Championship Games Open Thread

Posted: January 20, 2008 @ 5:02 pm

Pats are in.

Will the Giants or Packers take them on?

Comments

154 Responses to “Championship Games Open Thread”

  1. 1
    sgtcwby on January 20th, 2008 5:08 pm

    Pats and GB! Brett Takes the Trophey home and retires.

  2. 2
    UnconventionalWisdom on January 20th, 2008 5:14 pm

    The Pats are so beatable right now. I wish we hadn’t blown our chance.

  3. 3
    CHARB on January 20th, 2008 5:18 pm

    TV ruined this game. Playing ice bowl II at 5:30 central for ratings is BS. The Giants have no business in this game, but the weather will make this game close.

    Who wants to tackle Jacobs in subzero conditions?

  4. 4
    CHARB on January 20th, 2008 5:22 pm

    UnconventionalWisdom:

    The Chargers played a perfect game on defense and their offense let him down.

    They score TD’s and not FG’s and we are talking about Brady CHOKING.

  5. 5
    dcfansinceiwasababy on January 20th, 2008 5:31 pm

    Did ya’ll hear what Phil Simms said about Tony? I still can’t believe it. I guess it’s not a distraction for your team when you are accused of beating on a woman, but f no, if you are caught in Mexico havin a good time with a woman, well, THAT’S a different story, and whoa, it’s a distraction. I don’t even know where to begin with that thought. I am so damn offended.

    What the hell has Tony Romo ever done to him that he has to talk about him in context with Randy Moss’ troubles?

  6. 6
    dcfansinceiwasababy on January 20th, 2008 5:32 pm

    Why the hell did he have to talk about Tony Romo in THIS game?

  7. 7
    sgtcwby on January 20th, 2008 5:39 pm

    Check this out…what do you guys think of this?

    Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:17:41 -0800

    Albert Breer, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys defensive quality control coach Dat Nguyen could be a candidate for the team’s linebackers coach if current linebackers coach Paul Pasqualoni does not return to the team.

    http://www.kffl.com/team/14/nfl

  8. 8
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 5:40 pm

    Yeah, the Chargers missed their chance. The Patriots will never be more beatable than they were today. Gotta get it in the endzone if you want to beat the Pats.

  9. 9
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 5:42 pm

    I’m going for the Packers in hopefully a blowout. I guess I just hold grudges but I want the Giants to get a big fat zero that just destroys them as a team.

    Plus, if Brett wins another SB maybe he’ll just ride off into the sunset and we’ll never have to see him again.

  10. 10
    UnconventionalWisdom on January 20th, 2008 5:44 pm

    I posted this on the other thread, but the Chargers blew it by not going for it on 4th and 10 from the Pats 36. I hate the call to punt in that situation. But NFL coaches feel like they hve to punt. Probably wouldn’t have mattered, but it’s really a pet peeve of mine. I gaurantee you Bellicheck would not have punted there.

    The Chargers never got the ball back either. Possessing the football > field possession.

  11. 11
    UnconventionalWisdom on January 20th, 2008 5:45 pm

    Yeah the chargers D playe it exactly right. Too bad they weren’t more aggressive on offense.

  12. 12
    sgtcwby on January 20th, 2008 5:58 pm

    The Giants are driving pretty good on GB.

  13. 13
    sgtcwby on January 20th, 2008 6:01 pm

    Good drive by the Giants ends in a FG.

  14. 14
    othello250 on January 20th, 2008 6:09 pm

    Watching this game being played in GB and without the guys with the stars on their helmets SUCKS!!!

  15. 15
    othello250 on January 20th, 2008 6:15 pm

    dcfansinceiwasababy,

    I wouldn’t let any of the Romo comments get to you. It’s like a new sport for the media to first build people up and gush about them so they can tear them down.

  16. 16
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 6:18 pm

    I love these genius head coaches. They go up against a team that has so many injured players in the secondary, a secondary that has been a real weak point all year, and they decide they need to establish the run. When the Packers did throw it’s been little dink and dunk type stuff. You’ve got to attack that Giants secondary and exploit the middle of the field with the pass. The Gints are weak there.

  17. 17
    CHARB on January 20th, 2008 6:24 pm

    When Simms made his commonts about Romo; I found it a bit odd. What’s the point Phil? Moss has 4 porters carrying his baggage and Romo is a bigger distraction for his team?

    Man this sucks……How did this happen?

  18. 18
    CHARB on January 20th, 2008 6:24 pm

    Comments

  19. 19
    CHARB on January 20th, 2008 6:27 pm

    Kam

    Your making me more depressed, Pete Hunter and 3 ofthe 4 top Giants secondary out and we can’t win a playoff game…

  20. 20
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 6:37 pm

    Charb,

    I hate beating a dead horse about it, but how come that stuff keeps happening to us?? An obvious weakness on another team and we decide to do the opposite of what we should?? WHY???? Their secondary was there for the taking and we blew it.

    Looks like Favre and the Pack are learning though a lot faster than us though. The Gints are putting their defensive players real close to the line daring Brett to beat them. And he just did.

  21. 21
    CHARB on January 20th, 2008 6:44 pm

    Players must make plays and we haven’t.

    Look at Faulk today, he isn’t a worry of any Defensive Coordiantor, but he made the plays the Patriots needed.

    We wait for someone else to make plays. You can’t win games, hoping the ball is hit to someone else.

  22. 22
    CHARB on January 20th, 2008 6:53 pm

    1 play and the Packers are in control of this game. Watch the Bad Eli show his ugly head.

  23. 23
    bostonfan on January 20th, 2008 6:54 pm

    I disagree with Simms about the Romo distraction, but I do think the loss to the Giants was more about mentality than skill. The Giants had the right mentality and the Cowboys didn’t. But it wasn’t Jessica that brought that about:

    (1) it all began, in my opinion, after the Green Bay game. I think that’s when our players started believing the press clippings. We had just beaten the three NFC East teams and then beat Green Bay. The very next week, Bradie James and Newman are talking in the press about the whupping the Boys were going to give the Lions. They got too cocky. I think that was when they first started losing focus. Mentally, the Green Bay game was where the Cowboys peaked.

