Lone Star Struck

How many of you out there are familiar with the film “Gangs of New York”? There was a scene were both gangs would stand across from one another face to face, ready to go to war. Those standoffs happen all the time during rivalry week. In 1999, I made it known to the world that I was a proud Dallas Cowboys fan. I’ve been riding with them since 1992 but in a Redskins house, I was quiet and I didn’t want to tell my father. I got the power to tell him days before the season opener; Dallas vs. Washington at the then Jack Kent Cooke Stadium.

September 12, 1999 was my coming out party. That week at school was hectic. Monday to Wednesday was like any other day before the football season starts. Predictions, trash talk, and fist fights. Yes, fist fights. The Cowboys-Redskins rivalry isn’t as intense as it was in the 70’s and 80’s. Yeah, tell that to the fans. The DC area is a Crockpot of Redskins and Cowboys fans stewing in the same water. The fist fights were not only in the high schools, it was in the streets, bars…pick a place. I’m getting off topic, back to my school. It was the first time in my life I was not only around Cowboys fan, but we also outnumbered the Skins fans. Trust me, if this ever happens to you, take full advantage of it.

After three days of babbling back and forth, on Thursday the colors, jerseys, hats, headbands, airbrushed t-shirts…it was wonderful, I kind of felt bad for the Steelers and Eagles fans at the school. That’s right, during rivalry week your team doesn’t matter! That day after school, I took the bus to the mall. While there I walked into Head2Head, the only shop in the area that sold Cowboys merchandise. With my McDonalds check I bought a custom made Cowboys headband with the number #8 and #22 on it. Then I brought my very first Cowboys jersey, Michael Irvin. That Friday morning I walked out the house with my Dad’s jaw on the ground. Me wearing all my Cowboys gear with pride. My Dad yells “My son is a (Bleeping) Cowboys fan?” Then when he saw the jersey he said “Anyone but Irvin!”

That day at school several times the fans had a standoff full of yelling, spitting, and cursing. Fights happen and friends didn’t talk. That Sunday me and my dad were cheering for our own team. Sadly, this was a bonding experience, and it was fun. With all of this, we get the drama of overtime. Troy Aikman saved the day by bombing a big one to Rocket Ismail. One of the biggest overtime wins for opening day was my first game a true blue Cowboys fan. I loved and followed the team since 1992 and I called myself a fan in secret. September 12, 1999; the second the game started my blood turned Blue and Silver and it has been that way since.

Forever a Cowboy! Let’s Go Cowboys!

In 1990, I saw my very first Super Bowl. At the time I never had a love for football, I was one of the many kids stuck on Michael Jordan. This Super Bowl featured Buffalo vs. New York. A great Super Bowl, good back and forth with drama mixed in. At the end it was decided on a single kick. The Giants won and it pushed Bill Parcells into football glory. I was happy…until I heard my dad curse for the very first time. “Bleep” the Giants.

My Dad moved to Washington, DC during the Redskins glory years. No team beat up the Redskins worst then the Giants. Somehow that hate was transferred to me. I think I already said it before, but I HATE THE GIANTS! I really mean it. For some reason, every person in my life who ticked me off was a Giants fans. You would think by living in the DC area you wouldn’t find any, but we get more and more every year.

I think my hate for them started during the Cowboys decline in the late 90’s. The New York Giants became this team who got all the glory. To make it worst it wasn’t like they were this great team. They were average, and I think I’m pushing it by calling them average. On top of that, I had a co-worker who was one of the most aggravating fans in the world. Giants stickers everywhere; Tiki Barber did this; Jason Sehorn did that; and your team sucks! I did get into a fist fight with this jerk and everyone agreed with me. It’s a sad day when a Redskins fan helps you out. But that was only one person you say, well guest what. I had another co-worker who was Jesse Armstead’s cousin. Even worst she hated the Cowboys and was a super Giants fan. The 2000-2001 New York Giants made me truly hate them. But then it got worse.

