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Hey guys, whats up? I am going to go on a little rant here so please bear with me.

First thing I want to talk about is the whole two sided argument of why taking Felix Jones at 22 and not Rashard Mendenhall is the better fit and why it isn't. First, let me say that I would of taken Mendenhall without even blinking an eye. Many draft boards had this guy in the top 10. No one had this guy falling all the way to Dallas at 22. You should of seen Pittsburgh's War room reaction once Roger Goodell announced the Cowboys had selected Felix Jones. Its as if the Steelers had won the Superbowl in that war room, and guess what, they might of just did.

In any case, Felix Jones will be a great fit "complimenting" Marion Barber. The thing is, you dont draft complimentary players in the 1st round. You draft starters. The 22nd pick had Jerry Jones written all over it. Arkansas guy picks Arkansas guy. Some teams had Mendenhall higher on their draft boards than McFadden. So this question goes out to Jerry, If McFadden had fallen all the way to 22nd, would you still have drafted Felix Jones because he is still the better "Complimentary" player? Many people will argue that Felix Jones was the guy the Cowboys wanted all along as many mock drafts, including mine, had the Cowboys selecting Felix Jones, so why all the whinning?

Well, like I stated before, no one had Mendenhall falling all the way to 22. The guy is a stud. He is faster and stronger than Felix Jones and can take a hit. I just hope that this pick doesn't haunt Dallas for years to come just like Randy Moss haunted Dallas for not taking him in the 1998 draft. I will give Dallas a C on this pick. Would of been a A++++ if they would of gotten Mendenhall. Anyways, enough about that. It's done and over with. Blah!

Next is Mike Jenkins at 27. I cant really say much on this pick but if there is something we need, its DB's. I was hoping for the Cromartie kid but Jenkins was next on my list. The film on this kid looks great and I believe he will immediately become the nickel DB. He is a 1st round pick, I wouldnt have it any other way. I give the boys a B on this one.

I am not gonna go into detail on everyother player the Boys drafted so I will just give them an overall grade of C+ on this draft. The second day became very painful to watch as the Cowboys kept trading down and down and down and down and down. I almost threw my cell phone at the TV after the 4rth trade in a row hoping Dallas would just trade anyone.

It all worked out in the end and we got two extra picks for next years draft, an extra 3rd and 4rth. I would of given the Cowboys an A in this draft if the would of selected Mendenhall and selected WR James Hardy in the 2nd round. It would of been an A- if we would of gotten just Mendenhall. Anyways, its done and over with. No use of crying over spilled milk.

So I will leave it at that and now can't wait for July to come around until training camp starts. So see ya next time kiddies! Same Cowboys Time! Same Cowboys Place! Same Cowboys Channel!   

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 12:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Hey guys, whats up? Yes I am alive and I did not join the peace corps or the convent and become a priest or anything like that. Sorry I havent been keeping up with lonestarstruck as of lately, but I just started a new job a few weeks ago and being in retail management is hectic if you dont know. Anyways, back to the reason Im here.

 The 2008 NFL Draft is a day away! WOOHOO! I dont know about you guys but I have been looking forward to this day since that ugly day back in January. I can't help but think that Jerry is gonna pull a fast one on us and hopefully shock us in a good way. I keep getting the feeling that Jerry has already pulled off a draft day trade with someone (Detroit or Arizona) just by the vibe he has been expelling lately. Jerry keeps stating he is still looking for that WOW factor on offense and I dont think he means Pacman Jones.

Speaking of Pacman, I for one am happy he is a Cowboy. if he gets on the field this year, I think he will contribute immediatley. He might be a little rusty at first but the guy is only 24 or 25 I think so he will pick it up. Ofcourse, as of this article, the Cowboys and Pacman's agent are still hammering out the details of the trade and contract but it is all essentially done. For all you Pacman haters, it will all go away when he returns a punt or INT for a TD.

Back to the draft, I am really hoping that Dallas picks up a WR and RB in the 1st round if they dont make a trade. I really like Darren McFadden but we wont get him unless he falls to 7th or lower. Imagine McFadden and Barber as a one two punch? Being the realist that I am, I am gonna go out on a limb here and venture to say that if the Cowboys dont trade any of their two 1st round picks they will draft, Felix Jones and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Those are my two picks. I will interchange Limas Sweed in there depending on several factors. So there you go guys. Tune it in at 2 PM tomorrow and watch the Draft. I know I will. See you next time kiddies! Same Cowboys Time! Same Cowboys Place! Same Cowboys Channel! 

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 05:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 09:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Unconfirmed sources in Dallas are reporting that the Tennessee Titans and the Dallas Cowboys have agreed in principle to a trade that brings Pacman to Dallas for a 7th round draft choice. More details to be available soon.

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 06:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

1. Miami Dolphins – DE Chris Long – Virginia – SR 6’3   266lbs. (With Glenn Dorsey’s health issues coming into play lately, this seems the logical choice for a Bill Parcell’s type pick and guy.)

2. St Louis Rams – OT Jake Long – Michigan – SR 6’7   335 lbs. (With all the problems on the offensive line for the Rams, they would be dummy’s for letting Long get passed them, for he can be the anchor of that O-line for the next 10 years.)

3. Atlanta Falcons – QB Matt Ryan – Boston College – SR 6’4   228 lbs. (With Falcon fans still reeling from the Michael Vick saga, QB is the biggest need for this organization. Playing QB Roulette last year with has-beens as well didn’t help the cause.)

4. Oakland Raiders - RB Darren McFadden – Arkansas – JR 6’1   211 lbs. (The Raiders need a Star at Running Back. With McFadden’s speed and size, Al Davis would be a total moron not to draft the Best running back of the 2008 draft.)  

5. Kansas City Chiefs – DT Glenn Dorsey – LSU - SR 6’1     310 lbs. (The Chiefs have pressing needs in many areas but D-Line is one of the biggest.)

6. New York Jets – DT Sedrick Ellis – USC – SR 6’0      309 lbs. (The Jets had absolutely no pass rush in 2007. Selecting Ellis not only makes sense but the guy can dominate the inside forcing teams who use a ground game to go vertical more often than they want.)

7. New England Patriots – DE Vernon Gholston – Ohio State – SR 6’4     255lbs. (With New England getting a taste of the blitz happy New York Giants in Super Bowl 42, the aging Patriots LB Core could use a shot of the fountain of youth and return the favor to opposing offenses in 2008.)

8. Baltimore Ravens – QB Brian Brohm – Louisville – SR 6’3       230lbs. (With the Ravens pressing need at QB and the ever vigilant legs of Steve McNair no longer running, Brohm seems the logical pick for the Ravens.)

