The Texas Longhorns were touched up and taken down in more ways than one during Thursday night’s BCS college national championship. Crimson Tide linebacker, Eryk Anders forced backup quarterback, Garrett Gilbert, to fumble with 3:02 left in the game to help top-ranked Alabama win their eighth national title. The Tide rolled to a 37-21 victory and handed the Longhorns their first loss of the season. Texas starter and Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback, Colt McCoy, was bumped from the game on the Longhorns’ fifth offensive play. The senior was knocked out in the first quarter, and hardly a factor for Texas in his first return to the Rose Bowl since he was a redshirt freshman. The 14-0 Tide stormed to a 18 point halftime lead with McCoy nursing an injured shoulder on the sideline. The son of former NFL signal caller, Gale Gilbert, Garrett stepped up to nearly lead Texas back. The Longhorns came within three points midway through the fourth quarter before Alabama’s defense preserved the win.
Number two Texas jumped out to a six point lead in the first quarter. Mack Brown’s kicker, Hunter Lawrence, booted a pair of field goals within a minute of each other to give the Longhorns an advantage heading into the second quarter. Texas did a stellar job sacking Alabama’s Greg McElroy three times on the first two Tide possessions. The Longhorns’ defense pressured McElroy up front to keep the snazzy backfield from running and hold ‘Bama scoreless for fifteen minutes. The Tide aggressively attacked McCoy for no gain with 10:54 in the first, inevitably putting an end to the quarterback’s college run. Nick Saban’s heavily favored Tide didn’t score until the second quarter. Alabama lit up the scoreboard four times before the half. They posted 24 points by running, kicking and intercepting the football. McElroy’s 23 yard pass to Julio Jones put Alabama on the Texas 12 yard line before the first quarter whistle. It was the only catch made by the sophomore, but one that set up the Tide’s initial touchdown. Heisman winning running back, Mark Ingram, managed to score one of his two touchdowns from two yards out to trim Texas’ lead to one. The Tide’s physical offense ran for 206 yards, including 116 from Ingram. Trent Richardson also eclipsed the 100 yard mark, giving the Tide a 14-6 lead on a 49 yard surge with under eight minutes in the half. Texas was unable to do much without their All-American quarterback in the first half. Austin native, Gilbert was picked off four times and lost a fumble in the defeat. The Tide defense rattled the 2008 national high school player of the year. Senior defensive back, Javier Arenas, intercepted the inexperienced Gilbert twice. Ingram and Richardson exchanged rushes at the two minute mark to set up Leigh Tiffin’s 26 yard field goal with .30 seconds in the second. The final touchdown of the half came on a Gilbert misfire. The floundering offensive line failed to stop lineman, Marcus Dareus, from snatching a shovel pass and returning it 28 yards the other way.
The Longhorns showed some life late in the third quarter. Gilbert got in sync with his offense and found a rhythm to deliver a 59 yard drive, resulting in a Texas touchdown. Talented Texas receiver, Jordan Shipley’s 44 yard catch with 1:31 remaining in the third made it a 24-13 Tide edge. Gilbert threw a second touchdown pass to the smooth-running Shipley for a 28 yard score in the fourth quarter. The backup’s arm was successful in converting the two-point to Dan Buckner as the Longhorns suddenly trailed by a field goal. Following an Alabama punt, the stage was set for some Texas drama in Pasadena. The Longhorns needed Gilbert to be a crunch time quarterback in the biggest way. He had his shining opportunity late in the game after Alabama was charged with a holding penalty. On the next play, Gilbert was stripped of the football at the Longhorns’ seven yard line with three minutes left in the season. The fumble-forcing sack from Arenas was recovered by Courtney Upshaw, and the Tide rocked the Rose Bowl from that point on. Three plays later, Ingram was in the end zone for the second time of the night. Richardson finalized the score with his second touchdown after Gilbert’s fourth interception. Although the Texas freshman showed improvement and confidence in the second half, the Alabama defense was too much for the Longhorns to handle. The quarterback was left unblocked on blitzes by the third ranked defense in runs allowed. Gilbert completed a respectable 14-of-30 passes for 130 yards in the second half. McElroy needed just 58 yards through the air to earn the title because Saban’s running game was terrific and the defense dominant. Ingram joined Matt Leinart as the only other Heisman winner to prevail in a BCS title game. The win marked the first championship for the Tide since 1992 and another SEC title stamp. The conference has claimed the last four BCS championships games.
