Underachievers

This past Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys traveled to Lincoln Financial Field to play the Philadelphia Eagles in what was a win and you’re in the playoffs game. This game had a lot of build-up prior kick-off. The Eagles found out, about 15 minutes before the game started, that the stars had aligned for them; the Bears and Buccaneers had both lost. This game had everything football fans wanted. It was the ‘Boys against the Birds, with their playoff destinies on the line.

Unfortunately, if you are a Cowboys fan, Dallas forgot to show up for the game mentally. Maybe all the drama had finally caught up to them? Maybe the Eagles are just a better team? It doesn’t matter why…we all know what happened! The Cowboys shot themselves in the foot over and over again. They gifted the Eagles two defensive touchdowns, while squandering scoring opportunities of there own on several occasions. That’s not to take anything away from Philly, they made the plays and the Cowboys didn’t!

Defensively, the Cowboys made several mental mistakes in coverage, while offensively Romo wasn’t on the same page as his receivers… maybe not even reading the same book! The ‘Boys have been out of sync all season, but usually one side of the ball would show up. This time, every facet of the team let their fans down. The coaching staff, offense, defense, and special teams…it was an absolute nightmare!

The Cowboys lost a key component in last year’s success, Tony Sparano, who is now the head coach of the AFC East Champion Miami Dolphins. He helped Jason Garrett with the offense last season. It was obvious to any Cowboys fan how much Sparano was missed. If you didn’t know before…you know now! Sparano was why the Cowboys offense excelled last year! The Cowboys were pre-season favorites to win the Super Bowl, but that’s pretty tough to do when you don’t even make the playoffs. What a bunch of…underachievers!


Short Shots:

Several coaches have been fired already, and I’m sure there still might be more to come. Of all of them, I am most surprised with Eric Mangini being fired. The Jets are a good team, but Favre was simply out of gas by the end of the season. Not that I’m making excuses for Favre (because I simply can’t stand the guy), but he was battling injuries throughout the 2nd half of the season…and he’s 39 for God’s sake!

Peyton Manning is in the running for the League MVP. Sure, Peyton has all the stats and credentials for the award. He put the team on his back for the past 9 to 10 weeks, after his slow start due to injury. But, I’d like to nominate Chad Pennington. Chad was ousted in New York in favor of Favre, but Sparano swiped him up in a hurry. Without Pennington, Miami would have still been a cellar dweller. Chad brought instant leadership to a team in disarray. He managed the offense, limited his mistakes, and made the plays necessary to win the AFC East crown! Chad for MVP! Wouldn’t it be something if the Dolphins could win the Super Bowl? From worst to best in one season! It’s unlikely, but it would make for a heckuva story!


From The Mail Room:

Darren J., Philadelphia, PA: Your Cowboys are a disgrace. All you cockroaches should crawl back into the hole you came out of! Dallas Sucks! Go Eagles!

Utopia1dc: Darren, just for the record…I received over 25 similar emails. I picked yours because it was the only one without a spelling or grammatical error! Now, to address your comment; I wasn’t aware that Jerry had signed over a share of the Cowboys to me. But if he did, I wouldn’t care if they lost every damn game because they are worth over a Billion dollars…I’d be rich! They are not my Cowboys; I simply enjoy watching them play (well, not this past game…I’ll give you that much!). The Eagles won, the Cowboys didn’t. Why do Eagles fans always have to get in my face after a win? I have never done that to an Eagles fan…ever!

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Predictions Week 17

Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games. I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two or more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you). Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling. That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!

The crystal ball was mediocre last week, posting a 2-2 record. Not great, but we will take it! The crystal ball assures me it will rebound this week with a better performance. The crystal ball is now 31-24-1 for the season; which is seven games over .500 (.563 to be exact). This week is going to be a challenge for the crystal ball, with many key match-ups that have playoff implications. Let’s see what’s in store for us this weekend.

Last Week: 2-2

Overall: 31-24-1

St. Louis @ Atlanta: The Atlanta Falcons have gone from a franchise in complete disarray to a playoff team in one season. The Falcons have assured themselves of a playoff spot already. A win against the Rams, coupled with a Carolina loss against the Saints, would catapult them to the No. 2 seed, with a 1st round bye. That’s absolutely incredible! Rookie QB Matt Ryan has played well all season, and he looks like a franchise QB for many years to come. Atlanta wins big here with much at stake! Atlanta 27, St. Louis 13.

Miami @ New York Jets: The Miami Dolphins must win this game to capture the AFC East, because if they lose they are out of the playoffs completely. The Dolphins have done an excellent job in putting together a competitive team in one season. I’m not surprised though, as Parcells raided the Cowboys front office, coaching staff, and their roster, to get them in position for the playoffs! The Jets must win as well, but that won’t guarantee anything, as they need some help (Patriots OR Ravens need to lose). I like the Jets to win this game, but it will be close. New York Jets 24, Miami 19.

Denver @ San Diego: This game has been moved to Sunday night as part of the NFL flexible scheduling. It is a do or die game for both teams. It’s simple my friends, win and your in…lose and go home! That’s right…winner take all! The Broncos had a huge lead over the Bolts a few weeks ago, but now it’s put up or shut up for both teams. The winner takes the AFC West division title and the No. 4 seed in the playoffs with a home game in the 1st round. I like the Chargers in this one, as Rivers should be able to exploit the Denver defense. And don’t forget about LT, he has been playing better as of late, as he is starting to heal up from his nagging injuries. San Diego 34, Denver 30.

Dallas @ Philadelphia: And now, for the game we all have been anticipating. For the Cowboys, it’s simple. If the ‘Boys win, they are in the tournament, if they lose, they are out! As for the Birds, they need to win and pray for some help. The Eagles would also need a Tampa Bay AND a Chicago loss to qualify for the playoffs! This should be a great game for many reasons. The history between these teams goes back decades. Do you remember the Bounty Bowls? Need I say more…I didn’t think so! Both of these teams have been on a roller coaster ride all season. One week they look like Super Bowl contenders, the next week they look like the Detroit Lions (ouch)! I like the Cowboys in this contest simply because they are my favorite team. In a very hard fought game that will go into OT (and yes, D-Mac…it can end in a tie, but it won’t this time), the Cowboys kick a 52-yard FG with :01 left in OT to silence the crowd! Dallas 27, Philadelphia 24.


Short Shots:

The Carolina Panthers blew a golden opportunity for home field advantage by losing to the G-Men last week. This week, if they lose to New Orleans and Atlanta wins against St. Louis, the Panthers will fall from the No. 2 seed to the 5th seed. Wow!

Whether the Dolphins make the playoffs or not, what they have accomplished in one season is a tremendous feat. They only won one game last year! They have won 10 games this season, but they need one more to make the tournament. Even though I picked the Jets, I will be rooting for the Cowboys Southeast (Miami)!


From The Mail Room:


Doug F., Santa Fe, New Mexico: Do you think Wade Philips is going to be fired after the season?

