NFC Predictions

As predicted on the show on Thursday, 9/4:


NFC EAST

Dal: 11-5
Phil: 10-6
NYG: 9-7
Wash: 7-9

NFC NORTH

Minn: 10-6
GB: 9-7
Det: 7-9
Chi: 5-11

NFC SOUTH

NO: 12-4
Car: 9-7
TB: 7-9
ATL: 3-13

NFC WEST

Sea: 9-7
Arz: 8-8
SF: 6-10
Stl: 4-12


#1 Seed: NO
#2 Seed: Dal
#3 Seed: Minn
#4 Seed: Sea
#5 Seed: Phil
#6 Seed: NYG

NFC Championship Game Dallas At New Orleans
Super Bowl Dallas v Indianapolis
Cowboys win

Browns Preview

Generally, on Friday’s I will give you a quick thought or two on Sunday’s game. I am somewhat distracted by the events of last night at Giant’s Stadium, but allow me to focus for a moment of the main event of almost everybody’s weekend (assuming you aren’t amazed at the lackluster Big 12 schedule, excited about the Iceman teeing off on Rashad Evans, or counting down the moments for Favre v. Pennington in Miami):

Game 1:

Dallas at Cleveland, Fox, 3:15 Sunday

The Browns are coming off as season of plenty of promise, and have plenty of quality around their roster. They have added some interesting elements to the squad since they last played, and the biggest addition is the biggest cause for concern for the Cowboys: Shawn Rogers.

Rogers is in my estimation one of the very best players in football…when he cares. Too often in Detroit, he demonstrated that he didn’t care enough and that the Lions had beaten the spirit right out of him. But, now, in a new locale, expect a newly interested Rogers (think Moss when he left Oakland for New England) and that spells trouble for the man lined up across from him Sunday, Cory Procter. The Cowboys will need to help Procter all day, lest Rogers destroys any plans for a running game.
The entire Browns defense is based on Rogers being disruptive. If he is, the Browns can get Robaire Smith or Corey Williams loose, with help from the edges and guys like Kamerion Wimbley getting in Romo’s face.

Expect a fairly safe game plan early, with the occasional shot deep to Owens. I would expect a steady diet of MB3 to the edges, and Witten short for the lion’s share of the 1st half. Then, I expect the Cowboys mammoth OL to begin to wear down the Browns.

Meanwhile, when Derek Anderson has the ball, I have to believe they will test the Cowboys front with Jamal Lewis. Surely, very early in the game, it will be SE and FL to one side, and Winslow to the other to see how the Cowboys matchup with him. If Anderson sees a safety, they pass to Winslow – and if he sees a corner, they run Lewis right to that direction.

If I am the Browns, I need to slow the pace of the game way down. I need to make this a 20-17 game or Romo, Owens, and the gang will be too much for my defense.
Overall, this is a mismatch. The Browns at home should be considered as the Browns were 7-1 in the pound. But, fields don’t win games. Teams do:

COWBOYS 28, Browns 17

Burress dominates with Jacobs to give the Giants a pretty easy headstart on the East …

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress had resigned himself Thursday afternoon to not getting a new contract done before the regular season, which seemed like a safe bet since kickoff was four hours away. But when he pulled into the players' parking lot at Giants Stadium, agent Drew Rosenhaus was waiting for him.

In between shooting Youtube videos for other clients, Rosenhaus flew into New York and made a final push for a new contract. He and Burress walked up to Giants GM Jerry Reese's office and finalized a five-year, $35 million contract, which gives him $11 million in the first year. The agreement was barely reached in time for the contract to take effect before Thursday's game.

By 4:30 p.m., Burress was on the field with quarterback Eli Manning, and by halftime, they'd pretty much carved up a Redskins defense that reportedly included Jason Taylor.
When I stopped by Manning's locker moments after the Giants defeated the Redskins 16-7, he said Burress' contract was news to him.

"I didn't know anything about it," he said. "He got a new contract?"

Manning had been frustrated by Burress' extended absence during training camp because he thought they needed to work together, but Thursday they picked up right where they left off in Super Bowl XLII. On the first drive, Manning completed throws of 30, 19 and 11 yards to Burress, who said he never felt any pain in his ankle.

After spending part of training camp working on throwing the deep ball, Manning completed the 30-yard pass to Burress on the fifth play of the game. It helped that Redskins safety LaRon Landry somehow misplaced Burress, but it was still a good sign for the Giants.

Burress finished with 10 catches for 133 yards. Who knows what he could do if he mixed in
a practice or two during the regular season.

Burress said after the game that he would've had the same performance whether or not he received a new contract, but just to be safe, the Giants consummated the deal. You might recall that Burress joined his former teammate and close friend Jeremy Shockey in sitting out a mandatory minicamp, although the receiver at least showed his face on the sideline. Rosenhaus, who represents both players, said the situations were completely different.

"If the team is making a good-faith effort, a good agent has to get it done," Rosenhaus said while watching the second half in the media lounge. "Those two situations were completely unrelated. I always thought we could get a deal done with Plaxico. And it looks like the Giants made a good decision."

Another key matchup – From Gil Brandt …

Dallas LB DeMarcus Ware vs. Cleveland LT Joe Thomas

This is the marquee matchup of the week. Both players have game-changing ability -- Ware as a pass rusher, Thomas as a pass protector.

In the two years prior to Thomas joining the Browns as the third overall pick in the 2007 draft, Cleveland had allowed a total of 100 sacks. Last year, they allowed just 19 sacks, with a mere 1.5 coming against Thomas. The result of that increased protection: The Browns averaged 351 yards per game, eighth in the NFL in 2007.
Thomas has long arms, strong hands and is very athletic.


Also a first-round pick, Ware is starting his fourth season with Dallas. He has started 48 consecutive games and has 33.5 sacks in three years, including 14 last year. Ware is a dominating player with great speed for his position. His unbelievable quickness prevents offensive tackles from getting their hands on him, which is obviously what Thomas needs to do here if QB Derek Anderson is going to have time to make plays against Dallas.

Tim McMahon with Football Outsiders …

You mentioned in the first edition of Five Downs With Football Outsiders that the Cowboys had a ton of success running behind right tackle and to the outside on the right side. Where were the Cowboys most and least successful running the ball last season?

Dallas was actually incredibly boom-and-bust last year depending upon the location of their runs. They were first in the league at running to right end and second running at right tackle, but they were 27th in the league at running in the middle and 31st at running to left end. I'm not sure why that's the case, but I wouldn't be surprised if it had something to do with Flozell Adams slipping some in his ability to absorb opposing linemen at the point of attack. The Cowboys were 21st in the league at running behind left end the year before.

The Cowboys will go to Cleveland with only two healthy receivers. How often did Tony Romo throw to his No. 3 WR last season, and how effective was Sam Hurd with those opportunities?

It was interesting to see how Dallas changed up their offense in 2007 with a full year of Tony Romo and Jason Garrett, but whilst missing Terry Glenn for the entire regular season. In 2006, the pass distribution -- attempts, not completions -- among significant receivers went as follows:

- Terrell Owens 36.8%
- Terry Glenn 26.9%
- Patrick Crayton 11.6%
- Sam Hurd 2.6%
- Jason Witten 22.1%

In this scheme, as the third wideout/fourth receiving option, Crayton put up remarkable numbers -- he caught 75% of the passes thrown in his direction, and put up a 38.8% DVOA, which was the best of any wide receiver in football.

In 2007, those roles shifted as follows:
- Terrell Owens 34.3%
- Patrick Crayton 19.8%
- Sam Hurd 9.0%
- Miles Austin 2.4%
- Jason Witten 34.3%

Witten and Owens were both targeted 141 times, making them co-#1 receivers. The injury to Glenn forced the Cowboys to change responsibilities some; Owens ran deeper routes in 2007, with Crayton and Witten excelling in underneath roles as possession receivers.

To answer the question, though, Hurd wasn't a match for Crayton. He was targeted less frequently, caught the ball less of the time, and did less with it; his 9.0% DVOA was acceptable, but nothing that indicates future success the way that Crayton's performance did.

html> Wonderlic IQ’s for QBs …

oke-the-story-of-culp/#cont> ESPN is Evil …and then I continue to watch…

Without fail, the ESPN anchor in Bristol will say that Culpepper retired and then add, "Now, to the man who broke the story, ESPN.com's John Clayton."

Except that Clayton didn't "break the story" at all.

Culpepper e-mailed a number of NFL writers this morning to tell them he was retiring. At least two of them -- Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk and Adam Schefter of NFL Network -- reported the contents of the e-mail before Clayton did. And neither Florio nor Schefter tried to pass off their reports as scoops, because they realized that simply passing along an e-mail does not constitute "breaking a story."