They go and get, Eli Manning, Plaxico Burress and Brandon Jacobs. Eli, outside of the Giant uniform, seems like a pretty nice guy, but that only goes so far. I think what ticks me off so much about him is the fact I know and everyone else knows he isn’t better than Tony Romo. I said it; ring or no ring, Romo is better. Plax…well I don’t have to worry about him. And finally, this overweight big mouth named Brandon Jacobs. I had to read this bum’s stats close just to make sure. He says he runs all over us. Now granted last year he had a monster game on us; but other than that he’s only gained about 40 to 50 yards on us per game. Really? Clinton Portis with a twisted ankle and no offensive line kills us more than you. I hate to see a guy talk so much crap and never being it. And to make it worse it’s like the media backs him up. Another thing, the media clearly gives this team too much leeway, at least that’s how I see it.

In reality, I can go on and on about how I hate this team, best thing is I’m not alone. Tons of Cowboys fans have stories of this team pissing us off collectively. So far NY has been getting the upper hand, but does it warrant all the trash talk? It does, because the Giants nation sees us the same.

Let’s Go Cowboys!!!

Team effort and leadership, it’s been a while since we seen the Cowboys give off this aura winning. Many people who are not fans of Romo can tell he’s different this year. Keith Brooking has brought fire to this defense. Miles Austin has opened up the offense. Did I mention Romo is different this year? The Cowboys are playing like as a unit this year.

The trouble the Cowboys faced earlier this year, for the most part, has disappeared. Crayton getting demoted, he was ticked off. What does he do? Punt returned for a touchdown, two weeks in a row. Roy Williams going down to a rib injury, we have no number one receiver. Miles Austin comes out of nowhere and becomes the new Dallas deep threat. Roy Williams made us all fear that the ghost of T.O. was still in the locker room. He made a big to do about not getting the ball. Then he comes out the next game fired up and shook up the Eagles secondary, and opened up the offense.

There must be something in the Gatorade that the Cowboys are getting, because this team is gelling very well. They’re acting like a team. Hmm, for some reason that felt funny when I wrote it. But what is causing all of this? I would have to say the leadership.

Romo, Brooking, Ware and Witten; these four guys have this team fired up. Even in the two loses; Brooking and Romo still wanted 100% out of everyone playing.

Romo mention a couple of weeks ago that the team hasn’t found its identity yet. And he was right, the team didn’t have one. After loses to the Giants and Broncos many in the media, NFL fans and even all of us were thinking the same thing. This is the same underachieving team we’re used to. No leadership and a bunch of guys who just want to be in the NFL’s biggest spotlight. After the bye week the Cowboys changed that.

There is no I in this team. We have three halfbacks, five wideouts, two tight ends; all of them weapons. The defense that fell asleep the first four games woke up. Stopping 3rd downs, rushing the quarterback, and destroying the run. Did I mention they’re getting turnovers too?

Right now, the team leader is maturing in front of our eyes. He has us all thinking playoffs and beyond at this point. The funny thing is, he’s not thinking about it. He’s thinking about how can we keep this thing rolling? Did we learn our lesson on these plays we got beat on? Are we a better team now then we were last week? He’s thinking like a leader.

Of course, the media will not let us forget that Romo is bad late in the season. We get it, three bad endings Tony can’t take back. But the way he’s team is playing right now, how much are you willing to bet it might change this year?

LET’S GO COWBOYS!!!

I could point to out 100 things that Tony Romo has done wrong since he took over as the Dallas Cowboys quarterback. Last night’s lost was ugly with a capital G. Romo must have been blind, stupid and given short arms because he looked like crap.

It’s been over 12 hours now, and I’m moving on and focusing on the next game. Shockingly, I still love Romo like I always do. Why? Have I lost my mind? Did I forget what he did last night and all the bad games he has had?

Nope, never will.

I still believe in Tony Romo, but clearly he has a few demons to overcome before he can become the best that he can be.

Last week everyone loved Romo, saying that he looked sharp, led some solid scoring drives, and changed for the better. All those good vibes came crashing down after last night’s game.  The second the game ended, blogs, message/chat boards and everything else internet was overwhelmed with one general sentiment; Let’s hang Tony Romo.