Utopia1dc: Doug, that’s an excellent question! I like Wade because he is a nice guy and a good coach. He isn’t a great coach, but not many are. He is a good fit with the Cowboys, because he has Texas roots and the players like and respect him. He is a very funny guy if you watch his press conferences as well. He has done a good job in my opinion this year. The ‘Boys have been battling key injuries all season, but that shouldn’t be an excuse. If the ‘Boys win in Philly and win a playoff game, his job should be safe. You never know with Jerry though…he did fire a coach after he won back-to-back Super Bowls?

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Reality Mail Bag - 12/25/08

Each week I will answer questions submitted by my loyal readers. I personally read every single email I receive. I will pick out the best five or so to use for the weekly post, as I won’t be able to answer all of them. I will also answer one or two questions on my daily posts as well. Now it’s time to open the mail!


Jimmy Z., Philadelphia, PA: What's your thoughts on McNabb coming back next year? E A G L E S EAGLES!

Utopia1dc: Jimmy, I really don’t know what the big fuss is all about. D-Mac is still a quality QB in this league. The Eagles still have a chance to make the playoffs if they beat Dallas and get a little help. If McNabb leaves, do the Eagles really know what Kevin Kolb can do? If Kolb can’t cut it, the Eagles could be looking at being in rebuilding mode for several years! Be careful what you wish for!


Jordan, H., Sapulpa, Oklahoma: What's up Yankee. Remember when we went to the NFC championship game against Frisco? That was an awesome run our boys had!

Utopia1dc: Jordan, what’s up dude? I haven’t seen you in years! I remember going like it was yesterday. We sure did have some fun in the early 90’s, didn’t we? I sure miss going to all the games with you guys, but it’s way too hot down there in the summer. When you get to the new stadium, you can look for my Paver, and take a picture of it for me! Peace out!


Larry J., Scranton, PA: Why is it all you Cowgirls come out of the woodwork every few years when they are winning but you hide like rats when they lose?

Utopia1dc: Larry, I’ve always been here…I don’t hide! It seems to me like it’s the other way around. I don’t hear from people for years on end, but as soon as the ‘Boys have a bad year or the Eagles are doing well, all of my friends seem to find my number and email address all of a sudden. I just like watching the games…root for whomever you want…just have fun! Don’t worry about which team other people are rooting for, just support your team of choice…period!


Tim B., Dallas, Texas: I was at last weeks game and even though the Ravens beat us it was still a cool post game celebration to close Texas stadium.

Utopia1dc: Tim, I watched it on TV, and it looked pretty lame to me. Maybe if I was there, it may have been exciting. With the ‘Boys losing the way they did, it didn’t have the same effect for me anyway. I will miss Texas Stadium, but I am looking forward to the new stadium as well. I can’t wait to go!


Molly P., Glenside, PA: The Eagles aren't gonna do anything even if they make the playoffs. I want them to lose so they can get a better draft pick next year.

Utopia1dc: Molly, you shouldn’t think like that. The Eagles will be picking in the mid teens to the low 20’s, so it’s not like it’s a top 10 pick we are talking about. If they win, they have a chance to make the tournament. You should always root for your team to win, but if you insist that they lose, that is sweet music to my ears! Go Cowboys!


Short Shots:


Tony Romo has missed some practice time this week, but he should be good to go for Sunday’s big match-up against the Eagles. Romo needs to make sure he takes care of the ball a little better. Maybe Wade Phillips should make Romo walk around with a football all week long and take care of it like it was a baby?

The Brett Favre saga is starting up again. Brett is already talking about whether or not he’s retiring after the season. Dude…just ride off into the sunset already! Play…don’t play…I don’t care! Just stop talking about it!

I just want to wish everyone a safe and happy Holiday. Merry Christmas!

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Week 16 Review

The crystal ball had a mediocre performance this past week, going a mere 2-2. We’re not sure what happened, but we will get to the bottom of this. The crystal ball took its lumps on the Cowboys game, but it may have been predicting with its heart rather than its fortune-telling powers? Either way, that puts the crystal ball at 29-22-1 for the season. That’s seven games over .500 (.563 to be exact). Let’s take a look back, and review what happened last week.

Last Week: 2-2

Overall: 31-24-1

Baltimore @ Dallas: (LOSS) The crystal ball thought this was going to be a big win for the ‘Boys, we all know that didn’t happen. The Ravens defense played well, and kept the Dallas offense in check for most of the night. The Cowboys had two late drives to close within a field goal, but each time the Ravens responded. And boy did they respond, with back to back long runs of 77 and 82 yards; each for TDs! It was like the parting of the Red Sea. The ‘Boys played tough, but they blew a golden opportunity in the NFC playoff race, as well as closing Texas Stadium with a dud!

Philadelphia @ Washington: (WIN) This was a classic defensive struggle. Washington was stacking the box with eight and nine players; daring the Eagles to pass. Well, we all know Andy loves to pass the ball, so he took the challenge. The Eagles were a little thin at the WR position with a couple of injuries. That didn’t stop D-Mac and Big Red from trying to pass their way to victory. With seconds on the clock, McNabb hit his target at the 1-yard line, only to be sandwiched by two Redskins defenders…game over!

New Orleans @ Detroit: (WIN) New Orleans went full throttle on the helpless Lions. Drew Brees was simply outstanding in a blow out victory. He was flinging the ball around as if the Detroit defense wasn’t even playing. It’s a shame that this team isn’t going to make the tournament, if only they could sure up the defensive. On offense, they are top notch, but that’s not good enough in the NFL…you need balance! Maybe next year? Detroit…0-16 is in your future!

New York Jets @ Seattle: (LOSS) The Jets have been in somewhat of a slump the last few weeks. After they beat the Titans, it seems as if they put the brakes on. Maybe they started reading their own press clippings, and thought all they had to do was show up to win? Not in the NFL, baby! Favre has looked suspect during this lackluster stretch. He has thrown many key INTs that I bet he would like back, but that’s Favre! His greatness is what gets him in trouble at times. They are still alive for a playoff spot, but they could have made things easier on themselves had the beat the lowly Seahawks.


Short Shots:


The Chicago Bears defeated the Green bay Packers on MNF, in dramatic fashion, to keep their playoff hopes alive. They blocked a FG attempt with seconds left in the game to force OT. They then proceeded to win the coin toss, get the ball, and score. They live for another week!

Plaxico Burress is in the news again. He apparently got into a car accident last May. It has been reported that he was driving with an expired license and no insurance. Dude, you make millions, don’t you have a personal assistant to take care of this stuff for you? If not, you can email me and I’ll send you my resume!


From The Mail Room:


Adam, Camden, NJ: I'm going to the game Sunday and was wondering if you know of any Cowboys tailgating that will be going on pregame. If so, what lot/where? Thanks so much. GO COWBOYS!

Utopia1dc: Adam, you can look for me in section 221. I will be with some friends that are Eagles fans. I will be wearing an Eagles Terrell Owens jersey that I purchased for $2 on clearance. This way, I blend in and can cheer in silent mockery…and not get my butt kicked! I would recommend that you skip any tailgating and not show your colors, because it could get ugly if the ‘Boys win! Go Cowboys!

