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Daily Dose 1-7-2010

In an ironic turn of events, Tony Romo has won the NFL’s Player of the Month award in December. It’s hard to imagine this is the same quarterback who the media deemed “unable to win a big game in December.” So much for unable to win a big game, the Cowboys have won 3 straight defeating the previously undefeated Saints and shutting out NFC East Division rivals Washington and Philadelphia.

In the month of December in 2009, Romo has had 4 games with over 100.0 passer rating while throwing only 2 interceptions compared to his 9 touchdowns. His record is 3-2 and now has a chance to fend of those playoff critics.

Giants Continue Clearing House

The Giants continued their winter cleaning by firing D-Line Coach Micke Waufle. This is the second firing of the week for the Giants who are looking to fix the problems that have risen from no where. The Giants only had 32 sacks this season and where horrific on run defense compared to last year.

It’s important to remember that the Giants were also plagued by injuries all season which really limited the rotation of the defensive line. This decision might have been a bit fast given all the negatives that happened this season, but we’ll keep an eye on whose hired.

Cribbs Snubbed

Cleveland Browns have one good thing going for them for sure. That is Kick Returner/Wide Receiver/Quarterback Joshua Cribbs. Cribbs has been electric and has won plenty of games for the Browns himself. All he wants is to be paid like a top 5 return man, which is a bargain given that he’s the best. So what do the Browns do to honor their electric offensive playmaker? Offer him 1.4 mil a year over 3 years.

Cribbs’ agent was quoted as saying “Not only is it insulting, but it’s illogical. There is no way to objectively justify it.”

He’s spot on, Cribbs is a game changer who has returned three kickoffs and one punt for touchdowns this season.

Dallas Cowboys and the Playoffs: Just Play Saturday For Saturday

See, there it is. That’s just the kind of statement that I’m tired of seeing when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys. “The Cowboys must win on Saturday to make last week’s win meaningful …” As if to say that blowing out the Eagles last week wasn’t an accomplishment, a great game, a big win, or a stellar defensive effort if the Cowboys can’t win this coming week?

Last I checked, we didn’t take any gambles against Philly in week 17. It’s not like we’re the Colts who said, “Hey, we’re going to sit our starters for the final two games because we need them around to win the Super Bowl when we get there.” That’s the kind of situation where a later event can define the meaning of a past decision.

If the Colts don’t make it to the Super Bowl this year, then they will be looked at as chumps – honestly. Them winning the Super Bowl is going to be the difference between being thought to have made a good decision resting starters and preventing injuries, and choking any chance they had of winning, disgracing the sport by not playing to win.

The Cowboys didn’t do that. Even when we had that game in hand last week, we still sent Romo, Barber, Adams, Austin, and every other starter back onto the field until Romo took a knee to run the clock out with under 2 minutes remaining.

It’s not like with the Patriots who decided to play hard in week 17 and ended up losing their star wide receiver to an injury that would’ve meant IR for him even if it happened in the preseason. They did what they always do and went full throttle for 60 minutes on Sunday, just like any other Sunday before it.

You could argue that they made a choice to keep themselves in a rhythm and try to maintain some momentum heading into the playoffs. Well now if they don’t win the Super Bowl, they’ll be thought less of for not being more cautious with such an important player as Welker going down.

It all comes down to the gambles that a team makes this time of year – if they lose then a firestorm ensues, but if they win, they’re geniuses.

The Cowboys simply went out and played some good football. No lasting injuries, no promises or game plans for Super Bowl glory in a month – they just played some good, hard, NFC East football against a good football team.

Leading up to week 17 it was clear to everyone involved that it was a virtually meaningless game and a big game, all at the same time. Both teams had already been assured a spot in the playoffs after week 16, so there was no type of win-and-you’re-in scenario to be played out.

The Eagles did have something pretty large to play for though as they eyed the shot at a first round bye and the #2 seed in the NFC, which would come with an NFC East Division Championship if they had beaten the Cowboys.

The Cowboys started their day out with those same accolades in sight, that is until Minnesota beat the Giants in the noon game. Then it became a shot at the #3 seed and home-field advantage for the wild card round, as well as the NFC East title.

To the Eagles, who were riding a six game winning streak, that game, aside from all playoff scenarios, just didn’t mean that much more than another game against a long time foe. But for Dallas it was more than that. After having lost nine season finales in a row, going more than a decade since winning a playoff game, and adorning one of the most repugnant December swoons in league history; and after handing the Saints their first loss of the season followed by a shutout against another NFC East rival, albeit one in sad shape and merely a week away from firing their head coach, this game was a chance to go out and show everybody something we hadn’t seen since players numbered 8, 22, and 88 marched us down the field time and time again.