I’m not sure what I’m madder at? The fact everyone flip-flops with Romo, or the fact that they drink the Kool-aid and then act like they never drank it at all.

Last night the coaching was bad, the defense was bad, Romo was bad, and for some reason the ball kept bouncing the right way for the Giants. Even the final score of 32-31 shows what a good battle the game was,  but try telling that to a Dallas fan. The one thing you have to credit Romo for is that he does blame himself for the game and he knows it’s his fault. It’s the least he can do seeing how he of all people should know he freezes in games like this. Pressure isn’t Romo’s friend.

Being the star QB for “America’s Team” isn’t easy. Cowboys’ fans like winners, we love them. But to be frank we’re spoiled as hell. Losing isn’t our style and we demand perfection from everyone on the team. Sorry, I’m not one of those fans.

The Campo era taught me to love every win you get because it could be worse. Even so, heavy is the crown being the QB for the Cowboys. Could you image if the internet was around when Danny White was playing? Damn. Everyone and I do mean everyone drank the Romo kool-aid when Bledsoe refused to run out of the pocket or move on the fly. Everyone loved Romo. Two full years as quarterback and no Super Bowl. Not even a playoff win. Yea, someone give me a rope. Now that everything is over and it’s September, I’m ready for the next game. I’ll get the cups out just in case you so-called Romo haters/Die hard Cowboys fan want a sip. Also some lumber in case he loses and you wanna build a cross.

Let’s Go Cowboys and I LOVE YOU ROMO!

It’s seems that Romo is back to form and looks more focused then he did in the past. The next game Romo will face the NY Giants, a team he is 3-2 against. He’s focused and not taking them lightly. Wait, what? He’s forced on them and nothing else. Romo, focused on the next game? Say it ain’t so. Dammit, how hard is it to have a flamboyant QB? I wanted Broadway Joe not vanilla Johnny U. As you know I’m just playing. Tony Romo has been a leader for this team since 07, but now his voice is louder and he demands perfection out of everyone on his team. Be it his O-Line to the defense.

Romo mic\’d up

Throughout last week’s games we saw Romo on the sideline getting everyone involved. A vision I liked was Romo, Kitna and McGee having a meeting of the minds. I just like the fact that McGee is sitting there nodding his head soaking up the knowledge of the two vets. Another one was Romo yelling at his O-Line for getting him hit several times on a drive. The one clear thing about Romo is that he has matured and he understands the NFL better.

The term “Any Giving Sunday” is an understatement to at this point in his career. He’s been on top of the mountain and then smacked back down to earth. I’m ready to see how all of this plays out. I know at this point all Romo cares about is winning. Nothing else matters.

Let’s go Cowboys!

The NFL is a magical thing. The hype of each season is more intense every year. For our boys it’s all or nothing. I’m not saying we need to go to the Super Bowl and win. I’m saying it’s time for us to do what we do best and stomp a mudhole into the chest of the NFC East.

I don’t have to tell you all the preseason predictions, who thinks who is better. At this point I don’t think anyone on the Dallas team could give a crap.

Ever since last season ended; whether it’s ESPN, NFL Network or anyone else, the team has been under a microscope. Tony and Jessica; Roy taking TO’s place; Ware and the contract; even the dog-gone scoreboard has been analyzed and even mocked. Amazingly nothing (or at least in high volume) has been said about the team.

The preseason showed us we have an unstoppable offense and defense. The team has gelled well and for the most part our backups…ok their an C- but its ok.

Being off the radar has done wonders for the team with Vick and Favre coming back we’re not the number one news anymore. This team may be ready to take over being the sleeper in the NFC.

The only thing stopping the Cowboys is the Cowboys themselves. Nothing can stop this team once it’s motor is running on full speed. I would love to see what happens, if and when Romo gets over that hump; Roy silents the critics about his ability; I can go on and on. The one thing I can say, its football season and the Cowboys are playing. Are you ready?

Let’s Go Cowboys!

And one more thing, Ogletree has a fan club. That’s awesome.

What hasn’t been said about Joe DeCamilis that hasn’t been said already?

