Get personal

Love me? Hate me? E-mail me

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Tonight's loss was secondary, literally

Dallas Coach Wade Phillips only played six starters tonight against the Vikings it what ended in a 23-14 loss. The day (and oftentimes night) job took me away from watching the game, but I did catch some highlights.

The Cowboys failed to score in the second half with the second, third and fourth stringers. No big deal there. WR Jerheme Urban scored on a 95 yard punt return. He also fumbled a catch in Dallas territory, setting up the Vikings for a game-tying touchdown.

In fact, Dallas had five turnovers, and one interception. The Vikings turned those turnovers into 17 points, winning the game.

Back-up QB Matt Moore had decent pass completion numbers, with one touchdown, but he fumbled twice.

Phillips played the second-fourth stringers as a final stage of paring down the roster. Cuts will be made shortly.

There isn't a whole lot of action on the other Cowboys blogs today regarding the game. It's tough to be excited about watching non-starters play.

But sooner than later, it will be the evening of Sept. 9 when we play the Giants. By then, I will be overwhelmed with excitement.


Monday, August 27, 2007

Michael "Ookie" Vick guilty; he finds JESUS!

Michael Vick spoke from the heart today after pleading guilty to dogfighting charges. He will redeem himself, he said. "I have to." Vick will be sentenced in December.

After watching the video, can you see the trouble in Vick's life? Did you feel his remorse? Or is he just completely scared that his life is taking an amazing detour to prison. It's likely he will spend at least a year behind bars. I certainly realized what painful life is ahead of him.

"Dogfighting is a terrible thing and I do reject it. Through this situation I found Jesus and I asked him for forgiveness."
But what's most fascinating about his speech is that he found God. Yes, through this horrible event in his life, Vick now finds Jesus. Who in their right mind doesn't believe that his attorney told him to say that. Vick found no God. I find it troubling how so many convicts use this statement. We've heard it so many damn times.

I wonder how Vick will return to the NFL. I wonder how he plans to rebuild his troubled life.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Odds and Ends

DCFanatic has an interesting post up here about how Dallas can solidify its cornerback ranks. It's a scary proposition, but also one that makes some sense if you think about it too much as I did.

Marcus Spears was the 20th pick in the NFL draft, our second pick of that first round that also got us Demarcus Ware. Let's just say Spears has underachieved for a first round pick. He's in his third season and he hasn't flourished into the great defensive force we thought he could be. He's had one tackle this preseason.

DCFanatic says:

He will never be a good DE in a 3-4 defense. He may be a serviceable defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense. This is the conclusion I have come to after watching him for about two years now on the NFL level.
DCFanatic goes on to say that Spears is our top trade bait to get another cornerback. possibly so. But it's also scary to even consider trading away one of our first rounders. I will be the first to say we could use a top cornerback, but we didn't even make an ounce of an effort to get one in the off-season. Or the draft. Instead, we grab Isaiah Stanback? Uhh, yeah, I know.
Thoughts?
Secondly, Rotoworld is reporting Bradie James should see a lot of playing time this season. He hits hard. He has improved.

This does slow the career of Bobby Carpenter who some expected to be starting by now. In fact, I thought James was the top trade bait to allow Carpenter to play. I guess not.

On a side note, Gramatica's days are just about over. He has a sore hamstring and this basically wraps it up for the rookie, Folk, who kicked a 52 yarder this pre season. Congrats to Folk. We need a clutch kicker.

Let's take a break and look at some hotties

I decided to offer viewers something new and what better than hot, sexy babes.

Enjoy your Sunday:

Hottie Dallas Cheerleader Bonnie-Jill Laflin posed for PETA recently. She is as yummy as a nice steak,



I don't know who this is, but she sure is HOT:



And finally:

Pretty Poor performance

The Governor's Cup goes to Houston this year. They just overpowered us and Houston no longer looks like an expansion team. Gary Kubiak even used some nifty play calling to put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter.

Other than a nice T.O. touchdown run, Dallas had a lackluster performance. A comeback was thwarted with a late fourth quarter touchdown and a Brad Johnson interception.

One thing that bothered me was Tony Romo fumbled a long snap when the Cowboys were driving in the first quarter, down 7-0. The fumble killed the drive that was in Houston territory.

Here's a snipped from the Dallas Morning News about the pressing problem at cornerback:

Aaron Glenn said he thinks the Cowboys have a good group of cornerbacks. Wade Phillips disagreed after watching Glenn, Jacques Reeves and Alan Ball get beat for touchdowns tonight.

