Philly, things are looking up.
The Eagles have traded Lito Sheppard to The Jets and lost Brian Dawkins to Denver. When you think of Eagles defense, those two players were at the top of the list. This was a shocking move that upset many Philly fans but thankfully gave the rest of the NFC East reason to breath a little easier.
Friday, February 27, 2009
What's been going on?
BYE, BYE BRAD!
It seems that 2008 might go down in history as Brad Johnson's final season in the NFL. Dallas has officially released Johnson on Thursday, and I'd be willing to bet that there aren't many teams who are rushing to pick him up.
Johnson started three games this past season and lost two of them, which is one of the many factors why The Cowboys did not reach the playoffs.
Following the news of Johnson's release, former Chicago quarterback, Rex Grossman publicly expressed interest in backing up Romo next season. Regardless of Grossman's inconsistency, he did lead The Bears to the Super Bowl a few years ago and in my eyes, he is better than Johnson or Brooks Bollinger (who may or may not be returning to Dallas.)
BYE, BYE ROY?
It appears that something is in the works for Roy Williams, (the safety, that is,) and it doesn't look good. It appears that Williams doesn't want to leave, but a trade might be in the works anyway.
He is not getting any younger, his play hasn't been up to standards these past couple of seasons, he's sustained two major injuries last season and he could never really play in coverage that well.
If these signs are any indication, there will be only one Roy Williams wearing a Dallas helmet next season, and he will be playing on offense, not defense.
HELLO HAYNESWORTH?!
Albert Haynesworth will not be in Tennessee next season... he won't be a Cowboy either, but for the next seven years or so, we'll be seeing plenty of him.
Haynesworth signed a guaranteed $41 million contract to play for division rivals, the Washington Redskins. The deal could reach as high as $115 million after it's all said and done, but this means Dallas will have to deal with him at least two times a season, something I'm sure Andre Gurode is looking forward to.
It seems that 2008 might go down in history as Brad Johnson's final season in the NFL. Dallas has officially released Johnson on Thursday, and I'd be willing to bet that there aren't many teams who are rushing to pick him up.
Johnson started three games this past season and lost two of them, which is one of the many factors why The Cowboys did not reach the playoffs.
Following the news of Johnson's release, former Chicago quarterback, Rex Grossman publicly expressed interest in backing up Romo next season. Regardless of Grossman's inconsistency, he did lead The Bears to the Super Bowl a few years ago and in my eyes, he is better than Johnson or Brooks Bollinger (who may or may not be returning to Dallas.)
BYE, BYE ROY?
It appears that something is in the works for Roy Williams, (the safety, that is,) and it doesn't look good. It appears that Williams doesn't want to leave, but a trade might be in the works anyway.
He is not getting any younger, his play hasn't been up to standards these past couple of seasons, he's sustained two major injuries last season and he could never really play in coverage that well.
If these signs are any indication, there will be only one Roy Williams wearing a Dallas helmet next season, and he will be playing on offense, not defense.
HELLO HAYNESWORTH?!
Albert Haynesworth will not be in Tennessee next season... he won't be a Cowboy either, but for the next seven years or so, we'll be seeing plenty of him.
Haynesworth signed a guaranteed $41 million contract to play for division rivals, the Washington Redskins. The deal could reach as high as $115 million after it's all said and done, but this means Dallas will have to deal with him at least two times a season, something I'm sure Andre Gurode is looking forward to.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Yawwnn
In a move that shocked and surprised no one, Brett Favre has once again announced that he plans to retire from the National Football League before the 2009 season.
At this point I barely even consider this news, it's practically an annual event. "Brett Favre announces retirement," "Brett Favre wants to keep playing," "Brett Favre does not retire and plays for another season," "Brett Favre wants to retire," "Brett Favre doesn't want to retire," "Brett Favre wants to be a Viking," "Brett Favre wants to be a Jet," ect...ect...ect...
It is a never ending cycle of retiring and then not-retiring and being traded or not being traded. It's very exhausting trying to keep up with Mr. Favre's antics.
Even I was hooked into this story last year, watching Brett Favre exit a plane in New York like I was watching O.J. and the white Bronco, but it's been what, three or four years in a row that Favre has announced retirement and then resinded. A fan can only take so much.
On a scale of 1 to 5, I rank this story a 0.5 for 'boorring!'
At this point I barely even consider this news, it's practically an annual event. "Brett Favre announces retirement," "Brett Favre wants to keep playing," "Brett Favre does not retire and plays for another season," "Brett Favre wants to retire," "Brett Favre doesn't want to retire," "Brett Favre wants to be a Viking," "Brett Favre wants to be a Jet," ect...ect...ect...
It is a never ending cycle of retiring and then not-retiring and being traded or not being traded. It's very exhausting trying to keep up with Mr. Favre's antics.
Even I was hooked into this story last year, watching Brett Favre exit a plane in New York like I was watching O.J. and the white Bronco, but it's been what, three or four years in a row that Favre has announced retirement and then resinded. A fan can only take so much.
On a scale of 1 to 5, I rank this story a 0.5 for 'boorring!'
Friday, February 6, 2009
Ugh
In Dallas Cowboys News
Not much has been happening. Rising Star, Martellus Bennett, got in trouble for posting freestyle rhymes on youtube. It wouldn't have been bad if he wasn't cursing up a storm and wearing his Cowboys helmet. The video was quickly taken down and "Marty B," issued an apology.
Bob Hayes has finally been selected for the Hall of Fame, unfortunately there's been nothing but controversy due to the fact his "alleged" half-sister had a letter that Mr. Hayes wrote years ago, but everyone is now questioning if it's a real letter and if that's really his sister. Oi Vey.
In Other Football News
Ok, The Steelers won the big game and are now the reigning Super Bowl Champions. They also happen to sit alone with the most Super Bowl victories of any team with six.
Six-Pack, Six-Burgh, One for the other thumb, etc, etc, etc... The nicknames are already annoying as hell.
So as it stands, Pittsburgh has 6 rings while Dallas and San Fransisco have 5. Tied for 2nd place isn't horrible, but it's not great either.
Next year a lot of things have to go right if Dallas wants to get to six... do I see it happening? Not without a miracle.
Not much has been happening. Rising Star, Martellus Bennett, got in trouble for posting freestyle rhymes on youtube. It wouldn't have been bad if he wasn't cursing up a storm and wearing his Cowboys helmet. The video was quickly taken down and "Marty B," issued an apology.
Bob Hayes has finally been selected for the Hall of Fame, unfortunately there's been nothing but controversy due to the fact his "alleged" half-sister had a letter that Mr. Hayes wrote years ago, but everyone is now questioning if it's a real letter and if that's really his sister. Oi Vey.
In Other Football News
Ok, The Steelers won the big game and are now the reigning Super Bowl Champions. They also happen to sit alone with the most Super Bowl victories of any team with six.
Six-Pack, Six-Burgh, One for the other thumb, etc, etc, etc... The nicknames are already annoying as hell.
So as it stands, Pittsburgh has 6 rings while Dallas and San Fransisco have 5. Tied for 2nd place isn't horrible, but it's not great either.
Next year a lot of things have to go right if Dallas wants to get to six... do I see it happening? Not without a miracle.
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