490 replies to this topic

[drtooth]

Sun Jan 13, 4:30 on FOX

This could be very interesting. Giants seem to build off their effort against the Pats and are 8-1 on the road. Dallas stumbled down the stretch and who knows what shape TO may be in. If manning avoids big mistakes, the Giants can beat the Cowboys, but I'm not sure it will happen. Dallas 21-20

Please discuss

[Maalox]

Sun Jan 13, 4:30 on FOX

This could be very interesting. Giants seem to build off their effort against the Pats and are 8-1 on the road. Dallas stumbled down the stretch and who knows what shape TO may be in. If manning avoids big mistakes, the Giants can beat the Cowboys, but I'm not sure it will happen. Dallas 21-20

Please discuss

This is the Maalox Metric:

The team with the lower total of penalties + turnovers will win.

Either that or the team that scores the most points will win. It's one or the other.

e2cDkFxpYrc&rel=1

[Zomp]

Manning had a great game against Dallas in the first game of the season(4 Td. 1 INT), and a mediocre game in the second which was in Giant's Stadium.

I read today that Owens will probably suit up and play but obviously won't be 100%.

As a Giants fan, I'm glad to see the team playing well and its nice to get a win in the playoffs. If Osi and Strahan can get to Romo early...I guess you never know.

My heart tells me the Giants will pull off an upset, but my head says Cowboys 27-17.

[DJnVa]

I think this is the most likely upset of the weekend, with the other NFC game being next.

*If* Romo's thumb is okay and TO can go, I think Dallas gets up early and punishes the Giants with Barber and short passes to Witten. This will force Eli to throw and unless he's up to the challenge, I like Dallas to gradually pull away...something like 30-14.

If Romo is bothered and TO hobbled, I think it'll be a low-scoring game, something like 17-14, going either way.

Edited by DJnVa, 07 January 2008 - 01:21 PM.

[Havok]

Speaking of hobbled wide receivers, Plaxico Burress is an absolute beast:

Plaxico Burress has played this season with a torn ligament in his ankle.
He tore the ligament in Week 2. "Everybody thinks it's just a sprain. It's not," Burress said. "I tore my ligament off the bone. That's why I haven't been practicing. Anybody else would be on IR at home." Burress has also dealt with a swollen knee since November, but has been practicing on a limited basis for the last two weeks. He will start in the Divisional Round.

- Rotoworld


TheGreek.com has the line for this game at DAL (-7.5) with an O/U of 47.5.

[Carmine Hose]

Plaxico Burress is an absolute beast

Real men (aka Patriots) don't talk about their injuries

[RedOctober3829]

Eli tore up the NFL's best pass defense. With the success he had in Dallas and the way the 'Boys ended up the season I think they are ripe for an upset. Jacobs can get to the outside easier on the Cowboys than he did against Tampa and should do well. If they use Ahmad Bradshaw as they have been recently he will be an effective weapon out of the backfield. Kevin Boss is stepping up at the right time as well with Shockey out. I'm really excited to watch this game on Sunday. Sunday should be the best divisional playoff day(NYG-DAL and SD-IND) in the last 10 years.

[Montana Fan]

Good luck to Romo. His offseason is going to come early. Those who questioned Coughlin's decision to play the Pats at full strength were wrong. The Giants are playing their best ball of the season.

Edited by Montana Fan, 07 January 2008 - 02:28 PM.

[Havok]

TO practices:

Turns out that WR Terrell Owens did participate in this morning’s walkthrough after all.

Several players in the Cowboys locker room indicated as much, saying that Owens was pretty much a full participant in the short session on the outdoor fields at Valley Ranch. Owens was spotted in the training room afterwards, wearing his practice jersey, but declined to speak on the matter.

He was receiving treatment on the high left ankle sprain he suffered against Carolina from associate athletic trainer Britt Brown. Owens was not present for the 15 minutes of this morning's workout that was open to the media.

But Owens’ presence in any capacity has to be considered a positive. Coach Wade Phillips said last week he wasn’t expecting Owens to participate in practice until “Wednesday or Thursday” of this week.