"We played a lot [of guys] at corner to see who would do something," Phillips said, "and we didn't see anything."

Phillips said this week that he was concerned about the lack of quality depth at cornerback. Consider it a huge problem if Terence Newman's plantar faciitis doesn't get better.

The Cowboys attempted to address the issue earlier this month. They inquired about trading for Dante Wesley, but the Bears opted to send him to New England for a conditional seventh-rounder.
Oh golly. If I weren't worried enough, this hurts.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

San Antonio Express News: Defense Doomed for another bad season

The San Antonio Express News has an article up here that basically says Terence Newman's injury may hobble the Dallas defense enough to ruin its season.

Hey, I'd be the first one to say that Dallas fans should have some concern about the secondary this year. But I'd be the last to say the defense won't do well this year. Of course, the writers ties in the Greg Ellis saga, Isaiah Stanback's injury (this guy doesn't play defense and I wouldn't say he is an intricate part of the team) and the depth problems at cornerback.

Here's a snippet:

But what happens if Glenn goes down? Phillips painted a bleak picture when asked Thursday about the state of the team's corners not named Newman, Glenn or Henry, who opposing offensive coordinators like to pick on so much.
"I like some of the things they are doing certainly, but I don't have a great feeling that we've got four corners or five corners that can really play," Phillips said, making it clear he sees nothing special in Nate Jones, Jacques Reeves, Joey Thomas, Quincy Butler and rookies Alan Ball and Courtney Brown.

The writer, Tom Orsborn, then goes from journalist to columnist with this comment:
But if Ellis doesn't return, Spencer is just so-so and Newman is hobbled, the defense could be in for another disappointing season.
And right there he lost my attention. Thank god the article ended there. Point is, I DO think the defense will be improved this year. By blitzing more and changing the way we use our safeties, I think it will rush quarterbacks and allow for more interceptions and sacks.

Dallas plays Houston tonight in their third preseason game. Tonight we should get a good two-quarter look at starting defense. I'm not about to say Spencer is so-so. I will make that judgment after watching him play in a few season games. But even if he is, I just disagree that will be in for another disappointing season for the defense. We may be in for some disappointment with our secondary.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Injuries and what else: the secondary

I found out today that Terence Newman's heel injury isn't minor. He will miss the rest of the preseason and could even miss the opening game against the Giants.

In Newman is going into the season injured, this opens up a very scary possibility that the secondary will not improve. I know, I sound like a broken record. But even the drubbing of the Broncos last week had glimpses of what happened last year: poor deep pass protection.

Anthony Henry, at least with my eyes, struggled to cover second- and third-string receivers so far this preseason. Aaron Glenn is old.

We're left with Ken Hamlin and Roy Williams, two hard hitters; two iffy pass cover guys.

I don't want to watch the Cowboys have a 21-17 lead with a minute left in the game only to lose to some flying duck pass that is caught by an above-average receiver covered by a less-than-average corner or safety.

We need to improve the secondary. More blitzing, as Wade Phillips likes to do, may help. But it also could hurt.

Thoughts?

Poll: Tony Romo will be team MVP

The first annual Dallas Cowboys 24/7 blog poll is finished. Tony Romo wins, with six votes. Demarcus Ware came in second, which I thought was a surprise.

Only 81 people voted over 30 days. I will create a new poll later this week.

Let's hope Romo truly has a terrific full season with the Cowboys this year and that he gets a lucrative multiple-year contract. I really have a good feeling about this season. We have a strong team.

Let's not forget how even Barry Switzer--quite possibly one of the worst NFL coaches ever--was able to win for us when he had the players. We've got the players. Let's go out and win another Super Bowl and put the Dallas Cowboys in history for winning the most Super Bowls than any other NFL team.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Trotter a Cowboy?

There is some debate going on at the Dallas Morning News about Jeremiah Trotter becoming a Cowboy after the Eagles dropped him ... again.

I was sort of surprised when the Eagles dropped him. The DMN blogger, who by the way refuses to post my posts because I have run a blog, wrote a post about it that really didn't expend too much effort or imagination. And he gets pounded a little bit by some of the people commenting. who seem to know a lot about the 'Boys.

For example, "Larry" says:

1. Phillips has always said, in the Phillips 3-4 you cant have too many linebackers.

2. The boys currently only have 8-keepers at LB, and that includes Ellis. If they keep a 9th, which they would like to do, currently that would be an undrafted rookie like Harrington or Phillips.