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Not Dead Yet

On Saturday night, the Cowboys had a golden opportunity to close out Texas Stadium in style. This was the final game to be played at the stadium. A Cowboys win would have been a fitting end to a stadium that has had many classic games. A win, and the Cowboys would have been one step further in their quest for a playoff berth, and a Super Bowl run.

It didn’t happen! The Cowboys defense played well for 55 minutes, but they let two long runs (77 yards and 82 yards) ruin what could have been a festive night in Texas! Sure, they still had a ceremony after the game. They honored many former players, but it wasn’t the same. The Cowboys loss put them in a situation in which they would need help to get to the tournament; a win alone next week against the Birds wouldn’t be enough.

On Sunday, the same football gods that scoffed at them the night before, gave the ‘Boys an early Christmas present. On Sunday afternoon, the Buccaneers and the Eagles both lost. Those two losses put the Cowboys right back in the drivers seat…they control their own destiny, again! What was a somber Saturday night, turned into a thankful Sunday.

Now, this isn’t going to be easy. The Cowboys must re-group, and get a big win in Philadelphia. That’s not going to be an easy chore. Sure, the Cowboys defeated the Eagles way back in Week 2, but that game went down to the wire. The Eagles are still alive. The Birds will need a little help to get into the tournament, even if they get the win. I expect a lot of hype this week leading up to kick-off. The game was not moved to primetime, to my surprise, but I think that’s a good thing for the ‘Boys. Playing in Philly is tough enough, let alone giving the Eagles fans an extra 7 hours of tailgating to get pumped up for the game. So after all this, the Cowboys are…not dead yet!


Short Shots:

The G-Men have locked up home field in the NFC, while the Titans have done the same in the AFC. It’s going to be tough to knock off the Giants at the Meadowlands!

The Sunday night primetime game on NBC will be Denver @ San Diego. The winner wins the division; the loser is out altogether! Wow...and to think that Denver had this division all but wrapped up a few weeks ago. Now they must beat the Bolts on the road! Norv lives…for one more week, at-least!


From The Mail Room:

Ronny M., Feasterville, PA: I'm a huge Eagles fan and I am looking forward to reading your blog after we kick your boys all the way back to big D.

Utopia1dc: Ronny, you know what…here’s a humorous little nugget for you. I got your email within 10 minutes of the final whistle of the game on Saturday night. You weren’t even close to being the first with a similar comment about the upcoming game between the ‘Boys and the Birds. I had over a dozen emails and a handful of voicemails. I will look forward to writing about the game either way. Remember, I am a football fan who happens to be a Cowboys fan, not the other way around. I like to see quality football…whether my team wins or loses. This game should live up to the hype…at-least I hope it does!

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Predictions Week 16

Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games. I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two or more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you). Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling. That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!

The crystal ball was absolutely fantastic last week, posting a 4-0 record. Is that a horn tooting in the background that I hear? The crystal ball is now 29-22-1 for the season; which is seven games over .500 (.567 to be exact). This week is going to be a challenge with many key match-ups that have playoff implications. Let’s see what’s in store for us this weekend.

Last Week: 4-0

Overall: 29-22-1

Baltimore @ Dallas: This is a big game for both teams, as they both need to win to keep pace in the wildcard race. The Ravens suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Steelers (some might argue that they got robbed by the officials?). The Cowboys came up huge last week against the G-men. The ‘Boys proved they could play with adversity and came across with a united front. The NFL Network could not ask for a better match-up, as this game should yield the highest ratings this season on the Network. The crystal ball must know something the rest of us don’t, because it’s predicting a blowout! Dallas 34, Baltimore 6.

Philadelphia @ Washington: The Eagles are on a roll. D-Mac says that he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder. I’m not sure how that’s going to help; one would think that a chip on your shoulder could get uncomfortable? The ‘Skins have been a disappointment in the second half of the season. After a 6-2 start, they are now 7-7, and on the brink of elimination. Portis has been struggling with some injuries, but looks to bounce back against the Birds. The Eagles blow a big lead and lose to their division foes in a thriller. Washington 24, Philadelphia 23.

New Orleans @ Detroit: In what could be termed the Pride Bowl; the Saints have been eliminated from playoffs, while Detroit is still searching for their first win of this season. The Saints have a high-powered offense, but their defense has held them back all year. Will Detroit go 0-16…I don’t know? But I can tell you that they will be 0-15 after this contest. New Orleans 27, Detroit 10.

New York Jets @ Seattle: The Seahawks got a big win last week, but that was against the Rams. This week they will play the Favre led Jets, and that, my friends, does not bode well for the ‘Hawks. Brett should be able to pick apart the Seattle secondary, while Thomas Jones runs free all day. The Jets need a victory to keep pace with Miami and New England. It appears that only one of those three will qualify for the tournament. In what could be Favre’s swan song season (it’s been that way for what seems a decade now), he won’t go down easily. New York Jets 34, Seattle 13.


Short Shots:

What ever happened to the Buffalo Bills? Didn’t they start the season at 4-0, with talk of a playoff run? They are now 6-8, and looking for a comfortable chair in which to watch the playoffs from! I’ll tell you what happened…it’s called…reality!

With the victory last night, the Colts have earned the 5th seed in the AFC playoffs. Remember earlier this season, when everybody wanted to write off Peyton Manning? Look for the Colts to make some noise in the tournament. I’d hate to be the team that has to play them in the 1st round!


From The Mail Room:


Bobby Joe R., Austin, Texas: I agree that Romo got screwed for the Probowl. He won't mind though when da boyz win the superbowl!

Utopia1dc: Bobby Joe, I think Tony Romo was snubbed because the media plays up how poorly his record has been in December the previous two seasons. While I agree that he hasn’t played his best ball in December, he didn’t lose those games all by himself. The other thing to remember is that Romo isn’t a seasoned veteran either. He has only been a starter for a little over two years now. Let’s wait a few years before we throw him under the bus. As far as winning the Super Bowl, that would be sweet justice for Romo (especially if he’s named MVP), and many of the Cowboys whom have been vilified this season.


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Snubbed

Last year, the Cowboys sent 13 players to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl. Granted, a few of those players made it by name alone, but for the most part they deserved it. When you go 13-3, as the Cowboys did last year, you tend to get a lot of coattail votes. This year the ‘Boys will be sending only 5 players.

Sending 5 players is still a great honor for a team that has struggled at times this year. The problem is that with all the pre-season hype about the Cowboys making a Super Bowl run, it’s somewhat of a disappointment that more players were not selected. I’ll be the first to admit that having 13 players selected from one team is ridiculous. No team is that good at nearly every position!

There are many players on the Cowboys this year that should be upset that they didn’t get selected. Among those players should be Bradie James, Terence Newman, and especially Tony Romo. All three of these players have played well enough for consideration, but Romo has the best case to be upset.