The man knows how to run special teams. One of the few weak points on this Cowboys team.

Patrick Crayton said, “It’s tough and if you mess up a little on special teams you may be outta here. It’s like he has a “Parcells Mindset.” We had it soft the last two years, but this is what we need.”

I don’t know about you, but I love that. DeCamilis wants perfection no matter what. No excuses, just give up your A game. I’m looking forward to Felix Jones as kick returner. It’s been said that he has a whole different mindset coming into this season and is looking forward getting back to top status.

Crayton also commented saying that, “I’m loving it, just the mentality of it. It’s a no-nonsense approach and I love it. He’s a fiery guy, and he’s gonna take our special team back to where it needs to be.”

The way things are moving during this training camp, you have to believe it.

Let’s Go Boys!!

As training camp begins, Jason Garrett has something to prove as the OC. T.O. is no longer there so, there are no excuses. Now the plays should be more focused on winning then feeding someone’s ego. But this isn’t about that old news. This is about what he has in the backfield. They may not be the famed Smash and Dash in Carolina or Tennessee, but it should be feared.

The Dallas backfield is the strongest it has been in years. Marion Barber as we all know is a wrecking ball. The great thing about him is that he isn’t that big and he has that ability to break tackle and the power to run over defenders. This year should be interesting  to see how he was injured and wasn’t 100% when he came back. It goes unsaid, he has something to prove.

Felix Jones, God I love this dude. My friend thinks he’s Emmitt 2.0. The speed of Felix is something to reckon with. Like Marion, he has something to prove after being injured for the season last year. It will be interest to see if he’s used in the passing game as well.

Tashard Choice was an unexpected surprise for us last year. He ran over and around the Steelers and Giants defense with no problem, the boy is awesome. But let’s be honest, if it wasn’t for Barber and Jones getting hurt, what were the chances of us seeing him on the field like we did last year? With that said, are we going see him in action this year? In a few plays I’m sure, but will he be used in the offense or special teams? This has to be on Garrett’s mind. He has three running backs that can be used in almost anyway.

The other two backs are Keon Lattimore and Alonzo Coleman. Going off what we seen last year in the pre-season, it’s a shame these won’t get a lot of snaps, if any snaps. The backfield is deep, very deep and it should be a nightmare for any defense to deal with.

Let’s Go Cowboys!

As everyone looks back on what I believe was one of the greatest quarterbacks to never win a Super Bowl, I looked back on how I saw Steve McNair.

In order for you to really understand me is to be in my shoes. As a young black boy in 1995, I grew up only seeing only three starting quarterbacks who were black. Rodney Peete, Randell Cunningham and Warren Moon. That’s it, no one else. Kordell Stewart was never really a quarterback to me. And as far as I knew their was no one else. It’s almost discouraging as a little kid to see that.

When Steve McNair rolled into Houston it was different. My dad made a whole lot of noise about him, mainly because the Redskins overlooked him. He had Peete’s size, Cunningham’s quickness and Moon’s arm. “Air” McNair was all I knew about him as a rookie. I was still as a teenager a big time Cowboys fan, but I kept a eye on him.

Every year he got better and better. McNair turned into a pro-bowler over night and became a well known player. Then when the Rams played the Titans in the Super Bowl I was glued to the TV. Not since Doug Williams has a team won a Super Bowl with a black starting QB. The game he played was one of the best performances I have ever seen in football. But he didn’t stop at the Super Bowl, every year he gave people a reason to respect him and fear him. As a Titan and as a Raven, he remained one of my favorite players.

Now I’m not calling him my hero or anything like that. But I would be lying if I didn’t dream about him being in Silver and Blue. McNair was so bad, kids in my neighborhood wanted to be like McNair, more then Cunningham, more then Moon. Then on top of that, he came out of a historical black college and made it in the NFL. No switching of his position, no stand in during the 4th quarter. He got a chance and ran with it. He fell in the small group of players who came out of the SWAC or MEAC and tore up the field.

