A very late QB Friday

This was the hardest decision of my life…choosing who to pick for QB Friday. I was at a loss. It was either going to be Alex Mortensen being released by the Titans or Mike Vick signing with the Eagles. Obviously, Alex had the early edge. But, I decided to mix things up and go with the lesser story – and that was Vick returning to the league. Call me crazy, but I did.

Nah, I’m just messin’ with ya! But seriously, Alex Mortensen – ESPN’s Chris Mortensen’s son – was released by the Titans after playing only 3 snaps in the HOF game. Anyway, it’s obvious that Vick was going to this weeks Quarterback. I already expressed how interested I was in the story on bleedeaglesgreen.com. FYI, it was a lot of interest.

Just know this, I’m not a Vick hater. I’m a Wildcatlover. And I still have memories of DeSean throwing to the wrong team in the Wildcat. I like the Eagles, so I don’tlike DeSean Jackson throwing to the wrong team.

You know, in the more serious look of things – everyone deserves a second chance. Yes, EVERYONE. He’s done his time and should be coming back.

Now as for the NFL view of things, you HAVE to like this. Vick was the most exciting player to watch ever. He was awesome. He was the Wildcat before the Wildcat. Not saying he could be that again, just sayin’ he was. He brought a new dimension to the game and he’s going to change the Wildcat. A whole new playbook will be drawn up for Vick. It’ll be a playbook that opens up the careers for players like Pat White, Vince Young, and maybe even Tim Tebow.

Like I said in the Philly blog, I don’t believe he’s in any condition to play right now. He’ll need to start working up the ladder, and he’ll have to know his role. He won’t take McNabb’s job. They’ll have to add a position to the depth chart, “WILDCAT.” And that’ll be Vick’s role.

You know what I wonder? I wonder if it has been Philly all along. You know what mean? I’m talking about when Vick said he was close to signing about three weeks ago. Something in my head says it’s not, but there’s no way for us to know. I think it’s a good question, though.

Usually, this is the part of the segment that I ask you an opinion question – but I don’t have one. I have some questions but none of them are any good. Guess I’ll have to generic:

Did Vick get paid to much? The deal says he gets 1.6 for first year then he has the option at a second year for 5.2 million.

You know, I was a little surprised. He is getting an option at 5.2 million. The number seems a little high for me. Maybe I’m not thinking clearly. But honestly, there’s a chance he may never be good again. Yet, you give him the choice at getting 5.2 million in a year. I don’t know, I just wasn’t expecting the payment to be in the 5 mill area.

So, that was this weeks QB Friday, hope to see you next week!

PS: Good luck Vick!

Press Coverage: 8/17/09

As the NFL’s regular season approaches, more and more stories emerge every day. Whether it be about a quarterback controversy, a team’s chances to succeed or a potential problems down the road, there is seemingly always something to talk about when it comes to the NFL. Twice a week, this post will look at the three biggest headlines of the day. I’ll give some background on the story and also provide my opinion. Here we go for August 17:

1. Donovan McNabb addressed the Philadelphia media today after practice, and discussed candidly the signing of quarterback Michael Vick. McNabb had lots to say on the subject, the most interesting of which is that he first broached the subject of the Eagles signing Vick in July. There had been some reports in the days after Vick was signed that McNabb was not happy with the move and felt threatened by Vick’s presence. McNabb seemed to debunk those rumors today:

“I’ve been through many situations here throughout my career when they’ve cheered for the backup,” McNabb said. “It happened with Garcia. It happened with (Kevin) Kolb. It happened with A.J. (Feeley). I’m used to that.”

McNabb certainly has been through a lot during his career in Philly. Fans have never seemed to appreciate all he has accomplished, and the presence of Vick won’t provide a dynamic that he hasn’t experienced before.

For the most part, McNabb was focused more on Vick’s personal well-being than what he can contribute to the Eagles on the football field. “I believe in second chances and I have strong faith in God that he forgives our sins,” said McNabb, a dog lover who owns two American bulldogs and a Belgian Malinois. “Yes, it was a bad thing and a malicious act, but somewhere in your heart, you have to have forgiveness.”

“I kind of can be a mentor to him, give him an opportunity to get his feet under him, get his life together,” McNabb said.

