My View of the Dallas Cowboys Top 50 No. 16-20

Number 16- Darren Woodson
This five time Pro Bowler is the only player that played for both Jimmie Johnson and Bill Parcels for the Cowboys. Woodson leads all Cowboys with 1,350 tackles and was also named to four All Pro Teams in his Hall Of Fame career. This converted college linebacker is now a very successful analyst for ESPN.






Number 17- Don Meredith
Don Meredith was a three time Pro Bowler that set the bar for Cowboys quaterbacks after he was traded from the Chicago Bears after starring at SMU in Dallas. Meredith looked very good thanks to the help from Bob Hayes, who was just inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Don Perkins. Meredith is one of three quaterbacks in the Cowboys Ring of Honor with Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach.




Number 18- Don Perkins
This six time Pro Bowler played both halfback and fullback and is one of the first players inducted into the Ring of Honor. Perkins is third all time in team history in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Perkins was the first great running back in a rich line of 'Boys backs to ever wear a star on his helmet. Perkins is also a member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.





Number 19- Harvey Martin
This four time Pro Bowler is the Cowboys all time leader in sacks with 114. Martin won the 1977 Defensive Player of the Year after recording 23 sacks, even though sacks did not become an official stat until 1982. Martin played on the defensive line with Randy White and Ed "Too Tall" Jones to make up one of the greatest defensive lines in league history.





Number 20- "Neon" Deion Sanders, aka "Prime Time," made four Pro Bowls in his five seasons in Dallas. Sanders is considered the greatest cover corner and one of the greatest punt returners in league history. If he played more than five seasons, "Prime Time" would definetly be much higher on this list. Sanders was not only a great two sport athlete, both pro baseball and football, but was also a great two way player when he played both receiver and corner back in the 1996 season.

My View of the Dallas Cowboys Top 50 No. 21-25

Number 21- Cornell Green
Green made five Pro Bowls at two different positions, and led the Cowboys in interceptions for four years. Green was never drafted into the NFL and signed with Dallas as an undrafted free agent, but was drafted but the Chicago Bulls in the fifth round of 1962 NBA draft.






Number 22- Charles Haley
Haley was a two time Pro Bowler in his five seasons in Dallas. He was brought to the Cowboys through a trade with the 49ers because the great offense needed defensive help, a move that some people say was what put the team over the top. Haley won two Super Bowls with the 49ers in the late '80s and then won three with the 'Boys during the '90s dynasty.






Number 23- DeMarcus Ware
This three time Pro Bowler is arguably the best defensive player in the NFL today and led the league with 20 sacks last season. In just four seasons, Ware already has 53 and half sacks which is 11th in club history and the most by a Cowboys linebacker. This young phenom is just starting and when his playing days are over will probably easily be in the top 5 all time on this list.





Number 24- John Niland
This six time Pro Bowler is yet another great offensive lineman in Cowboys history. Niland was drafted by Dallas with the 5th overall pick in 1966 as well as the Oakland Raiders in the 13th round of the AFL draft. Niland chose the Cowboys who drafted him alot higher which paid off for both sides. He was a huge part in the win in Super Bowl VI and helping the 'Boys get to another Super Bowl, a lose.




Number 25- Jason Witten
The greatest tight end in Cowboys history has an active streak of five straight Pro Bowls and is sure to have many more. Witten is another name on this list that only has one way to go, up. He owns nearly all the receiving records held by a tight end in team history. This 2003 third round pick has a legitimate chance at becoming the Cowboys all time leading pass reciever as he trails Michael Irvin by only 321 catches and just turned 27 years old earlier this summer. Witten only lacks a Super Bowl ring to be considered one of the top 5 players in club history and could easily be up there one day.

My View of the Dallas Cowboys Top 50 No. 26-30

Number 26- Ed "Too Tall" Jones
This three time Pro Bowler was also a professional boxer between his stints with the Cowboys. Jones' nickname is not ironic as he stands 6' 9" and was a beast at swatting passes coming from opposing quaterbacks at the line. This monster size of a man has played in more games in Cowboys history than any other player.







Number 27- Everson Walls
Walls was a four time Pro Bowler that led the NFL in interceptions three times, including eleven picks his rookie season. Walls is unfortunately known for the game against the San Francisco 49ers for the 1981 NFC Championship game where he was covering Dwight Clark who made "The Catch." But thankfully he will be remembered as well for donating a kidney to teammate Ron Springs.