In fairness to Clayton, I haven't heard him personally claim that he "broke the story" of Culpepper's retirement. But I have heard other ESPN on-air employees make that claim, and they should stop. Because it isn't true.

Rangers put down Kinsler …again…

Decision 2008 came Thursday for Ian Kinsler, the Texas Rangers’ second baseman who enjoyed an All-Star season before it was derailed by the dreaded sports hernia.
That’s not the kind injury that can be treated by throwing a little dirt on it. Surgery is the only way to get one right, and Kinsler will be on a Dallas operating table in six days.

He tried, and badly wanted, to return to the lineup, but with 2008 now a loss for the Rangers, 2009 became Kinsler’s focus.

"As far as the playoffs go, I don’t think we’re going to be able to get in there," he said late Thursday. "It just seemed like the right decision to make sure I’m ready for off-season workouts without this thing ever bothering me."

Now, the Rangers need David Murphy to follow suit.

His sprained right knee has taken him through ups and downs the past 10 days, and lately it hasn’t responded as well as he and team doctors would prefer.

The outfielder doesn’t want to shut down his first full season in the major leagues, but the risk of returning isn’t worth the reward.

Games remain on the schedule, but the final 21 of 2008 have nowhere near the importance of the first 21 of 2009.

"Say we get to the middle of September, and they’re still not ready to go," Rangers manager Ron Washington said Wednesday of Kinsler and Murphy. "What good is taking a bigger chance on getting them hurt? We’re not going to rush it."

As long as Murphy continues working to free himself from the disabled list, he jeopardizes his effectiveness at the start of spring training and the 2009 regular season.

A bone bruise has complicated Murphy’s return, and there are concerns that he could make the injury worse by coming back.

"If they were going to tell me that shutting it down for the season would definitely assure my health, then I have to trust them," Murphy said of the Rangers’ medical team, headed by Dr. Keith Meister. "The key is to make sure I don’t do anything worse."

Each time Meister tells him to come back tomorrow, his fate for the rest of the season becomes clear.

"We need him next year, and we need him in our future," said Kinsler, who should be fully healed six to eight weeks after surgery. "He needs … to make sure he’s 100 percent healthy going into this off-season. I’d tell him just be happy with the season, there’s a lot to look forward to, and get ready for next year."

Murphy hasn’t been as valuable as Kinsler, Josh Hamilton or Milton Bradley this season, but the Rangers lost 11 of the first 13 games they played without him and are 9-18 since he sprained the posterior cruciate ligament in a collision at home plate with Ivan Rodriguez.

The Rangers went 1-5 in the first six games after Kinsler went down and are 7-9 without both of them. The club was averaging 5.68 runs with Murphy and Kinsler, but has slipped to 4.625 runs without them.

Here’s why: Kinsler hit .319 and still leads the team with 102 runs and 26 steals, and Murphy swatted 15 homers and drove in 74 runs.

Murphy also cemented his place as an everyday player next season.

Playing again in 2008, at the chance of hampering his readiness in 2009, seems like the wrong move.

Genius Jayhawks …

Details of the scandal involving Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur are beginning to emerge as the NBA and the players' association investigate the events that led to their expulsion from the league's rookie transition program Wednesday.

Several sources said Thursday that NBA commissioner David Stern was so angered by the two former Kansas players' alleged involvement with marijuana and women at the program that he made the call to remove them from their rooms at the Doral Arrowwood resort in Rye Brook, N.Y.

Chalmers and Arthur, who just months ago helped lead the Jayhawks to the 2008 NCAA championship, were dismissed from the four-day program after women -- a violation of the program's no-visitors rule -- and signs of marijuana usage were found in their hotel room.

According to sources, Chalmers and Arthur were caught in Arthur's room at the Doral Arrowwood resort in Rye Brook when a smoke alarm went off Wednesday at about 2 a.m. Hotel management went to the room, but the players refused to allow them in.
Management then left to get security, which used its own key to enter the room minutes later. Once inside, security found Chalmers, Arthur and at least two women. There was a strong stench of marijuana in the room, and one person was in the bathroom with the door locked, repeatedly flushing the toilet, sources said.
The police were called to the room, which they searched, but neither marijuana nor drug paraphernalia was found. Representatives from the players' association were
also on the scene by that time.

Chalmers and Arthur were allowed to spend the night at the resort and were seemingly planning to attend a kickoff address by Stern later Wednesday morning. But after being told of the violations shortly before beginning his speech, Stern immediately had the players removed from their rooms.

Several sources described Stern as being furious.

UFC 88



Obama mistake



Double knockout



Bengals Stormtroopers

Cowboys Payroll 2008

I have been meaning to compile a database of the Cowboys contracts for a while. I have taken the information of www.rotoworld.com as they appear to be the best I could find that allowed public access to contract information, so I am giving them the benefit of the doubt.

OFFENSE

Flozell Adams – T

2/28/2008: Signed a six-year, $43.8 million contract.

The deal contains $15 million in guarantees, including a $13 million signing bonus. 2008-2009: $1 million, 2010-2013: Under Contract, 2014: Free Agent. Cap charges: $3.6 million (2008-2009).

Deon Anderson – FB

7/21/2007: Signed a four-year, $1.757 million contract.

The deal included a $92,250 signing bonus. 2008: $370,000, 2009: $460,000, 2010: $550,000, 2011: Free Agent. Cap charge: $393,062 (2008).

Miles Austin – WR

2008: $445,000, 2009: Restricted Free Agent

Marion Barber III – RB

5/20/2008: Signed a seven-year, $45 million contract. The deal contains $16 million guaranteed, including a $12 million signing bonus.

Martellus Bennett – TE

7/24/2008: Signed a four-year contract.

Joe Berger – G

4/17/2008: Signed a one-year, $927,000 contract. 2009: Free Agent

Tashard Choice – RB

7/23/2008: Signed a four-year contract.

Mark Colombo – T

3/9/2007: Signed a two-year, $7 million contract.

The deal included a $4 million signing bonus and contains $5 million in total guarantees. 2008: $2 million, 2009: Free Agent

Patrick Crayton – WR

12/27/2007: Signed a four-year, $14 million contract extension through 2011.
The deal included a $6 million signing bonus and contains a $1 million escalator in the final year. 2008: $1 million, 2009: $1.5 million, 2010: $2 million, 2011: $2.5 million, 2012: Free Agent

Tony Curtis – TE

1/2/2008: Signed a one-year, $445,000 contract. 2009: Restricted Free Agent

Leonard Davis – G

3/4/2007: Signed a seven-year, $49.6 million contract.

The deal included a $16 million signing bonus and contains $18.75 million in total guarantees. 2008: $750,000 (+ $1 million roster bonus), 2009: $750,000, 2010: $5 million, 2011-2013: $6 million, 2014: Free Agent

Doug Free – T

7/24/2007: Signed a four-year, $2.090 million contract.

The deal included a $425,000 signing bonus. 2008: $370,000, 2009: $460,000, 2010: $550,000, 2011: Free Agent. Cap charge: $476,250 (2008).

Andre Gurode – C

2/20/2007: Signed a six-year, $30 million contract.

The deal included a $10 million signing bonus. 2008: $2 million, 2009: $2.4 million, 2010: $3 million, 2011: $5.5 million, 2012: $6.5 million, 2013: Free Agent

Montrae Holland – G

2008: $1.15 million, 2009: $1.4 million, 2010: Free Agent

San Hurd – WR

2008: $445,000, 2009: Restricted Free Agent

Brad Johnson – QB

3/5/2007: Signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract.

The deal included a $2.5 million signing bonus. 2008: $2 million, 2009: $1.5 million, 2010: Free Agent

Felix Jones – RB

7/25/2008: Signed a five-year, $10.525 million contract. The deal contains $7.665 million guaranteed, including a $3.57 million signing bonus.

Kyle Kosier – G

3/11/2006: Signed a five-year, $15 million contract.

The deal included a $5 million signing bonus. 2008: $2.07 million, 2009: $2.63 million, 2010: $2.99 million, 2011: Free Agent

LP Ladouceur – C

2/24/2008: Signed a five-year, $4.25 million contract. 2008: $520,000, 2009: $620,000, 2010: $635,000, 2011: $650,000, 2012: $790,000, 2013: Free Agent

James Marten – T

7/26/2007: Signed a four-year, $2.315 million contract.

The deal included a $650,000 signing bonus and contains $835,000 in total guarantees. Another $600,500 is available through incentives. 2008: $370,000, 2009: $460,000, 2010: $550,000, 2011: Free Agent. Cap charge: $532,500 (2008).

