Bleacher Report - Articles by troy testa

College Football's BSC Could Go Bust

troy testa — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:27:42 -0500

The perfect BCS-buster storm is brewing and playoff backers everywhere should be ready to call for federal aid once the carnage is over.

Obviously, the BCS brass wants to see a Florida vs. Texas matchup.

Florida boasts the modern day “Touchdown Jesus” in Tim Tebow, who has won a Heisman Trophy and two of the last three National Championships. Texas has deadly accurate, gun-slingin’ quarterback Colt McCoy, with the highest quarterback career completion percentage ever, and has won more games than any other player in college football history to boot.

But not so fast my friends.

At least once every three years, a scenario develops during the course of the college football season that, if everything breaks just right, exposes the current BCS format as dysfunctional at best and downright broken at worst.

This season, multiple conferences could present an undefeated team for the BCS’s National Championship game consideration, only to be measured, weighed, and found inadequate, despite a perfect record. The BCS brass will then choose instead, a one-loss team from a more glamorous conference.

Cincinnati (10-0) from the Big East Conference, Boise State (11-0) from the Western Athletic Conference, and the Mountain West’s best TCU (11-0) all could end the season undefeated and still end up on the outside looking in at the BCS Championship game.

Because Florida and Alabama play head-to-head, there will be only one undefeated team from the SEC. Assuming every undefeated team as of today wins out (except the SEC Championship game loser), there will be five undefeated teams vying for only two spots in the Championship game.

While this has happened before, here is the scenario that could quite possibly unfold in the next two weeks that would blow this year’s BCS system into oblivion and foil the Tebow vs. McCoy finale:

If Florida (11-0) beats rival Florida State this Saturday, but loses to Alabama in the SEC Championship game next Saturday, that would leave them at 12-1. If Alabama loses to rival Auburn this weekend, but beats Florida in the SEC Championship game, they would have an identical 12-1 season record.

You could flip that scenario with Florida State winning, then Florida beating Bama in the SEC Championship game.

Then let’s pretend that Texas trips up in one of its last two games of the season at rival Texas A&M or against Nebraska at Texas Stadium for the Big 12 Championship game. Texas would end the year with the same 12-1 record.

Assuming Cincinnati beats West Virginia and a one-loss Pittsburgh team in the season finale, they become the only undefeated team in the country with an automatic invite to the BCS, thus guaranteeing them a spot in the National Championship game.

So whom does Cincinnati play? TCU? Boise State? Neither?

If the BCS brass chooses a one-loss team from a power conference, how do they differentiate between Florida and Alabama if they have the same record, and why would an SEC team with a late-season loss earn a spot in the Championship game over a team like Georgia Tech (11-1), whose only loss was an early season contest at Miami?

What if the same scenario listed above happens, but Cincinnati loses one game coming in? Should TCU and Boise play for all the marbles? If they slated the game, would you consider the winner of that game as the best team in college football?

Say Cincinnati loses. Imagine trying to determine which of the following teams should fill the two spots for the Championship:

13-0 Boise State, 12-0 TCU, 12-1 Florida, 12-1 Alabama, 12-1 Texas, 12-1 Georgia Tech, 11-1 Pittsburgh, or 12-1 Cincinnati.

Without getting into a debate on the merits of bowl games versus a playoff system, you have to agree that choosing between two of five undefeated teams is inherently subjective. As would be deciding which one-loss team has more merit than another one-loss team.

The deciding factors range from marquee players, to influential coaches, and trickle down to whether or not a team’s fanbase will travel well and fill up the stadium. Arguably, the last factor is which team is the “best.”

In a season without a dominant team, the last two weeks should provide plenty of drama with massive ramifications to the outcome.

Don’t be shocked if Nevada upsets Boise in the season finale. Nevada has won eight in a row and is averaging 51.6 points per game.

Nebraska matches up well against Texas, who has played arguably the easiest schedule of any team in the country. The Longhorns have not played a single team that runs the ball well and their defensive rankings against the run have the making of a paper tiger ready to be shredded by any team committed to success on the ground.

Auburn has just enough offensive diversity to keep Alabama guessing and, with a jacked-up home crowd, could very easily pull off the upset against their most hated rival. BCS backers beware; we could end up with a Cincinnati vs. TCU BCS Championship game.

In that scenario, TCU would probably be the favorite. That’s right. Not only is TCU in the Championship game, but they are also laying the chalk.

The storm winds are gaining momentum. Don't be surprised if by the end of the weekend, the college football landscape looks completely different.

2009 British Open Preview

troy testa — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:51:08 -0400

Temperamental Turnberry Will Be a Factor

The 138^th British Open will be played at Turnberry Club in Scotland; home to three previous Open Championships all won by players renowned for their excellent ball striking ability. The landscape and seaside views surrounding Turnberry’s Aisla course are considered by many as the Holy Grail of Royal and Ancient’s Open Championship venue rotation.

Standing on Turnberry’s hallowed grounds, there are remnants of Robert the Bruce’s castle foundation at your feet. The mountains of Arran rest to the north, the Kintyre peninsula is due west, and the Aisla Craig is just South. Turnberry overlooks the Irish Sea, which likes to insert its will with unpredictable gusts and temperamental deluges, seemingly spawned purposely to douse the chances of a would-be champion.

A famous Scottish saying goes, “Nae wind, nae rain, nae golf.” The weather is unpredictable hour to hour. Depending on a player’s morning-afternoon or afternoon-morning rotation, some players can get lucky, while others may feel like the Irish Sea is out to get them.

Part of the charm of The Open is watching the world’s best golfers playing in treacherous conditions. Turnberry has a history of some of the harshest tournament conditions to date.

The first Open Championship staged at Turnberry in 1977 was the only Turnberry British Open Championship where bad weather did not play a part in the tournament.

Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus were tied heading into the weekend, having left the field behind. The two top players in the world at the time staged an epic battle over the weekend, still today referred to as the “Duel Under the Sun.” Without the usual adverse weather conditions, Watson shot weekend scores of 65-65 to finish just one stroke better than Nicklaus’s weekend, 65-66. Watson won the coveted Claret Jug by one stroke.

Two-Time Defending Champion Not in Form

Padraig Harrington has won the last two Open Championships, but swing changes have the two-time defending champ mired in a slump. Harrington won three of six major championships in a 13-month span; he then, inexplicably, decided his swing needed an overhaul.

His modest goal was to improve the position of his club head at impact. It sounded simple enough, but the rest of his game has suffered in the process.

“Through that,” Harrington explained, “a combination of other things turned up. Golf is always, for me, a juggling act of keeping all the balls in the air and keeping everything working together. I've obviously concentrated on one ball a lot, and a few of the others have fallen on the ground, and it's a question of picking them up and getting them all together again.”

Or instead of juggling multiple balls, you can go back to focusing on putting your one golf ball in the hole with as few shots as possible and get back to winning major championships.

Normally, you would never count out a defending champ in a major, especially someone who has won the last two of a given event. But Harrington’s form has been atrocious leading up to this weekend, and he has relegated himself to also-ran.

Harrington is ranked 137^th in putting (1.793 putts per green), 182^nd in driving accuracy (52.8 percent of fairways hit), and 182^ndin greens in regulation (60.06 percent). He has no top 10s on the PGA tour this year and has missed the cut in his last four events.

British odds makers are so unimpressed with Harrington’s form, they have listed him at 25-1 odds to win with just 9-4 odds he will even make the cut.

Woods is Back after One-Year Hiatus

Woods missed last year’s Open after recovering from season-ending knee surgery following the U.S. Open. Woods is the odds-on favorite, even though he has never played at Turnberry prior to arriving last Sunday for practice rounds.

Arguably, no player on tour defines his season’s success by how he performs in Major Championships more than Tiger Woods. So far this season, Woods is zero for two.

Only twice this decade has Woods failed to win at least one major in a golf season (2003-04). Woods finished tied for fourth in ’03 and tied for ninth in ’04 in his two British Open starts in the years he failed to capture a major.

Woods has won two majors in a season four times this decade, including the Tiger Slam of 2000-2001, where he held every major championship trophy at the same time, but not in the same calendar year.

With previous champions Watson, Greg Norman, and Nick Price all being considered some of the best ball strikers of their time, Woods knows he will need to make shots in order to win this week.

“You really do have to hit your ball well, here,” Woods said, after playing a morning practice round with Mark O'Meara and Mark Calcavecchia. “And you have to drive the ball well. You have to hit your irons well. You just can't fake it around this golf course. You just have to hit good shots.”

If the wind doesn’t blow, Woods and the other players could post low numbers at Turnberry. Greg Norman shot 63 during the second round in 1986 on his way to winning the Open Championship. Four players shot 64s the last time the Open was hosted at Turnberry in 1994. Rain is in the forecast for the first two days of play, but the players have yet to face the torrential winds in practice sessions.

“The course is fantastic,” said Woods. “It's in great shape. The rough is up a little bit. We haven't had the big winds yet. We'll see how the weather holds.”

Mickelson out for The Open

Phil Mickelson decided to skip the season’s third major and opted rather to stay with his wife Amy, who is recovering from breast cancer surgery two weeks ago. Mickelson made the announcement that he would be staying stateside at the same time he reported that his mother had also been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Say what you will about Mickelson, but his decision to stay with family proves he understand what is really important in life. Nobody would have judged him if he made the trip to Scotland and declared he was, “Going to win the British for Amy.” There was only one right move for a self-proclaimed family man, and Mickelson made it.

Handicapping the Field - Favorites

Tiger Woods–2/1

Woods returned to the winners circle for the first time this season after reconstructive knee surgery by winning the Arnold Palmer Invitation at Bay Hill. “Yea, that first one back, that was pretty special,” said Woods. “The people who are around me know how hard I had to work to get back to that position to be able to play again. And it felt good. It really did. It felt so good to get that W, because you put in so many hours of work just to give yourself a physical chance to hit the golf ball again.”

Woods won twice more this year proving he is all the way back and 100 percent healthy.

If you want to bet your hard-earned money, you might as well put it on a money player. Woods ranks No. 1 in career earnings at $86,914,539. On a ball striker’s golf course that demands both distant and accuracy off the tee, you have to like that Woods hits 25 percent of his drives over 320 yards and lands 64.06 percent of them in the fairway.

Woods also ranks first in tour scoring average with a salty 68.26 average per round. In 10-stroke play events this season, Woods has yet to finish out of the top 10 and he has three wins and three runner-ups.

Rory McIlroy-25/1

McIlroy is a betting favorite in part because his boyish face and humble approach endure him to the local British betting public. But those that stand about and watch him hit range balls say his club at impact makes a different sound than the other players.

McIlroy may be young and relatively inexperienced, but this will be his third major championship, and he has been improving at every go. McIlroy finished 20^th at the Masters; he then finished 10^th at the U.S. Open. At this improvement rate, a top-five is possible at this weekend’s Open Championship.

Hunter Mahan-28/1

Mahan has yet to finish outside the top 10 in a major championship this season. Mahan finished tied for tenth at the Masters and was in contention on Sunday at the U.S. Open before falling off the pace on the back nine and finishing sixth.

Mahan has five top-10s this season and his scoring average of 69.5 ranks fifth on tour. Known for his ball striking, Mahan should be hovering in the top 10 on the weekend. If he can get his putter rolling, this could be the weekend he breaks through at a major.

Good Value Bets

Steve Stricker-33/1

Stricker may very well be the best money on the board this week. Fresh off his victory last week at the John Deere Classic, Stricker has the shot-making prowess and mental fortitude to win the Claret Jug come Sunday.

Stricker has been smoking hot all season, having made 13 of 15 cuts, with two wins, five top-threes and seven top-10s. Sporting a 69.3 scoring average, which is second only to Tiger Woods, Stricker has proven his ability to shoot low and win golf tournaments.

Kenny Perry-40/1

Perry melted down with two holes to play earlier this year at the Masters, robbing him of his best chance to break through at a Major. Perry has yet to miss a cut in 17 starts, while winning twice and accumulating seven top-10s.

Great Long Shots Bets

Zach Johnson-66/1

Johnson is another player who has been playing solid golf all season, but he hasn’t been given much of a chance to win The Open. Johnson has made 14 of 18 cuts this season, including six top-tens and two wins.

Brian Gay-66/1

Gay has been happy with his play all year, posting a career best scoring average of 69.5 to this point in the season. Gay has won twice this year and has proven an ability to hold a Sunday lead. Gay also ranks fifth in sand saves at 62.22 percent and fifth in putts per round at 27.98.

Bad Bets

Sergio Garcia-25/1

If you are one of those people who say things like, “He’s due,” then this is the perfect bad bet for you. Step up all you come-line bettors, and throw your money away on the worst putter in the history of professional golf.

Garcia is masterful off the tee, but look away from the television when he steps up to any putt over four feet. He won’t miss it by much, but he won’t make it either.

Garcia has exactly one top-10 all season with no wins. He ranks 159^th in driving accuracy (57.8 percent), 146^th in putts per round (29.53), and is currently listed at 109^th on the money list.

Ian Poulter-28/1

It seems the England native has spent too much time in the United States and took to calling The Open the “British Open” five times in one interview. Poulter has since apologized, but don’t expect the crowd to let him off the hook all weekend.

Poulter has never won on the PGA tour, so expecting him to break through at his favorite tournament after firing up the locals is just faulty logic. Poulter ranks 146^th in greens in regulation at 62.65 percent.

The 19^th Hole

A British Open is not complete until at least one streaker makes a mad dash across the 18^th green on Sunday wearing only a birthday suit and some marks-a-lot ink stating “19^th hole” with an arrow pointing to his or her bum.

