Lone Star Struck

I’m sure we have all watched over the last week as the 2010 Free Agent class has made their rounds. Some teams have made a splash like Chicago signing Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor. Other teams have been quiet like our very own Dallas Cowboys. I like how Jerry Jones has approached Free Agency. He’s letting things settle down before he starts making some phone calls. I read on DallasNews.com that Jones is getting ready to schedule some visits with some players, although no names were mentioned.

I’ve had my eye on a few players that are still available and that could really help the Cowboys in areas that they need.

The Redskins made a mistake in my opinion when they released kick returner Rock Cartwright. This is one area the Cowboys need to improve. Cartwright will give the Cowboys that return threat that is needed. Here are his numbers the last four seasons…

2009 – 39 kickoffs for 868 yards and a 22.3 yard average.

2008 - 51 kickoffs for 1,307 yards and a 25.6 yard average.

2007 - 52 kickoffs for 1,339 yards and a 25.8 yard average.  

2006 – 64 kickoffs for 1,541 yards and a 24.1 yard average with 1 TD.

The Cowboys top kick returner for 2009 was Felix Jones who returned 30 kickoffs for 678 yards. Back in 2008 it was Miles Austin as the Cowboys top kickoff returner with 29 returns for 624 yards.

What does all this mean? It means we need to go out and sign Rock Cartwright. He will greatly improve the return game and it will also save two very important pieces to the Cowboys offense in Felix Jones and Miles Austin. As fast as Felix Jones is I never liked the idea of him returning kicks due to risk of injury.

My second Free Agent signing would be Neil Rackers who has been kicking for the Cardinals since 2003 and has been in the league since 2000 when he was with the Bengals. With Nick Folk being released in 2009 and then Shaun Suisham not performing all that well. It’s time to sign a quality kicker. There have been reports that  the Cowboys would like David Buehler to try kicking field goals, but things also don’t sound convincing as far as his accuracy. Neil Rackers has been a dependable kicker over the years as you can see below..

2009 – 16 out of 17 attempts. 48 long.

2008 – 25 out of 28 attempts. 54 long.

2007 – 21 out of 30 attempts. 52 long.

2006 – 28 out of 37 attempts. 50 long.

2005 – 40 out of 42 attempts. 54 long.

2004 – 22 out of 29 attempts. 55 long.

The signing of Neil Rackers would also greatly improve the kicking game. Add to it that with Buehler handling the kickoffs it will save Rackers leg for just field goal attempts.

With Rock Cartwright and Neil Rackers being added to the Cowboys already talented roster, it will go a long way to where the Cowboys want to be. I just hope the Cowboys are thinking the same thing before other teams sign these two players.

Only a few hours before Free Agency starts, the Cowboys have made offers to the following players as reported by DallasNews.com…

Miles Austin, First Round Tender

Sam Hurd, Second Round Tender

Corey Procter, Second Round Tender

Jason Hatcher, Second Round Tender

Pat McQuistan, Original Draft Pick

Junior Siavii, Original Draft Pick

Marcus Spears, Original Draft Pick

Stephen Bowen, Second Round Tender

Pat Watkins, Original Draft Pick

Duke Preston, Original Draft Pick

Gerald Sensabaugh, Second Round Tender

Kicker Shaun Suisham was not offered any Tender which makes him a Free Agent.

The Cowboys also signed cornerback Cletis Gordon to a one year contract today.

I don’t expect much from the Cowboys in this years Free Agency. But when it comes to Jerry Jones anything is possible.

Let the games begin and the spending too.

Is it me or do people put way to much thought into the overtime rules in the NFL? We have heard the arguments for years. Should things stay the way they are? Should teams get at least one possession in overtime? Should a team win by at least a touchdown? Should overtime be taken away all together?

The latest proposal from the competition committee is below as reported by ESPN.com…

Under the new format, both teams would get the ball at least once unless the first team to get the ball scores a touchdown, Greg Aiello said. If the first team to get the ball makes a field goal and the other team ties the game, action would continue until a team scores again.

I’m just not sure things have to be so complicated. This whole overtime thing has been over-thought for years now making it harder than it has to be.  I agree that both teams should have a chance to win the game. I never liked the rule that the first team to score wins the game.  I know the percentages show that the team getting the ball first does not win the game. The last two examples were from this past seasons playoffs. Arizona beat Green Bay when Aaron Rogers fumbled on the first possession of overtime. Then New Orleans beat Minnesota when they won the coin toss and drove down for the winning field goal. Minnesota never had a chance to get the ball. I also do not believe that the overtime rules should be different in the playoffs then in the regular season. The rules should be the same for both. Let’s forget about all these wild ideas to change the overtime rule and make it simple.