Pat McQuistan – T

7/24/2006: Signed a four-year, $1.67 million contract.

2008: $445,000, 2009: $530,000, 2010: Free Agent

Terrell Owens – WR

6/2/2008: Signed a four-year, $34 million contract.

The deal contains $13 million guaranteed, including a $12.9 million signing bonus. $100,000 of T.O.'s 2008 salary is guaranteed. 2008: $830,000, 2009: $2.67 million (+ $3.1 million roster bonus), 2010: $7 million, 2011: $7.5 million, 2012: Free Agent. Cap charges: $5.721 million (2008), $8.995 million (2009), $10.725 million (2010), $10.225 million (2011).

Cory Procter – G

2008: $445,000, 2009: Restricted Free Agent

Tony Romo – QB

10/29/2007: Signed a six-year, $67.4 million contract extension through 2013.

The deal included an $11.5 million signing bonus and contains $30 million in total guarantees, including Romo's 2008 base salary and $6 million of his '09 salary. 2008: $605,000, 2009: $620,000, 2010: $8.5 million, 2011-2012: $9 million, 2013: $11.5 million, 2014: Free Agent. Cap charge: $3.5 million (2008), $9.41 million (2009), $10.91 million (2010), $11.41 million (2011-2012), $13.91 million (2013).

Isaiah Stanback – WR

7/24/2007: Signed a four-year, $2.147 million contract.

The deal included a $482,500 signig bonus. 2008: $370,000, 2009: $460,000, 2010: $550,000, 2011: Free Agent. Cap charge: $490,625 (2008).

Jason Witten – TE

7/22/2006: Signed a six-year, $29 million contract extension through 2012.

The deal included a $6 million signing bonus and a $6 million option bonus in the second year. 2008: $1.905 million, 2009: $2.5 million, 2010: $2.641 million, 2011: $3.391 million, 2012: $3.641 million, 2013: Free Agent


DEFENSE

Alan Ball – CB

12/11/2007: Signed a three-year, $1.131 million contract.

The deal included a $16,250 signing bonus. 2008: $370,000, 2009: $460,000, 2010: Restricted Free Agent

Stephen Bowen - DT

1/31/2008: Signed a one-year, $445,000 contract. 2009: Restricted Free Agent

Courtney Brown – S

7/24/2007: Signed a four-year, $1.727 million contract.

The deal included a $62,100 signing bonus. 2008: $370,000, 2009: $460,000, 2010: $550,000, 2011: Free Agent. Cap charge: $385,525 (2008).

Kevin Burnett - ILB

2008: $520,000, 2009: Free Agent

Chris Canty - DE

6/11/2008: Signed a one-year, $2.017 million contract. 2009: Free Agent

Bobby Carpenter - LB

7/27/2006: Signed a five-year, $10.8 million contract.

The deal includes $7.7 million guaranteed. Another $1.2 million is available through incentives. 2008: $590,000, 2009: $885,000, 2010: $1.19 million, 2011: Free Agent

Keith Davis - S

8/31/2008: Signed an undisclosed contract.

Greg Ellis – LB

9/30/2007: Signed a restructured contract through 2009.

2008: $3.325 million, 2009: $4.15 million, 2010: Free Agent. The deal includes escalators that allow Ellis to earn up to an additional $1.5 million over the deal's life.

Ken Hamlin – S

7/15/2008: Signed a six-year, $37.5 million contract.

The deal contains $15 million guaranteed, including a $9 million signing bonus. Another $2 million is available through escalators in 2012 and 2013. 2008: $605,000, 2009: $4.305 million, 2010: $5.596 million, 2011: $5 million, 2012: $6 million, 2013: $7 million, 2014: Free Agent. Cap charge: $2.105 million (2008).

Jason Hatcher - DE

7/26/2006: Signed a four-year, $2.2 million contract.

The deal included a $600,000 signing bonus. 2008: $445,000, 2009: $530,000, 2010: Free Agent

Bradie James – ILB

9/19/2006: Signed a five-year, $20 million contract extension through 2011.

The deal included an $8 million signing bonus. 2008: $1.75 million, 2009: $2.623 million, 2010: $2.95 million, 2011: $3.5 million, 2012: Free Agent

Mike Jenkins – CB

7/26/2008: Signed a five-year, $9.725 million contract.

The deal contains $6.75 million guaranteed, including a $3.1 million signing bonus.

PacMan Jones – CB

4/24/2008: Signed a four-year, $13.3 million contract.

Jones' 2008 salary is pending his reinstatement from suspension. 2008: $700,000, 2009
: $1 million (+ $250,000 roster bonus), 2010: $3 million (+ $255,000 roster bonus + $345,000 reporting bonus), 2011: $7.25 million (Club Option), 2012: Free Agent

Tank Johnson – DT

9/18/2007: Signed a two-year, $1.5 million contract.

Another $1 million in incentives is available in the second year. 2008: $605,000, 2009: Free Agent

Terence Newman - CB

5/20/2008: Signed a six-year, $50.2 million contract extension through 2014.

The deal contains $22.5 million guaranteed, including a $12 million signing bonus.

Jay Ratliff – DE

12/14/2007: Signed a five-year, $20.5 million contract extension through 2012.
The deal included an $8 million signing bonus. 2008: $520,000, 2009: $1.25 million, 2010: $2.105 million, 2011: $3.75 million, 2012: $4.875 million, 2013: Free Agent

Justin Rogers - LB

7/17/2007: Signed a three-year, $1.199 million contract.

The deal included an $83,500 signing bonus. 2008: $370,000, 2009: $460,000, 2010: Restricted Free Agent

Orlando Scandrick – CB

7/17/2008: Signed a four-year, $1.89 million contract.

The deal included a $185,000 signing bonus. 2008: $295,000, 2009: $385,000, 2010: $470,000, 2011: $555,000, 2012: Free Agent

Marcus Spears – DE

7/30/2005: Signed a five-year, $9.35 million contract.

The deal includes $6.7 million in guarantees. 2007: $602,500, 2008: $735,000, 2009: $1 million (Voidable Year), 2010: Free Agent

Anthony Spencer – LB

7/26/2007: Signed a five-year, $7.453 million contract.

The deal included a $4.475 million signing bonus. Another $1.5 million is available through incentives. 2008: $370,000, 2009: $481,000, 2010: $741,000, 2011: $1.001 million, 2012: Free Agent. Cap charge: $1.3 million (2008).

Zach Thomas - ILB

2/23/2008: Signed a four-year, $19 million contract.

The deal included a $1 million signing bonus. Another $1 million is available in first-year incentives. Years two through four can void based on 2008 playing time. 2008: $1 million, 2009-2011: Voidable Years, 2012: Free Agent

DeMarcus Ware - OLB

7/30/2005: Signed a five-year, $13 million contract.

The deal includes $10 million in guarantees. 2007: $725,000, 2008: $1.005 million, 2009: $1.425 million (Voidable Year), 2010: Free Agent

Pat Watkins – S

7/26/2006: Signed a four-year, $1.69 million contract. 2008: $445,000, 2009: $530,000, 2010: Free Agent

Roy Williams - S

8/2/2006: Signed a four-year, $30.1 million contract extension through 2010.

The deal included an $11.1 million signing bonus. 2008: $3.72 million, 2009: $4.4 million, 2010: $4.05 million, 2011: Free Agent. Cap charges: $6.667 million (2008), $7.35 million (2009), $7 million (2010).

Nick Folk – K

7/24/2007: Signed a four-year, $1.773 million contract.

The deal included a $108,000 signing bonus. 2008: $370,000, 2009: $445,000, 2010: $550,000, 2011: Free Agent. Cap charge: $397,000 (2008)

Matt McBriar – P

2/28/2007: Signed a five-year, $8.5 million contract.

The deal included a $2.5 million signing bonus. 2008: $900,000, 2009: $1.25 million, 2010: $1.55 million, 2011: $1.7 million, 2012: Free Agent

Ready For Some Football?

A blog full of NFL links on the gorgeous first day of the NFL season….Have I mentioned that I love the NFL?

Todd Archer ranks the Cowboys roster …I like it….debates around water coolers are sure to break out with his #1 selection. And what about #8, #9, and #13? And, wow, Roy isn’t going to be pleased….