Tony Romo: Superstar or Falling Star for the Dallas Cowboys?

troy testa — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:01:31 -0400

Depending on who you ask, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is either destined to become the most prolific passer in the Cowboys' storied history, or he’s just the third-best quarterback in the NFC East.

With another season completed as starting quarterback and another year without a playoff victory, the shine is clearly off the star-bearer compared to this same time last year.

But is the criticism of Romo warranted? History suggests the best years lie ahead for Romo and the Cowboys.

Best Cowboys Quarterback Ever?

You don’t have to look beyond the quarterback fraternity of the Cowboys, which includes Hall of Famers Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, to see the potential for greatness in Tony Romo.

Compare the numbers for Romo’s first 38 starts with Aikman’s first 39 starts and Staubach’s first 45 starts, and you quickly realize Romo is blazing a trail to Cowboys immortality if he can stay healthy.

In Romo’s two plus seasons as a starter, he has played 38 games, completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 10,562 yards and 81 touchdowns, and has compiled a record of 27-12 as a starter.

Aikman’s numbers aren’t even close. In his first 38 starts as Cowboys starter, he completed 58.5 percent of his passes for 7,082 yards and 31 touchdowns. Aikman’s touchdown percentage during this same time span was 2.9 percent, while Romo throws just over six touchdowns for every 100 pass attempts (6.1 percent).

Perhaps you are a little older and consider Staubach the standard-bearer, against which all Cowboys quarterbacks are to be measured. In Staubach’s first 45 games, he completed 58.9 percent of his passes for 5,371 yards and 41 touchdowns.

In Staubach’s 11 year career, he totaled 22,700 yards passing. Romo is almost halfway there after two and a half seasons. Staubach finished his career with a passer rating of 83.4. Aikman’s career passer rating was 81.6. Romo is tied with Peyton Manning with a 94.7 career passer rating, highest amongst active quarterbacks scheduled to start next year.

Aikman finished his 12 season, 165 game career with 32,942 yards, and 165 touchdowns. If Romo stays on his current pace and plays 150 games, he would finish his career with 40,623 yards and 311 touchdowns.

Romo Compared to a Few of the Best of All Time

The argument over who is the greatest NFL quarterback of all time will rage endlessly, but two quarterbacks always mentioned in the debate are John Elway and Joe Montana.

The strong-armed, swashbuckling Elway started his first 42 games by completing 53.3 percent of his passes for 8,152 yards and 47 touchdowns. He also threw 52 interceptions. Elway’s rating through these 42 games was 67.3.

The cerebral and deadly accurate Montana put up better numbers then Elway in his first 41 starts, but nothing compared to Romo. Montana completed 63 percent of his passes for 8,069 yards and 52 touchdowns, which earned him a quarterback rating of 86.3.

Clearly, the biggest difference between these all-time greats and Romo is playoff wins and Lombardi trophies. But even the greatest quarterbacks needed time before they won their first playoff game.

Statistically, Romo is in a class by himself at this juncture in his career. The obvious next step is to guide his team to a post season victory.

Third-Best Quarterback in the NFC East?

Playing in the brutal NFC East exacerbates Romo’s lack of postseason success.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning won a Super Bowl in his fourth season as starter, and no other quarterback in the NFL has been better at leading his team to the postseason then the Eagles Donovan McNabb.

Manning had been solid but not spectacular before getting hot in the 2007 postseason. During the Giants' Super Bowl run, Manning threw only six touchdown passes. But he protected the ball, throwing only one interception the entire post season. His postseason quarterback rating was 95.7.

McNabb is best known for his ability to make something good out of a broken play, but his best asset may be how he protects the football. In the last five seasons, McNabb’s interception per pass attempt has been above two percent only once (2.5 percent in 2005).

So not only is McNabb able to beat a blitzing linebacker one on one, he doesn’t throw the ball to the other team when making something out of nothing.

But again, both of these players are older than Romo and neither compares to him statistically in the early part of their careers.

Manning started the first 41 games of his career, completing 54 percent of his passes for 8,049 yards, 52 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 69.4.

In McNabb’s first 44 career starts, he threw for 56.4 percent completions for 7,546 yards, 54 touchdowns, and a 74 passer rating.

Time will tell what becomes of Tony Romo and his legacy as the Dallas Cowboys starting quarterback.

If he leads the Cowboys to their first playoff victory in more than a decade, Romo will have taken the first step toward equaling the previous great quarterbacks from Dallas.

If they fail to make the playoffs again this year, no one will care how inflated his stats appear. Romo will become synonymous with underachievement.

Terrell Owens Will Wish He Dropped Buffalo Bills Offer To Play

troy testa — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:49:40 -0400

A propensity for drops, old legs and a brutal season ending stretch of cold weather game venues, could tarnish Terrell Owens reputation as one of the most productive offensive players in the NFL.

Owens has posted eight 1,000+ yard receiving seasons out of his last nine, with only an injury riddled 2005 campaign keeping him from hitting the magic 1,000 yards each season this millennium. In that same nine year time span, Owens has averaged 12.1 touchdowns a season.

Despite his obvious production, Owens has also developed a reputation as a receiver who will drop the ball. According to iWon Sports who track drops, Owens led the NFC last season with 10 drops.

Anyone who watched Owens play the last three years for the Cowboys could see he tended to fight the ball and doesn't possess "soft hands," especially in traffic. Hall of Fame NFL writer Rick Gosselin recently referred to Owens as, "The King of Drops," in an article for The Dallas Morning News.

Owens was able to hide to hide his below average catching ability for most of his career, while playing for two west coast offenses in San Francisco and Philadelphia.

Both of these teams had mobile quarterbacks who would play action and throw one away, then wait for the drag route to clear the linebackers. This was Owens' special. A short pass that he would turn into a long gain by winning a foot race and having the balance and power to shuck a defender one on one.

Next season Owens will turn 36, which will seriously test his ability to continue to win individual foot races. If anyone not named Jerry Rice can maintain his speed, its Owens, but history suggests an imminent decline in production.

Look at the production numbers of the all time leading wide receivers in NFL history tail off at the age of 36. As stated before Rice is an anomaly.

Marvin Harrison ranks second all-time in catches at 1,102. From 1999 to 2006, Harrison averaged 1,402 yards per season. He was hurt in 2007. He turned 36 in 2008 and caught only six balls for 636 yards.

Chris Carter, who ranks third with 1,101 career catches, also saw his production tumble at the age of the 36. Carter was riding an eight season streak of 1,000+ receiving yards, until the 2001 season, when he caught 73 balls for 871 yards.

Tim Brown ranks fourth all-time and he brought a nine season 1,000+ yard receiving season streak to his 36th birthday season, then dropped to 81 catches for 931 yards.

One could argue the numbers still suggest production, but compared to before these players turned 36, there is clearly a drop off.

Not only will Owens be battling the football and an invisible 36 year old wall, he must also find a way to be productive in the frosty conditions at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Four of the last six Bills games will be at home, starting Nov. 29. Of the two road contests, one is to frigid Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 13, then they finally get a warm weather venue playing in the dome in Atlanta.

Since the 2003 season, Eric Moulds is the only receiver to gain over 100 receiving yards in a game at home in December for Buffalo.

If he follows the footsteps of legions of aging NFL receivers, who have gone before him, TO’s show could be played and the popcorn stale in 2009.

NBA Finals Preview: Key Matchup Is Jameer Nelson Versus Team Doctors

troy testa — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:11:45 -0400

Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson will have the biggest impact on the outcome of the 2009 NBA Championship series against the Los Angeles Lakers whether he plays or not.

Before explaining why, we need to agree the NBA is a league of matchups. And the NBA playoffs are matchups on steroids, as each team gets nothing but continuous looks at the same plays and same defenders for up to seven games in a playoff series.

It doesn't matter which of the two teams has more talent. What matters is which team can create a mis match that the other team cannot counter—offensively or defensively.

Take a look at the regular season of each of the teams that made the playoffs this year in the NBA. Pick any team, then reference their regular season results against the teams they faced in the playoffs.

You will notice both the Lakers and the Magic had winning records in the regular season for each team they faced on the road to the Finals, except the Magic and the Cavs series was tied at two games a piece.

Lakers against their first round opponent Utah? Lakers won two of three in the regular season... The Lakers swept their second round opponent the Houston Rockets 3-0 in the regular season. The Lakeshow also beat the Nuggets two out of three in the regular season before drop kicking them in five games in the Western Conference Championship.

Do you see the trend? The outcome of the regular season contests matter because you get a look at how the teams matchup.

Same trend applies for Orlando who beat the 76ers 3-0 in the regular season, then won their first round series against them. As mentioned previously, the Magic tied the Celtics 2-2 in the regular season, but won the second round series against the defending Champs in a seven game second round thriller.

The Magic also beat the Cavs two out of three regular season contests before dominating the Cavs in six games of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Now that we have established that not one single team in the 2009 NBA playoff field advanced through a team that bested them in the regular season matchup, let's look at why Jameer Nelson is so important to the outcome of the NBA Finals between the Lakers and the Magic.

The Lakers played the Magic twice this year. They played a home-and-away series. The Magic won both games.

But before you hop a plane to Vegas to load up on Dwight Howard and his posse, let's take a closer look at how those two games went down.

On Dec. 20 at Amway Arena in Orlando, the Magic won the game 109 to 103 with Jameer Nelson pacing the Magic with 27 points. Kobe led all scorers with a then-season-high 41 in the losing effort.

Jan. 16 at the Staples Center in LA, Nelson again led the Magic, scoring 15 of his 28 in the fourth quarter to lead his team to a 109-103 road victory. Bryant scored 28 in the losing effort.

If Nelson was healthy, you would have an excellent argument that the underdog Magic should be the odds on favorite.

But Nelson is not healthy.

Even if Nelson returns for the finals, you can't expect him to pace the Magic in scoring. Backup point guard Rafer Alston has averaged 11.7 points per game in the post season.

If Orlando is going to win the Championship, either Rafer or Nelson is going to have to win the point guard matchup, like Nelson did twice earlier this season.

Golf Jinxer: How I Destroyed the Hopes of Three Contenders

troy testa — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:10:35 -0400

Never before has one journalist single handedly destroyed the hopes of winning of three contenders quite like I did last week at the Colonial.

Blogging for ESPN, I wrote this of Kenny Perry after his first round 64...

Nobody should be surprised Kenny Perry is in contention again this year at the Crowne Plaza Colonial Championship. Perry has won more money ($2,643,181) at the Colonial than any other player in the tournament’s history. Perry won in 2003 and 2005 by shooting -19 under.

After shooting a bogey free six under 64 on Thursday, Perry wants to become the first player since Ben Hogan to win the Colonial three times.

“Something I would like to do, no doubt,” said Perry. “I think there is 10 guys with two wins in this tournament. I would love to break out of there and get three. It's only one day, we got three more days to go. A lot of work ahead of me.”

Perry made three birdies on his first nine (holes 10-18) playing with Vijay Singh who also started hot, making four birdies on the same side, including three in a row.

“He played great,” Perry said of Singh. “It is always nice when one guy is going good. It keeps the group paying attention more focused. I always like it when somebody is playing hot.”

Perry has been “hot” almost all year, making the cut in 11 of 12 events. He won the FBR Open in January and has already earned $2,705,259, which ranks fifth on the money list.

Earlier this year at Augusta National, Kenny Perry tried to usurp Jack Nicklaus as the oldest person to ever win the Masters. But back to back bogeys on the 71st and 72nd holes of the tournament cost him the outright Major win. He would go on to lose to Angel Cabrera in a three man playoff that included Chad Campbell.

“We cried a little bit there the first couple of days and talked about it and enjoyed it,” said Perry. “But I'm not hanging my head on that deal, that was fun. I had a blast.”

Perry is a self described, “feel player” player, but pulled a “Bruce Lietzke” before playing the Colonial this week.

Lietzke was a former tour player famous for not practicing, yet still having the ability to win. Lietzke’s most infamous story came one year when his caddy but a banana in his driver head cover after the last round of the last tournament of the season.

The following year, when Lietzke stood at the teebox of the first tournament of the year, the same caddy pulled off the head cover and there was the same old banana.

“I did a first, I did a Bruce Lietzke,’ said Perry. “Two weeks ago after TPC, my club was in my club glove, I stuck them in the closet at the house, and I didn't touch them until I put the club glove on the plane on Monday; two weeks later. I didn't touch a club for two weeks.”

This week, Perry put in a new driver in the bag that he insists is giving him ten extra yards. What Perry said may seem like coach speak to some, but anyone who has spent time on a launch monitor knows exactly what Perry is talking about.

“TaylorMade came out with a new 460 driver,” said Perry. “I put it in play the first time today and I picked up five miles an hour swing speed going from the R9, to the R9 460. I was averaging 166 ball speed. When I went to the 460 I was having 172 so that's about 10 to 12 yards further.

"I wanted to get it on out there and attack the golf course a little bit, so I was launching the driver on the trackman. It would launch at 13 degrees at 2,200 ball spin. If you can get that with 172 mile an hour ball speed, it's going to go 310 to 315."

Ahh yeah Kenny. Those are the same numbers I get whenever I step onto a launch monitor…uh hmm…

“The driver goes and the ball goes so I'm able to hang with those kids," said Perry.

If Perry keeps hitting the ball like he did today, he’ll get fitted for more than just a driver. Plaid jackets are awarded to the lucky winner.

-33-

Perry shot two over 72 the next day and fell out of contention...

After Friday's action, I wrote this about Sean O'Hair who was a couple strokes off the lead heading into the weekend...

