Bleacher Report - Articles by Andy Simpson

The Three Who Got Fleeced by the Marcin Gortat Signing Fiasco

Andy Simpson — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:25:41 -0400

I know you think this is an easy answer: Mark Cuban, Donnie Nelson, and Rick Carlisle. You're partially right. Below I'll give you three people/groups who got fleeced in one way or another in the Marcin Gortat Fiasco.

Dallas Mavericks Front Office

Many have suggested that Cuban and Co. played their hand much too early by offering Gortat an offer sheet very soon after the free agency discussions began, and maybe so.

They had to be worried about the Rockets, who are preparing for life with no Yao Ming, offering Gortat a deal as well. Overall, though, Gortat and the Mavs were reporting he would be in Dallas, so the Mavericks were the first to get fooled.

Orlando Magic Front Office

In the next four years, the Magic will pay Gortat $28 million and Brandon Bass $18 million for a total of $46 million overall and $11.5 million per year. This for a backup center to Dwight Howard and a backup power forward who will be starting because the Magic LOST THEIR BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER!

Nice job, Otis. Coming off a Finals loss, you lost Hedo Turkoglu and overpaid some backups in an old arena with plummeting revenue. Way to build negative momentum.

ESPN.com's John Hollinger

Hollinger wrote an insider column the other day praising Otis Smith for a "spectacular piece of card playing" for signing "Marcin Gortat, the Polish backup center who is unlikely to play more than 10 minutes a game next season" to a five-year, $34 million dollar contract.

What? $7 million to play 10 minutes or less? How is that good card playing? Even if he is talented, no one can afford to stash someone for a near-maximum contract in a recession. If Hollinger likes the way Otis plays cards, we've got a spot for him at our poker table.

Gideon in the Bible had a "golden fleece"; now the NBA has its "Magic fleece."

For more great reading...

Check out Alex McVeigh's outstanding article on the Marcin Gortat Fiasco.

Jan. 2, 1994: The Day Emmitt Smith Carried America's Team

Andy Simpson — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:18:29 -0400

You could say Emmitt Smith carried the Dallas Cowboys, better known as America's Team, many times over the course of his Hall of Fame career.

I was born a fan of America's Team, so I never had the moment that made me a fan. On Jan. 2, 1994, however, I became a fan forever.

The Cowboys won their first Super Bowl since my diaper years following the 1992 season. Going in to the final day of the 1993 season, Dallas stood at 11-4 and trailed the Giants for the division lead.

That January day at the Meadowlands, the Cowboys jumped out to a quick 13-0 lead.

Then, POP!

With 1:58 left in the first half, Smith's shoulder separated on a brutal tackle by Greg Smith. Early in the second half, the Giants had tied the game at 13-13.

Knowing this was the game the Cowboys had to have to secure a home playoff game, Smith begged the trainers to get him on the field. He couldn't lift his arm above his chest, so the trainers taped it to his side and covered the shoulder with extra knee pads.

Every time Emmitt fell, Nate Newton or teammate pulled him up and put him back in the huddle. I never understood "team" until those moments.

Smith finished with 229 yards, touching the ball on nine of 12 plays on the game-winning drive, including the final five.

When Eddie Murray kicked the game-winning field goal with 6:43 left in overtime, I remember the pride and inspiration more than the thrill of victory.

And I remember how I will always long to be a part of an effort like that, even if it's just from the bleachers.

"11" Reasons the Dallas Cowboys Will Win the NFC East in 2009

Andy Simpson — Mon, 25 May 2009 02:13:47 -0400

The Dallas Cowboys can and will win the NFC East in 2009.

The statisticians and experts can sing the praises of the great moves the Eagles and Giants made during this offseason.

Dallas hasn't made the same great moves in free agency or drafted any impact players. However, the Cowboys have several off-the-field factors that have galvanized this team and should make them the Beast of the East this coming season.

Below you'll find 11 reasons, in honor of Roy Williams, that tell you how and why.

1. Improved chemistry—This may be the most-talked about, and talked-to-death, aspect of the upcoming season in Dallas. However, the Cowboys could sure be helped by not dealing with T.O.'s tweets and all else that comes with the mercurial wide receiver.

Despite being great guys, cutting loose Safety Roy Williams and Greg Ellis will rid the Cowboys of two guys constantly upset with their roles on the team.

2. Offseason work—The Dallas media has also run stories of Tony Romo and Roy Williams working out, everyday on the ground. Again though, you have to acknowledge the benefits of this workout chemistry and new-found timing between Romo and his new No. 1 receiver.

3. Injuries balance out—Football Outsiders say the Cowboys were the healthiest team in the NFL from 2003-2007. So, last year, the pendulum swung back and Dallas suffered several key injuries. If the Cowboys return closer toward a healthy extreme, or at least to the mean, Dallas won't suffer from key losses while playing in the toughest division in football.

4. Tony Romo is tired—If you listen to Romo's interviews after OTAs the last couple of days, you would notice something very different about him.

The quarterback is tired of T.O., tired of playoff failure, tired of his own celebrity, and tired of being a great quote. When being "just happy to be here" is no longer good enough, players develop the edge needed to advance to the next level.

5. Improved running game—In Marion Barber III and Tashard Choice, the Cowboys have two chain-moving backs that have proven themselves against teams in tough December and January games.

Felix Jones is a legitimate game-breaker, ready to emerge as a go-to highlight on Sportscenter this year. The offensive line has been together for three years now, and Year Three seems to be when line continuity can make a line dominant.

