Lone Star Struck

Over the next few weeks leading up to the draft, I will put together a Cowboys Draft Series covering prospects and positions that I feel the Cowboys will be most interested in come the first round on April 22. The main factors for choosing the prospects to watch include the Cowboys’ position in the draft and players that fit their schemes on offense and defense. This week I will focus on the wide receiver position. There are many potential prospects that the Cowboys will likely be interested in, especially in this year’s fairly deep receiver class. Here are a few names to put on your list.

Jordan Shipley – Texas, 5′11″ 193

Jordan Shipley is a name that is tangled up somewhere in the top 10 of the receiver prospects list. One of the best receivers in recent Texas Longhorns history, and easily the most prolific punt returner in the team’s history, Shipley is a guy who could probably play slot receiver immediately, as well as return kicks and punts. He may not be the biggest or or the fastest, but he has the work ethic that coaches love. He is a high character player and someone you want in your locker room. It’s hard to say exactly where Shipley will go in the draft, but I would imagine the Cowboys will have him targeted anywhere from rounds 2 through 4. Some people have compared him to Wes Welker, and I would not immediately disagree. As a lifelong Texas Longhorns fan, I would love to see Shipley in a Cowboys uniform.

Golden Tate – Notre Dame, 5′10″ 199

Tate is another guy who’s name has been seen all over the top 10 receivers prospect list. Living 45 minutes from Notre Dame’s campus, I was able to witness Golden Tate’s surprising athletic ability last season. He has extremely soft hands and the open-field moves of a running back. He also possesses great speed and the ability to catch the ball in a tight window. He also had the benefit of being in a pro style offense at Notre Dame and that should help him at the next level. Like Shipley, Tate is probably a slot guy who could provide you with explosiveness on special teams. I would not anticipate Tate making it past the second round and if he is still on the board when the Cowboys select in the late second round, this could be their guy.

Marty Gilyard – Cincinnati, 6′0″ 187

Gilyard is another receiver that is cut in the mold of Tate and Shipley. A bit smallish, but someone who could flourish in the slot and possibly even on the outside. Has all the quickness and athletic ability that you look for, and like Tate and Shipley again, is extremely hard to tackle in the open field. Could take over the punt and kick returning duties immediately and provide a much needed spark. Another high character player who you would love to have on your team. He will probably go somewhere between the late second to mid-third rounds, and just like the previous two receivers, Dallas will have their eye on him.

Jacoby Ford – Clemson, 5′9″ 186

Ford is a guy who did not have near the amount of production that Shipley, Tate, or Gilyard had at the college level. But his official 4.28 40-yard dash time at the combine suggests that he possesses the speed to be a game breaker. Probably more of a slot guy who you would design certain packages for to try to get him the ball in open space. Could most certainly be a terror in the return game if he fine tunes his return skills. Reminds me of someone like Roscoe Parrish of the Buffalo Bills or Eddie Royal of the Denver Broncos; someone who can take it to the house at any time in the return game and contributes fairly to the receiving game as a speed threat. Ford’s draft stock will probably go up after his blazing 40 time, but he could be available as late as the 4th round. If he stays on the board that long, I would look for Dallas to trade up to grab him.

Demaryius Thomas – Georgia Tech, 6′3″ 224

Thomas is a player who posted stellar numbers in 2009 for a Yellow Jackets offense that was very run oriented. He has a huge frame that reminds you of Terrell Owens and the speed to go with it. His frame enables him to shield defenders and go up and get the catch. There is some uncertainty surrounding Thomas, as he just recently broke his foot and will be unable to participate in the combine or his pro day. His raw talent and upside makes him one of the biggest gambles in the draft, and he is likely to be a boom or bust player. He is probably a solid second round pick and Dallas may take a look at him if he is still sitting on the board in the late second round.

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.

According to a recent post at Star-Telegram.com the Cowboys will not franchise Miles Austin nor will they sign him to a long term deal. What?

“We don’t need to use the franchise tag,” said Stephen Jones. “How many times have you seen another team give up a one and a three?”

“It’s very difficult for us to make an offer when we don’t know what the system is going to be. I’m not saying that it won’t happen, but it may be difficult,” Stephen Jones said. “We want to win next year, but we want to win in the future.”

Jerry Jones was quoted on ESPN radio saying the Cowboys will do whatever it takes to retain Austin.

“We’re just not going to have Miles Austin any place but with the Dallas Cowboys,” Jerry Jones said on ESPN/103.3 FM radio.

I’m sure that the recent comments from Stephen Jones will send some into a tizzy and spur on an onslaught of posts raising the panic alert, but all Jones did was explain the course of action regarding Miles Austin and the current climate surrounding the yet to be determined collective bargaining agreement.