Sean O'Hair sits three stokes behind Steve Stricker on the leaderboard, but nobody in the field is striking the ball better. A case can be made for why each of the four leaders will win, but the numbers suggest O'Hair will prevail if the putts start to fall.

Through two days of golf at the tree lined Colonial Country Club, O'Hair has missed exactly one green in regulation. That is not a misprint. O'Hair ranks first in the field in greens in regulation at 97.22 percent, having hit 35 of 36 greens heading into the weekend.

The flip side of hitting so many greens in regulation is not hitting the ball next to the pin every time. O'Hair has averaged 31 putts per round, which is amongst the most of any player that made the cut.

Conversely, Stricker has ridden his hot putter to a Colonial Invitational 36 hole record - 14 under. Stricker ranks in the top three in each putting category. He ranks first in putts per green in regulation at 1.448 and first in total greens in regulation putts at 42. His 25.5 putts per round is good for third.

"I'm going up to every putt with a lot of confidence knowing that I made a lot of putts these first couple of days," said Stricker. "So I'm very excited to reach the green, and look forward to putting it, which is always a good thing."

Perhaps you think the spoils of Colonial are earned by the player who makes the fewest mistakes. If that is your philosophy, than Vijay Singh and Tim Clark could be poised to host the trophy. Through two rounds, both Singh and Clark have each made only one bogey.

Clark has been especially efficient plotting his way through the tree doglegs at Colonial. Clark ranks third in driving accuracy, having landed in the short grass 23 times out of 28 attempts. Clark has always been a solid putter and this week is no different. He is averaging 27 putts per round and his 1.548 putts per green in regulation ranks third best in the field.

"I really hit the ball good these two days," said Clark. "A lot of fairways, a lot of putts, dirty putts. If anything I left a few out there, but obviously I can't look at it that way."

Singh has flashed both power (343 yard drive on 11) and scrambling ability (100% sand saves this week). His 309 yard driving average ranks second in the field.

The greens at Colonial Country Club are immaculate. Its only a matter of time before O'Hair starts draining some putts. If he can add a hot putter to his ball striking ability, O'Hair will don the plaid jacket come Sunday.

O'Hair played the next 36 holes in two over par. He had played the first 36 in 11 under. At this point I'm feeling pretty jinxy.

Then, I kill poor Tim Clark's chances for his first tour victory, by dropping this poison on the unsuspecting South African...

Tim Clark continues to flash big game despite his smallish stature.

Golf has become a power hitter's game. Advanced technology drivers married superiourly designed golf balls and together they spawned endless distance for the pros who can tourque it just so.

Last week at the Byron Nelson, Vijay Singh broke out a persimmon wood and a balata golf ball and tried to hit it as far as he could. The ball traveled 237 yards.

This week at Colonial Country Club, where players must maneuver the ball right or left off the tee to follow the tree lined doglegs, distance is secondary to control and accuracy. Still, the longer players can bomb it over the trees and through the doglegs.

Tim Clark does not possess the power game to play over the designed trouble. He must play the holes exactly as they were designed. And he is doing just that better than anyone in the field.

Through 54 holes the 5'7" South African has made only two bogeys and ranks in the top five in every important category of golf.

Driving? Clark ranks third in driving accuracy, hitting 78.26 percent of the fairways.

Iron play? Clark ranks second in greens in regulation at 83.5 percent.

Putting? Clark's 1.612 putts per hole average ranks fifth in the field.

We'll see if Clark can hang on to his 54 hole lead. If he keeps driving the ball, hitting greens and putting this well, nobody will catch him.

Thats called 0 for three. Or three and 0, however you look at it.

I would like to offer an allogy, which is an all out apology to these players.

Now I know why the Cowboys cratered last year.

Colonial Invitational Winner? Take Sean By O'Hair

troy testa — Sat, 30 May 2009 11:56:40 -0400

Stricker ranks in the top three in each putting category. He ranks first in putts per green in regulation at 1.448 and first in total greens in regulation putts at 42. His 25.5 putts per round is good for third.

"I'm going up to every putt with a lot of confidence knowing that I made a lot of putts these first couple of days," said Stricker. "So I'm very excited to reach the green, and look forward to putting it, which is always a good thing."

Perhaps you think the spoils of Colonial are earned by the player who makes the fewest mistakes. If that is your philosophy, than Vijay Singh and Tim Clark could be poised to host the trophy. Through two rounds, both Singh and Clark have made only one bogey each.

Clark has been especially efficient plotting his way through the doglegs at Colonial. Clark ranks third in driving accuracy, having landed in the short grass 23 times out of 28 attempts.

Clark has always been a solid putter, and this week is no different. He is averaging 27 putts per round, and his 1.548 putts per green in regulation ranks third best in the field.

"I really hit the ball good these two days," said Clark. "A lot of fairways, a lot of putts, dirty putts. If anything I left a few out there, but obviously I can't look at it that way."

Singh has flashed both power (a 343-yard drive on 11) and scrambling ability (100 percent sand saves this week). His 309-yard driving average ranks second in the field.

The greens at Colonial Country Club are immaculate. Its only a matter of time before O'Hair starts draining some putts. If he can add a hot putter to his ball striking ability, O'Hair will don the plaid jacket come Sunday.

Perry Could Swap Green Jacket for Plaid

troy testa — Thu, 28 May 2009 22:15:52 -0400

If the Green Jacket Doesn’t Fit, Try Plaid

Nobody should be surprised Kenny Perry is in contention again this year at the Crowne Plaza Colonial Championship. Perry has won more money (2,643,181) at the Colonial than any other player in the tournament’s history.

After shooting a bogey free six under 64 on Thursday, Perry wants to become the first player since Ben Hogan to win the Colonial three times.

“Something I would like to do, no doubt,” said Perry. “I think there is 10 guys with two wins in this tournament. I would love to break out of there and get three. It's only one day, we got three more days to go. A lot of work ahead of me.”

Perry made three birdies on his first nine (holes 10-18) playing with Vijay Singh who also started hot, making four birdies on the same side, including three in a row.

“He played great,” Perry said of Singh. “It is always nice when one guy is going good. It keeps the group paying attention more focused. I always like it when somebody is playing hot.”

Perry has been “hot” almost all year, making the cut in 11 of 12 events. He won the FBR Open in January and has already earned $2,705,259, which ranks fifth on the money list.

Earlier this year at Augusta National, Kenny Perry tried to usurp Jack Nicklaus as the oldest person to ever win the Masters. But back to back bogeys on the 71st and 72nd holes of the tournament cost him the outright Major win. He would go on to lose to Angel Cabrera in a three man playoff that included Chad Campbell.

“We cried a little bit there the first couple of days and talked about it and enjoyed it,” said Perry. “But I'm not hanging my head on that deal, that was fun. I had a blast.”

Perry is a self described, “feel player” player, but pulled a “Bruce Lietzke” before playing the Colonial this week.

Lietzke was a former tour player famous for not practicing, yet still having the ability to win. Lietzke’s most infamous story came one year when his caddy but a banana in his driver head cover after the last round of the last tournament of the season.

The following year, when Lietzke stood at the teebox of the first tournament of the year, the same caddy pulled off the head cover and there was the same old banana.

“I did a first, I did a Bruce Lietzke,’ said Perry. “Two weeks ago after TPC, my club was in my club glove, I stuck them in the closet at the house, and I didn't touch them until I put the club glove on the plane on Monday; two weeks later. I didn't touch a club for two weeks.”

This week, Perry put in a new driver in the bag that he insists is giving him ten extra yards. What Perry said may seem like coach speak to some, but anyone who has spent time on a launch monitor knows exactly what Perry is talking about.

“TaylorMade came out with a new 460 driver,” said Perry. “I put it in play the first time today and I picked up five miles an hour swing speed going from the R9, to the R9 460. I was averaging 166 ball speed.

"When I went to the 460 I was having 172 so that's about 10 to 12 yards further. I wanted to get it on out there and attack the golf course a little bit, so I was launching the driver on the trackman. It would launch at 13 degrees at 2,200 ball spin. If you can get that with 172 mile an hour ball speed, it's going to go 310 to 315.

Ahh yeah Kenny. Those are the same numbers I get whenever I step onto a launch monitor…uh hmm…

“The driver goes and the ball goes so I'm able to hang with those kids, said Perry.

If Perry keeps hitting the ball like he did today, he’ll get fitted for more than just a driver. Plaid jackets are awarded to the lucky winner.

Cowboys Need to Run First for Balance Attack

troy testa — Tue, 26 May 2009 23:08:58 -0400

Cowboys Need to Lean Toward Run but Stay Balanced

Having an identity is crucial to success in the NFL.

Look at the franchises who have declared a decade of dominance and you are able to quickly describe that team’s identity.

The ‘70s Steelers played a rough, physical brand of defense that carried them to three Super Bowl Championships. Even recently, the Steelers have not strayed from their blue collar, smash-mouth defensive identity and their organization has been rewarded with two more Super Bowl Championships.

Pittsburgh's team identity is the Steel Curtain defense just like it was in the ‘70s.

The 49ers in the 80’s were a pass first finesse team who used quick decision making, precise route running, and overall athletic ability to win three Lombardi trophies in their decade of dominance.

Their Championship teams were easily identified as offensive purists with wide receivers who could outrun corners and running backs who caught like receivers. Not to say that ‘80s Niners team didn’t play defense, but their identity was offense.

Any player who touched the ball for the 49ers could score from anywhere on the field and no defense matched up well against them.

When the Cowboys won three Super Bowls in the ‘90s, the key to their offensive success was balance. The Cowboys looked to run first with Emmitt Smith, but could throw over any run blitzes with Troy Aikman to Michael Irvin or Jay Novacek.

Yes, we are talking about hall of fame talents here, but stay with me.

The Cowboys had an identity and that was balance.

Consider the Cowboys last Super Bowl season in 1995.

The Cowboys finished that '95 regular season with a modest ranking of 13th in passing at 226.4 yards per game. Their rushing attack was the second best in the league, averaging 137.6 yards per game.

Fast forward to the Cowboys' last season, in which the offense averaged 236.8 yards per game passing. That was good for ninth best in the NFL.

The dropoff in the comparison is in the ground game. In 2008, the Cowboys ranked 21st in rushing, averaging 107.7 yards per game.

Comparing the Super Bowl season of ’95 to last season, you can see the passing offense was 10 yards better last year, but the rushing attack trailed by a distant 30 yards per game.

This is where the Cowboys must improve next year if they are going to win their first playoff game since 1996.

We make this declaration, not because that is how the '95 Cowboys did it, but because they have the personnel in place to establish a power running game and play action pass-type offense as their identity.

With the departure of Terrell Owens, this will be the first start to a season that Tony Romo does not have Owens as his primary receiver. This is the perfect season for the Cowboys to think run first, play action pass second and develop a ball control-type offensive identity.

Personnel Matched Move to Power Run Game

In 2007, tight end Jason Witten led the team with 96 catches for 1,145 yards. He caught 81 more passes for 952 yards in 2008 to again lead the team in catches. His numbers may have dropped from last year, but he battled through broken ribs last season and will finally be healthy to start the 2009 season.

A tight end is the most difficult cover on the field for linebackers that are also tasked with stuffing the run. Witten has made a career out of either outrunning a linebacker or using his size (6’5” and 262 lbs.) to shield the defender from the ball.

Rookie tight end Marcellus Bennett had a breakout season last year when lining up in dual tight end formations. He showed both an ability to sustain blocks as well as great hands, and the ability to make big plays on third downs.

In his first season as a professional, Bennett enjoyed a healthy 14.2 yards per catch and scored four touchdowns.

You can’t just up and declare your new identity is a power running team without having the force and experience on the offensive line to support the strategy. The Cowboys offensive line is loaded with big fellas who have years of NFL experience.

On the right side of the line alone, the Cowboys have 17 years of experience and 781 lbs. of men ready to block.

Add Witten’s seven years and 262 pounds, and it just makes sense to run Marion Barber off right tackle, doesn’t it?

Felix Jones Healthy Again

Probably the biggest reason to run the ball more often (besides the loss of Owens) is to get second year running back Felix Jones more touches. Jones flashed game breaking speed and ability early in his rookie season, before pulling his hamstring, then enduring a freak toe injury that cost him the rest of the season.

During his career at Arkansas, Jones averaged 6.6 yards per carry running the football for a team that couldn’t pass, and he did it in the South Eastern Conference no less.

The Cowboys insisted they covet Jones’ combination of top end speed and lower body strength. They promised it had nothing to do with his name being Jones and playing football for Arkansas.

Jones' speed and power translated in the NFL as did his gaudy yards per touch average. In six games before the injuries, Jones had 30 carries for 266 yards and three scores.

That means he averaged 8.9 yards per carry, which is unheard of in the NFL even for limited carries.

Jones also returned kicks, averaging 27.1 yards per return including a 98 yard kickoff return touchdown. All last year, Jones had 48 touches for 710 yards and averaged 14.8 yards per touch.

The Cowboys have won Super Bowls in the past with balanced offensive football teams.

With a massive veteran offensive line, two quality running backs, and two capable tight ends to keep the linebackers guessing, Dallas needs to establish the run then play action pass behind it and keep defenses off balance.

The Cowboys identity as a winning organization is at stake.

Jerry Jones, the Cowboys GM, Puts Himself on Record

troy testa — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:18:28 -0400

Jerry Jones the GM puts himself on record with wide receiver moves.

When Jerry Jones bought the Dallas Cowboys for $150 million, back in 1989, Cowboys fans weren’t sure what to make of their brash new owner and general manager. Twenty years later, some still don’t.