Parting Points: USF football coach, Jim Leavitt, was let go following an investigation he allegedly struck one of his players. Recently fired, Mike Leach, is accusing Texas Tech of libel and slander. The Seattle Seahawks axed Jim Mora after one season and a four game losing streak to end the year. What a day to be a coach! At least it was a good one for Nick Saban.
I’m excited for wildcard weekend; here’s a tune to pump you up too- “Wild nights” by John Mellencamp
Friday, January 8, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Thursday Take-Twos (D.C. edition)
Note to athletes worldwide: Guns and gym bags do not mix. In fact, guns and most things do not mix. Gilbert Arenas must have missed the memo. The Washington Wizards guard was foolish enough to possess firearms in an NBA locker room, and now he will pay the hefty price. Commissioner, David Stern, came down hard on Arenas Wednesday with an indefinite suspension effective immediately. The ruling occurred on Arenas’ 28th birthday. Maybe he should have wished for some common sense before blowing out his birthday candles. Perhaps Arenas’ uniform number “zero” stands for the amount of common sense he has. This isn’t the first time the Wizard hoopster has been suspended because of a gun-related incident. He sat out the Washington home opener in 2004 because he failed to maintain proper registration for a gun while living in California. The most recent incident pegged Arenas for bringing four unloaded guns into Washington’s Verizon Center locker room. Four? Why in the world would an NBA player need to carry four guns to a home game? Arenas claims he wanted the weapons out of his house after the birth of his daughter. Investigators believe the guns were present following a gambling dispute and heated discussion with teammate, Javaris Crittenton. D.C. newspapers reported Crittenton brandishing a gun and loading it with ammunition. Arenas’ latest claim is an even poorer show of judgment. The Wizards’ star joked about carrying firearms, citing it was a misguided effort to play a joke on a teammate. The NBA will continue to investigate the Arenas Arms situation. Arenas will sit out without pay even after apologizing for his actions on Monday. The Wizards will be deprived of their on-court leader because of his off-court behavior. I hope the next time a professional athlete thinks about hauling heat into an arena, they use common sense first.
The Washington Redskins have their man. Mike Shanahan was hired to replace the fired Jim Zorn in D.C. The former Denver Broncos head coach was introduced Wednesday as Washington’s head coach and executive vice president. Owner Daniel Snyder’s embattled Redskins are coming off a 4-12 season. Snyder felt the need to hire an established and strong leader to run a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in eight of the past eleven seasons. The owner also hired a general manager, Bruce Allen, for the first time in 11 years. Snyder took control of the Redskins in 1999. He’s been very hands-on and influential in roster moves since he’s been in the front office. Washington hasn’t been as strong in their performance during this decade. The Redskins are 82-99 on his watch. Six coaches have come and gone, including Hall-of-Famer, Joe Gibbs returning from retirement. Marty Schottenheimer was hired in 2001, but canned after an 8-8 season. Zorn was called upon for his first stint at head coaching. He was a last-minute option for Snyder after all other coaching candidates turned him down. It was a no-win situation from the get-go 23 months ago for a man without even coordinator experience. Snyder promoted Zorn to head coach after interviewing him for an offensive coordinator slot. Zorn’s zesty rokie year with the Redskins started off surprisingly well. Washington began 2008 with a 6-2 run but lost 18 of their last 24 games. Zorn’s second season was anything but zealous, leading to yet another Snyder staff overhaul. Shanahan will make $35 million over the next five years and have control over coaching and executive football decisions.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “All Over You” by Live
Congrats to U.S. Hockey’s World Juniors for clipping Canada 6-5 in overtime in the world hockey junior championship game Tuesday.
Hook ‘em Horns! Here’s hoping Texas topples the Crimson Tide tonight.
