Week 8 thoughts

Media is focusing way too much on:

QB Brett Favre - Does anyone care about his injuries anymore? Yes it is amazing that he has played 293 games, and it will be one of those things that will be really impressive when he actually retires, and when you look back at it. The worst part is that Favre is the one that is fueling these stories. I know he is injured and I know he has a long streak, do we need to hear about it every day? Make it a story when he actually doesn't start. I don't think I have ever seen an athlete talk about himself this much before (other than maybe LeBron James) and Favre's team is 2-5.

Dallas Cowboys: Wade Phillips is terrible. They have tons of talent, but always underachieve.

This is nothing new, this is what the Cowboys have been for the last 10 years. What else is there to say? They are 1-6! Why are they still being talked about?

Media needs to focus more on:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: They are 5-2, yet I do not think most football fans can name 3 players on their roster. This should be a fun team to watch for a long time. QB Josh Freeman and rookie WR Mike Williams are legit and CB Aqib Talib may be one of the best corners in the NFL and all are under 25.

Oakland Raiders: They have blown out their opponents in the last two games and are finally

showing the Raider nation a team they can be proud of. Yet the Raiders have had local TV blackouts for 11 straight games now. This is shocking considering how intimidating the fans are in Oakland. McClain said he wouldn't give an interview until the Raiders sold out a game:

"If the fans come out and we can sell out a damn game, I'll talk to the media," McClain said. "Until then ... I need full fan support." (NFL.com)

Rookies Dominating - It seems this year, more than usual, first year players have come in and really impressed. Look across almost every roster in the NFL and you will see rookies making a key impact on their teams. QB Sam Bradford, WR Mike Williams, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Devin McCorty, S Eric Berry, S Earl Thomas

MNF: Cowboys Perspective

Players to watch:

WR Miles Austin – It is amazing how quickly Austin has become one of the best receivers in the NFL. Undrafted out of Monmouth University, Austin finally got his first start 5 weeks into the last years season. Since then he has simply dominated, putting up 100+ receptions 1700+ yards and 12 TD in the 17 games. He is big, strong, fast, and runs great routes. It would be hard for anyone to argue that he is not a top 5 receiver in the NFL right now.

CB Mike Jenkins– Jenkins has been picked on a lot in the last couple of games. The former first rounder out of South Florida has tons of skill but has been a little too aggressive and is often flagged for pass interference. Lets see if he can make some adjustments and make some plays against turnover prone QB Eli Manning.

The Offensive Line – To say the Giants defensive line has been disruptive so far would be a huge understatement. The Giants have 21 sacks, 23 tackles for loss and 14 forced fumbles to this point. The Cowboys O-line has done a pretty good job to this point only allowing 7 sacks, but they are really going to be tested tonight.

Key Matchup: WR Hakeem Nicks vs CB Terrance Newman

In only his second year Giants WR Hakeem Nicks is becoming a star receiver in the NFL. He will most likely be matched up against Newman, one of the top corners in the league. Nicks is coming off a hamstring injury so he may be slowed. Fortunately for Nicks his biggest strengths is his great route running ability and hands, he does not rely on pure speed like many receivers so Newman may still have his hands full. Nicks has showed that he can go off and single handedly win a game for the Giants, so if Newman can shut him down, it will go long way in helping the Cowboys win.

Why the Cowboys will win: The Cowboys really need this win. All the talent is there for the Cowboys and even though they are 1-4, they have been in every game losing by 7 or less. If the Cowboy team that showed up against a great Texans team on the road, can show up tonight I have no doubt they can win this game. There has been so much scrutiny and so many people bad mouthing the Cowboys, I think they cannot wait to show up to this game and prove everyone wrong. I think they will come in front of a huge home crowd and play with a chip on their shoulder. Look for Jason Witten, DeMarcus Ware, Keith Brooking, Bradie James and the other leaders on the Cowboys to come out and have big games.