Today, Jackson, Garrard, Young, Freeman, Leftwich, McNabb, Campbell, and Russell are all starting black quarterbacks. McNabb plays the same way as McNair; Campbell and Russell were mentored by McNair. While McNabb was accused of not being a stereotypical black quarterback, McNair never gave the critics a reason to question his game. That’s why I loved him.

Now will McNair be in the Hall of Fame one day? I hope so, along with Moon, Cunningham and if he has the numbers for it Doug Williams. Not only did they lay the blueprint out to be a black man in today’s game, but they also showed others how to be a great quarterback.

R.I.P. Steve “Air” McNair 1973-2009

As I was going to pick up my friend from the doctor I was wearing my brand new Jason Witten throwback jersey with some new jeans. It’s 90 degrees but I didn’t care. I hopped into my father in-law’s minivan and started up the van. Hanging from the rear-mirror was a large Cowboys medallion connect from silver and blue beads. It was large enough for others to see. In fact I was honked at by a fellow Cowboys fan and given the finger by a Redskin fan.

All was good until I heard, “Hell yeah, 6 rings baby”. Which was yelled at me by a guy in a tricked out Hummer. The reason he said that was flying high on my father in-laws van was a large Pittsburgh Steelers flag. That’s right folks, my lovely wife is and always will be a Steelers fan.

I am not the only husband/wife/bf/gf that has a loved one who loves another team. In fact, to my dismay I never had a partner that liked the Cowboys. I broke up with a girl who was Redskins fan, she hated the Cowboys that bad. I wish I could lie to you about that.

In the nation’s capital it’s already about 55% Skins fan to 40% Cowboys fans and the other 5% is a mesh of Steeler, Ravens, Eagles, Giants, 49ers and Vikings fans. So the chance you’ll end up with someone who doesn’t like your team will happen.Who knew that “What football team do you like?” would have to be a requirement to date someone in D.C.

Now I must say you have to draw the line somewhere with your better half and…kinda like their team. Hey, there’s no way around it. My wife is in love with Demarcus Ware and Marion Barber. She’s trying to make me get dreadlocks so I can look like Marion. Lucky for her I have tough skin (due to dealing with Skins fans) so all of her family’s rants on how the Steelers owned the Cowboys in the 70’s doesn’t hurt me. And to be frank I am jealous of the Steelers. They have a better coach and defense, and the bigger slap in the face, they have one more ring then us. But, I love the Samoan Headhunt.

I’ve seen relationships like this and I laugh because it’s fun. My friend wife is a Redskins fan. I mean a BIG Redskins fan. She dressed up her son as a “Mini-Hog”. Man did that piss him off. But it all comes back to one thing, love.

If you love your better half you will put up with all of that. Even if she bought you a shirt that said “We have 6, you got 5, we win again”. You know what, I take that back. I hate my wife. Let’s go Boys’!!!

The true essence of the NFL is the rivalries. I love the games where both teams hate one another. The tackles are harder, the crowd is louder and the drama…man I love it. It’s the true beauty of the NFL in my opinion. Lucky for me the Cowboys have a few rivalries, and to be very honest that makes my Sunday even better.

Our lesser rivals are the Texans and the Packers. An in-state rivalry is always good and I like it but it’s not one. I was shocked like everyone else when we lost the first game to the Texans, I wanted a rivalry out of this. But it’s just a Governor’s Cup and nothing more.

The Packers vs. the Boys’ started back in the 60’s. In fact we had one of the most famous games ever, “The Ice Bowl”. What’s really amazing is that every now and again we face one another in the playoffs. Need less to say, our face-offs are usually the games of the week.

Now before my time, one of our close rival was the L.A. Rams. We met this team in the playoffs more then any other team, two of them being NFC Championship games. It has faded off but you never know.

One rival I know a lot of Cowboys from California have to deal with is the 49ers’. Is it me or does it seem the only reason there are 49ers’ fans is so they can piss us off? Really? This rivalry started in the early 70’s when we kicked their butts 3 years in a row in the playoffs. One of them being Staubach’s two touchdowns in less then two minutes. Then in 1981, a play that haunts one of my friends dreams to this day, “The Catch”. Since that catch both teams have played cat & mouse with one and another. Us beating them in the Championship and vice-versa. And of course T.O. and the star. Why did we let him on our team again?

