As many of you know the Pro Bowl Selection was last night and for the most part it was just as you’d anticipate it’d turn out.  Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, all made the cut, along with many other perennial pro-bowlers.  There were also some surprises and questions.  Wide Receivers Sydney Rice and Miles Austin capped of their impressive break out seasons by grabbing spots on the NFC pro bowl roster.

My biggest surprise though lies in one New Orleans Saint Marques Colston.  This guy has been flat out incredible, especially when you understand just how much Drew Brees spreds the ball around.  He is as consistent as they come.  His 2009-2010 season is currently at 69 receptions 1071 yards and 9 Touchdowns, which I think is better then Rice’s 77 receptions for 1200 yards and 6 touchdowns.

A cold year in Buffalo

As if things couldn’t get worse in Buffalo, it seems as though their “A” list coaches Gruden, Homgren, Shanahan, and Cowher have all declined offers to coach in upper New York.  Since the departure of Dick Jauron the Bills have been trying to find an answer.  It seems as though their answer isn’t going to come in the form they want it to, and will have to search for their next coach in the “B” or “C” list.

The Return of the Champ

The Pittsburgh Steelers are fighting for their playoff lives, but things wont get easier.  It seems as though All-Pro Safety Troy Polamalu may not be ready to go yet, when they need him most.  Polamalu has missed 6 games this season with a left knee injury, and the Steelers had hoped for his return.  According to Mike Tomlin on Sirius NFL Radio’s Opening Drive, Troy had been doing light pool work outs and running drills but is unsure he will be able to go this week.

Un-Saintly

New Orleans defensive end Bobby McCray was caught driving while intoxicated earlier in the week.  This adds to list of the Saints problems.  McCray had started after the injury to Charles grant and has 37 tackles and 6 sacks on the season.

Popularity: 2%

Imagine for moment that you’re the head coach of an NFL football team, that you have a great quarterback, wide receivers, running backs, defense, offense, you name it, and that you’ve won 14 games straight to start the season – is there any good reason to accept your first loss and ruin your chance at a perfect season?

That’s the question of the decade it seems. The Patriots faced it a couple of years ago and chose to not only play their starters all year, but even when they had a 10 or 20 point lead in the fourth quarter, they didn’t even reduce the pressure. No, they just kept going and scoring and driving that pigskin down the throats of every opponent.

The Colts though? They decided to take a break. Now as I’ve seen mentioned on blogs all over, they chose to save their stars from injuries in the second half of the game so they’d have the best chance possible to win the Super Bowl.

That makes sense, a lot of it too. A Super Bowl win is the epitome of what these guys play for. It’s not about money or fame or stats – it’s about winning the whole show, the Lombardi trophy, the prestige and pride of meeting every challenge and walking away with a smile and a W all year long.

But isn’t winning football games the idea? I mean is there not a whole league, two conferences, eight divisions, billion dollar stadiums, millions of jerseys and merchandise, and millions paid each year for player salaries around the core idea that these teams should win football games? Maybe I missed something.

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 1%

Hey guys welcome to today’s Daily Dose of Cowboys news.  Last night was a night for the ages, as the Cowboys shut out the Washington Redskins to the tune of 17-0.  It wasn’t a brilliant performance by the boys as dropped balls by Roy Williams still covered the field, but Tony Romo continued his impressive play with another solid performance despite an interception that I’m not entirely sure was his fault.  Here’s a look at the game highlights.

Top Performers:

Tony Romo- 25/38 286 yards 1 TD 1 Int

Jason Witten- 6 Rec 117 yards

Miles Austin- 9 Rec 92 yards

Terence Newman- 1 Int

Jay Ratliff- 2 Sacks

Bradie James- 12 tackles

Around the League:

New Orleans continued it’s drought by dropping a game in overtime to the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Peyton Manning becomes the fourth player to pass for over 50,000 yards.

Randy Moss and Tom Brady helped the Pats clinch the AFC East

The Helpful Giants, Help Cowboys secure playoffs by losing to Carolina in an ugly fashion.

Popularity: 1%

It’s week 16.  This means you’re probably setting your fantasy championship rosters, hoping for a big win so that you rub into your friends face the massive whooping you left on them this year as you tote your leagues ridiculous trophy.  If you’re having some questions about your roster heres some updates for you.

Peyton Manning Expects to play today, but don’t expect him to play the whole game.  If you need a big game I’d look elsewhere if it’s a possibility.

Keep on eye on WR Devin Thomas, he’s questionable tonight against Dallas.

Jeremy Shockey is Inactive today according to the NFL Network.

Jerome Harrison put up big numbers last week for the Browns and will face a weak Raiders D today…  Start Him!

