Wednesday Round-Up

Hello, and welcome to this weeks edition of Wednesday Round-Up. This week’s topics were tough to pick, there weren’t that many headlines other than Brett Favre. Obviously though,  I was brought to a conclusion – I went with T.O. OUT, KANE INDICTED, FIST-FLYING RAIDERS, and as always the QB FRIDAY PREVIEW.

T.O. OUT

Terrell Owens is out for the Bills @ Packers game with a sprained toe. It’s shouldn’t be much of a concern for Bills fans as Coach Dick Jauron says he  should be back in practice “next week some time.”

KANE INDICTED

The jury dismissed the felony robbery charge on Patrick and James James, then indicted them on some lesser charges.

Those charges would be…

1. 3rd degree assault(misdemeanor)
2. theft of services(misdemeanor)
3. harassment(violation-level offense)

You know, this really is a crazy story. The first time I heard of the story was on ESPN’s Mike and Mike. It was insane! Attacking a cab driver because he didn’t have 20 cents change! The only comment I even have on the story is, “Why?”

FIST-FLYING RAIDERS

How Raider-ish of them, huh? He says “nothing happened”, but who wouldn’t deny it? In my opinion, it doesn’t matter that much.Yeah, it’s a little interesting story at first but no noise is honestly coming from the incident (if it even happened). It would be different if the assistant had came out with a bloody jaw, saying he’d never took a hit like that. Maybe something comes from the story…but I’m not planning on it.

QB FRIDAY PREVIEW

Do  even need to do this? It’s obvious that I’m going with, Stafford wins debut! Ha ha! Just messing with ya’! We’ll be talking Brett this Friday

Should We At All Be Surprised ?

Well it’d appear that newly signed Buffalo Bills’ wide receiver Terrell Owens has proffered up some words of advice for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell . Granted the player is entitled to his very own opinions as to what he deems to be reasonably fair as far as the commissioner’s intervention and punishment meted out by Goodell , as far as Michael Vick is concerned. But then again who is Owens anyway to be espousing what he deems to be fair and what is actually not ?

Owens (81) and teammate quarterback Trent Edwards (5) have a discussion on the first day of the team's official opening of training camp. The Buffalo Bills' training camp is being held on the grounds of St John Fisher College in Pittsford,. N.Y. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ David Duprey ...................

This happens to be the same player who’s layed waste to to three NFL franchises (San Francisco 49ers , Philadelphia Eagles & Dallas Cowboys ) over the course of his career. And he’s carried on as if in neither of the cases was he at all fault , or to be blamed. Now the Bills will have the privilege of having the player within their very midst. I can’t fathom what’ll happen at the first sign of adversity or a flare up between either he and the team’s quarterback, Trent Edwards . Or quite possibly between Owens and the team’s coach Dick Jauron .

Owens makes the catch and run during a play at the Buffalo Bills' training camp. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ David Duprey ...............

The one thing that we can be all sure of, is that in each of the cases thus far. It is the very fact that Owens has behaved as if he’s a woman scorned by a lover whose found someone else. Bearing in mind that Owens in large part has been the main protagonist in many of his so called downfalls. Vociferous , self indulgent and above all severly critical of those who don’t often share the same opinion as himself. That being said he fell from grace and the soiled relationship between he and Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones, says a great deal about both individuals.

Owens signs autographs for the fans in attendance at the team's training camp at St John Fisher College in Pittsford ,. N.Y. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ David Duprey ...........................

Owens for his part and that of his agent Drew Rosenhaus , know that at this point . This will be the last chance and stop for the player to lead a franchise to a Superbowl win. Failure as they say “….. is not an option. ” So everything now, is in the hands of Owens and what we believe will be his perceived relationship with his new found teammates. Will it be his team ? Or will he actually defer to his teammate Trent Edwards ? Moreover, will it be the softly, softly approach coming from Jauron as the team fares throughout much of the regular season ?

Bills' owner Ralph Wilson Jr speaks with members of the team at their training facility at St John Fisher College in Pittsford, N.Y., picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ David Duprey .............

