Super Bowl Odds (for XLV): Cowboys +1215

NFC Odds (5Dimes Reviews): Cowboys +685

Playoffs Recap

It was an ugly finish to a very positive season and it will unfortunately be the last memory of the 2009-10 season. The Cowboys were crushed by the Minnesota Vikings 34-3 and what’s worse is that Adrian Peterson didn’t even run wild. The prolific Vikings back had just 63 yards on 26 carries, which means the Cowboys went through the entire year without allowing a 100-yard rusher, but the Cowboys could not stop the Vikings passing game.

NFL betting fans saw the Brett Favre-to-Sidney Rice combo rack up 141 yards and three touchdowns. Throw in a few Cowboys turnovers and you have your one-sided loss.

The Vikings did run up the score as they threw for a touchdown pass in the final two minutes of the game. That pushed the lead to 34-3 and players like Keith Brooking are already looking forward to the meeting with the Vikings next time.

Read about Wade and Roy after the Jump!

Wade Phillips

The Dallas Cowboys offseason begun after their one-sided loss to the Minnesota Vikings last weekend and they have already made some key decisions.

Even though a number of people felt that maybe the Cowboys should think twice about it given how their season ended, owner Jerry Jones made the decision that head coach Wade Phillips will be returning to the team next year.

To this point, it is unclear whether Jones will pick up the option on Phillips contract or whether he’ll give him a legitimate extension.

When you look back, Phillips is technically the winningest coach in Cowboys history. He has also produced two NFC East titles in three years.

Roy Williams

If you were making your NFL picks, you probably wouldn’t think that Roy Williams would return next year as a member of the Dallas Cowboys and while no definitive decision has been made, the early signs are that he will be back with the team next year.

Williams is clearly a diva. He voices his displeasure regularly (to the media) when he’s not happy with the offense and when he’s not happy with his touches. Granted, he doesn’t go to the levels of Terrell Owens, but he does poke and prod to try and get what he wants.

For the Dallas Cowboys, a victory on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings can come in a variety of forms.

Check out how they can pull off a win, why I have so many questions and maybe even a prediction for the contest after the jump.

Making Brett Favre beat you would seem to be the order of the day for the Cowboys defense. Stop Adrian Peterson. Force a fumble or two.

Or shut down the big vertical passing game with Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian and Visanthe Shiancoe. Weird how Shiancoe worries me the most of those four guys listed there.

Or have Tony Romo carve up a depleted secondary with precision passes to Miles Austin and Jason Witten.

All three would work, although Minnesota has just as good a chance, especially considering they’re at home and they have yet to lose there this season.

I really wouldn’t be too surprised by any outcome of this game. I could easily see either team winning this game by ten points or less, simply because I think these teams are that close to each other. Honestly? This game is a coin flip. A neutral site would probably yield 5 victories for both sides. (You can say that about most games. I just felt like channeling my inner Dan Dierdorf on that one.)

Minnesota has a high-flying offense; Dallas’ defense is playing as well as any unit left in the playoffs right now, save for maybe the Cardinals’ offense. I do believe the Cowboys had Philly figured out along with the advantage in most of the matchups. This game, though? I’m not so sure. There’s a reason Adrian Peterson has so many nicknames.

I’ve also seen way too many people pick the Dallas Cowboys this week, which makes me very nervous. Not saying everyone picked Dallas (Bob Sturm), it just seemed like that. The national opinion is not usually a good sign for the favorite.

Going into positional advantages to break down this game just seems pointless to me. Yes, the Cowboys are going to have trouble against the Vikings front running the ball, but what if Felix Jones can break off a few runs? Will that soften up the secondary? How many shotgun draws will be run? Will Roy Williams be as effective as he was last week? Will Wade actually break out a box of Krispy Kremes on the sidelines? Can his defense really slow down the Vikings?

Will Shaun Suisham cost us the game? Can the Dallas Cowboys get pressure on Favre without blitzing (i.e. Spencer, Ware, Ratliff…)? Who will commit the big turnover? Why is Brad Childress’ headset different than all the other NFL coaches’? Will I mute the TV to avoid hearing Joe Buck? Can Bobby Carpenter actually continue to make plays? Will Flozell Adams remember his hearing aid? Does Flozell Adams even have a hearing aid? Can Marion Barber actually walk, much less run?