This was a big game for Dallas, and a huge win. It put the NFL on notice that the Cowboys were playing strong, and the shutout simply added the brief message, “Fear Us.”

But that game was that game – just a week 17 regular season finale. It wasn’t a heat race, and it wasn’t a qualifier. It was a brilliant win against a tough Eagles team.

This Saturday at 7pm will be the start of another game against a tough NFC East rival, and this time there are no silly scenarios to work out, no small consolations such as a bye week or home-field advantage to play for – this time it’s for the whole season.

Lose and you go home. Win and you move on to the next round.

And then, just as now, the game preceding will not be made any less important or well played because of this week’s performance. It simply will be another game won, or lost.

Dave Spadaro’s Open Letter Of Apology To Cowboys

Since I posted about what is being dubbed Spitgate 2010 earlier this evening, it seems everyone has taken to the story on many websites. A quick look over at the Eagles site led me to find this letter of apology from Dave Spadaro to the Cowboys organization. The whole time reading it you can tell he was made to write it, and that it wasn’t serious. It was an effort to save his job because he made the team look bad.

The comments from Eagles fans to this letter were all in support of this moron. Many said something to the effect of it just being grass, and no damage was done. Well tell me this – you sub-class Eagles idiots – one player spitting on anothers face is a “no damage done” act as well. Do you see the NFL or the teams of the spitting players ignoring it though? No! This was simply above and beyond just a heated rivalry. This was an act of stupidity by a fan who thought he was in a position to set an example.

Well let’s see this Spadaro punk walk around Cowboys Stadium this weekend – we’ll see how he likes getting spit on. No damage, right?

“As you may have seen, I went too far with my Spudcam video prior to Sunday’s game against the Cowboys. Acting alone, and without permission from the Eagles organization, I walked out to the middle of the field at Cowboys Stadium and spit on the Cowboys star, and for that I deeply apologize to the outstanding Cowboys organization and the fine people there, from Jerry Jones to the rest of the team.

It was not my intention to insult the Cowboys. It was my intention to enjoy the spirit of a great sports rivalry, and I clearly went over the line and acted unprofessionally. The Cowboys have always been gracious hosts and I appreciate the relationship I have with the friends I have there.

Spudcam is a feature that has become very popular here, and the goal of Spudcam is to provide a unique perspective of the game-day experience. We here at PhiladelphiaEagles.com strive to do anything and everything to bring our fans as close as possible to the action, to enjoy the team they love on an every-day basis. I try to have fun with Spudcam and to put the camera in places that cameras normally don’t go.

I took it to the extreme here, and admit that I have done so in other situations this year. Again, it is all done in the spirit of pre-game fun, to get excited about the game, to show the fans at Lincoln Financial Field and those on the road what happens behind the scenes on game days.

I admit I get carried away with my love of the Philadelphia Eagles, and if this is a crime, I am clearly guilty. Game days are an incredible experience for me. The will to win is unlike anything I have ever felt. The angst and the tightly-knotted stomach and the ups and downs of 60 minutes of Eagles football leave me thoroughly drained — win or lose — and I enjoy having the opportunity to communicate that to the many great Eagles fans who follow this team on a (many-times) daily basis.

I appreciate the support of the Eagles organization as we take this web site to new levels. I have made many mistakes in my excitement over the years communicating my love of the Eagles to you, and the franchise has always backed me. There are times when my enthusiasm has to be reined in by many within the Eagles, who have always made sure to let me know when I’ve exceeded the boundaries of professionalism.

Again, I apologize to those whom I have offended by my actions with Spudcam. I acted in an unprofessional manner and I am deserving of the punishment coming my way, and of the scorn of Dallas fans and those who did not appreciate my actions. I am responsible for my work and I will stand up to the criticism.

For those Eagles fans who come here so often and who make this web site so successful, I thank you for your love of the Eagles. I appreciate the opportunity to communicate so frequently with Eagles fans, who want the same thing as I: To beat Dallas on Saturday night and to stay alive in this 2009 season.

Go Eagles!”

One important thing to note is that the video and spit occurred during the pregame time last Sunday. All I can say is that the Eagles got what they deserved for this kind of crap – a blowout loss.

Cowboys Fans – Get Up. Get Loud.