3. Bringing in Trotter would allow Carpenter to move back outside, his natural position, and join rookie Spencer in Ellis continued absence.

4. It would be worth a lot to have a guy who knows the defense like a book of your chief competition in the division.

It aint gonna happen for money reasons but he could be a GREAT fit in Dallas.

I like what this guy has to say here. I certainly would prefer we get Trotter over the Deadskins or Giants, who need a linebacker now. Someone will snag him. And with Ellis heading for retirement, Trotter may not be a bad pick up. He should come relatively cheap.

But Jon says:

Bringing in Trotter just doesn't make sense. First off the Eagles released him because they think he's lost a step, and to my knowledge they don't exactly have a superstar waiting in the wings to replace him. So releasing Trotter seems a little suspicious to me, either he really has lost a step or we haven't heard the full story yet. Looking at their roster the only LB of note is Takeo Spikes. Second, a lot of people have said move Carpenter to OLB. That's fine and good for the preseason but what happens when Ellis comes back. Now you have a first round pick who was pushing for serious playing time as a nickel LB/rush DE playing 3rd string. The only way I would take a chance on Trotter is for the league minimum with a small signing bonus. And lets face it, Trotter is too good... someone will pay him some money. He's just not a good fit for this team at this point. I hope Dan Snyder is on vacation somewhere because Trotter could sure help out that defense, same said for the Giants. I for one like our defense the way it is now. I like how Kevin Burnett and Carpenter have played. And I also don't think Carpenter is a natural OLB in our 3-4. He doesn't have the pure speed to play OLB in this system but fits very nicely as our ILB especially on the nickel package. Two years ago I would've loved to have Trotter on this team, but now we just do not have room for him.
Initially, I felt the way Jon did. I really want to see Carpenter get some playing time. He's having a great preseason. Another guy called Carpenter a bust. I don't think so. He hasn't had much playing time. In fact, I thought this choice was a surprise because we weren't weakest at this position. We could have used another safety or cornerback over a linebacker, or a real good offensive lineman/center.

I personally am back and forth about Trotter being a Cowboy. The most interesting part of this is the comment about how he knows the Eagles defense in and out. That's intriguing.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Anyone have a tissue for John Lynch?

When I read the comments Broncos safety John Lynch said after the Dallas-Broncos preseason game Saturday, I nearly fell off my chair.

Lynch decried the effort of the Dallas defense. He said they tried too hard, blitzed too much, and played too aggressively. This is a game in which Denver lost its starting running back Travis Henry and several other starters.

Lynch said:

"They came out and game- planned us, blitzing every play. They came after us. It's no excuse for the way we played. But I think they might have broken the code of ethics for the preseason."
Lynch went on to say Dallas violated some code of ethics and it was done on purpose because Wade Phillips was "fired" in Denver. Oh my. Is this guy for real? I have admired Lynch his entire career. He's a Super Bowl winner and a hard hitter. But, since when did he turn into a girl?

It's hard to turn it off and on in any game that's played live. If you want preseason to be a real-game experience, then you sort of have to play it that way. So, for the first quarter or two, you play your game. What's irked the Broncos is the 21-3 lead we had. And our defense smothered them all night. Somehow, we must be led to believe the Broncos were following some unknown preseason Code of Ethics, and that's why they got crushed?

PLEASE, Lynch! Take that preseason loss like a man. It's not like the game counted.

What do I think John Lynch really is?

He's a:

Saturday, August 18, 2007

We've got a kicker!!!


I cannot remember the last time a Dallas kicker hit a 52 yard field goal. Even in the preseason, it sure has been a rarity for the Cowboys to win games with the foot. But our first-half crushing on the Broncos tonight provided a 52 yarder from our prized rookie kicker Nick Folk. I can't tell you how excited I am about this. If this kid can consistently kick 50-plus yarders, this keeps Dallas in many games this year. No longer do we have to try a 3rd and 12 so we can get within 45 yards if this kid keeps it up!

Meanwhile, two touchdowns for Marion Barber tonight.

Uh Oh Redskins, Did you see that?

Redskins fans are shitting their pants right now after watching what just happened to Jason Campbell. The Steelers rushed him and a lineman, who was falling down and certainly didn't do this purposely, slammed into Campbell's knee.