Romo has the stats to prove it. He is 8-3 as starter this season (he missed 3 games due to a pinkie injury). He has thrown for over 3,000 yards, with 2 games to play. He is averaging 273.9 YPG (4th best in the NFL). Romo is averaging 8.2 yards per pass (1st in the NFL). He has a QB rating of 98.3 (2nd best), and has thrown 24 TD passes (4th best). Romo’s stats speak for themselves. Tony is a standup guy and he would never say this, so I’ll say it for him. Tony Romo got…snubbed!


Short Shots:

Adam Jones has been cleared to play Saturday night against the Ravens. This is good news for both Jones and the Cowboys. At first, it was feared that his injury could have been career ending. Now, it appears that he will see significant playing time against the Ravens. Jones will return to his usual duties of returning kicks, and playing in the nickel and dime packages.

The G-Men may have won the NFC East, but they have lost back-to-back games against division foes (Eagles and Cowboys). This will not bode well for the Giants, as they may have to face one of these teams in the upcoming playoffs!


From The Mail Room:

Kevin B., Sacramento, CA: What's wrong with LT he has been aweful this year and he is killing my fantasy team.

Utopia1dc: Kevin, LaDainian Tomlinson is still a quality RB in the NFL. We have been spoiled over the years with his stellar play. LT will gain over 1000 yards again this season, but his per carry average is down from previous years. LT has been limited with some lagging injuries as well. As far as your fantasy team goes, that’s a different story. You may want to go in a different direction next year. LT’s numbers will continue to be average from this point forward. But remember, his average is more likely better than many RBs best!



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Week 15 Review

The crystal ball, once again, had a stellar performance this past week, going undefeated at 4-0. Truly a tremendous achievement, as many of the games had playoff implications. That puts the crystal ball at 29-22-1 for the season. That’s seven games over .500 (.567 to be exact). Not many prognosticators gave the Cowboys much of a chance against the G-Men, but the crystal ball took a chance on them. The ‘Boys rewarded the crystal ball, and pulled off the upset. Let’s review and see what happened last week.

Last Week: 4-0

Overall: 29-22-1

New York Giants @ Dallas: (WIN) This was a classic defensive struggle in the early stages of the game. Romo was banged up early with a back contusion, but he sucked it up, and was able to continue. The ‘Boys put a hurting on Eli as well, by sacking him 8 times (ouch)! The Cowboys were able to take control of the game, but the G-Men tried to make a game of it in the 4th quarter. Tashard Choice broke a long gainer for a TD to put the Cowboys up for good. Dallas is currently holding on to the 5th seed in the NFC, but they are still on thin ice for the next two weeks.

San Diego @ Kansa City: (WIN) The Chiefs were playing for mere pride and in hopes of helping Herm Edwards keep his job next season. The Bolts were in playoff mode, as they must win out and hope the Broncos have a major melt down. The Chiefs had a comfortable lead with less than five minutes remaining in regulation. Rivers was able to lead his team victory, with two touchdowns in the final two minutes of the game. The Chargers are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, but it would take a miracle at this point.

Indianapolis @ Detroit: (WIN) The Lions gave the Colts all they could handle for most of the game, but Peyton Manning was able to lead his team to victory. The Colts are now 10-4, after winning seven games in a row. Their 3-4 start cost them the division title, but they will be a dangerous team in the tournament. This game ended up being a lot closer than I thought, so I will give Detroit credit for not quitting on the season. But they are 0-14, and it doesn’t look any better the next two weeks either. 0-16 is surely their destiny…what a disgrace!

Cleveland @ Philadelphia: (WIN) The Eagles came up with a big victory against the Browns. They have now won three straight games, and at 8-5-1, they have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs. A few weeks ago, everyone and their grandmother wanted Reid and McNabb to get out of town as fast as possible. A few weeks, and three wins later, perhaps everyone was a little premature in packing their bags. To make the playoffs, the Birds need to take care of business (beat the ‘Skins and Cowboys) and have a little help. What a turnaround for D-Mac, if he can pull it off!


Short Shots:


Is the NFL great or what? With two weeks left, in the NFC, there are 9 teams still alive for the 4 playoff spots still available. In the AFC, it’s the same scenario, 9 teams for 4 spots. What a finish this is going to be!

Jerry Jones said that he doesn’t mind all the self-imposed and media distractions. He claims that anytime the Cowboys are in the news, it is good exposure for the Cowboys brand. I tend to agree for the most part, as long as it doesn’t involve players breaking the law!


From The Mail Room:


Jim Z., Killeen, Texas: I saw that the Giants have all ready clinched the division. How can that be because if the Cowboys win all there games and the Giants lose there
games wouldn't they both have the same record?

Utopia1dc: Jimbo, I was thinking the same thing myself. If the Cowboys win their final two games, and the G-Men lose their final two games, they would both be 11-5. Both teams would also be 4-2 in the division, 8-2 in the conference, and 3-1 against the AFC. I know it comes down to a tiebreaker, but I have to be missing something here?

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Sack-alicious

Last night, on NBC’s prime time Sunday Night Football, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants, 20-8. The Cowboys desperately needed the win, as they are fighting for their playoff lives. The Cowboys are now 9-5, but so are the Vikings, the Bucs, and the Falcons. The Eagles and Bears aren’t that far behind either. With the Cowboys facing the Ravens and the Eagles in their next two games, the ‘Boys needed a win…desperately.

Last week, the Cowboys lost a heartbreaker to the Steelers; a game they should have won. The Cowboys control their own destiny; if they win their last two games, they are in the tournament as the 5th seed. If the Cowboys sustain another loss, that could get dicey with the logjam in the NFC. If the Eagles win tonight, that could potentially make the season finale between the Birds and ‘Boys, a winner take all…but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves!

This past week was a difficult one for the Cowboys, with all the media distractions, ESPN and Ed Werder the main culprits. Now, the Cowboys, mainly Owens, did bring some of that upon themselves, with their bickering over how the ball should be distributed. But winning cures many things. Last night’s win will go a long way in quieting some of the nay Sayers!

It’s a funny thing how the NFL season unfolds. After a great start (3-0), the Cowboys were being crowned Super Bowl champions. Then, there was the midseason lull; with Romo being injured…the Cowboys were done! Then, the ‘Boys reeled off three consecutive wins with Romo back at he helm…the ‘Boys are back! Last week, the ‘Boys loss to the Steelers coupled with the media distractions, and surely the Cowboys were falling apart before our eyes.

The Cowboys showed that they have the desire and the talent to win big games. Romo played well, as he spread the ball around to 9 different receivers. Now, that’s what I call ball distribution, but more importantly, keeping everyone happy! The Cowboys defense was superb. They were relentless all night long, as the ‘Boys registered 8 sacks on Manning (3 by league leading sack master extraordinaire, DeMarcus Ware). This win doesn't quite fix everything, but it sure was…sack-alicious!


