January 13, 2008

Giants down Cowboys 21-17: : in the day's second upset, the fifth-seeded Giants defeated the top-seed Cowboys in Dallas.

read story | posted by lil_brown_bat to Football at 7:33 PM CDT (84 comments total)

posted by lil_brown_bat at 7:36 PM CDT on January 13

Nice one, lbb!

Now, let's see how Eli holds up against the Packers.

posted by steelergirl at 7:40 PM CDT on January 13

As a Dallas native I hate to see the Cowboys lose, but at least they played their best. Is Jessica Simpson dating their receivers and offensive line too?

posted by rcade at 7:41 PM CDT on January 13

Congrats to the Giants, played a great game.
In addition to llb comments

Archie: Both of you shut up or I'll knock your heads together! Olivia come in here and do something with your sons!

posted by Nakeman at 7:43 PM CDT on January 13

Olivia: Where's Matty?

posted by BoKnows at 8:00 PM CDT on January 13

Olivia: Where's Matty?

Didn't want to get in the middle of the fighting and went out for a burger.

posted by Nakeman at 8:03 PM CDT on January 13

The ESPN recap included the passage:

Terrell Owens came to his quarterback's defense, even crying behind dark sunglasses with a quivering bottom lip while declaring, "You can point the finger at him, you can talk about the vacation (with Simpson), and if you do that, it's really unfair. That's my teammate. ... We lost as a team."

I had to check the URL. I thought I was reading The Onion.

posted by gspm at 8:12 PM CDT on January 13

You know, every time I think I have TO figured out, he pulls something like this. Good for him - its taken a long time for him to really grasp team spirit, but now he's a believer as only a late convert can be.

Its like listening to Randy Moss this season. Who would have thought he could be supportive?

Anyhow, this makes me like TO quite a bit more.

posted by Joey Michaels at 8:16 PM CDT on January 13

I'm slightly mystified why they went away from TO in the second half, particularly with a reserve on him. I know the the giants got pressure to Romo, but I'm wondering why he at least didn't throw some more balls his way hoping he'd come down with the ball. Anyone have more insight?

posted by jmd82 at 8:26 PM CDT on January 13

Anyhow, this makes me like TO quite a bit more.

Same here. He could tell that they wanted him to point the finger at Romo or at anybody else. He refused to do it, not as a calculated "I want to look like a team player" thing, but with obvious emotion. He's been making changed-man noises for a while this season, but now I believe him.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 8:41 PM CDT on January 13

The reason that Dallas lost was because Marion Barber hurt his leg (right or left hamstring) on one of the last plays of the second quarter and Dallas failed to adapt. They kept him in after his injury but with decreased capacity originally as a decoy, which was smart. Then kept him in too long. Check the first half stats vs the second half stats, and then watch the game again. Then watch his blitz pick-ups in the first half (crushing) and watch him limp around in the same role in the second half. Watch his taking on the initial attempted tackle in the first half, then compare that to his performance in the second half. I don't blame Marion Barber for trying, there is a culture of playing through pain. I do blame the coaches for allowing an injured back to fry to fulfill a role he was no longer capable of fulfilling. This is on the offensive coordinator.

posted by vapidave at 9:04 PM CDT on January 13

I'm just imagining the conversation around the Manning family table after today.

Eli: Hey, Peyton! Guess what I'm doing next weekend? I'm playing in the NFC championship game! Isn't that cool? And what are you doing next weekend?

Peyton: Shut up, you spaz. You're still my little brother

id like to revise that last line
peyton: hey little brother you know how i always punch you just for fun? if you dont shut the f()* up, ill start using my big-assed super bowl ring!

posted by elijahin at 9:10 PM CDT on January 13

NYG(Ely) vs Chargers in the Super Bowl, how nice would that be for Charger fans. Hey Archie are you watching?

posted by bigsky1949 at 9:52 PM CDT on January 13

Maybe I don't catch enough Cowboys games on TV, but I just noticed this for the first time: Romo is the most awkward throwing quarterback I've ever seen. His arm motion is jerky, he seems to always be throwing off his back foot, and it never looks like he's gotten a good throw. Compared to the quarterback gods (P.Manning, Brady), he looks just terrible.

posted by grum@work at 9:54 PM CDT on January 13

The reason that Dallas lost was because Marion Barber hurt his leg (right or left hamstring) on one of the last plays of the second quarter and Dallas failed to adapt.