Here is my idea. For overtime all you need to do is play half a quarter. Put 7:50 on the clock and let the teams play. Both teams will get two time-outs and all reviews would come from the booth.  This seems like a simple solution to a problem that has been around for years. Let the two teams battle it out for half a quarter right down to 00:00.  It seems like a fair solution for all teams.

I know the networks don’t like the idea of games going so long, but it makes sense to make overtime fair for all teams. Sure there will be arguments on this idea just like any other overtime ideas. The overtime rules have been the way they are for way too long now. It’s time for a change.

Within the next 24 hours it will be official that Emmitt Smith has made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I can not wait for the announcement. Emmitt Smith became my favorite player early in career. As I explained in an earlier post about Emmitt he was the kind of player that gave it everything he had in every game. Sure some people say he benefited from great teams where he had a great offensive line, great quarterback and receivers. Well, I guess one could say that those other players also benefited from having Emmitt Smith as well. I never got tired of him running the ball. He took the air out of defenses to the point you could just see them give up at times.

I thought back to some of my most memorable games for Emmitt Smith. I could have listed so many more games then I did, but then my post would have been way too long.

1992 – Dallas over Washington, 23-10

It was opening night of the 1992 season on Monday Night Football. The Cowboys made a statement to the Redskins and the NFL that they were back. Emmitt Smith rushed for 140 yards on 27 carries and one touchdown.

1992 – Dallas over Philadelphia, 20-10

After getting crushed by the Eagles 31-7 a month earlier, the Cowboys came out in the rematch and took it to the Eagles. Emmitt Smith rushed for 163 yards on 30 carries as the Cowboys improved their record to 7-1.

1992 – Dallas over NY Giants, 30-3

Thanksgiving Day against the hated the Giants. A huge win which made my turkey dinner taste even better. Emmitt rushed for 120 yards on 17 carries. He scored on a 68 yard touchdown run to increase the Dallas lead to 23-3 in the third quarter. He also caught a touchdown pass from Troy Aikman in the third quarter.

1992 – Dallas over Atlanta, 41-17

This win clinched the NFC East for the Cowboys for the first time since 1985. It was also the game that Emmitt Smith had one of his greatest runs. He entered a crowd of Falcons only to get loose, bounce to the outside and beat Deion Sanders to the end zone on a 29 yard run. He added another 29 yard touchdown run in the game as he rushed for 174 yards on 24 carries.

1993 – Dallas over Philadeplphia, 23-10

Halloween on a rainy day in Philadelphia. Troy Aikman could not throw the ball in the rain and only passed for 96 yards. So Emmitt Smith had to take control. He had his only 200 yard rushing game of his career as he rushed for 237 yards. He sealed the game in the fourth quarter with a 68 yard touchdown run as he beat Eric Allen to the end zone.

1993 – Dallas over NY Giants, 16-13 (OT)

The greatest performance I have ever seen from a player. Emmitt Smith played through the pain of a separated shoulder and showed how much heart he really had and that he would do anything to win a game. Emmitt Smith scored the Cowboys only touchdown on a pass from Troy Aikman in the first half. He rushed for 168 yards on 32 carries and added another 61 yards on 10 receptions. The Cowboys kept giving him the ball in overtime and Emmitt put them into position for the game winning field goal.

1993 – Dallas over Buffalo, 30-13 (Super Bowl XXVIII)

With the Cowboys and Bills tied at 13-13 in the third quarter, Emmitt Smith led the Cowboys to the go ahead score and they would never look back. Emmitt scored from 15 yards out and then sealed the game in the fourth quarter with his second touchdown. He rushed for 132 yards on 30 carries and earned the Super Bowl MVP.

1995 – Dallas over NY Giants 35-0

Opening night of the season and Emmitt Smith could not have started the season any better. On his first carry of the season he scored from 60 yards out. He scored three more times in the game as he rushed for 163 yards on just 21 carries.

1995 – Dallas over Minnesota, 23-17 (OT)

Emmitt Smith shredded the Vikings defense as he rushed for 150 yards on 20 carries. He also scored twice. The last score coming in overtime as he broke free and scored from 31 yards out to improve the Cowboys to 3-0.

1995 – Dallas over Green Bay, 38-27 (NFC Championship)

With the Packers leading going into the fourth quarter it was Emmitt Smith who took control and tired out the Packers defense with two scores in the fourth. Emmitt Smith totaled three touchdowns in the game and rushed for 150 yards on 35 carries.

1999 – Dallas loses to Minnesota, 27-17

A few days after the death of the great Walter Payton. Emmitt Smith wanted to dedicate the game to Payton and try to break his single game rushing record. He was well on his way as he pushed the Cowboys to a 17-7 halftime lead. He scored from 63 and 24 yards, but late in the second quarter he injured his finger and could not return. In one half Emmitt Smith rushed for 140 yards on 13 carries to go with his two scores. One can only imagine what kind of game Emmitt Smith would have had if he had not been injured.