From a football perspective, how Vick is used will be interesting to watch. Since McNabb is entrenched as the team’s starting quarterback, Vick likely will be used in a wildcat role. Vick is one of the best athletes to have ever put on a football jersey, and even though he has missed two seasons, he still should have the ability to be a threat in certain situations.

2. Is Brett Fave coming back? Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com seems to think so. Glazer spoke with several unnamed Vikings players, one of whom thinks that the deal is “already done.”

When Favre told the Vikings a few weeks ago that he was staying retired, many believed him. He told ESPN that he couldn’t handle the mental and physical grind of an entire season, and people believed him. Favre has fooled fans before, and now he could be making yet another return to the league. It’s not a surprising development considering the Vikings still need a quarterback that can take them to the next level. In Friday’s preseason game against the Colts, Sage Rosenfels got the start and went 10-of-13 for 91 yards. Yes, he was accurate, but he couldn’t convert on the deep plays that change the momentum in football games. Favre can do that, which is why the Vikings still want him.

Even though Favre has missed vital training camp time, it’s not like he needs to learn a new offense. The Vikings run a similar offense to the one Favre ran for the bulk of his career in Green Bay, so there wouldn’t be a steep learning curve. The main thing that hurt Favre when he came to the Jets last year was that he didn’t know the offense. That won’t be a problem in Minnesota.

While the Vikings have been chastised in some ways for their continued pursuit of Favre, you can’t blame Brad Childress for trying to make the team better. After all, aren’t coaches supposed to do all in their power to improve their football team? If Childress feels this is the move that will take the Vikings deep in the playoffs, he should do it.

Hopefully, Favre will address his intentions shortly. If he plans on playing for the Vikings this season, it would be best for him to let everyone know, because I don’t know if I can take much more of the Favre drama.

3. According to FanHouse.com, Tom Cable punched an assistant on August 5. Randy Hanson, a defensive coach for the Raiders, was the man on the receiving end of the punch. Hanson reportedly didn’t see the punch coming, as he was in engaged in a conversation with defensive coordinator John Marshall when it occurred. The National Football Post first had the report, but did not name the coach who punched Hanson.

Hanson had to go to the hospital because his jaw was injured, and a police report was subsequently filed. Hanson refused to name the man who punched him, but FanHouse’s sources say that Cable was the man who delivered the blow.

The circumstances behind the punch are not yet known, but Cable could be facing criminal charges if Hanson tells the truth to police. Whether he does is in doubt, because he may fear that his job will be in jeopardy if he gives Cable up.

If this report turns out to be accurate, Cable should face some sort of punishment from the league and/or the Raiders. Punching an assistant coach is out-of-line, to say the least, and Cable must be made an example of. While I don’t think he should be suspended, I do think Cable should be fined for his actions.The Raiders almost have an obligation to punish Cable, because when a player punches a fellow player, a fine or suspension always seems to follow. Steve Smith of the Panthers punched teammate Ken Lucas during training camp last year, and Smith was subsequently suspended for the first two games of the season by the team. Coaches shouldn’t receive special treatment, and as a result Cable deserves to reprimanded for his conduct.

Come One , Come All , It’s The Michael Vick Traveling Circus

Come One , Come All , It’s The Michael Vick Traveling Circus

Well unless you’ve been asleep under a rock over the last 2 1/2 years. Then it’ll come as no surprise to you that Michael Vick has returned to the NFL . Yesterday, as only ESPN seems to know how to do. They broke the news that Vick had signed with the Philadeplhia Eagles . It is part of a 2 year deal for $7m . The deal pays Vick $1.5m over the first season and $ 5.5m over the second season- with a further $3m , in additional incentives. Now some may well say that this places added pressure on the incumbent quarterback, Donovan McNabb . And it has been suggested that it was actually McNabb who first proposed this to his coach, Andy Reid .

Vick and Reid at a press conference at the Nova Care Complex in Philadelphia that formally announces that the player has signed a two year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Larry French ................