In my opinion, the Cowboys lost because they started Barber over Jones. They wanted to establish momentum early and get the crowd on their side, which worked well. However, this left them without a closing punch in the 2nd half, one which they've been able to bank on all season. Barber was getting hammered (and hammering the defense) during the entire 1st half. They handed the 2ns half to Jones, which for the most part was inconsistent. The same goes for the Giants and Jacobs. Bradshaw has been being used more and more in the 2nd half to take advantage of the tired out D's, and also to give Jacobs an occasional breather. As for T.O, I think it was obvious he wasn't at 100%, even early on in the game. (He failed to catch some easy passes)... easy for T.O anyway. Romo became flustered late in the game, and his inexperience shined through. Dallas played a sloppy game, which often times is the difference. Overall, I feel the Giants played excellent on D- especially in the secondary. McQuarters stepped up big fro the 2nd week in a row, and the Giants will bring a big wave of momentum with them to Green Bay.

posted by Kendall at 11:03 PM CDT on January 13

Grum: Romo under pressure today wasn't indicative of the way he's thrown all season. He's great at improv and throwing on the move, a la Favre, but can also sling it from the pocket.

posted by rcade at 11:07 PM CDT on January 13

I don't really care how they lost or why thy lost. Just glad they lost.

posted by Buckfever14 at 11:21 PM CDT on January 13

Romo is the new Eli

posted by catfish at 11:36 PM CDT on January 13

As a lifelong NY Giants fan whose Dad grew up watching them play at the Polo grounds I can say that this was one of the top 5 wins EVER for me as a fan. Every week I root for two teams, the giants and whoever is playing the cowboys, but the talking heads heads dimissing the G-men this week made this so F-in sweet! Terry, Howie and Jimmie all wrote the Giants off before the game while Troy Aikmen, during the game thought of every excuse for the cowboys. I know the dude is a life long cowboy but this was a Nationally broadcast game, show some respect and "pretend" to be objective! So sweet!.. gotta savor this one... I would love to have another crack New England!

posted by firecop at 11:47 PM CDT on January 13

I've never been a Cowboy fan, nor a NY Football Giant fan -- hence, I had no emotional stake in the outcome of their contest. Just from a pure football playing standpoint, it seemed fairly clear that the Cowboy team squandered nurmerous opportunities to gain momentum (dropped passes, etc) and score clear touchdowns. Their penchant for committing penalties also destroyed their chances. Additionally, allowing the Giants to score so quickly at the end of the first half was pathetic on their part.

The Cowboys are probably the better team, but there's no way they deserved to win. Those pokes apparently need to learn some lessons -- and they'll get a long off season to realize and apply them.

The Giants put pressure on Romo and kept battling, and you've got to hand it to them for hanging on at the end. They were less than sensational, however, it just seemed that they were destined to win and the Cowboy team certainly obliged the football gods by self-destructing.

Now, we get to see what destiny holds for the Packers in the venerable "Frozen Tundra" of Lambeau Field. Brett Favre has got to be a nostalgic favorite to longtime football fans to make it to the Super Bowl, and I'm sure the networks will definitely be pulling for the Packers.

I'd like to see the Giants knock them off, although it would seem their football destiny probably ended today -- but again -- that's why they play the game.

posted by naturalpro at 11:57 PM CDT on January 13

I think the Giants have been soaring since the New England game. Deciding to bring their A game to that one has transformed them from a very, very good team to an excellent team.

Really, I had never seen a team so jubilant in defeat as New York after game 16. You could sort of feel that they knew they'd done something remarkable and that they had it in them to win.

I'm really thrilled for them and their fans that they won today.

posted by Joey Michaels at 5:36 AM CDT on January 14

I was at Lambeau Field on Saturday, I'll be there next Sunday, too. All you football fans who want the sporting experience of a lifetime, call H.R., take next Monday off, and open up your wallet and plunk down some serious cash and get to Lambeau Field for the NFC Championship game. In a year or two, you won't miss the money, but you'll have a sports memory hard to duplicate or exceed......guaranteed! And since the Pack will be favored (and should win) you will feel energy in a stadium like you've never felt before! From the Frozen Tundra to the Arizona Desert!!!

posted by LeftyPower at 5:39 AM CDT on January 14

Romo is the most awkward throwing quarterback I've ever seen.

You should really give the Titans a chance next time they're on TV.

posted by yerfatma at 6:16 AM CDT on January 14

... Troy Aikmen, during the game thought of every excuse for the cowboys. ...