9. Cincinnati Bengals – OLB Keith Rivers – USC – SR 6’3       232 lbs. (With the Bengals defense getting torched last year due to a non-existent pass rush, Rivers play-making ability is a welcomed sigh of relief.)

10. New Orleans Saints – CB Aqib Talib – Kansas – JR 6’2      205 lbs. (The Saints should be not only ecstatic but should be counting their blessings that Talib fell this far. Talib immediately starts and helps a defense that gave up the big play way too often in 2007.)  

11. Buffalo Bills – WR Malcolm Kelly – Oklahoma – JR 6’4       224 lbs. (With the Bills not having a big play threat opposite Lee Evans this pick immediately supplies Trent Edwards with a possession receiver who can move the sticks.)

12. Denver Broncos – OT Ryan Clady – Boise State – JR 6’6       320 lbs. (With Jay Cutler’s blindside not really protected, Clady provides protection against elite NFL pass rushers immediately.)

13. Carolina Panthers – RB Rashard Mendenhall – Illinois - JR 5’11      225lbs. (With DeShaun Foster no longer a Panther, Mendenhall gives the Panthers that Brian Westbrook Philadelphia element to the offense.)

14. Chicago Bears – QB Joe Flacco – Delaware (1AA)- SR 6’6       231 lbs. (With all the problems the Bears have had in past few years at QB, Flacco immediately comes in and give Grossman a run for his money. Flacco displayed the best and strongest arm at the NFL Combine.)

15. Detroit Lions – CB Leodis McKelvin – Troy – SR 5’11      186lbs. (With the Lions pretty solid on offense, the Detroit secondary needs help badly. McKelvin brings that help immediately.)

16. Arizona Cardinals – CB Mike Jenkins – South Florida – SR 5’11      200 lbs. (Rated as the best cover corner in many draft boards, Jenkins will make an impact early and often in the Cardinal’s secondary.)

17. Minnesota Vikings – DE/OLB Derrick Harvey – Florida- JR 6’4       269lbs. ( The Vikings need pass rushers, enough said.)

18. Houston Texas – RB Jonathon Stewart – Oregon – JR 5’11           233 lbs. (With the Texans solid at QB and WR, Stewart would bring defenses to respect the running for once in the Texans history.)

19. Philadelphia Eagles – WR DeSaun Jackson – California – JR 5’9      169 lbs. (With the Eagles offense lacking any big play receivers ever since T.O. left, Jackson’s speed will stretch defenses.)

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR Mario Manningham – Michigan – JR 6’0      188 lbs. (With the Bucs offense lacking a complimentary receiver to Joey Galloway in 2007, teams doubled him in the latter part of the season. Manningham will provide Galloway much needed relief and could eventually replace him.)

21. Washington Redskins – FS Kenny Phillips – Miami – JR 6’2        210 lbs. ( With the tragic loss of Sean Taylor, the redskins will once again have one of the best one two punch at safety in the NFL with Phillips and Landry.)

22. Dallas Cowboys - WR Limas Sweed – Texas – SR 6’4     214 lbs. (With T.O. & T.G. both in their mid-30’s, Sweed’s youth and potential automatically threatens Crayton’s 3^rd spot.)

23. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Chris Williams – Vanderbilt – SR 6’6      321 lbs. (Considered by many to be the most athletically gifted tackle in the draft, Williams’s stock rose after Pitt’s Jeff Otah had a bad NFL Combine.)

24. Tennessee Titans – WR James Hardy – Indiana – JR 6’6         220 lbs. (Having the best size of any receiver in the draft, Hardy will provide the possession receiver that Vince Young has sorely missed since his Texas days.)

25. Seattle Seahawks – TE Dustin Keller – Purdue – SR 6’3       244 lbs. (Seattle has never had a great pass catching TE and Keller has been the most consistent pass catching TE in college football in the past 2 years. Need anything more?)

26. Jacksonville Jaguars – RB Felix Jones – Arkansas – JR 5’10     210 lbs. (Even though RB Fred Taylor was voted to his first Pro bowl, he isn’t getting any younger. The Jaguars going to the 2 back system will add some burst to Taylor’s legs in the latter part of the season.)

27. San Diego Chargers – OT Gosder Cherilus – Boston College – SR 6’7    315 lbs. (Upgrading an aging O-Line would be the Chargers best bet.)

28. Dallas Cowboys – CB Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie – Tennessee State – SR 6’2     185 lbs. (With the Boys having no solid back-up’s to Newman and Henry, Cromartie becomes the grasshopper to Newman.) 

29. San Francisco 49ers (*via trade with Colts) – WR Devin Thomas – Michigan State – JR 6’2    220 lbs. (With the 49ers lacking any star receivers, Thomas is the best receiver left on the board. He is tall and can run the deep pattern.)

30. Green Bay Packers – TE Fred Davis – USC – SR 6’5        252 lbs. (With Bubba Franks no longer a Packer, TE is a priority if Green Bay doesn’t want to become one dimensional.)

31. New England Cheatriots – (Picked forfeited due to Spy Gate Scandal by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.)

32. New York Giants – LB Dan Conner – Penn State – SR 6’3      233 lbs. (Very versatile linebacker who broke school records at Penn. Could be moved inside and outside. The Giants would love this guy.)

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 08:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

It appears as if the Dallas Cowboys are content with the current roster. Jerry Jones must know something the rest of the Dallas Cowboys Nation doesn’t. Dallas has not brought in any big name free agents or any free agents for that matter to Valley Ranch for even a visit with the exception of Zach Thomas. With those of you content with the current roster let me say this, this roster hasn’t changed much since the divisional round playoff loss against the Giants in January. All the starters that started on both sides of the ball are still there. There have been no major upgrades so far this off-season. All we have really done is signed our own free agents. Flozell “2 full starts per game” Adams got a 6 yr deal done before the start of free agency and Ken Hamlin got the franchise tag. Marion Barber and Chris Canty both got tendered. So, any of you excited so far? Personally, the loss against the Giants left a real sour taste in my mouth. It proved that we were weak in some areas and needed upgrades in others. So far, nothing has happened and I am worried guys. I can’t believe I am saying this but I am not excited so far about going into next season with basically the same team as last year. I’m not. If Terrell Owens or Terry Glenn are injured in 2008 we become an average team. If Marion Barber goes down we have an average team. Heaven forbid, if Tony Romo goes down we have a descent team. So LoneStarStruckers, are you guys fine with basically going into 2008 with the same team as last year? Let me know?     

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 02:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

1. Miami Dolphins – DE Chris Long – Virginia – SR 6’3   266lbs. (With Glenn Dorsey’s health issues coming into play lately, this seems the logical choice for a Bill Parcell’s type pick and guy.)

2. St Louis Rams – OT Jake Long – Michigan – SR 6’7   335 lbs. (With all the problems on the offensive line for the Rams, they would be dummy’s for letting Long get passed them, for he can be the anchor of that O-line for the next 10 years.)

3. Atlanta Falcons – QB Matt Ryan – Boston College – SR 6’4   228 lbs. (With Falcon fans still reeling from the Michael Vick saga, QB is the biggest need for this organization. Playing QB Roulette last year with has-beens as well didn’t help the cause.)

4. Dallas Cowboys (*Via trade with the Oakland Raiders) – RB Darren McFadden – Arkansas – JR 6’1   211 lbs. (Jerry Jones stated in the off-season that he wanted to add that wow factor to his offense and with his close ties and alliance with Al Davis, this was a no-brainer. McFadden & Barber will be ravaging defenses for the next 5 years.)

*Oakland receives Dallas # 22 this year, Dallas # 28 this year, Dallas 2^nd Round Pick in 2009 and Dallas DT Marcus Spears.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – DT Glenn Dorsey – LSU - SR 6’1     310 lbs. (The Chiefs have pressing needs in many areas but D-Line is one of the biggest.)

6. New York Jets – DT Sedrick Ellis – USC – SR 6’0      309 lbs. (The Jets had absolutely no pass rush in 2007. Selecting Ellis not only makes sense but the guy can dominate the inside forcing teams who use a ground game to go vertical more often than they want.)

7. New England Patriots – DE Vernon Gholston – Ohio State – SR 6’4     255lbs. (With New England getting a taste of the blitz happy New York Giants in Super Bowl 42, the aging Patriots LB Core could use a shot of the fountain of youth and return the favor to opposing offenses in 2008.)

8. Baltimore Ravens – QB Brian Brohm – Louisville – SR 6’3       230lbs. (With the Ravens pressing need at QB and the ever vigilant legs of Steve McNair no longer running, Brohm seems the logical pick for the Ravens.)

9. Cincinnati Bengals – OLB Keith Rivers – USC – SR 6’3       232 lbs. (With the Bengals defense getting torched last year due to a non-existent pass rush, Rivers play-making ability is a welcomed sigh of relief.)

10. New Orleans Saints – CB Aqib Talib – Kansas – JR 6’2      205 lbs. (The Saints should be not only ecstatic but should be counting their blessings that Talib fell this far. Talib immediately starts and helps a defense that gave up the big play way too often in 2007.)  

11. Buffalo Bills – WR Malcolm Kelly – Oklahoma – JR 6’4       224 lbs. (With the Bills not having a big play threat opposite Lee Evans this pick immediately supplies Trent Edwards with a possession receiver who can move the sticks.)

12. Denver Broncos – OT Ryan Clady – Boise State – JR 6’6       320 lbs. (With Jay Cutler’s blindside not really protected, Clady provides protection against elite NFL pass rushers immediately.)

13. Carolina Panthers – RB Rashard Mendenhall – Illinois - JR 5’11      225lbs. (With DeShaun Foster no longer a Panther, Mendenhall gives the Panthers that Brian Westbrook Philadelphia element to the offense.)

14. Chicago Bears – QB Joe Flacco – Delaware (1AA)- SR 6’6       231 lbs. (With all the problems the Bears have had in past few years at QB, Flacco immediately comes in and give Grossman a run for his money. Flacco displayed the best and strongest arm at the NFL Combine.)

15. Detroit Lions – CB Leodis McKelvin – Troy – SR 5’11      186lbs. (With the Lions pretty solid on offense, the Detroit secondary needs help badly. McKelvin brings that help immediately.)

16. Arizona Cardinals – CB Mike Jenkins – South Florida – SR 5’11      200 lbs. (Rated as the best cover corner in many draft boards, Jenkins will make an impact early and often in the Cardinal’s secondary.)

17. Minnesota Vikings – DE/OLB Derrick Harvey – Florida- JR 6’4       269lbs. ( The Vikings need pass rushers, enough said.)

18. Houston Texas – RB Jonathon Stewart – Oregon – JR 5’11           233 lbs. (With the Texans solid at QB and WR, Stewart would bring defenses to respect the running game for once in the Texans history.)

19. Philadelphia Eagles – WR DeSaun Jackson – California – JR 5’9      169 lbs. (With the Eagles offense lacking any big play receivers ever since T.O. left, Jackson’s speed will stretch defenses.)

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR Mario Manningham – Michigan – JR 6’0      188 lbs. (With the Bucs offense lacking a complimentary receiver to Joey Galloway in 2007, teams doubled him in the latter part of the season. Manningham will provide Galloway much needed relief and could eventually replace him.)

21. Washington Redskins – FS Kenny Phillips – Miami – JR 6’2        210 lbs. ( With the tragic loss of Sean Taylor, the redskins will once again have one of the best one two punch at safety in the NFL with Phillips and Landry.)

22. Oakland Raiders (*From Dallas via trade)- WR Limas Sweed – Texas – SR 6’4     214 lbs. (With the Raiders owning two first round picks thanks to Dallas, Sweed will provide a great and huge weapon for last year’s # 1 pick QB Jamarcus Russell.)

23. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Chris Williams – Vanderbilt – SR 6’6      321 lbs. (Considered by many to be the most athletically gifted tackle in the draft, Williams’s stock rose after Pitt’s Jeff Otah had a bad NFL Combine.)

24. Tennessee Titans – WR James Hardy – Indiana – JR 6’6         220 lbs. (Having the best size of any receiver in the draft, Hardy will provide the possession receiver that Vince Young has sorely missed since his Texas days.)

25. Seattle Seahawks – TE Dustin Keller – Purdue – SR 6’3       244 lbs. (Seattle has never had a great pass catching TE and Keller has been the most consistent pass catching TE in college football in the past 2 years. Need anything more?)

26. Jacksonville Jaguars – RB Felix Jones – Arkansas – JR 5’10     210 lbs. (Even though RB Fred Taylor was voted to his first Pro bowl, he isn’t getting any younger. The Jaguars going to the 2 back system will add some burst to Taylor’s legs in the latter part of the season.)

27. San Diego Chargers – OT Gosder Cherilus – Boston College – SR 6’7    315 lbs. (Upgrading an aging O-Line would be the Chargers best bet.)

28. Oakland Raiders (*via trade with Dallas) - DE Lawrence Jackson – USC – SR 6’4     274 lbs. (With the Raiders adding to the O with the 22^nd pick, they quickly select Jackson to improve the D.)  

