Bleacher Report - Articles by Jared Lilly

Tony Romo: When Adoration Leads To Imitation

Jared Lilly — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:21:58 -0400

Recall with me if you will, the beginning of Romo's starting career.

Week after week, time after time, Tony Romo, a virtually unknown quarterback at the time, brought in comparisons to the living legend Brett Favre.

In all fairness, with these comparisons, also came criticism and skepticism. People were jumping the gun with these comparisons and it was too early to call him the next Favre. Besides, he played Eastern Illinois, he won't last in the NFL.

Eventually, barring playoff games, Romo made it clear that as long as he was under center with the Dallas Cowboys, stopping them would be like trying to stop a full speed freight train with a lasso.

However, as expected, the critiques doubled and became harsher and harsher.

"He ain't tough like Favre."

"He's just a celebrity with a busty girlfriend."

"He can't win a playoff game."

And my personal favorite due to its outrageous originality, "Tony Homo."

Clever.

Recently, in an overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Romo sustained a broken pinkie. Within the next 24 hours, Cowboys' fans were saddened to hear he would be out at least four weeks.

Too bad he ain't tough like Favre, right?

Well, Dallas reported that Romo took some practice snaps Thursday, with a make shift cast on his right pinkie and ring finger. Phillips said he was throwing the ball "pretty well."

After a reported call of encouragement from none other than Brett Favre, Romo has jumped himself from "out for four weeks," to "game time decision" Sunday against the Rams. Putting his admiration to imitation, Tony plans to play through the injury like a true team player.

If Romo cannot play, however, veteran Brad Johnson will be taking over as quarterback, armed with recently acquired wide receiver Roy Williams from the Detroit Lions.

Let's hope Romo's cast comes off soon. He'll need it for that Superbowl XLII ring!

Adam "Pacman" Jones Disappointing Yet Again

Jared Lilly — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:54:15 -0400

Dear Adam "Don't Call Me Pacman" Jones,

You said that you did not wanted to be called Pacman because it was part of your life before you reformed and became a saint—not New Orleans—simply meaning you finally got your act together.

I just want to say thank you for opening the door to calling you Pacman again. It's been a habit since I looked up to you at WVU.

All the Best,

Another Disappointed Dallas Fan

You're probably wondering the purpose of the above letter. Well, apparently, the new and reformed Adam Jones has gone back to being Pacman.

Dallas News reported on Wednesday that Jones had gotten into an altercation with one of his body guards at the Jouls Hotel in Dallas around supper time. And, of course, he is suspected to have been drinking.

A mirror was broken in Pacman's room and he supposedly left the hotel without paying the bill. Neither the hotel nor anyone affiliated with the Cowboys has commented on the issue, and no police reports have been filed.

What happened?

The media had told me he changed. Oh yeah, I forgot. It was the media...silly me!

How Pacman can be involved in these types of things after only one month off of his one-month suspension is beyond me.

So, Dallas fans, don't be surprised if No. 21 isn't on the field Sunday.

Conveniently enough, Roger Goodell has a scheduled trip to Valley Ranch on Thursday. Also, if Jones is suspended, Dallas picks up a fifth round pick from Tennessee next season. In the trade agreement, Jerry Jones thought ahead and decided that if Pacman misses any on-field time due to an off-field altercation, Dallas gets a Tennessee fifth round pick.

Why, Pacman, why?

Talladega Turmoil: Another Rough Day for Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Jared Lilly — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:14:46 -0400

The Amp Energy 500, a Sunday marked on every member of Junior Nation's calendar.

It was supposed to mark the series of butt-whoopings that were to occur at the hands of Dale Jr. throughout the Chase of the Sprint Cup.

An Earnhardt at Talladega, he was driving the "Amp Ride with Dale Jr./National Guard" Impala SS at the Amp Energy 500, it was a day set by God for him to win, right?

Apparently not.

Junior had a rough day at practice when his tire exploded, forcing him to go to a back-up name drenched car. This led to him starting dead last.