Aikman's no Cowboys homer. He called them out for being unable to exploit an inexperienced Giants secondary.

posted by rcade at 7:25 AM CDT on January 14

I'm in mourning today.

posted by BornIcon at 7:49 AM CDT on January 14

Romo is the new Eli

if dallas doesnt want him he can bring his awkward-throwin', celebrity-datin' ass to san fran. im sure mike martz would be thrilled to have him.

posted by elijahin at 8:01 AM CDT on January 14

Jessica won't answer my calls and why is there a charge for a plane ticket to New York on my credit card? Signed Tony Romo

posted by chrash67 at 8:04 AM CDT on January 14

You would think that anyone watching the Giants and Chargers this weekend would take something from that but noooooooooo...

All I am reading this morning is everyone (like lefty)dismissing the Giants in favor of the Packers! Isnt that what Dallas did? What the Colts did? Its called "any given Sunday" and no team better think they can put their helmet on the field and come away with a win.

I happen to think the Packers and Favre are a class act but being a packer and playing home games in Lambau guarantees you NOTHING! They better bring the "A" game. If the last 4 games are any indication you can bet the New York Football Giants will:)

posted by firecop at 8:35 AM CDT on January 14

Sorry Rcade but Aikman's a total Cowboy Homer. (and I have alot of respect for Aikman as a former player)

All he talked about before the game was how great the Boy's were. Then he started in with the excuses. Only after It started to really show that the Boy's were in trouble did he start to get down on them. Then he only got down on "them" he rarely gave the G-men props for making plays, he blamed it on the Boys "not" making them.
Look, as a Giants fan it was completely transparent and much like watching Joe Buck call a Yankees playoff game. I know there are New York Haters out there but they shouldnt be allowed to call Nationally televised games.

posted by firecop at 8:45 AM CDT on January 14

I am a Romo fan and it is a shame that he will be the "cause" in the media. Whether or not he went away for a few days with his girlfriend had nothing to do with:

1) Poor tackling - TD catch for 52 yards where Cowboys fell off the reciever like flies

2) Eleven penalties for nearly 100 yards

3) Dropped TD pass by Fasano in the end zone resulting in the field goal.

4) TD drive with 46 seconds at the end of the half????

The shame of this is that TO proved to be a team player. They will disect Romo for what should have been a good game had there not been so many dropped balls (Crayton, Fasano), stopping on the long pass in the end zone (Crayton) that was slightly overthrown, and a sorry excuse for an O-line that couldn't stop the blitz in the second half or play with composure enough to keep from getting stupid penalties (Davis). I think they wore down and not the Giants.

I give all the credit to NY Giants (even though I can't stand them either). I guess they have as good a chance as any to be the sacrificial lamb to New England. At least now I can get the sour taste out of my mouth earlier and watch next week as two more teams (and their fans) can sit and say "what if". But, it clearly wasn't Romo and I hate it for him that he is thrown under the bus not by his teamates, but by the media.

posted by Mickster at 8:52 AM CDT on January 14

question for football nation: what is the point of taking a knee at the end of the half? if you have a few seconds left, why not wing one? i see this all the time. i saw norv turner call for it yesterday when his team was even within hail mary range. i dont understand this. the odds of throwing a pick-6 are slim to none, if you throw it deep enough. what is it that coaches are afraid of?

posted by elijahin at 9:03 AM CDT on January 14

I don't think Romo going off with Jessica had anything to do with his play on the field, but I do think his decision to do it, especially after all the crap that became of her attending a game a few weeks earlier, was a poor decision. Everyone wants to point out how nothing bothers Romo, how he's going to do his own thing, blah, blah, blah. The point is, it brought too much attention for the wrong reasons down on the Cowboys during an important week for the team. He's obviously free to do as he pleases, but he could/should have seen the writing on the wall prior to making his travel plans. As quarterback of America's team, he is held to a different standard, and he has to accept that. He also has to accept the fact he hasn't really proved anything in the league yet and needs to still be dedicated, year around, to improving his play.

posted by dyams at 9:21 AM CDT on January 14

Speaking of the Aikman bias, anyone listen to WFAN radio? I was throughouly dissapointed in how one-sided they were. Every time the Boys scored or made a play the guys went nuts. When the Giants scored, you barely knew what happened. I expected more for a NY based station.

posted by Kendall at 9:31 AM CDT on January 14

All he talked about before the game was how great the Boy's were.

The Cowboys were the No. 1 seed in the NFC and they beat the Giants twice this season. They came into the game the better team, in most objective measures. I didn't hear Aikman's pregame, but I'm not sure what you're looking for him to say there.