The Washington Redskins have their man. Mike Shanahan was hired to replace the fired Jim Zorn in D.C. The former Denver Broncos head coach was introduced Wednesday as Washington’s head coach and executive vice president. Owner Daniel Snyder’s embattled Redskins are coming off a 4-12 season. Snyder felt the need to hire an established and strong leader to run a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in eight of the past eleven seasons. The owner also hired a general manager, Bruce Allen, for the first time in 11 years. Snyder took control of the Redskins in 1999. He’s been very hands-on and influential in roster moves since he’s been in the front office. Washington hasn’t been as strong in their performance during this decade. The Redskins are 82-99 on his watch. Six coaches have come and gone, including Hall-of-Famer, Joe Gibbs returning from retirement. Marty Schottenheimer was hired in 2001, but canned after an 8-8 season. Zorn was called upon for his first stint at head coaching. He was a last-minute option for Snyder after all other coaching candidates turned him down. It was a no-win situation from the get-go 23 months ago for a man without even coordinator experience. Snyder promoted Zorn to head coach after interviewing him for an offensive coordinator slot. Zorn’s zesty rokie year with the Redskins started off surprisingly well. Washington began 2008 with a 6-2 run but lost 18 of their last 24 games. Zorn’s second season was anything but zealous, leading to yet another Snyder staff overhaul. Shanahan will make $35 million over the next five years and have control over coaching and executive football decisions.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “All Over You” by Live
Congrats to U.S. Hockey’s World Juniors for clipping Canada 6-5 in overtime in the world hockey junior championship game Tuesday.
Hook ‘em Horns! Here’s hoping Texas topples the Crimson Tide tonight.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Rocket Redemption
The Houston Rockets slowed the Los Angeles Lakers down at Staples Center in 2009. The 2010 Rockets weren’t so lucky in their second trip to Hollywood last night. Houston topped the Lakers by ten points last November, but fell to a banged-up Los Angeles 88-79 Tuesday. The Lakers picked up their fourth straight win without Pau Gasol. Los Angeles’ Kobe Bryant was playing with an injured finger, yet still managed to break a tie with Patrick Ewing for 15th best all-time on the NBA scoring list. Forward, Lamar Odom, came up one assist shy of his 13th career triple double a day after battling flu-like symptoms. Ron Artest returned from a five-day sideline stint and contributed seven points for the 28-6 Lakers. The Rockets shot a dismal 40% and hit a dreary 11 of their first 36 shots on the night. The undersized Rockets were without Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, and were no match for the defending champions.
Los Angeles massacred the Dallas Mavericks with a season high 131 points two nights ago. Tuesday, they defeated Houston by scoring their fewest points in a victory this season. Houston handed Los Angeles one of their three home losses so far this year. The visiting Rockets never lead in the contest last night. Phil Jackson’s team zipped to a 12 point first quarter lead. Bryant took a breather in the second quarter as the Rockets closed to within four, but returned to extend Los Angeles’ lead with nine points. The Lakers coasted to a 41-33 halftime lead but neither team put together excellent offensive showings. The 20-15 Rockets actually outscored the Lakers in the third quarter. Luis Scola scored seven points in Houston’s run. Houston trimmed the lead to 59-55 by the end of the third before things continued to click for the Lakers. Andrew Bynum took more feeds and found the open lane to finish with a game high 24 points. Without Gasol, the lane was less clogged. Bynum stepped up with a solid shooting effort in place of the big man. Odom deposited 17 points and 19 rebounds in an uncharacteristic poor shooting night the Los Angeles. Still, the NBA’s best squashed the Rockets’ comeback attempt to preserve another Staples Center win.
The Rockets twice got within two points of taking the lead in the fourth quarter. Reserve Carl Landry carried Houston with 19 points. The gritty Rocket personifies the physical toughness of the Rockets. Houston didn’t look very gritty hitting 36% in the first half, however. Former Laker, Trevor Ariza, doled out 12 buckets, but was just five-of-fourteen on shooting. Aaron Brooks and Scola snagged 18 and 15 points, respectively. It was a basket by Scola and two 3-pointers by Shane Battier that drew the Rockets close in the fourth quarter. The Lakers led 73-71 when Odom responded with a three pointer and Bynum drilled a soft hook with 2:11 remaining in the game. Bryant mixed in a fadeaway jumper to cap the 15-8 game-ending run for the Lakers. Brooks hit a runner with 66 seconds to give the Houston one final chance. Battier even slapped the ball, stripping Bryant. But, Bryant recovered the loose ball and tacked on a jumper for a six point Lakers lead. The former MVP added a free throw with 35 seconds left but missed his second attempt. Odom recovered the rebound and was perfect on his two from the charity stripe for a game-sealing nine point lead.