6. Two-headed tight end monster—Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett are the best tight end combination in the NFL. Most experts consider Witten to be the most complete tight end alive, and Bennett averaged 14 yards per catch and had four touchdowns as a rookie.

7. The best pass rush in football—Our mutual friend Bill Simmons has a theory that in this age of parody in the NFL, the team that does one thing better than anyone else does their best thing should win the Super Bowl, i.e. 2007 Giants' pass rush.

The Dallas Cowboys have had the best pass rush in football going back to the St. Louis game in Week Seven, when DeMarcus Ware had three sacks. With the team breaking even along the front seven during free agency, the pass rush unit should be the story of the 2009 Cowboys.

8. Joe DeCamillis—Before Coach Joe 2.0 turned into a Willis Reed-type story at OTAs, he had already impressed all observers with his attention to detail and passion for special teams. After the disaster that was Bruce Read, Dallas will reap huge rewards from hiring DeCamillis to be Special Teams Moses.

9. Media backing off?—For Tony Romo and every other guy with a star on his helmet, living in a 24 hour media circus can wear you down and hurt your on-field performance.

With T.O. in Buffalo and the collapse at the end of the last three seasons, the national (not the local) media have migrated to better stories for the time being.

10. Demarcus Ware wants to get paid—Ware will lead the NFL in sacks again and challenge for Defensive Player of the Year, either to justify a newly-signed contract or upcoming monster contract.

11. Careers at crossroads—Wade Phillips has never held a head coaching job longer than three years, and this is his third in Dallas. Tony Romo has had three consecutive disastrous ends to his season. Jerry Jones traded for a true No. 1 Receiver in Roy Williams, and so far Williams has played like No. 2.

Considering all of these reasons and more, these players have to prove they can succeed in the spotlight of the Cowboys, or find themselves being exiled to Buffalo or Cincinnati where the lights aren't quite so bright.

If Roy Williams' work habits and the other 10 reasons on the list impact Dallas on the field this year, expect the Cowboys to open Cowboys Stadium with an NFC East Champion banner and the first playoff win since 1996.

Michael Vick Is Free. Does Anyone Know Where Jerry Jones Is?

Andy Simpson — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:21:27 -0400

Has anybody seen Jerry Jones?

Somebody call his son Stephen! Call Wade Phillips! Call Jason Garrett! Call Ed Werder!

With news of Michael Vick's release, Jerry could be in a potentially self-destructive (and franchise-destructive) mental state right now. The Cowboys haven't signed a ex-con or locker-room cancer yet this offseason, and Mr. Jones could be desperate.

Jerry has already hinted that Dallas will be toying with the Wildcat formation this off-season, so he could be on his private jet heading for Kansas to sweep Vick off of his prison-issued slippers.

With Terrell Owens in Buffalo, Pacman Jones on Pros vs. Joes, and the Bengals on Hard Knocks, the only consistent publicity the Cowboys will receive outside of Dallas-Fort Worth will be in the gossip magazines that Tonessica dominate.

How will ESPN keep their Cowboys beat writers in town unless Jerry acts quick?

Of course, Jerry has probably convinced himself that Vick got a bad rap. He could repair his image with Calvin Hill (Cowboys assistant) and redeem the last few questionable signings by Jones.

More than likely though, Jerry Jones knows the Cowboys season will be a dog-fight.

Michael Vick would be just the man for that job.

Ten BIG Questions For The Dallas Cowboys' Leonard Davis

Andy Simpson — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:20:01 -0400

Leonard "Bigg" Davis has always been BIG.

In seventh grade, Davis stood 6'3" and weighed 305 pounds. He has a big family, including 21 older siblings.

After an All-American college career at the University of Texas, Davis' expectations grew so big that he was drafted second overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2001 NFL Draft.

Bleacher Report would like to ask 10 BIG questions to the Pro Bowl offensive lineman.

What were the advantages of having 21 older siblings, especially a brother who played in the NFL?
You won the state championship in basketball at Wortham High School in Wortham, Texas. Do you feel like any of your professional experiences have topped that magical experience?
During your years in Arizona, you played on a very underrated offensive line. Which of your teammates on that line taught you the most about how to train to be a Pro Bowler?
Who was better: the Redskin's Hogs, the 90's Cowboys line, or a line you have played on?
You had injuries in each season from 2002 to 2005 and missed the Pro Bowl this past season due to an injury. Do you feel that offensive linemen are becoming more injury-prone because of how much larger you are these days, or are injuries just the price of playing professional football?
You are involved in numerous charities. Which of these would you say has the biggest impact on your own life?
Is Free Reign (Davis' rock band featuring other Dallas Cowboys) the biggest band in Texas? America?
What or who would you credit with your career turnaround since joining the Dallas Cowboys?
Who would win the World's Biggest Arm-Wrestling Contest between you and Larry Allen?
What are your expectations for the Dallas Cowboys in 2009?

The Cowboys' Most Important Injury in 2008 Was Not Tony Romo!

Andy Simpson — Sat, 16 May 2009 02:37:26 -0400

This post by ESPN's Matt Mosley got me to thinking. What was the Cowboys' most important injury in 2008?

You'll be shocked to find out that it's not Tony Romo.