The baby boomer Cowboys fans have yet to forgive Jones for relieving Tom Landry of his head coaching duties, but should Jones really apologize for hiring Jimmy Johnson? When the Cowboys won their third Super Bowl championship in 1995, it seemed that Jones was infallible. My, how times have changed.

Ask a random Cowboys fan what he thinks of Jerry Jones as an owner, and unless they are graying in the temples and sporting a Fedora hat, the answer will be positive. Ask the same fan their opinion of Jerry Jones as a General Manger, and the venom flies.

Jones is the longest tenured GM in the NFL. Not because of his track record of shrewd personnel moves and signing players below their market value, but because he refuses to relieve himself of duty. Consider Jones most recent moves: issuing a gag order to head coach Wade Phillips and cutting Terrell Owens less than a year after signing him to an extension.

You don’t even have to look outside the Cowboys' coaching fraternity to ponder the ridiculousness of gagging the head coach. Can you imagine Landry or Jimmy Johnson or Bill Parcells being gagged by the GM?

Johnson probably would have fought Jones in the halls at Valley Ranch, and Parcells would have tendered his resignation on the spot. Only a GM wielding an owner’s power stick would dare make such a move without fear of disastrous repercussions. And within the duality of the roles lies the problem.

Cutting T.O. is the latest chapter of the ongoing saga that is Jerry Jones and the wide receiver position. Jones traded away two first-round draft picks in 2000 and 2001 to acquire Joey Galloway. Jones passed on Randy Moss. Last year, Jones traded a first-, third-, and fifth-round draft pick for Detroit wide receiver Roy Williams.

Says Jones, “I’m excited about Roy, so I’d rather have him than the [three] picks we gave up for him this draft.” The numbers don’t support the move, not losing what Owens brought and not gaining what Williams brings. No matter how petulant or divisive Owens has proven to be to the Cowboys, you can’t argue with the production.

In the last three years, Owens missed only one game, had three consecutive 1,000+yard receiving seasons and averaged 12.6 touchdowns per season. Owen’s Cowboys career stats are 235 catches for 3,587 yards and 38 touchdowns. Only hall of famer Michael Irvin did it better over a three-year span from 1993-95, catching 278 passes for 4,174 yards and 23 TDs. In Williams' five year professional career, he has posted only one 1,000+ yard receiving season (2006). Last year, Williams was so bad he set career lows for receptions (36), yards (430) and touchdowns (2).

Jones got an up close look of what Williams could do in offensive coordinator Jason Garret’s system. The numbers were terrible, but Jones has declared Williams is his guy, and in so doing, he staked his reputation as a general manager on the results. With the draft coming next month, track the players drafted where the Cowboys would have selected, and compare that with Williams' numbers for the next three seasons.

“No, no added pressure, it’s not my first rodeo,” said Williams about becoming the team’s new No. 1 receiving target. “I’ve been doing this since I was in Pop Warner.”

Could Raiders Have Moved Down and Sill Got Their Man?

troy testa — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:05:21 -0400

As NFL commissioner Roger Goodell strolled to the podium to announce which player the Oakland Raiders had selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2009 draft, the crowd hushed. The pundits covering the draft and fans across Raider Nation all expected owner Al Davis would select a wide receiver.

If you had read at least one mock draft, you knew the Raiders needed a receiver. Johnny Lee Higgins led all Raider receivers with a paltry 22 catches last season. If you know Al Davis, you know he covets speed.

So why was everyone so aghast was when the Raiders selected Darrius Heyward-Bey, the fastest clocked wide receiver (4.30 in the 40-yard dash) at this year’s NFL combine?

If you do not understand the answer, then you, like Al Davis, don’t understand the NFL draft.

Yes, the object of the draft is to acquire the highest player on your draft board. But you also have to understand where that player ranks on other teams draft boards and what the general consensus around the league is for that player.

Even if the Raiders felt Heyward-Bey was their guy, could they have traded down for additional draft picks and still drafted Heyward-Bey? Dallas Morning News NFL reporter Rick Gosselin had Heyward Bey listed number 20 on his draft board. Because the Jets moved up to get quarterback Mark Sanchez, no team had drafted a wide receiver in the six selections made prior to the Raiders' pick.

That meant the Raiders were going to be able to address their biggest team need with their choice of receivers in the draft. Its impossible to say with any real accuracy how other teams stack ranked the top receivers on their draft baord, but most had either super productive Michael Crabtree or return specialist and speedster Jeremy Maclin listed as the top two receiving prospects in the 2009 draft.

Most scouts covet production. In only two seasons as a Texas Tech Red Raider receiver, Crabtree won the Belitnikof Award twice, given to the nation’s best receiver. Crabtree broke the NCAA record with 231 catches in two years, including 13 consecutive games with a touchdown catch.

Maclin also knew how to find the end zone, scoring 32 times in only 28 games. Maclin’s return skills helped him become only the third player in NCAA history to average over 200 all-purpose yards (202.3) per contest during his career.

So what does those players' production have to do with the Raiders drafting Heward-Bey?

Because even if Hewyard-Bey was the only guy they wanted to draft, they could have dropped back in the middle or late first round, added at least one additonal draft pick, and still got the same exact guy they wanted anyway. And they wouldn’t have to pay him the top 10 first round money to boot.

And just in case you think there were not any interested parties in moving up the draft, consider this quote from Washington Redskins Executive Vice President Vinny Cerrato about landing defensive end Brian Orakpo from Texas:

“Sometimes you've got to be lucky in the draft, that the guy that you really covet falls to you. You know, I tried for an hour to move up to get the guy. Nobody would do it, and he fell to us."

Proving that they also are clueless on draft day, the Redskins didn’t even let the clock tick on their 13th selection. As soon as the Redskins were on the clock, they turned in their pick for Orakpo.

Even if the Redskins are absolutely sold on Orakpo, they could have spent the five minutes fielding calls to get an idea of what the market would bear to trade down. In that five minutes, who knows what they could have learned or been offered.

To be clear, I am not arguing that Maclin or Crabtree will be better then Heyward-Bey in the NFL, although Crabtree should be special. The argument is the Raiders could have acquired more draft picks and saved money in the salary cap by drafting their guy later, versus reaching with the seventh overall selection.

Who Is My Favorite All-Time NFL Team?

troy testa — Thu, 14 May 2009 11:51:22 -0400

First of all, thanks for asking.

It’s been almost a decade, since I entertained the fond memories of the St. Louis Rams' Super Bowl season of 1999. This particular Rams team rates as my all-time favorite, not because they were an underdog who found a way to win a game. No, they are my all-time favorite team because they were the biggest underdog in the history of the NFL, and they found a way to win it all.

To fully appreciate just how much that 1999 Super Bowl win meant to a guy from Dallas, you have to go back to 1979, when my love affair with the Rams was born. I was sitting in the stands in Los Angeles, watching my first NFL game live, without the limitations of the cameras and TV. The Rams were hosting the Minnesota Vikings.

Even as seven-year-old, I remember understanding the situation on the field. The game had gone into overtime, tied at 21-21. The Rams had the ball, fourth and goal at the Vikings five-yard line. The Rams lined up for the winning field goal.

What happened next, I would never forget.

Instead of kicking the field goal, head coach John Robinson called for the fake, where All-Pro safety and place holder Nolan Cromwell kept the ball and made a mad dash for the corner pylon. Cromwell sprinted to the exact corner of the end zone where my mom and I were sitting. The fake was a beauty and everyone on the Vikings sold out for the block—except the safety valve, who spotted Cromwell at the hash, and the race was on.

Let’s just say in today’s NFL, Cromwell probably wouldn’t have scored, but he won the five-yard sprint to the goal line and the Rams won the game, 27-21. From that day, that moment, my love for the Rams was born.

Fast forward exactly 20 seasons to 1999.

In a meaningless preseason game, the Rams lose starting quarterback Trent Green to a season ending injury. Head coach Dick Vermeil is literally crying about it, telling fans the team will trooper on without him but the loss is “devastating”.

As Vermeil cries, I use this killer new search tool called the Internet to find out who is listed as the backup quarterback in the Rams two-deep roster. A few clicks later, I find out its a guy named Kurt Warner, who was most recently employed by an Arena League team and before that he worked for a super market bagging groceries.

You have got to be kidding me.

Again, I plugged into this marvelous network of information called the World Wide Web and referenced the Odds to Win the Super Bowl on my offshore account. Sure enough, the guys in Las Vegas were so enamored with an Arena Quarterback starting in the NFL, the Rams were listed as 250-1 odds to win the Super Bowl that year. Far and away the longest shot of any team on the board to win the world championship.

While the rest of the world snickered at the Rams' misfortune, the team circled the wagons and rallied behind their new starting quarterback.

In the season home opener, Warner declared his intentions by passing for three touchdowns and 309 yards, leading the Rams to a 27-10 victory over Baltimore. After a bye week, Warner threw another three touchdowns in a 35-7 route of the Atlanta Falcons.

When the Rams took their show to Cincinnati for Warner’s first road start of his NFL career, everyone figured reality would settle in and the Rams would lose. Three Warner touchdown passes and 310 yards later, the Rams were off to a perfect 3-0 start.

When the hated 49ers came to town, the Rams announced to their bitter rivals and to the entire league that not only was the Rams' quarterback not a position of liability, but he may be the best in the league. Warner dropped two touchdown bombs of 45 yards and 42 yards to Issac Bruce, while throwing a career high five touchdown passes in the 42-20 blowout victory.

In four games to start his NFL career, Warner had thrown 14 touchdowns for 938 yards and his team was a perfect 4-0. The Rams would extend their streak of perfection to six games, before losing on the road to the Tennessee Titans, 24-17. Ironically, this is the same team the Rams would play in the Super Bowl.

The Rams finished the regular season 13-3. The offense racked up 32.9 points per game, while the defense proved solid, giving up only 15.1 points per game. The 17.8 points per game differential was easily the highest in the league.

In Super Bowl XXXIV at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, the 15-3 Rams took on the 16-3 Titans in a rematch for the world championship. Despite dominating the first half offensively (294 yards to 89), the Rams only led 9-0.

The Rams opened the scoring in the second half with a touchdown pass from Warner to Torry Holt, extending the margin to 16-0. It looked like another Super Bowl blowout that failed to live up to the pre-game hype.

But Tennessee didn’t get the blowout memo, and they scored the next 17 points, taking the lead 17-16 with 2:12 seconds to play in the game.

So here came the Rams offense. Down by one, in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl, with a quarterback who one year ago was playing Arena football, and one year before that was bagging groceries.

As he did all season, Warner met the challenge. As the pocket collapsed around him, Warner held the ball just long enough to spot a streaking Issac Bruce down the right sideline. Warner threw a perfect pass for a 73-yard touchdown strike. Warner finished his Super Bowl debut hitting 24-of-45 for 414 yards and two touchdowns.

The quick strike meant the Titans had time of their own and they drove the ball all the way to the Rams 10-yard line with six seconds remaining and no timeouts. On the final play, Titans quarterback Steve McNair spotted an open Kevin Dyson, who caught the ball at the three. Dyson was immediately grabbed by Rams linebacker Mike Jones, who slid down Dyson as he fought for the two yards to the end zone and a world championship.

Jones hung on for dear life, and as Dyson went down, he stretched the ball as far as he could toward the goal line, but ended up one yard short.

The Rams won their first Super Bowl in my lifetime, and at that exact same moment, I realized that yes, my head can actually hit the ceiling of my house if I jump high enough.

My beloved Rams had gone from the biggest underdog to Super Bowl champions, and they did it behind a man who perfectly personified the team.

This Week in Major League Baseball : The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

troy testa — Wed, 13 May 2009 02:21:53 -0400

The Good

Texas Rangers closer Frank Francisco has been so good, he’s almost perfect.

Francisco has already broken the Rangers record for most appearances without allowing a run at 14 innings. Every other stat line for Francisco looks like it has been multiplied by 0.

Francisco’s ERA after 14 appearances is 0, which is also his same number of blown saves. This scoreless trend started back in 2008, when Francisco pitched his last 12 innings without giving up a run, while earning five saves. His nine saves are tied for the most so far this season in baseball. Opponents are hitting just .137 against 6’3” Dominican fireballer, who has been locating his splitter and working in a changeup to keep hitters off balance. In his last six outings, Francisco has only given up three hits.

Good Streak, Bad Team

The Washington Nationals may be awful, but don’t blame third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who extended his hitting streak to 29 games. Zimmerman went 4-for-5 for the night, including two homers to extend the longest hitting streak in the Nats brief history.

“He's a big man,” said Zimmerman of opposing team pitcher Randy Johnson. “I've got legs and arms and everything coming at me. His slider looks pretty good, just like it does on TV. I can see why he's been so good.”

The Bad

The new Yankee Stadium may have the same dimensions as their storied previous facility, but that doesn’t mean the ballpark plays the same. Forty seven home runs have been lifted in the new stadium after only 13 home games. Thirty of the home runs were hit into right field, prompting Chief Operating Officer Lonn Trost to order wind pattern studies for the new $1.5 billion stadium.

The home-run total is vastly higher than the most in the first 13 games of a season at the old Yankee Stadium, 36 in 2007, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

“There were wind studies performed before,” said Trost. “They'll be wind studies performed as we go forward, and we're just looking like you are to see whether or not it's the weather, the wind, what happens when the old building goes down.”

The Ugly

Yes, we all know Los Angeles Dodger slugger Manny Ramirez failed a drug test and was suspended by the MLB for 50 games. Ramirez immediately claimed he was innocent, stating that his doctor unknowingly wrote him a prescription for a banned substance and Man Ram vowed he would appeal.

