Bleacher Report - Terrell Owens

The Dallas Cowboys are Good, but Something Is Still Missing

John Frascella — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:10:46 -0500

...And that something is a someone .

This is where the die-hard, rah-rah traditionalists say, "What are you talking about? The guy is a selfish player, all about himself, and the Cowboys are in first place without him."

Yes, Dallas is 8-3 and atop the NFC East, but anyone—Cowboys fan or not—that believes that Owens' departure is the explanation for their success, is either lying to themselves or doesn't follow Dallas very closely.

While WR2 Miles Austin has enjoyed a refreshing breakout season, WR1 Roy Williams (who was supposed to "replace" Owens) has been a dud, and one of the favorite whipping boys for analysts around the league. Williams makes ill-advised comments just as Owens did, but he doesn't have the statistical production to back it up. Let's go to the numbers to date:

Williams: 26 rec, 444 yards, 4 TD

Owens: 40 rec, 659 yards, 3 TD

All right, so Roy has one more TD than T.O., but T.O. has 14 more receptions and a 215-yard advantage. And here's the kicker: this is one of the worst, if not the worst season of Owens' Hall of Fame career.

In addition, Bills fans have rightfully blamed Dick Jauron and QB Trent Edwards for Owens' numerical decline, as a new head coach and quarterback have immediately returned No. 81 to form.

T.O.'s last two games with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm: 9 rec 197 yards 1 TD, and 5 rec 96 yards 1 TD. Edwards was horrific as the starter this season, struggling with a lack of arm strength and a stubbornness in regards to Owens.

When you have a receiver of that caliber at your disposal, it's OK to rely on them. If he can single-handedly win games for you, there shouldn't be an intense desire to spread the ball around to multiple targets.

Fitzpatrick, a Harvard man, understands that.

That doesn't mean that all other receivers should be ignored, only that Owens should be leaned upon and force fed if necessary.

So Owens has outproduced Roy Williams despite having to deal with Edwards' ineptitude for too long, and the fact that QB Tony Romo is about fifty times better than both of Buffalo's quarterbacks. Owens may have been an off-the-field distraction in Dallas, but on the field, he and Romo had excellent chemistry. Both put up exceptional numbers during their era as teammates.

As for the current Cowboys, sure they are 8-3, but they are lacking in offensive explosiveness. RBs Marion Barber and Felix Jones have struggled with injuries at different times during the year, TE Jason Witten has been less productive, and WR3 Patrick Crayton is here today, gone tomorrow.

For me to consider this team a serious Super Bowl contender, they would need a WR1 like, oh...Terrell Owens. I like Jerry Jones, but something tells me that this major offseason decision is going to bite him in the behind.

I've been very impressed by Wade Phillips' defensive unit in '09, but a strong defense and average offense isn't going to cut it this year. Not with the Colts, Saints, Vikings, and Patriots around.

I expect the Cowboys to reach the postseason with relative ease, but don't expect them to get very far.

Not without a receiver like No. 81.

(John Frascella is the author of "Theo-logy: How a Boy Wonder Led the Red Sox to the Promised Land," the first and only book centered on Boston's popular GM Theo Epstein. Follow John on Twitter @RedSoxAuthor.)

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Week 12 Fantasy Football Versus: Coin Flip

kevin roberts — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:39:17 -0500

Even with all the Start/Sit and Waiver Wire advice in the world, sometimes fantasy owners are left to be frantic, panicking over their decisions going into Sunday's games .

In Fantasy Coin Flip, we take a look at three different positions and a possible matchup between two players of solid value that could be fighting it out for a spot in your team's line-up this week. Read on for some information and analysis that could help push you in the right direction:

Donovan McNabb , QB, PHI (vs. WAS) VS. Matt Ryan, QB, ATL (vs. TB)

This is an interesting matchup, as McNabb would be the usual consensus pick, but with his last performance against a reasonably tough Washington pass defense in mind, Matt Ryan definitely deserves his argument to be heard here.

McNabb had a great day against the San Diego Chargers two weeks ago and had another solid performance against the Chicago Bears, but after seeing how the Redskins held Tony Romo and the Cowboys passing offense in check for almost four quarters, we're not in love with McNabb's chances.