    2) Add to that the injuries. And I’m not talking about the actual injuries to the players hurting us, but how it impacted our mentality. Suddenly, the last couple of weeks were all about getting healthy instead of getting momentum. This team isn’t experienced enough to just flip the switch back on again. The Giants, meanwhile, had to fight and claw to get in the playoffs, and therefore, went in sharp.

    3) Finally, while Romo was relaxing in Mexico, weren’t the coaches busy interviewing for jobs? Isn’t it likely that that distracted more from game preparation than anything else? After all, isn’t it our game plan that has most come under question after the loss? My guess is that if you’re Sparano and you’re finally getting your shot, you don’t just walk into the interview cold turkey. Considering how much preparation I put into job interviews, I can only imagine what he did for that multi-million gig.

    I would put all three of those ahead of the Mexico trip when trying to place blame on the loss.

  24. 24
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 7:06 pm

    Charb,

    IMO, the whole problem with this team over the years is that we play down to the level of our competition. That’s why we start so slow against even really bad teams like the Rams and Dolphins. That’s why we let teams like the Lions hang around. It’s all mental with these guys and I just hope Wade and Jason can figure something out. Some way to keep these guys motivated. The difference between us and the Pats players is that they don’t need anyone to motivate them. Winning does it alone.

  25. 25
    dcfansinceiwasababy on January 20th, 2008 7:19 pm

    Thanx Othello,

    I really do feel better now. It’s just so damn irritating when some asshole like Phil Simms talks shit like that for no good reason. I mean, again, why bring up Tony Romo in the Pats-Chargers game? To rub it in that we lost? Because we are the F’n DALLAS COWBOYS? Somebody oughta flush his head down the toilet

  26. 26
    AzCowboy on January 20th, 2008 7:30 pm

    ****baby; Charb

    Phil Simms is a NY Giant. He has always looked for an opportunity to slam a Cowboy every time he does a Cowboy game. Don’t look for “fair and equal” from him.

  27. 27
    AzCowboy on January 20th, 2008 7:35 pm

    Raf

    It might be interesting to have a thread about our wish list for assistant coaches. It might begin with a wish for the dismissal of the special teams coach. I’ll bet he doesn’t go to Miami.

  28. 28
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 7:41 pm

    Eh, don’t worry about Phil Simms he’s just mad because Chris ending up being a little girl.

  29. 29
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 7:42 pm

    God Brandon Jacobs is a jackass.

  30. 30
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 7:42 pm

    Kameleon,

    Don’t fret too much, Green Bay isn’t exactly exposing New York. That one play was more Driver then Favre.

    If Crayton catches that one pass, its very much the same.

  31. 31
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 7:45 pm

    Oh and if your bummed always think,

    “At least I’m not a detroit fan.”

    We got to see our team win 13 games in one year.. they haven’t seen theirs win 13 games in 2 combined.

  32. 32
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 7:48 pm

    I wonder when the experts will stop calling guys like Al Harris “shut down” corners. He’s getting beat like a redheaded step child right now by Burress. He’s getting beat like Roy W. In fact, as bad as Roy’s been lately, I haven’t seen him get targeted and beaten as badly as Harris is right now. TO, Burress, and every top flight WR he’s faced has had a big day and yet if the Packers win all we’ll hear building up to the SB is how the Packers have a pair of “shut down” corners. I call bull on that.

  33. 33
    CHARB on January 20th, 2008 7:49 pm

    Chris Simms is a tough kid.

  34. 34
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 7:52 pm

    Tough?

    Your out of your mind. He got drafted because of his last name.

  35. 35
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 7:59 pm

    AzCowboy,

    I not only want our special teams coach gone, I’d sure hope Bowles, our secondary coach goes with him. Hopefully, he goes to the Dolphins. The fact that Roy W thinks he’s a great DB’s coach is enough for me to get rid of him.

    AFB,

    Ain’t that the truth?? We at least had quite a time and a lot of fun during the season. As much as we’ve had in a loooooong time. Before the Gints game last week a Gints fan posted something that I thought was so true. He asked, “You know the only thing worse than a Cowboys fan?? A Cowboys fan when they’re winning.” Ahhh, I love it…

  36. 36
    CHARB on January 20th, 2008 8:00 pm

    THEAIRFORCEBAT:

    Chris Simms played a quater with a ruptured spleen. That’s tough in my book.

  37. 37
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 8:09 pm

    Ok maybe he’s tough in body, but not in mind. The dude was horrible in any big game. He crumbled under pressure at the University of Texas and had one complete season in the NFL. I’ve watched enough of Chrissy Simms to know that mentally he is weak.

    Kameleon: Yeah thats why I kind of laugh at some of the people on here. I mean you know what, yeah it sucks. It majorly sucks, but hey as Dallas fans we got to see one of the better seasons in a long time. Lets face it, dallas didn’t have the corner play to hang with New England anyways. They are in the right direction. I would read some people, “I’d rather have been 5-11″. Not me. 5-11 generally means there is more then a few players needed to get better. I feel like a few people on these boards act like spoiled brats.

  38. 38
    Tighthead on January 20th, 2008 8:11 pm

    Based on their performances against the Pats, Boys and Packers, I think it is fair to say the Giants are better than we generally gave them credit for.

    I am bitter. My bitterness is manifesting itself as hatred of #31 and #22. Kevin Faulk is a better player than Julius. I had that revelation today.

  39. 39
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 8:19 pm

    Haha, “Kevin Faulk is a better player than Julius. I had that revelation today”

    One of the best quotes of the year.