With that in mind , this will no doubt give the franchise an added boost in terms of the interest that’ll be shown by the fans. But it’ll also place them front and center in terms of the continuing controversy that has surrounded the player and his past troubles. There’s no doubt that as dynamic a player that Vick is, the demand to see him on the field of play will be plentiful . And at the same time there’ll be vociferous fans out there who’ll be determined to show their opposition to this maneuver.That being said only time will tell how the player’ll will fare. From a financial aspect it doesn’t place a great deal on the franchise to begin with. But it may well put some added pressure not only McNabb to perform at his best. But it’ll also place a great deal of pressure on the backups A. J. Feeley and Kevin Kolb , to show that they’re worthy of being on the team’s roster. In all probability Vick won’t only be just used in the backup position. But also as a slot receiver or under some other premise as designated by Reid and his coaching staff.

Coach Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles address members of the convened press to make the announcement that Michael Vick has been signed by the team and now becomes its newest member. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Larry French .................

Locally, within the city itself , the voices have been heard. There’ve been those in favor of the move. And there’ve been others who’ve shown their ire to the move by the Philadelphia Eagles. This all, had to have come with the blessing of the Eagles’ hierarchy of coach, Andy Reid and the owner Jeffrey Lurie and the franchise’s team president , Joe Banner . How this now, plays out as the season progresses , remains to be seen. The player for now will merely practice with the team and quite possibly play in one or two of the preseason games. As it is, the player won’t be able to participate in any regular season games, until game 6 of the regular season .As he’s still under suspension by the NFL.

A formal announcement is expected to be made by the team on Friday morning and one can expect the customary feeding frenzy by the press in covering the spectacle as it unfolds. That being said the player himself , can no doubt expect some vocal support and also a great deal of indifference by the fans, once he makes his physical entrance on the field of play for the very first time. Two years away, from the game and there’s bound to be some rust and a timing problem with the player. But that’s not what made Vick a major attraction when first introduced to the NFL. It was the fact that he could make the impossible at times seem easy. And the mere fact that with his explosiveness and athleticism , he wasn’t your prototypical quarterback. Now comes the hard part for the player ,it’ll be to reinvent himself not only as a player. But also in terms of his character. Which of above all, is what really matters as far as the player is concerned. And that too , of the NFL and league commissioner, Roger Goodell . Vick can ill afford to mess up this time around in any way. Another transgression either on, or off the field and he can kiss the resumption of his NFL career goodbye , once and for all. This is, the situation that Michael Vick now faces.

Vick and his mentor Tony Dungy look on as they both take questions from the convened press at the Eagles' facility in Philadelphia on Friday morning . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Matt Rourke ....................

It’s said that everyone is deserving of a second chance but one seriously doubts that a third or fourth chance will be forthcoming from the league or its rabid fans.Especially, should Vick ran afoul of the league or law once again . So make of it what you will, as the player re-enters the league and all of the privileges that he’s about to be afforded.

For $97m You’d Better Be Able To Guarantee Me Something …………..

It must be me ! But for all sense and purpose with the thought that the upcoming collective bargaining agreement is about to be opted out of by the NFL owners . I find it somewhat bemusing and a little perplexing that the New York Giants would offer their quarterback Eli Manning a six year contract extension that’ll pay him $97 milllion dollars with incentives.

Giants' quarterback Eli Manning speaks with the reporters after arriving for the start of the team's training camp in Albany, NY,. They were no doubt keen to hear the player express his views, having just been made the recipient of the most lucrative contract in the franchise's history . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tim Roske .......................

That being said it’s enough that the Players’ Executive Director DeMaurice Smith has yet to state his views on the rookie salary contracts , as well as how the league’s most revered players . The older NFL veterans have been left out in the cold as to their pensions and medical benefits . Much like his predecessor Gene Upshaw , Smith has remained tight-lipped on the issue. Merely stating that this issue will be raised with the NFL Commissioner , Roger Goodell when they come to the table to deal with the renegotiating of the collective bargaining agreement.

Giants' fans seated , watch the team at their training camp on the campus of the University of Albany in Albany , New York . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Groll .........................

That being said with the league not wanting to face a situation , wherein the 2010-11 season would be operated without a salary cap. It’s paramount that an agreement be hammered out, that is amicable for all of the parties concerned. Furthermore , with the economic climate now being in the state that it is in. It won’t be at all easy to think that the NFL or the NFLPA will be able to operate from a position of power when it comes to the negotiations. Not with the broadcast networks and cable outlets that in large part pay out the bulk of the revenues gleaned by the NFL , will be prepared to overpay for tv rights to the NFL’s product. If anything they just like any of the corporate entities across the country , aren’t at all sure when this economic downturn will end. In many respects many of the outlets are cutting their budgets and laying off staff , as part of their cost cutting measures.

