Dallas Cowboys 24/7

2007-12-03T20:56:00.000-08:00

Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line Not Getting Respect?

2007-12-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

I think it's prime time to honor the Dallas Cowboys offensive line.

Left Tackle Flozell Adams, Left Guard Kyle Kosier, Center Andre Gurode, Right Guard Leonard Davis and Right Tackle Marc Colombo probably had their best game Thursday against the packers, who have the NFL's sack leader Aaron Kampman. Tony Romo was barely touched.

In fact, Romo has been sacked just 16 times this year. The offensive line held the Eagles and Packers sackless in two very key matchups. Other than Flozell's common false start penalties, this offensive line is producing at a much higher level than last year.

I guess we will find out when the Pro Bowlers are named, but there isn't an offensive line in the NFL right now that is better than the Dallas Cowboys front five. They've protected a mobile Tony Romo, and have opened up holes for the dynamic rushing duo of Julius Jones and Marion Barber.

So who leads this squad? Certainly one could say that the addition of Leonard Davis thrusted this offensive line to elite status. Marc Colombo has been stellar. I believe both will be chosen fro the Pro Bowl and it will be well deserved.

Sean Taylor's Murder and the Black KKK

2007-12-02T08:19:00.000-08:00

In CNN's story about the Sean Taylor murder, it's a shocking ending to what was a senseless act of violence.

Remember Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antrel Rolle's comments that Taylor had a lot of enemies on the streets and he strongly doubted this was a random shooting? I, and many other people, took that as damming evidence that something much more premeditated happened at Sean Taylor's Miami home than just a burglary gone awry. I was quick to criticize the Miami-Dade police for not releasing information about this incident on a regular basis. A spokesman for the department told people that this crime did not appear to be premeditated. We doubted him. It just didn't sound right. The Miami-Dade police had it right and deserve kudos. I was wrong to listen to Rolle, a long-time friend of Taylor's

The four suspects, two who have allegedly confessed, are charged with unpremeditated murder. All four have prior arrests for crimes such as selling drugs, theft, and driving infractions. Police said Charles Wardlow, Eric Rivera, Venjah Hunter and Jason Mitchell didn't know Taylor was home. When Taylor surprised them at his bedroom front door with a machete, he was shot.

Eric Rivera, according to the Associated Press, apparently had a myspace page. I cannot find it, but when you type in Eric Rivera and his nickname "$Mr. FLorida$" it's no surprise you get a few profiles of some seriously angry black men, some holding automatic weapons and plastering the "N" word all over the page. Several people with the same name have posted messages asking people to stop sending them mail because they are not the "Eric Rivera."

Headline: "NO! I did not kill Sean Taylor, that was unfortunately another Eric Rivera in Florida. Can I please stop getting messages?"

Remember NFL-FOX writer Jason Whitlock's piece on the Black KKK? The article now has an editor's note: This column originally appeared Wednesday, two days before Friday's arrests of four men in the shooting death of Sean Taylor. Mr. Whitlock was heavily criticized for that article, and others that have a similar theme. The criticism is misdirected. He hit a nerve with the general public because most people shun the truth because it hurts too much. Will people still attack Mr. Whitlock for his prophetic article?

Taylor's murder is a tragedy that will affect the NFL's image and the Washington Redskins for many years. An omen of sorts, the 'badass' images many football players, and even worse NBA basketball players, try to portray is getting old. The rap society has gone berserk with violence and it's spreading across America. Rivera's Web page was proof of this poison. His photographs showed him lying on a bed draped in $100 bills as he fanned a wad of dough. His page was wallpapered with money signs.

I am tired of this anger. And I don't think the The National Association of Black Journalists should be telling me that because I am white, I have no right to write about this subject because I don't get it. I'm tired of this argument. You live a good, peaceful life, and work hard, then you won't run into any trouble. But when your own race is knocking of one another, how is it that I don't get it? Obviously, they don't get it.