The Cowboys were great, at least until they had to prove it in the playoffs. The Giants deserved to win, and it's possible they'll do the same to Green Bay. But unless you have concrete examples, I have trouble believing Aikman was a homer. I listened close when he began his announcing career to see if he sided with Dallas, and I was impressed with how candidly he criticized his old team.

posted by rcade at 9:38 AM CDT on January 14

Wow ... that Terrell Owens postgame really is a surprise. "We lost as a team" was about the last thing in the world I'd expect to hear from T.O. after that game.

posted by rcade at 9:54 AM CDT on January 14

I've seen Aikman on Fox and on PTI a number of times and he seems to be conscientious to a fault about not over-praising the Cowboys. Same for Moose.

posted by yerfatma at 10:06 AM CDT on January 14

question for football nation: what is the point of taking a knee at the end of the half? if you have a few seconds left, why not wing one? [...] what is it that coaches are afraid of?

They're afraid of interceptions (despite the slim chance) and injuries. An uber-conservative offensive mindset still permeates the league. The general attitude seems to be that any offensive play that didn't (a) result in a turnover, or (b) result in a huge loss of yards is a success.

Besides, the Hail Mary isn't a play that can be part of a larger coaching plan, and administrations are loathe to pull that sort of trick when they've invested millions of dollars in coaching and offensive coordination committees. It's not a football thing, it's a corporate thing.

I think the league is starting to shift away from this mindset (witness the Patriots' "it's their job to stop us from scoring" attitude earlier this year), but it's a slow transformation.

posted by DrJohnEvans at 10:30 AM CDT on January 14

Sorry Rcade but Aikman's a total Cowboy Homer. Look, as a Giants fan it was completely transparent and much like watching Joe Buck call a Yankees playoff game.

Look, as a Giants fan, I can tell you you're wrong on both accounts. The only point I can be critical of Aikman on yesterday was when he referred to Crayton as having the best hands on the team w/o a qualifying statement as to why he had just dropped several passes.

Emmit Smith on ESPN countdown was a different story, but not worth discussing - they're former players and are bound to feel some allegiance. You don't think Simms has an interest in seeing the Giants win? On the whole I think both Aikman and Simms do an excellent job. That's why they are on the #1 announcing teams.

posted by YukonGold at 10:32 AM CDT on January 14

question for football nation: what is the point of taking a knee at the end of the half? if you have a few seconds left, why not wing one? [...] what is it that coaches are afraid of?

There's also the risk of a QB fumble turning into a defensive TD. I agree they should throw it up there, but if something crazy happens, the coach will take a lot of heat for not kneeling.

posted by kokaku at 10:53 AM CDT on January 14

I'm not as ready to jump on the "TO is a team player" bandwagon as some of y'all. Lets wait a few days for it to sink in, like right after the Giants lose in Green Bay next week. TO was a non-entity in the second half despite being covered by a reserve, a view his synchophant homies will be sure to point out to him.

Romeo looked like an entirely different QB in the second half. He looked flustered, frustrated, and he repeatedly flinched in the face of the Giants pass rush. He was probably thinking he wanted to be in good shape for the next trip to Mexico with Jessica.

The Giants got stupidly conservative on their last drive and gave the Cowboys the ball with fantastic field position and more than two minutes on the clock. The regular season Romeo could have taken his team to the end zone to score. This loss just strengthens the perception that Romeo folds under pressure and can't win the big games.

posted by irunfromclones at 11:40 AM CDT on January 14

Those Romeo cracks are lame, Clones. Romo lost because in the second half, the running game faded, the Giants didn't give him time to throw and his receivers dropped passes or didn't get open. The Jessica Simpson stuff is good for laughs, but you can't possibly be taking it seriously as a reason the Cowboys lost.

posted by rcade at 11:54 AM CDT on January 14

OTWTF Moment: much like watching Joe Buck call a Yankees playoff game.

Joe Buck a Yankees homer? News to me. Joe and his family have deep ties to the St. Louis Cardinals organization. If anything, he's probably a closet Cards homer, but I haven't heard much of that in his broadcasts.

posted by psmealey at 11:58 AM CDT on January 14

Agreed rcade.... Romo will be fine and he set club passing records not due to luck - he is good. The fact that he is dating a babe and took her to Cabo two weeks ago for a weekend had nothing to do with anything. Romeo is just clones listening to too much Skip Bayless.

posted by Mickster at 12:14 PM CDT on January 14

The Jessica Simpson stuff is good for laughs, but you can't possibly be taking it seriously as a reason the Cowboys lost

I forget that the Cowboys actually have fans. Most of it was meant as tongue in cheek- you know, humor. I don't read or listen to Skip Bayless.