1-10
Rk. Pos., Player '07 +/-
1. WR Terrell Owens 7 +6
2. QB Tony Romo 1 –1
3. LB DeMarcus Ware 3 0
4. TE Jason Witten 5 +1
5. LT Flozell Adams 4 –1
6. CB Terence Newman 2 –4
7. RB Marion Barber 18 +11
8. FS Ken Hamlin 11 +3
9. RT Marc Colombo 19 +10
10. RG Leonard Davis 13 +3

Todd Archer's comment: The easy answer for the top spot would have been Tony Romo. He has been to the last two Pro Bowls and improved his fundamentals in the off-season. Romo's numbers could improve in his second year in offensive coordinator Jason Garrett's system. But that's provided Romo has a healthy Owens, which is why the receiver is No. 1. The last thing Romo has to do in his development is take the Cowboys deep into the playoffs.

11-20

Rk. Pos., Player '07 +/-
11. C Andre Gurode 12 +1
12. LB Greg Ellis 10 –2
13. NT Jay Ratliff 26 +13
14. LB Bradie James 15 +1
15. LB Zach Thomas NA NA
16. CB Anthony Henry 14 –2
17. WR Patrick Crayton 21 +4
18. S Roy Williams 9 –9
19. LG Kyle Kosier 23 +4
20. K Nick Folk 29 +9

Todd Archer's comment: Roy Williams has played in the Pro Bowl the last five seasons, but he could see his playing time dip dramatically this year, with Anthony Henry moving into the dime package as a safety covering tight ends. Considering how the Giants, Redskins and Eagles like to use multi-receiver formations, Williams could be a two-down safety in 2008. His coverage skills have improved, but the Cowboys want to get more corners on the field in passing situations.

Blue and Silver breaks down the crucial matchup on Sunday, IMO – the Cleveland Front 7 against the Cowboys OL …If Romo has all day, it is goodnight, but what about Proctor vs. Shawn Rogers?....Better help Cory, because you know Shawn will want to impress his new locale…

When Tony Romo drops back to pass, he’ll be protected by one of the best units in the game. The Browns get a lot of ink because their starting five only allowed 10 sacks last year but Dallas’ starters only gave up 11. Flozell Adams allowed a league best one sack at left tackle and Andre Gurode was stellar inside. Mark Colombo is a bit weaker on the right side, giving up 5 sacks last year, but was gritty against top rushers.

The Cowboys line is dinged, with LG Kyle Kosier out with an injured foot. After shuffling several interior linemen into the LG slot, backup C Cory Procter will get the start. There’s some concern that Procter could have trouble with massive NT Shawn Rogers, the Browns big offseason acquisition on defense.

Procter will likely get help from his center and his offensive coordinator. Last year, Jason Garrett ran a 56/44 pass/run blend. What’s more, he skewed his play calling heavily towards the pass early and the run late. This tactic was very effective at wearing out defensive lines early, as it’s taxing for 330-340 lb. DTs to run several sprints in heat, especially when they’re chasing an active QB like Tony Romo.

Garrett used this strategy to perfection in week two last year against the Dolphins, when he had Miami’s DTs worn out before the half. I expect him to try the same tactic Sunday. Rogers is very talented, but is also very overweight and wears out quickly. I think Dallas will make him rush a lot the first two to three series, and send him to the oxygen tank as quickly as possible.

Dallas will be facing a Browns front that could muster only 28 sacks last year. Kamerion Wimbley led the team with 5 sacks. Cleveland’s top four rushers combined for 17 sacks. Demarcus Ware, by comparison, had 14 all by himself. The Browns rush may be further weakened by OLB Antwaan Peek’s knee injury. Watch his status as game time approaches.

Cleveland’s weak rush may be the deciding factor in the game. The Browns were criticized last year for sitting in zones and playing it safe early on. Their rush came on down the stretch and they have the talent to be troublesome when they’re healthy, but right now they’re not at full strength. Peek appears hurt, as is safety Brodney Pool, who recently suffered a concussion. He has not been practicing and may not play.

Romeo Crennell was Bill Belichick’s DL coach and he’ll try some creative ways to get his guys to Romo. If they fail early, he may call on heavy blitzing, which is exactly what Dallas is hoping for. Cleveland has talent in its secondary, but its young and somewhat erratic. If the Cowboys can prevent leaks at left guard, Romo will get some chances for big plays.

Michael Lombardi has some good comment on the news in many directions …

FROM MARY KAY CABOT OF THE CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER… Browns linebacker Antwan Peek left Wednesday’s practice with an apparent knee injury and did not return, a source told The Plain Dealer. The extent of the injury was not known. Peek had just returned to practice Monday after undergoing arthroscopic surgery July 31 to remove loose cartilage from his right knee. He was hoping to be available for Sunday’s opener against the Cowboys. Peek also underwent a scope in the off-season to repair a torn meniscus suffered in the opener against Pittsburgh last season. He had his choice to have surgery during the season or wait it out, and he chose the latter. He said he learned from that mistake and had the scope as soon as possible this time to be ready for the opener. It was not yet known if Wednesday’s incident was a re-injury or something unrelated. If Peek misses an extended period of time, the Browns would be thin at outside linebacker. Seventh-round pick Alex Hall, the surprise of training camp, would rotate with starter Willie McGinest on the left outside. McGinest also missed the final two preseason games with a groin injury, but practiced full-go on Wednesday. The Browns waived fourth-year linebacker David McMillan Aug. 30 in anticipation of Peek’s return.

This injury really hurts the Browns ability to get pressure on the Cowboys. The Browns need as many healthy bodies as possible and playing at home with the heat and humidity. Which team is the freshest in the 4th quarter will go a long way in determining the outcome of the game. The Browns must find a way to play well in the red zone and get some pressure on the passer. Peek is their most athletic rusher, but that does not mean he is their best rusher. Still, he has the kind of skill that could give Dallas’ tackles trouble, whether Marc Colombo or Flozell Adams. The Browns cannot match the wideouts of the Cowboys with their secondary, so this means a ton of zone to limit the big plays in the game. When teams play zone, they have to tackle well and rely on their front four to get pressure. The Browns defensive front can match the physical play of the Cowboys offensive line in the run game, but they must find a way to get on the edge and force Romo to throw the ball quicker than he might prefer. The Browns must make the Cowboys work the ball down the field and force them into at least 14 third down situations. Let’s face it, the Cowboys are going to move the ball, and the key to this game is which team plays the best in the red zone. Both teams have explosive offenses, but the key element of the game will be the red zone production.

FROM LES BOWEN OF THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS… One minute, it was a slightly boring, back-down-to-business, first day of real preparation for the season opener. Then, suddenly, it was 2005 again. Reporters wanted to know Wednesday how Sheldon Brown felt about Drew Rosenhaus, the agent of his friend and teammate, Lito Sheppard, saying that Sheppard should be starting ahead of Brown in a video Rosenhaus disseminated last week (link here). Brown had several thoughts on the matter, starting with his view of Sheppard’s idea that changing agents, from Peter Schaffer to Rosenhaus, would somehow get the Eagles to trade him, which was the ultimate point of last week’s video. “If you know (Rosenhaus’) track record, it’s more of a disappointment to me that he enticed the guy into signing with him,” Brown said. “Thinking that he could get the deal done. Agents don’t get the deals done. The player gets the deal done. That’s what’s disappointing. “I wouldn’t say it bothered me, because I’m bigger than that, I’m a professional … Drew hasn’t been with Sheldon Brown for 7 years; I think he’s been with Lito for 2 months. He hasn’t followed by career. He hasn’t broke down any film; he probably couldn’t tell you what number (Brown wears). It’s really irrelevant … (from watching the video) you would think the guy has been scouting tape and know(ing) the statistics and following us our whole career. “A lot of times, people should just worry about their (own) jobs.” Brown said he had not spoken to Sheppard, who dresses in the next stall, about what Rosenhaus said. It’s a problem for Rosenhaus and Sheppard if Sheppard doesn’t start this season, because whenever a trade occurs, Sheppard wants a state-of-the-art contra.

I think I found my new favorite player in the NFL. Sheldon Brown just said what I have been writing the last two months. Brown knows the reality of the NFL — that a player’s performance on tape is what separates and makes their career. Trust me, Drew Rosenhaus has never watched a tape on Sheppard, he only knows what Sheppard has told him about his play. Do you think Sheppard has any objectivity about his self-evaluation? Rosenhaus does not care what the compensation the Eagles would — his only concern is that a team MADE an offer. Rosenhaus has his own agenda and it is based on what Sheppard has told him. Part of the agent’s role is to educate his client about the landscape of the league and to ensure reality is always in the mirror. Sheppard does not understand that all the other teams in the NFL are watching and reading his comments while asking themselves, “Do we want to add that kind of guy to our locker room? Do we want to pay a guy who seems to care more about money than playing well? No one in the league thinks that, based on Sheppard’s performance over the last two years, he is underpaid — no one except Lito.

