Bleacher Report - Articles by tee polk

Terrell Owens Wasn't the Real Problem in Big D!

tee polk — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 03:07:07 -0400

Well it seems that a lot of people in the world, especially Cowboys fans, are so excited about the departure of Terrell Owens last week, but little do they know is that Owens was not the reason that the Cowboys have been a failure.

Let's go back to 2006 when the Cowboys faced the Seahawks in an important playoff game and their now star quarterback Tony Romo bobbles a snap that could have one them the game...Strike One.

Can you recall 2007 when the Cowboys had a remarkable 13-3 season, and got knocked out of the playoffs by the New York Giants due to the horrible play of once again their star quarterback "Tony Romo." He tossed two crucial interceptions when the game was on the line as I can recall...Strike Two.

And who could forget about this season when the Cowboys had to literally fight to get a playoff spot and failed to do so because of the inconsistent play of once again their star quarterback Tony Romo.

Against the Eagles in a game where, if you win, then you are in the playoffs, but what does Romo do? He does what he does best, throws two interceptions for touchdowns and fumbled the ball which led to another Philly touchdown...Strike Three.

So, Cowboys fans, you can point the fingers at T.O. all you want because in his three seasons with the Cowboys he has produced each season and was a important weapon for the success of Tony Romo...Without T.O., there would be no Romo, and that is a fact.

Tony Romo is the big problem in Dallas that nobody is talking about because he is very inconsistent, and in three seasons, he has failed to win the big game. So you tell me, was Owens really the big deal in Big D?

NFL's Top-Five Quarterbacks for the '08-'09 Season

tee polk — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:01:13 -0400

Here is a look at the top-five NFL quarterbacks that will have a huge impact for their team this season.

1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Say what you want to say about Brady, but for the past couple of seasons, he has been the best quarterback in this league. Even though he—and his team—was destroyed by the Giants in the Super Bowl, expect Brady to have a strong season and try to take his Pats back to the Bowl.

2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

Yeah, Peyton may have watched his little brother win the Super Bowl last season, but this guy is still one of the most elite QBs in the game today. Manning is probably the smartest quarterback that the NFL has ever seen because of his awareness and playcalling in a no-huddle offense.

Manning is No. 2 on my board because for some reason he seems to be overshadowed by Brady whenever they play. And Brady has three rings to Manning's one, so that makes him better than Manning.

3. Eli Manning, New York Giants

A lot of people may not agree with this one, but who cares. Over the last three weeks of last year's season, this guy was on his game like no other quarterback in the NFL, and he simply showed a lot of poise against the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Eli may have been doubted his whole career in New York, but what can you say about him now? He is a champion. He may, someday, be better than his brother!!

4. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

Romo is probably the most talented quarterback in the NFC, but he still has to overcome the obstacle of winning a playoff game in his tenure as the QB for America's team.

Romo definitely has a chip on his shoulder coming into this season after receiving a pretty hefty contract during last season. I really wanted to rank Romo ahead of Eli, but until he gets the job down in Big D, Romo will only be known as a legend or a failure, and trust me, failure is not an option—especially when you date a hottie like Jessica Simpson!

5. David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars

This may be a surprise to some, but Garrard is a true baller. Just look at the record the Jaguars produced last season. And who could forget that upset of the Steelers in the playoffs.

Garrard just inked a new deal this offseason and is now letting the fans in Jacksonville forget all about Byron Leftwich, but this guy takes the fifth spot over Caron Palmer, Drew Brees, Matt Hasselbeck, and Vince Young because he is destined for stardom.

The Cowboys Need a Big Season From Romo

tee polk — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 15:03:00 -0400

After two disappointing seasons as the Cowboys' starting quarterback, Tony Romo is looking to redeem himself as the quarterback of the future for the Dallas Cowboys.

Two years ago we all remember the botched snapped for the go ahead field goal in the playoffs against the Seahawks, and who could forget his horrible performance in the playoffs against the Giants last season?

Tony Romo is definitely a great quarterback, but does he have that spark the Cowboys need to win a playoff game, or is he more into the Hollywood spotlight with his girl, Jessica Simpson?

It seems at times that Romo gets distracted and loses focus on what's important for his team:s winning the big game. Something he has yet to do for the Boys.

Romo had a great regular season last year that earned him Pro Bowl honors, but it wasn't enough to get his team over that playoff drought, and when you are the face of the franchise, you need to bring your "A" game every game because the Cowboys have a lot of passion for their team, and want to get back to the days when the dominated the NFC.

So, is Tony Romo ready for the upcoming season?

He has the talent around his offense to get the job done, but I think he needs to be more focused on the field than he is off the field and that will give the Cowboys the best chance to be a great team this season. If Romo can continue to establish his connection with T.O. on the field then the Boys are bound for the Bowl y'all!