Number 28- Jay Novacek
This five time Pro Bowler was yet another security blanket in a great line of tight ends for the Cowboys. Novacek was great for Troy Aikman as Jason Witten is great for Tony Romo. Some people see him as the greatest tight end to play for the Cowboys but I see him as number two behind Witten.






Number 29- Charlie Waters
Waters was a three time Pro Bowler and teamed up with Cliff Harris in the '70s to form one of the greatest safety combinations in leagtue history. He is third all time in Cowboys history with 41 interceptions.







Number 30- Nate Newton
Newton made 6 Pro Bowls and is yet another great lineman in 'Boys history. A huge part of the three Super Bowls in the '90s, Nasty Nate has also been spotted on Michael Irvin's show "4th and Long" as the guy who brought the players who were going to get cut to Irvin and the coaches.

My View of the Dallas Cowboys Top 50 No. 31-35

Number 31- George Andrie
This five time Pro Bowler played eleven seasons for the Cowboys and was a great defensive end. A big part in the "Doomsday Defense" the 'Boys had in the '60s. He played along the line with Bob Lilly and Jethro Pugh, where Andrie led the Cowboys in sacks four straight years from 1964-67, including a league, third all time best 18 and a half in 1966.







Number 32- Danny White
Being the guy after Roger Staubach couldn't have been easy for White, who made the Pro Bowl in 1982, but he did a very nice job trying. The only real knock on White was the fact that he never got the Cowboys to the Super Bowl like Staubach did before him and Troy Aikman did after him. He was a solid starting quaterback and also was the team's starting punter for nine seasons. It has to be hard to be the guy between Staubach and Aikman but White did it nicely and held some 'Boys passing records until a guy by the name of Tony Romo came and shattered both a couple seasons ago. Even though he won't be remembered as the greatest Cowboys quaterback, he was arguably the Arena Football League's greatest coach.



Number 33- Erik Williams
Williams was a four time Pro Bowler and is another great offensive tackle in the Cowboys deep history. Williams was considered a mean lineman and his physical nature certainly did his menacing size great justice. One of the things Williams was known for was the epic battle he had during the 1992 season against maybe the GOAT of the defensive end position, Reggie White.






Number 34- Calvin Hill
Grant Hill's father, Calvin, was the first great running back for the Cowboys in a great line of 'Boys runners. Hill was a three time Pro Bowler with Dallas and was the first Cowboys to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season in 1972. Hill is now a consultant for the franchise and has been for more than a decade.







Number 35- Herschel Walker
Walker made two Pro Bowls in his limited time with the Cowboys. He was a great talent and ended up leading to a trade for players and draft picks when Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson took over the Dallas Cowboys. Some of those draft picks are high up on this Top 50 list and include Emmitt Smith and Darren Woodson just to name a couple. Walker was a great Cowboy and trading him lead to the birth of the '90s dynasty that included three Super Bowl titles. Walker came back to Dallas for two seasons after the Super Bowls but was mainly used as a kick returner.

My View of the Dallas Cowboys Top 50 No. 36-40

Number 40- La'Roi Glover
Glover only played for the Cowboys for 4 seasons but made the Pro Bowl in all of them, including six straight. A great free agent pick up in 2002, had a great first game with the Cowboys with six tackles, a sack and a half, and an interception; even though the Cowboys would lose that game to the expansion Texans. Glover was unfortunately let go after the 2005 season when Bill Parcels decided to switch to a 3-4 defense and wanted a large nose tackle instead.






Number 39- Jethro Pugh
Bob Lilly's defensive tackle side kick, Pugh never made the Pro Bowl. He was dominant for the twelve years that he started for the Cowboys, but had to play along side and in the shadow of the greatest defensive tackle in Cowboys history. He lead the Cowboys in sacks for five straight seasons from 1968- 1972, the only player to do that in Dallas history. He has 95 and a half sacks over his career, which puts him fifth all time in the NFL.






Number 38- Billy Joe DuPree
DuPree was a durable three time Pro Bowler who never missed a game in his eleven year career. DuPree was to Roger Staubach what Jason Witten is to Tony Romo. The tight end is tenth in receiving yards in 'Boys history and sixth in touchdowns. He is probably the third best tight end in Cowboys history.






