People will say that Romo is Mr. September. That Terrell Owens and team owner Jerry Jones are an explosion waiting to happen in the locker room. That coach Wade Phillips has a 0-4-playoff record. That the Cowboys last won a playoff game back in 1996.
While criticism is warranted, I think some of that criticism is excessive.
Prior to Dallas, Phillips had last been a head coach for a full season in 2000. He had lost all three playoff games on the road. One of those was the Music City Miracle. Romo has a 0-2-playoff record.
Bradshaw was 1-2 to start the playoffs, with his sole win being the Immaculate Reception. Peyton Manning went 0-3 before winning his first playoff game, including a 41-0 spanking by the Jets. Eli Manning was 0-2 in the playoffs before his Super Bowl run. Two playoff games are not enough to earn a title of Mr. September.
The Cowboys had a disappointing end to the season, and I’m not sure what to think of them. I do think that Romo and Phillips handled the bye week poorly, prior to the NY Giants game.
That said I think that failure could make them stronger. Still, when you hear stories about Jessica sending Romo “pictures” of her that are just waiting to be leaked to the paparazzi, you have to wonder what circus awaits Dallas in 2008.
The Cowboys have the most individual talent in the NFC in 2008. If they can find a way to gel that, they should be playing in February. If they can’t, they are very beatable and could make for another interesting January in the NFC.
This game has all the storylines. NFC East rivalry. T.O. vs. McNabb. Romo and Jessica. I wasn’t sure who to pick to represent the NFC, and I’ve always believed that when in doubt, go with the most talented team.
That is clearly the Cowboys. I look for the Cowboys to advance to their first Super Bowl since 1995, behind the strength of their offense and a defense that will put enough pressure on the Eagles to put them over the top.
Score: Dallas Cowboys 31–Philadelphia Eagles 20
Super Bowl
Dallas Cowboys vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
This will be the ultimate test for the Jaguars. The Cowboys have speed on both sides of the ball. They can score points in bunches and put pressure on the quarterback.
The reason I like the Jaguars is that they have the ability to run the ball and control the clock with their defense. They don’t have the sexiest names on offense. Neither did the Giants in 2007.
I think they have a great coach in Jack Del Rio. The running game is very versatile. They have a defense that can force turnovers and stop the run. Finally, they added some pass rushers to help put pressure on Brady and Manning.
That will help them against Romo. He didn’t handle that very well at times last season and is prone to interceptions. That is never good in a Super Bowl.
While I think Dallas has a great team, I don’t think they do the little things. They don’t pay attention to the small details, and they tend to make too many mistakes. I’m not ready to bet on Tony Romo as a Super Bowl champion. I look for the defensive-minded Jags to bring home the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy.
Score: Jacksonville Jaguars 30-Dallas Cowboys 21
What is your Super Bowl prediction in 2008? Do you like one of the early favorites like the Chargers, Colts, Cowboys, or Patriots? Do you like the Giants to repeat? Do you have a dark horse that nobody is talking about? Let me know your thoughts.
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