- Dallas Morning News

[Bosoxen]

As if it weren't bad enough that Parcells had been pillaging the Cowboys staff, and Tony Sparano and Jason Garrett were out interviewing for head coaching positions last week. Now this shit hits the fan:

Romo's little vacation

Seriously, what the fuck is wrong with this guy? He hasn't played a decent game in a month, but he's out of the country a week before the biggest game of the season?

Amid all of the distractions, the Cowboys will have to prepare to beat a Giants team that matches up well with them, for the third time this season. I hate to say it, but unless Ellie Manning implodes, the Giants win this game.

[Pork Fried Jim Rice]

All the spreads this week are more than -7 for the home team, obviously they're all expected to be decent favorites, but I think this has the biggest chance for an upset between Romo's thumb, TO's ankle and mainly the play of the Giants the past two weeks.

This is gonna be the only game I bet on, but I really like the Giants chances.

[Maalox]

Good luck to Romo. His offseason is going to come early. Those who questioned Coughlin's decision to play the Pats at full strength were wrong. The Giants are playing their best ball of the season.

Whoever said she was built like Maurice Jones-Drew was out of his mind.

[Maalox]

As if it weren't bad enough that Parcells had been pillaging the Cowboys staff, and Tony Sparano and Jason Garrett were out interviewing for head coaching positions last week. Now this shit hits the fan:

Romo's little vacation

Seriously, what the fuck is wrong with this guy? He hasn't played a decent game in a month, but he's out of the country a week before the biggest game of the season?

Amid all of the distractions, the Cowboys will have to prepare to beat a Giants team that matches up well with them, for the third time this season. I hate to say it, but unless Ellie Manning implodes, the Giants win this game.

I dunno, I don't have a problem with that. If there were picks of him with a beer in his hand or out dancing late, that would look bad. But all we know is he was "in Mexico." You're a Texan. Isn't Mexico Texas' equivalent of Rhode Island? This is like Brady going to Westerly for the weekend.

[Carmine Hose]

Brady was in NYC with Giselle at least 2 nights last week.

[SawxSince67]

As if it weren't bad enough that Parcells had been pillaging the Cowboys staff, and Tony Sparano and Jason Garrett were out interviewing for head coaching positions last week. Now this shit hits the fan:

Romo's little vacation

Seriously, what the fuck is wrong with this guy? He hasn't played a decent game in a month, but he's out of the country a week before the biggest game of the season?

Amid all of the distractions, the Cowboys will have to prepare to beat a Giants team that matches up well with them, for the third time this season. I hate to say it, but unless Ellie Manning implodes, the Giants win this game.

I think it would take an extraordinary situation to pull Garrett away from Dallas. He's got alot of talent to play with. This is not the case for every team. And, he seems to be too professional a guy to be distracted by the interviews. (So, I hope.)

I'm unconcerned about Romo going away for a few days and tapping that ass. (As long as Witten isn't in the room.) We really have no idea how other people have spent their bye week.

The offense's (this falls alot on Romo) lack of sharpness is a huge concern, but that's been going on since about midway through the GB game.

Nearly everything Eli threw yesterday was mid-level. He seemed to be taking advantage of the Bucs LBs worrying about Jacobs. And Eli has looked more focused than I can recall.

But, the Giants at their best aren't better than the "best" version of the Cowboys. Now, we just need to see which version of the team shows up this Sunday.

Plaxico Burress is an absolute beast:

So...I shouldn't have been calling him Plexiglass all this time? Actually, in the first DAL - NYG game, I though the Giants let Dallas off the hook - Eli just stopped throwing to Burress. The Cowboys DBs (kind of a a skeleton crew at that point) had no answers for the fades and jump balls.

[kenneycb]

So...I shouldn't have been calling him Plexiglass all this time? Actually, in the first DAL - NYG game, I though the Giants let Dallas off the hook - Eli just stopped throwing to Burress. The Cowboys DBs (kind of a a skeleton crew at that point) had no answers for the fades and jump balls.

Isn't plexiglass extremely durable? In all my years of playing hockey I've seen some pretty big hits and shots and have never seen it break. Furthermore, it is used in police riot gear, motorcycle helmets, submarines, and for other high pressure, large impact purposes. If anything, "Plexiglass" is more compliment than disparaging nickname.