2002 – Dallas loses to Seattle, 17-14

This was the game that Emmitt Smith broke the all-time rushing record that Walter Payton held for so long. It was an unbelievable moment that I will never forget. The emotions Emmitt Smith showed were great, especially the moment on the sideline with Daryl (Moose) Johnston who blocked for him for so many years. Emmitt Smith was the one who tied the game in the fourth quarter, but the Cowboys could not get the win. Emmitt Smith rushed for 109 yards in his record breaking game.

I can’t believe that the Super Bowl is only a few days away. I also can not believe that we are up to Super Bowl XLIV. The very first Super Bowl I remember a little of was Super Bowl XII when the Cowboys beat the Broncos, although I really had no idea what was really going on. It was the game that made me a fan. Here is my post from last July.

http://lonestarstruck.com/2009/07/what-is-this-game-they-call-the-super-bowl.html

As far as my favorite Super Bowls? That’s a tough question. How do you rate Super Bowls? By how close the game is? By the exciting plays? Was their a great finish? Can a blowout be a great game? Here are some of my favorites over the years.

Super Bowl XII – Dallas over Denver, 27-10

This has to be on my list because it was my first ever Dallas game and the reason I became a fan.

Super Bowl XIII – Pittsburgh over Dallas, 35-31

Yes, the Cowboys lost, but you can not deny that this was one of the all-time classic showdowns.

Super Bowl XIV – Pittsburgh over LA Rams, 31-19

Great game that I was fortunate enough to get a copy of. The Rams put up a great fight and actually led 19-13 late in this game.

Super Bowl XVII – Washington over Miami, 27-17

This game does not get the credit it deserves.

Super Bowl XVIII – LA Raiders over Washington, 38-9

One of the great blowout games I think and not boring in my opinion. Complete domination by the Raiders.

Super Bowl XXV – NY Giants over Buffalo, 20-19

Yes, I know. Hated that the Giants won this game. I was actually mad for weeks, but again you can not deny this was a great game.

Super Bowl XXVII – Dallas over Buffalo, 52-17

Finally, my first chance to see the Cowboys in the Super Bowl. Amazing game by an amazing team. Final score should have been 59-10. Cowboy’s fans know what I’m talking about.

Super Bowl XXVIII – Dallas over Buffalo, 30-13

Ok, I could do without the first half. The second half? Wow!!! Dallas took control and stomped on the Bills.

Super Bowl XXXIII – Denver over Green Bay, 31-24

One of my all-time favorite Super Bowls. From start to finish it was entertaining. It was great to see John Elway finally win one.

Super Bowl XXXV – Baltimore over NY Giants, 34-7

Hahahaha!!!!! As a Giants hater I could not have been more happier with this Super Bowl. Complete domination.

Super Bowl XXXVI – New England over St. Louis, 20-17

This was back when the Patriots were unknowns and underdogs. I thought it was great how the dominated the Rams until the 4th quarter and then drove down for the winning field goal after the Rams had tied the game.

Super Bowl XXXVIII – New England over Carolina, 32-29

Great 4th quarter of scoring and exciting football. A total of 37 points were scored in the 4th alone.

On with this years Super Bowl. I know some people don’t even like to watch when their teams are not playing in it, but for me it’s still the Super Bowl. I love watching the game every year. This year we have the Colts and the Saints. The Saints are the feel good story with everything New Orleans has gone through with hurricane Katrina. But they also have Jeremy Shockey and that alone keeps me from cheering for them. The Colts are a likable team that I can cheer for. Plus their Manning is not named Eli. So I guess I will pull for the Colts, but in the end I just want a great game that comes down to the end.

The new logo for Super Bowl XLV in Cowboys Stadium has been released. Wouldn’t it be something to have our Cowboys playing in their own house?

It was April 22, 1990 and the Dallas Cowboys were about to make the 17th selection in the NFL Draft after trading up. With their pick they selected running back Emmitt Smith from Florida. The so-called experts called Smith too slow and too small to be a Pro runner. What the Cowboys got was a player that loved the game and played it with heart, determination and a passion that could never be equaled.

Emmitt James Smith III was born in Pensacola, Florida on May 15, 1969. When the Cowboys drafted Emmitt Smith I don’t believe anyone knew what kind of player he would turn out to be. Smith quickly started to make a name for himself in 1990. Smith scored his first rushing touchdown in Week 3 of the 1990 season against the Redskins. He went on to rush for 937 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in his rookie season. That first season was just the start of Emmitt Smith’s amazing NFL career.