Can the Dallas Cowboys really be this good? Or will they finally hear too much of themselves and get overconfident? Who will be in Jerry’s owner’s suite this week? Or will he watch the game from the sideline? Did Tashard Choice give a big super-inspirational speech before the game? Why does FOX have a robot? WHY?????????

And the most important question of all:

Can the Dallas Cowboys really keep going until Spring Training?

(Well, close enough anyway. You get the idea.)

So many questions. So little time.

Prediction: Dallas Cowboys 23, Minnesota Vikings 21

Right now, I’ve got a smile on my face that I’m pretty sure is bigger than the one Miles Austin has when he scores.

That game wasn’t even as close as the 20-point final margin. If it hadn’t been for a ton of penalties and one particularly stupid decision by Mike Jenkins, there might have been 50 points scored by the good guys tonight.

A few more observations on a win 13 years in the making after the jump.The Eagles scored because of two plays. The Vick pass to Maclin where Jenkins slipped and Jenkins’ ill fated decision to lateral that interception. Other than that, the Dallas Cowboys probably would be looking at their third straight shutout. At any rate, this defense is playing as well as I’ve ever seen a Dallas defense play. I know I said that last week, but it’s still true.

Some defensive stats: 340 yards allowed, 284 through the air. Seems like a lot, but keep in mind 76 were on one play and the Eagles managed to gain about 40-50 passing yards in garbage time. 5 forced turnovers, 4 sacks, 9 (!?) passes deflected, 9 QB hits, 2/11 3rd down conversion percentage for the Eagles. McNabb also got out of what seemed like 4 other sacks. Put our pass rush up against the Vikings offensive line and the decidedly less mobile Brett Favre? That water you see is DeMarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff and Anthony Spencer salivating.

Offensively, it wasn’t so much that the Eagles stopped the Cowboys, it was that the Cowboys stopped themselves. God there were so many penalties. Sorry to see Marion Barber go out with a knee injury (kind of). I believe I would consider myself a fan of a Felix Jones-Tashard Choice combo. Which would be an understatement along the lines of it’s chilly in Chicago in the winter. I love the Jones-Choice combo.

Nothing against Marion. He’s been great. I’m not tossing him out on the street. All I’m saying is that he looks a step slow right now for whatever reason. Maybe that’s the knee injury. Hope he feels better soon.

Tony Romo got a couple of breaks tonight. The overturned interception was the biggest one, obviously. That game is a lot different if that stays as a pick. But that ends up turning into a Cowboys touchdown and the Cowboys don’t trail after that. But he was composed and made all the throws he needed to when he needed to make them. Another rating over 100. That seems to be pretty much a magic number.

Bobby Carpenter had two fumble recoveries. Roy Williams had 5 catches for 59 yards. (And no drops!) That pretty much sums up the night right there.

I could go into even more detail about how Mike Jenkins had two interceptions, Ed Hochuli doesn’t look that good in HD, Jason Witten couldn’t possibly be any faster than newest Ranger Vlad Guerrero…

But that really wouldn’t be worth your time. All that matters is this: Tony Romo and Wade Phillips have a playoff win.

And so do the Dallas Cowboys.

Under Andy Reid, the Philadelphia Eagles are 7-0 in first round playoff games.

Not exactly great odds for Jerry’s Wade’s bunch.

I’ve tried to put this post off as long as I could. But for the first week of school, it has gone by remarkably fast. Perhaps the big guy upstairs knows how nervous I am about this game.

I’m not nervous because I believe the Dallas Cowboys have to play perfect to win. (What if Wade gave a speech like Billy Bob’s in Friday Night Lights? I think I would have a look on my face somewhere between confusion, panic and sheer joy.) I don’t believe they do.

In fact, I believe right now, the Dallas Cowboys are a better football team than the Philadelphia Eagles.

But that doesn’t really matter right now. All that matters is the Dallas Cowboys have to be better tomorrow night.