He moaned and groaned on the turf for 8 minutes and then limped off the field. Todd Collins comes in for the likely out-for-the-year Campbell.

It was hilarious listening to Joe Theismann when the hit happened. He kept saying defensive players shouldn't hit low. What an idiot this guy is. In any live game, you can't turn it off and on. Even in preseason, the players on the field want to make plays.

So, In honor of Theismann, here ya go:

"All indication is it might just be a sprain," gimpy Theismann said.

Well, at least Collins led the team to a TD.

Stay tuned for an update on the Campbell injury, but below could be the diagnosis.



Update: "Bruised knee" is what is coming out of the Redskins camp. Good. I prefer they be 100 percent when we destroy them twice this year.

Is there reason to fret with McNabb's preseason start?

Donovan McNabb has started his preseason with great success. And, quite honestly, this is something to be concerned about. Why? Donovan McNabb has been a Cowboy killer. If he has a healthy season, the Eagles once again are a force to be reckoned with in the NFC East. His stats last night--finishing 6 for 9 for 138 yards, including a 58-yard strike to tight end Matt Schobel--are telling.

Dallas, on the other hand, is looking for rookie Anthony Spencer to shine, especially with the Greg Ellis drama lately.

"I feel like they're counting on me right now," Spencer told DallasCowboys.com.

You're right, Spencer. We are counting on you. It's been awhile since Dallas has had a powerful pass rusher. In fact, our last one is Haley. We have some serious talent who could really make our defense a force. But that's just at the front. When you look past the 5-yard zone, we've got a secondary that hasn't been consistent.

I've hammered on our secondary all year and I won't stop unless I see some big, shut down plays. This is what I am going to concentrate on all year: the secondary.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Betters Beware: Bet on Wade Phillips

It seems the folks at BetUS.com don't have much faith in new coach Wade Phillips. They have betting odds listed for NFL Coach of the Year and Phillips is on the long-shot list, along with coaches on some of the NFL's worst football teams.

Does this make any sense? What does it really mean? Considering he's tied with Falcons' new coach Bobby Petrino and Raiders' new coach Lane Kiffin, could this mean BetUS believes Dallas will not compete this year?

You've got to be kidding me. However, I think what this really means is they don't think Dallas will improve enough over last year to get him the award. I wonder if an NFC Championship game will even get him in contention.

On a side note, at my regular job--I'm a journalist for those who didn't know--the Sports Department did a poll for fantasy sports players on who would be a surprise star for fantasy football this year. Guess who lead the pack?

Marion Barber.

Finally, I apologize for the absence. This may have been one of my busiest weeks of the year and I survived, even after a night of heavy drinking. I am recovering now on the couch.

Dallas plays Denver tomorrow. Let's hope for a Romo TD pass tomorrow.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Greg Ellis may be Done

I returned from a short vacation to find out Greg Ellis may retire. Apparently, his heel injury isn't healing fast enough. He tried to run a few practice rounds last week and felt too much pain. I had a post earlier about Ellis and his whining about a contract extension.

No one in their right mind would give an extension to an injured player. Especially one who got an injury that takes a year to recover from. Secondly, although Ellis has led the team in sacks for six of his 10 years, that doesn't translate into a whole lot of awesome play. We haven't had a major sack artist since Charles Haley. That may all change.

Before his injury, it seemed like Ellis was on his way to one of his best seasons with the Cowboys. He was also playing a new position that he was worried about playing--he asked to be traded.

Despite this, it seems more and more like Anthony Spencer is going to get some serious playing time this year.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Marion Barber series

I won't do the play by play anymore because we're getting into the second and third stringers. But now is a good time to highlight good, or bad, plays from the future of Dallas.

Nothing happened on our third offensive series. Brad Johnson couldn't get much movement.

Marion Barber is heating up! A draw play got 16 yards and he's caught a few passes for good yardage. Man, he is a juke machine. He's really trying to make a big play.

For some reason the center is high snapping and Brad Johnson just fumbled one, losing a ton of yards. No chance to score after a promising drive.

Half is over.

The Defense second series

First and 10 and the defensive line holds up.

Second and 9 and Anthony Spencer was a second away from his first NFL sack.

Third and 9: Sorgi makes a nice pass to the tight end for a first down. Secondary fails.

First and 10: Well, missed the play because FOX has to interview TO. sigh. A four yard run gain.

Second and 6: Another pass for a first down to the tight end.

First and 10: a pass to a running back for four yards.