The one rival I respect and on the whole kinda like is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both teams are Yin and Yang of one another. Hollywood vs. Blue-Collar. I learned that the fans on each side hate one another but it’s a lot love inside the hate. On the field is almost the same thing. To this day, both teams greatest games were against one another. Losing to them twice in the Super Bowl and beating them years later with both teams having the same passion. Despite all of the heartbreak and glory of this rivalry, I respect them. We’re tied 15-15. I want a tie breaker and I want in at the Super Bowl.

The team I hate the most is the New York Giants. Ever since I became a Cowboy fan, I hated the Giants. This rivalry is more focused on bragging rights and getting a 1-up on the other. The games we have are tough but it’s more of a trash talking if anything. Either way I hate them.

The Eagles are in all essence have been a thorn in our sides since the 70’s and they refuse to leave us alone. I take this team more seriously then any other team we face. Since the 1981 this NFC East rival has given us the blues and we have done the same to them. Mostly all of it comes from the Philly fans who for some reason don’t realize their the only team in the NFC East who hasn’t won a Super Bowl yet. From Buddy Ryan placing a bounty on Luis Zendejas; to us getting glory in the early 90’s; to Jimmy Johnson cussing at the Philly fans; to Michael Irvin being cheered off the field motionless; to Roy Williams horse-collaring T.O.; and to last years vicious beat down we received…wow. I have to be honest, that’s a rivalry.

Finally, last but not least comes the Washington Redskins. We all know the story so why say anything? Philly is one thing, but the hate between the Cowboys and Redskins is endless. John Madden called this the “Greatest Rivalry in the NFL.” Since both teams met up for the first time we hated each other. It’s our personal Super Bowl every year. There is no greater feeling in the world then a victory over the Redskins. It’s like a kiss from God. We could have the worst record in the league but if win one game or both games against them…sorry…I just became speechless. I will get into my hate of the Skins’ in a another blog.

This is why I love football. Everything matters in these games and everyone knows it. Whether it be a win or a lose, it adds to the story. It adds fuel to the fire.  Players, coaches and the fans all feel the same thing. Damn I love Cowboys.

Seeing how training camp hasn’t started, and the NFL Network needs a continuous stream of new stories to run, football predictions always finds it’s way into their programming lineup.

That’s exactly what the topic was between Deion Sanders, Jamie Dukes, Marshall Faulk and Warren Sapp the other day.

The panel talked about what we lost and what we gained. Mostly it was about no T.O and how Roy Williams isn’t that good. And of course a dash of Romo bashing for good measure.

All in all it was basically the Boys’ have a long road in front of them. Jamie Dukes said “11, 10 win team” while Faulk, Sapp and Sanders said “8-8/9-8, third in the NFC East.” Brian Baldinger said the same a bit later, with Rich Eisen questioning all of it.

The truth is we lost a good wide-out/headache and this is really Romo’s time to shine. But by far we’re not a third place in the east.

To me the whole NFC East is hurting right now. The Eagles lost their team leader in Brian Dawkins, the Giants lost Plaxico, and the Redskins…they’re the Redskins… they suck.The table so far is wide open. Even the Skins might have a chance, the way things look.

We can say anything right? The last thing we should worry about is what others think… 

Lets prove the NFL world wrong by being the greatest team in the world.

Let’s Go Boys’!!!

Things look good so far with us. The Cowboys picked up a few draft picks and some off season free agents. The team looked good at the OTA’s and it seems that Boys’ still have life pumping in their veins. It’s all good in Dallas right now.

That was until T.O. opened his mouth, or twitter for that matter. When a Cowboys fan (or someone wanting him to talk) asked Owens about what happen with him in Dallas, T.O. responded by saying.

neither ws i, blame the OC & romo!! but i’m happy 2 b where i am but i miss the other guys tht were & r true teammates!!

This was the leading story on ESPN and NFL Total Access. People agreed and disagreed with him. Whatever, it’s a slow news day, I don’t blame them.