Terrell Owens: A Cowboy For Life

tee polk — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:31:41 -0400

Jerry Jones is just dishing out the money these days; just check this out:

Marion Barber gets a huge contract extension, Terrence Newman gets a contract extension, Romo got a huge extension last season, and so who does that leave left?

Terrell Owens. And guess what? Ol' T.O. just got a three-year, $34-million contract extension that will make him a Cowboy until 2011. The only problem that seems to be buzzing around the Cowboys organization, though, is that Owens is getting older, and didn't deserve the extension.

Yeah, right. Owens is worth every penny that the Cowboys are giving him because he has been the only Cowboy that has produced on the field for the past 2 seasons, and check this out last season: 1355 yards and 15 touchdowns—stats of a true baller.

Owens has avoided controversy all season long and will likely be on his best behavior this season, so everyone needs to just respect his talent and watch the best receiver in the game go to work this season when the Cowboys, led by Romo, aim to win it all.

If you think Moss and Brady are a deadly combination, then wait till the Romo-to-Owens show takes center stage. They'll prove to the world the last two seasons were just flukes, because Owens is only going to get better with age as he takes care of himself physically, so just wait and see.

The Cowboys have the new stadium opening next year, and Owens will be a part of one of the biggest and best stadiums in the world. So congrats, T.O., on your new deal: You deserve it, and I don't blame you for laughing at the haters because you now have 34 million reasons to smile.

Can Kobe Bryant Lead the Lake Show to the Finals?

tee polk — Mon, 26 May 2008 11:00:05 -0400

They said that Kobe would never make it out of the first round of the playoffs, he'd would never win and MVP award, he would never be a leader, and they said that he could never win without Shaq.

Well, Kobe has proved everyone wrong, because he has done all of the above with a mediocre supporting cast.

Kobe is hands-down the best player in the world with a basketball in his hands because he knows how to take over a game and get his teammated involved when it matters the most.

Plus, all he ever asked for was a little help, and the Lakers front office got him just that with the addition of Pau Gasol, who has been a big help for the Lakers in their successful run this season.

For the first time in Kobe's career he was rewarded for his hard work and effort by winning the MVP award, and he didn't even have to lead the league in scoring or put up lots of 50 point games.

He is also no longer the ball hog, but rather a team player, and it showed during the season. Even while Kobe played through injuries, it never slowed him down as the Lakers looked like the Lakers of old.

So now the question that everyone wants to know is: Can Kobe win it all?

Kobe has a great supporting cast that can get the job done, but a lot of speculators out there are saying that the team is too young, and besides Kobe, can Gasol and Odom really step their game up in a NBA Finals?

Kobe is an amazing player and the deadliest clutch player in the game today, but it's him being Batman and having no Robin that will be the difference in the Lakers quest to a championship.

The Mavs Fire Avery Johnson: Do You Agree with the Move?

tee polk — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:48:46 -0400

Wow... I just heard that Avery Johnson was fired by the Mavs after the Mavs lost yesterday to the New Orleans Hornets in the playoffs, but really is anyone suprised about this move? Coach Avery has been in the hot seat ever since the Mavs lost the title in 2006 to the Miami Heat, and who can forget last seasons collapse in the first round to the Golden State Warriors after having the best record in the NBA.

Coach Avery was getting frustrated with losing and players not playing up to their potential, and I dont need to mention any names (#41) so this team was not built to be a great team with the pieces that are in place due to the fact that they are a jump shooting team with no inside presence, and that doesn't win championships in this league.

The move to fire Avery Johnson was the right move because change is good for this team after they agreed to bring in Jason Kidd instead of keeping a young quick point guard in Devin Harris, and so you have to suffer the consequences of failure. Coach Avery will definetly get alot of job offers from other teams that will be a success in the system that he was trying to establish in Dallas, but come on folks it was time for him to go after 3 of the worst playoff runs in basketball history...

Do you think it was a good move? I think it was the best move for the Mavericks organization, and plus now he doesn't have to deal with Mark Cuban's annoying butt...

Ladainian Tomlinson vs Adrian Peterson: Who Would You Take?

tee polk — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 03:54:41 -0500

If you were a GM and needed a running back of the future right now, who would you go with for your team: Adrian Peterson or Ladainian Tomlinson?

That is a tough question to answer, because you would be getting the best of both worlds with both backs.

Tomlinson is a proven winner, but Peterson has found success from his days at Oklahoma as a freshman all the way back to his high school days, when he was a Parade All-American.

Tomilnson is the most featured back in the league, because of his ability to break tackles and follow his blocks.

There is no better back in the NFL with regard to those qualities.

It's what Tomlinson excels at—and what's more, L.T. knows how to play. Tomlinson understands how to get into the end zone, whether by rushing, receiving, or even passing.

Tomlinson is making his mark all over this league—including last year when he won the MVP award, and rushed for a record 28 touchdowns.

But if there is one back in the league that could potentially take that record away, it may just be Peterson.