Obviously the owners want to reduce the rate of salary growth while the players union want the opposite. It may take some time before they come to an agreement that suits both of them.

With the financial picture so cloudy and hard to predict, it makes it difficult for all NFL teams to negotiate long term deals with their current players.

Would you go out and buy a new house after finding out that your company was laying off 300 workers next month?

How can the Cowboys negotiate a big deal with Austin when there’s even a slight chance that there still might be a cap, and if the owners get their way, a smaller cap…

Another huge contract on top of those already given to Roy Williams, Tony Romo, DeMarcus Ware and Marion Barber could suffocate the Cowboys and prevent them from making any other additional moves.

Hopefully, a new collective bargaining agreement will be in place by March 5, 2010, thus making it easier for the Cowboys and every other NFL franchise to navigate through their offseason plans and better prepare for the new season.

Miles Austin isn’t going anywhere. He is now one of our most prized possessions and there is no way the Cowboys would risk losing him.

The Dallas Cowboys have been the center of criticism and unwarranted jabs for a long time.

That said, I can honestly state that this team is one of the best in the league, especially since it won its first playoff game in over a decade. It was a long time coming for us Dallas fans, and I treasure that moment up with the ones you would have on today’s holiday of Valentines Day.

However, I was sitting with my close friend and the conversation included college majors, the artwork in our homes, old memories, and finally it drifted to sports.

And I heard something from her I couldn’t believe. She actually wished that Tony Romo was off the Cowboys.

Immediately I was stunned because Tony’s coming off his best season ever.  347/550 pass completions to attempts with a 63.1 completion percentage, 4,483 yards passing, 26 passing touchdowns to only NINE interceptions, and a 97.6 quarterback rating.

Plus, we won a playoff game!!!

What else do you want? Yeah, I know. You want to win the Super Bowl; who doesn’t?

It just ruffles my feathers when I hear the fans I represent take advantage of what Dallas has in its possession. We have a top ten quarterback and they want to catapult him out of Dallas?

I think of the days when we had Quincy Carter or Drew Bledsoe starting for us. Or how about that three game stretch in 2008 with Brad Johnson as a starter?

Those were some dark times. With Tony Romo however, we are never counted as an automatic loss ever. No team suits up against us thinking they can just check this one off the to-do list.

It’s offensive and somewhat asinine to be against Tony Romo after what he has done for us. We finally have a shot at the whole thing; Lombardi Trophy, parade, and all with Romo.

That’s something we never had with Drew Bledsoe, who looked more like a worn-out punching bag at times.

That first year in 2007 when Tony Romo took over as the starter, you knew that Dallas actually had a shot. That we weren’t battling for a lower draft spot or a season about .500, we actually had a shot.

What does Tony do? He throws 36 touchdowns and we win 13 games. Get first round bye, but are knocked out by the eventual champions, the New York Giants.

Yeah, we didn’t win it all, but we made progress! Rome wasn’t built in a day.

I think the fans or viewers that harshly critique the Cowboys as losers, and Tony Romo as a incompetent player, should either jump in a lake or read Football For Dummies.

Is their any legitimate argument that Tony Romo needs to be replaced other than the fact that he doesn’t have a Super Bowl ring yet?

Is that all that the negative people have?

Ok, lets see, just a few weeks ago, Drew Brees didn’t have a title. Should the Saints have looked for someone else instead?

Peyton Manning was in his ninth season before he won the Super Bowl. Should the Colts have scrapped him back in 04?

I think it is pure impatience by fans who want to win the Super Bowl, and since Dallas has this great history of winning the Super Bowl, they believe that the team should win it right now.

Football is not royalty, there is no entitlement to the fans for anything. All we can do is hope and pray for our players. They are trying very hard to win the Super Bowl, but we need to be patient because this isn’t Troy Aikman, who actually took five years to win the Super Bowl, and the 90s Cowboys. These are the 2010 Cowboys fresh off a playoff win and ready to kick some butt.

There are all these fans that think the solution is to change quarterbacks and every time I hear that, I just scoff and roll my eyes.

Who can we get that’s better than Romo? Better yet, who is better than Romo?

Ok, lets say: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, and Kurt Warner are better.

If anybody says Eli Manning or Ben Roethlisberger are better because they have rings do not have any idea of how average-good passers they are while Tony Romo routinely throws for 300 yards.

Kurt Warner is retired. Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees are staying where they are without question for now.

Philip Rivers and Aaron Rodgers are unlikely going anywhere barring some scandal or them demanding a trade.

Face it people. Tony’s the best we got. He may not have a ring, but we as fans need to give him time.

This team was sorting out its kinks when he started here, and now the first year where we actually look like a Cowboys team of the past, we win a playoff game.

