Dallas Cowboys: A fan's view - gsemenza's Blog - Victoria Advocate http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza Are you ready for some football? Are you ready for some football? en-us Dallas Cowboys: Can they turn disaster into 8-4? http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9535 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9535 <p>Before Tony Romo went down with a pinkie injury a month ago, the team was 4-2, and although questions loomed, they looked poised to rattle off two more wins against St. Louis and Tampa Bay.</p> <p>And then -- tragedy.</p> <p>What could have been a 6-2 start turned into disaster. Romo fell injured. Felix Jones sprained his hamstring. Mat McBriar went down and safety Roy Williams was lost for the season. Terence Newman, Pat Watkins, Kyle Kosier&nbsp;and Anthony Spencer toiled in injury on the sideline.</p> <p>And calls for Wade Phillips' head&nbsp;were heard league-wide.</p> <p>Dallas reeled. Its 4-2 start grew to a 5-4 embarrassment. Everybody -- even those in the locker room, you'd figure -- thought the season could be lost.</p> <p>Then, with a pinkie in a sling, Romo bounced Sunday onto the field again with his usual tyro's enthusiasm. The full-bearded Kosier took his quiet place in the trenches. And Newman? He shut down a Cowboys killer, picked off a timely pass and broke up a late fourth-quarter, fourth-down pass.</p> <p>At least for a weekend, tragedy has turned to hope.</p> <p>The question remains: Can Dallas, at near full-strength if Jones, the rookie running back returns, right the ship?</p> <p>Its next two games are at home against the Seahawks and 49ers, two teams that are 3-7. On paper, Dallas should win. But on paper, Dallas should be 10-0.</p> <p>Is having its slew of starters back, its character-building midseason lumps and its backs against the wall enough to propel Dallas out of this season-long slump it fell into?</p> <p>Time will tell. If Dallas can win its next two games and move to 8-4, the team might need only to win two of its remaining four games to make the playoffs.</p> <p>Those four games -- against Baltimore, Pittsburgh, NY and Philly -- won't be easy.</p> <p>If Dallas can't improve to 8-4, those last four games might not even matter.</p> <p>For fans who have lived through 13 years without a return to the Super Bowl, these next two games are as important as any. </p> <p>Although questions still loom, I like my chances with Romo -- pinkie and all.</p> <p><font size="3">QUESTION OF THE DAY</font></p> <p>If Dallas wins the next two games and advances to 8-4, can the team win two of its last four to advance to 10-6 -- and earn a Wild Card spot?</p>


Title: Romo is back in the saddle
Caption:
Credit: http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/story/?id=256260&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_main


Title: Romo is back in the saddle
Caption:
Credit: http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/story/?id=256260&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_main