Short Shots:

Two weeks ago the Cowboys were 8-4, and they were on the outside of the playoff bubble. Last week they lost, and actually gained a few spots to be the 6th seed. With yesterday’s win, they currently hold the 5th spot. If they lose next week, they could drop out of the playoff picture…go figure? I guess that’s why they play all 16 games!

Owens addressed the media last night after the game. He was cordial for the most part, and answered every question that had nothing to do with the game itself! He also called out Ed Werder, basically calling him a liar, and that he was telling tales. Good for Terrell…about time someone has the nerve to confront this ratings whoremonger!


From The Mail Room:

Matt K., Joplin, Missouri: What do you think of Choice he looked good against the giants? Are TO, Witten and Romo going to be able to work things out?

Utopia1dc: Tashard Choice has proven to be a quality RB. I think the Cowboys found a steal in the 4th round. Can you imagine the type of versatility the Cowboys would have if Felix Jones weren’t lost for the season. Next year could be fun with all three RBs. As for Romo, Witten, and Owens…they should be fine. Owens likes attention (and the ball), but I see that as a good thing. I’d hate for him (or any player, for that matter) to say that he didn’t want the ball more.

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Predictions Week 15

Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games. I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two or more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you). Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling. That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!

The crystal ball was mediocre last week, going 2-2 for the week. That’s not great, but we’ll take it. The crystal ball is now 25-22-1 for the season; which is three games over .500 (.531 to be exact). This week is going to be a challenge with many key match-ups. Let’s see what’s in store for us this weekend.

Last Week: 2-2

Overall: 25-22-1

New York Giants @ Dallas: The G-Men have the division all locked up. They are now looking to secure a 1st round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs! They are battling with some lingering distractions over the Plaxico Burress situation, as well as the injury to Brandon Jacobs. The Cowboys are in a state of disarray, as they lost a heartbreaker last week in Pittsburgh. The ‘Boys are also dealing with distractions that may or may not be real. ESPN is doing their best to divide the Cowboys as well. The Cowboys need this game more than the G-Men, so in a must win, the ‘Boys will pull it together with a victory! Dallas 34, New York Giants 28.

San Diego @ Kansas City: The Chiefs are playing for what little pride they may have left, while the Bolts are hanging by a thread to make the playoffs. For the Chargers to make the tournament, they need to win out and hope that the Broncos have a total collapse. Rivers and LT must take charge (no pun intended) and lift their team out of the gutter and regain some self-respect! San Diego 31, Kansas City 13.

Indianapolis @ Detroit: The Colts started off the season in turmoil. But now that Peyton Manning has regained his Pro-Bowl form, they are peaking at the right time, as they head into the playoffs! The Lions are trying to do their best not to go 0-16 for the season, but they aren’t getting that elusive win this week either. The Colts win in a blowout! Indianapolis 44, Detroit 3.

Cleveland @ Philadelphia: The Browns are going nowhere fast this year. Romeo Crennel is on the hot seat! Brady Quinn looked good in his brief stint as the starter, but he was lost for the season. Third stringer Ken Dorsey is now leading them. That’s not good for anyone! The Birds are back in the hunt and D-Mac is playing well. If Reid can keep his play calling balanced, the Birds should fly to victory. An Eagles win coupled with a Cowboys loss, and the Birds could find themselves in the drivers seat for the final seed in the NFC playoffs! Philadelphia 27, Cleveland 9.


Short Shots:

Reggie Bush (RB, Saints) left Thursday night’s game with a sprained knee. It appears that it may be serious and could sideline Bush for the remainder of the season. Either way, undrafted rookie Pierre Thomas has filled in nicely at RB for the Saints. A real steal…if you ask me!

After a rough start to the season, the Eagles find themselves a half-game back of the Cowboys for the final playoff spot in the NFC. Andy Reid and D-Mac have had to endure much criticism throughout the year. The season finale against the Cowboys could prove to be a pivotal game; in a winner take all! Look for NBC to try and flex that game to Sunday night…that would be a surefire ratings buster!



From The Mail Room:


Vet, Ambler, PA: I saw a great poll, was wondering which one you preferred.

What should T.O. get Romo for X-Mas?

Jessica Simpson CD
T.O. Autographed photo
Football for Dummies
I am with Cry Baby T-Shirt

Utopia1dc: Vet, that’s an interesting poll. I’m not sure that Romo would like the CD, as he has the real thing. I’m sure Owens has already given him an autographed photo by now as well. As for the Football for Dummies or the t-shirt, I don’t think that’s Terrell’s or Tony’s style. I think Romo might like that Santa cap and Rudolph nose that T.O. was wearing the other day during an interview!



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Reality Mail Bag - 12/12/08

Each week I will answer questions submitted by my loyal readers. I personally read every single email I receive. I will pick out the best five or so to use for the weekly post, as I won’t be able to answer all of them. I will also answer one or two questions on my daily posts as well. Now it’s time to open the mail!


Chris T., Lansdale, PA: I just saw on ESPN that TO is stirring the pot again. Is he insane to think that Romo and Whitten are designing secret plays behind his back?

Utopia1dc: Chris, I saw the same piece that ESPN did. Ed Werder broke the story, so I’m not too concerned with it. Werder has a way of exaggerating the truth to fill his time on ESPN. Wade Phillips did confirm that Owens, Williams, and Crayton did meet with Jason Garrett to discuss their roles in the offense. But that’s a far cry from Romo and Witten designing secret plays…come on people!


Tom B., Warminster, PA: Jerry Jones is out of line with his comments about Marion Barber. If he says he's hurt then he's hurt.

Utopia1dc: Tom, I tend to agree that Jones was out of line for saying that publicly. He did do his best Jerry spin control to try to diffuse the situation. Barber is known as “the Barbarian” , because of his running style. I do agree with Jones though, I was expecting that a player like Barber would tough it out. Where there’s smoke…there’s usually fire! For Jones to say this publicly, I believe there is some merit in questioning Barber’s toughness!


Kaylee F., Brooklyn, NY: The Giants are going to put your precious Cowboys out of their misery. Go Giants!

Utopia1dc: Kaylee, I suppose if your G-Men beat the Cowboys on Sunday night, they will be put out of their misery. If the ‘Boys lose, their playoff hopes go out the window. But, don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched. Your G-Men are having their own issues and that can’t bode well for them heading into the playoffs!


Mike D., Philadelphia, PA: Your Cowboys suck. If your such a big Cowboys fan why don't you move down there with all your cowgirls fans?

Utopia1dc: Mikey, if you read my profile you would have seen that I did live in Tulsa, which is a hop, skip, and a jump or two from Dallas. I enjoyed my time down there, as I was able to go to many games. I also enjoyed 2 Super Bowl victories while living down there, but I moved back because the heat was more than I could handle!

Shawn R., Abilene, TX: The Cowboys currently hold the 6th seed in the NFC but they have a hard schedule ahead of them. Are they going to be able to hang onto that final spot?