The options are:

Tony Romo—Dallas went 1-2 without the quarterback, and he threw awkwardly for weeks after returning for the rematch with Washington in Week 11.
Roy Williams (safety)—Fractured his arm in Week 2 against the Eagles, and then broke it again in his return three weeks later versus Saint Louis.
Mat McBriar—The Pro Bowl punter was lost for the season on the blocked punt that lost the Arizona game in Week 5.
Felix Jones—The electric rookie back was lost for the season after injuring a hamstring (that just wouldn't heal right) during the same Arizona game in which McBriar and Romo were injured.
Terence Newman and Anthony Henry—Both starting corners missed time throughout the year with leg injuries.
Jason Witten—Played through broken ribs.
Kyle Kosier—Played in only three games.
Miles Austin, Sam Hurd, and Isaiah Stanback—The trio of young receivers played in 23 games combined, with all three playing hurt in many of their appearances.
Marion Barber III—Only played sparingly after injuring his toe against the Seahawks in Week 13.

Of these players, only one won every game he played in this year—Kyle Kosier. The Cowboys went 3-0 with Kosier in the line-up, and 6-7 without him.

No one can really explain his importance because, as fans, we see a unit and not individual positions on the offensive line. You can bet that Cory Procter, Andre Gurode, and Flozell Adams can vouch for Kosier's importance though.

Before the season, fans on Cowboys radio, websites, and podcasts unanimously called for someone to "push" Kosier, feeling he was the weak link in the line. Without him though, Procter was exposed as a mere backup and Adams could no longer handle any speed-rusher.

His absence started the domino effect on the offensive line and special teams that eventually put untested players on the left side of the line in the game against Arizona. That left side exposed Romo and McBriar to the hits that would knock the two Pro Bowlers out for significant time.

You can't show many statistics to prove Kosier's worth, but to quote a local radio host, if you "watch the d*mn game," you see the value of Kosier's communication, chemistry, and agility in the middle of this massive offensive line.

So, this fall, watch the dang game, and you'll see that Kyle Kosier was the Cowboys' most important injury last season.

Dallas had several key injuries in 2008. When a team has a record 11 players selected to the Pro Bowl one year, and then has six of them miss multiple games the following season, you could assume a drop-off.

The Dallas Cowboys' New Stadium Will Be Called...

Andy Simpson — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:59:57 -0400

...Cowboys Stadium.

Many fans had hoped for Tom Landry Stadium, but that would have been a little too late to mend fences with the man who created the legend at Texas Stadium.

Still, Landry Field would be a worthy tribute.

More importantly, fans don't have to worry about hearing, "Live from Cialis Stadium, this is Monday Night Football!"

No fan wants to have a corporate-named stadium.

So, while Jerry Jones didn't knock this one out of the park, he at least kept it in play.

Five Plays That Helped The Cowboys Miss Super Bowl Expectations in 2008

Andy Simpson — Tue, 12 May 2009 00:01:10 -0400

Dallas fell short of their Super Bowl expectations in 2008. (Many teams have aspirations, but few teams face expectations.)

After finishing second in scoring offense in 2007, the Dallas Cowboys fell back to 18th last season. The defense dropped from 13th in scoring to 20th in scoring.

At least they weren't the Detroit Lions.

While injuries limited the offense at times, many fans and experts (if you consider the wide receiver core experts) questioned the play-calling.

So, what worked best for the Cowboys in 2008? Here are five quick answers.

1. Five yard Curl Route to Jason Witten

Witten usually lined up in a "Pro" formation to the right side of the offense, which was on Tony Romo's right. Virtually every time Dallas had a big third down conversion, Romo could roll right and find Witten.

2. Twelve-15 yard Crossing Pattern to Terrell Owens

Jason Garrett could be criticized most for his stubbornness to not run this pattern more often. When Owens lined up in the slot in three-receiver sets, he could avoid the jam (his biggest Achilles heel) and catch the ball over the middle at top speed.

3. The Counter-Draw/Counter-Trap with Marion Barber

Dallas usually ran this play out of the Shotgun. This play opened up for Dallas in the second half of games, usually after Barber and the huge offensive line had pounded right at the opponent's defensive line in the first half.

4. Quick Screen to Martellus Bennett

As Bennett emerged as a receiver, the Cowboys created favorable match-ups by using two-tight end sets with Bennett and Witten. The Cowboys had two plays over 20 yards by hitting Bennett on a quick screen in the second level (linebackers) of the defense.

5. Inside Linebacker Blitz

The defense of Wade Phillips deserved some credit in this list. Out of their base 3-4, Dallas would send nose tackle Jay Ratliff and one of the inside linebackers, Bradie James or Zach Thomas, on a "twist" stunt. James barely missed the Pro Bowl with 116 tackles and eight sacks, much of that coming while being featured in this look.

With the exception of the Crossing Route to Owens, Dallas must build on these five successful plays to push their way back into the playoffs in 2009.

If you think of any plays or stats that would add to this, please comment below!

One-Trick Tony: Dallas Cowboys' 2009 Preview

Andy Simpson — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:24:07 -0400

9-7

Three of the last four years, the Dallas Cowboys have finished with a 9-7 record. While 9-7 can help fans forget the 5-11 three-peat from 2000-2002, the Stadium in Arlington Yet to be Named will suffer the same fate as the now-deceased Texas Stadium.

The Dallas Cowboys will go 9-7 again in 2009.

They will lose both to the Giants and split home games with the Eagles and Redskins. Dallas will benefit by playing two tough NFC South teams at home and the weak AFC West.