 Romo is back in the saddle http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/story/?id=256260&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_main Dallas Cowboys: A must-win win against the Skins http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9521 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9521 <p>And critics said Dallas shouldn't blame key injuries on mid-season struggles.</p> <p>Tony Romo and offensive lineman Kyle Kosier return and the team re-establishes its running game, doesn't give up a sack, beats the Redskins and keeps its playoff hopes alive.</p> <p>CB Terence Newman returns and he shuts Santana Moss down, picks a Jason Campbell pass off and breaks up a 4th-down play late in the game to help give Big D the win.</p> <p>No, the win wasn't pretty. The offense struggled again with untimely turnovers and penalties -- but the defense stepped up big time, and now Romo has another weak to heal and get back in the swing of things.</p> <p>Next up: San Francisco and Seattle. If Dallas wins both, we are 8-4 with four games remaining.</p> <p>How about running back Marion Barber? Last time Big D played Washington, Barber had 11 carries. Jason Garret made sure that wasn't the case on Sunday.</p> <p>Roy Williams also looked good, even though the ball was only thrown his way three times.</p> <p>All in all, this was a must-win game and Dallas won. While a lock on a playoff spot is far from secure, Sunday night was a big move toward that.</p> <p><font size="3">QUESTION OF THE DAY</font></p> <p>Given the injury and the month off, how do you rate Romo's performance?</p> Jerry Jones says Cowboys 'absolutely' make playoffs http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9506 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9506 <p><font size="2">Jerry Jones has never lacked confidence. He dropped a boat load to buy the Cowboys, began a brash decades-long media tour, is building one of the world's biggest stadiums and built Dallas into the most valuable sports team in the world.</font></p> <p><font size="2">Why would he be any different during Thursday's practice? Jerry said the Cowboys would &quot;absolutely&quot; make it to the playoffs, despite the drama of a disappointing 5-4 start this year. The Associated Press reports:</font></p> <blockquote dir="ltr" style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px"> <p align="left"><font color="#333333" size="2">The Cowboys owner, in an impromptu gathering with reporters during practice Thursday, said he expects his struggling Cowboys to recover. They have gone from Super Bowl favorites to a 5-4 team tied for third place in the NFC East after losing four of their past six games.</font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#333333" size="2">&quot;That's not optimism,&quot; Jones said. &quot;I just see that we were going to have to be a team that (was) playing well and won a lot of games at the end of the year to be what we want to be anyway.&quot;</font></p> </blockquote> <p align="left">Jerry's never one to shy from gamesmanship, and he might have made the statement to bolster his team headed into Sunday's game against the wounded Redskins. Or, he might really believe that Dallas' season is far from over.</p> <p align="left">What do you think?</p> <p align="left"><font size="3">QUESTION OF THE DAY</font></p> <p align="left">Who is the most media-savvy NFL owner?</p> Dallas Cowboys: Giants win Sunday gives Boys boost http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9470 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9470 <p>Here's one thing you will rarely, if ever, say: Thank you, Eli Manning.</p> <p>The NY Giants defeated the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, and the Eagles' loss pushed the Boys from the cellar in the NFC East to third place -- by virtue of a head-to-head tiebreaker with Philly.</p> <p>Dallas and Philly are 5-4, but Dallas beat the Birds earlier this year.</p> <p>If Dallas is to make the playoffs, it's unlikely the team will catch NY, who, at 8-1, has a virtual four-game lead after beating the Boys two Sundays ago.</p> <p>If we beat Washington on Sunday, we'll be tied for second in the NFC East with the Redskins. What a quick turnaround that would. In two weeks, Dallas could go from the bottom of the division to tied for second.</p> <p>I hoped San Fran could pull one out against Arizona on Monday night -- Arizona is 6-3 and already beat us this year -- and we would have benefited from a Cardinals' loss.</p> <p><font size="3">In other news</font></p> <p>The cavalry is coming -- well, at least most of the cavalry. Tony Romo looked better in practice Monday than he has since breaking his pinkie, Coach Phillips said. Apparently Romo was zipping passes in and playing with confidence.</p> <p>Also, Kyle Kosier and Terence Newman practiced, too. </p> <p>The only needed-but-injured player not to practice Monday was Felix Jones, who, before suffering a torn hamstring, was a strong candidate for offensive rookie of the year. Jones said he feels 100 percent. Odd, given he didn't practice.</p> <p><font size="3">QUESTION OF THE DAY</font></p> <p>How will Romo play Sunday against the Skins after sitting for four weeks and nursing a recently healed broken pinkie?