Junior shot from 43rd to first in 26 laps and stayed within the front few spots for most of the day. While Carl Edwards on the other hand, decided to hang towards the back.

Throughout the race, many experienced the same fate Junior did in practice. Tires were blowing left and right, as Goodwrench scrambled to find an answer as to why.

Denny Hamlin was sent to the hospital after his tire exploded while he was in the lead, and he slammed into the wall.

After a record-setting day in leaders and lead changes, Carl Edwards decided to start making a charge with just under 30 laps to go.

The same man who hung in the back all day, for the sole purpose of avoiding "The Big One," caused "The Big One 2". Carl Edwards was drafting teammate Greg Biffle into the corner, and gave him a little too much chrome horn, causing him, Biffle, and six other Chase contenders to wreck with just a handful of laps to go. One of them was Little E, who ended up with a disappointing 28th.

More Talladega racing continued, and with four laps to go, a caution drew a green-white-checkered finish. Tony Stewart led the DEI cars of Regan Smith, Paul Menard, and Aric Amirola in second, third, and fourth place.

The green flag dropped, and Amirola quickly fell to the back while Smith and Menard drafted behind Stewart. Smith on the last lap made his move underneath Tony Stewart who then forced Smith beyond the yellow line. Smith passed Stewart and appeared to have won the race.

However, NASCAR issued a ludicrous call, stating Stewart scored his first Talladega win.

NASCAR has a rule saying that racers cannot advance underneath the yellow line, and if a racer forces a racer underneath the line, they will be penalized.

During the drivers meeting, competitors were told if forced below the line, with the checkers in sight, keep moving.

However, NASCAR ignored its own statement and gave Smith a pass-through penalty, making him finish 18th, and awarding Stewart the unjust win.

Dallas Cowboys: Rodeo with the Redskins

Jared Lilly — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 07:10:12 -0400

Who's the current No. 1 team in the NFL?

The Dallas Cowboys.

Does that really matter?

No.

The Cowboys are facing off against the Washington Redskins for the last time in Texas Stadium. The Cowboys and Skins are a challenger for the most bitter rivalry in sports without a doubt, and Sunday is the day for the Cowboys to establish themselves as the BEST team in professional football.

Who's the favorite?

Naturally, as a Cowboys fan, I would and will say Cowboys. The Cowboys are looking to remove the sour taste from last years loss against the Redskins, and have a phenomenal offense. If T.O. is shutdown, the Cowboys have a handful of awesome receivers to deliver to, not to mention the dominant one-two punch of Felix Jones and Marion Barber.

What Should the Redskins Look Out for?

Where to start. Tony "Lil Favre" Romo is great in and out of the pocket, has a deep ball, and a run game of his own. Marion Barber can blast a hole at any given moment. Felix Jones is a rookie, but you can't tell from his game play, because you don't see him long enough to notice. Jason Witten, possibly the best active tight end in all of football, can block, catch a deep ball, and ball across the middle. Terrell Owens, 'nuff said. The list goes on and on.

What Should the Cowboys Look Out for?

Santana Moss. He tends to have his way with the boys from Big D. Known for crushing the zeal of Cowboys fans in the last two minutes of the 4th quarter.

Clinton Portis, the only running back to break 100 yards rushing against the Cowboys last season. Even though it was only 104 yards, you never know when he is going to bust loose. Chris Cooley, the most underrated tight end in football, sometimes parallels Witten in style. Shawn Springs, once again, 'nuf said.

And oh yeah, penalties, penalties, penalties, PENALTIES!!!

Prediction-

Cowboys win, 34-21.

WVU: A Mountaineer Mourning

Jared Lilly — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:36:22 -0400

No, 'mourning' is not spelled incorrectly. The time has come for the Mountaineers and their fans everywhere. The most dreadful time in college football, a time when the NFL is the most important football on TV, "rebuilding season".