And yes, he does scare me against the Cowboys pass D, torn ligament and all. My only concern is whether Eli can put together a string of three straight good games, all in high pressured situations.

[Havok]

Isn't plexiglass extremely durable? In all my years of playing hockey I've seen some pretty big hits and shots and have never seen it break. Furthermore, it is used in police riot gear, motorcycle helmets, submarines, and for other high pressure, large impact purposes. If anything, "Plexiglass" is more compliment than disparaging nickname.

And yes, he does scare me against the Cowboys pass D, torn ligament and all. My only concern is whether Eli can put together a string of three straight good games, all in high pressured situations.

I remember that a couple of years ago, some defensive player (or maybe it was one of his ex-Steelers teammates?) referred to Plaxico as plexiglass, and the media informed him that plexiglass was very hard to break. Pretty funny stuff.

On the Tony Romo-in-Mexico front, here he is:

[SawxSince67]

Isn't plexiglass extremely durable?

Of course, but as Havok indicated: with the intent of questioning his desire/ability to play through pain, a Steelers team mate referred to him as plexiglass. My grasp of the language is as weak as his former team mates...

Eli has put together some games. Some drives. Some plays. Dallas needs to introduce adversity quickly. AND - Brandon Jacobs caught a pass (barely)! Inside screen for a TD v. TB. An unfortunate trend...

Boss has filled in nicely. That sucks. Though I haven't watching his blocking enough. Shockey was a fighter when he had to stay in.

The Giants O-line and D line are as effective as the Cowboy lines. The separation will come with the skill players. What are your other thoughts, gents?

[bmacfarlane]

I like the Giants to win. It's tough to beat a good team three times in a season and as someone else mentioned, the Giants seem focused, enjoy playing on the road and are very confident being on the road. Eli is taking what the defense gives him. Here's a great quote from the Bucs, "He made little, annoying third-down conversions when he needed to," linebacker Barrett Ruud said. "If it is third-and-8, he gets 8 1/2 yards. That was frustrating." I think the Giants are going to catch an overconfident Dallas team and win 24-13.

[stevman17]

The Giants O-line and D line are as effective as the Cowboy lines. The separation will come with the skill players. What are your other thoughts, gents?

My thoughts are that all the hoopla surrounding Romo is being blown WAY out of proportion. Going on vacation during a two week layoff seems like the perfect thing to do for a quarterback after a long season facing an important game. What would you rather have him do? Cage himself in a room binging on red bulls, going insane, and defacating all over himself in a nervous rage over the upcoming game? I guess if your a Giants fan you would.

In addition, his poor performance in the last three weeks (1 TD 5 int's) is also being blown out of proportion. In two of those games the Cowboys already clinched the playoffs, and realistically clinched homefield. In all but one of his first 13 games he was simply amazing (35 TD 14 int's). He also had a bruised thumb at the time(which is probably healed by now), and in the last game was continuously forcing the ball to Witten to get him the franchise record for catches.

Which brings me to Eli....he clearly is not as horrible as his 4 straight years of bottom of the barrel stats would suggest,(ranked #30 in DPAR by football outsiders this season), but he is far from the elite NFL QB level I believe Romo(#6) to be at.

Looking at the other players, everyone is going nuts over Brandon Jacobs(ranked #7 in DPAR for running backs), but what about Marion Barber (#3). The top wideouts? Plaxico is admittedly a great wideout capable of making huge plays but comes in at #38 while Owens sit at #2 behind a guy named Moss.(They are both banged up so I think that evens it out) Tight ends isn't really a close battle as Witten has proven to be a star, while Schockey will be relegated to emotional support.

On to the Defense. The Giants clearly have the better line, but not by much as Demarcus Ware is arguably the best defensive player in football (he can't help but make awesome plays.) The Giants D-Line is rated #3 in the NFL with the Boys sitting at #8. When you factor in the secondary the teams shift places with Dallas at #10 and the G Men falling to #14.

How it breaks down in my eyes is the 'Boys clearly have the superior offensive talent (better WR's, better RB's, and the way better TE and QB). The defenses are more of a wash than anything else, Cowboys have the better secondary, but the Giants rush the passer very well. So it comes down to that: if the Giants can contain and disrupt Romo, and they can stop Ware on offense, they can win.