Coming off a rather disapppointing (7-9) season from last year. In reality the only way is up for the AFC East franchise. And having to look up from the bottom of the division at the Miami Dolphins , New York Jets and the New England Patriots can’t at all have given the Bills’ fans a great deal of pleasure.

The TO Show which premiered on VH1 cable station on the 20th July. The show is meant to give us a behind the scenes look at the player’s life and his relationships.

If anything the luster that Owens hopes to bring back to the Bills. It’ll be predicated upon how much his desire it is to be viewed as a success in the eyes of the fans and the lengths that he’s prepared to prove himself a valuable asset and teammate. So far , he’s gone about selling himself and the TO brand . And much of that has come with the assistance of his VH1 reality show …The T.O Show As to whether or not anyone has been watching , who knows or cares ?

The Bills’ fans for their part have made the player feel welcomed at this juncture. But it remains to be seen what’ll happen , once that first sign of narcisisstical behavior comes to the fore and his unwillingness to be viewed as a team player. They’ll either embrace it or quite possibly vent their anger in the direction of the player and coach if the team isn’t said to be faring at all well. The one thing we know for sure is that Owens is at peace with himself and those around him. He’s simply outstanding and one of the most feared offensive players in the entire NFL. When things aren’t going right however, he then becomes something of a pariah and at best the most self serving and primadonna like athlete that we’ve all become accustomed to seeing. Love him or hate him . Owens is what he his. And he’s not about to change for anyone , anytime soon ! And that means even if he should lead a team to the Promised Land. What you see and what you’ll continue to get is steadfasty …..TO continuing to be TO . Always opinionated on just about any subject that happens to be within his so called perceived sphere of influence.

Owens and his then fiancee' Felisha during a photo-shoot. The player admitted to his infidelity and trust issues while being invollved with the model at the time. On his show he's revisited those very same issues while trying to win her back with a commitment of trust and honesty. Don't hold your breath ! copyrighted material ....@ All rights reserved ......................

And what of the Bills you might ask ? How are they about to fare ? Well much of that also may well lie in the health of their quarterback Trent Edwards. And whether or not his body can withstand a full NFL 16 game schedule. So far in his short career within the NFL , he’s yet to play a full season. Merely because of recurring injuries and also the complete lack of protection from his offensive line. If they can’t protect him then the team and in particular TO will be in for a horrendous season from the outset.

Bills' coach Dick Jauron oversees the Buffalo Bills' training camp at St John Fisher College in Pittsford , New York. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / David Duprey ...................

Facts are fact and they don’t come anymore succinctly than that. So what are your thoughts as to how the Bills might fare ? It should make for an interesting topic of debate don’t you think ?

It’s Nice To Know It’s Back To The Norm As Tom’s Back

Well if you happen to be a New England Patriots’ fan . Then over the last two regular seasons. One would have to say it has been something of a dour time. First came the inexplicable loss to the New York Giants in Superbowl XLII, 17-14.

New England quarterback Tom Brady (12) has his legs taken from beneath him by Chiefs' safety Bernard Pollard during a preseason game played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachussetts. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Winslow Townson ...............

And then came the disappointment of failing to make the playoffs last year in the AFC East. Either as a wild-card entrant or winner of the division. That distinction went to the Miami Dolphins. The team won the division with an 11-5 record . The same record that was posted by the Patriots. But given the virtue of their record within the conference (8-4) , the privilege went to the Dolphins. But what really brought the team’s season to an early end was the loss of Tom Brady. Losing a player of Brady’s stature is one thing , as he’s seen as the linch-pin that provides stability to the team. Nevermind that he’s also viewed as the team’s vocal leader and main play maker. He and the Indianapolis Colts’ Peyton Manning may well be the pre-eminent quarterbacks in the NFL.

Patriots' receivers Randy Moss (81) and teammate Wes Welker (83) on the field of play. These two prolific players will be looking to make the receiving corps of the Patriots once again one of the most feared in the NFL. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Phil Mitchell ............