You got to win a playoff game before you win the Super Bowl.

Yeah, we did lose to the Vikings the next week, but I don’t think the 85 Bears could’ve knocked Favre off his rhythm that day. They just had our number and it happens.

‘Next time, we’ll have their number’ is the kind of attitude I need to see more of. How can anyone say that Tony Romo is a bad quarterback when he threw for nearly three times as many touchdowns as he did interceptions?

Please view the rest here: http://www.nfltouchdown.com/dear-fellow-dallas-fans-why-do-you-want-romo-gone/

James Williamson is also an accomplished writer for SB Nation, NFLtouchdown, and Bleacher Report.

Marcus Spears, Steven Bowen and Jason Hatcher are all becoming free agents this year. To lose them all would be a heck of a blow to a very stout D-line. Marcus Dixon , a two year practice squad vet who recently signed a reserve/futures contract, is the only valid backup. To understand what could happen with the free agents this year, you must first look at the compensation and salaries to be earned.

Four years of experience

Original pick compensation: $1.176 million

Second round tender: $1.759 million

First round tender: $2.521 million

First and third tender: $3.168 million

Five years of NFL experience

Original pick compensation: $1.226 million

Second round tender: $1.809 million

First round tender: $2.621 million

First and third round tender: $3.268 million

I believe it would be naive to think the Cowboys would simply ignore Spears and let him test the waters. The five year experience original pick compensation tender makes the most sense, since it would ensure the Cowboys a first round pick should someone sign him away and keep his salary relatively low. I know it’s a no-cap year, but Jerry most likely will be spending a little extra cash on eliminating a certain safety or o-lineman’s (or two) contract(s). I’m not naming names. You figure it out.

As for Hatcher and Bowen, I think that Bowen will receive a contract. Original pick compensation goes out the window for Bowen since he was a rookie free agent acquisition. Since Hatcher was a third round pick in ‘06, it would make sense to stick the four year original draft pick compensation tender on him and let him walk for a third round pick from a team that needs 3-4 Defensive End help. Believe me, there are quite a few. A second round tender might be pushing it and Dallas might end up stuck with a higher paying contract than Spears. (Not Smart)

Letting Hatcher walk for a third round pick would give Dallas more ammo in the draft and also would allow Dixon to take his next step in the pros. I doubt he would last another year on the practice squad. It’s do or die time for him.

Olshansky remains under a very friendly contract and should remain in place at least for the next couple of years. I think we would all agree he did very well this year replacing Canty.

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.

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?

Looking ahead to next season, I wondered which of our players had a high probability of not being back with the team next season. It’s not a hate list by any means, just an objective look at who could be on their way out and why I feel that way about them.

1. Marion Barber RB – Many of you might be surprised to see Barber on this list, but the fact of the matter is that with Felix Jones and Tashard Choice on board, it would make sense to explore our options with Barber who still has some great trade value. The fact is that Barber’s 4.3 yards per carry, pales in comparison to Choice 5.5 YPC and Jones 5.9. We could easily get back a 1st and 3rd round pick for Barber and use them to beef up an aging O-Line.

2. Martellus Bennett TE – I don’t believe Bennett can live with the fact that he’s a back up to Jason Witten. He’s frequently crying about playing time on his website and bemoaning the fact that he isn’t a starter. He has the talent to be a starter, but unless disaster strikes and Witten was to miss significant time, will continue to be used in the same reserve role and frown about it. Bennett is just a spare part that can easily be replaced by up and coming John Phillips who is a team first guy and a real gamer. The Cowboys might be able to get a third or fourth round pick for Bennett or maybe even net themselves a number three or four type wide receiver with some upside.

3. Roy Williams WR – My inclusion of Williams on this list is probably more a case of wishful as opposed to a real chance Williams could or would get traded. Obviously, his trade value has taken a huge hit and he is overpaid as well. But at this point, and after waiting almost two seasons for him show profit, wouldn’t you say it’s time to cut our losses and move on? Kevin Ogletree has show the speed, the hands, and the ability to perfectly run his routes, and must be strongly considered for a move up the depth chart. If anyone is crazy enough to take Williams’ off our hands in exchange for a second round pick, I’d do it and never look back.

Sadly, the 2009 season ended for the Dallas Cowboys a couple of weeks ago, but this weekend when the Pro Bowl kicks off you might reconsider tuning in. In addition to the six Cowboys elected and Terence Newman who was added last week, two more will join the Cowboys coaching staff on the NFC roster. Andre Gurode will not be playing because of knee surgery.

Tony Romo and Mike Jenkins will play in the game due to injury of the elected starters. Romo was chosen to replace Brett Favre (ankle injury). Jenkins will replace Antoine Winfield (foot injury).