However, the appeal was dropped before a scheduled Wednesday meeting after the medical records turned over allegedly included a prescription for the fertility drug HCG, or human chorionic gonadotrophin. HCG is produced naturally in the bodies of pregnant women to help the unborn child develop. A synthetic form of human chorionic gonadotropin is prescribed from women with ovulation problems, to young boys whose testicles haven't descended in a timely manner and to men with testicular cancer.

Ramirez's test allegedly had a testosterone-epitestosterone ratio between 4:1 and 10:1. Typically, a person naturally produces the hormones at a ratio of 1:1; tests of 4:1 or greater are flagged.

I used to say about Man Rams crazy long dreads, “Don’t let the long hair fool you, he’s all man underneath.” Now I’m not so sure.

Four Reasons Dallas Cowboys Fans Should Set Realistic Expectations for 2009

troy testa — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:56:59 -0400

Peel off the “Super Bowl or Bust” bumper sticker and take off your blue-tinted Cowboys star sunglasses. All that talk about Super Bowls and being the most talented team in the NFL is so 2008.

Instead of feasting on the press clippings of a paper tiger, let’s enjoy a healthy dose of realistic expectations for the Dallas Cowboys' 2009 season. We’re here to set the table.

New Digs

The first thing to consider when discussing the Cowboys in 2009 is the new Texas Stadium. Sure, everything is bigger in Texas, but there’s a reason the locals refer to the new facility as “Jerry World.” If you are anywhere within a 10-mile radius, you will see the 80,000-seat monstrosity the Cowboys will call home next season.

The acoustics are untested, but the place will be packed, so look for Dallas to enjoy a distinct home field advantage next year. Or not.

Owner Jerry Jones opted to keep the trademark hole in the roof, which does force the players to compete in the natural elements. But it also lets the sound of the crowd escape through the hole. Recent word from the Cowboys suggests the roof will be closed if there is rain or snow in the area.

With 420,000 square feet of entertainment space stretching over 10 acres, plus 200 suites and 1,500 club seats, who’s to say the fans that actually sit in the seats will make enough noise to disrupt the opposing team’s offense?

The Cowboys have won six games at home in each of the last two years. However, Dallas has dropped its final home game four years in a row. The Cowboys will need to protect their home turf at the new digs at Texas Stadium.

Addition By Subtraction? Not When Calculating These Numbers

Locals are touting the expression, "Addition by subtraction," after the Cowboys cut starting wide reciever Terrell Owens this off season. But no matter how petulant or divisive Owens has proven to be to the Cowboys, you can’t argue with his production.

In the last three years, Owens missed only one game, had three consecutive 1,000+ yard receiving seasons, and averaged 12.6 touchdowns per season. Owens' Cowboy career stats are 235 catches for 3,587 yards and 38 touchdowns.

Only Hall of Famer Michael Irvin did it better over a three-year span, from 1993-95, catching 278 passes for 4,174 yards and 23 TDs.

With the release of Owens, the primary wide receiving duties now fall to Roy Williams, who the Cowboys acquired in a trade from Detroit. In seven starts last season for the Cowboys, Williams caught only 19 passes for 198 yards and one touchdown.

When pressed about whether he felt any added pressure for being the new go-to guy in Dallas, Williams told The Dallas Morning News, “This isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve been the number one guy before.”

No matter how you manipulate the numbers or how fuzzy the math, the Cowboys are worse in the receiver category compared with last year. In six seasons as a professional, Williams has only stayed healthy for the entire season once. That was in 2006, which is also the only season he surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark.

The Cowboys are one injury away from a starting receiving corps of Miles Austin, Patrick Crayton, and Sam Hurd. Even if you add Williams back to this triumvirate, Owens had more receiving yards (1,052) than these four receivers combined (1,026) last season.

If the Cowboys expect to make the postseason in 2009, the receiving corps must stay healthy and improve its individual production.

NFC Beast

If you haven’t already started to temper your enthusiasm for the Cowboys in 2009, you should know only three teams in the NFL finished in the top 10 in both offense and defense last season, and two of those teams play in the NFC East. Division rivals New York and Philadelphia, who were already balanced and effective last year, got bigger and faster this offseason.

Philly added size by acquiring Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters from Buffalo, and they drafted speed in Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin in the first round of this year’s draft. Adding Maclin to the receiving corps that includes DeSean Jackson gives the Cowboys immediate matchup problems.

In two career games against Dallas, Jackson has eight catches for 156 yards.

With veteran cornerback Anthony Henry traded for back up quarterback Jon Kitna, the young Cowboy corners could find it difficult to cover the Eagles' speed on the perimeter.

The Giants won a Super Bowl two years ago because of their ability to pressure the quarterback with their front four and stop the run with the front seven. Last year the Giants cruised to a 12-4 regular season record despite playing without their best pass rusher, Osi Umenyiora, who was out with an injury.

This offseason, the Giants acquired Cowboys starting defensive tackle Chris Canty in free agency, as well as defensive tackle Rocky Bernard, who has averaged 4.1 sacks in his seven-year professional career. The Giants are big and proven up front defensively and will be a force to deal with if they stay healthy all season.

Just Win a Playoff Game, Baby

The last time the Dallas Cowboys won a playoff game, the calendar year was 1996. There have been plenty of Cowboy team rosters capable of stopping this decade-plus trend of futility, yet no team could get it done. On paper, the Boys appear to be worse in some key positions, while division rivals are clearly better.

If the Cowboys can win at home, split with teams in their division, and steal a few games on the road, a wild card playoff berth is certainly realistic. But as for any Super Bowl talk, let’s first win one playoff game this decade.

If you feel a touch nauseous after digesting this information regarding the Cowboys' chances for next season, then head on out to Jerry World for some comfort food.

I hear the corn dogs and fried ice cream are going to be terrific, even if the Cowboys' season won’t be.

SMU Spring Scrimmage Ends In a Tie

troy testa — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:13:04 -0400

For fourteen practices this spring, the offense and defense of SMU’s football team slugged it out, both literally and figuratively. One day the offense would shine. The next day, the defense would dominate. Some days the intensity of the battles would carry past the whistle. Heading into Saturday’s annual Red/Blue scrimmage, it was anyone’s guess which side of the football would carry the day.

After 47 seven plays of a controlled scrimmage, the answer was a draw. A literal 56 to 56 tie, using June Jones’unique scoring philosophy. Originally, the scrimmage was scheduled to go for 40 plays. Seven flags were thrown by officials hired to simulate a game day experience, resulting in the increased play count.

Jones’ scoring system (below) mirrors the messages the coaching staff has been preaching all spring. For the offense, the keys are don’t throw interceptions and make big plays (14 points for plays longer than 35 yards). Defensively, the coached have stressed creating turnovers (25 points for an interception) and pressuring the quarterback (4 points for a sack).

Each play was snapped from the south side’s 45 yard line, with the offense facing midfield. On the first play of the scrimmage, quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell looked right, waited, then threw a 50 yard bomb down the left sideline. Aldrick Robinson was a couple steps behind right corner Bryan McCann, but the ball went through his hands for an incompletion. “I thought I had it man,” said Robinson of the missed touchdown opportunity.

Mitchell, who finished the spring game12 -16 for 108 yards, has shown marked improvement from last year. “I feel so much better about this year compared to last year,” said Mitchell. “I know the offense. One two three throw the ball. I know where my receivers are gonna be. I know the offensive line is going to give me time.” Despite airing it out on the first play, Mitchell admitted he was trying to avoid forcing any throws and giving up the 25 point interception. “Today I was making some reads, trying to complete balls…get some points for us,” said Mitchell. “We kind of settled down on the long throws.”

Coach Jones was clearly in favor of Mitchell’s decision making. “We didn’t throw any interceptions,” said Jones. “As long as we don’t throw any interceptions, we are probably going to win a lot of games.”

Throughout the spring, the defense has been implementing more plays into their new 3-4 defensive scheme. Defensive coordinator Tom Mason made the switch in an attempt to get more pressure on the opposing quarterback by better utilizing the talent the Ponies already have on the roster. The defense registered five sacks today and impressed their coach with another strong effort. “I thought we grew today,” said Mason. “I really did. I was happy with the enthusiasm we played with. I think we’ve made big strides this spring.”

The 3-4 requires athletic linebackers, who can both rush the passer off the edge as well as run stuff. Two linebackers were singled out by coach Mason today. “I thought Patrick Flemming stood out,” said Mason. “He had a couple of sacks. Chase Kinnemar had a great day. The first group I thought was really solid. We just have to develop some depth.”

Mason plans to immerse himself in tape and training all summer, learning the intricacies of the 3-4 alignment. “I’ve got to keep learning, keep studying,” said Mason. “Dick Lebeau at Pittsburgh, I’m going up to visit with him in May. Just keep learning more and more from the top guys that run it.”

With Justin Willis battling an ankle injury, receiver Cole Loftin has worked his way into the starting rotation. Loftin used his 6’3” frame to shield defenders, while making 4 catches for 17 yards today. Loftin could be used as a possession receiver. He has already earned the respect of his quarterback. “I love Cole Loftin,” said Mitchell. “He’s such a hard worker and he will sell out his body to make a catch.”

The running game still appears to be on the witness protection program. Chris Butler remains the starter for now, but none of the running backs have emerged this spring. Three running backs shared eight carries for 17 yards during the scrimmage. The offense ran the pistol formation a few plays, but couldn’t get much going out of that alignment either.

Overall, Jones sees a better team after the spring. “We got better this spring,” said Jones. “We’ve got some offensive skill players and defensive players that are going to make a name for themselves. I’m excited about where we are headed.”

Offense:
14 pts - Touchdown longer than 35 yards
7 pts - Touchdown
4 pts - Completion and run 10 yds. after catch
4 pts - Run over 10 yds
2 pts - Rushing play for 4 yds or more
2 pts - For a completion

Defense:
25 pts - Interception
7 pts - Touchdown
4 pts - Caused fumble
4 pts - Sack
4 pts - Fumble recovery
4 pts - Stop run play for gain of 2 yds or less
2 pts - Pass deflection
1 pt - Incomplete pass

To Philly Fans: How's This for a Bird?

troy testa — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:59:44 -0500

Congratulations to all you Philadelphia Eagles fans for reaching another NFC Conference Championship, and once again crapping down your leg.

What a travesty it must be to be an Eagles fan. So close to getting your hands on the Lombardi Trophy, yet so far from fulfilling your dream.

When you faithful followers of the City of Brotherly Shove mocked Tony Romo and the Cowboys, you freely admitted it was tough to determine if the Eagles win or the Cowboys loss was the greater victory.

After upsetting the Giants, Gang Green piled on Manning, calling him a choker and one-hit wonder and any other mean-spirited comment you could think to say or write.

After spewing insults and scatter shooting hate towards your NFC East rivals and their fans, you again finish the season with a massive wet fart. That's what I think of whenever I see a video of McNabb hanging his head in dejection.

Or when I see Andy Reid ordering an extra-everything pizza into his head set. I literally hear the large gastric bypass and ensuing reverberating noise of a long wet fart.

Philly fans, you hate everything and every one. Especially your own team. I just wanted you to know, we hate you too. Enjoy another off-season of shame after another season of futility.

Spare me the comments about how its better to get to five Conference Championships and one Super Bowl in the last decade, than to have not won a single playoff game, like the Cowboys. I know that's not true and so do you.

Please know, Philly fans, that we all laughed as you called for McNabb's head, then wanted him inducted to the Hall of Fame, then wanted his head again, all within the span of a month. You're pathetic, Eagles fans.

Let's all raise our glass and hope McNabb and Reid join forces once again next year, so they can lead the Philly faithful to another NFC Championship, or maybe even a Super Bowl, then we can all sit back and wait for the inevitable explosion.

The foul, reeking stench of failure as it spews out of the collective backsides of the Eagles and their fans.

Seriously, Philly...you stink.

I got a bird for ya, Philly fans...right here!

Dallas-Philadelphia: Playoffs Start One Week Early

troy testa — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:42:26 -0500

Dallas Cowboys (9-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1)

Cowboys Need Win and They're In

The Cowboys roller coaster regular season has come down to the one gigantic finale against the hated Eagles. All the Cowboys have to do to secure a wild card spot is win in Philadelphia. The Eagles need to beat Dallas, plus get help from Oakland and New York in order to advance into the playoffs. The kickoff time was changed from Noon to 3:15 PM, so the Eagles should know whether they are playing for the post season, or if they have been relegated to spoiler. Regardless, you can count on a playoff type energy from the crowd.

Eagles Offense Soars at Home

The Eagles have lost only twice at home this season, both to division rivals Washington and New York and both losses were by six points. The Eagles have quality wins at home this year over playoff bound teams Pittsburgh (15-6) and surprising Atlanta (27-14).

Philadelphia’s offense seems to especially enjoy the confines of Lincoln Financial Field, averaging 29.4 points per game, almost ten more points than when playing on the road. In the seven home games, Donovon McNabb has completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 1,750 yards with 13 touchdowns to only three interceptions. McNabb’s quarterback rating at home this year is 97.3.

Rating Romo versus the Eagles

Romo has faced the Eagles four times in his professional career and has split the series 2-2. Romo has completed 56 percent of his passes for 992 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

The last time Romo and the Cowboys visited Philadelphia, Romo hit 20 of 25 passes for 324 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in the 38-17 road victory. Earlier this year at Texas Stadium, Romo hit 21 of 30 passes for 312 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Romo’s career QB rating against the Eagles is 78.9.

Romo will be looking for Terrell Owens, who loves to beat his former teammates. Owens has been nothing short of amazing against his old team. In the last two games against Philadelphia, Owens has 13 catches for 263 yards and three touchdowns.