Prediction: Cowboys 31 Giants 17

AFC & NFC East Quarter Review

NFC East- This division is completely up for grabs.

By New Contributor Jimmy Hawley

Washington Redskins (2-2)

Washington has been greatly improved by the arrival of new coach Mike Shanahan and longtime Eagles QB Donovan McNabb. The team has to be ecstatic about their 2-0 start within the division with big wins over the Cowboys and the Eagles. While the loss to the Rams was a little baffling, the Redskins have shown a new toughness under Shanahan and even Albert Haynesworth, who has been a major distraction this season, played very well against the Eagles.

Standout Players: Donovan McNabb, Brian Orakpo, Santana Moss

New York Giants (2-2)

The Giants finally saw the resurgence of their defense in their last game against the Bears, registering an

incredible 10 sacks. The defense, which looked awful in the loss to the Colts, is starting to find its rhythm. The offense, however, is still a big problem spot, and they need improved play out of Eli Manning if they want to contend in the division.

Standout Players: Ahmad Bradshaw, Hakeem Nicks, Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka, Justin Tuck

Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)

Philadelphia may have taken for granted how great it is to have a reliable QB in Donovan McNabb. The concussion to QB Kevin Kolb opened up the door for Michael Vick to showcase what could only be characterized as a MVP performance in his first three appearances, leaving Kolb, who was once thought of as the future franchise QB as merely an afterthought. Vickmania may need to cool down, however, as Vick suffered an injury to his ribs. The injury is not likely to keep Vick out of action for more than two weeks, but it is obvious the type of style Vick plays makes him more susceptible to injuries. Kevin Kolb will get the chance in the mean time to try to show why the Eagles traded away McNabb, and QB situation in Philadelphia will likely be a yearlong storyline and continue into the offseason. Despite the issues, the Eagles are right in the mix to contend for the division and have the talent to rise to the top, however that chance will suffer if Vick cannot stay healthy.

Standout Players: Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy

Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Dallas seems to have one of the most talented teams in the league every year, yet it is always a question of if that talent can translate into wins. The Cowboys are usually a team that starts out great and fades as the season progresses, but this year they have struggled right out of the gate. A mediocre offensive line has made the running game practically nonexistent. They may have righted the ship with the win against the Texans, but the team has a brutal schedule this year. The defense is solid but does not create many turnovers and if they continue to be a one dimensional team on offense, they will not be able to win the division.

Standout Players: Tony Romo, Miles Austin, DeMarcus Ware

Prediction: The Giants defense and improved play from Eli Manning earns New York the division title in what will likely be the closest divisional race in the NFC.

AFC East – One of the strongest divisions in the NFL

By Keith McGonigle

New York Jets (3-1)

After a tough season opening loss to the Ravens, everyone criticized Jets and the arrogance they displayed in Hard Knocks. Since then, however, they have looked like the super bowl contenders they talked about. Mark Sanchez has really come on, throwing 8 touchdowns 0 interceptions in the last three games. Rex Ryan’s defense has had some injuries, but they have not lost a step. With WR Santonio Holmes coming back from his suspension and CB Darrelle Revis and LB Calvin Pace both coming back from injury, it is scary to think how good the Jets could be.

Surprise players: LaDainian Tomlinson, Mark Sanchez, Dustin Keller

New England Patriots (3-1)

The Patriots first three games were a roller coaster ride, but they are coming off a huge road game against the Miami Dolphins, a team they have struggled against in the past. Bill Belichick’s teams are usually defined by veteran players and high IQ guys. This year the Patriots team is filled with a lot of young fast players that are still trying to grasp all the concepts. Six rookies have started and contributed so far this year. The offense has been very efficient; they haven’t put up great stats, but lead the NFL in points per game. The big question will be can the young defensive players mature and play like a Belichick coached team.