Take away the Romeo remarks, what I said is still applicable- Romo was a different QB in the second half, perhaps exacerbated by dropped passes and the exhaustion of the offensive line. Still, Romo lost his poise as the game progressed which I think will certainly fuel the perception that he cannot win in the post-season.

posted by irunfromclones at 12:58 PM CDT on January 14

Romo was a different QB in the second half, perhaps exacerbated by dropped passes and the exhaustion of the offensive line.

That 20-play drive in the second quarter would have usually been soul-sapping for a defense, but when your offense comes back with a touchdown of their own in 46 seconds, the effect seemed to be just the opposite. The Cowboys O-line was not the same in the second half, to say the least. And Romo definitely lost his poise.

The O-line has been showing cracks since the GB win in November. I don't know if they were worked too hard in practice during the last month of the season or if the Cowboys as a team just peaked at the wrong time, but these last 5 games showed a completely different team than the first 12. However, like others have said, the Giants played better yesterday and deserve to advance.

posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 1:16 PM CDT on January 14

I think Romo lost his poise as the season went on, not merely this game. Even though he's quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, he still hasn't really proven he can be anything but a decent quarterback, for the most part, during the regular season. That being said, there were numerous reasons the Cowboys lost the game, not just him. They continued playing the same way they did last several weeks of the season, which was poor. Yesterday they were very undisciplined, and there were far too many penalties.

posted by dyams at 1:19 PM CDT on January 14

The Romo-Jessica stuff is a non-issue except for one factor.

The teams that rested players (The Colts, Cowboys, Buccaneers) all lost. In fact, this is the second time this has happened to the Colts. They also rested players before the loss to the Steelers two years ago.

The teams that played hard in their 16th and final regular season game, the Pats, Giants, Chargers and to a lesser extent the Packers, are all still playing. In fact, many people (myself among them) believe that the Giants turned their season around as a result of their effort against the Pats.

The notable exception is the Redskins. But they had many other issues to deal with. And it was a tremendous effort for them just to make the playoffs.

As far as TO, I'm not convinced at all. Yes, he said all the right things. But to me, that's just a prima donna who wants the spotlight. Let's see how he behaves after another year with the Cowboys.

And as far as his thanking God for helping him heal, if God's priority is to help TO heal his ankle, I may have to become an athiest.

posted by cjets at 1:30 PM CDT on January 14

I think people should lay off Jessica. They lost the game. If the weather is good, they can beat GB, although I honestly believe GB will win and advance. I think SD vs. GB for the SB is good, but it wuld be a home game for the Chargers. However, that town deserves Lombardi's trophy, even though Spanos will then not be able to move from SD, which he highly desires.

posted by Joe188 at 1:32 PM CDT on January 14

As I said earlier, I don't blame Jessica (even though I've never liked her). I still think Romo should have understood this would be made into a huge issue, the team didn't need it, and he would do his career more damage than good by vacationing like this prior to such a big game. He's wealthy and free to go anywhere he desires, obviously, but just because they were given a few days off he had to go to Cabo? He couldn't just relax at home, rest up, and give the impression he was trying to get the heat off the whole Jessica Simpson issue (that started a few weeks before) and prepare full-time for the game? He's got the off-season to travel around and pretend he's the second-coming of Joe Willie Namath. Like Parcells said in his "11 Quarterback Commandments": Don't be a celebrity quarterback: We don't need any of those. We need battlefield commanders that are willing to fight it out, every day, every week and every season and lead their team to win after win after win. I also think Jessica's people are trying to utilize this whole deal to gain some big publicity, because she hasn't really been the hottest commodity lately.

posted by dyams at 1:50 PM CDT on January 14

T too think resting players is lame. It causes them to loose focus. When the team wins home field early, rests players, they tend to loose the edge. When they are playing hard up until the end of the season, they seem to be in better shape, football intensity, and make less stupid plays. Face it, the past few games, Dallas had about 10-14 penalties a game. Poor play. Poor execution and drops.

As for San Diego, my props to them for beating the Colts again. They had so many bogus calls against them that I thought Norv was going to blow a vessel on the sidelines. Holding on the INT return for TD, pass interference. Talk about a team with home field advantage - and they still lost.

posted by Mickster at 1:54 PM CDT on January 14

Talk about a team with home field advantage - and they still lost.