FROM PAUL SCHWARTZ OF THE NEW YORK POST… Twice a season, the Giants knew what to expect when squaring off against the Redskins as long as Joe Gibbs was the head coach. Now that Gibbs is retired (again) and Jim Zorn is running the show, the Giants admit things are more complicated tonight in the season opener at Giants Stadium. “Joe Gibbs’ style of running the ball is gone, the power running game,” linebacker Antonio Pierce said. “It’s a quick rhythm passing game. Make quick reads, get the ball out of the quarterback’s hands. The first 15 plays we’ll know what their state of mind is.” Zorn has never before been a head coach or offensive coordinator and was a surprise choice to succeed Gibbs. For the past seven years, Zorn was the quarterbacks coach for the Seahawks and he’s installed a West Coast passing attack in Washington. “He was in Seattle and going back and watching some Seattle film there is some similar games and similar formations,” cornerback Sam Madison said. “That is pretty much what we have to go on right now. It’s a coin toss right now thinking about what they’re going to do.”

The Redskins better have an alternative plan after the first 15 plays. I always thought that the first 15 plays are the most overrated aspect of football. Football is a game of adjustments and the first 15 were invented to give the offense a sense of direction for the start of the game and to ensure the mental mistakes were reduced and hopefully eliminated. Now it has become a media sensation and people talk about it like it is some magic formula. The reality of the NFL is how coaches adjust to scheme and personnel. All good coaches save their best stuff for later in the game, for the second half when you need to make a play. When you unload your best stuff early you give your opponent’s offensive coaches time to make adjustments. When you are patient and save stuff, the offense does not have the half-time to fix any problems. It forces coaches to get things done on the sideline while the game is ongoing and challenges the overall communication of your opponent’s staff. Defensive coaches have their own play list and no one talks or writes enough about the defensive coordinator as a play caller. Steve Spagnuolo is an excellent good play caller. He knows that the game is not won or lost in the first drive and has a broad enough scheme to be able to make the right adjustments. Once the Giants determine how the Skins will try to attack, NY will adjust their scheme. It is never the first move, but the second and third moves that make pro football so compelling and interesting. I cannot wait to see what coach Zorn has planned for his adjustments.

By the way, I think you have to like the Giants with a reasonably big win tonight….



Tatum Bell has lost his mind …

Rudi Johnson knew there'd be a little extra film work involved after signing a free-agent contract to play for the Lions on Monday.
He just couldn't have imagined it would be surveillance tape.

And his predecessor, running back Tatum Bell, can't believe he's caught up in a locker-room caper that has put his career in jeopardy.
Johnson confirmed after practice Wednesday the mystery surrounding his missing duffel bags, which he said contained a money clip with about $200, credit cards and other personal effects -- including his underwear -- really wasn't much of a mystery at all.

Bell walked off with them -- accidentally, Bell insists -- shortly after learning he was going to be released by the Lions as a result of Johnson's signing.
The Lions contacted Bell, and the bags were later returned by an unidentified woman. But Johnson, who also spoke to Bell by phone Tuesday night, said Wednesday the bags were empty. Or almost empty, he said.

"He left my money clip, but he didn't leave no money in it," said Johnson, walking off the field Wednesday following his first full practice with the team. "He could've taken the clip, too, you know what I mean? It was quite stupid, if you ask me.

"All this happened once he got released. He came in, got some stuff out of his locker. And that's when he scooped the bags up -- some real shyster, conniving stuff."

Bell tells a different story. Reached by phone late Wednesday afternoon, he vehemently denied the insinuation that he'd stolen the bags -- "First thing is, I'm no thief," he said -- and said he mistakenly picked up Johnson's bags for another teammate. Bell said defensive end Victor DeGrate, his ex-roommate who was cut by the Lions on Saturday, asked him to retrieve his bags from the locker room and deliver them to a friend.

"I took the bag, I called Vic and told him I had it, and he said, 'OK, take " Bell said. "Then (the Lions) called me it over to my lady friend's house,' yesterday and they said, 'What'd you do with those bags?' And I said, 'What bags?' I had no idea what they were talking about at first.
"It's crazy. I wouldn't just steal somebody's stuff on purpose. I'm no thief, and I'm not stupid. I know they got cameras at the facility. I mean, I parked right in the front. It wasn't like I was sneaking out of there or nothing."

Bell said he spoke to Cedric Saunders, the Lions' director of football operations, who then passed the phone to Johnson on Tuesday.

"I didn't believe nothin' he said," Johnson said. "(His excuse) was that he took it to somebody's house and he got the bags mixed up. But I don't believe that.

"He knows how I feel. He knows where I stand with it. It is what it is."

Pat Kirwan has Jared Allen on 20 sacks …and you know something? It makes sense…

Sacks aren't the most critical factor when it comes to winning in the NFL, but it is close to the top of stats when winning is broken down into production measured by numbers.

Getting the quarterback on the ground with the football in his hands stops drives, or makes the conversion of a down into another first down extremely difficult. Last year, Jared Allen missed the first two games and still led the league in sacks with 15.5, which translates to more than one a game. Now Allen plays for the Vikings, who were already No. 1 against the run, but No. 32 against the pass.

Allen is in the perfect storm to lead the NFL in sacks once again. Barring injury, he will play 16 games instead of 14. Last year, the Vikings were thrown at by opponents 646 times, while the Chiefs were subjected to defending just 462 pass attempts (and Allen missed the first 56 passes due to a two-game suspension). In fact, Allen only played against 406 pass plays, meaning he recorded one sack every 26 pass rushes. If he keeps up his ratio of 1:26, and teams throw it another 646, he could break the 20-sack line. Kevin and Pat Williams are still inside collapsing the pocket, and the same defense that stopped the run so well is back intact, so Allen looks like the odds-on favorite to lead the league in sacks with a big number.

Are there any other candidates who could challenge him for the individual title?
It usually takes a good pass rusher on the other side of the defensive line to balance up the protection, and it doesn't hurt if a guy is playing on a team that gets leads early and forces opponents into a one-dimensional pass attack. Give a defensive lineman a chance to pin his ears back and go, and the sacks will follow. Patrick Kerney of the Seahawks was the runner-up last year with 14.5 sacks, and he plays on a good team in a division that features Arizona, St. Louis and San Francisco. Last year, Kerney had nine of his 14.5 sacks within the division, and now Mike Martz is running the 49ers' offense, which means more passing. Kerney rushes from the left end position and he gets to beat right offensive tackles. He will be in the upper echelon again this year.

Right behind Kerney were a pair of young pass rushers with 14 sacks each. DeMarcus Ware plays in the Cowboys' aggressive 3-4 package, while Mario Williams is featured in the Texans' 4-3 defense. Ware will get plenty of opportunities because the Cowboys force teams to throw the ball, especially late in games when they have leads. Williams is an even more impressive story when you consider the Texans struggle to win games and the supporting cast around him is average. Williams is a marked man when teams play the Texans, yet he still gets to the quarterback. Williams didn't make the Pro Bowl last year, but he should have gone to Hawaii. This year, Williams makes the trip and he should surpass last year's sack total as he just keeps getting better each game.

Email:

hey,

i have a question for sports sturm.

how much do practice squad players get paid?

thanks,
drew

The Answer:

There is some serious negotiating going on in NFL front offices today for certain players. No, none of these players are household names to anyone but the most hardcore NFL fans. These are Practice Squad (“PS”) players, some of which are being recruited by several teams. The 2008 minimum for a PS player is $5,200 per week, which is the amount the vast majority of them – there are eight per team — will receive. However, there are several negotiations going on now to lure PS players from their incumbent team to another. The recruiting is usually about opportunity but also, of course, about money. Coming out of today, there will be a few PS players making first-year active salary. That pay is 1/17th of $295,000, or $17,353 per week, compared to $5,200 a week (all amounts count against the Cap). More than anyone knows, PS players are valuable properties for NFL teams. Today’s activity – teams started signing their Practice Squads yesterday – is proof.

Sports Scientists analysis of the final medal counts …

The Shield Review of Ep 1 …

Jared Allen = Bad man



And now, the gold of the blog: Terrence Newman on a Roller Coaster – Good job, DMN!

Newman Final
by bsap11

AFC Predictions

As predicted by me, Sept 3, 2008...

AFC EAST

NE 11-5
NJ 9-7
Buff 8-8
Mia 5-11

AFC WEST

SD 12-4
Den 10-6
KC 4-12
Oak 4-12

AFC NORTH

Pitt 10-6
Cle 9-7
Balt 6-10
Cin 6-10

AFC SOUTH

Ind 11-5
Jax 10-6
Ten 9-7
Hou 7-9

#1 Seed SD
#2 Seed Ind
#3 Seed NE
#4 Seed Pitt
#5 Seed Jax
#6 Seed Den

AFC Title Indianapolis at San Diego
SuperBowl Dallas v Colts
Dallas wins

Getting Ready for the Browns

I received an email this morning from a guy who could not believe that the Cowboys trailed the all-time series with the Cleveland Browns. Well, believe it.