Cowboys Special Teams Rides the Short Bus to the Stadium

The Dallas Cowboys are the only team in the NFL who have yet to register a touchback on a kickoff this season. That’s right, zero.

The Eagles kick return units are amongst the best in the Conference. The Eagles are ranked sixth in the NFC on kickoff return average at 23.9 yards and have returned five kicks 40+ yards this season.

The Eagles also have two punt returns over 40+ yards. Last week the Cowboys were dominated in the field position battle every time the teams were forced to punt. Baltimore’s punter Sam Koch launched five balls, averaging 46.6 yards per punt.

The Cowboys countered with Sam Palescu’s six punts and 31.5 yard average. The Cowboys essentially gave away almost the entire length of the football field in the punting exchanges.

Tony Turnover

Back when Dallas first announced that Romo was going to be the new Cowboys starting quarterback, my first reaction was to check Romo’s background and see where he played his baseball. After all, Cowboys brass seemed more enamored with converting baseball pitchers with big arms (see Chad Hutchison and Drew Henson) then finding an athlete with a football pedigree.

Once I realized Romo was a Brett Favre starter kit, complete with an affable persona and a way of speaking out of the side of his mouth, my man crush was born. But the honeymoon ended quickly with costly turnovers in games where the only way the Cowboys lose, is if they lose the turnover battle.

I wrote about it at the time, that Romo is a great player, but if he doesn’t minimize the turnovers, he will never be among the game’s elite. For the season, Romo has 26 touchdowns to 13 interceptions, a respectable 2:1 ratio.

For his career, Romo has thrown 81 touchdowns to 45 interceptions. A little less stellar but still not bad.

The Tony Turnover tag comes when you add in the fumbles. Last year Romo had ten fumbles but the Cowboys only lost two. This year, Romo has laid it on the carpet 11 times, losing five. In fact, Romo has fumbled at least once in eight of twelve games this season and has two multiple fumble games.

Cowboys Turned Safety Off In Texas Stadium Farewell

Starting with the injury to Pro Bowler Roy Williams, the Cowboys have been facing injury problems all season at the safety position.

Ken Hamlin and Keith Davis have battled injuries all season, but never let other team’s prey on their physical limitations...until last week’s Texas Stadium farewell debacle. In back to back touchdown runs, the Cowboy’s safeties missed tackles and allowed the Ravens to re-write the record book for longest runs ever at Texas Stadium.

But it gets worse. Willis McGahee’s 77 yard touchdown run and LeRon McClain’s 82 yard touchdown run became the longest back-to-back rushing plays in NFL history.

Three Hours to Decide Destiny

If the Cowboys beat Philadelphia and win their first playoff game in over a decade, most fans will consider this a successful season.

The Super Bowl or bust days ended the same day Dallas lost to the Rams in week seven and dropped to 4-3 on the season. But should Dallas get beat, you could see whole sale changes made by owner Jerry Jones. With all the money Jones has already spent on signing bonuses and the massive investment in the new stadium, the Cowboys need to at least make the playoffs.

Jones is still waiting on approval for $350 million for the new stadium. Another fortune spent and another season without a playoff win, would make Jones one angry Cowboy. How much more would Jones spend right now for an entirely healthy roster?

Prediction

Dallas – 30

Philadelphia - 28

Ravens-Cowboys: Game Preview

troy testa — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:33:29 -0500

Baltimore Ravens (9-5) at Dallas Cowboys (9-5)

Saturday, Dec. 20, 7:15 PM, NFL Network

Cowboys look to say goodbye to Texas Stadium with a win

The resurgent Dallas Cowboys will try to keep their playoff hopes alive this Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens, in the final game ever played at Texas Stadium. The Ravens represent the only team the storied Cowboys franchise has never beaten, with the Cowboys having lost the only two contests in Baltimore by a combined score of 57-10.

With only two games left in the season and several teams vying for wild-card spots, the Cowboys need a win to stay in contention for the playoffs.

Turnover Battle

The Ravens and Cowboys have taken different paths to the same 9-5 record, when it comes to turnovers. Baltimore’s opportunistic defense has snatched a league leading 22 interceptions and recovered six fumble recoveries for a plus-8 turnover ratio.

Dallas has only 20 takeaways, while the offense has thrown 17 interceptions and lost nine fumbles, for a minus-six turnover ratio. If Dallas can win, or at least not lose the turnover battle, their chances for the win improve exponentially.

Farewell Texas Stadium

The Cowboys will bring playoff passion and a sense of historical significance to Saturday’s contest with the Ravens. With no possibility for postseason home games, the Cowboys will be playing their final home game at legendary Texas Stadium.

Including the playoffs, the Cowboys are 213-99 under the hole in the sky in Irving, Texas. The Cowboys will fight to keep the century-loss mark at bay and there will be plenty of farewell festivities before, during and after the game.

Cowboy’s officials say there will be at least 100 former players and coaches who will be recognized. “We’ve got to involve the people that out the blood and the life into the stadium, and that’s the fans,” owner Jerry Jones said. The Cowboys have sold out 105 consecutive games at Texas Stadium.

Serving Up a Healthy Choice

Third string running back Tashard Choice outperformed all expectations against Pittsburgh, when he was thrust into the starting role against the league’s best defense. Choice rang up 177 all purpose yards against the vaunted Steelers defense, flashing good hands out of the backfield and an ability to block blitzing linebackers in pass protection.

Choice didn’t get the start last week against New York, but he lead the team in rushing with 91 yards and a touchdown, as well as lead the team with 52 receiving yards. No one could have surmised Choice’s importance to the team during the most critical time of the season.

Marion Barber is expected to play Sunday, but not at 100 percent. Keeping Choice healthy has suddenly become arguably the key ingredient to Dallas’ playoff hopes.

Ware’s His Place in History?

Last week the Cowboys sacked Giants quarterback Eli manning eight times, giving Dallas a league high 53 sacks for the season. Cowboy’s linebacker DeMarcus Ware had three of those eight and now leads the NFL with 19 sacks.

Ware’s season sack numbers are amongst some of the greatest pressure players to have ever played the game.

With two games left on the schedule, Ware has a chance to catch Lawrence Taylor (20.5 sacks–’86), Reggie White (21 sacks–’87), Mark Gastineau (22 sacks–’84) and Michael Strahan (22.5 sacks–’01). The Ravens have given up 25 sacks through 14 games this season.

Rookie Coach and Quarterback are Winning

Much like the book, Famous Jewish Sports Heroes, there are only so many success stories when you talk about rookie head coaches and rookie quarterbacks on the same team in the NFL.

This season appears to be the exception with Baltimore’s first year head coach John Harbaugh and rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, as well as Atlanta’s head coach Mike Smith and rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, both leading their teams to 9-5 records and a chance to make the playoffs.

Both Flacco and Ryan are in the hunt for rookie of the year honors with the winner probably going to the player who earns the post season berth.

Different Team, Same Scheme

The Cowboys knew running the table at the end of the season was going to be physically demanding. The Steelers, Giants, Ravens and rival Philadelphia Eagles all play a physical brand of defensive football.

But perhaps Dallas even surprised themselves in the way the Cowboy defense has taken the fight to the first two teams of the four team gauntlet. The Steelers and Giants both looked to pound the ball, then stop the run.

Neither team could run against Dallas. Pittsburgh managed just 70 yards on the ground and the Giants totaled just 72 rushing yards on 17 carries. The Ravens will commit to the run, whether it’s working or not. The Ravens lead the league in rushing attempts per game at 37.7, but rank 25th in yards per carry at 3.8.

During the four wins in five week stretch, the Cowboys have done an excellent job of stopping the run, then sacking the quarterback once they are forced to throw. The Ravens will commit to pounding the ball, successfully or not with converted fullback turned human bowling ball (6-0, 260 pounds) Le'Ron McClain.

Matchup

The Ravens have one of the meanest and most intimidating defenses in the NFL. And they back it up. Baltimore ranks second in total defense (257.5 yards per game), second in passing defense (179.5 yards per game) and third in rushing defense at 78 yards per game.

But the Cowboys haven’t backed down to anyone and the new team identity is about defense, not all the prima donnas on offense. Cowboy defenders Bradie James and Terrence Newman will be playing with a chip on their shoulder after the Pro Bowl snubs.

The Ravens simply will not be able to run and then Dallas will pin their ears back and rattle the rookie quarterback. Cowboys win a defensive battle and close the doors on Texas Stadium with a win.

Prediction

Dallas - 20

Baltimore - 13

Giants-Cowboys: Game Preview and Prediction for Rematch in Dallas

troy testa — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:56:49 -0500

N.Y. Giants (11-2) at Dallas Cowboys (8-5)

Three-Game Season Begins Against Bitter Rival

In last week’s Pittsburgh Steelers versus Dallas Cowboys preview, we called for a defensive struggle that would be decided by whichever team won the special teams and turnover battles. Five turnovers and 17 fourth quarter points by the Steelers later, the Cowboys snatched defeat from the jaws of victory and now stand in a precarious position to even make the playoffs.

The Cowboys out-hustled and out-willed the best defensive team in the NFL in their house for three quarters, only to see their 10 point lead disintegrate in the final 7:14 seconds of the game, losing a heart breaker 20–13 at Heinz Field. Dallas needs to regroup quickly, lest they let the Steelers beat them twice. With NFC East rival New York Giants coming to town and the season on the line, the Cowboys must regain focus quickly.

The Giants head to Dallas off only their second loss in the last 17 games, dating back to last year’s super playoff run, after falling to the Philadelphia Eagles, 20-14. Perhaps the week full of Plaxico Burress distractions finally affected the team, who seemed capable of winning no matter what team they played or what Giants personnel was missing that week. Giants coach Tom Coughlin, though, wasn’t ready to blame the loss on the media circus caused by Burress’ shooting himself in the leg.

“We didn't play well,” he said. “We didn't play the way we had been playing. We're a better football team than that. As far as all those other things go, that's all speculation.”

Running Back Injuries

The Cowboys played last week without their top two running backs Marion Barber III (dislocated toe) and Felix Jones (IR-hamstring). Third-string rookie Tashard Choice made the Cowboys draft experts blush with a gutty performance on the road against the No. 1-rated rushing and total defense of the Steelers, gaining 166 all-purpose yards, by far the most of any individual against Pittsburgh all year.

The Cowboys were most excited about how Choice fearlessly attacked the blitzing Steelers linebackers' chests and also flashed exceptional hands in third-down passing situations. Barber is expected to return against the Giants and will get the start. But don’t be surprised to see offensive coordinator Jason Garrett leave Choice in on third-down situations, after proving himself capable in that role.

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs was averaging his usual 5.0-plus yards per carry against Philadelphia, before leaving the game in the second quarter with a knee injury. Jacobs says he is fine and could have returned if necessary. Jacobs also thought the loss could be a positive thing for the Giants.

“We were getting cocky and sure of ourselves,” he said. “We needed this. Now we can go to Dallas and play our kind of football again.”

Better Effort with a Healthy Romo

When the Cowboys and Giants played back in week nine, the Cowboys seemed to concede defeat before they even got off the bus at the Meadowlands. Calling the matchup the week prior against the Buccaneers “the whole season,” the Cowboys played their least inspired game this year.

With backup quarterback Brad Johnson throwing almost as many interceptions (two) as completions (five), the Boys rolled over and played dead, getting beat worse than the final score of 35-14 indicated. By contrast, with Romo in the lineup, in the two regular season games last year against the Giants, he completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 592 yards with eight touchdowns and only two interceptions.

Romo’s riverboat gambler style of taking risks and having fun playing the game earned him adoration from the fans and respect from his teammates. But, for whatever reason, Romo has been known to hang his head on the bench when adversity strikes this season.

Instead of feeding off Romo’s devil-may-care cockiness, the team seemed to be joining its emotional leader in his funk. Coming off a four-turnover game, clearly his worst of the season, Romo will need to find success early against the Giants and get his teammates and himself believing again. If Romo struggles early and starts hanging his head again, you can call it a season for Dallas.

Facing Steelers Football Philosophy Again

Last week the Cowboys faced Pittsburgh’s winning football philosophy that has worked for decades in the Steel city. Run the ball effectively, then prohibit the other team’s ability to move the ball on the ground.

The Steelers rated first in just about every defensive category you can think of...total yards per game, rushing yards per game, passing yards per game, but were very average offensively. The Giants may not be as dominant defensively, but their rushing attack is the best in the NFL.

Everything the Giants do starts with the big men up front. That’s true on offense and defense. They return all five offensive linemen from last year’s Super Bowl Championship team and they are once again playing at a Pro Bowl level. The Giants lead the league in rushing yards per game at 154.6 and total rushing yards at 2,010. Naturally, the rushing attack ranks highest in yards per carry at 4.9.

The self-proclaimed "Earth, Wind and Fire" combination of Jacobs and backups Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw have also carried the G-men to the highest number of runs over 20 yards (20) in the NFL. The ground and pound philosophy has paved the way for 28.2 points per game (second best in the NFL) and 16 rushing touchdowns (fifth best in the league).

Once the Giants display their dominant running attack, they do a fine job preventing the opponent’s rushing attack. The Giants yield only 89.5 rushing yards per game, fifth best in the league. And the Giants only surrender 17.4 points per game, good for fourth best in the league.

Matchup

Dallas played their best defensive game of the year in last week’s loss. The Cowboys should get another inspired defensive performance this week at home with the season on the line. The Giants will try for the sweep, but won’t be able to match the intensity from Dallas.

Cowboys 27, Giants 23

NFC Playoff Scenarios and Predictions

troy testa — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:13:40 -0500

NFC Playoff Race Update and Predictions

Three Wins and Cowboys Are In

With three weeks left in the 2008-'09 NFL season, the Cowboys control their playoff destiny. The math is simple enough for Dallas. Win the next three games, and Dallas earns a berth to the postseason as a wild-card team.