That crappy crackerbox of a dome is the biggest home field advantage ever. I'm glad it's gone.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 2:08 PM CDT on January 14

Same here. He could tell that they wanted him to point the finger at Romo or at anybody else. He refused to do it, not as a calculated "I want to look like a team player" thing, but with obvious emotion. He's been making changed-man noises for a while this season, but now I believe him.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 8:41 PM CST on January 13

How many people workout in a hyper-baric chamber or pedal a stationary bike underwater to get themselves back into shape after an injury? TO was reported to have done those things to get himself in plating shape for the Cowboy's playoff run. It is pretty obvious to me that the guy is a competitor, I saw that in the Super Bowl game between the Eagles and New England Patriots. TO came back from a serious leg injury, and was limping badly, but almost singlehandedly beat the Patriots and probaly would have if McNabb had not become sick late in the game. TO's performance in that game was something to remember. Is he short with the press, yes, but few start athletes these days do much better (The Manning brothers and Brady are exceptions).

posted by Cave_Man at 3:22 PM CDT on January 14

I find it interesting how small actions take on larger meaning as time passes. My feeling is that the springboard for the Giants success in the playoff was their steadfast refusal to rubberstamp victory #16 for the New England Patriots. The Giants stood resolute in that game, even losing some key players. I think their display of sportmanship brought them toghether as a team and allowed them to beat Tampa Bay and Dallas.

posted by Cave_Man at 3:27 PM CDT on January 14

Why did the Cowboys lose? Simple: Wade Wilson is a very good coordinator but once again proving he's not a head coach. Just cuz his daddy was a good one doesn't mean Wade is.

posted by billsaysthis at 3:35 PM CDT on January 14

Uhm, I don't think we know enough about Wade Wilson's dad to make that call. What about Wilson Phillips?

posted by yerfatma at 3:37 PM CDT on January 14

That crappy crackerbox of a dome is the biggest home field advantage ever. I'm glad it's gone.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 2:08 PM CST on January 14

Aren't the Colts going into a new domed stadium? Their biggest issue appears to be whether Dungy continues coaching or elects to retire.

posted by Cave_Man at 4:10 PM CDT on January 14

How many people workout in a hyper-baric chamber or pedal a stationary bike underwater to get themselves back into shape after an injury?

I don't think ANYONE could EVER make a case that TO is not a world class athlete, and that is exactly the sort of commitment and effort W/C athletes put in in order to stay W/C athletes. His problem has always been off the field, the locker room stuff and ego that alienates him from his teammates. TO probably is growing up (at least until the darker angels of his nature show up again), but what you offer in support of that doesn't cut it.

posted by psmealey at 4:42 PM CDT on January 14

What about Wilson Phillips?

Maybe Carne Wilson or Papa John Phillips? Brian Wilson? Lou Diamond Phillips?

Come to think of it, isn't Wade Wilson the Cowboys' quarterbacks coach?

posted by dyams at 5:29 PM CDT on January 14

pedal a stationary bike underwater

That makes a lot more sense. Some talking head said an "underwater treadmill", which seemed like a damned difficult proposition.

Maybe Carne Wilson

I can't help noticing your Freudian slip, substituting the Spanish word for "meat" for "Carnie".

posted by yerfatma at 5:48 PM CDT on January 14

from what i saw it seems like whenever the Pressure is up romo is bad, i'm a big Romo fan but, some of those balls he threw where pretty bad, the underthrown ball he threw to T.O. was with like three Giants around and the interception he threw was with a sea of blue infrom of who ever he threw too. also the intentional grounding and when he was sacked for a 14 yard loss.

But he doesn't deserve all the blame, there was almost 100 yards of penalties, no ground game, and Patrick Crayton dropped some sure td's/first downs. Also Crayton stopped on that long pass that would have won the game.

posted by rockstar2001 at 5:58 PM CDT on January 14

And Crayton seems to be the "mouth" of the team now. I don't understand why they signed him and not Miles Austin.

Cudo's to the Giants though. I believe that as good as they are playing on defense - they should have won. That line demolished the O-line from Dallas. They were in Romo's face about the time of the crappy shotgun snaps.

The only issue I have with the Giants from here is that you win a game with only 230 yards of total offense and then go to the Frozen Tundra. With the aching / missing CB's, I look for Favre to have a great game.

And for Romo, hey this kid looks as good (and bad) as a young Favre. They wouldn't have been there if not for him. Though the trip to Cabo wasn't a great idea, TO paid for it as an appology for the Jessica remarks he made. Not sure Romo would have thought of that. But, notice that he didn't throw TO under the bus either. He will grow and progress and do nothing but get better. His judgements off the field will improve as well. Hope we can say that about the rest of the team.

posted by Mickster at 6:36 PM CDT on January 14

Aren't the Colts going into a new domed stadium?

Yeah, but one can hope it won't suck like RCA.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 7:46 PM CDT on January 14

From what I've read it is supposed to be state of the art.

posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 8:46 PM CDT on January 14

pedal a stationary bike underwater

That makes a lot more sense. Some talking head said an "underwater treadmill", which seemed like a damned difficult proposition.