Second and 6: Should have been caught but it a Sorgi pass was too hard and flew through receiver's hands

Third and 6: to the tight end Fletcher AGAIN, but he is a half yard shy of first down.

4th and 1: Quick snap and YES!! The defense holds and it's a turnover on downs.

6-3 Dallas.

First Series of Pre-season

Tony Romo looked pretty good in the first series, using 16 plays and 9.5 minutes. A lot of short passes that work well on first and second downs, but not so well on third and long. Not sure why Romo didn't see Witten wide open on second and long.

I noticed Marion Baber was trying to spin and juke the defense, when he should be driving straight ahead. A four-yard gain could have been a 10-yard gain if he just ran straight ahead. I sense he's trying to show he's an every-down back. I hope there's no backfield controversy because it would truly hurt the team.

A field goal is all we got, but for 14 of those 16 plays the offense seemed to be clicking.

On defense, guess what? We gave up the deep ball. Luckily, the defense tightened up and we held the Colts to three points.

On the second offensive series, it seemed the offensive line gave up blocking. Keep in mind, we're playing a team that was horrible stopping the run until the playoffs.

But, Romo to Fasano (tight end) kept it alive with three great passes and catches.

I am surprised they are keeping Romo in so long.

Barber had a tough, mean one-yard run that he almost broke. He has the ability to break tackles more than JJ.

2nd and 9 to Barber again who gains just three yards. Third down and 6: Another short dump pass from Romo, to Barber. Again, I don't understand this. Romo's first choice seemed covered as he turned his head to the right, held the ball and then finally dumped it to Barber.

Folk, our rookie kicker, makes an easy 25 yard field goal to put Dallas up 6-3.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Getting an audience isn't easy

When I first started this blog just a few months ago, I figured it would be just a matter of weeks before a few hundred people start visiting. Well, I am learning fast that just isn't going to be the case. This blog has to be top-notch, interesting, provoking and intelligent. You also have to have knowledge--a good deal of it---about the subject you are writing about.

Well, I've had a few hundred people come here....once. And of late, I get four to 10 regular visitors and a few dozen of people passing through.

It makes me think about how I can improve this blog and gain respect. I am always going to rant, express my dislike for the Eagles and Redskins and spout about whatever I want to spout about. And if that means only five people come here a day, fine.

But I'd be lying if I were to say I don't care. I do want to have good debate here. I do want people to stop here to get Dallas Cowboys opinions and comments and insight. When the season starts, I hope to give regular updates on plays, coaching moves, the good and the bad.

I do know football. And I do know my Cowboys.

What you won't find here?
You won't find: historical date past 1985.
You won't find hardcore stat data that really doesn't mean anything. I can take basic data and show you if someone should be performing better or worse than he is.
You won't find anything Pro Eagles or Pro Deadskins, ever.

You will find:
Funny posts. I like to be funny.
Regular updates 90 percent about Dallas.
Analytical posts during games and after.
Critical posts. I will express myself

Maybe my blog formula isn't one for success. Maybe this is just not an interesting place to be for 10 minutes a day. But one thing is for sure: I love the Dallas Cowboys. I always will. I suffered through the worst teams in the history of the franchise.

And that pride alone will keep me blogging here for many years to come. But to those who have visited me regularly, thanks. I hope we all can grow together in the blogosphere.

Monday, August 6, 2007

Does it matter? And...more rumors

I'm not surprised T.O. is missing practices again. I was surprised he showed up early to work outs. Does it really matter that T.O. always seems to get the injury bug during the pre-season? Does it make a difference to other teammates? My feeling, and this is just my humble opinion, is this probably irks some of the veterans. It will be even worse if T.O. drops as many passes as he did last year.

He had an MRI that came back negative, which we all expected. I don't care if he misses every single practice. I just want to win. And I know that to win, a team must practice---together.

In other news, do you know who this is:

It's Priest Holmes, who at age 34, is attempting to comeback as a running back for the Chiefs, a team that really doesn't need him unless LJ breaks a leg. But I find this YahooNews report very interesting. It was just last month that rumors were Dallas may get LJ. Now the rumors are we may get Priest Holmes?

Come on. Please cut the crap. We don't need either of these guys. People must have missed that we had a pretty decent, and very young, running duo last year. We can only expect that duo backfield to be even better. So why would we even consider either of these two aged, overused, backs?

It's beyond me.

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Thank You Michael, Thank you for the memories

"He’s an inspirational and natural born leader. He’s a Dallas Cowboy."
----Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys



No one is perfect.