Number 37- Daryl "Moose" Johnston
Without a doubt the greatest fullback to ever have a star on his helmet. Moose spent almost all of his career blocking for Emmitt Smith was the first true fullback to become a Pro Bowler in 1993. One of the most reconizable Cowboys to play in Dallas and is without a doubt one of the greatest fan favorites to play.







Number 36- Tony Hill
The three time Pro Bowler ranks second in Cowboys history in receiving yards and third in touchdowns. Hill played opposite Drew Pearson and became the first Cowboys duo to post a thousand yards each in the same season. Another great wide receiver in a long line in Cowboys history.

My View of the Dallas Cowboys Top 50 No. 41-45

Number 45- Ralph Neely
The two time Pro Bowler, four time All Pro selection, was selected to the '60s All Decade Team. Thankfully Neely signed with the Cowboys after his rights where traded from Baltimore, even though he was originally drafted in the AFL to the Houston Oilers. One of the greatest offensive tackles to suit up for the Cowboys, Neely missed Super Bowl VI due to injury but came back strong until he retired after the 'Boys beat the Broncos in Super Bowl XII.








Number 44- Pat Donovan
The four time Pro Bowler was the player that replaced Ralph Neely at the left tackle position after his retirement. Arguable the best tackle in the Cowboys history, Donovan was the fourth round pick of one of the greatest 'Boys draft classes of all time.











Number 43- Flozell Adams
Another great left tackle in a long line of tackles in Cowboys history. Adams could be the greatest tackle in the 'Boys history. The only knock on Flozell is the fact that he commits more false start penalties than anyone else in the league. A great physical specimen Adams only has his concentration to blame for him not being up higher on this list.









Number 42- Leon Lett
The two time Pro Bowler is best known for his two plays that have become infamous to Dallas fans. Outside of his substance abuse problems, Lett was a dominant force on the defensive side of the ball. Lett is considered one of the greatest defensive tackles in club history.









Number 41- Mark Tuinei
Tuinei was a two time Pro Bowler in 1994 and 1995. A switchover from defensive tackle to offensive left tackle, Tuinei was another great left tackle for the Cowboys following Neely and Donovan. Tuinei was forced into retirement by injuries and was found dead in his car in 1999 from an accidental overdose of herion, alcohol, and ecstasy. He is best known for his great battles with some of the greatest pass rushers of the late '80s and early '90s.

My View of the Dallas Cowboys Top 50 No. 46-50

Number 50- Mark Stepnoski

The five time Pro Bowler and a member of the 1990s All Decade Team, Stepnoski is probably the greatest center to wear a Cowboys jersey and was taken in the same draft as Troy Aikman. He was a big part of the Cowboys success in the early '90s and helped block for Emmitt Smith. Even though he left for free agency after the 1994 season, he came back from 1999 until 2001. A solid pick for the last of the Top 50.








Number 49- Tony Romo
Romo is the current starting quaterback. If he leads this team to the Super Bowl before his career is up, he will easily move up on this list. Already has made 2 Pro Bowls and still has many good years left in him. A stud of a celebrity quaterback that has been linked to the likes of Carrie Underwood and Jessica Simpson. A true underdog story after going from an Undrafted Free Agent in 2003 to the starting quaterback of the Dallas Cowboys. He owns Cowboy record of single season passing yards(4,211 in 2207), completions (335 in 2007), and touchdowns (36 in 2007).


Number 48- Bill Bates
The ultimate scrapper on special teams, Bates made up for lack of size and speed with his heart. A Pro Bowler as a special teams specialist in 1984, he was not the typical super talent. Most recently Bates has been seen as the defensive backs coach on Michael Irvin's reality show "4th and Long." He only started three seasons of his forteen with the Cowboys but won over the hearts of all Cowboys fans in his long career.






Number 47- Walt Garrison
Another fan favorite because of his tough style, Garrison made the 1972 Pro Bowl. The Cowboy's 6th leading rusher also was professional cowboy in the rodeo and was a six time world champion.










Number 46- Terrell Owens
Owens was selected to one Pro Bowl in his short stint in Dallas and holds the single season touch down receptions with 15 in 2007. Outside of his off the field distractions, Owens has to be one considered one of the greatest talents to wear the star one his helmet. He had 1,000 yard seasons in all three of his seasons with the Cowboys and is 8th in Cowboys history in receiving yards with 3,576 and is 7th in the 'Boys history with 28 touch down catches.

