Do you think Tony Romo is distracted by fame? Maybe you feel like Romo is in his make or break season, or just maybe, you think Romo is far overrated.  The chances that you can relate to these statements is about 90 percent.  I say that strictly because where ever you look 9 out of 10 fans are bashing Romo’s very existence.

Just recently I was rummaging through DC.com and read Mick’s latest article “Pressure Cooker” and it inspired me to do a little digging.  You see, Romo’s lack of post season production isn’t as frightening as one might imagine.  Though the outcry of fans would produce a different story.  I simply decided to compare the ever so scrutinized Romo with other NFL greats.  The results were just as I expected, Romo was leading the pack and the fair weather fans arguments were proven to be ridiculous.

Clearly these statistics place Romo on comparable status with HOF caliber Quarterbacks.  So what gives? Why the criticism? I accredit it to one of two scenario’s.  1) The fans of today are too idiotic to realize that football is a game of growth and maturity and not a game of instantaneous success, and their ignorance far surpasses the need to gather information and statistics to help them understand the game, or 2) Tony Romo is simply just another victim of Dallas Cowboys Nation.  I can only really offer an explanation for one, since I can’t change the disposition of fans.

The Cowboys microscope has been in effect since the 70′s when Tom Landry decided to go with Roger Staubach as his starter over Craig Morton.  It then continued with Danny White, and claims of Troy Aikman “going soft” before winning another Super Bowl in 1995.  This to me says that no matter how talented and skilled a quarterback is, as a Cowboy he is doomed to being faced with the troubles of Hollywood. Here is where the problem lies, fans easily forget or become blind to the talent that truly lies in the quarterback that is leading their team.  Romo has displayed strong abilities in arm strength, pass accuracy, mobility, and throwing on the run, which elevates him to one of the only true balanced quarterbacks in the league.

It is my firm opinion that if Romo was on a handful of other teams he would be referred to as a gem and most certainly a franchise quarterback.  We need to realize the facts, we need to open our eyes, and realize that Romo is a worthy and talented leader for this team.  Facts speak for themselves.

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What makes a good Offensive line? How do we judge their performance? The questions could go on and on, with many different outlooks. I am sure my assessment is different than yours, but one thing is for sure everyone has doubts about the Dallas Cowboys Line and I am not so sure all the doubts are warranted!

Many of us were spoiled by the O-Line of the 90’s teams, and there are some of us that believe that if you cannot operate the way that line did then you’re not any good! Well this is just not true!

The design of the teams offense can make or break a line, just the same as a line can make or break an offense.

There are many out there who always want to look at sacks allowed as the judgment stat, this is the wrong way to look at things.

In 2006 this O-line paved the way for 1936 yards rushing on 472 attempts for an avg. of 4.1 yards per carry. In that same year Bledsoe and Romo combined for 4067 passing yards on 506 attempts for an avg. of 8.0 yards per attempt. They were also sacked 37 times.

Then in 2007 they rushed for 1746 yards on 419 attempts for an avg. of 4.2 yards per carry. While Romo threw for 4211 yards on 520 attempts for an avg. of 8.1 yards and was sacked 25 times.

Finally last year they rushed for 1723 yards on 401 attempts for an avg. of 4.3 yards per carry. The group of QB’s last year combined for 3789 yards passing on 547 attempts for an avg. of 6.9 yards per play and were sacked 31 times (11 of those over a 3 game span from Bollinger and Johnson).

So are you seeing the trend? What I see is a team game planning away from the run, not because they cannot do it but rather just because they want to.

In three short years this team has gone from a super balanced attack (50% runs vs 50% pass) to a very one sided passing team (last year 42% run vs 58% pass) and in every year since 2006 there number of plays and rushing yards have gone down! There average yards per carry have increased to further prove the point that it is not a line problem but more so a scheme problem.

When you are dealing with a line built at an average 6’5” 327 lbs. you cannot expect them to sustain blocks for very long! Guys that big are built to smash folks in the mouth and blow open a hole and then release.

As far as the sack numbers are concerned this unit averages 1.9 sacks per game over the last three years. Just to put this figure into perspective, the Indianapolis Colts give up the least per game with an average of 1.1 sacks per game (12 less per year than Dallas) but the Cowboys line protects as well and better than most in the rest of the league. The Giants come in at 1.7, Patriots 2.1, Eagles 2.0.

What I am trying to get to is very simple, This Line may not be the best in the league but they are most definitely in the top tier!

For those of you who wish to argue and live in the 90’s please go look at the numbers! From 1992 to 1995 (the hay day) the O-Line of all O-Lines gave up an average of 1.5 sacks per game (a mere 6 less sacks over the course of the year)! Over that same time period the Cowboys offense averaged 30 pass attempts     per game , and 32 rush attempts per game with a average of 4.1 yards per rush attempt.

Now I have never claimed to be the smartest guy on the planet but the only thing I see wrong with this group is the way that they are used!

This team has a wealth of talent on the Offensive line that is not being used properly. I have never been one to play around much with predictions, but I feel compelled in this situation!