According to the 2008 Cowboys media guide, there are actually 5 teams that have the edge on the Cowboys:

Baltimore Ravens: 2-0 – or 19-11 as the old Browns
Cleveland Browns: 17-11; (0-1) as the new Browns
Miami Dolphins: 8-4
Oakland Raiders: 6-3
San Francisco 49ers: 16-14-1

A few more have tied all-time records:

Denver Broncos: 5-5
Houston Texans: 1-1
Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-2
St Louis Rams: 14-14

That is it, though. The other 22 teams have losing records against Dallas. 22-5-4 is a fair Win-Loss record, no? I can’t imagine anyone else can match that.

Cleveland Plain Dealer Scouts the Cowboys …

Coach: Wade Phillips, 13-4, second year; 61-42 overall.

Series record: Browns lead, 17-11, counting postseason.

Most recent meeting: Cowboys won, 19-12, Sept. 19, 2004, in Irving.

League rankings: Offense was third overall (17th rush, fourth pass), defense was ninth overall (sixth rush, 13th pass), and turnover differential was plus-5 (2007).
Offensive overview

When everything's going right, it looks like the Browns on a good day. They like to run the ball to set up a play-action passing game that pushes the ball vertically, not horizontally. Their one-two receiving punch is a dangerous, physical receiver (Terrell Owens) and an athletic, pass-catching tight end (Jason Witten). Their Pro Bowl quarterback (Tony Romo) emerged from a modest background and had a breakout year in 2007. Sound familiar? One change this season is making bruising runner Marion Barber their feature back. However, with injuries to an already-suspect receiving corps, they may incorporate rookie change-of-pace back Felix Jones into the passing game. Setting it all up is a huge offensive line with Pro Bowlers at left tackle (Flozell Adams), center (Andre Gurode) and right guard (Leonard Davis).
Defensive overview

Their defense is aggressive, stops the run and attacks quarterbacks with a pair of fast outside linebackers. They're not afraid to blitz or play man coverage in the secondary. No, this is not the same brand of 3-4 played by the Browns. Bookend rushers DeMarcus Ware (14 sacks in 2007) and Greg Ellis (12.5) can change games by themselves, as long as opponents are having trouble running the ball. The other strength of the defense is the secondary, featuring four first-round draft choices and one in the second. The unit is so deep that one former No. 1, safety Roy Williams, may get more bench time as ex-Browns cornerback Anthony Henry takes on new responsibilities in the "dime" defense, allowing Adam "Pacman" Jones to move outside. Henry also could be assigned exclusively to Kellen Winslow in multiple-receiver formations.

Special teams overview

As a rookie, kicker Nick Folk was strong and accurate. He missed only once in preseason, from 50 yards. Punter Mat McBriar was fourth last year with a 47.1-yard gross average and has a knack for hard-to-handle, end-over-end kicks. The return units appear in good shape with Adam "Pacman" Jones handling punts and rookie Felix Jones slated to return kickoffs. The coverage teams have been a big question mark, hastening the return of Keith Davis this week after his release from Miami.
Players to watch

Quarterback Tony Romo: The undrafted free agent-turned-celebrity quarterback has a big arm, a trophy girlfriend in Jessica Simpson, a new $67.5 million contract - everything but a win in a big game.

Receiver Terrell Owens: The most recent time he visited Cleveland with Philadelphia, he hit the Browns for 109 yards and a pair of touchdown catches. Remember the stadium banner "T.O. has B.O."?

Linebacker DeMarcus Ware: Bill Parcells' No. 1 lasting contribution to the team, his 25.5 sacks the past two years are second-most among NFL linebackers.

Injury report

WR Miles Austin (knee), WR Sam Hurd (ankle), LG Kyle Kosier (foot) and OLB Anthony Spencer (knee) are out.

Small world

Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry was a Browns fourth-round draft pick in 2001 and played with them through 2004. . . . Cowboys secondary coach Dave Campo was Browns defensive coordinator in 2003 and '04. . . . Cowboys defensive line coach Todd Grantham was Browns defensive coordinator in 2005 through '07.

- Tony Grossi

Derek Anderson good to go for the Browns …

Browns quarterback Derek Anderson practiced full-go Monday for the first time since suffering a concussion Aug. 18 and is expected to start Sunday's opener against the Cowboys.

Coach Romeo Crennel stopped short of declaring him ready to start because he wants to see how Anderson responds to a full practice in bright sunlight. But Browns General Manager Phil Savage said on Saturday, "I feel like he'll be ready to play this week."

Anderson wasn't available during the open locker-room session because the team wanted him to have a practice under his belt before talking to the media.

"We'll see what he can do [Monday]," Crennel said. "If he can handle himself, the possibility is greater."

Crennel said doctors will be looking for things besides Anderson's ability to handle sunlight -- although he'll get somewhat of a break from that with a 4:15 p.m. start against the Cowboys.

"I think [the doctors] need to see that he can handle the verbiage of the offense, be able to handle the checks and do the things that a quarterback has to do," Crennel said. "If he can do those things and doesn't have any headaches afterward, chances are they'll let him go."

Anderson was one of a handful of key players who returned to practice Monday. The others were receiver Braylon Edwards (foot), safety Sean Jones (knee), linebacker Willie McGinest (groin), linebacker Antwan Peek (knee) and offensive lineman Ryan Tucker (hip). Several of those, including Jones and Tucker, were limited.

Special teams star Josh Cribbs (high ankle sprain) dressed and participated in a light special-teams walk-through, but went inside when the regular practice began.

Four players sat out practice, including three starters. They were running back Jamal Lewis (hamstring), safety Brodney Pool (concussion) and right guard Rex Hadnot (knee). Rookie tight end Martin Rucker also rested. Of the three missing starters, Lewis appears to have the best chance of playing Sunday, but the team wanted to give him two more days to heal his hamstring.

"It's game time and everybody wants to play, so all of them are working really hard to try to be active," Crennel said. "After [Monday], they've got a day off, so they'll come back on Wednesday and I think we'll have a better idea about where these guys stand and how they'll be able to help us Sunday against Dallas."

Like Anderson, Edwards was kept from addressing the media until he practices, but the two looked crisp in the individual drills during the open first half-hour. Anderson, practicing without a visor on his helmet, completed several short and intermediate passes to Edwards, Donte Stallworth and the other receivers.

The workweek -- with the extra day on Monday -- will be vital for Anderson, who missed the final two preseason games and the last two weeks of practice after getting dinged on a sack by the New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora during an exhibition game. Anderson, who played only one series against the New York Jets on Aug. 7 because of a storm, completed 8 of 15 attempts in preseason for 40 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. His longest completion was 10 yards.

What's more, he was still working on his in-game timing with newcomer Stallworth.

"When a guy misses [preseason games], he's got to get back in sync with the guys that he's going to be throwing to and making the calls and the checks at the line of scrimmage," Crennel said. "But the fact that he has a year under his belt in this system, if he can get this week in, I think that'll help him."

Edwards, who appeared to be running fine coming off his lacerated right foot, caught only one pass in preseason for 2 yards, but what a fine 2-yarder it was -- the nifty one-handed touchdown from Anderson against the Jets in which he spun around at the last second to snare the ball. It was the only series the two played together in preseason, but they were in perfect sync before that during camp.

For all of your Cowboys blogging needs, please keep my friends in mind over at www.blueandsilverreport.com - Rafeal and Raul are on the case over there with good stuff daily that is not basic and obvious stuff.

Here is today’s offering …

As I noted yesterday, Winslow lined up as a receiver on 75% of his plays, far more than any TE in the game.The Browns in effect run a three receiver offense, which suggests Dallas may go to its nickel a lot on early downs in order to match up. Dallas won’t go man-to-man on every down or maybe even on the majority of its downs, as the Cowboys like to zone blitz a lot.

When Dallas does match up, we might see a repeat of the strategy the team employed against New England’s three WR sets last year. In that game Dallas gave safety help to the corner who matched up against Randy Moss and took its chances on Donte Stallworth and Wes Welker. The Cowboys matched up well against the wide outs for three quarters but could not win in the slot, where Welker destroyed Nate Jones.
Terence Newman did not play in that game and his presence Sunday could allow the Cowboys to match up 1 through 3. Newman will likely get Edwards. #2 Anthony Henry, the biggest Cowboys corner at 6′1″, 207, would get the 6′4″ 240 lb. Winslow and Adam Jones will get Stallworth. Jones has improved every game for Dallas but would likely get some safety assistance; he’s a hyper-aggressive CB who tries to jump everything short and he had a lot of trouble in Oxnard and in the early games when he faced fast WRs.