Major Announcement For Dallas Cowboys 24/7 Blog Readers

2007-12-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

When I started this blog in June, one of the reasons I did it was to have some fun with my favorite football team. I love the Dallas Cowboys. I have been watching them since I was 5 years old and I grew up in the late 70s and 80s during the Tom Landry era. I loved Tom Landry and the teams he created.

I was recently approached by the owners of this blog who told me they really liked my blog and its edginess. They asked me if I would be interested in partnering with them, and in exchange, they would help me become the best Dallas Cowboys blog on the planet.

With all of the Cowboys blogs out there, I thought mine was one of the more edgier ones, with stinging criticism, realistic commentary and even some funny information about the NFL. I also wrote about some very serious topics, such as the Sean Taylor murder, and recently my readership numbers have surged.

I didn't have to think very hard about this partnership with fansided.com. I think this will be good for my readers, and good for this blog. I will team up with some of the best NFL bloggers on the Internet. Together, we will create an NFL blogging network, and together we will become the largest NFL blogging network in the world.

With that said, the new name of this blog will honor the best Cowboys coach ever: Tom Landry.

This site will be retired, and I will redirect readers to the new site soon. In the coming days, I will announce the name of this new Web site.

The content and mission of this blog will not change. In fact, it should all improve. I will have a graphic artist team and guest bloggers, who have great knowledge about the Dallas Cowboys. You will see at least five posts a week, and probably much more.

This will be the premier spot to go for Dallas Cowboys chatter. I hope you continue to visit the new site, and bring a horde of new followers. There's a lot of fun ahead of us, and more Super Bowls to win.

Go Dallas!

Sincerely,
DallasCowboys24/7

Arrests Made in Sean Taylor Murder

2007-12-01T06:42:00.000-08:00

Miami-Dade police arrested four men in connection with the shooting death of Sean Taylor. And it appears that the police were correct in that this was a random act of violence by men who did not know Taylor personally. The story is here.

"They were expecting a residence that was not occupied, so murder or shooting someone was not their initial motive," Robert Parker, director of the Miami-Dade Police Department, said Friday night."They were certainly not looking to go there and kill anyone," he said. "Their obvious motive was to go there and steal the contents of the house."

This provides the Taylor family with some peace of mind. Police have more than one confession in this case, according to CNN.

I have to get ready for work. But good work by the Miami-Dade police. Despite my criticism and that of other people, they pulled this one out. I will blog more on this later.

Hi, I am Bryant Gumbel. Please Shoot Me. Yes Me. And Then Him!

2007-11-29T21:42:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: People are e-mailing me more Gumbel blunders from last night. Check below for the new ones!!! This is insane!

For nearly four hours I was subjected to some of the worst play-by-play football announcing ever in the history of the NFL. And all on a network that cable companies and the NFL make half the country pay for because it's "that good."

I am speaking about Bryant Gumbel. Folks, how does this guy have a job in the NFL? What the hell are they thinking?

Let's review some of the Gumbel Fumble Follies:

Kevin Burnett is on the bench, with a possible hurt shoulder.

1. Gumbel : Oh it looks like Akin Ayo... wait that's Bradie James.. is hurt.
Collinsworth : That's Kevin Burnett.

2. Gumbel says Green Bay and Dallas have won 17 NFL championships. Does he mean NFC? Yep. Does he know what the NFC is? Nope. Who the hell writes his script? Dawg has pointed out that I am wrong here. SHows my ignorance but I didn't think the Packers won 12 NFL championships. I will review this alleged error later.

3. Gumbel says "Rick Romo" will be interviewed after the game. Yes, he said Rick. Then, earlier, he calls him Antonio Romo.

4. Gumbel called Nick Folk, Nick Arizona. Yes, Folk graduated from the University of Arizona, but can this guy read a damn piece of paper? Come the hell on!!!