Parody will likely ruin this prediction like Jar-Jar Binks ruined Star Wars: Episode I. In light of parody, let's try to figure out what has to happen to move the Cowboys either up a tier to Super Bowl contender or down a tier to "Now on the clock..."

Let's assume that any significant development, such as Brad Johnson taking over for Tony Romo or Jay Ratliff becoming a Pro Bowler out of the seventh round, can swing wins and losses by at least two games.

Assuming that, we will try to predict how Dallas could in up in each of the four tiers: Now On The Clock, Dave Campo Rides Again, One Trick Tony, or Empire Strikes Back.

Now On The Clock

The Cowboys finish with a measly three wins, "highlighted" by thrilling victories over the Raiders on Thanksgiving and the Redskins for their only win at Tom Landry Stadium (the only acceptable name for the new stadium).

Jon Kitna takes over for an injured Tony Romo and leads the NFL in interceptions. Roy Williams leads the NFL in poorly-run routes, while Jason Witten leads all tight ends in double-coverage.

Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice rush for over 1,600 yards as a group, but struggle through constant eight-man fronts.

The defense can pressure the passer, with DeMarcus Ware leading the NFC in sacks again and facing fewer double teams with the stable of other pass rushers racking up sacks. However, the inside linebackers and safeties look slow and shy to tackle, so teams destroy Dallas on draws, screens, and quick outs.

The special teams are a disaster as Nick Folk's injury and Mat McBriar's over-use expose unprepared units. Sam Paulescu tests positive for performance-enhancing substances.

Dave Campo Rides Again

Cowboys fans love Dave Campo, but fear any scenario of Jerry Jones replacing Wade Phillips with Campo. If the Cowboys start 1-4 though, Jones could fire Phillips and replace him going into the bye with Campo. Campo will go 4-7 in his interim position, and once again, the Cowboys will finish 5-11 under Campo to finish the decade like they started it.

Tony Romo and Jason Garrett will be barking at each other on the sidelines as both realize without Terrell Owens the offense isn't very "Romo-friendly." Jason Witten will score 11 touchdowns as Romo leans on the only guy he trusts in the passing game, turning into a football version of Stockton and Malone.

Choice, Jones, and Barber will rush for a combined 2,000 yards and score 15 touchdowns following the behemoth offensive line plowing down the field.

DeMarcus Ware finishes with 13 sacks, with the outside linebacker rotation on the right side struggling to 12 sacks. Jay Ratliff and Bradie James have solid, but unspectacular, campaigns in the middle of the defense.

Terence Newman finally reaches elite status as a shut-down corner, but teams routinely pick on the Cowboys over-eager safeties and inexperienced corners.

The special teams units improve from one of the worst kickoff-coverage teams in 2008, but the Cowboys returners make no impact on the field due to injuries.

One Trick Tony

Tony Romo seems like he's just a 9-7 quarterback, and the Cowboys are a 9-7 kind of team in a $1.1 billion, 16-0 kind of stadium with 16-0 kind of hype and fans.

Dallas makes the playoffs, but sneaks in as the fifth seed, so no home playoff game to help pay for Tom Landry Stadium (if you type it, they will name it).

Romo scores high in fantasy football again, connecting with All-Pro Witten for 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. Even Roy Williams has a respectable 800 yard, seven touchdown campaign. Couple that with another 15 touchdowns from Miles Austin, Martellus Bennett, and Patrick Crayton, and you're watching a real good passing game in Dallas.

Turf, Wind, and Fire (you get cool nicknames when you are successful and your team plays on prime time) rush for over 2,000 yards combined with 18 touchdowns and surpass Cerberus as the best three-headed entity. The offensive line looks dominant late in games.

DeMarcus Ware has 17 sacks and six forced fumbles and is second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting again. Jay Ratliff makes his second straight Pro Bowl, joined by Bradie James after another solid season in the middle.

Keith Brooking, Igor Olshansky, and Gerald Sensabaugh prove to be solid acquisitions by combining for over 200 tackles.

Terence Newman reaches elite corner status, but receives enough help from Mike Jenkins, Orlando Scandrick, and Ken Hamlin to eliminate matchup problems of the past few years.

Nick Folk is healthy, but relinquishes kickoff duties to workout wonder David Buehler, who doubles as a gunner on punt coverage. Dallas is top 10 in kickoff and punt coverage.

Empire Strikes Back

Jerry Jones could easily be Emperor Palpatine in a remake of the Star Wars movies. He's definitely the villain to everyone outside of America's Team and it's fans. No one wants to see the Empire on top again.

The Cowboys win the 2010 Super Bowl a year before Tom Landry Stadium hosts the big game, leading to "Will Dallas be the first team the play in a home Super Bowl?" questions all offseason.

Critics of Tony Romo forget about Jessica, the trip to Cabo, and the fumble in Seattle, as Romo leads the NFL in Passing Efficiency and is named NFL MVP. He breaks his own team record with 41 touchdown passes and enters into the discussion of elite quarterbacks with Manning and Brady.

Roy Williams, the self-proclaimed Number One Receiver, makes good on his promises, and turns in a 1,400 yard and 14 touchdown effort. Jason Witten leads all tight ends with 900 yards and seven touchdowns and mentions by Troy Aikman as "the most complete tight end in the game."

Miles Austin catches 40 passes, averaging 21.5 yards per attempt and 1.5 big pass interference penalties a game.