Surprise Players: Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski, Brandon Tate, Patrick Chung

Miami Dolphins (2-2)

Many people picked the Dolphins to win the AFC East this year so the 2-2 start is somewhat disappointing. Overall, the Dolphins have played pretty well except a few phases of the game. They just fired their special teams coach after two poor performances against the Jets and Patriots. They have also had too many turnovers and some questionable play calling. The talent is still there though; individually a lot of players have done well. They have a very tough stretch of games coming up; we will see what the Dolphins are made of in the coming weeks.

Surprise Players: Davone Bess, Cameron Wake, Jason Allen

Buffalo Bills (0-4)

There really is not a lot to say about the Buffalo Bills. They are the worst team in the NFL. You have to think that this season they are just playing for the first overall pick in next year’s draft, so they can finally get a franchise QB. The only problem is the Bills are so bad at drafting I don’t know if they will even select a QB.

Surprise Players: CJ Spiller. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Steve Johnson

Prediction: It will come down to the Patriots and Jets. The Jets are a very streaky team so I am nervous to just give them the AFC East. I think the Patriots will end up taking it and the Jets will get in with the Wild Card.

Dallas Cowboys 2010 Analysis and Preview

Last Years Record            11-5

Wins: Bucs, Panthers, Chiefs, Falcons, Seahawks, Eagles (x2), Redskins (x2), Raiders, Saints

Losses: Giants (x2), Broncos, Packers, Chargers

Biggest Playmaker            DeMarcus Ware

OLB, Troy, Drafted #11, 6^th Year

DeMarcus Ware is considered one of the best 3-4 OLB’s in the business and rightfully so.  He has never missed a game in his five years, and has recorded more than 11 sacks the last four years (20 in 2008).  Tag along five forced fumbles in 2009 with that and expect DeMarcus to make his fifth straight Pro Bowl this season.

Impact Player            Miles Austin

WR, Monmouth, Undrafted, 5^th Year

Miles Austin had a breakout year, becoming a started in week five and dominating from then on.  He had 81 catches on the year (he had 18 the previous three years) and 11 touchdowns.  However, Austin will have to prove critics that he is not a one-hit wonder, but will certainly benefit from the addition of rookie WR Dez Bryant.

Biggest Offseason Addition            Alex Barron

OT, Florida State, Drafted #19, 6^th Year

Pretty much the only offseason addition for the Cowboys, Alex Barron has been an average starter for the Rams the last five years.  Look for Barron to serve as the backup to both tackles, and the Cowboys can consider themselves lucky to have a backup with as much experience as he does (74 starts in five years).  However, he was still traded from the 1-15 Rams… 

Biggest Offseason Loss            Flozell Adams

OT, Michigan State, Drafted #38, 13^th Year  

Replacing a franchise left tackle is never easy, especially when he has been your starter for 12 years.  Sure, Adams is getting old (35), but is only two years removed from a Pro Bowl.  Now, the Cowboys are looking at Doug Free to likely start at LT, a guy who appeared in only one game in his first two seasons in the NFL.   

Biggest Draft Steal            Dez Bryant

WR, Oklahoma State, Drafted #24, Rookie

This spot very easily could have gone to ILB Sean Lee from Penn State, considered by many to be a mid-first round talent taken at #55 overall, but Dez Bryant is going to have a big impact and soon.  Watching Bryant play is really something special as he makes countless spectacular catches.  I think he will take over Roy Williams starting spot sooner rather than later.  (Roy Williams – signed a six year, $54 million contract in 08 – caught 38, yes, 38 balls last year and led the team with eight drops.)

Biggest Draft Reach            OT/Safety?

The Cowboys had a very solid draft overall as they definitely employed the “best player available” approach.  Any team that picked up Dez Bryant at #24 and Sean Lee at #55 is looking at a very solid draft.  However, the Cowboys two most pressing needs are at offensive tackle and safety.  The Cowboys 2009 starters at LT and FS (Flozell Adams and Ken Hamlin) are both gone and Jerry Jones and co. have yet to address these positions.                     

