Dallas Cowboys

Of course, being from south Texas, and growing up a Cowboys fan, I have had to listen to a lot of criticism. Most people, especially from the same division, can't stand them. They grew up with a hatred of the 'boys that stemmed from getting their butts whipped so many times when Dallas was in it's prime, with Staubach as QB, then with Aikman. Now they like nothing more than to beat them, or better yet, hope that they have a miserable season. All my family are rapid Cowboys fans, and we spent many a Sunday watching them together. I have never seen my father get so upset as when they played terrible.I still remember it all very well even today. Like most teams, they go up to great heights, and then go down to the cellar. In Aikmans first year as QB, the 'boys were 1-15. Can't get too much worse. Then they went up all the way to win Super Bowls.

This year, with Romo out, no one knew what to expect from them. They ahve a new QB in Dak Prescott. I have never even heard of him before he started playing with them. But I have been overseas for a while, and not realluy that in touch with the college level any more.They show flashes of great play, followed by total crap. That is very, very typical of them. They have been know for a long time to play to the level of their competition. Teams that they should blow away, they lose to. Teams that are really good, they play better, and win quite a few. Actually I am very impressed with him. He is obviously a smart and skilled player. At present he is a solid player and leader, but doesn't seem to have the potential for throwing the long ball. I think that will develop over time. They have one of the best running backs in the league in Elliott. But, of course, like many good players, he is in trouble. Now he is suspended for six games. I never know what is is with athletes and always beating up their spouses and girlfriends. If you don't care about her, then leave, or let her leave. There is no place for that. Big, tough football players beating up on their little wives is not very impressive. Is this supposed to show the world how tough he is? Or what an ass he is? I think the second choice is more likely. But, as far as football, he is a very good running back, and I think Dallas is going to lose a few without him that they might have won with him.

As I was typing this, I was monitoring the Dallas-Atlanta game. As I suspected, Dallas came out well, but then went down the tubes. They couldn't run the ball, and they couldn't seem to stop the Atlanta offense from scoring. Atlanta score 27 consecutive points. Dallas has had a so-so secondary for years. It looks like, without Elliott, their season may be over. Sean Lee is an outstanding and all-star linebacker. And the defensive line seems to be pretty good at stopping the run. But when you continually give up big plays in the secondary, then the outcome is going to be obvious. Prescott might well develop into one of the premier QB's in the game. I hope so. He has to learn to throw the ball more and farther down the filed, so as to use his talented receivers, like Bryant and Williams. They are still some of the best there is, but now they are limited to how much they can do. I don't really miss Romo very much, but he had the ability to throw way down the field. Jason Witten is a Hall-of-Famer do doubt, and still doing very well, but they need to use him more than they do.

I could be wrong, but I believe that if the 'boys had Elliott playing today the outcome may have been much different. I don't think that Atlanta's defense could have stopped him. That running game would then have given them more of a passing game too. Atlanta knew that Dallas could not run the ball, so all they had to do was double up on the receivers; thus no offense; no scoring. It's not rocket science. The Commissioners decision to suspend him may be justified, but it sure screwed up the Cowboys season! Let's hope he stays out of trouble for next season.

As far as his case, I don't know the details, and I do not condone, by any means, spousal ordomestic violence. But, was he charged with anything? From what I see, there were no charges filed. If that is true, then why would the Commissioner take it upon himself to dole out punishment that is based on a chargeless case? I know he is trying to stop this type of thing from happening, as he should. But it seems his decisions should be consistent with the findings of the civilian court. If there were charges filed, and he was found guilty, then I would have no sympathy for him at all. Even if he were kicked out of the league, then so be it. Being a pro ball player does not give him special rights. But, if there were no charges, why did the Commissioner just ruin his career (maybe a rushing title), the Cowboys' season, and the hopes of millions of Cowboy's fan all over the world? It seems like his decision was meant to hurt him and the Cowboys, and may have been partly directed at Jerry Jones. Only ONE person was supposed to be punished, not the whole team!

The Dallas Cowboys have been a followed tradition for a very long time in many areas, not just Texas. I have met thousands of Cowboys fans all over the world; some in the most unlikely spots. They have a HUGE following, and they run a very profitable organization. They are a classy group, and are highly successful whether you like them personally or not. Yes, they have some players who do not stay in line sometimes, but so does every single team in the league.

I  am no jump-on-the-bandwagon type, as many are. I have been a fan since birth, and still am. I suffered through the terrible seasons, and the great seasons. One of the only things can possibly shake my belief in them is if they ever decided to move out of state. Then I would quickly disown them as my favorite team. I would drop them like a hot potato. It would should no loyalty to the fans, and would be about money only. But with their success in Dallas, I hardly have to worry about that.

***Quick note*** My next favorite team is the Saints. I spent years in Biloxi, MS while in the military, and went to many of their games. I felt bad for them for having so many losing seasons. I think Drew Brees has been an outstanding QB for many years (I wish the Cowboys had him!). So I wish them the best!



well, unfortun