29. San Francisco 49ers (*via trade with Colts) – WR Devin Thomas – Michigan State – JR 6’2    220 lbs. (With the 49ers lacking any star receivers, Thomas is the best receiver left on the board. He is tall and can run the deep pattern.)

30. Green Bay Packers – TE Fred Davis – USC – SR 6’5        252 lbs. (With Bubba Franks no longer a Packer, TE is a priority if Green Bay doesn’t want to become one dimensional.)

31. New England Cheatriots – (Picked forfeited due to Spy Gate Scandal by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.)

32. New York Giants – LB Dan Conner – Penn State – SR 6’3      233 lbs. (Very versatile linebacker who broke school records at Penn. Could be moved inside and outside. The Giants would love this guy.)

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 02:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Hey guys whats up? Sorry I didnt write on my Spot last week but I was busy attending to some personal things but I am back. I got many emails asking me what happened! Geez! I miss one Sunday and you guys freak! Chill out guys! I'm Back! So lets get started with some Tidbits & Notes.

The NFL Combine is going on as we speak. I really dont put too much into this aspect of Pre-NFL Draft workouts. There have been several high profile collegiate athletes who perform at the NFL Combine to stellar reviews only to become NFL Busts. I prefer to look at game situational film and overall performance from the 1st to 4rth quarter if Im in an NFL War room. I just dont get it but anything to parade these future Hall of Famers around is great by NFL standards I guess. Thats my 2 cents on that.

The Dallas Cowboys signed Zach Thomas to a 1 year 3 million dollar deal. Now I know many of you are groping and griping about this signing stating that we have more pressing needs than a has been, concussion prone linebacker. Personally, I think it's a great signing for 3 reasons. First, It's CHEAP! Thomas will make 1 million in base, got a 1 million dollar signing bonus and the other million is incentive laden. So that means, Thomas would have to beat out Ayodele for starting positon during training camp, start 16 NFL regular season games, have over 100 tackles, make the Pro Bowl, and be voted an All-Pro probably to make the other million count in his favor. So all this deal is costing us is 2 million dollars up front. Not bad for a 7 time Pro Bowler. Second, Thomas passed a medical evaluation by the Cowboys medical staff. He is at 100 % people. Dallas would not of signed him considering how severe the concussion he suffered last year was and if there were still any lingering effects. Thomas is a tackling machine. If he is anywhere near what he is capable of and performs at that level, we just might of signed the STEAL of free-agency this year. And Third, He is and grew up a HUGE COWBOY FAN. Thomas compared yesterday's signing to that of how he felt on Draft Day. His family was so ecstatic by the signing as well. Thomas stated he felt so re-energized and ready to go. So you see folks, chill out on this signing. It might be a blessing in disguise.That my 2 cents on that!

I have a HUGE GRIPE to pick with the city of San Antonio. Due to scheduling problems at the Alamodome, the Dallas Cowboys will not hold training camp in San Antonio, Texas this year. I am PISSED people! If the Dallas Cowboys signed a 5 year contract to hold training camp in San Antonio last year wouldn't that make the city of San Antonio in breach of contract? Or the Alamodome? What puzzles me is that someone with a college degree in the scheduling department at the Alamodome would schedule a Church convention during the time the Cowboys would be in San Antonio during training camp. I just don't get it. I am sure that the city of San Antonio is going to lose millions of dollars in revenue and tourism because of this fiasco. It's a shame, really a shame. I have tried repeatedly to get in contact with someone who makes decisions at the Alamodome to no avail. I have tried both emailing and calling them. Can never get a straight answer. Oh well, theres always next year right? That my 2 cents on that! 

Finally, I will be conducting the 1st ever LoneStarStruck NFL Mock Draft next week. Be sure to look out for that one. I will be creative as well folks. I will throw in some draft day trades in there. It's really not going to be anything like any of the other NFL Mock Drafts the other guys have, so be sure to check it out. Also if any of you guys want to hit me up on myspace, here is the link! Send me a friend invite! Cowboys Alliance . Thats my 2 cents on that! So thats all for now kiddies! See ya next time! Same Cowboys Time! Same Cowboys Place! Same Cowboys Channel! 

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Hey guys, whats up? Well a few things on today's agenda. First off, by the end of the day today, the 2007 season officially will be over and all things associated with it. Once the clock strikes 0:00 in Honolulu, we can start looking forward to free agency and 2008, which starts at the end of the month. So let's do that, who's going and who's coming to Big D?

I have stated and will reiterate that Jerry Jones will go all out this off-season in free agency to make the Cowboys practically indestructable in 2008 for 3 main reasons.

• Last year at Texas Stadium. With so much history and tradition associated with Texas Stadium and all the great Dallas Cowboys teams that have come and gone, Jerry Jones would love nothing more but to leave Texas Stadium as Super Bowl Champs. Opening up at the new 90,000 plus stadium in Arlington as Super Bowl Champs would give it the nostalga and carry on the tradition of Cowboys football. Now, anyone want to tell me that Jerry Jones isn't thinking this way? 
• Wade Phillips is on the HOT SEAT. With all these new coaches coming to Big D, you can't help but think that Jerry Jones is assembling these former NFL coaches to come in to Big D with the WIN NOW mentality. For any of you that think Wade Phillips has absolutely anything to do with this process, well you all just need to come back from fantasyland. If the Boys don't win Super Bowl 43, Wade Phillips will be looking for another job in 2009 and in steps Jason Garrett.
• The loss to the Giants in the divisional round has been made even harder due to the fact that the Giants won the Super Bowl. As I stated before, Jerry Jones took the loss to the Giants pretty DAMN HARD. Jerry was even giving away tickets to the NFC Championship game in Dallas to players before the Giants game. Now knowing that, do you think Jerry isn't waking up in the middle of night in a cold sweat nowadays dreaming of a Super Bowl lost? I would be SHOCKED if Jerry doesnt make some wheeling and dealing to land Samuel or Trufant if he isn't franchised.

Those are the three main reasons I believe Jerry Jones will have Dallas primed to be Super Bowl favriotes come July. Way too much is on the line for Jerry and he knows it. Several media outlets have started reporting this same kind of reaction coming from Jerry, so it isn't only myself that sees this coming. If they are available, expect either Trufant or Samuels to be wearing silver and blue next season. I am going out on a limb here and am going to guarantee that. Only if they are available though.

Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin has been trying to persuade both Samuels and Trufant to come to Dallas by sending them lavishing gifts in Hawaii while they are there for the Pro Bowl. Isn't that Jerry's job? It wouldn't shock or surprise me as well if Dallas doesn't trade away it's draft picks for already established players. I think that if Arizona comes to Dallas or vice-versa and inquiries are made about Larry Fitzgerald, I think both Arizona and Dallas can work some kind of trade only if Fitzgerald agrees to a re-worked contract extension to make this trade possible. Keep your eye on that. Arizona has a huige financial burden with Fitzgerald and Im sure they are shopping him.

Here are some other names that might land in Big D via free agency or trade on draft day. Denver WR Javon Walker, I think we can get him for a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Chicago WR Benard Berriman in free agency. Patriots WR Randy Moss in free agency. Now don't be shocked but if New England doesnt franchise the guy, don't be surprised if in March he comes to Dallas on a visit with Jerry Jones. And San Diego CB Drayton Florence in free agency.  

***** 

Now, I have been toying with the fact that I want to get into the Graphics Design industry and have novicely started out trying to learn both Adobe Photoshop and Corel Draw on my own. I plan on going to school in the fall here at the local technical institute to learn the trade but I have been recieving pointers from both Kelly and Tiffany here at StarStruck. Thanks guys, love ya! I have had Photoshop for maybe a month or so now and Corel Draw for two months now. Both these programs cost me about the value of a good car down payment but I think in the end it will be worth it. I have also changed my myspace page to all things Dallas Cowboys and have created an alter-ego for it called 'Cowboys Alliance'.

For those of you who are on my Myspace friends list you have maybe started recieving my bulletins of Cowboys graphics I have made. Although they are not even remotely anywhere near the quality of LoneStarStruck or StarGazzing Graphics, I think they arent that bad considering I am only a month or so into this thing. If you have any Cowboys graphic requests please send them to me at my Myspace page and I will get right on them. Any of you who want to be on my Myspace friend's list here is my link: Fredooch. There are also a few graphics here that I made, hope you enjoy them and you can find more on my Myspace page.

So thats all for now kiddies. See you next time! Same Cowboys Place! Same Cowboys Time! Same Cowboys Channel!

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 01:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I ran accross this video from a friend on youtube. I think it's hilarious. Warning, there is explicit and vulagar language so open it up at your own risk. There is also an online petition going around by Patriots fans that are calling for the NFL to investigate the final 1:40 of SB 42. Talk about your SORE LOSERS!!!!

Heres the video......you've been warned!!!

 Patriot's fan DISMAY!!!

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

How the mighty have fallen!

I know this is a Dallas Cowboys blog but I just can't help myself. The Mighty, Indestructable, Unbeatable and Cheating New England Patriots have fallen. Fallen on the biggest stage in the world nonetheless, Super Bowl 42. The New York Football Giants are World Champions. Putting this whole game in perspective, it now makes me wonder WHAT IF? What if Dallas had beaten the Giants 4 weeks ago? I know I am beating on a dead drum but I just can't help but to think about what if? Oh well, maybe next year.

It was hilarious how at the end of the game, Bill Belicheat was such a sore loser that he walked off the field with still 2 seconds left to play. Both Tom Coughlin and Bill Belicheat were informed at mid-field by the head referee that there was still one second left on the clock. Even knowing this, Belicheat left the field. This from a man who routinely throughout the 2007 season ran up the score on a number of teams. This from a man that routinely went for it on fourth down during the 2007 season when the game was already won and in their hands. I hate to say it but Karma is a Bitch isn't it Belicheat. All that reputed classless display your team displayed during the 2007 season finally caught up to you Belicheat.

The even better thing is that New England can now not be considered an NFL Dynasty by lamen terms. Dynasties don't lose Super Bowls. The Cowboy teams from the 90's never lost a Super Bowl and the majority of the time man handled whomever they played on the big stage. So there you go New England. As much as I hate to say it, you got exactley what you deserved tonight. And by the display of your fearless leader at the end of the Super Bowl, it just goes to show that even in a loss, Belicheat still shows no class. Thats my 2 cents on that.

I'm tired of hearing about this whole Jessica Simpson saga. There are still Cowboy fans out there that believe that Jessica Simpson is the reason for the whole Cowboys early playoff exit. There is even this guy on my myspace friends list that does nothing but posts anti-Jessica bulletin posts. I got 3 from him on one day! He compares Jessica Simpson to Yoko Ono. Get over it man! Jessica Simpson had absolutely NOTHING to do with the Cowboys early playoff exit plain and simple. It jut wasn't meant to be this year guys. As much as that still hurts. So for you conspiracy theorists out there, please get a life! I would rather believe that Big Foot exists than that Jessica Simpson even remotely had something to do with the Cowboys loss to the Giants. Thats my 2 cents on that.

How about some interaction? What do you guys think the Cowboys will do with their 2 1st round picks? I am going to go out on a limb here and say we move up. Not necessarily to get McFadden but if he falls to 5 or 6, be sure Jerry will be making phone calls. If they dont trade up, I say they will draft a WR and a CB in the 1st round. Fair enough? Let me know what you guys think! Thats all for now kiddies! See you all Next Sunday! Same Cowboys Time! Same Cowboys Place! Same Cowboys Channel! 

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 12:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Hey Cowboy fans, it’s me Fredooch bringing you your update for the week and my personal feelings when it comes to all things Dallas Cowboys. First of all let me say I couldn’t of be prouder to be on this staff than if I were a staff member on DallasCowboys.com. We have a great bunch of writers and staffers here and all I can say, and I can’t say it enough, thanks Kelly for making me part of this thing here on LoneStarStruck.com. Its both and honor and a pleasure.

Ok now onto the Dallas Cowboys Rumor mill:

*Rumors out of Miami and Detroit have all three franchises talking trade come draft day. Rumor out of Miami has it that Bill Parcells still thinks the world of OLB Bobby Carpenter (believe it or not) and that Carpenter will be shipped out to Miami come draft day for a 3^rd rounder. Rumor out of Detroit has WR Roy Williams coming to Dallas for DT Marcus Spears and the 28^th pick of the NFL Draft.

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 08:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (23)

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 01:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

What’s up guys? Just want to give my 2 cents on some rumors and tidbits and even a little bit of reflection for the Boys. First, let me tackle this whole Pac man Jones wanting to be a Cowboy thing. This reminds me very much of how I felt when rumors first surfaced about Jerry Jones wanting Owens when he was released from Philadelphia.  At first I was very against this knowing how much T.O. had disrespected the star plus all the negative baggage he brought. Aside from that alleged suicide attempt last year, T.O. has been the ultimate teammate since he became a Cowboy. Romo even stated himself after last year’s loss to Seattle that T.O. would call him everyday after that loss to check up on him. I’m sure T.O. has kept in touch with Romo as well after the loss to the Giants last week as well and if that teary eyed T.O. defending Romo after the Giants game didn’t make you feel anything, then there’s something wrong with you. T.O. never had the off the field issues, like run ins with the law, but he was a cancer in the locker room. Looks like T.O. grew up and matured in Dallas. Then there’s the Tank Johnson signing this season. Tank did have the off the field issues plus he has even stated himself that most of his friends growing up were murdered. Tank has been the model citizen in Dallas. All I heard before the Tank signing was how wrong and detrimental to the team this would be. Now, all I hear was how god a signing this was for the Cowboys after the Ferguson injury in Week 1 against the Giants.

Now on to Pac man. Do I think the Cowboys should take a risk on a guy who loves the night life and fast women? Yes and this is why. Two words: Calvin Hill. This guy has made model citizens of both Terrell Owens and Tank Johnson. He is what most people call, Jerry Jones watch dog. This guy has done some amazing things considering the circumstances. Plus, if Pac man Jones would sign for the near minimum or some incentive laden deal, then I would be all for it. If he messed up again we could cut him and it wouldn’t affect the salary cap if at all. This is the only way I would be all for it. The guy can play football people. If you saw him play last year you know he was Tennessee’s Bob Sanders and that’s saying a lot. Plus he can return kicks. But in all likeyhood this isn’t going to happen unless the Titans release him which I believe they won’t.

Another grumbling out there is that Detroit’s Roy Williams would love nothing else but to become a Dallas Cowboy as well after his contract runs out after next season. Can you imagine T.O., T.G, Crayton and Williams in a four receiver set? DAMN!! Anyways, this isn’t going to happen people. I think Detroit will lock him up long term and I don’t think Terry Glenn will be back in Dallas next season. Another wide receivers name that has been popping up in the NFL rumor mill is Denver’s Javon Walker coming to Dallas in a draft day deal for either a 3^rd or 4rth round pick. Don’t dismiss this rumor. I think this, out of all the rumors out there to be a GREAT possibility. Denver wants to get this guy out of Denver and the Cowboys have been rumored to be the team of Walker’s choice. So if it happens, remember where you heard it first.

Onto some Cowboy tidbits. I believe Dallas will sign one huge free agent this off-season. I honestly believe Dallas will sign either Marcus Trufant from Seattle or Ashante Samuel from New England and this is why. Jerry Jones is a very pissed off man as we speak. He believed, as many of us did, that this team had a great chance to compete for a championship this year. Jerry Jones stated last Monday that he has never felt as low as he did following the loss to the Giants in his 19 years as Cowboys owner. I believe Jerry to become a very imaginative and free spender this off-season and have Dallas in a prime position to be declared the early favorite come July to be Superbowl 43 Champions. Think of it guys, you think Jerry Jones hasn’t thought of the idea of opening up in 2009 at the new stadium as SuperBowl champions? If we know Jerry, don’t be surprised come March when the free-agent signing period begins.

Onto to the NFL Draft. Two words: Darren McFadden. Although this isn’t a really forgone conclusion to believe this, I believe Jerry likes, or should I say, LOVES this guy so much that this might happen. I’m going to keep this short but don’t be surprised to hear that Dallas is desperately trying to trade up in this year’s draft to get this guy. Plus having Bill Parcell’s running the war room in Miami might helps more than hurt us in trying to accomplish this. Just don’t be surprised if it happens and I for one would love to see him and Barber in a two back set. Well that’s all for now kiddies and remember, see you next Sunday. Same Cowboys time! Same Cowboys place! Same Cowboys channel!            Fredooch!   

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 12:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

What’s up guys? Just want to give my 2 cents on some rumors and tidbits and even a little bit of reflection for the Boys. First, let me tackle this whole Pac man Jones wanting to be a Cowboy thing. This reminds me very much of how I felt when rumors first surfaced about Jerry Jones wanting Owens when he was released from Philadelphia.  At first I was very against this knowing how much T.O. had disrespected the star plus all the negative baggage he brought. Aside from that alleged suicide attempt last year, T.O. has been the ultimate teammate since he became a Cowboy. Romo even stated himself after last year’s loss to Seattle that T.O. would call him everyday after that loss to check up on him. I’m sure T.O. has kept in touch with Romo as well after the loss to the Giants last week as well and if that teary eyed T.O. defending Romo after the Giants game didn’t make you feel anything, then there’s something wrong with you. T.O. never had the off the field issues, like run ins with the law, but he was a cancer in the locker room. Looks like T.O. grew up and matured in Dallas. Then there’s the Tank Johnson signing this season. Tank did have the off the field issues plus he has even stated himself that most of his friends growing up were murdered. Tank has been the model citizen in Dallas. All I heard before the Tank signing was how wrong and detrimental to the team this would be. Now, all I hear was how god a signing this was for the Cowboys after the Ferguson injury in Week 1 against the Giants.

Now on to Pac man. Do I think the Cowboys should take a risk on a guy who loves the night life and fast women? Yes and this is why. Two words: Calvin Hill. This guy has made model citizens of both Terrell Owens and Tank Johnson. He is what most people call, Jerry Jones watch dog. This guy has done some amazing things considering the circumstances. Plus, if Pac man Jones would sign for the near minimum or some incentive laden deal, then I would be all for it. If he messed up again we could cut him and it wouldn’t affect the salary cap if at all. This is the only way I would be all for it. The guy can play football people. If you saw him play last year you know he was Tennessee’s Bob Sanders and that’s saying a lot. Plus he can return kicks. But in all likeyhood this isn’t going to happen unless the Titans release him which I believe they won’t.

Another grumbling out there is that Detroit’s Roy Williams would love nothing else but to become a Dallas Cowboy as well after his contract runs out after next season. Can you imagine T.O., T.G, Crayton and Williams in a four receiver set? DAMN!! Anyways, this isn’t going to happen people. I think Detroit will lock him up long term and I don’t think Terry Glenn will be back in Dallas next season. Another wide receivers name that has been popping up in the NFL rumor mill is Denver’s Javon Walker coming to Dallas in a draft day deal for either a 3^rd or 4rth round pick. Don’t dismiss this rumor. I think this, out of all the rumors out there to be a GREAT possibility. Denver wants to get this guy out of Denver and the Cowboys have been rumored to be the team of Walker’s choice. So if it happens, remember where you heard it first.

Onto some Cowboy tidbits. I believe Dallas will sign one huge free agent this off-season. I honestly believe Dallas will sign either Marcus Trufant from Seattle or Ashante Samuel from New England and this is why. Jerry Jones is a very pissed off man as we speak. He believed, as many of us did, that this team had a great chance to compete for a championship this year. Jerry Jones stated last Monday that he has never felt as low as he did following the loss to the Giants in his 19 years as Cowboys owner. I believe Jerry to become a very imaginative and free spender this off-season and have Dallas in a prime position to be declared the early favorite come July to be Superbowl 43 Champions. Think of it guys, you think Jerry Jones hasn’t thought of the idea of opening up in 2009 at the new stadium as SuperBowl champions? If we know Jerry, don’t be surprised come March when the free-agent signing period begins.

Onto to the NFL Draft. Two words: Darren McFadden. Although this isn’t a really forgone conclusion to believe this, I believe Jerry likes, or should I say, LOVES this guy so much that this might happen. I’m going to keep this short but don’t be surprised to hear that Dallas is desperately trying to trade up in this year’s draft to get this guy. Plus having Bill Parcell’s running the war room in Miami might helps more than hurt us in trying to accomplish this. Just don’t be surprised if it happens and I for one would love to see him and Barber in a two back set. Well that’s all for now kiddies and remember, see you next Sunday. Same Cowboys time! Same Cowboys place! Same Cowboys channel!            Fredooch!   

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 12:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

" In the beginning God created the Heaven and the Earth. .............................On the 7th day God created the Dallas Cowboys and on the 8th, God created Kelly and LoneStarStruck.com for all Dallas Cowboy fans on Earth."

Ok maybe I am taking this way out of line and we all know Kelly isn't over 2,000 years old, , but I just wanted to give a big THANK YOU to Kelly here with this article. It takes a really great person and FAN or FAN-atic to do what she does. She started this here website for the enjoyment of Dallas Cowboy fans everywhere, free of charge. Running a website of this magnitude isn't easy folks. It's alot of arduous work to do what she does, plus she makes the BEST graphics out there for Dallas Cowboy fans everywhere. I have seen her Graphics all over Myspace with those distinguishing S*S logos attached to them.

I am just amazed how Kelly has time to do all of this considering Kelly has a full-time job and is a single mom just trying to make ends meet. I just wish the Dallas Cowboys organization , (You listening Jerry Jones!!!) knew how much work, effort and dedication you truly put in and day out Kelly for the Dallas Cowboys and thier fans and would somehow awknowledge you in someway because you really deserve that at the very least. You have never asked for anything from us in return and again, and I know I speak for the rest of the StarStruck Writers and Staffers that we just want to say Thank You Kelly. You truly are and epitomize in every word of the sense what a TRUE Dallas Cowboys fan is and should be. I just hope I am still on the staff when this thing not only goes nationally but on a global scale as well cause it's gonna happen.  So again Kelly, and I know I can't say it enough, THANK YOU!!!!!  FREDOOCH 

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 11:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Hey LoneStarStruckers,

This is Fred or Fredooch or whatever you want to call me. I am devastated as I am sure most of us are. Our Dallas Cowboys lost to the hated NY Giants. I will give respect where respect is due. Congrats Giants. You beat us fair and square. I am not going to sit here and make excuses for the way the Boys played. We had 60 minutes of football to prove we were the better team and we failed. So again my congrats.

Earlier I made some references to needing a change due to the fact that a 13-3 team shouldn't lose in a divisional round. Even though I still believe that, I now can't wait for the first preseason game next season. These next few months will be hard to swallow but we will be okay. The sad thing is that I never would of imagined this being a team that would be scratching their heads thinking that they couldn't believe they lost to the Giants after beating them twice this past season. But enough of the Giants and enough of this season. Its over and there's nothing you and I can do about it.

So how does one find perspective in total darkness? Well for one, it was a great and fun season. There were highlights this season that will be replayed 20 years from now. Like when Romo had that bad snap against the Rams and turned a 35 yard loss into a 6 yard first down for example. Or when Nick Folk hit that 52 yard field goal against Buffalo on that Monday Night game back in October. There were many memorable plays this season so thanks Dallas Cowboys.

Thank you Tony Romo for giving us fans one of the greatest seasons any Dallas Cowboy QB has ever had. Thank you Marion Barber for giving us everything you had every time you touched that ball. Thank you Jason Witten for catching all those clutch 3rd down catches and becoming the All-Pro TE we all knew you already were. Thank You Terrell Owens for being the game changer and TEAMMATE you have been since you became a Dallas Cowboy. That post-game interview last night where T.O. cried defending his QB made me order a T.O. jersey from the Dallas Cowboys online Pro Shop.

Thank you Dallas O-Line for blocking and protecting all season long and deservedly so, having three Pro Bowlers on that line. Thank you Dallas D-Line for all of your big plays this season. Thank you Demarcus Ware for becoming the pass rushing beast you have become. Thank you Greg Ellis for becoming the professional and pass rusher we knew you always were. Thank you Dallas corners & safeties for all those big plays and clutch interceptions. Thank you Dallas LB's for all those run stuffs and QB Sacks.

Thank you Nick Folk for finally giving us some consistency on field goals and that clutch kick against Buffalo. Thank you Matt McBriar for another great season pinning opponents on the other side of the 50. Thank you Wade Phillips and the rest of the coaching staff for those 13 wonderful game plans. So Thank You all Dallas Cowboys listed and unlisted here for a great season but an awful end.

So its roughly 7 months 'til the start of training camp. Its gonna be a long and arduous wait. I have been a Dallas Cowboy Fan-atic since birth so bear with me if I am taking this loss a little too personal and hard.

As my friend Jorge stated to me earlier in a myspace bulletin he wrote, "And for you guys that say "Why do you care about Dallas Cowboys"? Hey, it is a primitive instinct to want to belong to a clan. We (fans) adopt a team, and in the psychological aspect of things.... We feel as we are part of that clan (favorite team). I know, it might sound stupid, but they (Cowboys) are like family. When you grow up watching a team for so many years.... they are in a way just part of your life." I couldn't have said it better myself Jorge.

Thats how to find Perspective in Total Darkness.

COWBOYS WILL WIN SUPERBOWL 43!!!!!!! GUARANDAMNTEED!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Fred Reyna aka Fredooch at 01:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

I am tired you guys. Tired of all the naysayers saying Dallas is going to lose. Tired of all the Romo bashing. Tired of all the Jessica Simpson backlash. Tired of all the skeptics. Just plain tired and I gotta vent. Vent because, never in my 31 years on earth have I seen a team so disrespected. Never have I seen a team be so low-balled as my and your Dallas Cowboys.

This team is 13-3 yet the media portrays them as a 7-9 team who had divine intervention in making it to the playoffs. We have a quarterback who broke almost every team record this year. Romo surpassed Hall Of Fame quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman and even Danny White in the you name it stats. Yet, Romo will choke under this barrage of pressure on Sunday come game time as stated by hundreds in the media frenzy.