DeMarcus Ware is named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year with 18 sacks, nine forced fumbles, and five interceptions. Jay Ratliff, Bradie James, and Ken Hamlin perform at a Pro Bowl-level all season, and the Cowboys lead the NFL in point differential.

Terence Newman impersonates Deion Sanders as the best cover corner alive, while Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick make the leap from serviceable rookies to good veterans. Dallas gives up two touchdowns of more than 20 yards all season, and the secondary combines for 20 takeaways.

Nick Folk and Mat McBriar make the Pro Bowl as the best kicking tandem in the NFL. The coverage units both finish in the top eight, and Joe DeCamillas becomes the league's next hot head-coaching candidate.

Wade Phillips and Jerry Jones hoist the trophy together on the field in Miami, and America's Team is back.

The Dallas Cowboys will end up in one of these tiers of teams, but put your money on 9-7. They are a One-Trick Tony.

The Dallas Mavericks Can't Fix Their Biggest Problem

Andy Simpson — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:09:50 -0400

Between the end of Game Two versus the San Antonio Spurs and Game Three in Dallas, the Mavericks will work on many problems; defensive rotations, protecting the rim, attacking the Spurs' interior defense, and freeing Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry.

However, they won't be able to fix their most troubling issue—spacing and movement without the ball.

Everyone who has played basketball, and especially point guard, understands the importance of movement and spacing. When you drive in the paint, someone else's man rotates to pick you up, and your teammate is supposed to slide into your line of sight to create a passing lane.

The Spurs put on a virtual clinic on these principles every time Tony Parker or Roger Mason took the ball to the paint. The Mavericks are so concerned with Tim Duncan sliding to the block on a Parker drive that 6'11" Erick Dampier doesn't even try to alter Parker's shot, letting him be a one man layup drill.

As a team, Dallas does not space or move well.

In the third quarter of Game Two, the Mavericks had cut the Spurs' lead to nine and had momentum when J.J. Barea drove to the paint wildly from the left wing and fired a pass out of bounds.

This is marked down as a turnover for Barea, but Josh Howard is to blame for this because he never moved from the right wing. If Howard moved eight feet to his right, he would have had a WIDE open three in the corner, a la Michael Finley, that could cut the Spurs' lead to two possessions.

During the team's next possession, after a San Antonio basket, Barea drove the lane again, drew Duncan, and wildly fired up a shot that Duncan blocked, while Dampier, instead of cutting to the basket behind Duncan, stood and watched the 5'10" guard.

San Antonio scored again, and Dallas never recovered.

Many other plays serve as further evidence, including Ryan Hollins catching a pass out of bounds late in Game One, but knowing this now won't fix Dallas' problems. Coach Rick Carlisle and his staff have allowed or overlooked these details throughout the season (Avery Johnson did as well), and now the 2009 Mavericks are who we thought they were; a jump-shooting team that doesn't play well when they don't have time to shoot.

Jump shooting teams don't win big games.

Why the Dallas Cowboys Should Release Greg Ellis

Andy Simpson — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:44:32 -0500

The Dallas Cowboys should release Greg Ellis.

Tonight.

Tomorrow.

Soon.

Greg Ellis has played eleven very good seasons in Dallas and has displayed nothing but class. He played in a Pro Bowl, captained the team, and won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2007.

It's time for him to go.

For the last four offseasons, Greg Ellis has complained about a position switch, contract negotiations, the drafting of Anthony Spencer, and now the release of Terrell Owens.

Ellis was quoted as saying, "It could make us an instantaneously better football team. But do I think that that will happen? I really don't."

When a guy no longer "buys in", especially on a team with chemistry problems, he has to go. The team has performed a biopsy this offseason on a few cancerous roster spots, and if another spot pops up with a hint of cancer, might as well get rid of it while you can.

Ellis wouldn't hurt too much if he were released, with only one year remaining. Have the Cowboys put too much dead money into the cap? Have they had too much change already?

Here's the Real Reason the Dallas Cowboys Cut Terrell Owens

Andy Simpson — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:26:21 -0500

Clowns don't sell tickets, seat licenses, or advertising. Clowns sell hamburgers and balloons.

The clown on the right of this picture does his job well. The clown in the middle apparently does not.

The Cowboys didn't release Terrell Owens because of his performance on the field or his antics off the field. Don't you think Owens would have been released two months ago for poor performance or divisiveness in the locker room?

No, the truth is something you have no idea about. The real truth resides with the only member of the Cowboys staff allowed to speak to reporters: Jerry Jones.

Jerry Jones released Terrell Owens because he's having trouble selling his new stadium. Not enough seats and advertising have been sold, so Jerry created a popular controversy to get the Cowboys back in the news.

The Terrell Owens Experience had reached the tipping point. So many Cowboys fans have decided that they will no longer spend money to watch a player they can't stand. Jerry can't afford to turn the new stadium into his personal money pit.

The fans of Dallas won a battle against bad management today. They refused to help pay for Jerry's new stadium, and he had to accept their demands. Cowboys fans should have a party in Dallas today.

Maybe there's a certain clown who could use a little work.

NBA Coaches: Getting Fired Is The New Lottery

Andy Simpson — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:42:31 -0500

What do you think Terry Porter is doing right now?

Fishing? Reading the paper? Taking a nap? Vacationing in Europe?

Porter could be doing any of these things because he is a lottery-winner.

What lottery did he win? The NBA Fired Coaches Lottery.