Lastly if you need a big play tight end, Skins TE Fred Davis has been impressive with TD’s in his last 4 games

DeAngelo Williams from Carolina is Inactive, while fellow back Jonathan Stewart is active

Antonio Bryant, Kellen Winslow, and Derrick Ward will play today.

Games we’ve got our eye on:

Carolina @ New York Giants- Matt Moore has looked good and in sync with Steve Smith as of lately, compare that to Giants starting DB’s Webster and Ross being out today you can expect a good show.

Prediction: Carolina 24 Giants 21

Seattle @ Green Bay- Green bay looked horrid last week against Pittsburgh, allowing over 500 passing yards.  However, I don’t expect Seattle to look that good.

Prediction: GB 24 Sea 10

Denver @ Philly- This is a game that is of many X-Factors.  Denver needs a win and Brian Dawkins is coming home.  Sorry if I’m against all the experts but I’m going Denver’s way.  All they have to do shut down DeSean Jackson.

Prediction Den 27 Phi 17

Popularity: 1%

When we started this blog we had one goal in mind, to be the best fan blog out there. Well we forgot some details in that original goal and have since been shown a few new things we needed to work towards. Needless to say it became apparent that we had to write about something on here that would keep you all interested.

So we brought you an interview with a rather unlikely candidate – Mickey Spagnola, the www.DallasCowboys.com writer. We got some good feedback and it was fun to do, but our real goal with that was to get the fire started, and today the flames have risen once again.

Some of you know him and others only know of him. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2005 draft after he recorded a record vertical jump of 46’6 at the combine. He then started all 16 games his rookie season with the Jaguars.

He’s coming off of his best year in Jacksonville where he amassed 55 tackles, a team leading 4 interceptions, and 8 passes deflected while playing in all 16 games, starting 13. He’s the new starting Strong Safety in Dallas and has already shown us that he can cover man to man like Roy Williams only dreamed of doing.

I’m happy to present to you #43 Gerald Sensabaugh!

—

DCNation: In the off season you had an opportunity to sign a long term deal elsewhere, why did you decide to opt for a one year deal with the Cowboys?

Gerald: The numbers weren’t where I wanted them to be. So I figured I would take one last shot and see what I can get after another 1 year deal. I also wanted to go to a larger market team and experience football with some tradition behind it.

—

DCNation: We know that the main goal every year is to win the Super Bowl, but can this team realistically do that? Why?

Gerald: Yes, this team has the talent and personnel to do so. There are many explosive players on the offensive side of the ball, so expect lots of points. On the defensive side, we have the opportunity to be one of the best defenses this year in the league. So if you combine the two, I say we have a legit shot at winning the Superbowl.

—

DCNation: The past couple of years this Cowboys team has had plenty of talent to get deep into the playoffs, lack of execution has been the Achilles heel to this team. Every year the fans of the Cowboys hear “how things will be different” from the same players, so many fans have grown weary of their talk. So far in your first year with the Cowboys, what can you tell us about this team – what makes you think that you can contend this year?

Gerald: We will be major contenders this year. Going through OTA’s this team got a lot better from last year. Through training camp we are going to fine tune the chemistry and we will be set to go.

—

DCNation: Based on what you’ve seen so far, what do you think about the cornerback situation that’s brewing? Scandrick has shown serious talent, but Jenkins was drafted higher and also brings some good coverage skills. Your thoughts?

Gerald: I’m very exited about the two young corners. No matter who starts, they both will be major contributors to this defense.

—

DCNation: The 2008 Dallas Cowboys Defense was a strong unit, but I think the coaches and fans believe that this years defense could be one of the best in the entire NFL. It is my perception that the biggest reason for these thoughts is because of you. What do you feel is the greatest asset you’re bringing to this team?

Gerald: I feel that I bring the ability to cover at the strong safety position. I have had my share of both run stuffing and covering but I believe the need here in Dallas is to cover more. I am still expecting to make a impact on the run game also.

—

DCNation: Is there another player, former or current, that you have tried to pattern your play after? Why?

Gerald: Donovan Darius because he was a physical player that was know for big hits, and always being around the football. And Deon Grant because of his ball skills and coverage ability. Those are the two that I learned from as a youngster and I tried to pattern my game with both of theirs combined.

—

DCNation: It’s no secret that the Cowboys have struggled in recent years at the Strong Safety position. From both the perspective of your new teammates and your own estimations, what do you feel is your biggest goal for 2009 to bolster the Strong Safety position in Dallas?

Gerald: Covering Man to Man. To make a bigger difference in the passing game.

—

DCNation: Many fans in the NFL view the safety position as a guy who can really lower the boom on opposing players. The Dallas Cowboys recently had a safety who was known for that, but was not very good to say the least in coverage. Does your play favor coverage over hitting? Or do you feel you are a balanced Safety?