Offseason Grade            B

Coming off an 11-5 regular season the Cowboys did not need to make a ton of moves.  Looking up and down their roster, there are playmakers at almost every position, except LT and FS, as mentioned above.  The Cowboys added some real talent in the draft, but have yet to address their two biggest needs.  There are some very solid free agent talent still on the market at these positions (T – Marcus McNeill (Rams), Jared Gaither (Ravens) and FS – OJ Atogwe (Rams), Antoine Bethea (Colts), all restricted free agents).  If the Cowboys could make a move on one of these players their offseason grade could skyrocket

X-Factor            Miles Austin

WR, Monmouth, Undrafted, 5^th Year

Miles Austin suddenly has a huge role in the Cowboys’ offense, and time will tell whether he is a consistent pro bowl player or whether Dallas will need another WR to step up and be the go-to guy.

Name You Should Know            Jay Ratliff

NT, Auburn, Drafted #224, 6^th Year

Coming off two straight pro bowl seasons Jay Ratliff is the anchor of the Cowboys 3-4 defense, as any dominant NT can be.   The Cowboys were the 4^th best run defense a year ago (in terms of total yards), and a lot of that credit goes to Jay Ratliff stuffing the middle.  When you watch a Cowboys game next, look for the big man to be taking up two blockers and opening holes for the inside backers.

Rising Star            Felix Jones

RB, Arkansas, Drafted #22, 3^rd Year

Felix Jones very likely will be the starting running back for the Cowboys at some point this season.  Filling in for Marion Barber in Jones’ rookie year he averaged 8.9 yards per carry on 30 carries.  8.9.  8.9.  Wow.  Jones injured his hamstring and missed most of his rookie year, but returned in 2009 to rush for 685 yards on 116 attempts in 14 games, a measly 5.9 yards per carry (ha!).  Jones has big play potential both as a running back and in the return game, and look for a breakout year from him if he can stay healthy.

Offensive Outlook            A-

Tony Romo.  Marion Barber.  Felix Jones.  Jason Witten.  Miles Austin.  Dez Bryant.  Just a few weapons the Cowboys have to work with this year…most of them in their prime.  Not to mention the two pro bowl interior offensive linemen returning (RG Leonard Davis and C Andre Gurode).  The Cowboys are hoping LT Doug Free can fill in for Flozell Adams and that RT Marc Colombo can recover from multiple injuries in 2009.  If Miles Austin can repeat a pro bowl caliber season and the Cowboys can play as well late in the season as at the beginning, look for them to challenge for a super bowl in 2010.

Defensive Outlook            B+

The Cowboys had the second best scoring defense in the NFL last year, allowing just 250 points.  The Boys’ question mark is at FS where they released starter Ken Hamlin, but Alan Ball played well in his four starts last year and the coaches have confidence in him.  If the Cowboys could sign a FS like OJ Atogwe this grade could very easily be in the “A” range.  The Cowboys are looking for CB Mike Jenkins to continue to grow and expect consistent performances from the likes of DeMarcus Ware, Terence Newman and Jay Ratliff.

Special Teams Outlook            C+

The Cowboys have a very untested special teams unit beginning with kicker David Buehler.  Handling only kickoff duties last year (6^th longest average kickoff length), he will likely be handling the field goals last year.  Punter Mat McBriar was average a year ago, and the Cowboys have a lot of potential in the return game with Felix Jones, Miles Austin and Dez Bryant.

Projected 2010 Record            11-5

The Cowboys have incredibly high expectations this year and rightfully so.  They have a star-studded lineup and lost only two starters (who they chose to release).  The Cowboys believe Doug Free can take over at LT and succeed.   Look for Felix Jones to have a breakout year and start for the Cowboys (while still sharing carries with Barber and Tashard Choice), and for the already strong passing game to be bolstered by the addition of rookie Dez Bryant.  Hopefully for the Cowboys the whole “I won’t carry other players’ pads” saga blows by quickly!