Cowboys Starting Lineup... From My Eyes Part 2

Welcome to the defensive side of the Dallas Cowboys team this season. This is how I see and interperet the starting defense.

DE- Marcus Spears- Not the most gifted defensive end we have ever had but he brings a big body and good consistency. A fan favorite without a doubt.

DE- Igor Olshansky- The free agent end from the San Diego Chargers is the replacement for the departed Chris Canty. Igor is a beast without a doubt and could be considered an upgrade from the athletic Canty.

DT- Jay Ratliff- Considered a top 5 tackle in the league, Ratliff had a break out year last season and is a monster in the middle.

LOLB- Anthony Spencer- The heir to the departed Greg Ellis. Some say he will be an upgrade to the position even though Ellis brought knowledge and leadership to the table. Spencer is one of our many line backer first round picks of the recent years.

MLB- Bradie James- The unquestioned leader of a really good defense. James is really good backer and shows tremendous leadership on and off the field. A crowd favorite and a great guy in the community.

MLB- Keith Brooking- Another veteran brought in after we lose a backer. Brooking will replace Zach Thomas who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs earlier in the off season. Brooking was cut by the Atlanta Falcons who are moving forward with a new and younger defense.

ROLB- DeMarcus Ware- Last seasons sack leader with 20, Ware could be considered the best line backer in the league and is a nightmare for offensive coordintors and left takles throughout the entire league.

CB- Terence Newman- Could be one of the best cover corners in the league and has GREAT speed. Without a doubt the best defensive back on the roster and should have another good year.

CB- Orlando Scandrick or Mike Jenkins- This one is without a doubt the biggest position battle in the 'Boys camp this year. Both draft picks last year, Scandrick in the 4th and Jenkins in the 1st. Both had good years last year and both made the desicion to trade Anthony Henry this offseason for Jon Kitna easy.

FS- Ken Hamlin- Could be the Cowboys second best d-back this season and is thought to be the key in the new look defensive back field. Decent in coverage and can absolutly put the hammer down on recievers crossing over the middle and running backs out of the backfield.

SS- Gerald Sensabaugh- Replacement for the departed Roy Williams to Cincinatti this offseason. Sensabaugh is considered to be an upgrade and should have a decent year this season.





Now for a bonus; the special teams.


K- Nick Folk- A great field goal kicker coming off of an injury this past season. Should have another really good season.


P- Matt McBriar- Without a doubt the best punter in the game, at worst the second best. The only question is will he come back the same guy after the injury in overtime to the eventual NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals.


KR- Felix Jones- Had a great inpact last season before being unjured. Returned a kickoff last season and could have a few next season.


PR- Could be done by commity. Anything will be an upgrade over the failed experiment of Adam Jones last season.

Cowboys Starting Lineup... From My Eyes

I'm really excited about this up coming Cowboys season. By no means is this the most talented Cowboys team ever but they have enough pieces and hopefully a new chemistry to take the Lombardi Trophy back to Texas. Here's the break down of the starting offense with a few side notes for impact players who won't start.

QB- Tony Romo- The only question is if he will cut down on his mental mistakes with out Big-Play receiver Terrell Owens.

HB- Marion Barber- Hopefully this healthy Marion the Barbarian will truck stick his way to another big season. Speedy Felix Jones and all around Tashard Choice should round out one of the best running trios in the league.

FB- Deon Anderson- Not the best full back in the league but he is still a decent player and probably the best full back since the Moose.

WR- Roy E. Williams- Now the 'Boys No. 1 receiver, he should have a bigger year this year with a full offseason to work in the offense and more time to get a mental link with Romo.

WR- Patrick Crayton- Not a true No. 2 receiver but he should do very well in the offense while he is being left alone while defenses focus on Witten and Williams. Sam Hurd and Miles Austin are being looked at to round out an unproven receiver core. They have potential and may have break out years.

TE- Jason Witten- Arguably the best tight end in the league. I actually think he will have his first 100+ catch season. With a weapon of his caliber, the other offensive players should see alot more situations to help them accelerate this team.

TE- Martellus Bennett- A tight end who could be the most althetic player at his positoin to play for the Cowboys and should have a break out year as well.

LT- Flozell Adams- A great player of his position. The only thing anyone has bad to say about Flo is his mental lapses that results in False Start penalties.

