SB Nation User Blog: KDP

HAS ANYONE BEEN FOLLOWING THE UFL?

KDP — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:31:32 -0000

Jim Haslett is getting interviewed on Mike and Mike, and the content of the interview reminded me that there is a whole minor league system out there now.

The gist of it is that the league has 2 games left in their regular season, and then a championship game. The entire roll call of the league will be available for NFL pickings on Nov 27th.

Has anyone been following the league, can you give some love to players that are succeeding that could be used to churn the bottom of our roster? O Line depth, LB depth, Secondary depth? I can't see us making a move at offensive skill positions, but alot of other spots could still be improved.

Anybody have some insight?

KD's NFL POWER RANKINGS (Week 10)

KDP — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:59:06 -0000

via i122.photobucket.com

That's right, I'm bringing you my personal opinion on who the teams with the most upside are-- teams on the move that look like they can achieve some measure of greatness this season. Why am I doing this? Because I got a big eeegggggoooooo (shoutout to Beyonce, she can get it) and I think I know what I'm talking about :) Just a note, I am not going to give the standard ranking of where teams records put them, although that obviously plays a part. I will give a write up on the teams I think are in SuperBowl contention, and rank the rest.

Here we go, let me know what you think. I used to do these on the dallascowboys.com message board for a couple years before they redesigned the site and it was inundated with unitelligent banter.

via i122.photobucket.com

1)Indianapolis (8-0)- They’ve barely trailed at all this season, although their last two games have shown that even with the great Peyton Manning, a suspect run game can limit the explosiveness. Their defense is LEAKING player juice left and right. A very tough week that they had losing 3 DBs and a starting LB within 2 days. A very tough matchup Sunday versus New England. I expect them to drop a couple notches but we’ll see.

2)Pittsburgh (6-2)- The Steelers defense is disgustingly dominant. I don’t even care about stats, a simple eye test tells you. And on offense, they roll out weapon after weapon similar to our beloved Cowboys. Mendenhall, Parker, Miller, Ward, Wallace, Holmes is a very scary group. The fact that they are almost guaranteed to return a turnover for a TD automatically ups the ante in every game.

3)New England (6-2)- After a 3-2 start, it looks like Brady is 100% comfortable with the injury and they are back up to their old tricks.. except this year their defense has returned to dominance. Remember, they will have Taylor back for the crucial part of the season making this offense even more potent. Classic matchup this weekend at #1 Indy.

4)New Orleans (8-0)- they’d be higher, but three straight weeks of falling behind big, and multiple turnover games by Brees make me think this is a paper mache undefeated. Don’t get me wrong, I greatly respect the potency of that offense, but are they as good as their record indicates? Not to my eye test.

5)Minnesota (7-1)- Their only loss coming on the road at #2 Pittsburgh in the last couple minutes, they are definitely in the mix. Three things worry me about this team, and will until proven wrong. 1- Brett Favre is old. 2- Adrian Peterson fumbles. 3- Their receivers are still unproven. They are a great team, but with trends that can easily cost a team a game on any given Sunday.

6)Dallas Cowboys (6-2)- Where are all the haters now? Skip Bayless and I have been preaching this team’s potential all season and they are finally proving it. I dare say out of all the teams in the top 7, Dallas and Minnesota have the best combination of offense defense and special teams. The late season issues Dallas has are a concern, but with a 3 headed running monster, a deep receiving corps, 2 of the best at their position on D (the Warewolf and the Rat)and a up and coming secondary, there really isn’t a weak spot to this team.

7)Cincinatti (6-2)- Who dat think they gonna beat them Bengals? Cincy is for real people, and I am very proud as I made four declarations to everyone I knew in real life before the season started. The Giants would miss the playoffs, Cincinatti was making the playoffs(hat tip to Mr Vela for his playoff team manifesto), Tennessee was EXTREMELY overrated because Kerry Collins is a bum and the Cowboys would manage their playbook and personnel better to not peak too early and win the SB. I’m flying high right now. We’ll see if the loss of Chris Henry has a major impact, but I doubt it. Our good friend Mike Zimmer has that defense flying.

8)San Diego (5-3)- getting closer, they are a 2nd half team if I ever saw one

9) Philadelphia (5-3)- ‘F’ illy and their fans.

10)Arizona (5-3)- Theres just something about this team I don’t trust, in either direction. I can never bet on them either!!