</p> Dallas Cowboys: 5 Reasons the Boys Make the Playoffs http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9429 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9429 <p>Here we come, 2008 Playoffs. Think I'm crazy?</p> <p>A bye week has given me time to breakdown the Cowboys lackluster season, and time to look forward to the second half of this year.</p> <p>While the Cowboys played themselves into a difficult hole, no doubt, even the most skeptical fans should read the following reasons as hope the team can still make the playoffs.</p> <p>I expect folks to disagree with my list, but know I compiled these reasons after I removed my loyal hat.&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="4">5 Reasons the Boys Make the Playoffs</font></p> <p><font size="3">1) Tony Romo will return against Washington.</font> I've heard every pundit say the Boys can't use injuries as excuses for a string of losses. While Dallas didn't look perfect during its first six games, Romo had the team at 4-2 -- and the team had only lost by a combined eight points (it lost by two points to Arizona). Since his injury, Dallas&nbsp;has gone&nbsp;1-2 and nearly erased any offensive production. I don't care what team it is, an injury to a starting QB is devastating. Imagine if NY loses Eli Manning, if Indy loses Peyton Manning or if New England loses Tom Brady. Wait, NE did lose Brady. And after going 16-0 last year, the team is struggling at 5-3.</p> <p><font size="3">2) With our offense producing, the defense will benefit.</font> How many 3-and-outs have you had to endure since Brad Johnson, or Brooks Bollinger, took the reigns? When Dallas goes 3-and-out, it punts from deep and gives the opposing team great field position. Dallas' defense has had to defend a number of short fields. Now, the team has Anthony Spencer back (Spencer is playing so well he might replace Greg Ellis in the starting lineup) and Terence Newman will return. With an injury to Newman, and the suspension of Pacman, our secondary was forced to start or play as many as three rookies. With an offense that can rack up time of possession, and the return of key defensive players, expect Dallas' 'D' to be a lot more consistent.</p> <p><font size="3">3) Roy Williams. And I mean the good one.</font> The flashy, tall, fast and consistent receiver has yet to be worked fully into the offense -- yet he's made an impact nearly every time the ball was thrown to him. He caught a TD in the second game and had a highlight-reel catch in the third game. Neither Johnson&nbsp; nor Bollinger threatened deep, and Williams is still learning the offense. With Romo in the game, expect Williams to get a lot more looks and reps. And Williams' presence on the field will force defenses to play man coverage -- leaving Williams, T.O., Witten and Crayton with ample opportunities to exploit defenses. This, in turn, will open up ...</p> <p><font size="3">4) A return to a punishing running game.</font> With rookie phenom Felix Jones out, Marion Barber was given the brunt of the load. While that's not a bad thing, defenses stacked the box and called run blitzes, never fearing what Johnson could do in the passing game. Now that defense will have to again contend with a passing game -- an upgraded passing game on two levels, considering Williams and Romo's return&nbsp;-- expect the running game to get a lift by Jones and softer defensive fronts. Jones is a game-breaker, and if defenses blitz to expose a shaky-of-late offensive line, expect a lot of screen passes, dinks and dunks or draw plays. Give Jones the ball in space and all of a sudden the team can gain big chunks on simple plays. Likewsie, Barber's brusing style should benefit, too. Of course, it will also help that&nbsp;...</p> <p><font size="3">5) Our offensive line will be shored up.</font> If you want to talk important injuries, throw Kyle Kosier's name in that list. Kosier, who plays tackle on Romo's blind side, has been sidelined since after Week 3. If you monitor the sack total, win total and offensive production since then, there's a clear tie to his absence. Remember the first three weeks when the Boys were 3-0, Romo had time in the pocket and offensive yards production and point totals were great? Kosier was in the lineup then.</p> <p>If you add all these points together, you recognize that Dallas should be able to regain their winning ways. Yet, there's one more: If Dallas beats Washington in Washington, the team then plays Seattle and San Francisco, two weak NFC foes and two games Dallas should win. If we win the next three games, Dallas is 8-4 with four games to go. Dallas should win two of its last four, which would give the team a 10-6 record. </p> <p>When you look at the rest of the NFC and contenders for Wildcard spots, Dallas -- despite a poor NFC record&nbsp;early in the season -- should be healthy in the hunt&nbsp;for a late-seed playoff&nbsp;berth. </p> <p>In six of eight seasons Dallas has started 5-4 (as late as 2006), the team has made the playoffs. This year will be no different.</p> <p><font size="3">QUESTION OF THE DAY</font></p> <p>OK, Cowboys haters. Your turn to fire away. Of the five reasons I gave for why the Boys will make the playoffs, what sure-fire reasons do you think will keep Dallas from playing into January?</p>