But with two of the final three games being played against division rivals, running the table is much easier said than done.

First, the Super Bowl champion New York Giants (11-2) visit Texas Stadium for the final time in their storied rivalry. Then, the Cowboys will host the Baltimore Ravens (9-4) in what could be the final Cowboy game ever played under the stars of the hole in the roof of Dallas’ home stadium in Irving.

And finally, Dallas must go on the road to face the hated Eagles in what could amount to a Week 17 playoff game.

With only three games left, you would think the playoff scenarios are fairly easy to predict. But with so many teams still in the hunt, it’s almost incomprehensible how many scenarios could play out to finish the season.

Let’s take a look at the teams in the hunt for the six playoff spots in the NFC, their remaining schedule, and what their chances are for the postseason.

NFC East

New York Giants (11-2) – at Dallas, Carolina, at Minnesota

The Giants and Cardinals are the only two teams in the NFC who have already clinched their division and earned a spot in the postseason. With the best record in the NFC at 11-2, the Giants can earn home-field advantage throughout the playoffs if they win out.

But after going on the road for every game in their march to a Super Bowl Championship last year, and possessing a 5-1 road record this year, winning out may not prove to be a motivating factor.

The Giants have two tough road games against desperate teams in Dallas and Minnesota. If the Giants fall to Dallas on Sunday, the Week 15 contest against Carolina will get full attention of the G Men as they look to lock up home field and a first round bye.

Prediction: (2-1) – Division Title, First round bye

Dallas Cowboys (8-5) – New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, at Philadelphia Eagles

The Cowboys' 17-point fourth-quarter collapse against Pittsburgh allowed the Giants to win the NFC East, even though they lost to the Eagles last Sunday. All was not lost for the 'Boys last week though, as Atlanta and Tampa Bay both lost, putting Dallas in the playoffs if the season ended today.

The Ravens and their rookie quarterback Joe Flacco will prove the easiest of the three remaining games for Dallas, meaning Romo and the 'Boys will have to beat one of their NFC East rivals in order to advance.

A loss to the Giants and the Cowboys are suddenly scoreboard watching and desperate. But a win gives Dallas four wins in their last five games and puts them in a prime spot to punch their postseason ticket.

Regardless of what happens against New York, the Cowboys are going to have to beat the Eagles in Philadelphia to make the playoffs.

Prediction: (2-1) Wild card

Philadelphia Eagles (7-5-1) – Cleveland, at Washington, Dallas

Perhaps no team in the NFC is playing better and has a more favorable schedule down the stretch, than the Eagles. The tie at Cincinnati in Week 11 seemed devastating at the time, but the half game could be the difference in winning a wild-card berth. Cleveland doesn’t have a quarterback.

Washington has lost four of five and the head coach is clueless as to how to get them out of the funk. If they win their next two, the home game against Dallas will almost certainly be a head to head battle for a playoff berth.

Prediction: (2-1) No playoffs

Washington Redskins (7-6) – at Cincinnati, Philadelphia, at San Francisco

The Redskins have to travel two out of the next three weeks, but both destinations are against teams that have already been eliminated from the playoffs. That leaves a home against the hated Eagles, a team they already beat on the road in Week Five. The 'Skins have dropped four out of five and rookie head coach Jim Zorn is losing the team.

Prediction: (1-2) No playoffs

NFC South

Carolina Panthers (10-3) – Denver, at New York Giants, at New Orleans

Last Monday night, the Panthers ran all over (299 rushing yards) a solid Tampa Bay defense and in so doing, announced their intention of being a factor in this year’s quest for the Lombardi Trophy.

Carolina’s two-headed rushing attack of DeAngelo Williams (1,141 yards, 13 touchdowns) and Jonathon Stewart (699 yards, 8 touchdowns), should blow through a shoddy Denver run defense next Sunday and keep Carolina out front of a surprisingly tough NFC South division.

Prediction: (3-0) Division Title, Fist-round bye, home field throughout playoffs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-4) – at Atlanta, San Diego, Oakland

The Tampa Two defense had only yielded one rushing touchdown all season before they were rolled over by Carolina’s potent rushing attack, giving up four rushing touchdowns in the game. The Bucs have to regroup against another great rushing attack in the Atlanta Falcons.

The Cowboys have the head to head tiebreaker over Tampa for the wild card if both end the season with the same record. A win against Atlanta next week gives the Bucs the sweep of the Falcons on the season and almost guarantees a playoff berth with hapless Oakland still on the schedule.

Prediction: (3-0) Wild card

Atlanta Falcons (8-5) – Tampa Bay, at Minnesota, St. Louis

Anyone that tells you they knew Atlanta and their rookie head coach and rookie quarterback would still be in the playoff hunt after Week 13 probably also has some fabulous ocean front property in Nebraska he is willing to let go for cheap.

The finale against the Rams is an automatic win, so Sunday’s divisional game against Tampa Bay is the whole season.

Prediction: (2-1) No playoffs

New Orleans Saints (7-6) – at Chicago, at Detroit, Carolina

This Sunday’s contest against Chicago is the league’s first true unofficial elimination game. Both teams had playoff aspiration to start the season and only one will still have a chance at achieving their goals after Sunday.

Prediction: (2-1) No playoffs

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals (8-5) – Minnesota, at New England, Seattle

The Cardinals clinched their first division title in 33 years, mercifully ending the NFL’s longest first-place drought. Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner is playing at an NFL MVP level, helping the offense rack up 338 points this year.

The defense has been optimistic, ranking third with 23 take ways so far. But if the Cardinals plan to win in the post season, they have to get the run game going. Arizona ranks dead last in the NFL in total rushing yards (980) and rushing yards per game (75.4).

Prediction: (1-2) Division Title

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings (8-5) – at Arizona, Atlanta, New York Giants

The Vikings have won three in a row, but will be playing the remainder of the regular season without pro Bowl defensive tackle Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, who were banned for violating the league’s banned substance policy.

Playing those three games against teams with a combined record of 27-12 without the big eaters up front could spell disaster for the Vikings. The Bears are only one game back and have spilt the season series with Minnesota.

Prediction: (1-2) Division Title

Chicago Bears (7-6) – New Orleans, Green Bay, at Houston

The Bears host a de facto playoff game this Sunday against New Orleans. If their porous pass defense can rise up in the cold and earn a win, they will face two unmotivated teams in Green Bay and Houston, who have both already been eliminated from the playoffs.

Prediction: (2-1) No playoffs

Stephon Marbury Is Biggest Douche Ever

troy testa — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:41:02 -0500

I can't believe more people aren't up in arms about Stephon Marbury's ridiculous military analogies regarding his teammate's lack of support for his being benched. For those of you outside of New York who don’t know or care about the hapless Knicks and their fallen star, check out Marbury's quotes to the media regarding the lack of support he felt from his teammate after Knicks brass benched him for insubordination.

"I sat there for three weeks and didn't say one word," Marbury told The Post. "I didn't hear one of my teammates say, `Why isn't Stephon Marbury playing? This is a good system for him, even to play with the second unit and bring more firepower.'

Nothing wrong with these remarks, unless you consider his "me first, second and third" attitude both on and off the court. But here is where Marbury loses touch with reality and disrespects every American soldier who ever fought for this great country.

"When things got bad and then worse, guys like Quentin Richardson say, `I don't consider him a teammate. He let his teammates out to dry.' He didn't care I was his teammate when I was banished. They left me out for dead. It's like we're in a foxhole and I'm facing the other way. If I got shot in the head, at least you want to get shot by the enemy. I got shot in the head by my own guys in my foxhole. And they didn't even give me an honorable death."

Really Stephon? Are you seriously going military analogy here Starbury? Did you just use the word “foxhole” and “honorable death” in the same rant? What do you and your $21 million a year contract know about hiding for your life in a hole or fighting to your death for your country? Let me answer that for you, dumbass. Absolutely nothing!

This is in poor taste, even for a guy who once referred to himself as a nickname in the third person. “Starbury deserves better than this,” said Marbury. Did you seriously just refer to yourself in the third person, using your nickname? Because TT Boy thinks that’s just flat crazy.

Does anyone else remember a few months ago, when Marbury and then GM Isiah Thomas were having a spat through various New York media outlets and Marbury said basically; that because what he knows about Isiah Thomas, he doesn’t worry about what Thomas will say about him?

Could he be inferring to a little financial kickback on the over the top lucrative ($21 million a year) contract Thomas signed Marbury to when not one other GM in the league wanted to touch him? It’s just a wild guess, but let’s be honest, the moral compass for both these guys has been broken for a long time.

Athletes that use military analogies during a time of war (or two) deserve whatever blasting they take from the media and the fans. Just shut up Marbury. Sit there on your butt and collect your $21 million a year. Leave the foxhole and honorable death talk to the government and the families with loved ones actually engaging the enemy.

Maxwell Award snubs OU’s Sam Bradford

troy testa — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:00:37 -0500

The Maxwell Football Club announced the three finalists for the 2008 Maxwell Award. This year’s finalists include last year’s winner, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, as well as Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and Texas Tech Quarterback Graham Harrell.

The Maxwell Award is named after Robert W. Maxwell, a former college football player, coach and sportswriter. The Maxwell is supposedly given to the “Outstanding College Football Player of the Year,” according to spokesman Bob Clark.

Yet it doesn’t take a historical deep dive to realize that by “football player”, they mean “quarterback” or “running back.” The last football player to win the Maxwell that didn’t play quarterback or running back was wide receiver and return specialist Desmond Howard in 1991. Howard also won the Heisman that year. You have to venture all the way back to 1980 to find the next Maxwell winner (Pittsburgh linebacker Hugh Green) that didn’t take the snaps from center or tote the mail.

So knowing the Maxwell Award is really about the most outstanding quarterback or running back, rather than player, we understand why the three finalists are all quarterbacks. Spread offenses have prevailed. It’s a down year for running backs in college football this year. We get it.

But what doesn’t make any sense at all is how they left University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford off the finalists list. Forget that Bradford has the best pro potential and would be the first quarterback drafted if he made himself eligible for the next year’s draft. Let’s focus on what Bradford has accomplished so far this season and compare that to the three Maxwell Award finalists.

The comparison is much easier to make since all four players being compared play the same position - quarterback. One thing will become crystal clear when comparing total yards, passing yards, touchdown to interception ratios, quarterback ratings and team records, is that four of these guys are truly outstanding players.

Tech quarterback Harrell leads the group in total yards (4,689) as well as passing yards per game (395.6). OU’s Bradford ranks second at 4,138 total yards and 340 yards per game, and Texas’ McCoy is third with 4,021 total yards and 287.1 passing yards per game. Tebow is a distant fourth in both total yards 2,806 as well as passing yards per game (191.6). In fact, Tebow isn’t in the same stratosphere as the other three. Nationally, Harrell, Bradford and McCoy are all in the top ten in passing yards per game, while Tebow ranks 64. Advantage Harrell.

In Tebow’s defense, he does posses the best touchdown to interception ratio at 37 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions. Plus Tebow is arguably the most important player on a one loss team that is one win away from playing for a National Championship. Bradford ranks second in the group having slung 51 touchdowns to only 6 picks. Harrell has thrown 47 touchdowns to 7 interceptions and McCoy ranks last (as if these numbers are in some way worthy of a bottom ranking) at 42 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. Advantage Tebow.

We could also surmise McCoy is the most important player on a one loss team that should be one win away from a National Championship, if it weren’t for some non-sensical way of deciding who plays for the BCS Championship. McCoy leads the group in completion percentage, connecting on an other-wordly 77.6 percent of his passes. Depending on what McCoy does in the bowl game, he could set the NCAA record for completion percentage for a season. Harrell connects on 71.4 percent, while Bradford completes 68.1 percent and Tebow an even 65 percent. Advantage McCoy.

You read how Bradford was second in total yards (4,138) and passing yards (340) to Harrell. You saw he had the second fewest interceptions of the group (6), but also the most touchdowns (51). But in terms of straight up quarterback rating, Bradford is tops in the group at 190.9. McCoy’s quarterback rating is third nationally at 179.2. Tebow ranks fifth nationally at 175.4 and Harrell rounds out the group at number nine with an even 163 rating. Advantage Bradford.

Now if the head to head comparison didn’t convince you that Bradford deserved a look for the Maxwell, then maybe some of these offensive numbers will. With Bradford at the helm, the Sooners;

· Have been over 500 yards of total offense nine times and over 600 yards three times.

· Have scored on their first drive of the game in eleven of twelve contests (10 TDs, one field goal)

· Have averaged 57.8 points on the road this year

· Scored 35 first quarter points against rival Nebraska

· Set school record with 55 first half point at Kansas State

Bradford’s number could be even gaudier if Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops didn’t call off the dogs in several early season matchups. Sure, it can be argued Bradford has more weapons then Harrell, that he can’t run like Tebow or that he is not as critically important to his team as McCoy. But after Bradford leads his team to a BCS Championship, then gets drafted in the top five in the NFL draft, the Maxwell Football Club will need to re-evaluate just exactly what an outstanding football player looks like.

Cowboys-Steelers: A Preview

troy testa — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:21:55 -0500

Dallas Cowboys (8-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)

Surging Cowboys face stiff test against NFL’s best defense

The Cowboys will face the NFL’s top three defenses in consecutive weeks, starting this Sunday against the absolute best in the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers have the league’s stingiest defense in total yards allowed, conceding only 238 yards per game, while the Baltimore Ravens (253.3 ypg) and New York Giants (279.1 ypg) round up the top three.