11)Atlanta (5-3) I’m a fan of this squad’s offensive firepower and a defensive that is opportunistic

12)Baltimore (4-4)- putting too much on Flacco, and have a boatload of RB’s

13)Denver (6-2)- Things are leaking here—expect them to be caught by the Chargers

14)Green Bay (4-4)

15)Miami (3-5)

16)Houston (5-4)

17)NY Giants (5-4)

18)San Francisco (3-5)

19)Chicago (4-4)

20)NY Jets (4-4)

21)Carolina (3-5)

22)Jacksonville (4-4)

23)Seattle (3-5)

24)Washington (2-6)

25)Buffalo (3-5)

26)Tennessee (2-6)

27)Tampa Bay (1-7)

28)Kansas City (1-7)

29)Detroit (1-7)

30)Oakland (2-6)

31)Cleveland (1-7)

32)St Louis (1-7)

via i122.photobucket.com

Soy Willy tries to throw Romomentum under the short bus

KDP — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:11:21 -0000

NFL Network just reported that Williams speaks out saying 'Im the No 1 receiver, but the balls going to No 2'

to tell you the truth, I have wondered if Romo is freezing out Roy Williams for his role in the attempted playcalling coup at the end of last season. the disconnect is so painfully obvious when you can see Romo is keyed in on austin, crayton, hurd, witten and now bennett.

it's ridiculous for Roy to come out with this now, especially because he is doing more than his share contributing to the problem. this is just crazy. who needs this drama during philly week? i've seen a fair share of blame between tony's inaccuracy and roy's lack of effort on routes. the thing is, if tony is freezing roy out, hello-- earn your way back into his good graces. it's obvious this ship is going to sail with or without you, so get on board. this is the exact opposite effect.

here's the link from BSPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/news/story?id=4622709

you can see the frustration growing, and I know manipulative media can sneak a quote out of the best of them, but where is the professionalism to not distract the team for your own selfish gain. now, whatever happens- the mainstream media will have a juicy storyline to abuse. if williams breaks out, storyline. if he still struggles, discord in the locker room storyline.

dumb.

shout out to Soy Willy originator

As week 6 winds down... Best Bye Week Ever??

KDP — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:13:37 -0000

I know it's not the right thing to do, gloat over another man's misery... but it sure as hell is fun!! The Giants got steamrolled in New Orleans. Pancaked. Trounced. When you mix in their easy schedule save for the Cowboys game, don't they seem a lot less daunting then the national mediots make them out to be? (On the flip side... Payton really has Dem Saints rocking right now.. very scary, best team in the NFC).

Not that anyone was really worried about them since the season kicked off, but I live in DC. The only thing more fun than laughing and pointing at them bums is a Cowboys victory. I can't wait to hear what John Riggins has to say this week. To be the only win on 3 different teams schedule (and shouldve lost to Tampa!) is poetic justice for this franchise.

That brings us to Philly... LMAO!!! how fun was that game to watch?!?!?! Missed field goals, numerous sacks on McNabb.. a loss to the lowly Raiders and the ever inaccurate Jamarcus Russell. That drops the mighty Eagles, the darlings of the national media... down to the same ol' 3-2 as our beloved Cowboys.

6 weeks in, 11 to go, and we are now back in proper positioning. Someone has to lose tonight between the Bears and the Falcons, with the winner taking the pole position for the Wild Card spot. And no, it's never too early for a FAN to worry about playoff positioning. The loser? They'll be sitting at 3-2 and ties with 4 other teams for the last Wild Card spot; Philly, Arizona, Green Bay, and you guessed it... Dallas.

Not only are we in great positioning for the Wild Card now, but we also control our own destiny as far as the division goes.

Most importantly... during the bye week I think alot of Cowboys fans got a chance to watch other teams play. Maybe eyes will open that the other teams out there can self destruct too, and you don't write them off as contenders, do you? Some fans just dont watch other teams and tend to think the problems Dallas faces aren't presented to the other 31 teams. They are, they just don't lead Sportscenter all week.

I know, pure speculation to how it all plays out- but luck is preparation meeting opportunity. The opportunity has presented itself... of all places during a week off.

BF Fantasy League

KDP — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:32:14 -0000

UPDATE, by Mike: I just created a league on Yahoo. Id is 278582, password is Bullets.

18 teams max, three divisions, standard h2h scoring. Draft is scheduled for Thursday at 9.

what's up everybody. I haven't been the most active member of the site in the last year, year plus- things have been extremly hectic, but I stay tuned in to make sure I'm getting the latest and greatest. Prada, Truth and Jake you are always on top of things and bwoods stat contributions have me extra excited for the season to begin.

In the past we've had official BF Fantasy leagues and I'm checking in to see if it's on and poppin' for 09-10..

Let me know-

KDP

KDP'S THOUGHTS ON THE GAME

KDP — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:23:24 -0000

Watching the game from a 25" non-HD tv down at my girlfriend's apartment, here are the things I witnessed during last nights game. Now mind you, I am posting the day after with no DVR, so these are just some of the things I remember thinking as the game was going on. Also included are takes on some of the comments I see posted during the game threads and in the threads that have been opened since the ~~team~~ whistle blew..