So I am hereby making my first prediction of the season (it may be my last too!) If this unit (Jason Garrett) changes there scheme and gets back to being more of a 50 – 50 offense, this offensive line will be regarded as one of, if not THE top lines in the NFL!

I am also going to go on record as saying this team will win the division and end its playoff win less streak!

I realize I have opened myself up to some harsh criticisms, but I am willing to defend my thoughts are you?

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This is what I think of Pac-Man: He is an animal, he swallows up the field in front of him, weaving himself through what looks like a maze, demolishing everything in his way. With every step he takes he’s working his way to the next level… He’s amazing and I’d take him on my team any day…

The only problem is… He’s a Video Game character!

The Pac-man that you probably thought I was talking about is a trouble making, slightly talented thug, who consistently ruins the chance to be something by being unable to curb the temptation of mans desire. He has completely been a cancer, finding himself in strip clubs and bars, drowning in pools of violence and poor decisions.

Incase you haven’t been paying attention, there has been increasing speculation that the Cowboys are interested in the second coming of Pac-Man Jones, according to a blog by Nick Eatman.  The blog goes on to say:

“Jones was quoted in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about the slim possibility of bringing back the troubled cornerback, who was released this off-season.”

It’s important to remember that Adam Jones did produce, stacking 33 tackles and 4 interceptions last season for the Cowboys, but that doesn’t justify his childish actions. It’s also important to know that Jones quickly squashed this rumor by sending out his spokesman Rich Dalrymple who said “I have no plans to bring Adam back”.

So when do the rumors stop? I swear I come home from work everyday and there is a new rumor surfacing or criticism being handed where it isn’t needed. In case you haven’t noticed the Cowboys are apparently re-vamping their locker room to paint the portrait of a straight edge franchise, and Pac-Man doesn’t exactly fit the equation.

Besides, Our secondary is better than it’s been in years with Newman, Hamlin, Sensabaugh, Scandrick, Jenkins, Smith, and Mickens. There is so much talent there that the addition of Pac-Man would just cause unneeded competition not to mention the drama that would set Dallas back into a replica Cirque Du Soleil.

So here  is some truth for you Adam isn’t coming back, so if you’re one of the FEW fans who are awaiting the return of Pac-Man… Let it go, for the sake of the franchise, Let it Go!

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Those pushing for a regime change at Valley Ranch might want to keep their television sets handy Friday at 6:30, as the Owner of www.FireTheCowboysGM.com is scheduled to do an interview on Sports Talk with David Marcus this evening.

Sports talk airs on KFWD-TV 52. Click here to find your local cable channel.

In addition, the guys at www.CowboysFanRebellion.com tell me that a request to Dale Hansen of WFAA 8, the local DFW ABC station, to publicly support the movement has been denied. Here’s what Dale had to say:

“Oh I’m with you ….. but since I know it’s such a futile effort I’m staying away from it … he won’t ever change …..

But I’ll ask him about it when I can and see what he says

Good luck with it

dale”

It’s a rather confusing response considering that Dale has been outwardly critical of Jerry Jones in a special series he’s doing all this week. Seems like he’d be the perfect candidate to get behind this since he says he’s “with” us.

Don’t be like Dale Hansen, if you agree that Jerry Jones should hire a real GM, then head on over and sign the petition, and donate to the billboard.

“All it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing” – Edmund BURKE

Jerry Jones may not be evil, but just think about it …

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With the latest and shameful coming out of Valley Ranch this week, it makes sense finally to put some of these pieces into place for next season. One of my favorite speculations at this point is coming from www.CowboysFanRebellion.com. MSchmidt64 is the author, and you can also find him over at www.DallasCowboysCentral.com. Here’s a piece of his article followed by a link to check out the whole thing.

COWBOYS TO HAVE NEW HEAD COACH IN ‘09

Many of the more level-headed among us had a feeling that this team wouldn’t open up Yet-To-Be-Decided-Corporate-Sponsor Stadium with Wade Phillips at the helm. Or at least, that’s what we hoped.

Come on. Wade Phillips? A head coach who has never won a playoff game in his long, long, NFL career? A man who has just presided over quite possibly one of the most embarrassing seasons ever for your Dallas Cowboys? A character who, in terms of the always important marketability angle, is more likely to cause fans to part with their hard earned dollars for a multitude of various prescription and non-prescription drugs as opposed to personal seat licenses?  

So it was no real surprise when I logged onto the interweb recently and found out, officially, that he’s no longer running the show. Sure, there had been evidence before. Hints dropped here and there. But now we know for sure. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Head Coach for the 2009 Dallas Cowboys will be…. Jerry Jones.

Head Coach Jerry Jones. To be honest, I wanted to come up with a catchier moniker for the old-new big man, one that would appropriately characterize his role as Owner/General Manager/Head Coach/Team Physician/Quality Control/Character Consultant for the organization. But with “slash” already taken by Kordell Stewart, and “solidus,” while appropriately sinister, sounding more like one of the Transformers, I’m just not creative enough to do better (aside: work in Jerry Jones reconstructive face surgery angle here? Take this down). Maybe Jerry/Jones? Ehh.