    Oh and tighthead… JJ is number 21

  40. 40
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 8:23 pm

    Watching this game makes you realize that in that last game Henry and Newman BOTH played Plax better then Woodson and Harris.

  41. 41
    Tighthead on January 20th, 2008 8:26 pm

    39 - AFbrat - thanks. #21.

    And I am serious about Faulk.

  42. 42
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 8:33 pm

    AFB,

    I sure don’t want to be 5-11 again. I just wish we had lost to any other team than the team Brandon “Big Mouth” Jacobs was on.

  43. 43
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 8:36 pm

    I hear you Kameleon.

  44. 44
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 8:38 pm

    AFB,

    That’s why Raf and others have been pushing a top flight CB so hard. We’ve got the guys to take the Burress’ and Steve Smiths out of the game. It’s the Amani Toomers and Wes Welkers that we just don’t have enough quality CB’s to cover.

  45. 45
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 8:47 pm

    Wait a minute… so that wasn’t offsides when KGB just did that, but last week when Ware did that EXACT same thing it was?

    Hmmm weak.

  46. 46
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 8:47 pm

    Did anyone else notice that?

  47. 47
    madmick on January 20th, 2008 8:48 pm

    So KGB wasn’t offsides on that play, but Ware was offsides last week? These old blind fools they have officiating suck.

  48. 48
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 8:48 pm

    As a matter of fact I think that KGB was more offsides then Ware was.

  49. 49
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 8:48 pm

    Haha madmick exactly.

  50. 50
    madmick on January 20th, 2008 8:50 pm

    A sick part of me want to see the Giants win so Packers fans can feel as disturbed as we all do that they lost to such an ordinary Giants team.

  51. 51
    Tighthead on January 20th, 2008 9:00 pm

    I think the Giants have a better chance of giving the Pats a game.

  52. 52
    sgtcwby on January 20th, 2008 9:03 pm

    Looks like the Giants are going to win this one….I don’t know how I feel about that. I guess it doesn’t really matter to me. I can tell you that I want whomever gets to the SB to beat the Pats.

  53. 53
    madmick on January 20th, 2008 9:03 pm

    Somewhere, Jay Feely is touching himself.

  54. 54
    sgtcwby on January 20th, 2008 9:04 pm

    I guess I spoke to soon. The Giants missed the game winning FG.

  55. 55
    sgtcwby on January 20th, 2008 9:05 pm

    I bet those players wished they had played just a little harder, because they have to stay out in the -1 degree weather for Overtime. HA!

  56. 56
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 9:05 pm

    Haha, was anyone else thinking that it would have been funny if the NY placeholder had fumbled?

  57. 57
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 9:07 pm

    Oh and sgt… I will NEVER EVER go for the Giants.

    If they win this, I will be in the same position when the Eagles went… rooting for New England.

  58. 58
    Gmoney on January 20th, 2008 9:07 pm

    Wow -Ovetime.
    Dallas beat themselves. Had they been in this game, they would have beaten GB.

  59. 59
    Tighthead on January 20th, 2008 9:09 pm

    Might be time for a patented Favre pick.

  60. 60
    jkdallas on January 20th, 2008 9:10 pm

    madmick and afb,
    Agreed on the offside no-call. Exact same play. Chaps my ass still.

    And MM, you are not allowed to root for the Giants in any way. All Cowboys fans must loathe their division rivals. So let it be written, so let it be done.

  61. 61
    madmick on January 20th, 2008 9:10 pm

    Again, a certain part of me is amused by Favre being himself and making a terrible throw.

  62. 62
    madmick on January 20th, 2008 9:11 pm

    What’s really going to be sickening is the media hype surrounding the rematch of the season finale classic.

  63. 63
    Gmoney on January 20th, 2008 9:12 pm

    Guys,

    I’ve just seen tape and I know the single biggest reason why the boy’s lost to the Giants. . .
    . . .It was too many attempts to use a bad play by the offensive coaches. . .

    . . .”60 stretch Far Laaahhhhh”.

  64. 64
    madmick on January 20th, 2008 9:12 pm

    This upcoming kick is going to be fun.

  65. 65
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 9:12 pm

    Man, Brett just pulled an Eli Manning. They gave this game away if they lose.

    AFB,

    That’s the way I feel. I’ll feel dirty and hate myself in the morning, but there’s no way I root for the Gints in the SB.

  66. 66
    ManTab on January 20th, 2008 9:14 pm

    i think im gonna puke

  67. 67
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 9:15 pm

    …and the Gints go to the Super Bowl. You’d think it would make me feel better that we lost to a team going to the Super Bowl but it doesn’t.

  68. 68
    ManTab on January 20th, 2008 9:16 pm

    I hate Michael Strahan….f$^%ng a$$ hole.

  69. 69
    jkdallas on January 20th, 2008 9:17 pm

    This.
    Blows.
    Donkey.
    Slongs.

    :dienyg:

  70. 70
    mcallen_fan on January 20th, 2008 9:17 pm

    this is just so wrong. What could have been a wonderful season in the NFL all of a sudden feels like s***!

  71. 71
    sgtcwby on January 20th, 2008 9:18 pm

    Well I as sick as this is going to make me. I hate the Pats more than I hate the Giants. Just something about them erks me. I hope the Giants bring one home and take it away from the all-mighty Pats!

  72. 72
    mcallen_fan on January 20th, 2008 9:18 pm

    realistically, they were the better team in our division and that really hurts. Those two wins against now mean absolutely NOTHING!

  73. 73
    ManTab on January 20th, 2008 9:19 pm

    I hope the game is cancelled…..

  74. 74
    madmick on January 20th, 2008 9:21 pm

    By the way, BSPN already said earlier while the game was still going on that the Giants would be 14-point dogs. I think quite a few things point to a Pats blow-out. Winning a pile money because the Giants got teabagged would somewhat ease the pain. Not really.

    I wonder if a certain immature loudmouth is going to buy a ticket to the game…..