But that asides, this upcoming season will be about whether or not the team and Brady are back to their very best. After the downturn in the events where the expectations were high. To have failed to make the playoffs was as equally disappointing for the players. As it was also for the fans. But the bright spot in all of this was that the team discovered that they had a more than adequate backup in Matt Cassel. His performances initially were shaky. But once he found his footing, the team was most definitely in sync. However given the restraints on a team when it comes to the NFL salary cap. It wasn’t possible to retain both Cassel and Brady. Albeit that there were calls for Brady to be traded and Cassel to remain in his stead. That was when things became a little asinine to say the least amongst some of the Patriots’ fans. And from the blowhards within Bristol, Connecticut. But then again they are entitled to their opinions, as is the Patriots’ coach Bill Belichick. And I for one would like to think that Belichick knows a little bit more about the sport than a great many of the prognosticators out there. Stop it with the Belichick the cheater calls. Get over it ! It’s over and done with !

Patriots' wide receiver Joey Galloway at the team's practice facility during the team's organized training activities. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Stephan Savoia .......................

The offseason saw the trading of Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs. Wherein Cassel having been tagged a franchise player will be earning himself a king’s ransom this upcoming year with the Chiefs.

For a die-hard Patriots’ fan like myself. It will be indeed intriguing to see how the team acquits itself. The team’s draft was as good as ever. With the team picking up some good , solid young players. That it deems will either make an immediate contribution or be able learn from the more seasoned professionals on the team. The team has made the most of the free agent market by picking up one or two players who they feel can still make a valid contribution to the ambitions of the franchise. And it should come as no surprise that amongst those pickups was the former Jacksonville Jaguars’ running back Fred Taylor. For some reason the Jaguars felt that Taylor’s best days are behind him. Anyone whose seen Taylor play throughout much of his career will realize that he’s not the sort of player to rest on his laurels. Another veteran player acquired also was former Buccaneers’ veteran wide receiver Joey Galloway.

And to the Jaguars’ fans who are lamenting the loss of the player. They should look the team’s coach Jack Del Rio squarely in the eye and ask him “….. why send Taylor off into the cold ” ?
It would appear that the trials and tribulations of Del Rio and the Jaguars continue to this day. A team that under Del Rio’s tenureship that continues to disappoint and underperform in the AFC South each year.

Adalius Thomas (96) and teammate safety,Rodnery Harrison (37) celebrate breaking up a play. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Paul Wilson ...............

As alluded to earlier with the return of Brady and the acquisition of free agents. And with its core offensive players in-tact. I would hope to see the team back in its rightful place atop of the AFC East. And being viewed as one of the elite teams within the conference and the league as a whole.

The erstwhile owner Robert Kraft (right) and his chief de' equipe Bill Belichick (left) celebrate their win over the San Diego Chargers 21-12 in the AFC Championship played at Gillette Stadium , Foxborough , Massachussetts on 20th January 2008. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Elsa ............

The defense of the Patriots will have to manifest itself and play to the highest standards. And with regard to the offense , we can be sure that it’ll be as proficient as ever. And we should look to see Wes Welker and Randy Moss be the prime receiving targets of the quarterback. And the running game should be where one would expect it to be. If anything we’ll see a mixture of a running game hybrid with the usual proficient passing from Tom Brady.

The aspirations are high as usual. And that’s to be expected if you’re an avid fan of this now storied franchise. The bar is always set high as to their expectations. And considering their history over this decade. Is there any reason to believe why the New England Patriots aren’t able to meet those goals ? Given their success and the conduct of the ownership in the guise of Robert Kraft. The gold standard has been set alongside that of the Rooney family with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

So with the preseason just around the corner and training camp merely a few weeks away. Here’s one Patriots’ fan eager to see how this team will do. Four preseason games, with the first being played in Philadelphia against the Eagles. And then with the first regular game of the season will be at home at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachussetts against the Buffalo Bills. Something that ought bring success in terms of a win. Even with the always expressive Terrell Owens in tow for the Bills. The game itself ought to be an event worth watching. Both teams will be looking to prove their worth and show that they’re legitimate contenders for postseason play and honors.

It is conceivable to think that this team will be once again seen as the preseaon favorite for the Superbowl. But I’d rather see the games be played instead of making prognostications. We all saw what the events that took place during Superbowl XLII . And it certainly left a a bitter taste in the palates of a great many New England Patriots’ fans. And for this this particular fan it was a somber moment indeed ! It is most certainly not an event that I’d like to revisit again !