So to psych myself up, let’s take a look at a kick-ass pump up montage.

Awesome Versus Sports Montage

Okay. I’m feeling better. Explosions in the Sky will do that (hence the Friday Night Lights title).

So let’s break this baby down, shall we?

QBs: Tony Romo has gone from exile to full-fledged Jedi Warrior in a pretty short span. Although he needs to win a couple of playoff games before he approaches Obi-Wan/Mace Windu status. But with the way he’s playing right now, I feel pretty confident that we’re going to see a focused Romo play up to the level we’ve seen the last few weeks. Donovan F. McNabb? Always dangerous, but prone to the stinkbomb (like last week). So many skipped passes and bad throws. And that stupid moon walk dance he does when he scores! (Grasping? Yeah….) Matt Saracen Memorial QB1: Romo

Fan Base: Well, I’d like to think that the city of Dallas lives and dies with the Cowboys, but I’m pretty sure that’s not exactly true. Philadelphia seems more enamored with the Phillies lately (although who could blame them? Two straight NL titles and a World Series? Rangers? You kidding me?), but those guys in the green are crazy. Buddy Garrity Seal of Approval: Philly fans

Offense: The Dallas Cowboys have more of a grind-it-out offense (much like my beloved Northwestern Wildcats, whose loss I’m getting close to accepting.), while the Philadelphia Eagles are built for the big plays. They don’t get shut down much, but games like last week’s are not pretty for them. Both teams commit their fair share of penalties, so I guess it’s just a question of which offense you prefer. Me? I like the more balanced attack. You know, a running game and a passing game. But if you need further explanation for my selection, just look at the title of this blog. Boobie Miles Edge: Dallas Cowboys

Mascots: Rowdy sucks. Mojo: Philly Eagle

Defense: I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a Dallas Cowboys defense play this well. (Hey the stats back that up! That’s cool!) Two straight shutouts in the NFL is pretty sweet. Even if one of them was against the sorry, no-account Redskins. A lot of people have talked about the lack of blitzing from the Philly defense as evidence that the Eagles were holding back in the game last Sunday. Maybe they just thought blitzing was the way to go? I mean, it could happen. Just look at the pilot of Friday Night Lights – I mean, Matt Saracen comes in to replace town hero Jason Street and wins the game when he runs backwards 40 yards and then throws the ball basically 50-60 yards…wait, never mind. Ivory Christian Strong, Silent Type: DeMarcus Ware and the Dallas Cowboys

Stadiums: The Linc against the Death Star. I’ve never been to Philly, but I hear Lincoln Financial Field is a very nice place to see a game that has no soul like the old piss-stained Vet. (Again, this is just what I’ve heard.) Meanwhile, the Death Star is something you can see from at least 10-15 miles away. Flabbergastingly large and just absolutely ridiculous. But the Dallas Cowboys did go 6-2 there this year. So that has to count for something. Right? Right??? Hermann Field Award: Push

Coaches: You get the feeling that this matchup is not exactly what Subway is looking for in their advertising. You’d think that the Walrus would pop the Stay-Puft marshmallow man, so I’m going with the Michelin Man. (I mean, my God.) Still, Reid has won 10 playoff games with the Eagles. Wade? A big, fat donut. (Chocolate glazed caked, Wade. Why do you ask?) Eric Taylor Clipboard Holder: Andy (The Walrus) Reid

Characters: I’m calling Jerry Jones a character here. (Mainly because I love the posts on Kissing Suzy Kolber that make fun of him.) What a great addition to the team! Besides, this team is a good, happy-go-lucky team right now. kind of tight, so go ahead DeSean! Call us out! We’re overconfident! (Almost got shocked there from the Jinx Police.) For Philly, DeSean Jackson sure does run his mouth a lot. And last year he forgot to carry the football with him over the goal line! That was funny. Plus he said something about stingers this week. That makes him a character. But for sheer comedic value, I’m going with Jerruh. Tim Riggins Fascination Medal: Jerruh Jones

Can the Cowboys be Perfect?