Spitting On The Star? A Real Eagles Fan

I say a real Eagles fan because they’re known to be some of the most vile fans in football. My first impression of them goes back to the 90′s when Micheal Irvin busted up his neck in Philly and the fans cheered for his injury. From fighting to cheering when an opposing team’s player is hurt, sometimes severely, Eagles fans have always been the lowest class fans in the league.

Well now they’ve gone a step further. Dave Spadaro is an Eagles fan, and he’s also an Eagles employee as he run’s the Spudcam and the team website. He’s the one responsible for putting the following video on www.PhiladelphiaEagles.com, though this was taken from YouTube.com since the video has been removed from the Eagles website.

 

It’s something that just never seems to go away, people trying to disrespect our Star. Terrell Owens did it – twice. We forgave him when we signed him, but this guy is just a putz. Spitting on the Star not once, but twice! And he was even looking around trying not to get caught. I say Jerry Jones should ban the Eagles media and employees not essential to playing football, but that’s a stretch.

If this kind of thing doesn’t get Cowboys fans riled up for the big game I don’t know what will. Come on folks, if you’re attending the game, stand up and get loud. Show your team some support and give Home Field Advantage some meaning in Dallas (Arlington). Get Up. Get Loud.

Daily Dose 1-6-2010

Let’s be honest, it’s midway through the week before the biggest game the Cowboys have had in more than a decade – in fact this spans across three decades from the 90′s and aughts to 2010. Sure they’ve had big games in the 13 years, but this wild card round of the playoffs is different for them, namely because they are a different team. They are poised for a deep playoff run, but they have to clear a mighty large hurdle first – the Eagles for the third time this year and the second week in a row.

So we start today’s dose with Mike Jenkins and DeSean Jackson. They’re already putting the pressure on by talking a little smack via Twitter, and now Jenkins has posted about it on his blog. Granted, he took a more tactful approach on his blog, but these two seem to be falling into a personal rivalry, and we’d expect nothing less right? Jackson posting on Twitter, “My colleagues and I are prepared to issue a sound thumping.“

DeSean Jackson is a very talented receiver, tough to stop. He’s fast and shifty and can give you a really hard time if you’re not prepared for him. He’s my favorite wide receiver to guard and brings a challenge every play. He really makes you watch your P’s and Q’s.

Mike Shanahan into Washington

Mike ShanahanIn Washington, Mike Shanahan has been announced as the new Head Coach and V.P. of Football Operations for the Redskins. He signed a five year deal and while he will work hand-in-hand with his old buddy Bruce Allen, Shanahan will call the shots with final say on matters as they look to rebuild the struggling franchise. ESPN has reported that Shanahan’s son will be coming along as the new Offensive Coordinator as well.

In other Redskins news, RB Clinton Portis called out Jason Campbell on a local radio show saying that he isn’t a leader and likely never will be.

Roy Williams is a winner, after all?

I would trade anything in the world besides my family and my kids for a win. I could easily be at home right now, coming from Detroit. I could be 2-14 but instead I’m 11-5, East champion. It’s a great feeling.

That’s the latest from Roy Williams over on the Star-Telegram’s Cowboys Corner on his move from the Detroit Lions to the Dallas Cowboys.


My colleagues and I are prepared to issue a sound thumping

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys – Wild Card Game Preview

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX
When: January 9, 2010, 7:00 PM on NBC

This is it – the matchup of the weekend.  There is nothing left, you win or go home.  The Cowboys are all too familiar with going home, having not won a playoff matchup since the 1996 season.  Last week the Cowboys displayed dominance over this Philadelphia Eagles team in Dallas, getting their second straight shutout this season.

You can expect the Eagles to bring everything they have – as Tony Romo said, “Every blitz in the book.”  They are the masters of blitzing and their schemes are disguised brilliantly.  This game won’t be a shut out, it should be a blood bath.  We’re talking old school NFC East rivalries at their best, the winner is likely to have the Super Bowl in their grasp.

Fans or not, if this game isn’t in your plans for Saturday night, I doubt you really enjoy football.  Tough D, Play making offenses – Are you ready for some football?