There’s No Fool Like An Old Fool So How’d You Describe Ocho Cinco ?

Say it with me now ….”there’s no fool like an old fool ! ” How else can one really describe the antics of the Cincinnati Bengals and that of their wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco ? This guy now gets more press time , airtime and tv time for his antics off the field than anything he’s done recently on it . But the again we are talking about the lovable , bumbling and underperforming Cincinnati Bengals.

Chad Ocho leaves the field after another disappointing loss during the regular season. The Cincinnati Bengals finished the season with an uninspiring 4-11-1 record for the season in the AFC North. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Matt Mayhew .....................

Now comes the hard part for a Marvin Lewis coached team that for all sense and purpose is on its last legs, when it comes to being viewed as competitive team within the NFL. After an uninspired season last year where it finished with a woefully inept record of 4-11-1 within the AFC North . And bearing mind that for much if last season they were without starting quarterback Carson Palmer . One might excuse the efforts of the team as a whole. Palmer was replaced by his backup Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick played the majority of the season , compiling 13 of the 16 regualr season games played.

Bengals' wideout Chad Ocho Cinco looks to remain in the endzone despite the defensive effort of the Jaguars' Rashean Mathis (27) during the play. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Brian Charles ....................

And with the franchise’s continuous off the field problems. In terms of the numerous incidents involving law enforcement. It’d be appropriate to say that the most ardent of Bengals’ fans witnessed more action off the field than they ever saw on it during the regular season. And what one can glean from this all , is that this team and the organization underperformed to such an extent. That one can only surmise that things can’t get any worse for the franchise. The Cincinnati Bengals as a franchise has made itself the laughing stock of the entire NFL. One might’ve said of their instate counterpart the Cleveland Browns. But as we all know what represents a winning season for the Browns is actually to have their stadium filled to capacity during their home games. Ineptitude has definitely become the norm in the state of Ohio when it comes to the state’s NFL franchises of recent times.

Bengals' quarterback Carson Palmer (left) takes question from the convened press after the team's first voluntary workouts in March held at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati,Oh., Also in picture is the team's coach Marvin Lewis. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Dave Kohl .............

With the preseason just around the corner Ocho Cinco’s latest gimmick is to let the world know how much he likes to “Twitter” . And that during the preseason and regular season games. He’ll be using the device to be keep in contact with his subscribers wherever they are and to let them know how he’s doing. Now if you’re an ardent Bengals’ fan you’ll either be peturbed by his latest antics. Or you’re liable to just brush it off as just another ruse and stunt to keep his face in the in-front of the public to vie for their attention.

The narcissist in Ocho Cinco makes sure that we need to know who is , where he is and what he’s said to be doing at all times. Remind you of anyone in particular ? He’s now said to be playing for North America’s team. Ocho like his erstwhile counterpart Terrell Owens loves the glare of the spotlight, just as much any other primadonna athlete. Though it must be said that Owens has been far more productive a player despite the controversy of his stay in Dallas with the Cowboys. Ocho for his part has whined about his wish either to be traded or at times just to be shown more respect by the organization. Well he ought to remember that respect is a two way street. It has to be earned before it can be given. Thus far he has done little to earn the respect of the fans, much less the Bengals’ organization.

Considering that it wasn’t that long ago that the Bengals were being talked about as a legitimate contender for a playoff berth. And also perhaps as a perennial contender within the AFC North Division as a divisonal champion. What has led to their fall from grace, may well have been complacency on the part of the players as well as Lewis’ coaching and that of the recurring injuries to several key players on the team’s roster. Disciplinary wise also , Lewis has been less than forthright in demanding accountability for his players’ actions both on and off the field. And obviously when left to their own devices . The players are about as trustworthy as Josef Mengele was at the Nazi death camps during the Second World War.

This upcoming season not only will Chad Ocho Cinco be seeking redemption . But also too will be the entire Bengals organization in large part. They’ve continued to unserachieve. Meanwhile Ocho continues to crave the limelight at the expense of his teammates and team camarderie . Leadership on this Bengals’ team is about as easy to spot as it would be surmise when and where there’ll be peace in the Middle East. Absolutely no one on the team is prepared to assume that leadership role. Carson Palmer for all all of his unassuming demeanor is no more than his successor at USC , Matt Leinart, just another pretty boy on the field. And whose assumed leadership skills both on and off the field have been about as welcoming as the bubonic plague.