    ….After all, Patrick Crayton did say he was going to see the Pats again in Arizona.

  75. 75
    ManTab on January 20th, 2008 9:21 pm

    referee strike in thre NFL get Super bowl cancelled…..or something like that. I am really thinking somthing much worse but dont have the nerve to type it….I absolutely hate Brady gay and BellifuJGF and Im also hate Jacobs and Strahan and Coughlin…can’t stand watchin any of those being champions…..aaarrrgh

  76. 76
    Elwood on January 20th, 2008 9:21 pm

    Any chance both teams can lose the SB? I can’t believe that none of the teams I like, especially the Boys–who would have POUNDED the pack tonight–are in it. What else can I do that Sunday?

  77. 77
    mcallen_fan on January 20th, 2008 9:26 pm

    Excuse me for overreacting but I really hate the NFL right now.

    16-0 team vs. 10-6 team. This F’n blows.

  78. 78
    Gmoney on January 20th, 2008 9:26 pm

    I’m so conflicted. I hate both teams.
    No matter who wins, we’re going to have to hear so much crap next year.
    Pats win - “Oh the Pats - the greatest team ever - humble pie my, blah, blah, blah.
    Giants Win - NY will have a hey-day, thinking they are the center of the Universe. . . not to mentinos they beat Dallas. Eli’s so mature now, Brandon Jacobs running his mouth - ugh.

    The worst part about it is that NY sux!

  79. 79
    CHARB on January 20th, 2008 9:27 pm

    This SB Matchup couldn’t suck more.

  80. 80
    AzCowboy on January 20th, 2008 9:28 pm

    Kameleon

    Todd Bowles was the next assistant I hope would go to Miami. One would think with Wade being a defensive master, The DC being one of Wade’s students, and the defensive back’s coach being such a great coach…they could luck into a coverage where Roy Williams by accident could make a play …(that is the player of multiple pro-bowls) The same could be said of Jacques Reeves accidently making a play. Whoever came in Bowles’ place could not do a worse job IMHO.

  81. 81
    jarhead on January 20th, 2008 9:29 pm

    like i said,
    its better to be lucky than good.

    giants, woo hoo.

    please.

  82. 82
    mcallen_fan on January 20th, 2008 9:29 pm

    Trying to lighten things up…

    Didn’t Dallas 2nd 1st round pick just go higher

  83. 83
    madmick on January 20th, 2008 9:29 pm

    I bet Favre’s fine with losing since it means his grab ass buddy Strahan gets to go back to the big game for another shot at a ring.

  84. 84
    Elwood on January 20th, 2008 9:29 pm

    I really have to stop getting so invested in games. I have no control and it’s soo sickening to watch teams like Dallas and GB roll over for the Giants. Maybe I’ll take up the bagpipes or something.

  85. 85
    DW3000 on January 20th, 2008 9:31 pm

    the eagles/pats superbowl was bad enough and now this s**t. call me an a-hole, but the only thing i’m rooting for is injuries.

  86. 86
    Elwood on January 20th, 2008 9:35 pm

    DW first laugh I’ve had since Tynes missed with :04 left

  87. 87
    dcfansinceiwasababy on January 20th, 2008 9:38 pm

    Well, in 100 years none of this will matter. We will all be dead.

    How I feel right now? I’m gonna get a good movie and put it in my VCR, I won’t be watching the shit bowl

  88. 88
    Gmoney on January 20th, 2008 9:41 pm

    Hey Raf,

    So what’s the final draft order?

  89. 89
    madmick on January 20th, 2008 9:44 pm

    DW,

    That was an awful Super Bowl with pretty much nothing to root for. At least with this game, there is the possibility that Fleali throws 7 picks and the Gnats lose 63-6 or the comedy alternative of the Pats first loss coming at the hands of a very mediocre Giants team, which would make them the biggest chokers in the history of sports.

  90. 90
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 9:47 pm

    Yeah, I thought there was a rainstorm or something going on outside earlier, what with all the thunder. Then I realized it was just God laughing his ass off at me. I mean, what the heck did I ever do to piss him off?? Giants and Pats in the Super Bowl?? WTF?? Why not put the Redskins and Eagles in too so I can really suffer?? He’s got a funny sense of humor, God does.

  91. 91
    mcallen_fan on January 20th, 2008 9:48 pm

    Back in the Campo days, I never would have thought a 13-3 season could be so bittersweet.

  92. 92
    mcallen_fan on January 20th, 2008 9:51 pm

    Please Cowboys. I beg you to please come back WITH A VENGEANCE. Leave our beloved Texas Stadium one last time as champions.

  93. 93
    Elwood on January 20th, 2008 9:52 pm

    What did Tom Coughlin sell to the League in return for 2 top caliber teams rolling over for the Giants? Liver? Heart? Kidneys?

  94. 94
    sgtcwby on January 20th, 2008 9:54 pm

    Anybody know what our draft picks will be now?

  95. 95
    madmick on January 20th, 2008 9:55 pm

    Crayton, Fasano, and Carpenter for Jason Taylor. Whaddya say, Big Tuna?

    Good ‘ol Dave might not have been on the sidelines last week, but the buffoons that were sure Campoed that one up. I hope Sparano chokes on a meatball.

  96. 96
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 9:59 pm

    Once again Eli will be praised for throwing just a little over 50% of his passes complete.

    The funny thing is that the Giants have been outplayed TWICE and still won.

    McCallen fan… and NO they are not the better team in the division. They have played good down the stretch but if they were the better team in the division they would have won it. Lets not get crazy.

    I will be rooting for the Pats to annhilate the Giants.

    Brandon Jacobs has move the Giants from my #3 most hated team to my #1 most hated team.

    It sounds bad but its true.

  97. 97
    mcallen_fan on January 20th, 2008 10:04 pm

    I might be wrong but I think the Cowboys will have picks #22 and #26.