I, however, do not see this happening. Cowboys 35 Giants 14. Eli shits the bed, and Ware eats it.

[Pork Fried Jim Rice]

The top wideouts? Plaxico is admittedly a great wideout capable of making huge plays but comes in at #38 while Owens sit at #2 behind a guy named Moss.(They are both banged up so I think that evens it out) Tight ends isn't really a close battle as Witten has proven to be a star, while Schockey will be relegated to emotional support.

I think that saying they're both banged up isn't really a fair comparison for their injuries. Plaxico is battling the same injuries he's played with and played great all season, while Owens is questionable if he'll even play. If he can play he surely won't be close to 100%, with Plaxico you can expect to see him perform at the levels he has the past couple of weeks which is very good. I also think that Toomer is a better receiver than Crayton is, and while I don't think he'll have as easy a time getting open as he did against TB I think he will make some big catches.

Also, Boss definitely isn't as good as Witten, but I'm suprised how well he's filled it. I don't think he blocks as well as Shockey, but when he's gone out for passes it doesn't look like they're missing a beat with Shockey out.

[stevman17]

I think that saying they're both banged up isn't really a fair comparison for their injuries. Plaxico is battling the same injuries he's played with and played great all season, while Owens is questionable if he'll even play. If he can play he surely won't be close to 100%, with Plaxico you can expect to see him perform at the levels he has the past couple of weeks which is very good. I also think that Toomer is a better receiver than Crayton is, and while I don't think he'll have as easy a time getting open as he did against TB I think he will make some big catches.

Also, Boss definitely isn't as good as Witten, but I'm suprised how well he's filled it. I don't think he blocks as well as Shockey, but when he's gone out for passes it doesn't look like they're missing a beat with Shockey out.

I don't think what you said contradicted anything I said, except for the Toomer Crayton comparo which is correct. I was tring to make the point re: TO that even if he is more hobbled he is still as good if not better than Plax. Also, yes Boss has not been horirble, but Witten has been amazing, so my point still stands.

[Pork Fried Jim Rice]

I was tring to make the point re: TO that even if he is more hobbled he is still as good if not better than Plax.

This is where my disagreement was. If TO is injured to the point that it's possible he won't even be playing, then there's no way he's still as good if not matter than Burress. And if he can't play, that's a huge loss to Dallas (bigger than Moss to the Patriots would be) in my opinion.

[bmacfarlane]

The Giants need to add a new wrinkle to the play book for this game. I'd like to see more short passes to Bradshaw out of the backfield.

[stevman17]

The Giants need to add a new wrinkle to the play book for this game. I'd like to see more short passes to Bradshaw out of the backfield.

I was about to add a 1 liner snarky post in response to this, but I am controlling myself.

I feel as if everyone is acting like the Giants will make the neccesary adjustments to beat the 'Boys because Dalllas has won twice and it's "hard to beat a team three times." How about this logic which is also based upon no statistical fact but makes sense "it is hard to beat a team that beat you twice, won 13 games, and is better than you at every concievable position except for defensive line."

I showed in my previous post that the Cowboys are far superior and people come up with this stuff "just throw to bradshaw", or just have Jacobs catch passes. Why wouldn't the Cowboys just throw to Barber....or have anyone else on their team who has been great to continue to be great? This reminds me of the logic that Tony Romo was not going to be a good quarterback this year because "well he was good last year, so he can't be good twice." However, Eli would be good because he was awful for 4 straight years.

THE COWBOYS ARE BETTER. WAY BETTER. THEY BEAT THE GIANTS TWICE BECAUSE THEY ARE BETTER. (yes i'm yelling) They are well rested and well run, and they will win again.

[SawxSince67]

I was about to add a 1 liner snarky post in response to this, but I am controlling myself.

Why is bmcfarlane's thought such a problem? Jacobs is a terrible receiver. His hands are like stone - Manos de Piedra. Bradshaw (v. Jacobs) is a nice change-up.

Many teams employ a pass to the RB just past DeMarcus Ware's speed rush.