Terry Porter is owed the balance of a three-year, six million dollar contract by the Phoenix Suns for coaching half of one season.

That's four million dollars from June 2009 to June 2011 to do anything except take another job. Terry Porter is the latest winner of the Fired Coaches Lottery.

Maurice Cheeks, Marc Iavaroni, Sam Mitchell, PJ Carlesimo, Randy Wittman, Eddie Jordan, and Reggie Theus are also winners.

Most of them are owed somewhere around the four million over two years that Porter is owed.

So, let's get this straight. If you make the playoffs, you are one of the 16 good coaches.

If you are going to miss the playoffs and your team is performing horribly, you get a permanent vacation.

Of the 30 teams in the league, 24 coaches are getting a great deal this year: playoffs or a payoff. Mike Dunleavy gets to continue to rob the Clippers franchise and keep his job.

When Jerry Tarkanian was fired by the Spurs in 1992, less than a month into his first season, I remember thinking, "Too bad for Tark. He was a good coach at UNLV."

Little did I understand that Tark had it made! He coached one month and probably brought home one of the highest NBA coaching salaries for a couple of years.

Don't feel sorry for Porter or any of these other guys. They are all this season's winners of the NBA Fired Coaches Lottery. We should all be so lucky!

Dallas Cowboy Fans: Tied Down with a Wood Block Between Their Feet

Andy Simpson — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:50:00 -0500

In 1990, Kathy Bates tied James Caan to a bed, put a wood block between his feet, and broke his ankles with a sledgehammer in the movie, Misery.

In 2008, the Dallas Cowboys organization began tying their fans up, and now in 2009, the organization is swinging the sledgehammer, one crunch and agonizing cry after another.

Now, Cowboys fans are limping permanently and finding out that Dan Reeves, a former Cowboy and four-time Super Bowl losing head coach, has too much dignity to even be an advisor to Jerry Jones.

In the totally under-rated back-story, Jerry Jones is building the Temple of Jones in the worst economy of our lifetimes and is totally distracted by the economic problems facing that venture. What's the big deal about losing a consultant and having trouble paying for the Greatest Show-Off Turf?

This are merely just another snap in America's Fans tarsals.

In succession, here is the misery immediately following 13-3, trip to Cabo, gutless collapse to the Giants.

Wade Phillips claims the best team lost in Texas Stadium following the Giants game.
Jason Garrett interviews for two head coaching jobs, and reportedly turns them down. Both Falcons and Ravens made the playoffs without him.
Half of the staff migrates with Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano to South Florida for a playoff season running the Dolphins. Jason Ferguson, Akin Ayodele, Keith Davis (for training camp), and Anthony Fasano join them there.
Cowboys trade for Adam Jones.
Cowboys retain Brad Johnson.
Hard Knocks chronicles the life and times of Martellus Bennett, aka Marty B, the release of Terry Glenn, Jason Garrett's Knute Rockne impersonation, and Danny Amendola.
Dallas starts 3-0, plays three consecutive horrid games, in which their proclivity for back-breaking turnovers and penalties finally surpasses their ability to outscore those mistakes.
Tony Romo spends four weeks injured, and Pro Bowl punter Mat McBriar and rookie sensation Felix Jones are lost for the season.
In a panic, Jerry Jones trades for Roy Williams from the Detroit Lions in a mini-Herschel Walker trade. Williams was reportedly spotted in the end zone at Texas Stadium during the Buccaneers game and never seen again making a contribution.
Cowboys lose to Saint Louis in Brad Johnson's debut as the starting quarterback. Johnson will start the following two games, shocking Tampa Bay with 122 passing yards in his only win as starter.
Tony Romo returns to defeat Washington, prompting idiot columnists around the country to predict a playoff run.
After two easy victories at Texas Stadium, Dallas loses 3 of 4 in December in horrible fashion: interception return for touchdown versus Pittsburgh, consecutive 80+ yard touchdown runs in the final moments of Texas Stadium's history versus the Ravens, and a complete woodshed game by the Eagles.
Wade Phillips promises to be a tough guy from now on.
Bradie James laughs at Coach Phillips promises and then assaults a fan at Valley Ranch.
Jason Garrett interviews for multiple head coaching jobs and is passed over.
Wade Phillips is retained.

While those aren't the only moments, that is a brief history of how the Dallas Cowboys organization has destroyed the trust and good will of America's Fan Base. If you hear a sledgehammer ping in the distance, it may not be from building the Temple of Jones, it may be from the fans buried underneath it.

Rick Carlisle Lets Jason Kidd Loose!

Andy Simpson — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:12:49 -0500

Jason Kidd sure knows how to call an offensive game, and to prove it, the Dallas Mavericks are 3-0 since Rick Carlisle handed over play-calling duties to Kidd last week.

According to the Mavericks blog at the Dallas Morning News, Points Per Game, Field Goal, Three-Point Percentages, and Assists Per Game are all up from 10-25 percent.

It's good to finally have a Jason who can call a decent offensive game plan in Dallas this year (how would he look in blue and silver?).

To me, Jason Kidd could be a player-coach. A player-coach simply is a player who is a full-time coach as well, either assistant or head.

Could Jason Kidd truly become a full-time player-coach? No, because NBA league rules forbid it, to avoid teams circumventing the salary cap. But for the sake of fun, I think Kidd is the best candidate out there for the position. I make my case below.

· Kobe Bryant—Intelligent and experienced, but not the best at seeing the big picture.