  98. 98
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 20th, 2008 10:15 pm

    You want to know another reason I will be rooting for the Pats, besides the hatred I have for the Giants?

    All of the 72′ Dolphin players are so smug about their undefeated record.

    Popping up champagne when the last undefeated team loses? That is really lame and seems almost geeky.

  99. 99
    mcallen_fan on January 20th, 2008 10:19 pm

    Using 6 different value charts and taking in consideration the essential building blocks for Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett’s Dallas Cowboys in 2009 or 2010, the best picks should be:

    OT Jeff Otah Pittsburgh
    DT Kentwan Balmer N. Carolina

    STRONG LINES=CHAMPIONSHIPS

  100. 100
    scout on January 20th, 2008 10:24 pm

    In regards to Marion Barber:

    Drew Rosenhaus is his agent. Barber has a Pro Bowl on his resume. Roy Williams got $25 million. Bradie James got $20 million. Remember those contracts.

    Here are some running back deals Rosenhaus has brokered recently:

    Willis McGahee 6 years $32 million

    Fred Taylor 4 years $23 million

    Thomas Jones 4 years $20 million

    Frank Gore 5 years $28 million

    It should be noted that Gore was a third round pick.

    Clinton Portis 8 years $ 50.5 million

    Thomas Jones received a $12 million dollar signing bonus. $13 million of the contract is due in the first two years.

    Frank Gore received $6.5 million in guaranteed money and $13.2 million due in the first three years.

    Look at that money tied up into a running back, and look at our secondary and WR position. Think about Ware, Newman, Tank, and Canty. Think about our draft picks. Think about Adams. Think about Hamlin.

    I would absolutely would not give Marion Barber a 20 million dollar deal.

    You could draft Felix Jones and get a player who was better than Joseph Adaii coming out of LSU. Joseph Adaii shared carries at LSU. He was a real good back. Miles put him in the doghouse, and it was a mistake.

    Felix Jones isn’t a change of pace back. He will be the guy. He is 200 pounds and has the frame to get bigger. Furthermore, he is a gamebreaker. You could draft Jones in round one and get a running back comparable to Barber in the later rounds.

    You could offer Barber a first round tender and keep Jones behind him like the Colts did with James and Adaii. Getting Felix Jones late in round one like the Colts did with Adaii would be a steal.

    If you could get a second round pick for Barber, you have to at least consider it. I would do it.

  101. 101
    scout on January 20th, 2008 10:24 pm

    mc_callen fan,

    Stong lines and no skill people=

    The Philadelphia Eagles

  102. 102
    jkdallas on January 20th, 2008 10:25 pm

    The Cowboys picks are
    22 (via Cleveland)
    and
    29 (could have been 28 if SD could have won)

    Green Bay will have #28. NYG and SF (from Indy?) have 30 & 31. That’s what I could gather from the DMN.

    And remember NE lost it’s pick, so #32 is the first pick of the 2nd round. I think

  103. 103
    Tighthead on January 20th, 2008 10:25 pm

    mcallen - we need a CB. We can’t afford to keep stocking the tackle position at the expense of addressing other needs. We also need to develop a speedy WR. I think the last one was Kevin Williams.

  104. 104
    othello250 on January 20th, 2008 10:31 pm

    Scout,

    This is no knock on Barber but he’s not any of the players you mentioned class. He’s a part time grind it out back who isn’t worth the money those players are commanding.

    I know it’s not a popular sentiment here on this blog but I’m going to give the Giants props on their NFC Championship. They won 3 consecutive games on the road all against division champs. They showed a lot of character and got it done. Maybe next season we can finish strong just like they have.

  105. 105
    jkdallas on January 20th, 2008 10:32 pm

    Tight-
    Don’t forget Stanback. We knew going in he would be a project. And he can motor. Just need to find out if he can play. No doubt on CB. 1st day priority.

  106. 106
    Tighthead on January 20th, 2008 10:32 pm

    Othello - I agree on the Giants thing. They did what they had to do, we didn’t.

    I would take Barber over Thomas Jones.

  107. 107
    Tighthead on January 20th, 2008 10:36 pm

    jk - if he couldn’t nudge ahead of Austin and Hurd, I’m not expecting much soon. We need someone to contribute pronto.

    I have said it before: outside of Spencer, in a limited role, and Folk, we got no contribution from this year’s draft class. Two tackles who may be the next Jacob Rogers for all we know, and some CBs worse than Nate Jones. Add in Carpenter and Fasano’s contributions and the last two drafts have not been much in the way of help. Guys may still pan out, but the returns so far are modest.

  108. 108
    scout on January 20th, 2008 10:36 pm

    Mario Manningham

    Stats Last Year:

    72 receptions

    1,174 yards

    16.3 YPC

    12 TDs

    Career Stats:

    34 games

    137 catches

    2,310 yards

    16.9 YPC

    27 TDs

    Manning ham runs at least in the 4.45 range according to Scott Wright. Wright is conservative with his times. There is talk of him running a 4.3.

    Manningham is a player who is very comparable to Bernard Berrian. He played at Michigan. Some draft people say he is the best pure receiver in this draft. It is his size that knocks him down.

    If Miles Austin can get behind R.W. McQuarters, so can Manningham.

    I’m not saying you have to draft him, but don’t tell me this guy isn’t any good when he has had a great career at one of the best programs in college football.

    He would be a perfect fit in Dallas, and he would come cheaper than Berrian probably would.

    We have seen smaller receivers have success in the league with the change in rules slanted towards the offense.

    Manningham, at least, deserves a serious look.

  109. 109
    othello250 on January 20th, 2008 10:40 pm

    Scout,

    We need a WR who can contribute on day one. Even Calvin Johnson with all his hype didn’t have a significant impact this season. I would rather have a FA who’s proven he can play in this league and save the draft picks to improve the secondary and find a RB to replace JJ.

