After the most brutal loss in my time as a Cowboys’ fan, I am at a loss for words to describe how I feel about this team. Some might bring up the two losses to Detroit, this year with the last second comeback by Stafford and two years ago with the double-pick-six comeback in Dallas (which I was also in attendance for along with this past Sunday) but the Packers’ game stung more because of the larger lead, the backup quarterback, the stakes of being able to clinch the division this week and the fact that the Cowboy defense gave up 14 scores over 18 possessions including 11 touchdowns. Just think about that for a minute: 11 touchdowns over 18 drives, all against second-string quarterbacks. Yet, people still want to blame Tony Romo.
Did Romo play well on Sunday? No, I am not championing him for recognition, although in the first half he was 16-27 for 250 yards, a touchdown with no interceptions and a 26-3 lead. Did he miss Dez a couple of times? Yes, but Dez also pulled up on what should have been a touchdown, then just netted a field goal. Did he throw two back-breaking interceptions? Yes, the throw to Miles was a rushed pass (although if Dez was not cramping and in the game, I doubt he lets it get picked off) but Cole Beasley has got to finish his route on the second throw. Should he have been even throwing? YES! What happened against Detroit? Dallas ran the ball, got stuffed, punted, then gave up the winning score. I’m sorry, but with this defense you cannot punt and hope for a stop. It is just not happening. Romo made the right call to check out of the run, he just made a bad throw. It happens. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have twice each ended games with interceptions this season, the same amount as Romo. Was Romo on the field giving up five consecutive touchdowns? NO!! So why must people continue to pin the blame on him?
As much as I really want to watch Romo win a Super Bowl in Dallas, it seems less and less likely of a proposition. I am not throwing in the towel on the season, as I had just argued with some Packers’ fans at the game who said “Even if y’all get to the playoffs you won’t win the Super Bowl!” It caused me to stop for a second because in no way would I make Dallas a favorite, but at the same time, who’s to say they couldn’t win it all? I mean, because EVERYONE thought the Ravens would go on the road three straight weeks and win it all, just as EVERYONE put their money on a mediocre Giants team the year before that would not have even been in the playoffs if not for Miles Austin losing the ball in the lights. Not since the last Patriots win has one of the actual favorites won the big game, it has just come down to who gets the TLF in their favor as well as which quarterback gets hot. So while the Cowboys could make some noise with some injury-returns and a bit of luck, I am going forward on this post as if they miss the playoffs completely.
Should Dallas not win the division, I think that they owe it to Tony Romo to trade him. Now on the surface, his contract is immoveable because of the size, length, and his age. However, there is a perfect landing spot for him where the Cowboys could actually get value: St. Louis. My buddy Corey got me on this track as he was thinking of switching allegiances to Carolina from Dallas and I thought about which team I would like. St. Louis is an up-and-coming team and once I found out that they can rid themselves of Sam Bradford’s massive contract with little to no dead money on the cap, I was hooked.
Bradford was the last of the mega-contract first overall picks, so his cap number has been nearly has high as Romo’s the past two seasons. This means that they have the flexibility to take on the high number of Romo’s contract without causing a detriment to the rest of their team. The Rams also have two first round picks due to the trade-rape of Washington for the ever-regressing RG3. So if Dallas offers to eat some of the bonus money owed to trade Romo to the Rams for their lower first round pick (and even throw in Bradford if the money needs some finagling, I can’t see their exact contract stipulations) who says no? The Cowboys could use their two first round picks to draft a linemen and their quarterback of the future in a deep quarterback class and began to actually build the team (obviously Jerry would say no to this, but I am just thinking as a sane man would). The Rams could keep their top-2 overall pick, trade down a few spots to pick up more selections while still drafting an elite offensive tackle to complete an already decent line, as well as get the veteran quarterback that they are missing.
St. Louis already has most of the pieces in place to be a contender. Their defensive line is a top-3 unit in the league with Robert Quinn as a possible defensive player of the year across from Chris Long with Michael Brockers developing in the middle. Alec Ogletree has had a fantastic rookie year at linebacker paired with the always solid James Laurinaitis. Their secondary has youth and speed in Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, Rodney McLeod and T.J. Macdonald. On offense, Zac Stacy has been a breakout star at running back and Tavon Austin provides explosive big-play ability with Jared Cook’s ability to stretch the middle of the field. The Rams are a big, possession receiver with some depth at linebacker and O-line from being a top-rate NFL team, provided they have better play at quarterback. So with their picks, they could maybe grab Taylor Lewan from Michigan at tackle, then hope that Mike Evans slips to the end of the first round to use their extra picks to move up a few slots to get him. You give Romo that squad, and I guarantee you a Super Bowl berth would follow. Alas, Romo is stuck with Emperor Palpatine and will remain on a thin and mediocre team.
BILLS +3 over Dolphins
The difference between E.J. Manuel of late and Thad Lewis is not worth what they moved this line to. I will take the home-dog because (albeit usually a Thursday game) the first pick of the week as a home-dog has been good to me.