Awesomely, Ware has the agility to do a 180 and occasionally track the RB down...

[bmacfarlane]

I was about to add a 1 liner snarky post in response to this, but I am controlling myself.

I feel as if everyone is acting like the Giants will make the neccesary adjustments to beat the 'Boys because Dalllas has won twice and it's "hard to beat a team three times." How about this logic which is also based upon no statistical fact but makes sense "it is hard to beat a team that beat you twice, won 13 games, and is better than you at every concievable position except for defensive line."

I showed in my previous post that the Cowboys are far superior and people come up with this stuff "just throw to bradshaw", or just have Jacobs catch passes. Why wouldn't the Cowboys just throw to Barber....or have anyone else on their team who has been great to continue to be great? This reminds me of the logic that Tony Romo was not going to be a good quarterback this year because "well he was good last year, so he can't be good twice." However, Eli would be good because he was awful for 4 straight years.

THE COWBOYS ARE BETTER. WAY BETTER. THEY BEAT THE GIANTS TWICE BECAUSE THEY ARE BETTER. (yes i'm yelling) They are well rested and well run, and they will win again.

There's a reason these games are actually played. I'm sure you could find all sorts of statistical fact why neither the Eagles nor Redskins should've beat your boys but I guess we all know what happened there. The Giants were 3-3 and the Cowboys 4-2 in the division. Cowboys 6-2 at home Giants 7-1 on the road while 3-5 at home. Game 1 at Dallas, both Jacobs and sack leader Umenyiora were injured and Boys win by 10, game 2 at Giants a questionable holding call cost NY a touchdown that would have tied the game in the fourth quarter. No doubt the Giants need their A game but isn't that what the playoffs are about anyway?

[DJnVa]

I showed in my previous post that the Cowboys are far superior and people come up with this stuff "just throw to bradshaw",

THE COWBOYS ARE BETTER. WAY BETTER. THEY BEAT THE GIANTS TWICE BECAUSE THEY ARE BETTER. (yes i'm yelling) They are well rested and well run, and they will win again.

Heh....OCL is back as a Cowboy fan.

[Bosoxen]

There's a reason these games are actually played. I'm sure you could find all sorts of statistical fact why neither the Eagles nor Redskins should've beat your boys but I guess we all know what happened there. The Giants were 3-3 and the Cowboys 4-2 in the division. Cowboys 6-2 at home Giants 7-1 on the road while 3-5 at home. Game 1 at Dallas, both Jacobs and sack leader Umenyiora were injured and Boys win by 10, game 2 at Giants a questionable holding call cost NY a touchdown that would have tied the game in the fourth quarter. No doubt the Giants need their A game but isn't that what the playoffs are about anyway?

The Redskins game doesn't prove a damn thing. That game was the proverbial mail-in. While I agree that this is no slam dunk for the Cowboys, let's be realistic and not reach for something that means less than nothing.

Also, you're throwing out records at home and on the road, like they matter. All the while, you are discounting the fact that the Cowboys did sweep the season series, won 13 games, won the division, and have the best record in the conference.

"There's a reason they play the game," right? All that other garbage doesn't matter anymore. Not what stevman pointed out, and not what you pointed out, either. This game will be decided on the field, not on the regular season box scores.

[stevman17]

There's a reason these games are actually played. I'm sure you could find all sorts of statistical fact why neither the Eagles nor Redskins should've beat your boys but I guess we all know what happened there. The Giants were 3-3 and the Cowboys 4-2 in the division. Cowboys 6-2 at home Giants 7-1 on the road while 3-5 at home. Game 1 at Dallas, both Jacobs and sack leader Umenyiora were injured and Boys win by 10, game 2 at Giants a questionable holding call cost NY a touchdown that would have tied the game in the fourth quarter. No doubt the Giants need their A game but isn't that what the playoffs are about anyway?

My original post was to give statistical information regarding how much better the Cowboys are. My second post was meant to deride posts that argue that the Giants and only the Giants will, because only they will make the correct adjustments.

I apologize for being sensitive to this sort of thing, but I live in Jersey with all Giants fans. They all think the Giants will win (obviously) and none of them have a real reason for thinking so. Of course anyone can win any given Sunday, shit LSU would probably beat the Cowboys 1 in a 100, but to expect a team to do so for no good reason is less than intelligent.