  110. 110
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 10:52 pm

    This isn’t a good year for WR’s. I don’t like many of them as 1st round talents. Especially the consensus #1 WR Desean Jackson. All that being said, I personally believe that Manningham has the most talent, and will contribute the most early than any other WR in this draft. Remember, unlike other teams who draft a WR in the 1st round, we’re not asking him to be the #1 guy right away. Or even necessarily the #2 guy. He’s got to come in and add a dimension we don’t have at the WR spot. Speed. He’s got that and unlike Austin he doesn’t have bricks for hands.

  111. 111
    scout on January 20th, 2008 10:55 pm

    othello250,

    Rosenhause will probably want Frank Gore type money for Barber. Roy Williams got $25 million dollars, and all he does is take terrible angles to receivers, finishes with no tackles for loss, no forced fumbles, gets burned by the tightend like a rented mule (even the Kevin Boss’ of the world), plays patty-cake when tackling.

    I hope the Cowboys lock up Canty. Giving Barber $25 million dollars or more doesn’t make sense when you look at our needs and future expenditures on players.

    With GB losing and picking at #28 and with Dallas picking at #29, the #22 pick looks even more and more like a DB or CB.

    The Packers will be looking to draft one for sure.

    The Cowboys are in excellent position to nab a to DB at #22.

    If the Cowboys liked a receiver or running back at #22, they will have to think twice now, because the Packers will take one for sure at #28. That doesn’t count the other teams that might like to have one.

    This where the Tracy Porters and Justin Kings of the world come into play. What do you think of them, and will people over draft late in round one, because the others are gone.

  112. 112
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 10:55 pm

    othello,

    Agreed. I want Berrian or Henderson in FA. But to me that doesn’t preclude us drafting a guy either. With the guys available this year in FA and the draft, combined with our picks, we’ve got a chance to add some serious youth, talent, and depth at the WR and CB’s spots.

  113. 113
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 10:57 pm

    jkdallas,

    Is that the way it works?? No matter how far you go in the playoffs, it still comes down to regular season records?? So that’s why the Packers, who went farther than us, get the earlier pick?? That stinks…

  114. 114
    scout on January 20th, 2008 11:07 pm

    othello250,

    I get your point. Receivers do take time to develop. However, like kameleon says, a player like Manningham wouldn’t have to bear the load on his back. He will get single coverage and have the chance to beat people one on one with his great speed and agility. This guy is agile too. He makes great catches for TDs in the redzone.

    To be honest with you, Calvin Johnson didn’t do anything great a GT. He didn’t have a quarterback to get him the ball. However, Paul Oliver shut him down playing zone coverage on him. I am really not sure just how good Johnson is. Was he #2 worthy? We’ll see. He might very well be.

    You are correct though about wanting a RB and secondary help.

    When you go 13-3 and lose in the divisional round to a team you should have defeated soundly, smart choices need to be made regarding the direction of your team.

    I think the Cowboys need to draft with perserving a strong future in mind while addressing their needs.

    That is why I would take a second round pick for Marion Barber right now, rather than give him $25 million dollars when I can draft Ben Jarvas Green Ellis and get the same type of player in the fourth or fifth or 6th round.

  115. 115
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 11:29 pm

    According to Scouts.Inc Coastal Carolina WR Jerome Simpson improved his draft stock the most ’cause of the East/West Shrine game. Looked great in practice and in the game with his great hands. Could go as early as the 2nd round. His problem will be speed.

    On that front, Appalachian St. WR Dexter Jackson was also one WR that stood out in the practices. His 4.3 speed was evident in everything he did. Route running and punt returns too. His speed just jumps out at you. He’s projected to go around the 4th to 5th round but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go in the first 3 if he shows off that 4.3 speed at the combine. The guy averaged almost 23 yards a catch as a senior and caught two TD’s against Michigan. Could be a real find.

  116. 116
    jkdallas on January 20th, 2008 11:35 pm

    Kam-

    Strength of schedule, brutha.
    Pretty sure that’s how the draft order is determined.

  117. 117
    kameleon_o on January 20th, 2008 11:36 pm

    Senior Bowl practices start tomorrow.

  118. 118
    scout on January 20th, 2008 11:41 pm

    kameleon o,

    Yeah, those guys can really run fast. Also, Donny Avery can fly as well.

    I wathced that East-West Shrine Game, and I never saw that big NT from Iowa State that the scouts were very impressed with.

    What happened to him? I saw him projected in the fourth. He fits the planet theory, and he was productive.

    If you traded Barber for another second rounder, you could get another CB and a speed WR.

    I just saw an article that said Rosenhause was looking for around $25 million for Barber. Rosenhaus says other teams are interested.

    Let’s talk then. Who are they?

    DaMarcus Ware might cost $50 million dollars.

  119. 119
    scout on January 20th, 2008 11:49 pm

    Another thing, did any of you catch Hudson Houck’s press conference. I didn’t, but I read the transcrpt.

    Did you guys hear him talk about how size could over come some certain things.

    He likes big guys. Look at Kozier. Does he even weigh 300 lbs?

    There are a few big guards out there that some teams will pass on. It would be nice to get one in round three. The guard from Clemson is being projected in round 3.

  120. 120
    Tighthead on January 21st, 2008 12:02 am

    We needed to draft another RB last year, in the third or fourth round. JJ and TT were dead men walking this year. We had no backup to MBIII in the playoff game, and it may have killed us. Expecting a rookie to pick up the offence next season is a gamble. Moreso at RB than WR, if you ask me…

  121. 121
    kameleon_o on January 21st, 2008 12:05 am

    There are a few big OT’s that will be passed on that don’t have the athleticism to man the edge but would be able to move inside quite well. I hope those guys are on our radar after the 2nd round.

    Agreed on Barber. Of course Drew’s going to say other teams are interested. He can’t say much else. Lets just put that 1st round tender on Barber and if teams are really interested then I say let them prove it.