How They Stack Up
11-5 Record 11-5
6-2 Home 6-2
5-3 Road 5-3
4-2 Division 4-2
429 Total Points 363
21.1 Avg Points Allowed 15.6
26.8 Avg Points Per Game 22.7
5726 Total Offense 6390
4098 Pass Yards 4287
1637 Rush Yards 2103
47 TD 43
44 Sacks 42
Lost 1 Streak Won 3
2nd, NFC East – #6 Seed NFC Position 1st, NFC East – #3 Seed NFC


Eagles
(11-5)
Key Matchups

Cowboys
(11-5)
Dallas Defensive Line (3-4)

DE
DT
DE

The Dallas Cowboys come into this matchup with a defensive line that has helped attain 38 sacks this season, while limiting teams to a rushing yards per game average of 94.1 – good for 5th in the league. This unit is highlighted by Pro Bowl Defensive Tackle Jay Ratliff who had 2 sacks against the Redskins last week.

Opposing the Cowboys in the trenches is a tough offensive line for the Philadelphia Eagles. This line has allowed 34 sacks this season and is responsible for the play of Donovan McNabb. If this line wasn’t good, DeSean Jackson wouldn’t be so dominant. The Eagles rank 21st in rushing offense, and have lost their starting center for the remainder of the season.

Advantage: Draw
Philadelphia Offensive Line

LT
LG
C
RG
RT


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Dallas Offensive Line

RT
RG
C
LG
LT

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the largest offensive lines in the league. They lead the way for the leagues 8th best rush offense. They have gotten better lately in protecting Tony Romo but still have obvious weaknesses and that mostly lies at Left Tackle where Flozell Adams isn’t always reliable.

Trent Cole is an animal and will be able to beat Adams from time to time, match that with the improved play of Defensive Tackles Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson and you have a formula for the leagues 8th best rush defense. The real story will lie with the pass rush, the Cowboys have allowed 32 sacks this season, and Tony doesn’t like feeling pressured.

Advantage: Draw
Philadelphia Defensive Line (4-3)

DE
DT
DT
DE


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Dallas Wide Receivers

WR
WR
WR
WR
WR

I’m really struggling with analyzing this matchup. On one hand Miles Austin, Kevin Ogletree, and Crayton have been spot on. Austin is someone you have to account for on every play and even when you do, you still might get burned. Whereas Ogletree and Crayton have offered great plays when they are called upon, they are not called upon as often as Austin. On the other hand, Roy Williams can’t hold onto the ball and Sam Hurd, while good, has been dropping some as well in his limited playing time. Roy says he’s going to get back to basics, but only time will tell if it helps.

Philly offers a decent, not stellar, pass defense that ranks in the middle of the league. There is only one man that really jumps out at me as a game changer and, unfortunately, he’s a big game changer. Asante Samuel is a tough DB to face, he’s a pick 6 threat all day long. This matchup will shape the game.

Advantage: Draw
Philadelphia Defensive Backs

DB
DB
FS
DB
DB


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Dallas Defensive Backs

DB
DB
FS
DB
DB

The Dallas Defense has been stepping up huge lately and may possibly be one of the best defenses in the NFL right now. We’ve seen that they’ve improved many of their flaws but the deep game remains to be seen. Jenkins and Hamlin have been locking down their side of the field, but my biggest concern is Terence Newman. Despite his All Pro repuation, he hasn’t been playing at the level he’s capable of. Not to say he’s not good, because he is, but he needs to lock down his side of the field this week to keep us in this.

Philly’s wide receivers are among the most dynamic in the league. From DeSean to Maclin to Avant you can believe that these receivers can break any game wide open. With their deep threat capability, Brent Celek is given a lot of chances to make short gains. This is a versatile passing game that is almost impossible to control. Our only hope is fundamental containment … maybe that will work.

Advantage: Philadelphia
Philadelphia Wide Receivers

WR
WR
WR
WR
WR


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Dallas Running Backs & Tight Ends

RB
RB
RB
FB
TE
TE
TE

The Cowboys have one of the most impressive running back rotations in the league. Combine that with Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett and even John Phillips and you have yourself a pretty amazing core. Jason Witten is going to tear through Philly’s mediocre front 7 and it’s going to be an all day combination with Tony Romo. Felix will dash, Barber will Smash, and Tash will run that wildcat to perfection, allowing plenty of offensive balance.

This Eagles unit to me is mediocre. Will Witherspoon is talented, but Trotter has lost a step and besides those two the unit as a whole is young. Inexperience will hurt these guys and they will not be able to contain the Cowboys balanced offensive attack.

Advantage: Dallas
Philadelphia Linebackers

OLB
LB
OLB
SS
MLB
MLB
OLB


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Dallas Linebackers

OLB
OLB
MLB
SS
MLB
LB
LB

If you’re a football fan, names like Brooking, Ware, and Bradie James should keep you listening. This linebacker team is the core behind the re-emergence of the Dallas D. Ware and Spencer seem to be almost unblockable while Brooking and James have been wreaking havoc on running backs and tight ends. Most experts would consider this a top 5 unit and it’s going to be hard to break through.