Now I could go into a long “Kanye West” type rant about this, but it isn’t worth it my fellow Cowboys’ fans. T.O. said he’s happy in Buffalo and we’re (or most of us) are happy he’s gone. Heck, I hope he makes another crappy rap song about why he’s in Buffalo. 

There are truly alot more important things to be paying attention to then this trash. Like, who’s gonna win “4th and Long”. Now that’s a news story.

FINSHED

This years draft wasn’t the very best but I must say it was deep. A good hand full of sexy picks, a few sleepers and potential bust in this draft kept it interesting. As we all know the whole point of the draft is to fill in a spot or grow talent in a successful system. In the Cowboys case it’s a little of both.

Jason Williams is here to fill in the spot that Greg Ellis will leave in a year or two. Mel Kiper didn’t like the pick, which in my book is a good thing. His numbers are nice and he is in a nice 3-4 scheme, which he can do some real damage in. If he can keep up with the speed of the NFL, look out.

Robert Brewster is coming in to a system of great lineman with Adams, Colombo, and Davis. Unfortunately he will be played a couple times this year due to fact the injury bug bites the Cowboys o-line once a year. I love this guy’s size, 6′4 325 pounds. Damn.

Stephen McGee, a great pick up for the Cowboys. While backing up Kitna and Romo, two great QB’s, he should study and learn the game the way it should be played. What is his potential you ask? You got me, quaterback’s are tricky that way.

In the case of Victor Butler and Brandon Williams its more of a means of beefing up the Defensive Ends pot the Cowboys have already. With Spears having a up and down couple of years, and Spencer not living up to his own draft pick, this seems like a gut check pick.

The corner backs DeAngelo Smith and Mike Mickens, both teammates from the Bearcats were nice pick ups, but all is not good with the state of the secondaries in Dallas. Mike Jenkins is getting there and Orlando Scandrick is learning the nickel back position, the real focus is the fact were getting burned with Terrence Newman being the only lock down corner. I see both of these players as steals. I’m interested on seeing how these two play out.

Safeties Mike Hamlin and Stephen Hodge will be coming into a beat-up mix of safeties. Ken Hamlin should see some help with Mike Hamlin who was a bit of a head hurter at Clemson. Stephen Hodge unfortunately might be moved to the Special Teams with Keith Davis being gone. Hopefully this will be a chance for him to step up and show us what he got.

Kicker David Buehler, I think it goes without saying has everyone scratching their heads in confusion. So much so we (Along with anyone else) are finding excuses for him being on the team. “Oh he’s got a great leg; he’s going to be great in kickoffs.” While Folk isn’t a great kickoff guy it’s not like he’s chucking it out of bounds or in the stands. Also in these cases you have your punter do the kickoffs. But for whatever reason the guy runs a 4.5, that’s faster then some linebackers so I guess…let me stop. I’m finding an excuse for him being here. I mean I welcome everyone to Dallas but come on. I need a reason.

Tight End John Phillips was a late pick and rightfully so. As a Terps fan, I got to see this guy run over a few of my boys while his stay in Virginia. Not a great TE but we can plug him in. Tony Curtis who played the roll of blocking tight end is replaced. I am worried about his ability against quicker linebackers but we’ll what he’s got soon.

Finally, Manuel Johnson was our last pick. I’m gonna be honest folks, unlike Phillips, Hamlin, Smith and Mickens; I’ve never heard, seen or even smelled this guy. I’m not going  to take the Trey Wingo route and talk out of my butt here. I’d like to see how he plays. Hey, Patrick Crayton was a 7th round pick too.

All in all the draft was interesting. I, like a lot of Boys’ fans, was smashing his head into a wall when we gave up a pick to the Bills. Or the fact we got another kicker when we could have gotten another as a free agent. If it wasn’t for good ol’ sweet beer, how many of us would have focused to much on the guys at ESPN without going into a blind rage? (Thank God for NFL Network.)

I would like to thank LSS.com; this was the first draft I sat and watched, with passion and more importantly from start to finish. A new milestone for me as a Cowboys fan.

Let’s go Boy’z!