What the Cowboys got in Smith was the NFL All-Time leading rusher with 18,355 yards as he played 13 seasons for the Cowboys before being released after the 2002 season. He then played two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before retiring as a Dallas Cowboy in 2005. He is now onto the next step and that is the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This Saturday the announcement will be made and it is certain that Emmitt Smith’s name will be on that list.

Emmitt Smith quickly became my favorite Dallas player. The way he played the game every week was unlike I have ever seen before. Smith took control of games, hardly ever went down on first contact, always seemed to get stronger as the game went on. Smith wanted to win at all costs, but at the same time he respected the game and his fellow players in the NFL. Even people I knew who hated the Cowboys would always tell me that they couldn’t hate Emmitt Smith because he was such a class act.

Emmitt Smith went on to lead the NFL in rushing in 1991, ‘92 and ‘93, then again in 1995. He also rushed for over 1,000 yards in 11 straight seasons from 1991 to 2001. He has 164 rushing touchdowns and 175 total touchdowns in his NFL career. He earned the NFL MVP after the 1993 season and went on to win the MVP in Super Bowl XXVIII. His Super Bowl MVP happened after he took control of the game against Buffalo in the second half and ended up with 132 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Smith was also selected to eight Pro Bowls in his career.

On October 27, 2002 against Seattle in Texas Stadium Emmitt Smith broke Walter Payton’s All-Time rushing record. Although the Cowboys lost the game it was still an incredible moment for Smith and the Cowboys organization. What really stands out to me is the moment that Smith and Daryl Johnston had on the sideline after he broke the record. It was a touching scene that really showed the emotion and love that teammates have for each other.

With Emmitt Smith going into the Hall of Fame this year it will complete the third part of what was known as the triplets for the Cowboys in the 1990’s. Troy Aikman entered the hall in 2006 and Michael Irvin entered in 2007. Along with the Hall of Fame the triplets were inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor together during the 2005 season.

I had the good fortune of meeting Emmitt Smith after the 1994 season at an autograph signing. He was such a nice guy and took the time to talk as he signed my jersey. Actually because he was talking to us he never heard the guy he was with say that I wanted him to sign my jersey in silver ink on the back number. After he signed it in black ink the guy told him again and Emmitt asked me if I really wanted silver ink. I said that it was fine, but Emmitt went ahead and signed it a second time for me.

I will be gathering some of my most remembered games from Emmitt Smith’s career for my next post. Until then I want to congratulate Emmitt Smith, the best running back of all time for an outstanding career and for making it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I also want to thank Emmitt Smith for being the type of player that he was. The type of player that kids can look up to and want to be like.

Today my family and I were able to do something that maybe only comes along once in a lifetime. We were invited to the Steinerfest Champions Show hosted by Steiner Sports. Today featured the appearances by some of the 2009 World Champion New York Yankees.

As we turned the corner of the event looking for the parking garage we noticed the very long line of people waiting to get in. Today in NY the high temperature reached only 24 degrees, so that didn’t help when you had to wait outside. We parked the car and approached the end of the line. My wife called the person from Steiner Sports that we were supposed to meet and he met us outside with badges to get us inside the event. As we walked towards the doors and passed the hundreds of freezing fans waiting to get in I could only think of one word “Wow”.

Chris Console who does Marketing and Entertainment for Steiner Sports walked us by everyone and as we approached a young lady she handed my wife, my two children and myself gift bags compliments of Steiner Sports. Oh, but this was just the beginning of it all. We walked into the area where there were vendors selling all kinds of baseball memorabilia. As we walked around Mr. Console told us about Steiner Sports and how they do things with different teams and different players. Walking around I could see the long lines of fans waiting to meet some of the Yankees and get their autographs. The first Yankee we saw was centerfielder Brett Gardner. Mr. Console had left us for a few minutes only to return with two new baseballs for the kids so they could get Brett Gardner’s autograph. After Gardner signed the baseballs my kids were able to get a picture with him as well.

I then noticed pitched Andy Pettitte sitting at a table signing autographs. The line to see him was incredibly long. I then noticed pitcher Joba Chamberlain also signing autographs. Mr. Console walked over towards him and spoke to a few people standing around Joba and then he motioned to us. We were actually able to go right over to Joba and meet him. He signed my children’s baseballs and we took a picture with him. Once again the only word I could think of was “Wow”.

Mr.Console walked us around some more and showed us many different items and how authentic everything was that they sold. Everything from photographs, to items from old Yankee stadium like stadium seats and dirt from the field. He also showed us items from the old Giants Stadium that will be coming down soon. There were also some unbelievable items from some of the all-time Yankee greats.