5. At the beginning of the second half, Gumbel announces it as the second period. This ain't hockey douchebag!

6. "Marion Barber is the heartbeat of the Green Bay offense."

7. "Here comes the Green Bay Packers" Gumbel said as the Cowboys came out of the tunnel.

Finally, what the hell is that turkey gizzard hanging from his damn neck. Get some damn plastic surgery, Mr. Moneybags. Man, I know you've lost a lot of weight, but get that shit tucked in. And find a new job. You are HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!

Terrell Owens' Popcorn Got Too Much Butter?

2007-11-29T20:57:00.001-08:00

7 Catches. 156 Yards. 1 touchdown.

Great game, right? Not so fast. After Terrell Owens caught that single touchdown in the Dallas Cowboys dominating 37-27 win against the Green Bay Packers, he grabbed the fan's popcorn container and pretended he was eating some of that famed popcorn he likes to talk about so much. Apparently, he got some butter on his hands because later in the game, when it really counted, he flopped.

That was not an innocuous drop in the fourth quarter. Not only was that fourth-quarter drop pathetic (we were up by just 3 points), it almost cost the Dallas Cowboys the game.

Up by just 3 points and driving, Tony Romo (19/30, 309 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 INT) threw a hard pass into the chest of Owens, who appeared to make one of the easiest catches all year. But somehow, someway, he juggled the ball and it flew up in the air, and into the hands of Al Harris for an interception. It was Owens' second drop of the game, and although I was away from my favorite Cowboys forum to see the fans' reactions, I heard the din of a collective jaw drop.

How can such a star receiver drop so many passes, especially ones that seem so easy to catch? Owens seems to make the catches we don't expect receivers to make. But when it's thrown perfectly to him, he drops or juggles it. That's why it's hard to attack him so much, because he does make those great catches. And he also gets 156 yards on 7 catches.

But tonight really upset a lot of Cowboys fans. Once up by 17 points, the Cowboys floundered the lead, and by the fourth quarter the team was only up by a field goal. Thank you Nick Folk.

DeMarcus Ware really came through with a key sack in the fourth quarter after the Owens' error, which gave the ball back to the Cowboys. The game was over after that, despite the good play from back-up quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

I go to bed tonight very happy, despite the Owens bull shit. We beat a good team tonight, although I expect and am fully prepared for Packers fans and anti-Cowboy fans to talk crap about how we played a team with Brett Favre injured before half time and their second-best corner out with an injury. Whatever. In one ear and out the other. We would have won if Tom Brady was guiding that team. It was domination from the get-go in my opinion.

That game was telling for me. And I am now going to say on the record that the cheating New England Patriots better watch out. The Dallas Cowboys are looking for you. They are seeking revenge, a rematch, an all-out war. If the Pats think they've got this Super Bowl wrapped up, think again.

We're not playing around anymore, New England. We have our eyes set on you guys. We are bleeding blue and silver. We haven't forgotten. We're coming for you!

Down With Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers! Chant it!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-29T15:54:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: If you don't have the NFL Network, try this to watch the game. Good luck. I hope it works for all of you screwed over by the NFL and the cable companies.

OK Dallas Cowboys fans, here we go. We are less than 90 minutes away from kick off for what is the biggest game for the NFC so far this year.

Both teams are 10-1, a match-up made in heaven. The aging Brett Favre is having one of his best seasons, while Tony Romo is devouring the Cowboys record book.

How do I see this game playing out? I won't sway from my last post: I do think Dallas will win tonight, and I also think they can dominate this Packers team. Will they? I won't be surprised if they do, but I see the game close until the middle of the fourth quarter, when Dallas pulls away with a touchdown and wins by 10 points. I think rookie kicker Nick Folk will be faced with at least one 50-plus yard kick, which he will make to put the Cowboys ahead at half time.

As I said before, Favre will lose this game for the Packers. He will try too hard and turn over the ball at a key moment in this game. Not to mention, Dallas has a superior running game, and I expect the coaches will use the Julius Jones-Marion Barber duo possibly more than they have all season. Thirty carries total? Maybe.