For Giants’ GM Jerry Reese , this may well be what he best viewed as a way to retain the services of the franchise’s Superbowl MVP winning quarterback. Manning’s current contract was due to expire at the end of this upcoming season. And it called for him to be paid $9.4million in 2009.

For this Giants’ team often viewed as on the better franchises within the NFC. It has to be said that this upcoming season they’re expected to be amongst the presumptive favorites to garner a playoff berth. Albeit, that within the always competitive NFC East , they’ll be up against the usual suspects in what has been determined to be the best and most competitive division in all of the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles , Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins , in large part always come to play.

This season with coach Tom Coughlin in tow , he seeks to bring back some resolute toughness to a team that lost its stride as the year wore on. And coming of a (12-4) season, where they won their division with some ease. The playoffs proved to be something of a profound letdown for the franchise and their fans. As a great deal more had been expected of them.

Reese and the Giants’ coaching staff saw fit to replenish the team’s roster with players in the draft , who they feel can make a valid contribution to the team’s ambitions. And it has to be said that even with the loss of their former wide-out Plaxico Burress due to his ongoing legal problems. There’s no reason to believe why this team can’t at all be successful once again, this season.

Manning talks to his wide receiver Steve Smith during the team's training camp. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Groll ........................

Source : The Washington Post

Giants Make Manning NFL’s Richest Player ….

By Mark Maske of The Washington Post

Quarterback Eli Manning has agreed to a contract extension with the New York Giants that will give him the highest average annual salary in the NFL , a source familiar with the negotiations said Wednesday.

The six year extension is worth about $97.5 million , said the source , who spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been officially announced. It includes approximately $35 million in guaranteed money the source said, and runs through the 2015 season.

With the extension , Manning is set to make $106.9 over the next seven seasons. That’s an NFL-high average annual income of $15.27 million.

The former top overall selection in the 2004 NFL Draft led the Giants to a Superbowl in the 2007 season and was selected to his first Pro Bowl last season. He has led the Giants to the playoffs in each of his four full seasons as an NFL starter.

According to the New York Daily News, Giants’ General Manager Jerry Reese told reporters Wednesday he’s hopeful that the finishing touches will be applied to the deal soon but declined to confirm the widely reported contract terms. Reese said he believes that Manning is worthy of such a contract.

“He’s a franchise quarterback”, Reese told reporters, according to the Daily News. “He’s come in , he takes a lot of flak from you guys and just keeps going. He does what we ask him to do on the field. He’s a good football player”.

Oakland Raiders’ cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha previously had the league’s highest average annual income , at $15.1 million per season. He signed a three-year $45.3 million contract in the offseason . That included $28.5 million in guaranteed money.

Manning’s older brother, Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning , has a contract worth about $14 million per season.

In five seasons, Eli Manning has thrown for 14,623 yards with 98 touchdown passes and 74 interceptions. He threw for 3,238 yards last season , with 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions , and was the league’s 14th-rated passer.

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In order to read this article in its entirety just click on the headlined link provided above.

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Osi Umenyiora addresses members of the press prior to the start of the Giants' training camp. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tim Roske ...........................

The fate of the team , may well lie in the demeanor of Manning , how he’ll carry himself, with the now renewed and heightened expectations as to his onfield performances. And most certainly that air expectance will go hand in hand as to not only the salary he’s being paid. But also the enormity of the task he now faces in having to live up to that contract.

Defensively the team will see the return of defensive stalwart Osi Umenyiora . Who’ll renew his defensive tandem partnership, beside teammate Justin Tuck . As good a defensive set of ends as you’ll find anywhere in the league. And in some eyes they may well be the quintessential pair of defensive players who can wreak havoc on an offensive line and get to the opposing quarterback for the sack.

On the offensive side of the things, the loss of Burress’ll no doubt hurt . But the Giants’ running game ought to more than compensate for that . And the fact that Coughlin will no doubt orchestrate his offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride to deem what is advantageous for the team in its endeavors to become an even more potent offense. If everything should then fall into place. Then look for the New York Giants to have their eyes firmly affixed on raising the Lombardi Trophy. But as I alluded to earlier the caveat will be predicated upon the form shown by the franchise’s quarterback. As he goes , so too, might the fortunes of the New York Giants.