We then braved the cold weather as we walked outside and across the street towards the Steiner Sports main office. Mr. Console brought us downstairs where they keep their inventory of all their items. I will tell you this. It was an unbelievable site to see. Baseballs, bats, bases, jerseys, footballs, helmets, photos, hockey sticks and so much more. But what was more impressive was how well organized everything was in the room. We walked around looking at all these items as Mr. Console continued to explain about how Steiner Sports operates. Of course as we walked through the warehouse my eyes went directly to anything Dallas related. Everything from signed helmets and signed photos. We also walked past some of the old chairs from the Cowboys old locker room. But what really caught my attention were the game worn jerseys hanging in one row. I noticed one with dirt and grass stains on it. Moving the jerseys around it to the side I noticed it was Tashard Choice’s jersey. Made me smile as I thought of him always being out there for the Cowboys doing whatever he could to gain yards to get the Cowboys first downs and touchdowns.

We moved on with the tour and saw the old NY Jets locker of Joe Namath that he also signed. We approached a room with a few people in it. Mr. Console went inside and motioned to us to come in. To my surprise pitcher AJ Burnett was in the room signing many different items for Steiner Sports. As we walked over to him another person was sitting next to him and he said hello to my son and shook his hand. Taking a second look I noticed that the person was rightfielder Nick Swisher. He went out of his way to talk to my kids and ask them how they were and what their names were. He just seemed like a lot of fun to be around. He signed my children’s baseballs and joked with my son because my sons school is actually having a raffle for a signed Swisher baseball. AJ Burnett was then nice enough to also sign the baseballs. I wished them good luck this season and we left. In the hallways of Steiner Sports were the most beautiful pictures of athletes that I have ever seen.

We then left the offices of Steiner Sports and back into the cold weather. We walked to our car and thanked Mr. Console for everything that he had done for us and told him what a great time we all had. Although my children my not fully appreciate what they had the opportunity to do today, we did try our best to explain it to them.  We even stopped on the way home to buy baseball holders so that nothing would happen to our autographed baseballs. My family had it all today. Everything from learning about Steiner Sports and meeting some of the World Champion NY Yankees to getting what I call the royal treatment.

My thanks to Chris Console for taking the time to show us around and talk to us about the workings of Steiner Sports. He was great to my family and treated us very well. Also a word of thanks to Yankees Brett Gardner, Joba Chamberlain, Nick Swisher and AJ Burnett for taking the time to meet us and giving us their autographs. I think I lost count today of how many times I said the word wow. Whether it was out loud or too myself. It was a day that I will never forget.

For more information and to see all their memorabilia including much more Dallas Cowboys items please go to…

http://www.steinersports.com/

Less than a week after losing in the playoffs the Cowboys went back to work trying to improve their team. Reported by ESPN Dallas, on Friday they brought in kicker Sandro DeAngelis from the Canadian Football League.  DeAngelis plays for the Calgary Stampeders and is the most accurate kicker in CFL history. He is also a five-time Western Division all-star.

DeAngelis worked out for coach Wade Phillips, special teams coach Joe DeCamillis and owner Jerry Jones at the Cowboys facility. In five seasons with the Stampeders DeAngelis connected on 42 of 49 field goal attempts. He is 28 years old and becomes a free agent next month.

“Just to even have an opportunity to kick for an NFL team is living a dream,” DeAngelis said.

“I’m pleased with it (his workout), but you really have no idea what they’re thinking. They don’t exactly jump up and down or anything so you don’t have a gauge of where you stand,” DeAngelis said. “I’ll keep my fingers crossed.”

The Cowboys seemed to be set at kicker at the start of the 2009 season with Nick Folk. But Folk became very inconsistent during the season as he connected on only 18 of 28 field goals and was released after the Saints game. The Cowboys then signed former kicker Shaun Suisham who played the last two games of the season and was 2 of 3 on field goals. He was also 2 of 5 during the playoffs with two big misses during the Minnesota loss.

In other news also reported by ESPN Dallas, the Cowboys now have eight players on their reserve/future list.  They signed wide receiver Jesse Holley the other day who as we remember was the winner of Michael Irvin’s Fourth and Long show last summer. The other two signed were Manuel Johnson, another wide receiver and defensive end Marcus Dixon.

Here is the complete list of players on the reserve/future list.

Travis Bright, G

Marcus Dixon, DE

Herb Donaldson, RB

Marquis Floyd, DB

Jesse Holley, WR

Manuel Johnson, WR

Titus Ryan, WR

Donovan Woods, LB

Tomorrow is Championship Sunday in the NFL. I know some people feel like it’s unimportant since the Cowboys are not playing, but for me it’s still one of the top days in sports. It’s the chance to go on to the Super Bowl. A chance that some of these players may never have again. Over the years there have been some horrible games as far as blowouts. But there have also been a handful of games that have left a lasting memory. I wrote a list of my most memorable AFC/NFC Championship games.