LG- Kyle Kosier- A decent player at his position. The least you hear about him the better he plays. The only time his named is called is for a mistake.

C- Andre Gurode- Maybe the'Boys best offensive lineman. Really great at his postion and really started to shine after the Albert Haynesworth incedent.

RG- Leonard Davis- Possibly the most talented lineman on the starting line. Can play four positions on the line and is a great right guard.

RT- Marc Colombo- This position is up in the air for me and Colombo may lose this job later in the season.

That rounds out the offense. Tune in tomorow for my look at the defensive side otf the ball.

2nd FF Team!!!!

My second Fantasy Football draft was yesterday and it went a lot better than the last one. I talked a lot of mess to someone in there who just didn't belong there and made the others laugh. So it was more interesting and the people were cooler in this one. My line up is this:

Starters:

QB- Carson Palmer- CIN
RB- Adrian Peterson- MIN
RB- Kevin Smith-DET
WR- Calvin Johnson- DET
WR- Derrick Mason- BAL
WR- Roy E. Williams- DAL
TE- Chris Cooley- WAS
K- Nick Folk- DAL
Def/ST- Cowboys- DAL

Reserves:

QB- Kyle Orton- DEN
RB- Beanie Wells- ARI
WR- Kevin Walter- HOU
TE- Vernon Davis- SF
Def/ST- Packers-GB

Right now I'm in the process of trading Adrian Peterson for a few top performers like Tom Brady and another RB and WR. I'm also in the process of trading for Jason Witten and I will give almost whatever it takes to get him. I'm very happy with my starting line-up right now and I will probably contend in this league even without any trades. Without a doubt this is my best team so far this year with only one more draft coming up on August 2nd, which is my league that I started this year. Top to bottom and barring injures I believe I have a top 2 team. The other guy had an amazing draft and he is in the same division as me... FUN!!!!

Fantasy Football!!!!!

I love this time of year. Football's quickly approaching which means the addiction that is fantasy football is here. I just completed my first of three drafts earlier today and I was pretty well pleased with the outcome. Except for the fact that two of my middle round picks were made for me because my attention was diverted elsewhere (damn neighbor).

My lineup is this:
Starters:

QB- Tony Romo- DAL
RB- Adrian Peterson- MIN
RB- Willie Parker- PIT
WR- Jerricho Cotchery- NYJ
WR- Michael Crabtree- SF
WR- Reggie Wayne- IND
TE- Jason Witten- DAL
K- Stephen Gostkowski- NE
Def/ST- Dallas Cowboys- DAL

Reserves:

QB- Trent Edwards- BUF
RB- Felix Jones- DAL
WR- Lance Moore- NO
WR- Muhsin Muhammad- CAR
TE- Vernon Davis- SF

The two picks that were made for me were Lance Moore and Jerricho Cotchery. I'm not so mad about the Cotchery pick but the Lance Moore pick made me irate. I wouldn't even pick him up as a free agent. He's a one year wonder and filled in for an injury. Vernon Davis was an absolute steal with my last pick but I need to trade him because he has the same bye week as Jason Witten. I already traded Gostkowski for Nick Folk but it has to pass league approval. I offered Cotchery and Moore for Anthony Gonzalez and it may or may not be accepted. But I'm getting rid of those two for a better second receiver. I got really lucky by landing Adrian Peterson because I had the second overall pick and the guy with the first got really stupid and took Drew Brees. Now I'm all for taking productive fantasy QBs in the first round but not over the top five RBs, especially Adrian Peterson.

All in all it was a really good draft and after I trade and pick up another Def/ST I'll be really good and actually have a really great chance to win my league.

Proud day in America!

Can I say that today the being the Fourth Of July that I'm over the top of the Proud to be an American board? The reason?

The past year of American sports has been exceptional on the world stage. Last summer the Basketball team brought home the Gold in the Olympics in an extraordinary way. Michael Phelps brought home 8 gold medals from Beijing. The soccer team went the Conferderation Cup Final where no one thought we would go. Oh and by the way we were up two-nil going into halftime and almost won the whole thing.

But the thing that put me over the top today was seeing Joey Chestnut beat Kobayashi for the third straight year with a record 68 hot dogs. This contest is a great tradition that I watch ever year and wondered when Kobayashi would ever fall when he won six straight Nathan titles, but Mr. Chestnut has brought a new pride of competitive eating back to America and showed that America is still the Hot Dog capitol of the world.