His inconsistency, past performance, and the Redskins defensive potential beg us to consider all options.

Ryan, on the other hand, has been progressing in recent weeks, and was solid last week in a loss to the New York Giants. His stud receiver, Roddy White, looks to be fully healthy, and his star running back, Michael Turner, could possibly return this week.

Verdict: Regardless of their individual arguments, Ryan is going up against a still pathetic Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, and has to be the play this week, making him a "coin flip" suggestion for the second week in a row.

Cedric Benson, RB, CIN (vs. CLE) VS. Michael Turner, RB, ATL (vs. TB)

It's the battle of the injured studs . The question isn't necessarily which will perform better against his scheduled cakewalk match-up, but more, which will play? And even if both play this Sunday, which can we expect to have a bigger role?

Benson is reportedly "ready to play", while head coach Marvin Lewis seems unwilling to commit to a status for the star running back for Week 12. Benson's hip figures to be almost (if not completely) 100 percent, but with an easy opponent like the Cleveland Browns, it wouldn't shock us to see the Bengals sit him for the second consecutive week.

As for Michael Turner, while he hasn't practiced all week, his high ankle sprain is reportedly healing faster than expected, although head coach Mike Smith isn't saying anything about it.

The word is that Jason Snelling is going to be the starter this week, especially considering the Falcons haven't even begun to discuss a timetable for Turner's return.

Verdict: Both running backs hold good value if they play this week, and both have a decent shot at a return. However, we're leaning toward the guy that has the hip injury, and not an ankle injury that can easily be re- injured. Run with Benson if you must.

Lee Evans, WR, BUF (vs. MIA) VS. Terrell Owens, WR, BUF (vs. MIA)

This is the matchup between the Bills top two receivers, pitting the guy Ryan Fitzpatrick used to be enamored with (Evans), against the guy he hooked-up with constantly in Week 11. Will Evans get the bulk of the looks like usual, or has T.O. truly broken out?

The noodle-armed Ryan Fitzpatrick was unwilling to go deep to Terrell Owens when he first took over as the starter two weeks ago, and it was the same story in spot duty before that. However, he and Owens connected on a 98-yard scoring strike last week, while Owens ended the game with 197 yards receiving.

Verdict: We like Evans to garner some more attention due to his better catching ability and Fitzpatrick's tendency to throw shorter passes, but Owens' potential should have him being your choice as an elite WR3 this week.

For all of our Week 12 Fantasy Player Rankings and more fantasy advice, go here .

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Brandon Marshall: Another T.O In The Making

Evan Higgins — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:16:31 -0500

Denver had a rough off-season this summer. They fired long-time head coach Mike Shanahan and hired New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, which lead to Jay Cutler's dispute.

McDaniels tried to trade for his quarterback at New England, Matt Cassel, but the trade didn't fall through. Jay Cutler was unaware of this trade until the word got around. Cutler found out and told Denver he wanted to be traded away, which lead to months of dispute before finally getting traded to the Chicago Bears for a first round pick and quarterback Kyle Orton.

Brandon Marshall was the next complaining victim of the Denver Broncos. Marshall wanted either a new contract or to be traded. He was in and out of training camp and also said he wouldn't play a game for Denver.

Marshall was later suspended, but the suspension was lifted after telling coaches he would play for them, but still wanted his contract.

Denver entered the preseason, losing all but the last game defeating Arizona 19-0.

Entering the regular season, questions still remained about Brandon Marshall and the rest of the Denver Broncos. Kyle Orton, who was named the starting quarterback, had a struggling preseason along with the rest of the Denver team.

Brandon Marshall struggled during the first 2 Weeks of the season, posting seven catches for seven catches for 61 yards. Denver still won those games, including a 87-yard miracle catch to win during week one. Denver ended up winning their first six games, including victories against New England, Dallas and San Diego. Marshall posted 29 catches for 332 yards and four touchdowns during those six games.

Marshall was happy again, and we didn't hear one complaint from him during the Broncos six-game win streak. He was smiling, and even has an interview with NFL Network talking about how "the past is the past" and "it was a mistake" with holding out and not wanting to play for Denver.