Michael Irvin knows this. But never has someone who was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame elaborated on that sentiment like Irvin did tonight.

After 12 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and three Super Bowls, The Playmaker can now say he did it, even though he doubted if he could. He's one of the elite. He's a Hall of famer.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones used one word to describe Irvin: W-I-L-L

"I've never seen anyone with more of it," he said.
Ironically, it was a devastating loss that became Irvin's most memorable game. In the 1994 NFC Championship, Dallas spotted the 49ers a 21-point lead, with seven of those points from an Irvin fumble.

But as Irvin said, the team never gave up. Irvin went on to break an NFC championship game record with 192 receiving yards on 12 receptions and two touchdowns in the 38-28 loss.

On Oct. 10, 1999, Irvin's career ended on a short slant against the Eagles. He slammed his head onto the turf and suffered a serious spinal injury. As the Eagles fans cheered, my head hung low as I witnessed the end of an era.

Irvin was the last player chosen in the Landry era. He suffered through 1-15 and 3-13 seasons before reaching the NFL's top game. Jerry Jones said Irvin was the catalyst, the spark, of those championship teams.

"The Dallas Cowboys of the 1990s were champions," Jones said. "The heart and the soul of those championship teams was Michael Irvin."

"His hard work is legendary. His passion, his competitiveness, were really possibly his greatest gifts and he shared them with his teammates on a daily basis."
Irvin had his faults, Jones said. But only Irvin could overcome his fallibility and use his inner strength to land on his feet stronger than before. It was no surprise to hear Irvin thank the fans first. Irvin discussed how he endured through his troubled life. Prayer obviously helped him through the difficulties, along with his loving wife Sandy and four children.

Another moment in his life that helped him heal was last year's Super Dome return for the New Orleans Saints.

"I watched our people who had suffered so grievously through Hurricane Katrina fill the stadium hours before a game and stay hours after the game. I witnessed those fans as they look for each other, love one another, and just be thankful to be in that stadium. You seen the game flex its greatest muscle that game: The ability to heal. I experienced a football game that contributed the healing of a city. So don’t tell me it is just a game."
Irvin then reached out to his two sons, ages 10 and 8.
"That’s my heart right there. That's my heart. When I am on that threshing floor, I pray. I say God, I have my struggles. And I made some bad decisions. But whatever you do, whatever you do, don’t let me mess this up. I asked, I said please help me, raise them for some young lady so that they can be a better husband than I. Help me, help me raise them for their kids so that they can be a better father than I. And I tell you guys, to always do the right thing so that you can be a better role model than Dad."
Irvin wasn't sure if he'd make it to the Hall of Fame. His troubled life preceded him. When his son Michael Jr. asked after watching Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman inducted last year if his father ever make it, Irvin said he returned to God for his answer.
"My heart cried out. God, why must I go through so many peaks and valleys? I wanted to stand in front of my boys and do it like your Dad, like any proud Dad would want to. Why must I go through so much? And at that moment a voice came over me and he said, 'Look up, get up and don’t ever give up.' And you tell, you tell everyone or anyone, that has ever doubted, thought they did not measure up, or wanted to quit, you tell them to 'Look up, get up and don’t ever give up.'"


That's The Playmaker, folks. Love him or hate him, Michael Irvin is now a Hall of Famer.

Thank you, Michael, for the memories.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Say What You Want, But the Playmaker is a CHAMP

I have been a Dallas Cowboys fan since a little boy, but the memories really are from the 80s and 90s. I remember some real tough times and I wondered if I'd ever see America's Team win a Super Bowl in my lifetime. I remember Danny White leading a sinking ship and a slew of quarterbacks who probably couldn't even lead an Arena league team. We had Tony Dorsett and then Herschel Walker. Ed Too Tall Jones, Randy White.

But when Michael Irvin was drafted 11th overall in the 1988 NFL draft, it was the beginning of the transformation. Yes, we have to thank the Minnesota Vikings for the Herschel Walker trade.

But Irvin started it all. And after 12 seasons and 159 games, he left the game after a scary injury against the Eagles---one I will never forget because of the cheers from the ruthless Eagles fans as Irvin was carted off the field.

No. 88 was a Star. Say what you want about him and his personal choices outside of football, but Irvin was a player.

And this weekend, he will be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

Why? Try: Three Super Bowl rings. 750 receptions. 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns.