Does anyone really believe that things will be any different in the coming years, with Jerry running the show?

Why would 2009 be any different from previous years?  Are we really that much more talented than the other teams in the NFL?  It seems to me that the teams that make it far into the playoffs are built around toughness, great coaching, trouble-free locker rooms, etc.

Seriously, but for the Parcells years, have we felt like we were truly building something special, since Jimmie?  I know we felt good last winter, but we were also beaten (again) in our first playoff game.

I know the odds are slim to none, but I think are only chance is for Jerry to step away - permanently.  Just for  giggles, does anyone else agree?

When these sorts of losses happen, I go into the bunker.  That’s how I deal.  It’s tough to deal with some of the co-workers, but at least I don’t have to hear the talking heads on ESPN yammering away.  I can’t even turn on ESPN on the radio in the truck.  I just have it tuned to NPR for the week.

I’m in North Central PA, so I cannot lean on a ton of shoulders these days.  Steeler and Eagle fans are everywhere.  This site is helping, though.   While I don’t go to any of the linked articles and analysis, I find great comfort in reading many of the post and comments from the readers.  I especially appreciate the playoff analysis/wild cart hunt posts.

As a side note, I feel bad.  In the comments, I noted some guys saying it would be crazy to have rooted for the Eagles.  Well, I was rooting for the Eagles to beat the Giants.  I really thought we could win the Pittsburgh game, and I just thought that the division was within reach.  Personally, I hate the Eagles more than the other teams in the division.  Its probably more a function of their fans, but . . .

From Peter King's MMQB: 

"We can't be the Patriots. The Patriots, they epitomize the whole team concept. Those guys are all about team and that's it. We're not them. We are a team that has a bunch of names, a bunch of personalities and a bunch of youth.''
Bradie James, to NBCSports.com's Tom Curran.

Actually, the Patriots have the names, too.  Maybe more.  Not only was he wrong, but as a leader on the team, he needs to strike a different tone.  They shouldn't be the Patriots at all.  But they should strive for the team part - in my humble opinion.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/s...

Hopefully, he rips off some nice ones early.  I really want to play with a lead so we can run a lot.  Maybe the change will also help Jones.  Actually, you'd think it would take pressure off Jones.  If he's gotten over the disappointment referenced in the article, he may play well.  

Have the Cowboys giving 7.5.  That sounds about right.  

I expect the Cowboys to play the TO situation close to the chest, but force the Giants to gameplan for a healthy and healed TO.  In fact, I'm sure TO dresses and starts, regardless.

Need a monster effort from the run-D and the pass rush.

FWIW, NFC is generic 16 point dog in the SB.

I'm superstitious enough to NOT want Romo on the cover.  I'd say its a very good possibility.  Maybe Moss or Brady, although I bet Brady would decline it.  Maybe Adrian Peterson.  Maybe Favre.  BUT PLEASE NOT ROMO.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madden_...

http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/answers2...

I was looking for some sort of online petition but could not find one.  I'd say Cowboy Nation is big enough that if a boycott of EA sports was threatened, they'd keep Romo off the cover!

Grizz - can you set something up?

Check out the current odds on the Panthers game -- http://covers.msnbc.com/data/odds.html

11 point favorites!  I never thought I'd see that big a number.  Word on Romos thumb may change that, but still.  It's a home game for Carolina, who just beat the 9-4 Seahawks.

Also, what's the deal with Stanback.  Technically, he's probably our third QB, right?

by Albert Breer:  http://cowboys.beloblog.com/archives...

If someone else already linked to this, sorry.  

The article made me feel pretty good as he reminded us of the quality of personnel and coaching on the Eagles.  Our defense did a great job.  Had our offense made a few more plays, regardless of how bad things went, we would have won the game.  It really is that simple.

I am not sure how this is going to work out, but here is what I did . . .

I called Comcast and ordered (and will pick up soon) a digital cable box.  It is free for two months, with no commitments.  The NFL Network is $1.99/month.  I can cancel it at anytime.  Once I connect the box, I call Comcast, they send a signal, and the NFL Network instantly appears.

Now, I can’t vouch for any of this.  I mistrust big corporations as much as they next guy.  But I thought it was worth the gamble this time.  I could watch the game elsewhere with friends, but they are a mixture of different fans and, frankly, I prefer watching games like this in isolation.

I’ll re-post on the success of this venture.  My ultimate plan is to hang onto the box only long enough to catch the Panthers game and then return it.  Hopefully, I’m only out $3.98.