AFC

1982 – Miami over Jets, 14-0

This game was sloppy from the muddy field at the Orange Bowl. Neither team gained more then 200 yards of offense and they combined for 9 turnovers. Dolphin quarterback David Woodley threw for only 87 yards and three interceptions. Jets quarterback Richard Todd didn’t do much better throwing for just 103 yards and five interceptions. Three of Todd’s interceptions were by linebacker AJ Duhe and he returned one for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

1986 – Denver over Cleveland, 23-20 OT

Great game that went back and forth all game long. Bernie Kosar vs John Elway in this match-up. With Cleveland winning 20-13 late in the fourth quarter, Elway led his offense to the tieing score. This became known as “The Drive”. In overtime Elway once again positioned his offense for the winning field goal.

1987 – Denver over Cleveland, 38-33

A rematch from a year earlier only this time the game took place in Denver. The Broncos took a 21-3 lead at halftime and then Cleveland fought their way back into the game. With Denver leading 38-31 and 1:12 left in the game it looked as though Earnest Byner would tie the game. But Byner was stripped of the ball at the two yard line and Denver recovered. This became known as “The Fumble”.

2001 – New England over Pittsburgh, 24-17

This was the start for Tom Brady. When the Patriots were underdogs to the powerful Steelers. The Patriots were in control for most of the game as they took a 21-3 third quarter lead. The Steelers battled back, but they could not recover from their four turnovers. Steeler quarterback Kordell Stewart threw three interceptions on the day. The Patriots offense was led by both Tom Brady and Drew Bledsoe who took over for Brady after he left the game with an injury.

2006 – Indianapolis over New England, 38-34

Great game as New England took a 21-6 lead into halftime. The second half was classic as the Colts battled back to tie the game three different times before they finally took the lead late in the game and won. The Colts gained 455 yards on offense and Peyton Manning threw for 349 yards.

NFC

1981, San Francisco over Dallas, 28-27

Not the greatest Dallas memory, but still a great game. There were seven lead changes in the game. The Cowboys defense forced six turnovers which included three Joe Montana interceptions. With the Cowboys leading 27-21, the 49ers put together an 89 yard drive which ended with a Montana to Dwight Clark incredible touchdown pass. This play became  known as “The Catch”. So with 51 seconds left in the game and two timeouts, the Cowboys received the kickoff. Danny White connected with Drew Pearson for a 31 yard gain that put Dallas at the 49ers 48 yard line. Amazing enough was that Pearson’s catch was his only one of the game. On the next play White got caught in a crowd of 49ers linemen and fumbled the ball which ended the game. Some believe that White’s arm was going forward on the play and it should have been called an incomplete pass.

1992 – Dallas over San Francisco, 30-20

Dallas was back at Candlestick Park in San Francisco 11 years after “The Catch”. This time led by coach Jimmy Johnson. The Cowboys defense controlled the favored 49ers and Steve Young during the game as they forced four turnovers. It seemed as though the 49ers gained the momentum when they scored to get within 24-20 of the Cowboys with only a few minutes remaining. The Cowboys got the kickoff and everyone thought they would just try to run and gain some first downs. But offensive coordinator Norv Turner decided to end the game. On first down Troy Aikman connected with a streaking Alvin Harper. The 49ers finally knocked Harper out of bounds, but not after Harper gained 70 yards on the play and reached the 49ers ten yard line. Dallas sealed the game with an Aikman to Kelvin Martin touchdown.

1995 – Dallas over Green Bay, 38-27

This was the Cowboys third straight season playing the Packers in the playoffs. They took an early 14-3 lead on the Packers in the first quarter, before the Packers started to battle back.  Green Bay actually took a 27-24 lead into the fourth quarter. Then the Cowboys took over scoring twice on Emmitt Smith touchdown runs. Smith scored three times in the game and rushed for 150 yards. The Cowboys defense harassed Brett Favre during the fourth quarter as they sacked him three times and forced one of his two interceptions.

1998 - Atlanta over Minnesota, 30-27 OT

The Falcons traveled to Minnesota to take on the high powered Vikings offense. The Vikings took a 20-7 second quarter led and then a 27-17 fourth quarter lead on the Falcons. But the Falcons would not give up and continued to fight back. They were led by quarterback Chris Chandler who threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns. Chandlers last touchdown pass tied the game at 27-27 to force overtime. Then Morten Anderson sealed the overtime victory with a field goal.

I know three of the four NFC Championship games involved the Cowboys on my list, but let’s face it they are America’s Team and have been involved in many of these games. Not to mention that if you look back over the Championship games from around 1980 there have been many blowouts and non-memorable games. I mention 1980 because that is when I really started to get obsessed with the Cowboys and the NFL. Maybe there are other Championship games that others remember more for their own reasons. These are the owns that stand out to me. Hope you enjoyed the journey back in time.