1) Houston, we have a problem. - Tony Romo's confidence level is shaken, period. Look at the eyes man, they tell you everything you need to see. He looked like Jason Campbell today, not in talent level obviously, but in the mental makeup. The critics are eating at him and he's starting to believe he isn't cut out for the job. I'm hoping he realizes he has all the talent to make SuperBowls a reality.. but let's be serious- a SB caliber quarterback can't, doesn't, never misses a centerfielder when couting down the defensive 11. I didn't see Kenny Phillips because he wasn't in the camera LOS.. ummmm, you get paid to see him.

2) Our secondary looked bad this week, really bad. A game after our run defense looked horrible last week. Are we still working out the kinks in the defense or are teams able to do whatever they want against us? I'm still undecided, but hopeful. The trend from the end of last season though... that's four straight games where the defense has been unable to come through for us. The run defense played tremendously though.. I can't quite put my finger on how I should feel about our D. Optimistic or glass has a crack along the side and is dribbling grape juice on my Easter suit.

3) Garrett is back, how can you doubt? The gameplan was masterful. There were 3 mistakes by Romo, a crucial drop in the endzone by Roy Williams when his feet got tangled, and a 3rd down pass that went straight through Crayton's hands on the sideline when Romo fit it in perfectly. But to see the run game completely DOMINATE the way it did... we scored 31 points and had four of the worst turnovers you can expect. The run blocking was the best I've seen it. Marion (any word on his injury?) and Felix were great, even though Felix started the game a ltitle hesitant. I think he had to loosen up the thigh bruise (speculation only) but after he got going, he was looking full speed after a while. Choice is a great third wheel and will fill in just fine if MBIII isn't ready for Carolina.

4) I'm really struggling trying to figure out how we have so many talented players that play talented football 85% of the time.

Random Thoughts:

The sky is falling population is one of, if not, the most irritating thing to deal with when posting online during the games. While my passion and fanaticism could never be questioned, I'm proud that I don't fall into the extremes as some do. There are some here that have blind worship, and some who I've never seen make a positive comment. They wait and lurk just for the team to fail so they can post 'I told you so' relentlessly. To each his own, but how do you enjoy this great game when that is your disposition. I don't really go for the 'nothing is wrong, everything is ok' crowd either, but at least they show hope in a team they follow religiously. I guess blogging is some peoples therapy, but the way some on here act as if the problems we face are any different than every other team in the league is loopy.

I'm a much better announcer than the 90% of the guys on TV. Broadcasting really sucks now. If I have a prescribed camera feed and you guys are watching the whole field.. why is my analysis consistently 10-15 seconds ahead of the announcers when they finally do speak on something that's not a manufactured storyline. And I know I'm not the only fan at home feeling this way. Can we clone Pat Summerall and John Madden from the Sega Genesis days?

I'm two weeks into Direct TV Sunday package, and I must say it is the greatest invention since slouch socks in the early 90's (It's a DC thing). This brings me back to an earlier point-- our problems are no worse than the other teams in the league. After all, the SB favorite Giants needed four boneheaded turnovers to win on a last second field goal. Pittsburgh lost to Chicago yesterday when their kicker missed 2 field goals. The season is a topsy turvy ride on a roller coaster through hell.. and we are all on board with broken seat belts and metal chin straps in a lightning storm.

I don't know how you can hate an entire website, but I really, strongly, vehemently dislike the DMN bloggers/columnists. They've been stealing Raf's material for years and I just wanted to send a shout out to the vultures, if I have your attention.. PLEASE STOP CLICKING ON THEIR LINKS. When they steal a story from Raf and we flood their site to tell them how horrible they are, guess what? Their e-editors see that they made a post that created major traffic. Just don't click their links!!!

Note to other teams, Jay Ratliff is far and away better than your Nose Tackle. Deal with it.

Random thought with no basis in fact, but I thought it so I'll write it. What's up with D-Ware in a contract year? Is he staging a sit-in? I'm not seeing him try any of the moves he's been working on. My God, was Ellis that much of an player/coach? Did teams pay more attention to Ellis than was ever mentioned?

Man, when you look at the schedule-- you get a little nervous don't you? Only 1 or 2 easy games on the list.. (insert expletive here)

Always confident we are ready to turn the corner, KDP signing off.

What If? An Optimists POV

KDP — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:31:58 -0000

What if Tony Romo's flaws (which there are some) were really exaggerated by the pressure he felt from TO always demanding the ball? What if he makes 'the leap'?