· Chris Paul—Intelligent and rivals Kidd for his floor vision, but doesn't have the experience yet.

· LeBron James—I know the King can, but it would be hard to carry the scoring load and call plays.

· Chauncey Billups—He's a leader, but I don't think we have any evidence that he could call plays.

· Dwyane Wade—See above.

· Steve Nash—I have no argument against this, other than Nash has never played in real halfcourt set team before this year. He's the only player who could rival Kidd for the role.

I don't love the idea of a player-coach, and I know that it's illegal and not what Jason Kidd is doing, but my point is that Dallas has been successful with Kidd doing the playing and the coaching, kind of like Peyton Manning.

Now, if only Tony Romo would do a Peyton Manning impression, Dallas fans all around could be happy.

Dallas Mavericks: The "Where The Heck Would The Mavs Be Without..." Awards

Andy Simpson — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:20:01 -0500

Disclaimer: As a coach, I have always hated the postseason awards process, especially terms like "MVP."

With the Internet having been a huge source of sports stories for over 10 years now, hundreds of "award" and "grade" columns have been written, read, and discussed. I don't want to write one, but frankly, they are easy to write and good debate fodder. Also, I don't want to go off and write that hit song, "Alone in My Principles," so here goes.

Ladies and Gentlemen, here are your Dallas Mavericks Mid-Season Awards!

The "Where in the Heck Would We Be Without JJ Barea" Award goes to:

JJ Barea!

If you just check his stats, he averages only 7.0 points and 3.3 assists in 19.6 minutes per game this season. Here's the real stat though, 9-1 after losing four straight in November, with Barea starting six of those.

Nothing like hitting, the "last game of the season, can't hold anything back now" mode nine games into his Mavericks coaching career, but the decision to give Barea a shot early saved Dallas from being Lottery City early on.

The "Where in the Heck Would This Franchise Be Without Dirk Nowitzki" Award goes to:

Dirk Nowitzki!

People will complain that Dirk isn't a leader or a crunch-time scorer. Here are the facts: former MVP of the NBA, eight-time All-NBA, and the greatest foreign-born player in league history.

In addition to saving the series against San Antonio and Phoenix in 2006, Nowitzki is the face of the franchise. All you have to remember is that Dallas was widely considered the worst franchise in the NBA, if not all of professional sports, before his acquisition from the Bucks in 1998 (along with Steve Nash from Phoenix and the rejuvenation of Don Nelson).

For the record, the Big German is averaging 25.6 points per game (three better than career average), 8.7 rebounds per game, and 91.3 percent from the free throw line.

The "Where in the Heck Would We Be Without Jason Terry Late in the Game" Award goes to:

Jason Terry!

Jason Terry has reached a local status that puts him on par with Dirk now: Terry can now be referred to as "JET."

If you want to know something I hate, it's to hear announcers and fans refer to a player by first name or nickname before he has earned it. I can't stand listening to anyone call Josh Howard, "Josh."

But with a flurry of late game shots and big second half production, JET has earned the right to carry a nickname. Personal example: I attended the Mavs game against the Timberwolves on Dec. 30th, which is now the largest comeback in franchise history (29 point deficit). Jason Terry was electric in the second half, scoring 24 points, and doing that Airplane Dance after every jumper he sank.

He is the big shot taker, the missing piece to the team that should've won the 2006 Finals.

The "Where in the Heck Would We Be With Avery Johnson" Award goes to:

Rick Carlisle!

Carlisle is an enigma to me: the Mavs seem to genuinely like him, he seems to work well in Dallas, but I'm really afraid he's about to screw things up in a franchise that isn't very mentally tough to begin with.

In fairness, the National Guard would've had to restore order during training camp if Avery Johnson were still the coach in Big D. However, Avery did have a clear direction and plan, albeit the wrong one for the personnel.

I'm not sure about Rick Carlisle. His starting lineups are always in flux, and the two guard position is on some sort of men-stral cycle, with Gerald Green, Antoine Wright, and JJ Barea seemingly coming and leaving monthly. I'm feeling a little 2007 Wade Phillips thing happening here.

The "Where the Heck Would the Mavs Be Without Jason Kidd" Award goes to:

Jason Kidd!

Jason Kidd is still the best passer alive, and he's pulling down eight assists a game. Kidd is shooting the ball better than last year and has apparently been a good influence in the locker room. But with Devin Harris looking like a poor-man's Pistol Pete for the first half of the season, the loss of that offensive talent and two No. 1's is tough to swallow.

The "The Only Time I'm Not Smoking is the Fourth Quarter" Award goes to:

Josh Howard!

I think Josh Howard should be considered a starter in the sense that we do starting pitchers. A good starting pitcher will pitch six solid innings (2/3 of the game), and then go in to the clubhouse, take a shower, and watch the closer slam the door while he's slamming the buffet and watching on TV. No one gets upset if the starter does this, and I think if we change our perspective on Josh Howard, he's an All-Star. Just think of him as Ricky Pierce in reverse.

The Old Yeller "It's Time for Me to Go" Award goes to:

Jerry Stackhouse!

It's sad to see things end for a player who was a key player to the greatest run in franchise history, and for Jerry Stackhouse, the Mark Cuban probably should've Old-Yellered him about a season and a half ago. Stack sacrificed every ounce of physical, mental, and emotional toughness and energy for that 2006 title, and when the Mavs didn't win (see Wade, Dwayne), Stack was done.