Most believed that WVU had a little while before this would come, at least one more season. After all, their head coach won his first game in a bowl game, they have a potential superstar in Noel Devine, and two-time All Big East quarterback, Pat White, entering his senior year, that has BCS championship all over it, doesn't it?

Apparently not.

Though they looked good on paper, after a 1-2 start, its seems the scabs from losing allot of players from last year are starting to bleed.

West Virginia's defense has always had somewhat of a struggle, but after losing 10 starters from last year they are showing a definite lack of experience.

Pat White's lineman are not the brickwall they were last year. Pat White is an amazing quarterback, but without good protection, he can only do so much on his own.

Though the cost of replacing helmets may have gone down with Owen Schmitt leaving, the price is being paid in offensive production. Noel Devine, sophomore in his first year starting, does not have the semi-truck in front of him to clear the path like the oh-so-missed Steve Slaton did.

That is just a few of the painful losses on the Mountaineer football team.

Of course, it goes without mentioning, the loss of Rich Fraud-, I'm sorry, Rodriguez, definitely has effected this season. I still have allot of faith in Bill Stewart, but Rodriguez has not left him much to work with. This is not a coaching struggle, it's simply a time every college football team goes through at some point.

However, some coaching stupidity did raise question when Bill Stewart failed to use his second timeout until three seconds were left in a 14-14 tie against Colorado Thursday night. Rocket-legged Macafee somehow missed a chip shot in overtime and Colorado when on to kick a field goal from the 8 yard line in a 17-14 WVU loss.

So, to my fellow Mountaineers, it seems college football has hit a slump for us, though we should never stop supporting WVU, it seems like most of our cheers should turn to the NFL for the time being, let's go Cowboys!!

Brett Favre Traded to the New York Jets

Jared Lilly — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:02:47 -0400

Brett Favre was traded by the Packers to the Jets on Wednesday night. Though many terms have not been released yet, the Packers will receive a fourth round draft pick, which could increase depending upon Favre's performance throughout the year.

Favre insisted that he be flown from NJ to Cleveland, Ohio to meet his new team and be there for their first preseason game against the Browns. Prior to the game, the first Jet/Favre press conference was held.

Favre mentioned that he hasn't even thought of No. 4 being retired. He also said that he plays for the fans and hopes he still has fans. While the Packers have made it clear that the No. 4 won't be retired this year, it probably will be later on, after Favre has ACTUALLY retired.

When Brett's interest was brought up, he mentioned that he was never not interested. He was just pulling to stay within the NFC North, most likely for competitive purposes. He wants to help the Jets win and emphasized chemistry, using an anecdote from the Giants' season last year.

When asked why it went badly with the Packers, he said both are at fault but it's probably irrelevant now and Green Bay is probably tired of talking about it. The media loves it. It's "a great soap opera" according to Brett—but it is irrelevant.

It's time to move on. Brett Favre and the Packers are done. It's time for Favre and the Jets, and Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. For any fans who feel insulted, Brett showed all the love in the world for the Packers and their fans during his time there.

Good luck, Brett! I'm looking forward to seeing how you handle the Jets now that Pennington is gone.

Daytona Speedweeks: Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2-for-2, Toyota Gets First Win

Jared Lilly — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:14:03 -0500

For those of you who weren't satisfied with his first Daytona win during the Bud Shootout, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., gave you another one, pulling in a win after a shootout with Reed Sorenson in the first session of Thursday's Gatorade Duels.

After going two years without a win, Junior has now won twice within the span of five days.

This win allows Earnhardt to start the upcoming Daytona 500 race in third place. He is just behind his friend, new teammate and champion of the past two seasons, Jimmy Johnson.

So, what is Earnhardt's secret?

The power behind Junior's new Hendricks team has obviously worked wonders for him, but is there something more?

Could it be a motivational push that this is the 50th anniversary of the event, along with the 10th anniversary of his father, Dale Earnhardt, Sr.,'s only Daytona 500 win?

Or maybe even a non-publicized desire to show Theresa Earnhardt what she has lost?