Thank you Joey Chestnut. May you have a long and lustrious career and I pray that you never lose to Kobayashi again.

July's a coming...

Honestly July has to be the most boring month in all of sports for me. No knock on the MLB All-Star game, or the start of NBA Free Agency, but there really isn't anything to get excited about in the world of sports in the hottest of Texas months.

July is stuck between June and August.

June------- NBA Finals and the NBA Draft. College World Series. MLB Amateur Draft. Maybe June being so action packed nullifies the month that comes next.

August----- NFL Training camps are underway. NFL Pre-Season. More NBA Free Agency. MLB playoff races start to heat up. Oh and did I mention the NFL?

It's not that I'm not a baseball fan, but July baseball is only highlighted by All-Star game. The playoff races have not yet to heated up or taken any other shape than the obvious. July isn't a horrible month in sports its just not as good as the other 11 months.

Tears in my beer...

It's taken me a few days to try to get over this enough to write about it. The University of Texas Longhorns baseball team dropped a stunner in the College World Series to Louisiana State University in a three game set this past week. I could understand that you drop Game 1 to the best team you've faced all year but you didn't need to drop Game 3 in that fashion. I mean giving up a three fun shot to a first rounder with 2 outs in the first inning is not the way you should go down in a decisive game for the CWS title. Its was a nice delight to see all the home runs since the team arrived in Omaha but the team almost completely dropped the style of play that made them the number one seed in the entire tounament. Then the fact you give up a HUGE inning after tying the ball game at 4 to spark another great comeback this year.

The burnt orange blood running through my veins started to run a little thin when a great defensive, ball control team gives up 11 runs to lose a title when many people considered the Horns the "Team of Destiny" after all of its comeback wins. My wounds have started to heal but a lost title will be in the back of my mind until THE University of Texas takes the CWS title next year.

Brothers

Brothers in sports are sometimes great and sometimes they can create an ultimate rivalry. Jered and Jeff Weaver both took the mound tonight as the Dodgers faced the Angels. This is the first time in their pro careers that they have matched up against each other. This got me thinking no only about me and my brother's back yard games, but also those of Tiki and Ronde Barber and all the other brothers that have squared off. Whether its in the street or in an NFL stadium with 60,000 fans in it, brothers bring everything to the tabel to get the "W."

My brother and I have battled at every sport known to man. He's athletic and quick and I'm strong and beastly. It always made for an interesting situation with my impatiance and his short temper but as a team we were great. From Madden to back yard football the rivalry never stopped. Neither let up or gave the other an advantage. "Your hurt?! So, shut up and get up, we aint done!"

Brothers are the ones there to push you to see how good you can actually be. No one lets up and you see what kind of athlete you can actually be. So to all the brothers out there: "Never give up and fight all the way. Push each other to the limit and you wil come out better. Blood is thicker than water and brotherly love conquers everything!"

Pap

Jonathan Papelbon was quoted saying that he won't ever sign with the Yankees and stressed this fact to the extreme. Even though Johnny Damon said the same thing before jumping ship to the "Evil Empire" a few years back, I actually believe Papelbon. Congrats to this great Sox closer for killing this rumor until he does actually become a free agent in 2011. Whether he keeps his word or not he is still stanking up to the Yankees "spend at all cost" mentality and and may determine the fact that every player can not be bought.

It would actually be refreshing to hear of a big name that's not going to sign with the Yankees. I honestly could live off one of A-Rods game checks for a very long time. Im actually suprised that Manny Ramirez wasn't courted by the Yankees and that wouldv't added another $20 million+ to an already huge team salary. It seems everything in baseball either deals with the Yankees or will eventually deal with them.

All I'm saying is "Thank you very much Papelbon," you actually give hope that alot of the other players will follow suit and say "NO!"

Roy L. Williams

Can I say that as a faithful fan of the Dallas Cowboys I am happy to see one of the fifty greatest Cowboys finding a team that fits his physical style and gives him a chance to start with a familiar face. Former Cowboys Strong Safety Roy Williams has reunited with former Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer with the Cincinnati Bengals. Williams has been working extensively with the first team defense for the Bengals and is said to be the favorite for the starting spot on the depth chart.