He just had nothing left to give in the 67 win season, but with things going unbelievably well in the regular season, everyone ignored this. When it was Stackhouse time in the playoffs though, Dallas realized his career had died the season before and folded without their toughest player.

Since he was one of the few players who fit what Avery Johnson wanted to do, he remained a year too long. I know Carlisle didn't seem to give Stack a chance, but someone had to put Jerry Stackhouse's Mavericks career out of its and our misery.

That's all for the awards. So, where do the Mavs stand right now? Well, they're 22-17 as of today, and they are mainly beating bad teams like the Clippers, T-Wolves, and Knicks.

They have only won one game this year against a team with an elite point guard (versus Phoenix in Dallas) or Kobe Bryant/LeBron James, so if they make the playoffs, they have to avoid Phoenix, the Lakers, New Orleans, and Utah. Things don't look good, but at least we're only half-way through, and where the heck will the Mavs end up without Jason Kidd?

The Un-Jersey Rankings: What Is an Athlete Worth?

Andy Simpson — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:09:16 -0500

First of all, I don't really know who's more valuable to the DFW Metroplex. I know you can debate value including stats, position, team, popularity, and marketing.

I ask you to consider another factor today: How much would you care if a player signed with another team or was traded or released by your favorite team? What would you still pay for that now "un-jersey?"

I'm not talking about hanging on to the jersey of a player that you owned previously because those have memories and significance to you already. And I'm not talking about a player who is now retired: Emmitt Smith is still a Cowboy, so I'm hanging on to the jersey.

My "epiphany" happened when I had about 96 straight hours of "what are the Rangers going to do with Michael Young" coverage over two days. If he gets traded, can I afford to buy my all-time favorite Ranger's un-jersey at half-off?

Would I get it for 60 or even 70 percent off? After I thought about it that night, I decided I don't care if it's 10 percent off, I've got to buy a Michael Young Ranger's jersey before they go out of existence (in the event of a separation).

On the other hand, how much would Terrell Owen's un-jersey have to be discounted to compel me to spend money. You know what, at 100 percent off and free shipping, I would at least have to consider it, but nothing less than that.

I can't speak for other teams because something like this is truly subjective, but I'll at least take a few shots. So, here are my Un-Jersey Rankings.

Football

Dallas Cowboys

Least Valuable: Terrell Owens

Top Value: 100 percent off, with free shipping and home delivery

I'm not sure I would even accept the package from UPS if TO's jersey showed up at my house completely free. This has nothing to do with ability, in Bill Parcell's words, "I don't know the player very well."

Pacman Jones and Tank Johnson would be in the running, but I think I'm going to deny their existence like an insurance company not wanting to pay in insurance claim.

Most Valuable: Jason Witten

Top Value: 20 percent off

Witten is tough (the catch and run with no helmet versus Philadelphia in 2007), professional, and a great member of the community. On a team filled with solid citizens, Cowboy fans probably have the most attachment to Witten. Marion Barber III, DeMarcus Ware, and Bradie James would be close in this category also.

Around the NFL

Most Valuable: Ben Rothliesberger, Brett Favre, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning

Basketball

Dallas Mavericks

Least Valuable: Erick Dampier

Top Value: 90 percent off

Not that I dislike Damp that much, I just have so little attachment to him. He cost the Mavericks way too much and has delivered so little. He is the Ana Lucia (from LOST) of the Mavericks.

However, if I considered sweatshirts, this "CUBAN, 2012" shirt would have rivaled TO as the least desirable team clothing in the Metroplex.

Most Valuable: Dirk Nowitzki

Top Value: 20 Percent off

Dirk is easily the best player in franchise history and its most recognizable face. His 3 point play against San Antonio in 2006 is the seminal play in franchise history. I had to devalue Dirk's un-jersey since my current favorite is my green Nowitzki jersey, otherwise he would've moved to at least 15 percent.

Around the NBA

Most Valuable: Tim Duncan, Steve Nash, LeBron James

Baseball

Texas Rangers

Least Valuable: Vicente Padilla

Top Value: 80 percent off

Padilla has had two decent years in the Ballpark, but his unwillingness to pitch through minor injuries and fatigue wears me out. Also, he's just another hired gun in the rotation, when I want to see a home-grown star on the mound. Kevin Millwood is saved by his community work, and the Scorpion Tales keep C.J. Wilson out of the cellar here.

Most Valuable: Michael Young

Top Value: 10 percent off

Michael Young is my all-time favorite Ranger. He's great in the community, he plays everyday, and he's been very productive. I played second base in high school, so I have a soft spot for middle infielders as well. If Dampier is Ana Lucia, then Young is Hurley, the ultimate fan favorite.

If he goes, I won't wait to buy his jersey, and then wear it every time his new team comes to town.

Around MLB: Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, Chipper Jones

Feel free to add any to the list of Best/Worst Value Un-Jersey Players and thanks for reading.

Dallas Cowboys Vs. Philadelphia Eagles: A Dallas Fan's Excruciating Live Blog

Andy Simpson — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 08:19:55 -0500

Alright, this is either the end of a season or the beginning of being a "dangerous" team in the playoffs.

I'm going to try to keep this up to date and edit it often.

All Times Central Standard Time PM

3:15
I'm sick. Surprised the Eagles let the Cowboys wear white.

3:15
Nice kick Nick Folk. Give me Bruce Read's head on a platter (figuratively of course Cousin Eddie).