What if Roy Williams is really an elite receiver that was mainly hampered by have to learn a new system with a noodle arm quarterback (B Johnson) and played injured the entire time he had to try and work with a different permanent QB, Tony Romo? What if with a training camp under their belt, and Kitn'a input into how Roy functions as a receiver to Romo, they could be dynamic?

What if Felix Jones gets the starts, Marion's workload returns to normal (or lighter because of Tashard 'Screw the Cheerleader, Run The Rookie, Save The World' Choice) and we have actually do have the most dominant running back package recently assembled?

What if the lynchpin of our offensive line fully recovers from season long foot problems to anchor the LG spot, or even better... returns to his form and still gets beat out by Montrae Holland, giving us a more than serviceable backup.

What if High and Tight makes the same amount of improvement as he did in the 2nd half of the season, this offseason, and gives us the most dynamic set of TE's this league has seen in a while?

What if Orlando Scandrick, who proved light in weight but a very solid tackler, really is able to man the FS spot in run support and can play the Darren Woodson role we've been craving for the last 5 years?

What if the man child, Demarcus Ware, actually improves on his performance last year? If you remember, although he is a dominant force, there are still areas where Demarcus can step up his game to a best-of-all-time level. And I only say that because it's obvious he can reach that potential.

What if Keith Brooking outplays Zach Thomas circa 2008? What does that improved talent mean to Bradie James?

And to top it off... what if we we added 3 solid contributors out of the 9-11 draft picks we have next month?

I've finally shaken off the sludge of last season, and the eternal optimist is returning... GO COWBOYS!

MORNING AFTER-- WE ONLY NEED TWO THINGS IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS

KDP — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:10:19 -0000

Here we are, at 9-6 after a dispicable loss... but I looked at the way things shape up in the playoff race, and it's not as bleak as we all feel right now--

And disclaimer- you get no love here if you're of the opinion that you don't care if we make the tournament...

There are still two wild-cards up for grabs, and we only need to get one of them. I think by 7:30pm eastern tonight, we will control our destiny again.

The teams that are in our 'zone'...

Tampa Bay- vs San Diego 1pm.

It is very possible that this team will lose today to San Diego. The game is at 1, that means that San Diego thinks they still have a chance at winning the AFC West. Jeff Garcia is hobbled and Tampa just really isn't all that good. Tampa is currently a half game up on us, but we own the head to head tie breaker. One loss, and we're back ahead.

Atlanta @ Minnesota 4pm.

This is an interesting game in that Pat Williams is out and Peterson is nursing an ankle. However, would it be the shock of the century or even an upset if Minny wins? Nope. With a loss, Atlanta drops to 6-5 in the conference, meaning that a win over Philly gives us the better conference record than Atlanta.

Phil @ Washington 4:15pm

Game means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING NOW. Philly will only be a half-game up or down which means that the winner of the our game against each other will finish up in the standings.

Green Bay @ Chicago 8:15pm Monday

Game means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING NOW. IF Chicago gets to 10-6 and we get to 10-6, we'll have a better conference record and no head-to-head matchup. What they eat don't make us sh**.

And once the dance happens? There still isn't an NFC team I fear. We aren't losing to Tavaris Jackson or the Cardinals (the way they are playing now), and Carolina's defense is just waiting to be exposed. Are we scared of the Giants? Nope.

Maybe I smoke too much, because I'm already over last night's game. On to cheer for Minnesota and San Diego. If both win, we're back in control of the 5th spot.

It's a long season, and we've only turned into the homestretch, not completed it.

Virtual Regards,

KDP- Your eternal optimist / predictor

I KNEW I WASN'T MISSING SOMETHING

KDP — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 04:31:26 -0000

WORDS OF CONFIDENCE (posted earlier in the week)

LETS GO COWBOYS!!!

All of a sudden we've won 4 of 5 and the only loss was a late game collapse against what looks like the AFC favorite, in horrible weather conditions...

A win over the #1 seed in the NFC... we now are in 5th place and the team that no one wants to play... our Defense is downright amazing.

Another game without giving up a touchdown-- beautiful transformation.

Keep the faith my Cowboy faithful--

TNEW on FIRST TAKE re: Owens/Romo

KDP — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:06:16 -0000

TNew appearing on First Take in a interview with Jay Crawford, just said that in practice TO never complains about not getting the ball. It is other players (intimated defensive players) that often go to TO and ask him why Witten gets more passes thrown to him in practice than Terrell does.

I don't understand why he would even give ESPN an interview... but whatever.

He says that the first thing he'll do on the practice squad is go to Tony and try to smooth out the discrepencies.

I don't really like the direction this is taking... not sure of the true impact, but I think we'd all agree that it'd be better NOT to be hearing this stuff in the media.