Battier scored just seven points in 39 minutes. Former Villanova Wildcat, Kyle Lowry, grabbed nine rebounds. The Rockets were 4-for-23 from the arc in the loss. The Rockets have a talented team and have been a bit surprising this season. They are among the league leaders in points in the paint and can launch second-chance baskets with the top teams. They remain the games and keep the score within reasonable limits. Tuesday, they couldn’t put away the Lakers and complete a fourth quarter rally. The Rockets scored their fewest first half points of the season at Staples Center last night. They were successful on four of eleven free throws in the first half. The problem with Houston is they lack a late-game closer. They sometimes hold on during the crucial part of games, but just do not have that playmaker. Tuesday’s game was within their grasp in the fourth when Bryant was called on his fourth foul, and third offensive foul. They did little with their improved second half and overabundant opportunities.
Parting Points: Roberto Alomar is a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer. The voters got that one wrong. Congrats to “The Hawk”, Andre Dawson, on getting in.
Listening to the entire “Murmur” album by R.E.M….again, of course.
Los Angeles massacred the Dallas Mavericks with a season high 131 points two nights ago. Tuesday, they defeated Houston by scoring their fewest points in a victory this season. Houston handed Los Angeles one of their three home losses so far this year. The visiting Rockets never lead in the contest last night. Phil Jackson’s team zipped to a 12 point first quarter lead. Bryant took a breather in the second quarter as the Rockets closed to within four, but returned to extend Los Angeles’ lead with nine points. The Lakers coasted to a 41-33 halftime lead but neither team put together excellent offensive showings. The 20-15 Rockets actually outscored the Lakers in the third quarter. Luis Scola scored seven points in Houston’s run. Houston trimmed the lead to 59-55 by the end of the third before things continued to click for the Lakers. Andrew Bynum took more feeds and found the open lane to finish with a game high 24 points. Without Gasol, the lane was less clogged. Bynum stepped up with a solid shooting effort in place of the big man. Odom deposited 17 points and 19 rebounds in an uncharacteristic poor shooting night the Los Angeles. Still, the NBA’s best squashed the Rockets’ comeback attempt to preserve another Staples Center win.
The Rockets twice got within two points of taking the lead in the fourth quarter. Reserve Carl Landry carried Houston with 19 points. The gritty Rocket personifies the physical toughness of the Rockets. Houston didn’t look very gritty hitting 36% in the first half, however. Former Laker, Trevor Ariza, doled out 12 buckets, but was just five-of-fourteen on shooting. Aaron Brooks and Scola snagged 18 and 15 points, respectively. It was a basket by Scola and two 3-pointers by Shane Battier that drew the Rockets close in the fourth quarter. The Lakers led 73-71 when Odom responded with a three pointer and Bynum drilled a soft hook with 2:11 remaining in the game. Bryant mixed in a fadeaway jumper to cap the 15-8 game-ending run for the Lakers. Brooks hit a runner with 66 seconds to give the Houston one final chance. Battier even slapped the ball, stripping Bryant. But, Bryant recovered the loose ball and tacked on a jumper for a six point Lakers lead. The former MVP added a free throw with 35 seconds left but missed his second attempt. Odom recovered the rebound and was perfect on his two from the charity stripe for a game-sealing nine point lead.
Battier scored just seven points in 39 minutes. Former Villanova Wildcat, Kyle Lowry, grabbed nine rebounds. The Rockets were 4-for-23 from the arc in the loss. The Rockets have a talented team and have been a bit surprising this season. They are among the league leaders in points in the paint and can launch second-chance baskets with the top teams. They remain the games and keep the score within reasonable limits. Tuesday, they couldn’t put away the Lakers and complete a fourth quarter rally. The Rockets scored their fewest first half points of the season at Staples Center last night. They were successful on four of eleven free throws in the first half. The problem with Houston is they lack a late-game closer. They sometimes hold on during the crucial part of games, but just do not have that playmaker. Tuesday’s game was within their grasp in the fourth when Bryant was called on his fourth foul, and third offensive foul. They did little with their improved second half and overabundant opportunities.