Utopia1dc: Shawn, that’s good question! It’s going to be tough because the ‘Boys play the Giants, Ravens, and the Eagles, to finish out the season. If they can win all three, they are in the tournament. If they lose Sunday to the G-Men, things could get a little crowded in the NFC. It could come down to the final game against the Birds; in a winner take all game!



Short Shots:


The ESPN machine is at it again with all the propaganda they are feeding us about the Cowboys. Now, I know that it’s good for their ratings. But if they want to talk about the Cowboys all day long, they should have taken my suggestion from earlier in the season! They should create an ESPNCowboys network. That way, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN Classics, and ESPN News can resume with their normally scheduled programming!

It appears that Pacman Jones received some good news regarding his neck injury. After getting a second opinion, he may not need surgery for his bulging disk. If things go well, he may be able to return to action in a few weeks. If the Cowboys can squeak into the playoffs…that is!

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Week 14 Review

The crystal ball was brought back down to Earth this past week by going 2-2. That puts the crystal ball at 25-22-1 for the season. That’s three games over .500 (.531 to be exact). The Cowboys and the Jets let the crystal ball down this past week. The crystal ball assures me it will rebound this coming weekend. Let’s review and see what happened last week.

Last Week: 2-2

Overall: 25-22-1

Dallas @ Pittsburgh: The Cowboys had the lead for most of the game. The ‘Boys had the Steelers on the ropes all afternoon. Dallas out-gained Pittsburgh in every statistical category, except the turnover battle. The Cowboys committed 5 turnovers, while the Steelers turned the ball over twice. It was over when Romo threw a pick-6 in the final minutes of the game. The ‘Boys played a tough game, but they could not put the Steelers away when they had the chance.

Philadelphia @ New York Giants: The Eagles played their best game of the year. The offense was balanced, as Andy Reid mixed up the play calling very well. The Giants were not the same offensively without Plaxico Burress. The Eagles stacked the line and kept the potent New York running attack in check. The G-Men scored on a blocked field-goal attempt right before halftime, but they couldn’t keep the momentum going in the second half. If the Birds make the tournament, they could be a dark horse in the NFC!

Minnesota @ Detroit: The Lions gave the Vikings all they could handle for most of the game. Gus Frerotte was injured in the game, and Tarvaris Jackson came in off the bench to pull out the victory. I didn’t think it was going be this close of a game. I will give Detroit credit for not quitting on the season, but 0-16 is staring them in the face. It doesn’t look good for the Lions the rest of the season either, but the 1st overall pick is their consolation prize!

New York Jets @ San Francisco: I thought this game was going to be a blowout. I didn’t give the 49ers a chance in the world to be able to beat the Jets. Favre was not on top of his game in this contest. The Jets got away from the running game to early, which was a surprise, since Thomas Jones has been lighting it up this year. Give Mike Singletary credit for keeping the 49ers focused. Having a coaching change in mid-season is not an easy task for a team, but Singletary is making a case for having the interim tag removed from his title!


Short Shots:


Pacman Jones suffered a herniated disk in his neck during the Steelers game. It appears he will be done for the season. The Cowboys medical staff believes that it could be even worse. The injury could be career threatening, not just a season ending injury. That’s too bad, because whether you like the guy or not, I wanted to see if he could make amends for his past indiscretions. Now he may never have the chance to do so!

Jerry Jones is taking some heat in the media for questioning Marion Barber’s toughness for not playing last week due to his dislocated pinkie toe. I agree with Jerry to some degree; for being called “the Barbarian”, you would think he could play with a little pain!


From The Mail Room:


Marcy P., Gilbertsville, PA: Just wondering your thoughts on the OJ verdict. A lot of people have said he was given such a hard sentence to make up for "getting off on killing two people". I certainly don't claim that he is innocent in the former incident, but I do think his sentence is a bit harsh for the crime committed. What do you think?

Utopia1dc: Marcy, you bring up a very good point. I don’t know whether OJ committed the murders he was acquitted of or not. There’s a lot of evidence that says he did those crimes, but he was found not guilty. It would appear that the sentence he received in Las Vegas was a make-up verdict for the previous trial. OJ says he was trying to recover his stolen memorabilia items. He claims that he didn’t intended to break any laws. I believe him…this time, anyway!

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Chokers

This past Sunday, the Cowboys had a 10-point lead against the Pittsburgh Steelers, late in the 4th quarter. Then disaster struck, as the Cowboys were not able to finish off the Steelers. All the Cowboys needed were a couple of first downs and the game would be over. Nope…didn’t happen! The Cowboys let the Steelers tie the game with about 2 minutes left in regulation. Then, Romo gave the entire Steeler Nation an early Christmas present by throwing a pick-6…game over!

The Cowboys are now 8-5, and they are hanging by a thread to the 6th (and final) play-ff spot in the NFC. If the ‘Boys were to win the rest of their games, they would be assured of making the tournament. That’s not an easy task, as the Cowboys have faltered in December the past few years. They must right the ship if they want to be playing in January.

The Cowboys out-gained the Steelers in rushing yards, passing yards, and in total yards. They also had the edge in time of possession. The ‘Boys also had 5 sacks compared to the Steelers 3. The Cowboys lost the most important statistic…the turnovers. The Cowboys had 5 turnovers (the Steelers had 2), and the last one sealed their fate. Deshea Townsend picked off an errant Romo pass to Witten, and returned it for the winning TD!

Last week, I wrote that this game would tell us everything we need to know about the 2008 Dallas Cowboys…What They Are. The Cowboys have under-achieved this year, as they were the preseason favorites to win the Super Bowl. Now, they are battling just to make the playoffs. Maybe, everyone just overrated the Cowboys from the beginning? Maybe, they’re just not good enough? Maybe, they’re just…chokers?



Short Shots:

On a positive note, Tashard Choice of the Cowboys proved to be a capable RB. Choice gained 88 yards rushing (the most allowed by the #1 Steelers defense all season) and another 78 yards receiving on 5 receptions. Not too bad for a rookie RB drafted in the 4th round, in his first NFL start!

Matt Jones (Jaguars) will finally serve his 3-game suspension that was handed out several months ago. Jones had appealed the suspension, but now he will miss the last 3 games of the season!


From The Mail Room:

Frank G., Philadelphia, PA: Your cowgirls are cooked. E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles!

Utopia1dc: Frank, I don’t know if the Cowboys are quite cooked just yet…maybe simmering a little? I applaud your enthusiasm for your Eagles chant, but aren’t they currently trailing the Cowboys?



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Predictions Week 14

Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games. I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you). Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling. That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!

The crystal ball was on fire last week, going 4-0 for the week. Not too shabby, huh? The crystal ball is now 23-20-1, which is 3 games over .500 (.534 to be exact). Well, enough of the horn tooting…let’s get down to the task at hand. This week is going to be tough because there are a lot of games with play-off implications. The crystal ball is ready for the challenge. Let’s take a peek into the future and see what will happen this Sunday.