Title: 2008 Playoffs, here we come.
Caption:
Credit: http://bleacherreport.com/image/file/3395/lead/random_key_21714_file_nfl.playoffs.jpg


Title: 2008 Playoffs, here we come.
Caption:
Credit: http://bleacherreport.com/image/file/3395/lead/random_key_21714_file_nfl.playoffs.jpg

 2008 Playoffs, here we come. http://bleacherreport.com/image/file/3395/lead/random_key_21714_file_nfl.playoffs.jpg Dallas Cowboys: Thank God for the bye next Sunday http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9384 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9384 <p>Here's something to be happy about, Cowboys fans: Dallas most definitely will not lose this next Sunday, and neither Brad Johnson nor Brooks Bollinger will take a live snap.</p> <p>Are you smiling already? Good grief.</p> <p>After getting thumped by the Giants, we need a bye week. The weekend off will give the team time to get key players back. When the team takes the field next against the Skins, we'll have Tony Romo, Kyle Kosier, Felix Jones, Terence Newman, possibly Pacman Jones and Pat Watkins back from injury.</p> <p>Let's hope it's not too late.</p> <p>Dallas' offense looked abysmal, to say the least, under Johnson's reign. And Bollinger, who started the second half against NY, didn't do much better.</p> <p>What started out as a promising season has turned nightmarish.</p> <p>At 5-4, Dallas is in last place in the NFC East and the team has dropped four games to NFC foes: Washington, Arizona, St. Louis and now NY.</p> <p>The team's conference record -- important late in the season when tie-breakers count -- is 3-4. </p> <p>If the team is going to make the playoffs -- more and more likely as a Wild Card team, if at all -- Dallas will have to win five of its last seven games to reach 10-6.</p> <p>The schedule ahead is no cake walk.</p> <p>If having key starters back on the field proves to be the spark needed to return the team to its regular-season play of a year ago, Dallas can make the playoffs.</p> <p>But the team showed kinks even before our group of starters became injured.</p> <p>Each of the last seven games will, no doubt, be nail-biters for fans. Let's hope this season-beginning disappointment motivates the team to finally play like it should, given the over-abundance of talent.</p> <p><font size="3">QUESTION OF THE DAY</font></p> <p>Will Dallas make the playoffs?</p>


Title: Old Man Johnson.jpg
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Credit: http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/54/540044.jpg


Title: Old Man Johnson.jpg
Caption:
Credit: http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/54/540044.jpg