Same Old, Same Old In The NFC East

Less than a week from today, the NFL season will begin with the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. The game will take place between the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans. The Hall of Fame Game is a guarantee every year that fans look forward to. It signals the start of the new season. But few things in the NFL are guaranteed. With all of the contact and risk of injury on every play, there simply isn’t enough consistency for things to stay the same year-after-year. One of the things that is consistent is the NFC East, consistently the best and toughest division in football. Last season was a little different, as the NFC South gave the East a run for its money. Based solely on wins and losses, the South was the best division in football last season. Based on all factors, including talent and teams overall, arguments could have been made for every division. But the South’s dominance last season would appear to be an anomaly. In 2009, the East will once again reclaim its place as the best and toughest division in the NFL.

There are a number of factors that go into determining just how good a division is, and wins and losses isn’t necessarily the biggest. Talent, skill, competition and the rivalries are all important determining factors. Every game within the division must be tough. To truly gage just how good a division is from a pure football standpoint, look at the team that is expected to finish last. And in the case of the East in ‘09, most experts and fans (including myself) have pegged the Washington Redskins to finish in fourth place.

The Redskins won’t be as bad as most people think. Last season, they came out on fire behind the energy of first-year head coach Jim Zorn. They got off to a 4-1 start, thanks to a solid offensive numbers from running back Clinton Portis and quarterback Jason Campbell. Portis wound up carrying the team on his back for the first half of the season, and the workload he received early on probably contributed to the team’s down-slide in the second half of the year. Cambell, who had gotten off to such a good start, fizzled in the last half of the season as the Redskins lost 4 of their final 5 games. Their record was 8-8, good enough for last in the division. To finish with a .500 winning percentage and come in last says a lot about the East, as only the South had a similar result. In Zorn’s second season at the helm, improvements naturally should me made. Plus, owner Daniel Synder did what he does best by making the biggest splash of the offseason. The ‘Skins signed arguably the best defensive tackle in football, Albert Haynesworth. They also added defensive end Brian Orakpo through the draft. Both additions should improve their front seven. Though the ‘Skins likely will come in last place, they should be better than their record shows, which will ultimately reflect on the division.

From a talent standpoint, tally up another victory for the East. Offensively, New York Giants QB Eli Manning (pictured, right), Dallas Cowboys’ QB Tony Romo and Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb comprise the best group of QBs in one division. While the East doesn’t have the best group of defensive players in one division, it does have two players, LB DeMarcus Ware and cornerback Asante Samuel, that are arguably the best at their respective divisions. This category is the trickiest to judge, because loads of talent is sprinkled throughout the league. Finding the most talented players stacked in division is nearly impossible, but a compelling case can be made for the East. But this is the category in which all of the divisions are stacked up closely.

The competition aspect is where the race for best division is really won. If a team goes undefeated in their division, it doesn’t bode well for the strength of the division. In 2008, for example, two teams went undefeated in their respective divisions: the Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC North) and Arizona Cardinals (NFC West). Obviously both were excellent teams as the played in the Super Bowl, but their divisions were far from great. And at the bottom of the spectrum, having a team go 0-6 in the division isn’t a good harbinger of strength. Three teams — the St. Louis Rams (NFC West), Detroit Lions (NFC North) and Buffalo Bills (AFC East) — didn’t win a single game in their divisions last season. As usual, the NFC East was the most competitive division in football last season, along with the South. The team with the best record in the division, the Giants, went 4-2. The team with the worst record, the Eagles, went 2-4. Only the South had the same win-loss numbers. But the South figures to take a slide this season, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won’t be nearly as good as they were last season. The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints stand to be improved, but Carolina may come back down to earth  after going 12-4 last season. Every team in the East, meanwhile, has improved. As a result, games in the division figure to be even better and more competitive in ‘09.