Westbrook is dangerous when healthy and McCoy has potential. However, neither of these two are going to make a difference in this game. Philly has a secret weapon in the run game and that is their fullback, Leonard Weaver. Weaver can run, catch, and block and it’s just plain difficult to gameplan for a fullback with that potential mixed with dangerous running backs. I’m originally from Philly and my father is a die-hard Eagles fan and he repeatedly tells me that Weaver is the difference maker and I believe him.

Advantage: Dallas
Philadelphia Runnings Backs & Tight Ends

RB
RB
RB
FB
TE


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Players To Watch
LeSean McCoy
LeSean McCoy

HB LeSean McCoy

Since last weeks gameplan of complex aerial attacks didn’t seem to work against the stingy Dallas Defense, I expect the Eagles will try a gameplan that will involve controlling the clock and game.  Brian Westbrook proved ineffective in the last meeting, and LeSean McCoy is young and talented enough to be what the Eagles need in a HB.


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QB Tony Romo

It will once again be Tony Romo who wins this game.  Tony played brilliantly again last week.  He has evolved into one of the leagues most elite game managers.  If Jason Garrett can keep him prepared for a complex Eagles defense, Tony will be patient enough to pick this defense apart once again.

 Tony Romo
Tony Romo


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DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson

WR DeSean Jackson

After being shut down by Mike Jenkins and Company, Jackson has been talking a lot of trash via twitter.  He’ll be looking to smoke the competition and bring in a big win for Philly.  He’ll be dangerous and the Eagles might be using him on more short yardage plays, so it’ll be up to the likes of James and Brooking to keep an eye on that.


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The Dallas Cowboys Crowd

Not really players to watch, but the Cowboys Fans are known as being soft and have never created such an energy that has intimidated other teams.  The noise and excitement from the crowd will impact the Cowboys as a team, so if they are loud and supportive, expect the Cowboys to meet their energy.

 

Key Injuries


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WR Reggie Brown – Shoulder
(Full Participation)

C Nick Cole – Knee
(Full Participation)

S Quintin Demps – Ankle
(Full Participation)

WR Jeremy Maclin – Foot
(Full Participation)

QB Micheal Vick – Quadricep
(Full Participation)

T Marc Colombo – Ankle
(Out)

S Pat Watkins – Knee
(Out)

WR Miles Austin – Thumb
(Full Participation)

CB Terence Newman – Knee
(Full Participation)

S Gerald Sensabaugh – Thumb
(Full Participation)

LB DeMarcus Ware – Wrist
(Full Participation)

Winner

I’m not straying far from my decision last week.  I believe the Cowboys play an impressive game, I’m going to give them the edge but only because they are at home.  I think the Cowboys could definitely lose this game.  Even if they do, don’t count it as a lost season.  This is a young team that will be competitive for years to come.

Dallas 21 Philly 17

Keys To The Game

  • Cover 2 – Having 2 safety’s clouding the top worked perfectly and I expect the Cowboys to keep that strategy up.  Despite giving Celek the middle all day, the Boy’s were able to contain most large pass plays.  It’s important to not give up on whats working.
  • Stuff the Run – We want a recap of last weeks gameplan.  So basically we have to stop the Eagles from achieving dominance on the ground.  This will shut down McNabb’s play action and make them one dimensional.
  • Pressure – Pressure McNabb all day.  Make him unsure and untrusting of the capability of his offensive line and the game will become pretty easy.
  • Stay balanced – Jason Garrett called a great game last week.  His balance of inside runs, toss’s, play action passes, and screens has kept a young Eagles D confused.  Not much will have to change here, just keep it effective.

Some Other Reading

Cowboy’s VS. Eagles! Take 3

NFL.COM analyzes this matchup.

NFC East Grudge Match In The Wild Card Round

Never without some excitement to keep us reeling, the NFC East is going postseason this year. We just watched the Eagles fall on their face in Dallas as the Cowboys went on to a historical win and the top of the division, and now we get to look forward to a grudge match like only the rivalries of the NFC East can supply.

Their records are identical, they have the same wins and losses at home, on the road, and in the division – you couldn’t find a more evenly matched game if you hand picked the teams.

They’ve got similar sacks, similar touchdowns, similar passing and rushing yards, so where is the difference in this matchup that’s going to be a difference maker? Points!