Cleveland could use more three WR sets to try and create better interior matchups for Winslow, but they’ve lost Joe Jurivicius for the season and #4 Joshua Cribbs for the game. They will rely on 4th and 5th WRs Syndric Steptoe and Paul Hubbard. Dallas can emphathize.

Up front, the Cowboys front seven will match up against a Browns line considered one of the best in the NFL. The Cleveland line allowed just 10 sacks last year, according to Scientific Football ’08’s line blocking metrics, lowest in the game. The Browns invested heavily in their line last year, picking LT Joe Thomas 3rd overall in the draft and spending a mint to lure LG Eric Steinbach from Cincinnati. They formed an effective left side of the Browns line.

The line was doubly effective when you consider that Cleveland flexed Winslow off the tackles so much, meaning the Browns backup tight ends and backs were very effective at assisting their linemen.

The Cowboys are a blitzing team that likes to rush five men on most passing downs. They prefer to send both OLBs, Demarcus Ware and Greg Ellis together, in addition to the line. Dallas will probably try this early, to learn if the Browns can handle both of them without assistance. Ware and Ellis combined for 26.5 sacks last year, almost as many as the entire Cleveland team (28 sacks). The Browns have two very good pass blocking tackles, in Thomas and RT Kevin Shaffer. Each gave up only two sacks last year. However, it’s very hard to block two blitzing OLBs with an offensive line without sacrificing interior protection.

And the interior is probably the weakness of Cleveland’s protection. Steinback gave up 3.5 sacks and C Hank Fraley surrendered 2.5, the two highest totals on the line. The Cowboys will likely rotate rushing NTs Jay Ratliff and Tank Johnson at Fraley. Also look for Dallas to fake outside blitzes and try interior stunts and blitzes with SOLB Bradie James. The Browns had a lot of trouble in their preseason games handling interior blitzes and their QBs took a lot of shots. I expect the Cowboys to test the Browns inside and keep testing then until the blitzes don’t work.

Dallas will want to hit Anderson early and test his mettle. He missed the last two Browns games recovering from a concussion he suffered when Osi Umenyiora slammed his head into the Meadowland’s turf. Reports today said the Browns are optimistic Anderson can play. The Cowboys will try to make his afternoon to be a short one. If the can stay upright, they’re hoping the pressure can produce more bad decisions and several turnovers.

Meanwhile, the Rangers win, But Laird is tired of being jerked around …

Catcher Gerald Laird has let it be known that he is not happy with having to split time 50-50 with Taylor Teagarden the rest of the season.

With Jarrod Saltalamacchia out for the season, the Rangers want to see how Teagarden plays on a semi-regular basis.

Among the comments pre-game by Laird:

"I'm real disappointed. It looks like I'm only going to get half the games. What can I say? I'll do the best I can. But they have to decide this off-season. I'm kind of tired of this stuff. I feel like they owe it to all of us to make a decision. I just want some clarity. If they're going to go with one of them, then give me a chance to go somewhere else.''

Also:

"I don't want to be doing this the next couple of years. I feel honestly like this was may be my last month as a Ranger. I feel almost like my time here is almost over. I love it here, but I want a chance to play everyday. I'm not saying I want to be traded. I just don't want to deal with this situation again. I just want to know going into camp if I'm going to have a chance to play everyday.''

Big 12’s better than awful matchups this weekend …

Cincinnati at Oklahoma (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC) -- The Sooners are facing the Big 12's only challenge from a BCS conference opponent this week. And Brian Kelly's team isn't bad after making six bowl trips in the last eight seasons, including three-straight wins from 2004 to the present.

Texas at UTEP (10:15 p.m., ESPN2) -- What a difference 14 years makes. The Longhorns will be traveling to the Sun Bowl for the first time since beating Mack Brown's North Carolina team there in the 1994 Sun Bowl. Who would have ever thought Brown could have ended up coaching the Longhorns?

Texas A&M at New Mexico (6 p.m., Versus) -- This one will test the Aggies resiliency coming back from their late collapse against Arkansas State. The Lobos have beaten two of their last three Big 12 foes and will be a test for the Aggies.

Houston at Oklahoma State -- The Cowboys have enough players from the Houston area and still remember their loss in 2006, so this will be about revenge. It also represents new Houston coach Kevin Sumlin's return against a Big 12 opponent after working on Bob Stoops' staff at Oklahoma.

Texas Tech at Nevada -- Enough cracks were shown against Eastern Washington to make this potentially a harrowing trip to the Silver State for the Red Raiders. And their defensive lapses aren't a good sign heading into a contest against a Nevada team that produced 426 rushing yards and 629 yards in its opener against Grambling.

Aggies try to nurse their substantial wounds …

The Aggies failed to score on their final eight possessions. They had four turnovers, missed two field goals and allowed 280 rushing yards in a complete and demoralizing loss that seeped through all parts of the team. The Aggies produced 103 yards and four first downs in a scoreless second half as the Red Wolves convincingly outplayed them down the stretch.

"We were pretty honest with them about what we need to do better the next time we get this opportunity," Sherman said. "But I think dealing with the present is the best way to deal with things. I told them we were going to beat ourselves up on this loss for 24 hours and then after that we flushed it out. And if we had won the game, we would have done the same thing."

It won't get any easier. The Aggies figure to be challenged by New Mexico's unique blitzing defense that relies on an extra linebacker in its base defense.

But McGee said his team is intent on turning things around quickly after meeting with Sherman and purging themselves after the loss.

"[Coach Sherman] took responsibility like a leader does, and he wants us to be men about it, too, and understand we're all disappointed and that it hurts to lose a game like that," McGee said.

"You have to learn to deal with adversity. It shapes people and you really find [out] a lot about your character. We can go one way or the other after a loss like that. And hopefully we'll be able to handle it in the right way."

HEY! It is the return of This week in unintentional comedy with the FW Star Telegram! ….

Where have you been?

Mascots in parachutes? More, please….

EPL: Round 3 - Gunners Bounce Back

Weekend #3 in the Premiership was a bit of a let down with Manchester United playing a pointless game out of the league against someone named Zenit St Petersburg who won the pointless UEFA Cup last spring so only 3 of the big 4 were in action.

Meanwhile, the transfer window closed with United getting Berbatov from Spurs, and Chelsea being beaten for the young Brazilian Robinho when the new Arab owners in Manchester’s other half snagged him. Is there a new member of the Big 4? It appears they have huge cash to burn…

This week’s action:

Arsenal 3, Newcastle United 0 as Arsenal bounced back from their loss at Fulham to pound Newcastle with a great showing from Robin Van Persie. This contest could have easily been 5-0, as Arsenal was never challenged, and created plenty when the mood stuck. They are talented enough to impress on any given weekend, but are they mature enough not to trip?

Chelsea 1, Tottenham 1 as Chelsea dropped 2 big home points when they sacrificed a goal before the half and could not break through in the 2nd half at Stamford Bridge. Belletti scored early for Chelsea, Darren Bent before the intermission for Spurs. Nik Anelka was the lone attacker for a Chelsea team that is still without the injured Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack, and others. Meanwhile, with No Robinho coming, the devastating Chelsea looked far more human.

Aston Villa 0, Liverpool 0 - Liverpool made it 3 unimpressive showings in a row as they traveled to Villa for a 0-0 cracker. Without Steven Gerrard throughout, Liverpool lost Fernando Torres in the first half to a hamstring and from then on looked to be there to merely stay undefeated. Robbie Keane had a chance, but otherwise, Liverpool looked pretty unconvincing. Meanwhile, Villa, still mad about the Gareth Barry summer of love with the Reds, were unable to get their first win against Liverpool in 15 attempts.


Story of the Week: Manchester City is now rich! And they beat out Roman and Chelski for Robinho …

Manchester City demonstrated their new-found status as the richest club on the planet when the billionaire Arabs who have bought the club from Thaksin Shinawatra stunned Roman Abramovich late last night by signing Robinho from under the noses of Chelsea.

The Brazilian has cost a British-record £32.5m after a remarkable transfer-deadline day in which Manchester United managed to rush through Dimitar Berbatov's signing on a four year-deal for a fee of £30.75m - which also includes a year-long loan of Fraizer Campbell to Spurs, who will drop their complaint about United's "tapping-up" of the Bulgarian. After that Abramovich was left under no illusion that Chelsea are no longer the financial superpower of English football.