Either way, Junior is "amp'd" and it doesn't look like he's letting up anytime soon.

Earnhardt isn't the only one making a statement. Denny Hamlin has racked up Toyota's first win in the Cup series in the second session of the Duels.

I must admit, I was a skeptic about Toyota's success in NASCAR, but I guess when you take a team that is used to success such as Joe Gibbs Racing, it was bound to happen.

If you give Tony Stewart, or apparently Denny Hamlin, anything with four wheels, they can make it win.

Will the trend keep up for Junior and Toyota?

Only time can tell.

By the way, Atlanta Motor Speedway will be selling tickets with prices based on the number of the Daytona 500's winner. So if Kurt Busch were to win, tickets would be $2.

Picture courtesy of nascar.com.

Chad Johnson Rumors: Bengals, Redskins Talking Trade

Jared Lilly — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:09:30 -0500

Rumors have fluttered around the league of a possible attempt by the Washington Redskins to inquire Chad Johnson from the Cincinnati Bengals.

Johnson's agent did not deny these claims, and Johnson seems eager for a contract in Washington.

Problem is, if Johnson were to be traded before the first of June, the Bengals would take an $8.03 million salary-cap hit.

The head coach of the Bengals, Marvin Lewis, says the club won't even think about discussing trading Johnson.

However, the Washington Post reported that owner of the Redskins, Dan Snyder, said that the team's number one priority is to acquire an elite receiver—and Chad Johnson certainly fits the bill.

But what would a trade mean for both teams?

That is something no one knows for sure, because nobody knows what the Redskins are willing to put up for Johnson. But the Redskins would certainly have a lot more versatility on offense. Johnson would put young quarterback Jason Campbell's arm to the test.

Defenses would certainly have to worry about facing the same Redskins team that sprang to life in December with the addition of Johnson—assuming the same Redskins show up to play without Joe Gibbs coaching.

But what about Cincinnati?

The loss of their top receiver would definitely hurt the offense. No longer would Carlson Palmer wield the dual weapons that are Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Defenses would be able to key in on the mouthful of a receiver Houshmandzadeh.

This certainly wouldn't do the Bengals any favors coming off of a 7-9 season.

If your a Redskins fan, this looks promising.

As for Bengals fans—as far as you're concerned, this isn't going to happen.

St. Louis Rams' Late Accusations of the New England Patriots

Jared Lilly — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:02:36 -0500

No questions asked. The New England Patriots were the bandwagon team of the year.

Not only did their fan base skyrocket, but so did the sales for a Bill Belichick authentic hoodie.

It seems if you weren't rooting for the Patriots, you were rooting against them with a passion, constantly reminding every Patriots fan you knew of the infamous "Spygate" from the beginning of the year.

Turns out, you’re not the only one.

The St. Louis Rams have made accusations that the Patriots also filmed walk-throughs of the Rams the day before Super Bowl XXVI in 2002—the same Super Bowl that kicked off the fearsome football dynasty in New England.

While it does seem odd that the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl following September 11th, I have one problem with these all too recent claims. It was over six years ago.

Now, I love to belittle the Pats as much as the next guy, but there comes a point when it's ridiculous. If these accusations are true, why are the Rams waiting until now to call Bill Belichick out on it?

What has happened six years down the road that jogged someone’s memory into thinking, "HEY! Maybe they cheated us too!?"

Statistics would say the Patriots are guilty. The Rams were a prolific offense, high scoring every game. Walk-throughs include the first 15 plays of a game, and the Pats managed to hold the unstoppable offense to three points in the first half.

But, as much as I hate to say it, if someone waits six years to make an accusation in the NFL, there should be a time-based amnesty.

A Family Moment With the Dallas Cowboys

Jared Lilly — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:08:25 -0500

A young boy, about 10 years old, is spending the night at his Grandpa's house. Around bedtime he decides he’d like to hear a story, and the autographed photo of Troy Aikman hanging in the hallway sparks his interest. The boy hopes Grandpa will tell him about why he loves the Dallas Cowboys.