Let's look at some statistics:
1. Green Bay has allowed a lot less points, nearly a touchdown a game less. But they have also played far worse offensive teams like Minnesota and Chicago, their only loss of the season.
2. Favre has a better completion rate, 300 more yards and five less interceptions than Romo, who threw five in one game. But Romo has a whopping seven more touchdowns than Favre, and he has already broken the single-season TD record for the Cowboys.
3. The Packer rushing game has nothing on Dallas.

Green Bay Rushing
	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD
Grant	107	494	4.6	2
Wynn	50	203	4.1	4

Dallas Rushing
	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD
Barber	145	715	4.9	7
Jones	124	495	4.0	2

4. Jason Witten has almost as many catches and yards as Donald Driver, the top receiver for the packers. Get real. Witten is going to have a huge game. Terrell Owens is blowing them all out of the water, with already over 1000 yards and 13 touchdowns, tying what he had last year.

Green Bay Receiving
	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
Driver	63	832	13.2	2
Jennin...	39	625	16.0	9

Dallas Receiving
	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
Owens	64	1093	17.1	13
Witten	59	750	12.7	6

Offensively, statistics show we are very close outside of rushing the ball, where the Cowboys hold a distinct edge. Again, I think we will run the ball very well today and more than 30 times. No reason to get into a passing battle with Favre. On defense, Dallas has given up slightly less yards per game. In fact, the defenses, statistically, are nearly identical until you get to one category: rushing. Dallas has shut down the running game for opposing teams, giving up less than 100 yards per game. Green Bay, however, is right at the century mark for opposing teams' rushing. That's good news for Dallas.

Here are the full statistics:

TEAM AVERAGES & NFL RANKS
TEAM OFFENSE	TEAM	PER GAME AVERAGE
Total Yards	GNB	380.0
Total Yards	DAL	389.0
Yards Passing	GNB	298.5
Yards Passing	DAL	265.9
Yards Rushing	GNB	81.8
Yards Rushing	DAL	122.9
TEAM DEFENSE	TEAM	PER GAME AVERAGE
Yards Allowed	GNB	315.4
Yards Allowed	DAL	299.1
Pass Yds Allowed	GNB	215.3
Pass Yds Allowed	DAL	217.0
Rush Yds Allowed	GNB	100.1
Rush Yds Allowed	DAL	82.1

The only concern I have is the secondary, and namely Roy Williams. Favre is doing a lot of dump passes and slants for 10-yard gains. This is where Roy has trouble. I think all Cowboys fans are concerned about this and the big pass play. However, Williams has to show up sooner or later, and this is the game to do it. I expect him to play well, possibly even intercept one of those slants if he watched the film this week.

I am so pumped up for this game I can barely breathe. I had to skip the gym today because I didn't eat anything and I was too overwhelmed. I finally ate, and now it's time to drink some beer.

For the first time this year, sadly, I won't be able to live blog. I have to watch this game at a friend's house because I don't get the NFL Network since Comcast took it off the basic cable lineup. I don't even want to get into it, but hey, I cannot complain too much: My friend has a big-screen HD television. Plus, he apparently bought the beer!!!

Dallas Cowboys vs Green Bay Packers: Brett Favre is Going to be Tony ROMO-IZED

2007-11-28T19:08:00.000-08:00

In case you are wondering, $330 will get you a ticket to the blockbuster matchup tomorrow night between America's Team, the Dallas Cowboys and the Cheesy Green Bay Packers.

A few notes about the game: WR Patrick Crayton is expected to start, but it's not going to be a game breaker if he doesn't get a lot of catches. As expected, Terry Glenn is not playing. I believe this is a game in which Jason Witten can shine. I also believe Marion Barber can expose the Packer defense for big, punishing runs into the endzone.

The Packers will have Nick Collins back at free safety, and corner Charles Woodson will play even though he is listed as questionable.