Parting Points: Roberto Alomar is a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer. The voters got that one wrong. Congrats to “The Hawk”, Andre Dawson, on getting in.
Listening to the entire “Murmur” album by R.E.M….again, of course.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Scar-Struck Star
Being on that mound taught me to face life head on
Drowned out the crowd, perform and move on
From my eyes’ corner, I traced her steps
In transit, their rhythm a weightlifter’s reps
A predator preparing a pounce at the plate
My sturdy stride home could not hesitate
Pocket the circular object with passion
Lay down the tag in ordinary fashion
It all seemed very simple and routine
Until her intent switched to intentionally unclean
A snag and a tag preceded the snap
The shout she was out by a centimeter’s gap
Did nothing to contain the stream of pain
A dizzying nausea with blood like red rain
Being on that field taught me life was unfair
But in the end, you learn just how much you can bear
Drowned out the crowd, perform and move on
From my eyes’ corner, I traced her steps
In transit, their rhythm a weightlifter’s reps
A predator preparing a pounce at the plate
My sturdy stride home could not hesitate
Pocket the circular object with passion
Lay down the tag in ordinary fashion
It all seemed very simple and routine
Until her intent switched to intentionally unclean
A snag and a tag preceded the snap
The shout she was out by a centimeter’s gap
Did nothing to contain the stream of pain
A dizzying nausea with blood like red rain
Being on that field taught me life was unfair
But in the end, you learn just how much you can bear
Memorable Men
I adored Joe D. and the Mick, but never knew
The Yankee centerfielders the way I knew you
I took to Jason Sehorn shining for Big Blue
Never did he make my face light up the way you do
Pete Sampras was the king of my court for some time
Until you dethroned him, a stolen heart is your crime
Every move my Troy made, I registered inside
Now you’re the only cowboy who can take me for a ride
I thought I had something with that warrior O’Neill
But my eyes were set on you, distinguished and real
The starring men in my life have faded into memories
Only one remains, the one who aims to please
The Yankee centerfielders the way I knew you
I took to Jason Sehorn shining for Big Blue
Never did he make my face light up the way you do
Pete Sampras was the king of my court for some time
Until you dethroned him, a stolen heart is your crime
Every move my Troy made, I registered inside
Now you’re the only cowboy who can take me for a ride
I thought I had something with that warrior O’Neill
But my eyes were set on you, distinguished and real
The starring men in my life have faded into memories
Only one remains, the one who aims to please
Shortstop Stopped Short
My first poems of 2010...enjoy!
They arrived with heavy hearts and played without prattle
Their warrior minds prepared silently for battle
The ashes from their bodies’ burning desire
Sprinkled their souls like the remnants of fire
The sweet honeysuckle hero robbed of his talent
Like a cougar considered clumsy in a pack most gallant
Missing his extraordinary rifle arm and missile throw
The number six position ready in the hole
The eight left standing simultaneous dugout salute
On the mucky field where a teammate sits to root
Dedicated to their mending sideline friend
A tribute season ringing through to the end
They arrived with heavy hearts and played without prattle
Their warrior minds prepared silently for battle
The ashes from their bodies’ burning desire
Sprinkled their souls like the remnants of fire
The sweet honeysuckle hero robbed of his talent
Like a cougar considered clumsy in a pack most gallant
Missing his extraordinary rifle arm and missile throw
The number six position ready in the hole
The eight left standing simultaneous dugout salute
On the mucky field where a teammate sits to root
Dedicated to their mending sideline friend
A tribute season ringing through to the end
Monday, January 4, 2010
'Boys Blank Birds
The Cowboys were dazzling Sunday afternoon in winning the NFC East down in Arlington. The ‘Boys will have to repeat their tremendous performance next week against the Philadelphia Eagles if they are to advance further in the playoffs. Dallas shutout the Eagles at home 24-0 to close out December with a winning record for the first time since 1996. Sunday’s loss snapped a six game winning streak for the Eagles. The triumph also set up a rematch between the NFC rivals in the first round of the playoffs next Saturday. It will be the first post-season NFL game played in the new Cowboys stadium.