Final Breakdown: Wow, is the movie more than five years old already? Geez. Time flies.  I was watching it the other day and was amazed at how quickly the story moved. Something tells me Peter Berg’s first cut was something like a three hour flick. Still, there are a good number of Chill Scenes (Bill Simmons®), making it a great sports flick. Not to mention maybe the greatest soundtrack of all time. The TV show, though. Wow. Probably my favorite TV drama ever, and approaching Arrested Development for best ever. Always entertaining, and surprisingly good football scenes and storylines. Yeah the timeline is a bit flawed, but so what? It’s a good show. Slight Edge: Eric Taylor and the Dillon Panthers

Hmm. That’s not right…

Final Breakdown: Saturday’s already here? Ugh. Pass the Pepto. On paper, the Cowboys should win. They are playing better than anybody except for maybe the Chargers. True, the Eagles had won six in a row heading into last week. But the Dallas Cowboys are the ones on the winning streak right now. Every pick I’ve seen has the Cowboys winning. Maybe I’m overly nervous. Whatever. I’ll probably be watching half of this game with my hands over my face anyway. Edge: Dallas Cowboys, 24-14.

Wade pic: http://www.life.com/image/84013453

Kyle Chandler (Eric Taylor) pic: http://www.life.com/image/84013453

Derek Luke (Boobie Miles) pic: http://www.life.com/image/84013453

Billy Bob Thornton (Gary Gaines) pic: http://movies.ign.com/articles/554/554690p1.html

Cowboys Won so the Picture remains

The Cowboys shut out the Eagles big play offense in week 17 of the NFL regular season, and many have speculated that the Eagles didn’t want to show their hand. However that makes no sense considering the fact that if the Eagles won they would have enjoyed a first round bye. Also not many NFL teams would let the Dallas Cowboys shut them out on purpose and let them win the division.

Emmitt Smith you were wrong, not only did the Cowboys finish better than your prediction of 7 and 9, they won the division. This further proves why you are not a broadcaster anymore, not only do you have problems with the spoken word, you are not a good judge of talent. Patrick Crayton put it best when he said a certain someone who predicted 7 and 9 is running around here with a hat on.

This week the Cowboys will face the Eagles at Cowboys Stadium for the second week in a row, and I expect the game to be closer, but the results should be the same. The Cowboys defense looks better each week, the Cowboys are finally developing some talent. The Cowboys offense looked balanced for the first time in awhile, and surprise surprise a balanced attack works. Also Wade Phillips is coaching for his job for as the Dallas Cowboys head coach, so you know he is working extra hard. When you look across the field the coaching staff is pretty confident that they will be back next year no matter what. TV, Game & Matchup information after the jump!

Here is the Cowboys-Eagles TV, Betting, & Game Information, below is a comparison between the teams.
Cowboys-Eagles Day & Date: Saturday – January 9th 2010
Cowboys-Eagles Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM Central Time
Cowboys-Eagles Location: Cowboys Stadium – Arlington, TX
Cowboys-Eagles TV Channel: NBC
Cowboys-Eagles TV Announcers: Cris Collinsworth – Al Michaels
Cowboys-Eagles Point Spreads: Cowboys -4 | Eagles +4
Cowboys-Eagles Over / Under: 45
Cowboys-Eagles Parking: Cowboys Stadium Parking Information
Cowboys-Eagles Tickets:

Get Cowboys Playoff Tickets at StubHub.com!

Cowboys-Eagles Statistical Breakdown | YPG= Yards per Game | PPG= Points per Game
Cowboys Offense
YPG: 399.4 – 2nd | PPG: 22.6 – 14th
Cowboys Defense
YPG: 315.9 – 9th | PPG: 15.6 – 2nd
Eagles Offense
YPG: 357.9 – 11th | PPG: 26.8 – 5th
Eagles Defense
YPG: 321.1 – 12th | PPG: 21.1 – 19th
The Eagles hold a marginal advantage for offense, but played below their average last week. The Cowboys hold the advantage for defense and they played better than their average last week. I expect both teams to come back towards their averages, but still believe the Cowboys will win. My prediction is
Cowboys 21 Eagles 10

Sources:
Dallas Cowboys
NFL