As reported on ProFootballTalk.com this afternoon, it was made official that Jerry Jones has extended Wade Phillips contract through the 2012 season. The Cowboys picked up the option on Phillips for the 2010 season and then added two years to it.

“I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve made this year,” Jones said. “But in no way are we satisfied.”

Jerry Jones made it clear that he was not happy with the Cowboys performance against the Vikings in the divisional round of the playoffs this past Sunday.

“It wasn’t good enough for us, our fans or our coaches,” Jones said. “It’s about moving forward in the postseason.”

Coach Wade Phillips also said that he is not satisfied and is looking for more.

“We’ve done a lot of good things and won a lot of games,” Phillips said. “That isn’t my goal. My goal is to win the championship.”

Wade Phillips has compiled a 33-15 record as coach of the Cowboys for the last three seasons. Along with two NFC East Championships in 2007 and 2009. The team did respond very well to Phillips this season and finished with an 11-5 record. They became one of the hottest teams in the NFL the last part of the season as they beat the 13-0 Saints in New Orleans. Then shutout division rivals Washington and Philadelphia in back-to-back weeks to finish out the season. They then won their first playoff game since the 1996 season when they beat the Eagles for the second straight week in the Wildcard Round. Phillips also coached the defense to the 9th ranked unit in the NFL.

We have all had our issues with Wade Phillips, but I guess change isn’t always good. He now knows he will remain the head coach of the Cowboys and he can get back to work.

I know it’s been a little over 24 hours since the Cowboys season ended. And I know most of us probably need a break from the long season, but a wise person once told me that the season never ends on LSS.

Here is a list of the Cowboys Free Agents for 2010.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
OG Montrae Holland

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
WR Miles Austin
DE Stephen Bowen
CB Cletis Gordon
DE Jason Hatcher
WR Sam Hurd
OT Pat McQuistan
C Duke Preston
C Cory Procter
S Gerald Sensabaugh
NT Junior Siavii
DE Marcus Spears
K Shaun Suisham
S Pat Watkins

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENT
CB Alan Ball
LB Steve Octavien

I’m sure we will all agree who should be at the top of the list to sign. I’m also trying to get a list of the 2010 Free Agents from the other NFL teams.

Here are my thoughts on the Cowboys list of Free Agents.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
OG Montrae Holland, Depth on the line. Maybe

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
WR Miles Austin, Of course we need to sign him. He has earned it
DE Stephen Bowen, Sign him. I like his upside
CB Cletis Gordon, Don’t know much about him
DE Jason Hatcher, Sign him. Like Bowen I like his upside
WR Sam Hurd, Decent receiver, but nothing special
OT Pat McQuistan, If we can find better in FA or the draft then say goodbye
C Duke Preston, Never really got a chance to see him
C Cory Procter, Goodbye
S Gerald Sensabaugh, Need to sign him. Loved his play this season
NT Junior Siavii, Could go either way. Need a backup for Ratliff
DE Marcus Spears, Have never been a fan. I like Bowen and Hatcher better
K Shaun Suisham, After Sunday. Goodbye
S Pat Watkins, Great special teams player and decent safety

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENT
CB Alan Ball, Needed depth in secondary
LB Steve Octavien, Never really got a chance to see him

In other news today it has been reported by many people that Jerry Jones will keep Wade Phillips as the head coach. After how the team played this season, especially the second half of the season I think this was a good decision. No word on any other coaches which includes Jason Garrett. I have mixed feelings on Garrett, but since Phillips is staying on my thought is that Garrett will stay as well.

Will there be trades involving the Cowboys this off-season and before the draft? We all heard that before the trading deadline in 2009 that Cincinnati wanted Martellus Bennett. Could this still be a possible trade with John Phillips developing into a good tight end? If not to Cincinnati maybe another team?

What about Tashard Choice? Please don’t kill me on this thought because I love him on the Cowboys, but maybe it might be a good idea to explore the possibility. Kind of like striking while the fire is hot. Choice could start for a lot of teams in the league. Marion Barber and Felix Choice are the main backs in the Cowboys offense. Just a thought.

As we are all aware of, our Cowboys season ended today at the Metrodome in Minnesota. The Cowboys offense could not get anything going today. The offensive line broke down, they lost Flozell Adams early in the game and the they had to play catch-up all day. The defense played well for the most part, but they could not hold up for the whole game.

It was a nice run from our Cowboys who were projected as an 8-8 third place team in 2009. What we got was a team that grew together during the season and won a division championship. They beat the Eagles three times and knocked off the undefeated Saints when no one thought they had a chance. They won in December when no one thought they could. They won a playoff game when no one thought they would.

Am I upset at the loss? Not really. Disappointed? Oh yea!! All week we heard how the Vikings offensive linemen would not be able to hold up against the Cowboys defensive line. When in fact it was the other way around today. The Vikings rush was relentless and Tony Romo was running for his life all day. The Cowboys got beat by the better team today. I can’t get upset over that.