Even though Williams was a force at Oklahoma University, I have put that bias aside because of the respect he earned from me in the old 4-3 defense the Cowboys played under Zimmer. Williams made five Pro Bowls in his prime in Dallas but injuries and a different style of defense limited Williams this past season or two. I understand the reasoning behind letting him go early this offseason, but the selfish side of me wanted to see him still play to his high level and retire with the star on his helmet. Williams is joined by Defensive Tackle Tank Johnson to sign with the Bengals from last seasons Dallas team that didn't quite get to the level expected by all the fans and Jerry Jones.

If Williams goes into the season in great shape, and not battle injuries, I would not be suprised to see him make yet another Pro Bowl and help the Bengals become a better defensive team that finished 12th in the league last season. However this season and the rest of his career go, Williams will always be #31 in my roster book and top ten in my heart. Best of luck bud and make the rest of the league remember why they name rule changes after you.

Plax

Some more stuff looming around the NFL with one of its players in legal trouble. No this is nothing new but the player in question shot himself with an gun that he illegally possessed at a night club. I would love to see him get at least suspended by the league just to be consistent with every other legal crisis.

Plaxico Burress should not be let off easy even though he did not harm anyone but himself. He obviously thought the gun was a necessity and planned that he MAY have to use it or he wouldn't have had it loaded or in his possession at all. If this was Adam Jones or Tank Johnson they would be sitting out until they go to jail and then MAYBE hit the field again when they get out. And not to mention the prison time he is looking at which is said to be three and a half years minimum and fifteen years maximum. Major officials in New York have already said they want to see him punished maybe even the full extent of the law.

Many people say they want to see him be made an "example" but I don't see it like that. He is an American citizen like you and me and should not be treated any different. If I was dumb enough to shoot myself in the club with an unregistered gun I would expect to be punished.

G.O.A.T.

For anyone who has doubted that Phil Jackson is the greatest NBA coach of all time, he proved you all wrong on June 14, 2009.

There are the arguments that he got lucky by inheriting Jordan and Pippen then the same with Shaq and Kobe. To that I have to say: "Ok?!" Honestly when was the last time anyone won an NBA Championship without having a good squad? I've never seen it or heard of it happening. If that's the only reason you can't give him the title over Red Auerbach, who had Bill Russell and a great team, or Pat Riley, who had Magic and Kareem and Shaq and D-Wade, then every coach who has a ring should be tainted.

I honestly believe you HAVE to have luck along with all the other tools for a seccusful title run in any sport. Saying thats the only thing the "Zen Master" had on his side with just complete BULLSH*T in my book. With 10 Championships to his credit get off his back and give Phil the immense respect that he deserves for being the greatest coach this league has ever seen.

Great Coaching + Openminded team + At least 3 legitatmate Get 'em done players = NBA Title

Mr. Vick pt. 2

There is still another month and a half until Michael Vick is actually released from prison, even though the Falcons have officially released him this week, and I'm already tired of hearing which team would be the "perfect fit" for him. Honestly the Falcons three years ago was a team built to fit him but we all know what happened later.

We all know he wants to compete for a starting quaterback job but that more than likely wont happen for a few years. His best bet would be to get on a good team as a backup and they should start to run the "wildcat" formation just for his immense talent. The "wildcat" was a formation that he basically ran his entire career, even though it wasn't called that. He is incredibly fast and his above average throwing ability puts him above the running backs that have been running it. Quaterbacks like Vick and Pat White will become much more valuable to a team than just a backup quaterback with their speed and arm strength.

We hear almost all 32 teams in the NFL are saying "no" but when it comes down to it Vick is a great talent that shouldn't be overlooked for his paid debt to society. So lets leave the suggested places of his next career stop until he is actually a free man. Teams will get more serious when he actaully gets released.

T.O.

You know I've been a fan of Terrell Owens for a long time, even before he was with the Cowboys, but this little blame game has already gotten on my nerves and I just barely heard this one. Does it really matter if Jason Garrett and Tony Romo were to blame for TO being cut? No it doesn't one bit. Honestly, Owens will be playing this year with a decent team for $6.5 million this year, so why should it matter? He got a great paying job with an up and coming team.

Whether Dallas will be better without him is to be seen and I honestly don't think it can be measured. If Dallas goes 14-2 this season TO gets the blame for the past three seasons, and if they go 8-8 and miss the playoffs then TO would be given a God tag for the Cowboys "success" the past three seasons. When it all comes down to it Owens is not a member of Americas Team and should have no bearing whatsoever on how the Cowboys do this season. If Dallas wins the Super Bowl then I don't want to hear the name of last years No. 81.