Last Week: 4-0

Overall: 23-20-1

Dallas @ Pittsburgh: The Cowboys will travel to Pittsburgh short-handed this week. Marion Barber was left behind to heal his toe, as he did not make the trip to the Steel City. The Steelers are sporting the No. 1 defense in the league, so Romo will have his work cut out for him. Not having Barber may be a blessing in disguise, as it will force the ‘Boys to come out with all their guns blazing. Pittsburgh will pound the rock, as they will try to dominate the line of scrimmage. The ‘Boys will find a way to win, because they must! Dallas 24, Pittsburgh 23.

Philadelphia @ New York Giants: The Birds are in a do or die situation, as they don’t have any room for error. The Eagles find themselves on the proverbial play-off bubble, and that’s being kind. The Birds must win out, and hope for some help to make the tournament. Now that McNabb is back on track, he will keep the offense at full speed ahead. The G-Men are due for a letdown, especially with all the Plaxico Burress distractions this past week. The Eagles will stun their division foes. Philadelphia 31, New York Giants 17.

Minnesota @ Detroit: The Vikings caught a break, as a Judge has given the Williams Brothers a stay of execution. Well, they’re not actually brothers, and they’re not getting executed either. They will be active Sunday, after that…who knows? The Lions are due for a win, as they can’t actually go 0-16…can they? Well, their losing streak will continue, as the Vikings will manhandle them, easily! Minnesota 27, Detroit 9.

New York Jets @ San Francisco: The Jets are reeling from their loss last week against the Broncos. Favre and company will be ready for the 49ers. Look for Thomas Jones to have huge game against a lackluster 49ers defense. Favre will pick apart the secondary as well. The Jets will win in a laugher. This will be a blowout from the get-go. New York Jets 34, San Francisco 13.


Short Shots:


I can’t believe a Judge has actually intervened and blocked the suspension of several players. Sheriff Goodell waited too long to make a decision, and now these players will be able to play when they should be punished…unreal! Where was this Judge when Pacman Jones was suspended?

The San Diego Chargers played well on Thursday night against the Raiders. I think it might be too little, too late for a play-off push. However, they may be able to save Norv his job…if they can win out!



From The Mail Room:


Joe P., Edison, NJ: The barbarian is out for the game versus Pittsburgh. Do you think your Cowboys have a chance?

Utopia1dc: Joe, the loss of Marion Barber will hurt the Cowboys for sure. Tashard Choice will take his place in the line-up, but he is a relative unknown. The ‘Boys will have to rely on Romo and the passing game a little more than they might have if Barber were available. But, I think that this will actually be a good thing…let Romo sling it and hope for the best. Go Cowboys!



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Reality Mail Bag - 12/04/08

Each week I will answer questions submitted by my loyal readers. I personally read every single email I receive. I will pick out the best five or so to use for the weekly post, as I won't be able to answer all of them. I will also answer one or two questions on my daily posts as well. Now it’s time to open the mail!


Eric F., Philadelphia, PA: What do you think of Kyle Eckel? Have the eagles finally found a true fullback?

Utopia1dc: Eric, Kyle Eckel is a hometown product out of Haverford. He attended Episcopal Academy in Philadelphia, and then went on to star at Navy. He was named MVP of the Army-Navy game two years in a row. He is 4th all-time in rushing at Navy, so he knows how to carry the rock. He is a good blocker as well. What’s not to like? The Eagles would be wise to give him a shot at being their starting fullback…everyone knows they could use one!


James S., San Diego, CA: Norv Turner is the worst coach ever and he has destroyed a great team. Bring back Marty ball!

Utopia1dc: James, I don’t know about Turner being the worst coach ever, but the Chargers have struggled this year, especially defensively. LT doesn’t seem to be running with the same vigor as in previous years either. I was shocked when Marty was fired 2 years ago, but that’s the way it is in the NFL. The Chargers really don’t have a prayer to make the play-offs, even if they win out the rest of their games. Norv will probably be fired after the season…but be careful of what you wish for!


Marc P., Fort Washington, PA: Do the Eagles have any chance in hell to beat the Giants this week?

Utopia1dc: Marc, the Eagles played very well last week, and the Giants may be due for a letdown game. The G-men have had a lot of distractions this week with the Plaixo Burress situation. If the Eagles have any desire of making the play-offs, they must win this game. The G-Men have pretty much locked up the division, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Birds got the win!


Richard P., Wheeling, WV: Out here in Pittsburgh country we will destroy your cowgirls.

Utopia1dc: Richard, I take it you’re a Steelers fan. Well, your Steelers have been playing very well. They have a balanced attack on offense and a stellar defense to boot. It will be a tough game for the ‘Boys. I don’t think the Steelers will destroy the Cowboys…it should be a close game. We shall see what happens!


Harry S., Ada, Oklahoma: What do you think about McNabb using the excuse about being preoccupied about his wifes pregnancy as his reason for his poor play the past few weeks?

Utopia1dc: Harry, I don’t know where you’re getting your information from, but I heard that interview live, and that’s not what I came away with. McNabb was asked a question, and he answered it. He wasn’t making excuses for his poor play. If that were the case why did he play so well on Turkey Day? I’m sure his wife expecting twins was on his mind, but it had nothing to do with his play on the field. I know that D-Mac has done and said many stupid things…this is not one of them!



Short Shots:


A Judge ruled in favor of Kevin and Pat Williams (Vikings) lawsuit against the NFL. He issued a temporary restraining order, blocking their 4-game suspensions imposed by Sheriff Goodell. This is a very bad precedent being set here. The NFL and the Vikings cannot let these guys play this weekend!


With four weeks left in the regular season, it’s going to go down to the wire for the last few play-off spots. In the AFC, there are 5 teams vying for 2 spots. In the NFC, there are 7 teams vying for 2 spots. It’s time to put up or shut up!



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What They Are

The Cowboys find themselves in the middle of the herd for the play-off race. They have won three straight games, and four out of their last five. The ‘Boys stand at 8-4, which is a decent record. This year, if the season ended today, the Dallas Cowboys would be watching on TV…like you and me. The Cowboys trail the Giants by three games, with four to play. The division is out of reach. The ‘Boys must travel via the wildcard route.

The Cowboys actually have a better record than two of the division leaders. The Vikings and Cardinals are both 7-5, but they would be in the tournament, and the ‘Boys would be out! I don’t think that it’s fair, but that’s the rules…and you can’t argue the rules! They are what they are!

Being a wildcard isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The G-Men (last season) and the Steelers (three seasons ago), where both wildcards, and they both advanced to and won the Super Bowl. It’s not an easy task, as you must win on the road in the play-offs!

The Cowboys face the Steelers this Sunday. Pittsburgh is 9-3, and in first place in their division by one game over the Ravens. The ‘Boys must travel to the Steel City, and face the No. 1 defense in the league, and come home with a win. That’s not an easy task for any team, but if the Cowboys want to be considered serious Super Bowl contenders…than that’s what they must do!

Bill Parcells would often tell us to wait until after Thanksgiving to evaluate the team. I recall him saying, “You are what you are” many times. Well, it’s a week past Turkey Day, and the ‘Boys will face a formidable Pittsburgh Steelers team on the road. Come Sunday, we will all know…what they are!