The Eagles are riding high atop their best point total in franchise history at 429, which is the exact number of points they had before last week’s game. The Cowboys are at a more modest 363 points through the first 16 games. That’s the difference.

The Cowboys have only allowed an average of 15.6 points per game this season and have really been cracking down on that seemingly high number as of late. Riding a three-game winning streak, the ‘Boys have only given up 17 points in that span, and that was to the New Orleans Saints – a far cry from the Eagles by any perspective.

What’s more is that this Eagles offense is preparing to be the unit that wins the game. Through the air or on the ground doesn’t matter, but you don’t expect to win with defense when you’re offense has been the real heater during the year. The problem that just might throw a huge kink into their plans is that their offense, rated highly among all experts and most game logs, hasn’t been able to produce against the Cowboys this year.

Add to the mix the Eagles average points allowed per game at 21.1 and the fact that they are 664 yards behind Dallas in total offense this year, and you get what should be a slugfest. The normally high scoring Philly offense Vs. the new Dallas Doomsday Defense – a matchup that should fall the way of the plains in a Dallas victory.

I’ll let the averages do the pick for me.

Cowboys 21 – Eagles 7

Now let’s give it up Cowboys fans. The team has asked us two weeks in a row to pump up the volume and put some meaning behind home-field-advantage this year. Get up. Get loud.

Daily Dose 1-5-2010

Continuing on with the Washington Redskins saga, high profile coach Mike Shanahan met with Reskins officials Monday morning.  We expect that the deal could be finalized as early as Wednesday.  This would begin the “aggressive” changes that that Redskins had talked about making this season.  With Mike Shanahan as a coach you automatically have to consider Washington a threat on all levels.

Coach Shanahan is 146-98 as a starter.  His teams usually specialize in rushing offense but his football knowledge is unprecedented.  This will be a huge lift for a bad team.

Harvin Invited to Pro Bowl

Rookie Percy Harvin has been invited to the Pro-Bowl as a Kick returner.  This will give Vikings 9 players going to the Pro-Bowl this season, and their second punt returner (Koren Robinson).  Percy Harvin has been impressive this year, posting a single season franchise record for all-purpose yardage.  In his rookie season Harvin posted 60 receptions for 790 yards and 6 touchdowns.  This is the first of many Pro-Bowls in store for the young Harvin.

Giant Dismissal

Just two days removed from another embarrassing loss, Giants defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan was dismissed from a team that is heavily scrutinizing every position.  The Giants Defense was plagued by injury this season, but that’s hardly an excuse to surrender 427 points in a season (29th in the league).  They were dreadful, who went through the benching of Osi Umenyiora to the inconsistent play of Michael Boley.

It is unsure what next season will bring to this team but it will involve many changes.  However, we’re not sure what exactly that will change.

Hammers Coming Down Around The League

Seems like just yesterday that the Cowboys pitched their first and historic consecutive shutout streak, completed more total offensive yards than any Cowboys team in history, and that Tony Romo became the first Cowboys QB ever to take every snap during the season. And all that while beating the Eagles and securing the NFC East title for the second time in three seasons.

Oh wait, that was just yesterday. Okay so maybe the Cowboys are the hottest team in the NFC, and possibly the NFL, heading into the playoffs next Saturday night, but the real hot seats are elsewhere in the league.

As though anyone might have doubted it, the Redskins announced the firing of head coach Jim Zorn on Monday after having gone 12-20 in his tenure with the Skins. We’ve been hearing about it for weeks so far and nothing has changed yet – Washington is going after retired coach Mike Shanahan to replace Zorn. Most see this as a good thing considering that Shanahan won with the Bronco’s and that quarterback in the late 90′s, what’s his name? I forget – I never liked that guy. Would rather have seen Favre get his Super Bowl win in 97.

We’re still waiting to see who will be replacing coach Mangini in Cleveland now that Mike Holmgren has taken over the front office.

And the Bills, according to a report citing an anonymous source in the organization, have fired the entire coaching staff after beating the Patriots Sunday 30-7 to finish the season 6-10. Imagine that – firing the entire coaching staff at one time. Looks like there is going to be a lot of work to be done this offseason in Buffalo, and then there’s handling Terrell Owens. Some reports out there are speculating that retired coach Bill Cowher may be going into Buffalo as the cleanup guy. We’ll see.

Elsewhere, Chad Ochocinco has hurt his knee though his status for next week’s playoff game against the Jets is unknown at this point, Wes Welker has all but obliterated his knee and is done for the season, and did I mention that the Eagles got what was coming to them?