As the feet from his footy pajamas slide across the hardwood floor, he comes to the wooden rocker and sees a smile crack across the old man’s face.

"Ready for your story, son?" he asks.

"Yeah, Grandpa. Can you tell me why you like the Cowboys so much?"

"Well it's been years since I've kept up with them, but I can tell you that when I was a teenager, the Cowboys had a marvelous quarterback. He was known as Captain America," the old man recollects.

"Roger Staubach was what the game was all about: winning. Once Staubach left, it wasn't too long before another man came along. His name was Danny White and he set records by the handful."

The young boy hands the man his cane, helping him to the bedroom. As they walk, the grandfather continues.

"After Danny White's career was over, the Cowboys found their way to another era of greatness, during the nineties—you were alive for some of this, son. There were three players known as the Triplets who seemed to know nothing but how to win. They won three Super Bowls together."

The boy crawls into his bed and he looks at his grandpa with big blue eyes, "Grandpa, I think I like the Cowboys, too."

"What makes you say that, boy?" the man inquires.

"Well, Grandpa, they're at it again."

Dallas Cowboys: Blue Stars Shine the Brightest

Jared Lilly — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:59:23 -0500

Dear Mr. Phillips,

First off, congratulations on your spectacular first season as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

I must admit, I was skeptical about how this coach I barely heard of was going to turn the Dallas Cowboys into the powerhouse I knew they could be.

Some people mocked you and your style of coaching at "Camp Cupcake"—it must have been a pretty funny joke though, because overall, you got the last laugh.

But, pray tell, what is in store for all of us Cowboys fans next season?

We saw it all this year except for a playoff win and a Lombardi trophy. We saw what was thought to be impossible, the infamous Team Obliterator defend a quarterback. We saw the receiving core function without Terry Glenn. We saw Tony Romo's astonishing 4-yard run against the St. Louis Rams (who were more like Lambs this year).

We saw you tie a franchise record 13-3 regular season, which, at the young age of 15, I did not think I would see. I thought I would survive on stories from the 90's that I was too young to comprehend as they were happening.

Kudos on the Pro-Bowl, an unprecedented 13 all-stars this year, including rookie kicker Nick Folk, who nailed a 53-yard field goal twice to secure a win against the Buffalo Bills.

However, there is one thing I saw this year I would not like to see next year—the winter fall-off that has plagued the Cowboys the past few seasons.

Give my regards to Romo and the team will you, and tell Terrell I cried too.

Double the 8's Means Double Trouble?

Jared Lilly — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:17:56 -0500

Richmond International Speedway, May 2006,Earnhardt Jr. celebrates in Victory Lane with Tony Eury Jr. after a phenomenal race. This will be Junior's last trip to Victory Lane until February 2008 in Daytona.

No, Little E has not won the 2008 Daytona 500, atleast not yet. Who knew that the night Jr. won in Richmond would be his last win in a DEI car, with Budweiser on the hood, and with an 8 on the side, at least one 8 anyways.

In case you have lived under a rock, here's a quick update. Junior is now at the already dominant Hendrick Motorsports and is sporting a flashy Mountain Dew Amp sponsor, along with National Guard. Let's not forget an already historical number in NASCAR, 88.

Since Jr. has joined Hendrick's Motorsports, he has accomplished more in one race (the non-point affecting Budweiser Shootout), then he did all last year at DEI, he's ran at the front and topped off with a trip to Victory Lane.

Is this a statement to Junior Nation? A cry that says "New team equals new success?"

I say yes.

It is no secret that Theresa Earnhardt did not supply Dale with the best of equipment, this fact supported by his multiple engines blown during last season's races. Now wielding the best equipment and a strong Chevrolet Impala SS engine, Jr. will be a force to be beckoned with this season in the Sprint Cup, as he so loudly proclaimed with the roar of an engine and crowd of fans Saturday night.

Look out for 88.

Photo courtesy of nascar.com