This is how I see this game transpiring tomorrow night. Favre is going to cost this game for the Packers. He is going to force throws, get sacked and fumble the ball once. He will try too hard to create plays because they won't have an ounce of life in the running game. The Dallas Defense is aware that Favre likes to dump the ball off in slants and to his running backs, for short gains. Although Roy Williams has hurt us in this capacity at times, tomorrow night he will show up, and put some heavy hits on these guys. A turnover is surely to occur. The only scary statistic is Favre is 0-8 against Dallas at Texas Stadium. That's scary because it's hard to believe he'll go 0-9. But believe it. He will.

This doesn't mean Dallas will blow them out, even though I think they can. I do think Dallas will run the ball a lot. Tony Romo is in no hurry to show off against his hero, Favre.

I'm excited for this game. Because of the cable scandal, I have to watch this game at a friend's house. I may not be around to provide regular commentary and posts. But I will come home that night and write something about the game. Go COWBOYS!

Finally, the NFL.com has a cool video of the Dallas-GB rivalry here.

Sean Taylor Murder Creates Black KKK Argument by a Black Realist Journalist

2007-11-28T18:25:00.000-08:00

Although the Miami-Dade police believe Sean Taylor's death is a random act of violence, one of his friends disagrees.

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antrel Rolle says in this article that Sean Taylor had many enemies on the streets of Miami. Scary, ain't it?

"This was not the first incident," Rolle said. "They've been targeting him for three years now." Rolle said many former "friends" had it in for Taylor, who was trying to build a more stable life.

Rolle says this was not a burglary or a random act of violence. This was a calculated murder by those envious of Taylor's success. Rolle and Taylor grew up together in Miami. Oddly, both their fathers were police officers. Rolle said Taylor lived in fear.

But why?

NFL-FOX writer Jason Whitlock believes he has the answers in this controversial article. I think what makes this article controversial is that it's written by a black man. Whitlock says the Black KKK killed Taylor. Here's a snippet from this powerful article:

When the traditional, white KKK lynched, terrorized and intimidated black folks at a slower rate than its modern-day dark-skinned replacement, at least we had the good sense to be outraged and in no mood to contemplate rationalizations or be fooled by distractions. Our new millennium strategy is to pray the Black KKK goes away or ignores us. How's that working? About as well as the attempt to shift attention away from this uniquely African-American crisis by focusing on an alleged injustice the white media allegedly perpetrated against Sean Taylor.

Whitlock, a realist and intelligent man, cites a column by a less intelligent man trying to make a name for himself here. Just his leading sentence is enough to make me sick:

The shooting death of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor has left some African American sportswriters concerned that coverage by their predominantly white colleagues will unfairly emphasize negative aspects of Taylor's past.

Jesus dude, get a grip. White journalists aren't out to emphasize negative aspects of Taylor's "past." This guy fails to realize that Taylor's past is his LIFE. The Boston Globe's Gregory Lee, another goofball, says white journalists shouldn't be writing about this murder because we don't get it.

"Don't speak or write on things you don't know. What I mean by that is often times when sports turns into social issues, most don't get it and don't have the background to speak about it. The only thing they can go off is stereotypical images of rap videos or watching New Jack City."

Come on, Lee!!! Are you kidding me? What Lee is saying is the white journalists ought to mind their business and forget about Taylor's criminal, violent past because they don't have black skin, they don't understand rap music, and they watch too much television.

The National Association of Black Journalists is getting real silly. This group says the media shouldn't be writing about Taylor's laundry list of crime because it's really not relevant to his murder. And tackling isn't relevant to football, guys. Again, this is silly.

I don't know what you guys are buying, but I don't think Whitlock is trying to sell anything. I can't say the same for the rest I cited in this post.

RIP Sean Taylor. I hope the Miami-Dade police find your killer and bring him to justice.