After their bye during Week 7, Denver has yet to win a game since. Marshall was seen getting in a dispute by yelling and pushing teammate running back Knowshon Moreno.

Now that Denver isn't winning, Marshall is right back to where he was before, unhappy to be a Bronco, and getting in disputes with teammates and coaches.

Sound familiar?

Sound's just like Terrell Owens. When things are going good, you won't hear a word from them, they'll play the hardest they can and will be all smiles.

But when things go bad, things go even worse for Owens and Marshall.

Marshall and Owens share a lot in common. Although these guys are some of the top receivers in the game, you can't build your franchise around them.

Receivers like Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Hines Ward, Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald are the receivers that deserve that type of money. They learn to shut their mouths and just play the game as hard as they can, and lead their team to success.

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Why I'm Thankful for Sports

Nick Mordowanec — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:28:30 -0500

As the holiday approaches, it is time for us sports fans to give thanks.

It is a great time to be a sports fan, maybe the best of the entire year. We have the luxury of watching football on Saturdays and Sundays, along with basketball and hockey the rest of the week.

But along with all of the great things we have seen in sports over the past year, we have seen our share of blunders, bad calls, and mishaps-all for our entertainment.

Without further ado, let’s give our utmost appreciation to the figures in sports that
have made fans around the country cringe in pure enjoyment.

Thank you to Terrell Owens for becoming an obscure receiver in chilly Buffalo. You used to ridicule your quarterbacks Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb,Tony Romo and now you have almost put Trent Edwards into the psychiatric ward for NFL quarterbacks.

Although, now that T.O. is in a media desert in Buffalo, nobody has to hear him complain about not getting enough balls thrown to him or see him doing push-ups in Drew Rosenhaus’ driveway; the popcorn has truly lost its luster.

A wonderful thanks to Jimmy Rollins for putting your Philadelphia Phillies in a hole well

before the World Series even began. You predicted a Phillies sweep over the New York
Yankees on the Jay Leno show, even being downright classy and saying the Yanks might get one (win).

How did that turn out for you, Jimbo? Not only did you lose the Fall Classic without much of a fight, you didn’t do much yourself. This just goes to show that sports guarantees are about as old as the sports themselves.

LeBron James, you have been the turkey of the year. Not only did your Cleveland Cavaliers choke again in the playoffs, you keep bringing up your contract situation and getting upset when others mention you possibly leaving for New York or any other destination. You have Shaq in the post now, but this is not the Shaq of old. Also, great job on trying to get Michael Jordan’s number retired.

Why don’t we retire Magic and Bird’s numbers while we are at it as well? Maybe Russell and Wilt, too? LeBron, winning an MVP was a big deal, but please, just shut up and play basketball, maybe win a title or two and make us real witnesses.

A big thank you to Bill Belichick for making the gutsiest play call of the NFL season. I
guarantee any other coach would have punted on fourth and two from his team’s 28-yard line, but the man in the hoodie is of a different breed. The call didn’t pay off, kept the Colts undefeated, and made Belichick the topic of sports discussion all around the nation.

We all know that if the Patriots converted that play then he would be deemed a genius. You win some and you lose some and Belichick lost that one. You still have to appreciate going for the kill in the season’s biggest game against their biggest rival.

JaMarcus Russell, you are the pumpkin in the NFL pie. Not only were you selected first overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2007 NFL Draft, you have not lived up to half the hype. Now, after being inconsistent for so long and not showing the skills the first pick of the draft needs to have, you have been pushed aside by the organization and placed on the bench all in favor of Bruce Gradkowski!

Yes, the bald wonder is now the starter for the once-proud Raiders, although he did lead his team to a victory over the AFC North leading Cincinnati Bengals. JaMarcus, you don't have too much to be thankful for this holiday season, that is, unless, you enjoy sitting at the end of the team bench.

Athletes are pre-madonnas, but isn't that why we love them?

They can whine, complain, moan, and destroy locker rooms, yet catching a winning touchdown or getting a timely base hit is all us fans really want out of them.

Now that is something we can be thankful for this holiday season.

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