Saints +3.5 over PANTHERS
All that any analyst has said about this game is that Drew Brees and the offense will struggle since it is on the road, against a good defense and in bad weather. Now, what usually happens in an NFL game? The exact opposite of whatever you think will happen. I think that Brees takes offense to all of the skepticism and has a monster day (fantasy jynx or not, I truly believe this).
REDSKINS +3 over Cowboys
I really think that if Dallas had closed out last week, they could have won against Washington and put all of the pressure on Philly to beat a good Chicago team causing them to fold and the Cowboys to win the division. Nonetheless, it seems like another week that Dallas cannot live up to their hype. I am just certain that Tony will play a great game, but the defense will give up a lead late before Dez falls down on a route leading to a game ending interception.
Buccaneers +4.5 over RAMS
As I mentioned above, this is a good football team that just needs a quarterback. They do not have one now, and I do not think their defense can carry them two weeks in a row.
EAGLES -3 over Bears
Obviously this pick depends solely on the outcome of the Dallas/Washington game. Since I have the Cowboys losing, I think Philly comes out on fire to end the race Sunday night. Should Dallas pull out the W, the Bears will take advantage of a disappointed Eagles’ team and upset them.
Browns +2.5 over JETS
The Jets snuck in the backdoor cover for me last week, but I do not have faith in them again. Cleveland has hung with two playoff bound teams the past two weeks, and I think they go off against a lesser New York team.
Colts +7 over CHIEFS
Indy got back on the right foot last week against Houston, and proved to me that they can start strong to go along with their second half heroics. The Chiefs have blown out their last two opponents, so the odds of them having a third are slim; especially against another playoff team.
Vikings +8.5 over BENGALS
This Vikings team, in the word of KGB, has “alligator blood”: they just keep hanging around and hanging around. They were able to do it last week without their top-2 backs, and now hopefully get Adrian Peterson healthy. Not only do I think they can cover, I think they will pull the upset of the week. The +320 moneyline is verrrrrrry intriguing.
TEXANS +10.5 over Broncos
Since 2009, home underdogs of more than a touchdown are 29-4 against the spread. I cannot go against that trend now matter how much of a talent discrepancy there seems to be.
Titans -5 over JAGUARS
So Tennessee has lost three in a row and 5 of the past 6 (including at home to these same Jagaurs) while only covering once, and Jacksonville has won 4 of their last 6, going 4-2 against the number. Ladies and gentlemen your Las Vegas Sucker Bet of the Week!
Cardinals +10.5 over SEAHAWKS
As much as bad-road-Carson-Palmer against the Seattle secondary scares me, I think Arizona can keep it close. They need to win to stay alive, and if they do they will be in position for the second wild card since either Carolina or New Orleans will lose. I’m not sure they can pull it out, but they should rally and keep it close.
LIONS -9.5 over Giants
I know the first thing that ignorant people say when in an argument about Eli: “Well, he has TWO Super Bowls!!” Well, now he also has thrown TWENTY-FIVE interceptions in a season TWICE!! Since 1980, only two quarterbacks have thrown more than 23 interceptions in a season as well as won a Super Bowl: Eli twice, and Favre did it once, but he was 36 and hurt (I’m not including Peyton’s ROOKIE year where he was thrown to the wolves with a terrible line and even worse defense). Eli may have a less than stellar supporting cast, but he has proven that he cannot win games by himself like the top tier of quarterbacks in the league. He HAS to have a top-5 defense, a stable offensive line, and receivers that BAIL HIM OUT. I love when Eli sucks. I can’t wait until it’s a legitimate discussion over who was the worst quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl: Trent Dilfer or Eli Manning?
Raiders +10 over CHARGERS
San Diego knew that last week was a must-win against Denver and they played like it. This usually leads to a letdown the next week, but luckily they have Oakland. Ten points is too much to lay with a letdown looming, but they should still get the victory.
PACKERS -7 over Steelers
I honestly have no idea what the line will be, since Aaron Rodgers availability has not been 100% confirmed. If he plays, Green Bay wins easily, so I will give them a seven point spread. If he doesn’t, the game becomes a pick ‘em, and I still take Green Bay with a slight edge.
Patriots +3 over RAVENS
This line has moved all the way to a full field goal now, as people are over-valuing the happenings of last week. It’s opposite theory time! Well, somewhat: opposite in the way that the games ended. New England actually did not play that badly, but lost and Baltimore’s offense was atrocious, yet won. I think the end results right themselves this week.
Falcons +13 over 49ERS
I think this line is also dependent on a previous game. Should Seattle beat Arizona knocking San Francisco out of the divisional race as well as Arizona from being able to pass the 49ers, I think they let up a little keeping Atlanta close. Now should the Cardinals pull the upset, meaning San Francisco has to win to stay a game ahead and get close to the Seahawks, I flip this the other way.
10-Point Teaser of the Week:
Broncos -0.5, 49ers -3, Patriots +13
Others I Like:
Cowboys +7, Cowboys/Redskins OVER 42, Chiefs/Colts OVER 34, Broncos/Texans OVER 41, Lions +0.5, Seahawks/Cardinals UNDER 56
Last Week: 10-5-1
Overall: 122-98-7
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