[Zomp]

but to expect a team to do so for no good reason is less than intelligent.

Don't Giants fans have "good reason" to think their team can win though? They are playing well, winning a playoff game on the road. Eli has put together a couple of good, not great, games. Plus, they went toe-to-toe with arguably the greatest team of all-time. A team that is 150% better than anyone they will play in the NFC.

I'm a Giants fan, and I think the WILL lose. But I also think they CAN win...and I can't fault fans for being overly optimistic.

[Pork Fried Jim Rice]

Don't Giants fans have "good reason" to think their team can win though? They are playing well, winning a playoff game on the road. Eli has put together a couple of good, not great, games. Plus, they went toe-to-toe with arguably the greatest team of all-time. A team that is 150% better than anyone they will play in the NFC.

I'm a Giants fan, and I think the WILL lose. But I also think they CAN win...and I can't fault fans for being overly optimistic.

In addition to this, we still don't know if TO is playing and if he can play how effective he'll be. Romo hasn't been great recently, and there are also concerns about his thumb. I really like what I've seen from the Giants the past two weeks, I think there's a very good chance that they can beat Dallas. I wouldn't make them the favorite, but I think they have the best chance of any non-bye team to win this week.

[Bosoxen]

My original post was to give statistical information regarding how much better the Cowboys are. My second post was meant to deride posts that argue that the Giants and only the Giants will, because only they will make the correct adjustments.

I apologize for being sensitive to this sort of thing, but I live in Jersey with all Giants fans. They all think the Giants will win (obviously) and none of them have a real reason for thinking so. Of course anyone can win any given Sunday, shit LSU would probably beat the Cowboys 1 in a 100, but to expect a team to do so for no good reason is less than intelligent.

I read your initial post, thinking that you were a Giants fan. And much to my surprise, you seemed to be giving the Cowboys a whole lot of credit (so I didn't give the post much thought). But now that I know that you're a Cowboys fan, my impression of that post has completely shifted the other way. Your bias is not only clearly evident, but it's also a bit misled.

Here are the issues that I have with that post:

1) The Cowboys do not have a clear edge in the QB department, at the moment. In fact, I might be willing to give that edge to Manning. Romo hasn't played a decent game in a month.

2) The Cowboys do not have a clear edge in the WR department, either. This is assuming that TO won't be 100%. Which he more than likely will not be.

3) The Cowboys do not have a clear edge in the RB department. Barber may be better than Jacobs. But when you factor in the fact that Julius Jones is almost completely useless, the line begins to blur a tad.

4) I think you're overrating the Cowboys' secondary. Sure, the Giants' secondary leaves a lot to be desired. But the Cowboys' secondary has its own flaws, as well.

5) DeMarcus Ware, the best defensive player in the league? I can't even comment on how ridiculous that is. He's a damn good player, don't get me wrong. But I think you need to put the kool aid down for a second.

-----

I'll await your "good reason" why you should discount the Giants' chances of winning the game. "My team is better than yours" may fly with your average, idiot Cowboys fan. But that crap doesn't fly with me.

Full disclaimer - I'm a Cowboys fan, and I'm not entirely convinced that they're going to win the game. Especially not by the huge margin that many of my more homerrific brethren believe (I got a prediction of 30-13 yesterday...I almost died laughing).

Edited by Bosoxen, 09 January 2008 - 02:04 PM.

[bmacfarlane]

I apologize for being sensitive to this sort of thing, but I live in Jersey with all Giants fans.

No need to apologize, I understand your frustration regarding living in Jersey and being surrounded by Giants fans. I'm a Sox fan living in NY surrounded by mfy fans. I'm just not convinced that the Cowboys are clearly superior to the Giants at this time. To me, the difference in this game will be Eli's ability to manage the game combined with the Giants defense's ability to pressure Romo, TO's status and of course turnovers.

[EP Sox Fan]

Full disclaimer - I'm a Cowboys fan, and I'm not entirely convinced that they're going to win the game. Especially not by the huge margin that many of my more homerrific brethren believe (I got a prediction of 30-13 yesterday...I almost died laughing).