So Head Coach Jones it is. And why not?

• He already decides what schemes we’ll run (Was Phillips the best coach available? Or the best 3-4 coach available?).
• He already decides if players are being utilized correctly.
• He’s already refused to bring in much needed help for former head coach Wade Phillips, and, in refusing to hire him a Defensive Coordinator, essentially relegated him to that role.
• He already sets the fines for players who break team rules.
• He’s already the guy that players go to when they have complaints about other coaches or players.
• He’s already the guy that gives pre- and post-game pep talks in the locker room and on the sidelines.
• He’s already the guy that looks at the X-Rays on injured players.
• He already sits next to Wade during Press Conferences and probably has provided him with note cards with what he’s supposed to talk about on them.

You can see the full article and comment on it by going to www.CowboysFanRebellion.com. While you’re there take a minute and sign the petition to have Jerry Jones hire a real GM. We’re really starting to gain some support, so you won’t be alone. Sign The Petition.

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Communities are what keep this country going … Wouldn’t you agree?

Whether it’s a community trying to keep local culture and commerce alive with family owned business and small-town flare for familiarity, or it’s a community of football fans all pulling for the returned success of the Dallas Cowboys. Community is behind it all.

That’s the purpose of CowboysNation.net, community. Cowboys fans are as diverse as they are many, and yet we all come together over a singular topic nearly every day … that topic? It’s a simple question, really, albeit complicated to answer. How can the Cowboys regain the glory of old and hoist a sixth Lombardi Trophy into the charged atmosphere that only a Super Bowl victory can ignite?

Okay, so maybe that was a little dramatic, but here’s something that’s not at all dramatic. It seems that my friends over at www.FireTheCowboysGM.com aren’t the only ones hoping for a change in regime at Valley Ranch.

An Open Appeal to the Owner of the Dallas Cowboys

Covering both past and current events, FireGMJerry.com nicely constructs a chronicle of Jerry Jones’ failures as the GM of the Dallas Cowboys. Searching for a way only to bring another Championship title to Dallas, you can see quite clearly that a change at the top is needed.

Well … being the dutiful fan that I am, I’ve made a new friend in Ryan, the author of www.FireGMJerry.com. Here’s a piece of his message to Jerry Jones …

“Unfortunately, you are not an elite general manager. You make questionable calls to bring in talented, yet troublesome players who destroy team chemistry. You listen to the wrong people and ignore sound advice. Be honest, Mr. Jones – if someone else had the same record as GM over the past 10 years as you, would he still be your employee? Of course not, because you demand the excellence that is needed to be a dominating force in the NFL.” - FireGMJerry.com, “Dear Mr. Jones”

Reading through his features … Injuries & Usurpations and original posts from the author … he makes a good case for his argument, and I encourage you all to check out his site.

The biggest trials of this quest are that of numbers, and through our voices we can spread the word, and we can make a difference.

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I just saw something I found interesting and wanted to share it with you guys. You know that I support this website … www.FireTheCowboysGM.com … well they’ve had a poll on their front page for a week or so now, and the results are worth a mention here.

The question being asked is this, “Based on the results from the last 12 years (no playoff wins), how many times would Jerry Jones have fired the General Manager, if it wasn’t him?”

54 people out of the 1,154 that have voted think the answer is none, 95% of the votes are for at least an answer of once. That includes 822 votes agreeing that he would have done it three times or more.

It’s funny because so many people like to say that he isn’t the problem when people like Shannon Sharpe starting saying he is the problem. This little website with very little exposure has already gotten 1,100 people to agree that he has messed up pretty badly. I wonder how the results would change if more people went and checked out the site.

More to come …

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I posted yesterday about a new site that I’d found through the comments on DallasCowboys.com, www.FireTheCowboysGM.com.

Since then I’ve begun talking with the fan in charge of that site. It seems that many of us fans have a solid connection with our love for this team. I dug through the site further last night and started to really understand where he is coming from. I ended up signing the petition because while I don’t fully agree that Jerry Jones is the sole cause of the problems, I do believe that hiring a dedicated GM for the team would be an improvement.

Some people think it has to do with hating Jerry or the team, but really it’s about trying to figure out the best way for this team to utilize the abundance of talent and potential it has.

Jerry Jones is a great business man, and as the Owner of the club he has done more for this team than anyone else has done for any team, in a business sense at least.

But the Dallas Cowboys became America’s Team because of a great football mind, not a great business mind, and that’s what we need here again now. We need someone that will do nothing but focus on the football. Someone that isn’t worried about the media, the new stadium, or merchandising. Someone that can assemble the troops and keep everyone focused through business oriented discipline and the common sense that comes with it.

Jerry Jones has been a great Owner for this team, indeed, but he has not been a good General Manager for America’s Team.

Robert at www.FireTheCowboysGM.com has more than made a decent case for his claim, and mine, that Jerry Jones should resign as the GM, and hire a true football mind to take over the position. I encourage everyone to read his site, and hopefully, sign the petition.

I welcome anyone that doesn’t agree to please share your thoughts on the matter in the comments to this post. Never hurts to get another opinion.

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