In the NFC East, rivalry is a word that gets thrown around a lot, and deservedly so. Cowboys/Giants always seems to produce two of the best games of the year. Eagles/Cowboys tends to be just as good and it is one of the best rivalries in the game. Redskins/Giants and Redskins/Eagles don’t necessarily have the storied history of the other games, but both are always fun to watch. Then there is the crown jeweled rivalry of the division, Redskins/Cowboys. These two games are two of the most intense and hard fought games in football. This game means so much that when the Redskins defeated the Cowboys in the final Redskins/Cowboys game at Texas Stadium, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looked like he was going to fire every member of his coaching staff on the spot. While there are great rivalries throughout football, the East has produced the best rivalry games on a consistent basis.

The ‘09 season once again figures to be an excellent one for the NFC East. No matter how much people seem to dislike the teams in the division, everyone will be watching. And how can they not? Quite simply, it’s the best division in football.

Well They Are America’s Team At Least They Want Us To Believe …..

When I look at the Dallas Cowboys I’m led to believe that they are America’s Team. Well as far as I’m concerned a team is meant to be a consistently cohesive unit that is capable of overcoming adversity. And that only happens if there’s leadership shown from the highest echelons on down. At the same time there’s got to be character being shown by someone on the team who aspires to be its leader.

Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones (center) seated alongside the team's coach Wade Phillips (right) and to the left of Jones is his son Stephen who is also the Executive Vice President of the Dallas Cowboys and its business holdings. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez ...........

The same can be said of any military unit as they’re the ones I’ve no doubt that a professional sport’s team aspires to be like in terms of discipline , character and camaraderie. Those definitely aren’t the traits that you’ll find with the Cowboys. And that’s despite what we’ve been told and led to believe . This team has become to be now known more for its drama off the field than anything achieved on it in recent times. So much so that I know more likely than not although as the team’s owner Jerry Jones still loves the press coverage received by the team. Whether it’s duly wanted or not. It keeps them in the public eye 24/7 365 days a year. And that’s the sort of pub’ that money can’t buy at all.

Cowboys' coach Wade Phillps instructs his team during a practice session at the team's minicamp in Carrollton Tx,. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez .................

Many Cowboys’ fans might feel to the contrary with the evidence being put forth not just within this article but also as evidenced by what the team has been through. Last year’s team finished with a (9-7) record within the highly competitive NFC East. They failed to make the playoffs. And then having to look up at both the Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) and New York Giants (12-4) within their division make the playoffs. That had to have placed a thorn in their claws. And that was with what we’re being told was perhaps the best team on paper in the entire NFL. Well being the best on paper is a vast difference from being the best within your own division, conference , much less the entire league.

Cowboys' offensive coordinator speaks with the team's quarterback Tony Romo during a practice session at the team's minicamp . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez ...............

Much to the chagrin of the common fan. Jones and the Cowboys’ fans believe in that in their own eyes and that in this team’s mindset they’re still better than everyone else. That particular thought process has to be totally devoid of all reasoning. The fact that last year’s roster was laden with Pro Bowl caliber players did nothing to persuade many that this was still the same ol’ Cowboys of recent years.
How else can one explain that abysmal record even by their own lofty standards ?

Cowboys; secondary coach Dave Campo speaks with Mike Mickens (33) during a session at the team's minicamp in Carrollton , Tx,. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez ..........

The chances are that you’ll find much of the turmoil created within the organization started off with the constant meddling of Jerry Jones , himself. Wherein the coaching staff led by Wade Phillips , defensive coordinator Brian Stewart and the offensive coordinator in Jason Garrett , were merely like puppets for the marionette in Jones who orchestrated almost everything from up on high. The drama played out for all to see like a late eighties’ soap opera. Fortunately for us however, there was very little sex, just a tinge of rock & roll . But most definitely there was a certain amount of violence. And the internal combustion that was caused when on your roster you have the narcissistic attitudes of Terrell Owens , Roy E. Williams and the rotten apple in all of this in Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones. For ‘Pacman’ Jones his record would be far more distinguished on the field were it not for his continued off the field problems at the time. So much so that you’d find it far more recognizable were his name being mentioned concerning his latest transgression of the law rather than anything that he’d accomplished on the field with the Dallas Cowboys.

Members of the Cowboys' offensive line look to work out on some drills using training equipment during minicamp . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez ...............

