Week 2 in Oxnard

Dallas Cowboys P.R. Director, Rich Dalrymple parties with me at the Cowboys Scrimmage. (Photo Credit: WFAA's George Riba)

Observations from Cowboys Scrimmage Fun Time:

- Julius Jones still looks amazing. If we can keep JJ healthy, in 12 months he might be thought in the very top tier of backs in the league.

- Drew Henson has a pretty large bag right now. Meanwhile, Tony Romo has plenty. Romo has a very fine ability to buy himself another second in the pocket to make a throw by stepping up in the pocket. There is no question who #2 is presently.

- Terence Newman was beat deep twice. By guys who may not make this team.

- Never heard of #68 Thomas Johnson. But, he was making so many plays in the backfield, that I will now be paying some attention to the undrafted rookie from Middle Tennessee State. He was unblockable at the scrimmage.

- Roy Williams can still hit as hard as anyone in the league….9 yards downfield. When he can do this behind the line of scrimmage, he will be a superstar.

- Anthony Thomas will be great at backup RB, whereas Marion Barber looks like a rookie who is not sure which hole he is supposed to be charging through when he is handed the ball. He looks too tentative.

- Mark my words: DeMarcus Ware will be a Pro Bowler in this league.

- Mark my words, part 2: Right Tackle is going to be the death of this team.

Chris Young with a huge start …

No one knows if Young's seven shutout innings in Sunday's 9-3 victory against Baltimore are an indication he's returning to his solid early-season form. But he certainly looked like a more confident pitcher. The rookie right-hander established his fastball early and kept hitters off balance with an occasional curveball and a steady diet of change-ups.

"I knew I needed to be more aggressive and attack them," said Young (9-7), who ended a six-start winless streak and pitched past the fourth inning for only the second time since his last victory, on June 30.

Tony Stewart wins again, and again, and again …By the way, I know he is a bit on the abrasive side, but how do you not like this guy? I have tried, and I catch myself kind of liking him, despite his rivalry with my boy, Jeff Gordon.

Incidentally, Gordon stays alive (barely), but Dale Jr does not …

Aggie Big Time Freshman Martellus Bennett …

Gosselin on Aikman’s Hall of Fame Chances …Which I think is not really an issue, despite the fact that Troy does not have the huge numbers that his contemporaries offer.

There is precedent for Aikman being an easy Hall of Famer:

Aikman – 165 TD’s – 141 Int’s – 32,942 yards – 3 Super Bowl Wins
Griese - 192 TD’s - 172 Int’s – 25,092 yards – 2 Super Bowl Wins
Starr - 152 TD’s – 138 Int’s – 24, 718 yards – 5 NFL Titles

Bart Starr was voted in to the hall in the very first year of his eligibility, but Griese had to wait 5 years until he was given the go-ahead into the hall. So will he get in? For sure. But will he be in this winter? I don’t think we can guarantee it. On the other hand, Aikman also has another positive help on his side, and that is being a current prominent broadcaster in the league. Seems to me that current broadcasters always get the benefit of the doubt.


Mac Engle with an interesting piece on Tom Hicks …

Saw a lousy movie and a great movie this weekend. I will not write anything about the Dukes of Hazzard, for fear that I might influence one person to spend one penny to see that crap. But, the March of the Penguins was wonderful. Provided you are into the nature shows on the Discovery Channel or Animal Planet like I am.

Des Moines Review of March …

Cincy Review of March …

Great Movie and Rated G. Fun for the whole family.

Speaking of fun, Learn to Dance like Napoleon Dynamite …

North Korean leader claims 11 holes in 1.…whatever…