 Old Man Johnson.jpg http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/54/540044.jpg Dallas Cowboys: Should Brad Johnson sit against the Giants? http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9339 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9339 <p>If you didn't fall asleep while&nbsp;watching Brad Johnson's performance in the win Sunday against Tampa Bay, you will likely agree with this:</p> <p>Brad Johnson is the most unproductive, boring, weak quarterback to ever take a snap for Dallas -- and no I haven't forgotten about Babe Laufenburg, Ryan Leaf and Chad Hutchinson.</p> <p>Johnson, who can't complete a pass by throwing the ball for more than 10 yards, is a statue in the pocket with his feet cemented to the turf -- and the Giants aggressive pass rush is whetting its appetite headed into Sunday.</p> <p>But if Tony Romo can't and doesn't play, as was reported, should Brooks Bollinger start Sunday or come off the bench if Johnson is smothered?</p> <p>It's an interesting question, no doubt. Bollinger hasn't played a game in a while and the last time he suited, he lost 34-0 with the Vikings.</p> <p>Bollinger is smaller than Johnson, quicker on his feet (who isn't) and he's got a big arm.</p> <p>I've listened to both sides of the argument on this. Some say stick with Johnson, who didn't turn the ball over last week, and rely on defense, special teams, luck and a few scores.</p> <p>Others say if Dallas starts Johnson, the team is doomed to fail. Start Bollinger. What's there to lose?</p> <p>I say start with Johnson -- if Dallas can remain in the game deep into the fourth quarter. If we fall behind by more than two scores by halftime, send Bollinger in. He's the only one without a broken pinkie who can hit big plays down the field.</p> <p><font size="3">M*A*S*H?</font></p> <p>Anyone tired of injuries? Tony Romo, Kyle Kosier, Felix Jones, Anthony Spencer, Sam Hurd, Roy Williams, Pat Watkins, Mat McBriar, Terence Newman -- and now Jason Witten and Anthony Henry?</p> <p>I've heard critics say the Cowboys shouldn't use injuries as an excuse for poor performances, but we have enough injuries to enough key players that we could field a Pro Bowl starting 11 with guys in the training room.</p> <p>I'm looking forward to after the bye. Witten said he may play with a fractured rib, but you'd sure hate to see a guy like him lost for the season.</p> <p><font size="3">QUESTION OF THE DAY</font></p> <p>Who should Dallas start at quarterback on Sunday?</p> Dallas Cowboys: A season-saving win http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9308 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9308 <p>Story lines for the Cowboys' win over the Bucs are limitless. </p> <p>* A criticized team with its back against the wall wins when it must.</p> <p>* A defense that allowed six touchdowns in two games kept the Bucs from scoring any.</p> <p>* Wade Phillips, who critics say should be shown the door,&nbsp;announces he'll have more say in the defense and the unit turns in its best performance of the year.</p> <p>* Critics say Dallas lacks leaders, but all three phases of the team played with passion and fire.</p> <p>* Despite mounting injuries -- including injuries to Jason Witten, Anthony Henry and Brady James against the Bucs -- the team gelled and did the job it had to.</p> <p>I could go on. But no matter what story line you choose, Dallas kept its season alive by defeating the Bucs. </p> <p>At 5-3, Dallas has only one more game to endure before the bye week -- and the return of Tony Romo, Felix Jones, Terence Newman and possibly even Pacman Jones.</p> <p>The Boys' effort on Sunday was anything but exciting on the offensive side of the ball. But the defense -- which had three rookies playing in the secondary: Mike Jenkins, Orlando Scandrick and Allan Ball -- looked like the unit it should resemble.</p> <p>Despite being able to open the field up on offense -- Johnson isn't the type of quarterback who will threaten a team deep -- key offensive players stepped up. Marion Barber ran like the beast he is, and offensive lineman Marc Columbo mixed it up in the trenches.</p> <p>Let's not forget about rookie Martellus Bennet, who caught a few key balls and filled in for Witten.</p> <p>While you never want to lose games early in the season, maybe Dallas needed to drop three of its last four games -- before the big win on Sunday.</p> <p>Losing, being forced to play like a team with its season on the brink, forced a key element of players healthy enough to remain on the field: passion and urgency.</p> <p>Now, if we can squeak one out against the Giants next Sunday, suddenly this team, which most thought was crumbling, is 6-3 and in great position heading into the back end of the season.</p> <p><font size="3">QUESTION OF THE DAY</font></p> <p>Can Dallas' defense stop NY's potent offense next Sunday?</p> Look what happens when you lose a friendly Cowboys bet http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9278 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9278 <p>Anyone who knows me knows I'm a die hard Cowboys fan. I'm there cheering for the team during the good times and bad. Unfortunately, for me, my passion for Dallas leads me to poor judgment from time to time.</p> <p>You may notice by the photo attached to this blog than an unattractive sitting&nbsp;man is wearing a blond wig. That unattractive man is me.</p> <p>Why am I wearing a wig? Because I was so certain&nbsp;the Cowboys would be unstoppable this year&nbsp;that I placed a friendly bet with fellow co-workers Editor Chris Cobler and Managing Editor Tom Martinez, who are both Broncos fans.</p> <p>(You can send all Broncos hate e-mail to <a href="mailto:ccobler@vicad.com">ccobler@vicad.com</a> or <a href="mailto:tmartinez@vicad.com">tmartinez@vicad.com</a>. In fact, I suggest you do :)</p> <p>We agreed to a gentleman's wager during pre-season. If Dallas won the third pre-season game and Denver lost, Cobler and Martinez would wear wigs. You can tell by this blog how that wager turned out.</p> <p>I'm forced to wear the wig all day today and I already have an appreciation for the effort women endure just to keep long hair out of their faces. Also pictured in the attached photo: Advocate Copy Editor Shari Prenzler, who was kind enough to tie the nasty wig into a ponytail to help keep the hair out of my eyes.</p> <p>I will not likely agree to a similar bet next year, especially during pre-season games. I knew better.</p> <p>I have learned an important lesson, though. Blonds definitely don't have more fun.</p> <p><font size="3">QUESTION OF THE DAY</font></p> <p>As a blond, do I look more like Jessica Simpson or special teams dud Bobby Carpenter?</p>


Title: GabeLosesBet.JPG
Caption:
Credit: gsemenza


Title: GabeLosesBet.JPG
Caption:
Credit: gsemenza

 GabeLosesBet.JPG gsemenza Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo will twiddle his pinkies again Sunday http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9268 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/gsemenza/9268 <p>Good news, Brad Johnson fans. Your archaic quarterback gets the start again Sunday against Tampa Bay. Tony Romo said Tuesday that he likely will not play.</p> <p>Without Romo, Felix Jones and Kyle Kosier, let's hope the offense can, um, score. </p> <p>I wouldn't expect too much, unless the offensive line can protect Johnson. Tampa Bay has a pretty stout, aggressive defense.</p> <p>If we lose this game, we'll move to .500 and next face the Giants. </p> <p>Romo announced during T.O.'s TV show &quot;Inside the Huddle&quot; that Johnson will start Sunday. At about that same time, John Gruden -- for the first time ever -- replaced his characteristic grimace with a wide, toothy smile.&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="3">QUESTION OF THE DAY</font></p> <p>&nbsp;With Johnson at the helm, can the Cowboys defeat the Bucs Sunday?</p>