The star we were led to believe and the leader on the team was meant to be quarterback Tony Romo. What he at times lacked in his discipline concerning his play. He made up for with his innate and acute awareness as to what was happening around him when his offensive line at times faltered. But then Hollywood came a calling in his buxom, often considered trite but yet overly ambitious and some might say less than talented girlfriend in the guise of Jessica Simpson. It’d be remiss of me to suggest that since Simpson’s introduction into the Cowboys’ fold that things started to spiral out of control and descended downhill for the franchise. That’d be false as much of this began prior to Simpson’s interaction with Romo.

Cowboys' wide receiver Patrick Crayton (84) makes a catch whilst defensive player Mike Mickens (33) looks to negate the play during the team's minicamp training session. picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Tony Gutierrez ...............

The team lacked discipline and that was the one thing above all else that Phillips’ predecessor Bill Parcells demanded of his players on the field. And they were held accountable for those actions. In the case of Phillips whilst he’s considered to have be a brilliant defensive mind. His coaching qualities and skills are shall we say ‘….. not always up to par ?’ His style is very much lackadaisical and with little or no effort with regard to his players being held accountable for what went on , on the field of play.

Quarterback Tony Romo (9) prepares to throw a pass during practice at the team's minicamp training session. With former receiver now having been cut from the team also with the release of Pacman Jones and safety Roy Williams. It has to be said that any semblance of normalcy that the Cowboys hope to be looking for will be a work in progress. picture appears courtesy appears courtesy of ap/photo / Tony Gutierrez ......................

Much of that was witnessed as the ‘08-’09 season progressed and wound down for the team. And it was all brought to the boil with the internal bickering that took place between Owens , Romo, Patrick Crayton , Phillips and allegedly Garrett. When the dirty laundry is being aired out in public, with the baby , bath water and kitchen sink said to be in play. You know that things aren’t at all right with the team.

Romo and Simpson attend an NBA game . I still for the life of me can't understand what all the fuss is about. Is it her lack of intelligence and having a 'hot bod' and the presumptiveness in thinking that he has the makings of being a great quarterback that makes this couple apparently so fascinating ? Over to you Billy Bush for an update on what they're now said to be allegedly doing. ' Jess offcourse it's chicken of the sea.' 'But Tony Nick always told me that chickens have wings'. 'So why doesn't tuna ?' ' Why do you always have to bring up that douche-bag Nick ? Don't I satisfy you ?' ............... picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Maria Oxley .... Added script supplied by yours truly Alan P.

And all of those lofty ambitions that’d began in the preseason came and went during the regular season . As there was considerably far more action happening off the field , in the locker rooms and elsewhere than anything that was happening on the field when it came to the Cowboys and their play.
As highly combustible and potent an offense as this team was said to be . The stats didn’t not necessarily bear that out when one looks at them closely.

They were a predominantly passed oriented offense (344.5 total yds a game, 236.8 passing per gm/ , 107.7 rushing per gm) but their scoring average per game was a miserly 22.6 points a game. Which’d suggest that there were a great many dropped passes . And defensively they weren’t that much better allowing opponents on average 294 yards a game and 22.8 points a game.

Team wise individually the stats of certain players do bear a closer inspection . And in doing so one can see that the Cowboys’ problems were on both sides of the ball. And as productive as wide-out Terrell Owens was said to be. It may not be the productivity that was always a cause of many of the alleged problems between he and his teammates. But the mere fact that his demeanor and presence was far too overbearing . And the glare of the spotlight that he wanted and commanded was all too much for the team to bare. And given the fact that in Romo you had a quarterback who was as demonstrative as a docile church mouse . One could see who actually was ruling the roost amongst the cocks within this particular chicken coop.

As I’d alluded to earlier there was never or has there ever been any leadership on this team since Wade Phillips was introduced as the team’s coach. But the fault also doesn’t necessary lie with Phillips alone. As it all starts with what happens from the top on down . And when you’ve got an owner in the guise of Jerry Jones , whose meddlesome ways are about as rewarding as having a tooth pulled without the assist of a pain killer. Then you know that there’s bound to be problems. And this comes despite the fact that Jones’ll tell you that he was the prime architect behind the Cowboys winning three Superbowls during the nineties.(‘93,’94 and ‘96) Which is true in some ways but oh so false in others. Were it not for the fact that he had a great coaching staff with Jimmy Johnson at the helm of it all. Who knows how things might’ve turned out for allegedly what is said to be America’s Team ?