Short Shots:


Sheriff Goodell was a busy man, as he finally dished out the 4-game suspensions to the players who were caught taking the “water” pills…it's about time! Those players are filing a suit in court for an injunction on the Sheriff’s ruling…good luck on that one!

Plaxico Burress was fined, suspended (without pay) for the remainder of the season (including the play-offs), and put on the non-football injury list by the Giants. His days as a member of the New York Giants is numbered…and that’s the least of his worries!


From The Mail Room:


Kyle P., Willow Grove, PA: Pacman is back on the team will he be a factor?

Utopia1dc: Adam Jones is now officially back as a member of the Cowboys. To make room for Pacman, the Cowboys placed Pat Watkins on IR. Jones will contribute mainly on punt returns. He will also play on the defensive sub-packages when the ‘Boys go into the nickel and dime. I wouldn’t expect a lot from him, as he has been away from “live” action for some time now!



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Week 13 Review

The crystal ball had a stellar week by going undefeated at 4-0. That puts the crystal ball at 23-20-1 for the season. That’s three games over .500 (.534 to be exact). The crystal ball has a slightly sore back this week. You know…with all that patting itself on the back stuff! Let’s review and see what happened last week.

Last Week: 4-0

Overall: 23-20-1

Seattle @ Dallas: The Cowboys looked good from start to finish. That’s what is expected when you play a team like the Seahawks. Once the ‘Boys had the lead, they never looked back. They kept the pedal to the metal, and didn’t let Seattle back in the game. The only downer was the injuries to DeMarcus Ware and Marion Barber. Both left the game and didn’t return, but they should be fine for this week’s match-up against the Steelers.

Arizona @ Philadelphia: The Eagles got a big win against the Cards. Arizona is a formidable team and the Eagles never let Warner get in a rhythm. The Birds put up a 40-burger (48 points to be exact) on the Cards, as McNabb proved himself as the leader of the team. McNabb was flawless, as he threw for 260 yards and 4 TDs. That’s not too shabby for a QB that everyone wants to run out of town. By winning, the Eagles also kept their play-offs hopes alive.

Tennessee @ Detroit: The Titans disgraced the Lions in a blowout! Tennessee has a well-balanced offense with two quality running backs. Kerry Collins is a very good manager of the offense, but he can still make all the necessary throws when needed. The Titans defense is playing well also. Jeff Fisher has his club firing on all cylinders heading into the play-offs!

Pittsburgh @ New England: At halftime, this game was knotted at 10-10. Offensively, the Steelers hammered the ball with Moore and Parker. Big Ben did his job, but he did have a couple of picks. The Patriots kept it close for a while, but their 5 turnovers sealed their fate. Matt Cassel didn’t stand a chance against the Steelers defense once they fell behind. You just can’t give the ball away that many times to a quality team and expect to win…not in the NFL!


Short Shots:


The Cleveland Browns suffered another injury at QB. After losing Brady Quinn a few weeks ago, they have now lost Derek Anderson as well. It’s now up to Ken Dorsey to try and salvage Romeo Crennel’s job…not a pretty site in Cleveland! Romeo…start packing!

Plaxico Burress posted $100,000 bail yesterday. He is now back out on the streets until March 31, 2009…when he goes back in front of the Judge! Unfortunately for Plaxico, Goodell won’t take as long to render judgment! Plax…just stay inside your house! Shop online if you get bored!


From The Mail Room:


Henry D., Carlstadt, NJ: How can Burress be so stupid. He is gonna cost the giants the superbowl.

Utopia1dc: Henry, I agree 100%…Plaxico Burress is a first rate fool! He has been a distraction to the G-Men all season long. The Giants may be better off without him. As far as costing the Giants the Super Bowl…I don’t know about all that! I don’t see the G-Men repeating!

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Reality Mail Bag - 12/01/08

Each week I will answer questions submitted by my loyal readers. I personally read every single email I receive. I will pick out the best five or so to use for the weekly post, as I won't be able to answer all of them. I will also answer one or two questions on my daily posts as well. Now it’s time to open the mail!


Johnny A., Norristown, PA: I am a diehard Eagles fan. The Eagles looked great on Thursday but do you think they can squeak into the playoffs?

Utopia1dc: Johnny…that’s going to be a tough task. D-Mac was on fire and Westbrook looked a lot better than he has in several weeks. If the Eagles continue to play like that, anything is possible. They could be dangerous if they can make it into the tournament. It doesn’t look too promising, as the Birds have dug a huge hole for themselves.


Andrew P., Atlanta, Georgia: Michael Vick just plead guilty to state dog fighting charges. Do you think he will get a shot to play again soon?

Utopia1dc: The reason Vick plead guilty was to have some of the charges dropped. He was also able to avoid more jail time. When Vick gets out of jail, he will be facing several years of probation. On top of that Sheriff Goodell isn’t just going to let him back in right away. I have a feeling Goodell will be very stern with Vick. With all that being said, some team will give him a chance, but he will be on very thin ice!


Big Tex, Paris, Texas: The cowboys are cooked if they lose Ware and the Barbarian to injuries.

Utopia1dc: Big Tex…calm down there, big fella! Ware is the heart and soul of the defense and he should be fine. MRI results were negative. Ware should be good to go, especially with the additional three days rest. Pretty much the same goes for Barber. His pinkie toe is dislocated, but not fractured. He will wear a protective steel toe shoe and a good tape job should keep him in the line-up!


Willy S., Ponca City, Oklahoma: I'm a big Patriots fan and you always bust on them especially matt casel. What gives man?

Utopia1dc: Slick Willy, you’re right…I do bust on the Patriots all the time. I lost respect for the entire organization because of Spy-gate, especially Bill Belichick. I have given Matt Cassel a lot of grief, but I also gave him some props and apologized to him in a previous post…maybe you missed that one! Read this post...Exploding!


Michelle, Gilbertsville, PA: So, now that Donovan had such a good week, do you think Reid may have been right in pulling him at half-time last week? Do you think that was what McNabb needed to get back on track?

Utopia1dc: Michelle, I see you reside in my neck of the woods! McNabb had a good week because he’s a good QB…it had nothing to do with his benching! Reid was wrong in benching his franchise QB…dead wrong! He disrespected the man who has defended the Eagles organization from day one. D-Mac has had Andy’s back on many occasions, too bad Big Red couldn’t return the favor! McNabb will be out of Philly after the season is over…it will do him a world of good. The Bears could use D-Mac’s services!



Short Shots:


Plaxico Burress…what the heck were you thinking? You shot yourself, in the leg, with a gun, in a bar…come on dude! Stupid…stupid…stupid! He will surely be suspended for the remainder of the season and the play-offs. Idiot!

The Cowboys are inching their way closer to a play-off spot each week. It seems as though they have been spared another catastrophe, as both DeMarcus Ware and Marion Barber will not miss any time due to the injuries they sustained on Turkey Day.



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