So it’s on to the off-season. Let’s hope this playoff loss is a building block for this team to improve themselves in all areas and get better for next season. Get better with the draft and maybe add one or two players in free agency. I can’t help but think back to 1991 when the Cowboys went to Detroit and lost 38-6 in the second round of the playoffs. That game vaulted the Cowboys into winning three of the next four Super Bowls.

My Offensive MVP goes to Tony Romo for improving and not letting the media run his life and Miles Austin for becoming one of the best young receivers in the NFL.

My Defensive MVP goes to Keith Brooking for making the defense one of the best in the NFL and Mike Jenkins for having a great second season and leading the team with five interceptions.

Congratulations to the defending NFC Eastern Division Champion Dallas Cowboys on a great season.

Here we are about to play in the divisional round of the 2009 playoffs against the Minnesota Vikings. The Cowboys have played a handful of games against the Vikings since 1961 and hold a 15-12 record over them. The Cowboys and Vikings have played a total of six times in the playoffs dating back to 1971 and Dallas has a 4-2 advantage. Of course none of this means anything and I did not want to pick out just one game to write about. So what I thought of was looking back at the games the Cowboys and Vikings have played in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. The Metrodome opened in April of 1982. The Cowboys were supposed to play their first game in the new dome during the third week of 1982, but the players strike canceled the game. They did end up playing in Minnesota at the end of the 1982 season. So here is a list of games between the Cowboys and Vikings at the Metrodome. Some memorable, some not so much.

1982 – Dallas loses to Minnesota 31-27

Although the Cowboys lost the game this could be the most memorable game in the Metrodome for the Cowboys, Tony Dorsett took center stage as he ran for 153 yards. He also scored one touchdown on a record breaking run that will never be broken. On their own one yard line and only ten players on the field. Dorsett took the hand-off from Danny White and broke through the middle of his offensive line. He got into the Vikings secondary and with the help of some down field blocking from Drew Pearson, Dorsett scored from 99 yards.

1983 – Dallas beats Minnesota 37-24

Minnesota took a 24-10 lead in the second quarter. But then the Cowboys scored the next 27 points and won the game 37-24. Once again Tony Dorsett led the way with 141 yards rushing. The defense held the Vikings to 272 yards on offense which included just 44 yards rushing. The defense also intercepted three passes, returning one for a touchdown by Ron Fellows.

1993 – Dallas beats Minnesota 37-20

The Cowboys entered this game with an 8-4 record, but there just seemed to be something wrong with the offense. Which continued into this game before Troy Aikman connected with Michael Irvin for a touchdown to take a 10-6 lead. From there the offense seemed to wake up and Dallas took a commanding 27-6 lead into the third quarter. Emmitt Smith led the running game with 104 yards and a touchdown and Irvin ended the day with 125 yards receiving.

1995 – Dallas beats Minnesota 23-17 in OT

This game was a battle from start to finish and ended in overtime with a great Emmitt Smith touchdown run from 31 yards out. Smith finished the game with 150 yards and two touchdowns and Michael Irvin collected 107 yards and one touchdown

1999 – Dallas loses to Minnesota 27-17

This could have been a career day for Emmitt Smith. One week after the passing of the great Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith wanted to dedicate this game in Payton’s memory. Smith ran wild in the first half gaining 140 yards on just 13 carries. He scored twice, once from 63 yards and the other from 24 yards. But on his second touchdown he got his fingers caught in a Vikings face-mask and had to leave the game. No one could predict what Smith could have gained if he didn’t leave the game. He left the game with the Cowboys leading 17-0. From that point on the Vikings scored the next 27 points and won the game.

1999 – Dallas losses to Minnesota 27-10 in Wildcard Round

This was their second meeting of the 1999 season, but not memorable as far as the Cowboys were concerned. They never really challenged the Vikings in this playoff match-up. Emmitt Smith ran for 99 yards and scored once. Rocket Ismail caught eight passes for 163 yards.

2004 – Dallas loses to Minnesota 35-17

This was the opening game of the 2004 season. Another game that was not memorable for the Cowboys as it was their first of ten losses during the 2004 season. Vinny Testaverde led the Cowboys with 355 yards passing and one touchdown. Receivers Antonio Bryant had 112 yards and Keyshawn Johnson had 111 yards.

Again, this history lesson does not mean a thing. What really means something is this Sunday’s divisional playoff game in the Metrodome. The Cowboys will face a Minnesota team that was on fire most of the 2009 season. It’s now the Cowboys who are on fire and confident in what they can do and what they want to do.

Good luck Cowboys!! Sunday can’t come soon enough.

“I didn’t hear no bell”