    Also, this is the year that the draft goes to just 2 rounds on Friday night and the rest on Saturday?? Right??

  122. 122
    kameleon_o on January 21st, 2008 12:08 am

    Tighthead,

    I think RB is the more instinctive position than WR. You can either run or you can’t. The hard part for us and for the rookie RB’s will be picking up the blocking schemes. A rookie can get your QB killed. That’s one reason Barber didn’t earn a starting job last year. He was still improving as a blocker. Of course, Larry Johnson has been in the league for years and is still a horrible blocker.

  123. 123
    Tighthead on January 21st, 2008 12:11 am

    kam - it is the blocking that worries me.

  124. 124
    kameleon_o on January 21st, 2008 12:40 am

    Tighthead,

    I hear ya man.

  125. 125
    mdlusk on January 21st, 2008 5:21 am

    May I say that the only positive outcome from this Super Toilet Bowl will be that I can laugh at the losers,no matter which team it is? I know it probably is poor sportsmanship, but I just can’t help it. It feels as bad as the Eagles-Pats game. This is one of those games where you “hope for the atom bomb” as the saying goes. I’ll prefer to watch Heidi over this. No one has yet brought it up, but this is also the East Coast media’s wet dream of a SB matchup, which also sticks in my craw. Phil Simms gets to crow, stuck up northeast fans get to crow, the sports media gets to crow, ratings will be high necessarily, etc, etc. I REALLY hate this game.

    Pardon my vitriol, please.

  126. 126
    joey2zs on January 21st, 2008 7:12 am

    East coast media?
    No S***, brainiac. NY and Boston will cover this heavily because, and get this, here’s where it’s interesting… NY AND BOSTON ARE IN THE SUPER BOWL. heh. Funny how that works out. by the way, the east coast media IS out to get you. Boo!!

    You’re right though, an UNDEFEATED TEAM playing against an historically streaking team with a potential superstar QB on a meteoric rise may gain some traction in the press. Some folks may even find that story interesting. But it bothers you? Would you rather watch Kansas City vs Carolina, maybe?
    To me, this will make awesome TV. The only thing better would be the Cowboys playing.

    Hey Brett Favre, what up homes? Ha!

    If Rosenhaus thinks that Barber will command $25mm, then he’s got another thing coming. He can be very nicely replaced by 70% of the 2nd tier backs in the NFL.

  127. 127
    mlittle on January 21st, 2008 8:49 am

    Regarding WR’s:

    I’d be more inclined to get a Berrian, who has established himself as a quality player, than to risk a day one draft pick on a rookie who might be a bust.

  128. 128
    Squidlo97 on January 21st, 2008 10:09 am

    I thought I would drop a few points on the WR front.
    Berrian, 2006 51 catches, 15.2 ypc, 6 TDs
    2007: 71 catches, 13.4 ypc, 5 TDs

    Williams 2006:82 catches 16 ypc, 7 TDs
    2007: 63 catches, 13.3 ypc, 5 TDs

    These guys are pretty even and even though Im under the impression that Berrian is more of a deep threat their yards per catch is almost even. I think out of these 2 we might have the best chance getting Williams. Chicago with no one in the wings and 1 year away from a past SB may be more incline to keep Berrian than Detroit to keep Williams. Det has C Johnson and is no where near a SB past or present. I also beleieve that Williams may be more inclined to take less than Berrian as Williams has repeatedly said he wants to come back to Texas.

    Of course the real problem is their current teams plans and until they make a decision its not really our option.

  129. 129
    Mikaele 1 on January 21st, 2008 10:19 am

    bostonfan:

    From post #23

    I could not agree more. After the Boys lost to the Pats, during an interview, Crayton was asked if the Pats defense was the real deal, and Crayton said, “No they ain’t the real deal man, and we’ll see them in Arizona.” You just your butt kicked, and you make statements like that? All I could think of was just shut up and play the game, let that do your talking.

    Green Bay was definitely the last great offensive game the Cowboys had, beating Detroit by the skin of their teeth, losing 10-6 to Philly, barely beating Carolina 20-13, and then being stomped by the Skins. There certainly appeared to be a mental breakdown.

    Injuries always contribute, and generally, the healthiest teams make the playoffs, but mental toughness was lacking, and a big key to the Cowboys demise. You need momentum going into the playoffs and the Cowboys didn’t have it, and I agree, they were too young to “flip the switch”!

    I also agree that the coaches distractions were much worse in regards to preparation for the game than Romo’s trip to Mexico. The giants had their own distractions with injuries to key players and still had the mental toughness to win. Maybe Garrett as OC and assistant HC can do what he wants with the offense now, with no distractions.

    My loathing of the Giants and that loud mouth running back Jacobs is only tempered by my revulsion of the NY mediots that continually elevate them to that glorious pedestal they love to perch them on. Therefore, I hope the Patriots steam roll over them and embarrass them so that they are ashamed they showed up… I hope.

    Time to dethrone the Dolphins!

  130. 130
    Keys80 on January 21st, 2008 10:21 am

    I find the “let Barber go” crowd completely non-nonsensical. Are you guys for real? While Barber isn’t a flier, he is a hard nosed, instinctive runner who almost always gains positive yards. His running in last week’s debacle was the only bright spot. Ask Grant how the sledding was last night, he of 29 yards against a very good Gint D. We need a complement to Barber not two new guys. Jeez, I wonder about some of you…

  131. 131
    Squidlo97 on January 21st, 2008 10:22 am

    Does anyone realize this is an all BP tree super bowl. Does anyone reconize the fact that these guys are both old school disipline, no personality asholes, stuck in their ways, no innovation, unable to relate to the young peoples, and game has passed them by. Just thought I would remind you.

    I said at the beginning of the year Eli would turn it around and make the pro bowl. Well, I was wrong, it was the super bowl but I betcha he will still take it.