Never has Abramovich lost out in a straight battle of money for a player's transfer. And never before have City had the financial muscle that comes from being backed by an organisation as powerful as the Abu Dhabi United Group, comprising members of the super-rich United Arab Emirates royal family and the multi-billionaire Sulaiman Al Fahim.

On a seminal day that saw Thaksin sell the club for £210m and relinquish his chairmanship, Robinho's arrival represents an immediate statement of intent - a box-office signing that takes their spending to £70m since Mark Hughes replaced Sven-Goran Eriksson as manager.

After 3 Rounds (sort of):

Chelsea 3 Games Played: 7 Points (2 Points Dropped)
Liverpool 3 GP: 7 Points (2 PD)
Arsenal 3 GP: 6 Points (3 PD)
Manchester United 2 GP: 4 Points (2 PD)

Next action is not until September 13th, as World Cup Qualifiers take center stage:

Sept 13: Manchester United at Liverpool, 6:45 - Setanta
Sept 13: Chelsea at Manchester City, 9:00 - TBA
Sept 13: Arsenal at Blackburn, 11:30 – Fox Soccer Channel

Back from Guatemala Trip 3

Happy Tuesday morning to you as the blog is back and ready to roll. I have returned from my 3rd voyage to Guatemala with some level of fatigue and mosquito bites, but it is all good. Or, Todo Bueno.

I feel compelled once again to tell you a bit about my experience rather than catch you up on the Rangers news of the day. This trip has become as big a deal to me as anything on my calendar, and I dare say that this particular mission trip was the best so far.

We flew in Wednesday to Guatemala City and got settled in as we prepared for our busy days to come. On Thursday, it was a 2-fold endeavor. First, we stopped and played with the boys and girls at the Buckner Baby Home . These kids ranging from ages 0-7 are so special to the 6 of us on this trip because we have now seen them multiple times and are seeing them grow up before our very eyes. It is wonderful to see these children, who have been abandoned by their families, growing up surrounded by much love. Also, many are finally receiving the medical attention and procedures that they have needed. They are kids that have an abnormal start to their lives for sure, but they are surely normal in their love for playing with toys, playing on their playground equipment, or just a fun round of “freeze dance”.



When you go, you feel drawn to one or two children in particular that you hit it off with. For me, this time it was Krystal, who is nearly 3. She has pretty severe issues with her left eye, and on top of that only has a family comprised completely of the good people who serve at the baby home. But her heart is so sweet and I played with her for quite a while and learned what sounds are made by a perros, cabellos, gatos, y vacas. I really wish my kids could have played with her, too. Adorable. The boys were all geared up in their superhero costumes and ready to test who would really win in a battle between Batman, Superman, Buzz Lightyear, and Spider Man (or El Hombre Arana). I think it was too close to call.

After our time with them was past, we me the 7 boys from the boys transitional home …That home is comprised with boys 14-18 who are selected from the San Gabriel orphanage to prepare for independent living and adult life that is ahead. Currently Buckner has 1 boys home in Guatemala City, but are soon to open a 2nd. Each one can house about 7 or 8 boys, and a host family that is very neat. Some of the guys on our trip knew these boys back in 2005 or 2006 when they were just one of the many faces at the hopeless orphanage. Now, they seem very well adjusted and full of hope for their futures. We met them for some soccer, and were pretty promptly shown how weak our game is compared to high school age boys from Guatemala.

These boys are what it is all about. They have come through their childhoods with a chance. One of them wants to be an airplane mechanic, and another a veterinarian. The fact that they have aspirations is so wonderful, because when you talk to boys who live in the San Gabriel orphanage, it is tough to find a single one who has any dreams of their future. But these boys have survived it, and now see that there is more to life than the abuse, poverty, and fear of their childhood.

On Friday and Saturday, we spent the majority of our time at San Gabriel. These boys (approx 40 boys, between ages 8-16) are housed in a former prison that you can only reach by driving through a garbage dump. To suggest it is the place the world forgot doesn’t seem to be too much of a reach. The boys all get here in different ways, but they find themselves together in a state-run orphanage where the game of survival is played every day.



We ran a sports camp and I was put in charge of “Los Escorpions Rojo”. Our team was great at basketball, not so much at soccer or baseball. The boys are pretty excited to have someone to play with, but boys being boys, there is some level of officiating that is done as fights do occasionally break out.

Fights though, are just part of the problems there. The place seems surely understaffed, and the resources there are only what the Guatemalan government supplies. Only after Buckner got involved did the place receive their own water well. Previously, the boys would use dirty dish water to drink after a hot afternoon of soccer. Also, being boys, they wear out their shoes way quicker than new ones are supplied, and therefore have shoes that look like they needed to be replaced long, long ago.

The most powerful part of my trip to San Gabriel is that I now know some of these boys very well. For instance, Martin is a boy I have now played with last September, last March, and now this week. He instantly remembers me, and we talk with my terribly poor Spanish. What a great kid with a great smile. I am sure he could grow up to be very useful to society if we could only get him a chance. So many boys are like that, and right now Buckner and others are trying desperately to help, but they only have so much money to spend on it. They can take some kids out of these places, but the numbers game is overwhelming – for every child Buckner can house, there must be 100 more they cannot.



On Sunday, we did something we have never done before. We took the 7 transitional boys on a trip that they have never had. We decided to take them on a field trip I don’t think they will ever forget to the Mayan Ruins of Tikal. What a place. The boys were amazed to ride on an airplane (which is something they have never done) and just enjoy leaving Guatemala city for the day. The flight was about 25 minutes to Flores, and then we were on a tour bus to Tikal.



The Ruins have been shown in all sorts of movies, and is one of the more remarkable archeological finds ever. 3,000 buildings from the Mayan culture still exist, and we were able to tour, climb, and examine them right in the middle of the rain forest. This walk was long and hot, but altogether amazing as most of us from Lewisville are not used to a jungle that features spider monkeys overhead, tarantulas on the trees, snakes, crocodiles, toucans, and countless other animals in every direction. It was mind blowing, and the boys were having the time of their lives.



Then, before we headed back, we took the group “zip-lining”. I may have never been so scared in my life. At times 70-80 feet in the trees of the rain forest, I was terrified, and kind of participating out of peer pressure. But, once I made it through the first ride or two, I was ok. Worked on my technique, did not look down, and was having the time of my life at the end. The boys were quite pleased with that event, too, as the laughter was everywhere.



Exhausted, we flew back Sunday night, said our goodbyes to our friends. Some of the boys were in tears – as they tried to express their gratitude for one of the most enjoyable days of their lives. Then we flew back to Dallas early Monday Morning and rejoined our lives – already in progress.

These kids mean the world to me. Some are a few months old, and some are 18. But they all have a better chance than they did before Buckner got involved. Like I said, this is my 3rd trip, and I expected it would not be so tough on my emotions now that I am used to it. But, exactly the opposite is true. Now, that I know the kids – and some of them remember the big, bald, white guy – often called “Calvicie” – it is heartbreaking to feel helpless at times to solve their problems. It is now tougher to know that so many more need to be helped and loved.

I cannot wait to see my friends again. Thanks for reading this.

My blog entry from March’s visit …

Buckner's Promo Video



Some Video of Zip Lining in Tikal (Not us, but you will get the idea)



Tomorrow, back to sports. I promise.

See DJ Jazzy Jeff for Free!

Event: Victory Party – celebrating the release of Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway for the PC/Xbox & PS3 and Samba de Amigo for the Wii.

Date/Time: Friday, September 5th 2008 – Doors at 8:30pm

Location: The Palladium Ballroom on South Lamar, Dallas.

Entertainment: Candy West and the Whatchamacallits (40’s era Jazz band), Josh Taylor (local guitarist) and ending with the most amazing DJ ever, DJ Jazzy Jeff featuring MC Skillz.

Restrictions: 21 years and up only

Web Link (RSVP): Click Here to RSVP (list Bad Radio as ‘who invited them’)

Labor Day Weekend Reading

Here at Bob’s Blog we just learned what a “label” is. For those others who use the net without understanding the net, it means that you can label each post and then easily find them by the simplicity of a keyword search or somesuch. Given that today is post #1150, I thought some organization could greatly help this blog’s greatest asset: It’s ability to go all the way back and read the archives to January of 2005. So, while I am in Guatemala, here is some light/heavy reading for you by simply clicking on the labels below, you may access everything that applies to said category:

2007 Cowboys Season Game Notes

2006 Cowboys Season Game Notes

2008 Dallas Stars Playoff Game Notes

2008 Dallas Mavericks Playoff Game Notes (a fairly small file)

More to come, but that should hold you through the Labor Day weekend.
Adios.