While not addressed to me, I couldn't agree more with your analysis. This game has all the makings of an upset (the only nice thing is that a lot of experts are picking the upset which may help us come out with some intensity). Speaking of intensity, the Cowboys will need to find some because I haven't seen it since the Green Bay game, especially on the defensive side of the ball. If they come out and knock Eli around early and often, I think they prevent him from getting into a groove, give him some happy feet and we see bad Eli. However, I think it's more likely the Giants come out pounding the ball on the ground with Jacobs (who rushed for almost 100 yards against us in the second game and matches up favorably with our linebackers) and Bradshaw trying to eat up the clock allowing Manning to play caretaker and utilize the play action. If they do that and we can't stop the run, I foresee a long afternoon. Offensively, if Owens is effective (and recalling his Super Bowl performance versus the Pats, I think he will be) that opens up the middle of the field for Witten and Crayton as well as allow for a possible deep shht with Glenn (if his legs are good). Getting back Gurode for the game is huge as well. Everyone talks about TO's injury, but his injury is a big reason why the offense was putrid in the last few games. Having a healthy o-line will help with running game, assuming Jason Garrett doesn't abandon it somewhere in the second quarter.

(Yes, I know this analysis has more "ifs" than a Gammo spring training column).

Bottom line: I am very nervous about this game. Any Cowboys fan who thinks we're winning by 17 points needs to step away from the bandwagon and put down the crack pipe.

[Zomp]

The Cowboys Will Lose: Here's Why

Pretty good argument there.

I can't believe this is the first time they have ever played each other in the playoffs.

[bmacfarlane]

I was talking to a Dallas fan today and we both agreed that one problem is Jessica Simpson. It's not Jessica herself but the way the media has put it into Romo's head that now if he doesn't play well it's Jessica's fault. I think if Romo doesn't get off to a good start his head full of Jessica will turn him into Roger Rabbit.

[Reverend]

No need to apologize, I understand your frustration regarding living in Jersey and being surrounded by Giants fans. I'm a Sox fan living in NY surrounded by mfy fans. I'm just not convinced that the Cowboys are clearly superior to the Giants at this time. To me, the difference in this game will be Eli's ability to manage the game combined with the Giants defense's ability to pressure Romo, TO's status and of course turnovers.

It's so touching to see two antagonists resolve their difference over their mutual dislike of NY fans. I too live in the tri-state area. I'm so moved that I decided to offer as a gift to both of you fine fans the answer to the initial issue of contention, which I recall was this:

I feel as if everyone is acting like the Giants will make the neccesary adjustments to beat the 'Boys because Dalllas has won twice and it's "hard to beat a team three times." How about this logic which is also based upon no statistical fact but makes sense "it is hard to beat a team that beat you twice, won 13 games, and is better than you at every concievable position except for defensive line."

For some perspective, teams have met a third time 53 times since the merger, but in 36 instances they split in the regular season:

How difficult is it to beat a team three times in one season? Only 17 teams since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger know for sure. According to STATS, Inc., teams are 11-6 when trying to complete a three-game season sweep over a playoff opponent.

Link

[Bosoxen]

Owens practiced today

[SawxSince67]

Glenn Looking Good - Dallas Morning News blog

Cowboys WR Terry Glenn was listed as a "full" participant in today's practice, and he was almost all that. "Terry Glenn participated in practice, more than limited, I would say," is the way coach Wade Phillips put it.

Just don't read some of the comments. Pretty lame...

[Bosoxen]

Just don't read some of the comments. Pretty lame...

You know I had to.

Let's just be cautious and say TO will be at 75% (I believe he'll be at least 81%).

That's just too delicious not to share. Random just doesn't quite cover it.

And I bet you guys thought I was joking about Cowboys fans being total fucking retards.

[stevman17]

1) The Cowboys do not have a clear edge in the QB department, at the moment. In fact, I might be willing to give that edge to Manning. Romo hasn't played a decent game in a month.

2) The Cowboys do not have a clear edge in the WR department, either. This is assuming that TO won't be 100%. Which he more than likely will not be.