No R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

We have two of the games premiere players in Terrell Owens and Jason Witten, who were selected All-Pro's this week, yet we get no R-E-S-P-E-C-T. We have one of the games premiere defensive players in Demarcus Ware, an All-Pro at that as well, yet we get no R-E-S-P-E-C-T. I could go on and on guys about how good or great a team we are but it isnt gonna matter. Not matter to anyone outside the Cowboys fan Brotherhood and Sisterhood(for all the lovely ladies out there).

I know what this team is capable of. I know what this team can do when it clicks on all cylinders. I know for a god-given fact that this team can and will steamroll through the playoffs and to Superbowl 42 in Arizona and make you and I proud. There is too much tradition and history in this team.This team is the epitome of Sports Franchises globally. People on all corners of the world know who the Dallas Cowboys are. They are America's Team. They have a Stadium with a hole in the roof so god can watch his Cowboys play.

Now grant it, I know that the Dallas Cowboys of the 70's and 90's and the success that came during those eras have been missing here lately, but I know it's coming. It's coming in a huge way and I hope America is ready for it. I honestly believe that Jerry Jones has this team primed to dominate the NFC for the next 5-10 years. We are not a elite team by any standards, I am not naive, but we are a good if not great team at the moment. Can this team turn it up a level?

Well according to one of the All-Pro players on this team, who shall remain nameless at this time, they know of all the doubters and disrespect that has been given to them this week.

"We have 12 Pro Bowlers, 5 All-Pro's, should of been 6 with Tony, and an NFC best 13-3 record. I have never been on a team that has been this disrespected and we are gonna show the world come Sunday, believe it!"

Thats the exact quote I got from this Cowboys All-Pro. Thats why I decided to write this letter here on StarStruck. So if your going to the game on Sunday, wear white and scream to lungs out. Lose your voice and bring the house down on the G-Men because now it's US against the world.

Contributed by Fredooch

Posted by LoneStarStruck at 01:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

I vividly remember the day, Saturday April 20, 2002. The day Roy Williams became a Dallas Cowboy. Now, myself not really being a big college fan at the time, I had heard through NFL Draft Analysts how Dallas was targeting either Roy Williams that day or Ed Reed. Most analysts stated that Roy Williams was the bigger and better suited safety, noting nothing about his coverage skills at that point. I even remember one analyst stating that Roy Williams was a shoe in Hall of Famer whether Dallas got him or not. He has Ronnie Lott's box presence and ferrosciousness and could cover out of the slot, so said one NFL scout. So then came Dallas pick #6 in which Dallas traded down 2 places with Kansas City and then selected DB Oklahoma Roy Williams with the 8th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. I was elated and ecstatic! We already had Woody back there and adding Roy Williams? Damn, I immediately had visions of having the best 2 safety tandem in the NFL by far.

Fast forward to 2005. Roy Williams has been everything I expected. A big stout safety who is considered a spark plug on a good defense. Roy excelled his first 4 years in the league. Even starting for the # 1 defense in the league in 2003 and making his first pro bowl. He had at least one bone crunching hit in every game and led the league in interceptions as a rookie in 2002. You can safely say and argue the fact that from 2002-2005, Roy was the Cowboy's best and most marketable player. His #31 jersey sold like hotcake's and could be easily seen in Texas Stadium every Sunday afternoon. I myself was even guilty of this feat. I saved up $300.00 in 2003 to get my authentic Roy Williams throwback from the Cowboys pro-shop. It was my most prized possession for quite awhile.

The decline. I really didn't want to believe that Roy's skills were suspect. The big warning came in 2004 when Woody went down a had to retire. Roy was exposed! He couldn't cover the deep receiver. Although Roy had great 2004 and 2005 campaigns, Roy gave opposing defenses an attack plan. Even though Roy was exposed, he was still that bone crunching hitter. He still instilled fear in opposing wide receivers that came over the middle. That just hasn't been the case lately.

Fast forward to this season. Up until this year, I had been the biggest Roy Williams supporter. This season he has not only been suspect in coverage but he has suffered when playing in the box against the run. The last two weeks I have seen Roy take two bad angles on huge TD runs by the Packers and Lions. I even remember seeing Roy stiffed arm badly by an opposing RB earlier in the year. I don't want to think that his skills as a football player are on the decline because he is only 27 years old and at times this season he has looked like he is 37 back there. So what's wrong with Roy Williams you say? I have the answer or answers...........read on.

Answer # 1. Confidence. Most people who have ever played the game of American football will tell you that confidence in one's own abilities is a big factor on how the athlete plays. Lately I believe that Roy has began to question his own abilities. His ability to not only cover but to hit as well. I believe he has began to hear and believe all the naysayers and boo-birds in the media and at games and it has begun to cast doubt. Once that doubt sets in, the player becomes vulnerable and susceptible to mistakes and that's exactly what's been happening lately to Roy.

Answer # 2. Fame and money. The say that Fame and Money changes a person for the worse. Roy just signed a 4 year extension in 2006 making him the highest paid safety in the league. Players become totally entrenched in things on the outside and forget the things that made them rich and famous in the first  place like playing football. I believe this answer is common for many athletes in the NFL today. I honestly believe that more than half of all NFL players are in it more for the money than for the love of the game. They start to forget how hard and grueling the road to the NFL was. It's not an easy task people. Roy is a humanitarian. He spends alot of time helping charities and foundations he has set-up. Hey you all have seen those United Way commercials. I believe this answer does not apply to Roy for that fact, but hey I could always be wrong.

Answer # 3. He just doesn't want to be a Cowboy. I know this is a little far fetched and out there but anything's possible. The only reason I bring this answer up is because I have tried to keep an eye on Roy this year seeing what he does on every play. There are times in the game when the defense comes up with a big play and Roy has no reaction. Like he doesn't care. I have seen this reaction a few times. Roy, at least to my knowledge, has always been an emotional player. Every time he made a big hit or big play in the past, he has always shown alot of emotion. Same when someone else on defense had a big play. You would always see Roy be one of the first players to show some congrats. Haven't seen that lately as well.

So there you have it. Some of you might agree with what I have to say and some of you may not. I honestly believe that if Roy was playing the way we are used to seeing Roy Williams play in previous years, this defense would be special. I have always been a great Roy Williams supporter but lately, like this whole season, its been hard to defend the guy. I would love nothing more than to have Roy turn around and start hitting some people like he used to. During the Green Bay game a few weeks ago I saw a flash of the old Roy when he came up on a running play and decleated Ryan Grant at the line after he was stood up by Canty. That was the old Roy I came to love watch play. The only time this season I saw Roy knock someone silly. Anyone out there know where that Roy is?          

Contributed by Fred the Fredooch

Posted by LoneStarStruck at 04:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)