Bengals' running back edric Benson look to evade the defense in an NFL game . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Scott Thompson ......

As to the fate of the Bengals this upcoming season. Where they’ll have to contend with the reigning Superbowl champions the Pittsburgh Steelers within the AFC North. As well as with their other divsional rivals in the guise of the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. It can be said that they should they fail to acquit themselves adequately this upcoming season. We may well see the parting of the ways of the coach as well as perhaps the team’s most vocal player. And even with the desired belief that the team did relatively well in the NFL Draft. Where their most impressive acquistion was that of Trojans’ linebacker Rey Maualuga . It has to be said that there’ll have to be immediate returns not only this particular draftee. But also several of their other acquistions if this team is to really fare well.

Smash and……

Smash and Dash have had a divorce - that's official...." - Chris Johnson

Notice that I’m a Middle Tennessee native and huge Titans fan. That’s why I may sound like a fan rather than a writer.

OK, so my favorite Titan and second favorite player, Chris Johnson had something to say about the formerly discussed nickname “Smash and Dash.” While reading The Tennessean today I saw that he no longer wanted to be a part of “Smash and Dash.” It kills me, and I feel it disrespects LenDale White! It really is just making me mad. Everyone is saying goodbye to White, when he was the one that made the nickname, KNOWING that he wasn’t going to get as many carries. He made that nickname for them, even though HE (White) was the one getting tossed aside.

Then Johnson loves the nickname,. They are seen everywhere, looking like a real team. They make a handshake even! Then the next offseason he can do this crap! Here’s what Johnson had to say:

“Smash and Dash have had a divorce – that’s official. I have to be my own guy, so no more Smash and Dash. That was last year. ‘Every Coach’s Dream,’ that’s me. Because they say every team has its own identity. I feel for me, I can’t be noticed as a group anymore. I am my own guy.”

“Every Coach’s Dream,” is what he says he is? Coaches want team players, not babies that only care about them selfs. Don’t be a T.O., Johnson! Did you see T.O. on the new reality show - Superstars? You really want to be that?

Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams are actually happy about this. Remeber the big debate on who’s nickname it really was? Well it’s a lost cause now – Williams and Stewart ARE  Smash and Dash now. That’s a good 6 days of smack talk down the drain.

What does White think? Does Johnson even care? Well, Johnson said this with a smile on his face:

“It doesn’t matter what he says about that. I don’t know what he’ll say think…

“You know when your wife has everything packed up by the door – you’ve got to go. It is kind of like that situation. We’re going on seperate ways.”

“Seperate ways.” Now if you lived in TN, you’d here the talk. All I here is, “White is leaving” or “White is out.” Now his own teamate is falling for that junk. White carried the Titans just  two years ago. Carried us all the way to the playoffs. Now there’s a new kid in town, and White is out? When White was in top 5 for rushing touchdowns just last year! What Trash!

Now I gotta’ get some LenDale in here:

“You know the little brother who always falls of his bike, and the big brother come and shows you how to ride it? Eventually the little brother learns how to ride it, but that one time they slip up and bust their head and they forget what big brother taught him.

You might want look over that again. Took me two readings to understand what he meant. But, I got him now. I see what he means.

White went on to say:

“We’re going to have to go back in the lab and figure things out and then we’ll definitely be hearing an apology out of my younger brother. … But I guess it’s now, ‘Smash and I’m Going to Whoop His [explicit]. We’ll talk.”

Now Johnson is asking everyone who follows him on twitter to come up with some new touchdown celebrations. Because he thinks he’s going to be there a lot. Replace ‘Johnson’ with ‘Owens’ and you’ll see that there’s a connection there. I don’t want him to be a T.O., I am a Johnson fan. But this is just getting me mad.

One last thing, I know a lot of people who bought T-Shirts saying “Smash and Dash.” It wasn’t a waste of money, it’s a memory that isn’t even going to be sold anymore. I wish I could go back and time and buy one.

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 ?