  132. 132
    Squidlo97 on January 21st, 2008 10:29 am

    Keys, we all love Barber but breaking the bank for him is not sound advice at a time when productive RBs can be found anywhere and everywhere. To stay compeitive year after year you are going to have to let some guys go.

    We arent just wanting to throw him away but put a first round tender on him that allows us to sign him to a lower price or get a first round pick for him. This is sound management on a position that you can find anywhere in the draft.

    Draft picks are the lifeblood of the team. They also allow you to keep your cap numbers down. If you are a guy/team that believes in yourself then you say I found Barber and I will find another.

    P.S. The Pack only ran the ball 14 times and though Barber was a beast in the 1st half he wasnt in the second.

  133. 133
    kameleon_o on January 21st, 2008 10:42 am

    mlittle,

    Why can’t we do both?? We’ve got the cap room to go after the 2nd tier FA WR’s like Berrian and and Henderson. It’s not going to cost as much as a Randy Moss. Then we can still take a guy we like early if we feel like it ’cause he’s not going to be asked to be “the guy”. No pressure. I know Dallas fans all have the expectations that a 1st round pick has to start immediately, but a drafted WR coming to this situation would be different than when Carpenter was drafted. Carp had an open spot just waiting for him to try and take it and he couldn’t do it. A guy like Manningham would come in and be allowed to develop and learn from TO. Best of both worlds if you ask me.

  134. 134
    THEAIRFORCEBAT on January 21st, 2008 10:50 am

    I don’t understand the get rid of Barber crowd either, UNLESS Dallas offers him a good deal and then someone comes by and offers him something ludcicrous.
    Then Dallas would at least get a first round pick to go along with it.

  135. 135
    kameleon_o on January 21st, 2008 10:50 am

    I agree with Squid. No one is saying that we just “let Barber go”. We’re saying that if someone wants him bad enough, bad enough say to give us a 1st round pick for him, then we really have to look at that. I personally am not sure if I want to give the guy a 5 or 6 year $25 to $30 mill deal.

    His agent Drew Rosenhaus is on record as saying that other teams are interested right now. I say let him prove it.

  136. 136
    CHARB on January 21st, 2008 11:43 am

    Squidlo97:

    I was thinking the same thing about the Parcells tree this morning.

  137. 137
    Tim Wilson on January 21st, 2008 1:51 pm

    Kameleon,

    I would assume that the tender for Barber would be a first AND third rounder. That’d be the standard.

    Also, wasn’t the price for Michael Turner last offseason a 1st and 2nd rounder, MINIMUM? Why would Marion be worth less than that, especially when his popularity is at an all time high and he’s a proven back, not a backup like Turner was?

  138. 138
    Squidlo97 on January 21st, 2008 1:58 pm

    Charb, last year during the coach search there was alot of talk of young innovative guys. That the game has passed the older guys by and they couldnt relate to the younger guys. They were pointing to Payton, Mangini, and the coach in SF( cant think of his name). I like all of these guys but I just want more of a track record and little bit more time in the league. Notice how none of these guys look so hot now. I think they are still great coaches. I just got ribbed for being out of date and behind the times. I just wanted to rub a little dirt back on them.

  139. 139
    Squidlo97 on January 21st, 2008 2:02 pm

    Tim, I think that was the clubs stance on the 1st and a 2nd

    Hey guys Im a big LSU fan and actually like the Saints living in the New Orleans area and Im here to tell you that as much as I love Devery Henderson, he sure does drop a boatload of balls. I mean whole alot. I can promise you that after a few games you will want to tar and feather him.

  140. 140
    kameleon_o on January 21st, 2008 2:07 pm

    Well, I’m basically going off the assumption that we wouldn’t be afraid to lose Barber. Just a scenario. It’s more along the lines of, would you take a 1st round pick for MB3??

    You’re right about Turner. They put the 1st and 3rd round tender on him. They also didn’t get it. Teams didn’t want to give up that much. Would teams be more willing to give up just a 1st for him rather than a 1st and a 3rd?? Maybe a team like the Seahogs who have a low 1st round pick?? Who knows?? Just throwing ideas against the wall.

  141. 141
    kameleon_o on January 21st, 2008 2:08 pm

    Here’s one link about how much the Chargers wanted for Turner:

    http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2850586

  142. 142
    Squidlo97 on January 21st, 2008 2:24 pm

    Kam, I with you. I like the idea of thorwing different senarios. I think that article proves our point. Teams will be reluctant to give up that much and we will be able to drive the price down some. It is somewhat of a gamble but then this whole offseason is.

  143. 143
    kameleon_o on January 21st, 2008 2:39 pm

    Yeah Squid. And the whole thing is that in the end, if we decide to not sign him to a long term deal, and if a team does NOT decide to sign him to an offer sheet thereby giving us a 1st round pick, then we still get to keep the guy for another year at around $2 mill. Like you said, it’s all a gamble in the when it comes to how you approach your RFA’s.

  144. 144
    greatwhitenorth on January 21st, 2008 3:21 pm

    Here’s my “Stone Cold Lock” prediction for the offseason: Julius Jones signs with Chicago. Having made a mistake in letting his brother go to the Jets, the Bears sign Julius as the “lightning” to Cedric Benson’s “thunder.”

    Those who have completely written off JJ’s career should take a closer look at his brother’s–Thomas was even more highly touted out of college, then was considered a bust after three years in Arizona. A change of scenery in Tampa Bay revitalized his career, and he’s become a quality second-tier RB. Julius is on exactly that same track, and I wish him luck at his next stop.

  145. 145
    biz is winning on January 21st, 2008 3:28 pm

    i really hate the patriots.norv not going for it on 4th down in pats territory was a mistake.there was plenty of time left i just thought if they had made it the momentum would of changed and the pats would of been forced to score.instead they punt and never got the ball back.considering the chargers