The Steelers have yet to allow 300 yards of offense this season. Dallas needs to win probably two of the next three games to keep their playoff hopes alive, but surviving the brutally physical three-game gauntlet may prove the tougher task.

Pittsburgh’s style of football hasn’t changed much over the years. They run the ball effectively on offense, then stymie their opponent’s ground game. They are sticking to their winning formula this year, despite injuries along the offensive line and at running back.

Starting running back Willie Parker and first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall have missed a combined 15 starts this season, yet the Steelers still ground and pound the ball. They commit to the run to control the clock and to set-up their play-action passing game.

Their offensive numbers are down, but when you have by far the best defense in the league, a little offense is all they need.

Steel Curtain is Closed

The Steelers defense plays the most physical brand of football of any team the Cowboys have faced all year. Their smash-mouth style not only rattles quarterbacks and bruises ball carriers, the Steel Curtain defense just refuses to relent yards on the ground.

The Steelers sweep the run defense stats, ranking first in rushing yards allowed (854), first in rushing yards per game (71.2), and first in rushing yards per attempt (3.1).

You would think a team that sells-out so wholeheartedly to stop the run would give up big plays in the air.

Unfortunately for Dallas, Pittsburgh also leads the league defensively against the pass.

Pittsburgh has only given up 2,002 passing yards all season, again, best in the NFL.

And yes, the Steelers also lead the NFL in passing yards allowed per game, allowing only 166.8 yards per contest.

Just in case you haven’t come to understand, this is the best defensive team in the league. They also lead the NFL in takeaways at 42. If the Steelers continue to lead the NFL in rush defense (71.2), pass defense (166.8) and total defense (238), they would become the first team since 1991 (Philadelphia Eagles) to lead the NFL in all three categories.

Offense is Chink in the Steel Armor

For all the Steelers' first-place statistical ratings on the defensive side of the ball, their offense has been average at best.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked 33 times in 12 games, which bodes well for Dallas and their 40 sack total on the year. Roethlisberger has been guilty of holding the ball too long at times, while his patchwork offensive line has failed to provide him any time on other occasions.

Roethlisberger has just one more touchdown (13) than interceptions (12), which is the most he’s thrown in a single season since the 2006 campaign, when he was fresh off head planting into a car off his motorcycle.

Roethlisberger’s quarterback rating of 80 is also the lowest of his career other then the dubious 2006 season (75.4 QB rating).

Sacks on the Sod

Three of the five leading sack men in the NFL will be on Heinz Field’s new sod Sunday, when Dallas visits Pittsburgh.

The Cowboy’s DeMarcus Ware leads the NFL in sacks with 15, while Pittsburgh will counter with James Harrison’s 14 and LaMarr Woodley’s 11.5.

The Steelers’ ground crew will be installing fresh sod, and the forecast is calling for snow and 30 degree temperatures. The fresh sod, wet conditions, and heavy lumbering feet of offensive lineman, could create a sack happy affair for the league’s best.

A December to Remember?

The Cowboys have not had a winning record in the final four games of the season, dating back to 1997, accumulating an 18-31 record.

If Dallas is going to make the playoffs, they will need to improve on that number. The last time the Cowboys had a winning final stretch of the season was 1996, the last year the Cowboys won a playoff game.

The Steelers go on the road at Baltimore and at Tennessee after hosting Dallas, so both teams need the win.

Injury Wheel Keeps on Turning

Romo has been practicing without the pinkie splint this week in Valley Ranch. A wet and heavy football, plus a couple of sacks, could change that, but this will be the healthiest start for Romo in over a month.

Too bad the same thing can’t be said about running back Marion Barber, who dislocated his pinkie toe. Barber has been held out of practice all week, but is expecting to play Sunday.

Ware’s MRI on his sprained knee was negative, but he has yet to practice this week as well. A healthy Ware could be a game-changer defensively for Dallas, so here’s to a speedy recovery for the 26-year-old.

Pacman Jones is expecting to return to the secondary in nickel and dime formations, as well as, get return opportunities.

Matchup

The Steelers are playing their fourth home game in the last five weeks.

The Cowboys have enjoyed a prolonged week following the Thanksgiving contest against Seattle.

Pittsburgh finally got the New England monkey off their back last week, when they held Matt Cassel to 169 yards passing and two interceptions. Cassel was coming off consecutive 400-plus yard passing performances before being shut down at home by the Steelers.

The Cowboys have Romo back and look like the same dominant team that started the season 3-0.

If Barber can fight through the pain for meaningful carries, or backup Tashard Choice can step up and shoulder the load against the physical Steelers, then Romo should find Witten roaming the places vacated by the always blitzing Steelers linebackers.

Pittsburgh won’t have much success on offense against Dallas, nor will Dallas run effectively on the Steelers.

This game will come down to turnovers and special teams and whomever makes the fewest mistakes will carry the day.

Prediction

Dallas 19, Pittsburgh 17

Big 12 South Basketball Preview

troy testa — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:25:15 -0500

2008-09 Big 12 South Basketball Preview

Kansas did the conference proud last year, beating Memphis 75-68 in a dramatic overtime thriller to earn the first NCAA Basketball Championship in the Big 12’s history. All signs indicate the Big 12 hardwood athletes will duplicate the amazing run the pigskin boys have made this year. Big 12 teams have posted a 38-2 record to begin the 2008-09 season. Ten of the 12 conference squads are unbeaten. Also, The Big 12 has won its first two games versus nationally-ranked opponents in 2008-09. A year ago, the conference led the nation in victories against nationally-ranked non-league foes.

Half of the teams in the Big 12 returned four starters from last year’s campaign. Baylor, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas will suit up four who were in the starting lineup a year ago. Plus Rivals.com listed seven Big 12 schools in their top 25 recruiting rankings, most of any conference in the country. Now that the teams in the Big 12 know they are good enough to win it all, let’s take a look at which schools have the best chance to get into the tournament and make a magical run at the Final Four.

Big 12 South

Baylor Bears (4-0)

Strengths:

The back court is loaded, as the Bears return with one of the nation's best PG in Curtis Jerrells (15.3 ppg last year). He’s the Bears go to guy and could win Conference Player of the Year honors. Jerrells has the ability to drive into the lane strong and finish at will or dish the rock out to a waiting teammate beyond the 3-point line. The Bears were among the nation's best in 3-point field goal percentage at 38.2% per game. LaceDarius Dunn (13.6 ppg last year) was sensational as a freshman. He has given Baylor fans plenty to cheer for as he wowed fans with his spectacular 3-point shooting. His best game was against Texas Tech when he tallied 38 points on a 10-16 shooting, including 6-9 beyond the arc. Henry Dugat (12.2 ppg last year), the sweet shooting slasher is perhaps the most acrobatic player on the team; his penchant to finish at the rim while being fouled has become his mainstay on the highlight reel. But Dugat's contributions don't stop there. He is also a force beyond the 3-point line, shooting 40%.

Weaknesses:

Defense. Last year the Bears just couldn’t get key stops down the stretch and it cost them several games. Part of their struggles last year stemmed from the Bears relative lack of size on the front court. While they do a good job of creating turnovers, the Bears can’t pound the ball low and expect to get easy inside baskets. If Baylor is shooting poorly, they have a hard time winning.

Outlook:

Baylor has the looks of a Sweet 16 team if they can stay healthy. Any time you have four returning starters all averaging double digits in points, you have an excellent shot and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Texas Longhorns (3-0)

Strengths:

Texas has a lot of players with experience who seem to get better every year under head coach Rick Barnes. While most of Texas’s best players are now raking in huge dough in the NBA, Barnes still has a solid core of quality players capable of make a run to the Sweet 16. PG A.J. Abrams tested the NBA waters last year before deciding to return for his senior season. Abrams is averaging 17.7 points per game so far this season and has career average of 40.3% from behind the arc. Abrams can single handedly shoot other teams out of the gym.

Weaknesses:

Rick Barnes has proven himself to be one of the top two recruiters in the Big 12. Every year Barne’s inks players with NBA talent and aspirations. The problem with loading up on NBA bound players is the players don’t stay around but a year or two and that creates depth issues over time. If coach Barnes could play all the talent he has brought to Austin, the roster would include Daniel Gibson, DJ Augustin, AJ Abrams, Kevin Durant and Lamarcus Aldridge to name a few. Barnes is not known for being the craftiest Xs and Os coach in the conference, so this roster will test his coaching mettle. Texas currently ranks dead last in the Big 12 free throw percentage at .574.

Outlook:

Texas fans have grown accustomed to competing for Big 12 Conference Titles and probably feel a sense of Sweet 16 entitlement. UT has the pieces in play to make the tournament, but getting to the great eight or final four will be very difficult for this team.

Oklahoma Sooners (4-0)

Strengths:

The Sooners have the best big man in the conference in Sophomore Blake Griffin and arguably the best front court. Griffin is listed as 6’10” and 251 lbs., but he plays even bigger. In four games so far this season, Griffin is averaging 26 points per game and shooting 74 percent from the field. Blake’s older brother Taylor Griffin is playing his best basketball for the Sooners, averaging 10.5 points per game 5.5 rebounds per contest. The Big 12 pre-season freshman of the year Willie Warren has not disappointed the Sooner Nation so far this season. Warren is averaging 15.3 points per game, hitting 44.7 percent from the field.

Weaknesses:

The backcourt for the Sooners is talented but inexperienced. Not many Final Four runs are triggered by freshman point guards. The Sooners also go long stretches without scoring. They had the same problem with departed coach Kelvin Sampson and it continues under third year coach Jeff Capel. The Sooners can bang with anyone down low, but will need their streaky shooters to stay hot if they expect to win the Big 12 this year.

Outlook:

The Sooners should get better as the season progresses and they should pass the 20 win mark before the Big 12 tournament even starts. If PG Warren is a quick study, the Sooners could make it to the Sweet 16 come March.

Texas A&M Aggies (3-0)

Strengths:

The Aggies three leading scorers are all upper classmen. Those same core players won the NIT Season Tipoff tournament last year. Texas A&M is paced by Senior Guard Josh Carter and his 19 points per game average. Carter is a sniper from long range, hitting 52.6 percent so far this season and averaging 42.9 percent from behind the line for his career. Forward Bryan Davis provides the big body at 6’9”, 250 lbs., but also sports a shooters touch averaging over 50 percent shooting from the field. Davis is averaging 15.6 points per game so far this season, doubling his average output from a year ago. Junior Donald Sloan rounds up the trio of veteran scoring leaders, averaging 14 points on 45.5 percent shooting.

Weaknesses:

It seems like the Aggies have a hard time getting any easy baskets. Whether it be in transition off a turnover or a well-run offensive set, the Aggies don’t get a lot of open looks. Texas A&M ranks dead last in the Big 12 in field goal percentage, connecting on only 72 shots on 178 attempts for a poultry .404 shooting percentage from the field. The Aggies need someone to create by slashing and dishing so their best shooters get better looks.

Outlook:

The Aggies are probably the hardest team to figure out in the Big 12. They have talented players who have had success in the recent past, but they also appear to be a team that could suffer an identity crisis and go on a prolonged losing streak until they figure it out. The Aggies have enough to make the NCAA tournament field, but winning a game or two may prove too much for this squad.

Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-0)

Strengths:

The Cowboys boast five players with double digit scoring averages to this point in the season. Their leading scorer is the athletic James Anderson who shows excellent body control at 6'6” and 15 lbs. Anderson is averaging 19.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest this year. The other two leading scorers for the pokes are senior Terrel Harris (18 ppg) and senior Byron Eaton (17.5 ppg). Oklahoma State also leads the Big 12 in free throw percentage, hitting 76 of 101 attempts for .752 average.

Weaknesses:

After having nine new coaches at eight different schools over the previous two seasons, there is only one new head coach in the Big 12 this year. Travis Ford has taken over sideline duties for Oklahoma State. Other coaches know what to expect at each venue and how to prepare their team’s for the incredibly important conference tournament at the end of the year. Ford will be trying to figure things out while the rest of the teams will be better prepared.

Outlook:

The Cowboys have been an underachieving lot ever since coaching legend Eddie Sutton got busted urinating on an elementary school. The team never bought what Sutton’s replacement, son Scott Sutton, was selling. The team has the depth and talent to make a run at the Big 12 Championship. If the new coach wins over the team, they could win a game or two in the NCAA tournament.

Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-0)

Strengths:

The Red Raiders are running coach Pat Knight’s system very efficiently so far this season. Tech has five players averaging double digits and none of the five shooters is hitting less the 50 percent from the field. The Red raiders are second in the big 12 in field goal percentage at .543. If you like local Texas flavor, you should jump on the Tech bandwagon this year. Tech has several players from the Metroplex and surrounding cities. Alan Voskuil (15.5 ppg) is from Bedford. Forward Trevor Cook from Coppell is averaging 11.4 points on 65.5 percent shooting. John Robertson of Plano is averaging 15 points and 6.5 assists per contest.

Weaknesses:

Tech has a lot of quality shooters but lacks size in the front court. That has been a recurring theme for both Pat Knight and father Bobby. Getting five-star big men to Lubbock has been difficult for the program. Tech’s depth and quality shooting give them a chance to beat anyone on a given night. Knight’s offensive system helps them hide their athletic deficiency, but they could use an athletic big man to help them on defense.

Outlook:

Tech lined up some softies early in the season to get the team’s confidence up. After hanging 167 points on East Central (Formerly Southwest Directional U) they should be feeling good about themselves. Word is Knight’s looking to schedule Our Lady of the Worthless Miracle to start the 2009-10 season. Making the NCAA Tournament would be considered a successful season.