Wade Phillips’ offense implemented the run and relied on the secondary and pass rush defense to carry the Cowboys over Philadelphia. Marion Barber and Felix Jones rushed combined for 103 yards on 14 carries in the first three series of Sunday’s contest. Each back finished with 91 yards as the Cowboys finished the regular season with an impressive 11-3 record. The win capped off a 6-2 home record for Dallas this season, and they are now riding a three game winning streak into the playoffs. The ‘Boys’ running game has been on the rise since the debacle against San Diego four weeks ago. The Cowboys are 9-2 when they run the ball more than 100 yards per game. It was hardly a problem establishing the run against the Eagles’ defense yesterday. Barber and Jones were able to get into their rhythm early, and remained a factor late in the game. The talented duo glided down the field on the opening possession to set up the Cowboys’ first touchdown. Barber had three touches, including an 18 yard surge. Jones carried the ball one yard before Dallas quarterback, Tony Romo, hit Jason Witten on third down from the Eagles’ 10 yard line. Witten’s ten yard touchdown grab was the elite tight end’s second of the season. It was good to see Witten scoring points and being a contributing factor in the win. He is one of the most underrated players in the league. The Dallas tight end caught six passes for 76 yards. In doing so, Witten became the third player at his position to post multiple 90-catch, 1,000 yard seasons.
The Eagles suffered poor field position most of the game. Thus, they never found the end zone. The Eagles were pinned inside the 20 yard line on their first nine possessions. David Buehler taunted Philadelphia’s special teams with four of five touchbacks on kickoffs. Rookie Jeremy Maclin, the former Missouri wideout, returned the only Eagles kickoff for 17 yards. It wasn’t as if the Eagles didn’t chew up yards against the Cowboys. Eagles’ signal caller, Donovan McNabb, passes for 223 yards and completed 20 of 36 throws. It was the lack of a ground game and array of fumbles that did the Eagles in on Sunday. And, of the course the Dallas pass rush was quite effective. McNabb was sacked for an eight yard loss on Philadelphia’s initial drive. Dallas held the ball over six minutes on their second possession but the drive ended with Romo’s only interception. Joselio Hanson picked Romo off at the Philadelphia seven yard line with two minutes remaining in the first quarter. The toss intended for Patrick Crayton was returned six yards. McNabb drove the Eagles to the Dallas 39 yard line to start the second quarter. His pass to Maclin was incomplete on third and and eight, and the Cowboys took over. Romo promptly and methodically marched Dallas down the field. After a false start penalty that set the Cowboys back five yards, Romo connected with Crayton for a 30 yard gain. A pair of Barber rushes and two significant tosses to Miles Austin were enough to put the Cowboys back in the red zone. Austin caught consecutive passes of 40 and 5 yards. Crayton hauled in the 14 yarder for the 14-0 Dallas lead to close out the 80 yard drive. Dallas wasn’t finished with their first half scoring there. Shaun Suisam’s 44 yard field goal lifted the home team to a 17-0 romping of Philadelphia. The Cowboys had 291 yards by halftime in the first ever back-to-back blankings in franchise history.
Jones accounted for the only other score of the game. The two-year back out of Arkansas plowed into the end zone from 49 yards out with 5:46 left in the third quarter. Following Jones’ half-the-field run, the Dallas defense continued to pound McNabb. They sacked him for a ten yard loss and took over on downs in the waning minutes of the third. McNabb hit the turf again on the Eagles’ next possession. Romo took snaps and handed the ball off to his running backs to finish the fourth quarter. He also found Clayton and Witten to extend the Dallas drives late in the game. DeSean Jackson, the game-breaking Philadelphia receiver, was held to three receptions. Eagles tight end, Brent Celek, lead the team with 96 yards on seven catches. Crayton and Austin finished with 99 and 90 yards, respectively, and Romo threw for 311 yards. Everything seems to be clicking on offense for the Cowboys. They’ve already beaten the Eagles twice this season. Now they have to dispatch them when it counts most.
Parting Points: Happy 50th birthday to REM’s Michael Stipe!