If he had on a snorkel mask while doing it the process would be possible and probaly give the arobic effect that he desires. But I agree with you, I should have checked the announcer's claim more, I do know that there are exercise bikes that have liquid resistance - maybe the announcer confused the two, but as stated earlier, a person can pedal underwater with a snorkel mask.

posted by Cave_Man at 10:37 PM CDT on January 14

I think SD vs. GB for the SB is good, but it would be a home game for the Chargers. (Joe188)

Maybe in Bizarro world it is. Packer Nation travels like no other, they also spend the coin to do it.

everyone (like lefty)dismissing the Giants in favor of the Packers! (firecop)

The G-Men have virtually no shot...

playing home games in Lambau guarantees you NOTHING! (rcade)

You just keep telling yourself that...

much like watching Joe Buck call a Yankees playoff game. (firecop)

ah, whattttt???

posted by LeftyPower at 4:51 AM CDT on January 15

Let's keep that all under our cheeseblock, shall we? No one's here to piss on someone else's team. And I can't imagine getting so fired up about the right to come in second.

posted by yerfatma at 6:04 AM CDT on January 15

Lefty: You're quoting me for something I didn't say.

But since you brought it up, the Packers lost at Lambeau in the 2002 and 2004 playoffs. Green Bay has proven itself capable of ending its season on the frozen tundra.

posted by rcade at 7:58 AM CDT on January 15

That makes a lot more sense. Some talking head said an "underwater treadmill", which seemed like a damned difficult proposition.

Not difficult, although probably expensive. Underwater treadmills are de rigeur in high-end leg injury rehab. More than once have I wished to be on one. The water resistance builds the muscle while cushioning the recovering injury.

posted by DrJohnEvans at 8:37 AM CDT on January 15

thank god the cowboys are out! now i would really appreciate it if the sport casters would quit referring to them as "americas team". from what i hear around the country its more like "the team america love to hate" . the best years of my football watching life was when the "boys" were having losing seasons. i hope more losing seasons are around the corner.

posted by labber at 9:25 AM CDT on January 15

Not difficult, although probably expensive.

Ah. I was thinking fully underwater and wondering how you'd get any purchase. If that stuff worked for Luke Skywalker, it's good enough for me.

posted by yerfatma at 9:42 AM CDT on January 15

As I said earlier, I don't blame Jessica (even though I've never liked her). I still think Romo should have understood this would be made into a huge issue, the team didn't need it, and he would do his career more damage than good by vacationing like this prior to such a big game.

Except that, apart from answering a couple lame-ass questions, it doesn't 'affect' anyone else at all.

And many, many other players vacationed during the off-week.

I am reminded of coaches going on a screamy hissy fit, or instigating some overnight controversy in order to distract the media away from the team, or some other issue. Phil Jackson does this in spades. Gretzky did it at the Salt Lake City Games. It's purposeful and calculated and the desired effect is people focusing away from other aspects/storylines surrounding the game.

But when Romo inadvertently does the same - it's considered somehow a bad move.

The media could have spent a week talking about T.O.'s ankle. Instead that was a sidebar to the Jessica/Romo saga. If Wade Philips does something similar, he's a genius. (note: Wade Philips clearly not a genius.)

Frankly, I think it all amounts to a big fat nothing. You win, you win; you lose, you lose - it's so many factors anytime; not the least of which is the other damn team.

I didn't watch the games though. I feel so cheated - thank you sister in law's birthday.... Your shampoo makes your hair smell like soup.

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 11:16 AM CDT on January 15

It IS Jessica's fault after all...

Seems like the Giants had a little help from the New York Post. Is this ethical?

posted by irunfromclones at 11:25 AM CDT on January 15

And many, many other players vacationed during the off-week.

But he isn't any other player. He's the quarterback, the one player every win or loss is going to be focused on, whether it's warranted or not. It just seems Romo is still a bit immature and too determined to prove to people he'll do whatever he wants to do, regardless of what anyone thinks (especially the media). I fully expect he wants to win badly, but at this point I think he's caught up in being a big-name celebrity, whether he's dating Carrie Underwood or Jessica Simpson. Making the choice to stay home, rest up, and at least give everyone paying attention (which is obviously a great many people) the impression he's focusing 100 percent on football, would've probably been a better choice for a guy who's final portion of the season sucked.

posted by dyams at 12:00 PM CDT on January 15

Seems like the Giants had a little help from the New York Post. Is this ethical?