That makes a total of nine Cowboys attending this year’s Pro Bowl in Miami. Philadelphia is tied with Dallas for having the most players at the game. It is also the sixth most selections in franchise history.

Your 2010 Pro Bowl Cowboys:

Miles Austin, wide receiver

Leonard Davis, guard

Andre Gurode, center (injured)

Mike Jenkins, cornerback

Terence Newman, cornerback

Jay Ratliff, interior lineman

Tony Romo, quarterback

DeMarcus Ware, outside linebacker

Jason Witten, tight end

Head Coach Wade Phillips and his staff

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.

According to Jason La Canfora at NFL.com Wade Phillips will return as the Cowboys head coach for 2010.

The Cowboys are executing the 2010 option on coach Wade Phillips‘ contract, binding him to the team for next season, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Phillips met with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and top brass on Monday, and more talks are scheduled for Tuesday. The team hasn’t moved to extend Phillips’ contract beyond 2010, but Jones is comfortable with him as the coach for next season.

I like it. I like Wade, more importantly the players like him and what he did with this team in 2009 was really impressive.

I know many may argue, but I definitely agree with keeping him on another year.

Well, you can’t win them all. As a person and fan, I’ve have to learn to accept that. Sometimes you don’t win the big games.

This game the Cowboys lost while it is tragic they did, you can’t win them all. There are some days where it would have been close, where Dallas would’ve won, where Minnesota would’ve won, where one is a blowout like today or a close one.

It comes down to who played the better game that day and that was Minnesota. This loss was painful, but Dallas wasn’t horrible, Minnesota was just good.

If I may, I’d like to drift off for a second. Before I realized that sportswriting was my calling, I wanted to be a lawyer like in Law & Order. Well, one of the most famous legal quotes is by Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart when it came to the definition of obscenity.

“I cannot define it, but I know it when I see it.”

Well, its the same thing with Dallas. The final score of 34-3 is one that many people who didn’t watch the game would say, “Aw, they got killed! They suck! They are such pathetic chokers!”

Well, they don’t know anything. They are immature haters usually. The reality is that Dallas played a hard game, but Minnesota was just better. There wasn’t a choking moment, the Vikings just controlled the game. There was a lot of bad luck for the Cowboys.

I cannot define the difference between choking and being outplayed, but I know it when I see it, and Dallas did not choke. I can’t upload film to my computer and send ESP to you to point out where this went wrong or how this was just Minnesota playing great ball, but I can hope that you trust my instincts and believe that Dallas is still a great team.

Believe it or not, there is a lot of luck in this game, and Dallas just had some bad luck today.

What Dallas needs to do is to reevaluate themselves. Look at what needs to change on offense or on defense. They need to constantly train throughout the offseason. Preparation is half the game. Some of the best teams have had only good athletes, but they were disciplined and ready for the postseason.

Dallas was ready. I have no doubt they were ready, but they were probably inexperienced. This team now has more experience, and they will make an effort next year to go even further into playoffs. To may get that chance at a Super Bowl. To possibly get that sixth Super Bowl ring.

This was just not Dallas’ time. I truly believe that Minnesota was a team that no one could have beaten today. This team had everything going its way, and you can’t always prevent that.

Despite this loss, I am still a Cowboys fan. I love this team. I love these guys, and I’m proud of them. They seem like a team that is seriously a contender for a Super Bowl for years to come maybe.

I remember in the 1970s, one of the finest teams that was playing was the Oakland Raider coached by Hall of Fame coach and legendary announcer John Madden, was a team that was eliminated often in the postseason.

From 1969 to 1978, John Madden won 103 regular season games with the Raiders and won nine playoff games.

Before 1976 however, Madden was known as the coach who couldn’t win the big one, and his team was known as one who couldn’t finish it all in playoffs.

To paraphrase him from the 1976 America’s Game, “People say that Madden can’t win the big one. Well, before the game, tell me when there’s a little one?”

They had won big games, they had won playoff games, they hadn’t won a championship, but Madden was never discouraged because if you constantly work at it and keep trying, then you will win a Super Bowl. John Madden was very calm and very confident in his guys for the upcoming season.

He finally assembled a team that went 13-1 and won the Super Bowl 32-14. It did happen for him because he realized that sometimes great teams take a while to get it all done.

Dallas has won big games, they’ve won a playoff game, they won in December and January, so they haven’t won a Super Bowl yet, but they are on the right track for that and I believe that it will happen one day for these guys.

Even if they don’t do it next year, I’ll still be watching these guys, and I’ll still believe in them.

So, if any Cowboy reads this, know I got your back too guys.

James Williamson is also an accomplished writer for http://www.nfltouchdown.com/ and http://bleacherreport.com/

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.