Poem for Monday- “The Sun” by Max Eastman
Wade Phillips’ offense implemented the run and relied on the secondary and pass rush defense to carry the Cowboys over Philadelphia. Marion Barber and Felix Jones rushed combined for 103 yards on 14 carries in the first three series of Sunday’s contest. Each back finished with 91 yards as the Cowboys finished the regular season with an impressive 11-3 record. The win capped off a 6-2 home record for Dallas this season, and they are now riding a three game winning streak into the playoffs. The ‘Boys’ running game has been on the rise since the debacle against San Diego four weeks ago. The Cowboys are 9-2 when they run the ball more than 100 yards per game. It was hardly a problem establishing the run against the Eagles’ defense yesterday. Barber and Jones were able to get into their rhythm early, and remained a factor late in the game. The talented duo glided down the field on the opening possession to set up the Cowboys’ first touchdown. Barber had three touches, including an 18 yard surge. Jones carried the ball one yard before Dallas quarterback, Tony Romo, hit Jason Witten on third down from the Eagles’ 10 yard line. Witten’s ten yard touchdown grab was the elite tight end’s second of the season. It was good to see Witten scoring points and being a contributing factor in the win. He is one of the most underrated players in the league. The Dallas tight end caught six passes for 76 yards. In doing so, Witten became the third player at his position to post multiple 90-catch, 1,000 yard seasons.
The Eagles suffered poor field position most of the game. Thus, they never found the end zone. The Eagles were pinned inside the 20 yard line on their first nine possessions. David Buehler taunted Philadelphia’s special teams with four of five touchbacks on kickoffs. Rookie Jeremy Maclin, the former Missouri wideout, returned the only Eagles kickoff for 17 yards. It wasn’t as if the Eagles didn’t chew up yards against the Cowboys. Eagles’ signal caller, Donovan McNabb, passes for 223 yards and completed 20 of 36 throws. It was the lack of a ground game and array of fumbles that did the Eagles in on Sunday. And, of the course the Dallas pass rush was quite effective. McNabb was sacked for an eight yard loss on Philadelphia’s initial drive. Dallas held the ball over six minutes on their second possession but the drive ended with Romo’s only interception. Joselio Hanson picked Romo off at the Philadelphia seven yard line with two minutes remaining in the first quarter. The toss intended for Patrick Crayton was returned six yards. McNabb drove the Eagles to the Dallas 39 yard line to start the second quarter. His pass to Maclin was incomplete on third and and eight, and the Cowboys took over. Romo promptly and methodically marched Dallas down the field. After a false start penalty that set the Cowboys back five yards, Romo connected with Crayton for a 30 yard gain. A pair of Barber rushes and two significant tosses to Miles Austin were enough to put the Cowboys back in the red zone. Austin caught consecutive passes of 40 and 5 yards. Crayton hauled in the 14 yarder for the 14-0 Dallas lead to close out the 80 yard drive. Dallas wasn’t finished with their first half scoring there. Shaun Suisam’s 44 yard field goal lifted the home team to a 17-0 romping of Philadelphia. The Cowboys had 291 yards by halftime in the first ever back-to-back blankings in franchise history.
Jones accounted for the only other score of the game. The two-year back out of Arkansas plowed into the end zone from 49 yards out with 5:46 left in the third quarter. Following Jones’ half-the-field run, the Dallas defense continued to pound McNabb. They sacked him for a ten yard loss and took over on downs in the waning minutes of the third. McNabb hit the turf again on the Eagles’ next possession. Romo took snaps and handed the ball off to his running backs to finish the fourth quarter. He also found Clayton and Witten to extend the Dallas drives late in the game. DeSean Jackson, the game-breaking Philadelphia receiver, was held to three receptions. Eagles tight end, Brent Celek, lead the team with 96 yards on seven catches. Crayton and Austin finished with 99 and 90 yards, respectively, and Romo threw for 311 yards. Everything seems to be clicking on offense for the Cowboys. They’ve already beaten the Eagles twice this season. Now they have to dispatch them when it counts most.
Parting Points: Happy 50th birthday to REM’s Michael Stipe!
Poem for Monday- “The Sun” by Max Eastman
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