It's sleazy, but fans put on displays all the time that are intended to get under the opposing team's skin, some of which are quite a bit more crude and malicious than this one. Now, whether a media outlet should have done it or not...well, this is the "who needs to print the truth when you can print asterisks instead" New York Post.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 12:27 PM CDT on January 15

rcade, you're right! that was firecop's comment, my bad (i shoulda known!)

To your point, any team is capable of losing at home, but this ain't ought2 or ought4. The past is always the past.

posted by LeftyPower at 2:29 PM CDT on January 15

Seems like the Giants had a little help from the New York Post. Is this ethical?

Grrrrrr......Another reason to hate the Post. Yet I still buy it because it is the only paper in town with two sodukos.

posted by HATER 187 at 2:47 PM CDT on January 15

But he isn't any other player. He's the quarterback, the one player every win or loss is going to be focused on, whether it's warranted or not. It just seems Romo is still a bit immature and too determined to prove to people he'll do whatever he wants to do, regardless of what anyone thinks (especially the media). I fully expect he wants to win badly, but at this point I think he's caught up in being a big-name celebrity, whether he's dating Carrie Underwood or Jessica Simpson. Making the choice to stay home, rest up, and at least give everyone paying attention (which is obviously a great many people) the impression he's focusing 100 percent on football, would've probably been a better choice for a guy who's final portion of the season sucked. -
dyams
You're pretty tough on a guy whose only played what, 27 combined NFL games? The kid's plain got it....give him time already. Everybody wants it right away, and you certainly are no exception. You think the '07 'Boys are the only team to almost get there? As a PackFan whose team has arguably the most upside for the foreseeable future, I'm pretty sure the Cowboys will be right up there with the Pack for awhile in the NFC until the next cycle. But you gotta enjoy the ride...
(your welcome rcade :) )

posted by LeftyPower at 5:03 PM CDT on January 15

You're pretty tough on a guy whose only played what, 27 combined NFL games?

Now the report is Romo's focus is on getting an invite to play the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. I gotta hand it to the guy, he's got that celebrity stuff down-pat. Now he just has to take some time to make sure he's not the next Jake Plummer. I'll admit, I am pretty tough on the guy, but I hear quite a few people prepared to sculpt his bust for Canton already. Guess we all need to agree to meet somewhere in the middle.

posted by dyams at 6:35 PM CDT on January 15

Yea, like three years from now...

posted by LeftyPower at 3:26 AM CDT on January 16

Yea, like three years from now...

...when the Cowboys are still seeking their first playoff win since '96.

posted by dyams at 7:12 AM CDT on January 16

How can you possibly boast that in today's NFL, Dyams? The Cowboys have a good team, a good young quarterback, and a new house being built in Arlington that gives them even more money. They are better positioned for long-term success today than they've been since the Jimmy Johnson years.

posted by rcade at 11:02 AM CDT on January 16

It all comes down to wins in the playoffs, not regular season wins and appearances. I realize the Cowboys have a lot going their way right now, but if they become complacent and figure it's just a matter of time before they're hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, they'll find other teams playing in the Super Bowls while they sit at home and watch. I've said it before that Romo seemingly has what it takes to succeed, but in last years playoff he muffed a snap, and this year he blew a couple of key throws (even though his game, overall, wasn't bad). He still needs to improve. The team will most likely lose some key members of their coaching staff, and if they've thrown their support behind Wade Phillips to lead them into future, they may be disappointed. I fully think it was Phillips' laid-back style that led to the team being poorly prepared and sloppy (ex. penalties) late in the season. There have been many teams in sports in which it seems to be just a matter of time before they're the next dynasty franchise, then it just doesn't materialize. Time will tell if the current Cowboys turn into one of those teams or actually deliver on all their promise.

posted by dyams at 11:35 AM CDT on January 16

Now that it appears Garrett is staying, that's a big plus for the team. I'm sure he fully believes (and Jerry Jones probably reiterated this to him) that he'll be the next head coach for the team should Wade Phillips lead the team to a poor start or a season (next year) in which they don't advance in the playoffs.

posted by dyams at 9:43 AM CDT on January 17

Hey Lefty!!!! How are those comments looking now????

everyone (like lefty)dismissing the Giants in favor of the Packers! (firecop)

The G-Men have virtually no shot...

playing home games in Lambau guarantees you NOTHING! (rcade)

You just keep telling yourself that...

much like watching Joe Buck call a Yankees playoff game. (firecop)

ah, whattttt???

Keep talking........ Man I hope your a Packer fan.....

P.S. Joe Buck constantly disses the Yankees whenever he calls a game. I never said he was a Yankees Homer, I said he acts just like Aikman did.

posted by firecop at 1:16 AM CDT on January 21

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