3) The Cowboys do not have a clear edge in the RB department. Barber may be better than Jacobs. But when you factor in the fact that Julius Jones is almost completely useless, the line begins to blur a tad.

4) I think you're overrating the Cowboys' secondary. Sure, the Giants' secondary leaves a lot to be desired. But the Cowboys' secondary has its own flaws, as well.

5) DeMarcus Ware, the best defensive player in the league? I can't even comment on how ridiculous that is. He's a damn good player, don't get me wrong. But I think you need to put the kool aid down for a second.

Regarding #1: Romo's season number's, even going into last year are so superior to Manning's it is ridiculous. Like I said in a previous post, he started sliding right when the Cowboys clinched the playoffs, and in the last game he was forcing the ball into Witten every play just to get him the record. I know it is hard to ignore 3 weels of poor play, but those two factors combined (in my opinion) contribute to it alot. Eli has had 2 great weeks in a row, and more or less plaid poorly for his entire career previously. I hold to my opinion that the Cowboys are far superior at the QB position.

Sure, TO is up in the air but apparently Glenn looks great and he is a more than solid WR. I also have a hunch that T.O. will come out firing on all cylinders.

I still believe that Barber is way better than either Jacobs or Bradshaw. I have been saying all year that once we hit the playoffs they will take the leash off barber and instead of seeing 50% of carries he will see 90% in effect negating the uselessness of JJ.


I may well be overating the secondary, but with Newman they are preety solid. I'll take Romo against the Giants secondary over Eli against ours all week. Finally, regarding Ware: I was being hyperbolic (is that a word?) I admit, but he is a freakish player who can accomplish amazing things.

The Giants are good, and their D-Line scares the crap out of me, but it is the only part of their team that is better than ours. We should win, and we will. Cowboys 35 Giants 14.

Edit: I undertand how you feel about the stupid Cowboys fans, but I don't consider myself to be one. I brought out the best statistics from footballoutsiders that I know of in making my argument. I do not think the Cowboys are the best team ever, but I do think you are underestimating them, and giving the Gmen far too much credit.

How difficult is it to beat a team three times in one season? Only 17 teams since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger know for sure. According to STATS, Inc., teams are 11-6 when trying to complete a three-game season sweep over a playoff opponent.

THANKS! I love this stat as it proves what I already believed. Just because a team beat you twice, does not make it easier for you to beat them.

Edited by stevman17, 11 January 2008 - 12:45 PM.

[Sille Skrub]

Plus, they went toe-to-toe with arguably the greatest team of all-time. A team that is 150% better than anyone they will play in the NFC.

Even after all 16 games, this is amazing to read. It's just really weird when it is your team.

Once again, the Giants are in the most intriguing game of the weekend. I think they have a good shot to go into Dallas and win this game. TO will be a factor and I think he will play well. Say what you want about the guy, but he is a warrior. I've always said that what he did in Super Bowl XXXIX would be more highly regarded than the bloody sock if the Eagles had won the game.

"Yoko Romo" is a really funny nickname for Jessica making the rounds. Good stuff.

[sfip]

As much as I think the whole Romo/Simpson dating is a non-issue on the field, the "Yoko Romo" nickname is funny. This cbssportsline article gives Dan Patrick the credit for it.

[Maalox]

I would do nasty things to Pam Oliver.

[kolbitr]

You know I had to.
That's just too delicious not to share. Random just doesn't quite cover it.

And I bet you guys thought I was joking about Cowboys fans being total fucking retards.

Well, it could be an intentional allusion to Owens' own comments during Super Bowl week while with the Eagles, when he quipped, in answer to a reporter's question, that he was at "81%".

Unless I am missing the whole point here....

[ngruz25]

Hah, Arcade Fire in the lead-in. I like it.

[Maalox]

NFL is really pushing Tom Petty in preparation for the SB. "Love Is A Long Road."

[ScubaSteveAvery]

Dallas is going to have to stop Jacobs. Back to back runs early with sufficient yardage.

edit: Christ, Eli throwing a floater in the middle of the field. dumb.

Edited by ScubaSteveAvery, 13 January 2008 - 04:49 PM.

[Lars The Wanderer]

Eli looks scared.