Peterson is a very special young player. He is a very physical runner who loves to absorb contact in the open field—so defenders beware when they see #28 carrying the rock.

He set NFL records in his rookie season by rushing for 1341 yards and 12 touchdowns—all while in a backup role most of the season.

But what makes this kid specal is his desire to make a name for himself like he did at Oklahoma. Peterson was great at the college level, and now as a rookie in the NFL he has already risen to the same level.

These guys are the best there is, and I see the future getting even brighter for both of them.

Tomlinson needs to get beyond the first round of the playoffs and win a ring—then he will be at the top of the game, with the likes of Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton.

Peterson has a long way to go in his career, but he will be something special to watch. I see lots of rushing titles and Super Bowl rings in his future. If only he get a quarterback that can run an offense, A.P. will be a force to be reckoned with in this league.

So—who would you take?

Should the Dallas Cowboys Be Worried Going Into the Playoffs?

tee polk — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:57:47 -0500

Cowboy fans, you better hit the panic button—cause it looks like the Boys are in some deep trouble going into the playoffs.

Dallas has lost two of their last three games, and looks nothing like they did when they were 13-1 this season.

Tony Romo has not been playing up to his potential the past four games, and it makes you wonder what the hell is going on with him.

He has not been throwing the ball the same ever since playing the Eagles, and he may have injured his thumb against them. However, that is no excuse for Romo, who has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns over the past four games.

Romor needs to step up and bring his A-game going into the playoffs. Please spare me the Jessica Simpson distraction for Romo—she is not on the field, and is no reason for him to be playing so poorly.

Terrell Owens has been showing some signs of frustration, signifying that he feels that he is not getting the ball like he should. This is another reason why the 'Boys may be in trouble—T.O. is a playmaker, and when you don't get your playmakers involved, your team will struggle. If he can't get the ball consistently to #81, Romo must rely on other weapons like Whitten and Crayton—who are good players, but not as clutch as Owens.

With that being said, the real problem is with the Cowboys' defense. The secondary is so depleted it is not even funny. Their coverage is horrible, and what has happened to Roy Williams? I remeber when he was the best Pro Bowl safety in the game and now he can't cover his eyes with his own hands.

Dallas fans, the 'Boys are in deep trouble if they don't find answers to these situations.

I am a Cowboys fan, but when I see a problem I will address it. Dallas has not been looking too good the past couple of weeks, and Coach Phillips needs to come up with some plays that will actually work, and motivate his defense to actually tackle someone

The Cowboys need to bring the aggression and intensity that they had in the regular season, and start Marion Barber. He is the answer to the run game—not Julius Jones.

Cowboy fans, qw have two weeks to see if they are contenders or pretenders, and from the looks of it they are currently a little of both. Time will tell if the 'Boys can bring another title back to where it belongs—that is in Big "D," Dallas, Texas, baby....

NFL Playoff Preview: Wild Card Weekend

tee polk — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 03:53:23 -0500

A quick rundown of what to expect from the first round of the NFL playoffs...

Washington Redskins vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks will prevail over the highly emotional Redskins in this one.

Let's be honest: Do you really think QB Todd Collins can go into Seattle and beat the Seahawks?

Of course not.

Expect Shaun Alexander to have a huge game on the ground as the Seahawks defense pressures Collins and shuts down Clinton Portis.

Prediction: Seahawks 14, Redskins 3

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

This is the game to watch this weekend.

You have two teams coming off great regular seasons, but the Jaguars will be too much for Steelers.

Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew are the best backfield duo in the NFL—to say nothing of QB David Garrard, who's been playing very well of late.

The Steelers lost Willie Parker to a broken leg, and Ben Roethlisberger has a nagging injury and will not be 100 percent. That's why Pittsburgh will lose the game.

Prediction: Jaguars 24, Steelers 14

New York Giants vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Can Eli Manning go into Tampa and beat the Bucs?

No, he can't—because the Bucs defense is no joke. Manning will try to test the secondary, and Ronde Barber will have none of it.

Look for an exciting, hard-hitting game. QB Jeff Garcia triumphed in this same position last year with the Eagles. Expect him to repeat the feat as the Bucs advance.

Prediction: Bucs 20, Giants 7

Tennessee Titans vs. San Diego Chargers

With Vince Young banged up, please don't even expect the Titans to go into San Diego and beat the Chargers—because it ain't happening.

Vince's quad injury will prevent him from using his legs like he did in the 2005 Rose Bowl.

The Chargers will rely on LaDainian Tomlinson to help them advance to the next round—but if the Bolts want to go deeper than that, they'll need some big games out of QB Phillip Rivers, who's still looking to prove himself as one of the NFL's elite signal-callers.

The San Diego defense will be all over Young and the Titans offense. Look for Shawne Merriman and rising star Antonio Cromartie to make it happen for the Chargers.

Prediction: Chargers 35, Titans 10

Check back next week for more predictions and guarantees...