Gerald: I feel that I am balanced. In my prior years I had to do both.

—

DCNation: Dave Campo has had defensive success in Dallas before, and as well in Jacksonville. Having seen him in action in both places, what do you think he brings to a team that might be otherwise missing?

Gerald: He brings a positive, fair, competitive environment that players like. He’s a coach that gets the best out of his players.

—

DCNation: It is obvious that you were brought in to be the starter, but do you still feel like you need to prove that you are the man in training camp?

Gerald: Yes, I always have to prove something. Here in Dallas there is a lot of competition. We have guys that can play safety and corner. This secondary is real athletic. Everybody here can play.

—

DCNation: Of the scheduled opponents for 2009, which team concerns you the most as a safety?

Gerald: I really don’t have any concerns but I do respect all teams equally. Every team brings a different attack to the table so you must prepare as best as you can for all of them.

—

DCNation: Can you give us a little insight about the work ethic and demeanor of your new Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator?

Gerald: Coach Phillips is going to make sure that we work hard and get things right. He is less tolerant of errors (especially mental errors), I can tell those get under his skin.

—

DCNation: Playing in the AFC South you were able to test your abilities against one of the greatest QB’s of this era, Peyton Manning. Was there anything you learned from your time against him that you feel will help you be a top tier Safety in this league?

Gerald: Reading QB’s and not going for fakes. He’s the pump king and does it every play. He makes the safety play honest and is hard to get a tip on.

—

DCNation: There has been a lot of talk about some incidents in your past, are those things behind you now? And is there anything you would like to let the fans in Dallas know about you to clear up any questions they may have?

Gerald: The whole past is behind me and I’m looking forward to winning the super bowl with the Cowboys. That is my main focus.

—

You can find out more about Gerald by going to his website – www.GeraldSensabaugh.net – he has a blog there that he not only updates rather often, but he actually participates in comments on his blog. Truly a class act and we welcome him to Dallas.

We want to thank Gerald Sensabaugh not only for speaking with us, but for taking the time to do so from San Antonio as training camp starts. We also look forward to more interviews with Gerald throughout the season.

Popularity: 1%

The Dallas Cowboys have made a flurry of off season moves this year with hopes of changing not only the perception of the team, but also getting back to playing winning football. All of these aspirations are now in the hands of one person, and JJ is not who I am referencing! You got it, One Tony Romo is now in control of this franchise. Now I realize that there is only so much one man can do, but the problem is that Cowboy fans, in my opinion, are beginning to lose confidence in Mr. Romo.

Now I am a fan of Tony, but I’m growing tired of defending him, it is time for him to step up! There is one question however that keeps burning through my mind about him; Is Tony Romo’s on the field performance equal to those of his peers (QBs with the same number of starts), and even his predecessors (former QBs at this point in their career’s)? The reason I keep coming back to this question is simple. Do I and we know what we are talking about when we say things like “he is not a winner”? Because if he is on course with his peers, and predecessors, well then we need to just shut up! So let’s do some digging and see if we can find something one way or the other to hang our hats on.

I am going to put up a table for you all to look at. This table will consist of several quarterbacks both current and former quarterbacks. I will be excluding the names of the players for now. If you would all look at the table, and answer the following question for me. In this list there are two Hall of Fame players, another three that will be, and four that are very strong players, one of these is Tony Romo, which one is he?

Did anyone say Player “F”? It’s ok if you did, but you would be very, very, very wrong! How about player “I”? Nope not him either! If you will look at the next table you will see which one was Tony!

Now, so that we are all on the same page here, I am trying to say that Romo is going to be or is as good as players like Montana, and Manning, what I am saying is that you have got to look at everything before you follow some of the things that the media wants you to believe! In doing this research I found some pretty interesting things! First, with everyone of these guys I found that they all had very good sophomore seasons, as the starter. Their Junior campaign almost all had a slight drop in production. Secondly, there fourth year as the starter saw all of them have as good, and in some cases a record year. The naysayers will say that “you can manipulate numbers however you see fit” and to an extent they would be correct. These are the things we can actually see, however we cannot see the small things that they do to become the leaders we say they are.

The moral of this story is this; Players in this league are judged by wins and losses, no one more so than the QB position. Tony has not won a playoff game YET! So therefore he is a loser. This is the budding perception, and until this team wins a playoff game that tag will not be removed. At the same token though, he cannot do it alone. Be Careful for what you ask for! I hear all the time that this team needs to find Tony’s replacement, why? You show me a better QB in the league! and do not come at me with that “but he has not won anything” crap! Eli Manning won a Super Bowl! Do you think he is better? I sure as hell don’t! One lucky catch does not make you a leader and a winner in my book!

Popularity: 2%