Like I said earlier, I love TO and the immense talent that he brings to any team. You can't "blame" anyone for the fact that you are no longer a member of the Dallas Cowboys. Best wishes on the tough AFC East and good luck with helping Trent Edwards become a good quarterback.

Finally

It may be too early to say this but we finally have great playoff basketball in the Eastern and Western Conference Finals. In four games the scores have been separated by only 7 points combined. Outside of any series Boston was involved in (two game sevens with Chicago and Orlando), there hasn't been great basketball until now.

I know LA and Houston went to seven games but that was a horrible series when the Lakers can win by 40 in LA then lose big in Houston. That was, hands down, the least entertaining seven game series I have seen in my entire life.

With two 1 point wins in the series, Cleveland and Orlando seem to be destined for at least one great overtime game and hoping for a Chicago/Boston series with King James rising up to take the East once again. Game winning 3s in both games by LeBron and Rashard Lewis respectably. Not to mention Hedo Turkoglu may have had the best final 2 minutes in game 2 but he got showed up by the King himself. Turkoglu had five HUGE points to end that game including 2 to put them up. If it wasn't for him, James wouldn't have had that opputunity to play savior for the city of Cleveland.

LA and Denver hasn't been as close but the physicality and passion shown by these teams make it a great series. Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony's epic battles so far in this series is just something people should buy TiVo just so they can record all these games so they don't have to wait for it to come on ESPN Classic.

Thank you to King James, Kobe, 'Melo, Superman, Turk, Rashard, and Mr. Big Shot for making this a great end of may and maybe this will just be a preview for what's coming in June.

Greg Ellis

The rumors are starting to fly around Greg Ellis and the Dallas Cowboys again. Could Dallas really be trying to trade Greg Ellis? This is a one word answer: YES. This is not a knock on Ellis at all but when you spend two first round draft picks on that position recently, then I believe its almost a lock to shop his around the league. He is an immense talent and I love him as a player but he is getting up there in age (34).

Anthony Spencer looks a lot like the heir apparent to Ellis because of his pass rushing skills. Bobby Carpenter is by no means the next great pass rusher for the Cowboys. Carpenter probably will be a great backup until he decides to leave for a system that fits him better. Spencer could be the answer to replace Ellis if Dallas does get a good offer for the man who has 77 career sacks (all with the Cowboys).

Don't worry Mr. Ellis, this could just be a sign of the changing that the Cowboys have been striving for by giving the boot to TO and PacMan. I am in no way putting you in the same category as them. In fact I am going to put you in the category of Roy Williams in the way that the Cowboys are just getting younger. I would love to see you in New England, even though the Cowboys would end up meeting you in the Super Bowl. I have great love and respect for you and wish you nothing but the best for you in the future.

What sucks more?

What sucks more for the Chicago White Sox: a 20-1 lose or Jake Peavy saying "thanks but HELL NO!"?

20-1- I don't know if there anything worse in major league baseball than to give up 20 runs in a game and only scoring one, but the good thing is that is wasn't a shutout. They did score the last run of the game which could be one gleam in dark lose.

Peavy- This is without a doubt the biggest lost for the ChiSox. You go to give up four prospects to the Padres for Jake Peavy to say I dont want to play for you. Really? He wants to play in the midwest and would have signed off on the cross town Cubs. The reason? He likes to hit. If you enjoy batting then why would you sign off on a deal to send you to the AL. That would be like Carlos Zambrano, a beast at the plate, ending up playing for the Yankees. Enough said.

Mr. Vick

Mike Vick was released from prison yesterday morning. Im honestly tired of hearing all the PETA people complaining about him still. The man messed up, went to prison, and seems to have learned what he did was wrong. So why still pursue this man like he fought dogs yesterday? Leave him alone. He was punished by a court system that you dont seem to be screaming to change at this moment. It may be flawed but its what we have. Two years for bankrolling a dog fighting ring; and not to mention he probably will end up losing $100 million or more from the endorsements he lost and that fat contract from Atlanta. I say he's paid more than his debt to society. I hope and pray that this talented individual is reinstated this season and someone takes a chance on this man. He may not be a quaterback again but he is still as, if not more, athletic than anyone in league. Good luck Mike and I hope to see you playing on Sundays real soon.