UPDATE: My favorite Dallas Cowboys blog is debating Whitlock's article now. Good timing.

Why are Miami-Dade police so hush-hush about the Taylor murder?

2007-11-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

The Miami-Dade police released no new information today about the Sean Taylor murder, puzzling the major media outlets covering this case.

It's rare for large police agencies to keep quiet on cases that have as high a profile as this one. The police even declined to release the incident report (a public record) or the 911 tapes (public record) because of the ongoing investigation.

Fine. But at least have a press conference with the leader of the force telling the millions of concerned people and perplexed fans that some progress has been made. Keeping quiet has the opposite effect.

Have they turned over any stone that provides some hope a suspect will be caught?

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to conclude that this was not a random murder. The basic facts the media has released spell out a planned-out attack by someone who knew where Taylor lived, knew where his bedroom is, knew he was home and knew to cut the phone lines to the house so his girlfriend couldn't call 911.

Despite that, the police believe this was a random act of violance. Unbelievable.

The Miami-Dade police force is either close to making a big announcement or it is fumbling through this case without a lead in sight. As a former police beat reporter for seven years, I know that police do provide details, even small ones, of the case in hope that a suspect may start talking. At times, they even release false or misleading details that may make the suspect try to set the record straight with an acquaintance. But so far, the police haven't even led people to believe they are on to something. To me, it is suspicious behavior from a large police force.

Taylor's girlfriend never saw the intruder? According to police, she did not. As reported by several large media outlets, police said they would explore any possible connection to a dispute between Taylor and several Miami men in 2005 that led to criminal charges against Taylor. One of the men later sued him.

According to the LA Times, the Miami-Dade police were searching for a shooting suspect but conceded in a statement that they had no description of the gunman or reliable information on the number of perpetrators involved. This paper reports that the lack of police information is an an apparent allusion to the lack of witnesses or known suspects.

Police on Monday collected fingerprints and other forensic evidence at the player's pale-yellow ranch house surrounded by a white wall and black metal gates. Processing of that evidence was accelerated after Taylor died, transforming the case from one of a suspected break-in to a murder investigation.
But on a video here a police representative says that in most cases people make mistakes in covering their tracks. However, even with the circumstances of this case, he still thinks it is a random act of violence. The only coincidence to the contrary is the burglary of Taylor's home eight days earlier, which he concedes could be the same person.

Still, they are confident they will catch the person. Why am I less confident?

More on Sean Taylor UPDATED

2007-11-27T19:27:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about Taylor's death and the suspicious circumstances behind it, but I will get to that later. For right now, let's see what people are saying about one of the most feared safeties in the NFL.

From USAToday:

"God made him to play football. ... Sean, he loved football. He loved these guys here."

-- Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs
"The entire NFL is deeply saddened by the death of Sean Taylor. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Sean's family, friends, teammates and the Redskins organization. This is a terrible tragedy involving the loss of a young man who leaves behind many people struggling to understand it. Our office is staying in close contact with the Redskins to provide all appropriate support to the club and Sean's family. We also are working to determine the facts surrounding this tragic event. We will honor the memory of Sean Taylor at all games this weekend."

-- Commissioner Roger Goodell
"When you lose a young man like that, in the prime of his life, it sets you back. You think about the things you really feel bad about, and you figure out, 'You know what? That's really not too important in the grand scheme of it.' "

-- Kansas City Chiefs coach Herm Edwards
"Sean has been a close friend of mine since our days at the University of Miami. He was a great teammate and an even greater person. It is so hard for me to fathom that I am not going to be able to pick up the phone to call him."

-- New York Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma
"I just take this job very seriously. It's almost like you play a kid's game for a king's ransom. And if you don't take it serious enough, eventually one day you're going to say, 'Oh, I could have done this, I could have done that.' So I just say, 'I'm healthy right now, I'm going into my fourth year, and why not do the best that I can?' "

-- Sean Taylor in an interview during training camp

Now to the circumstances surrounding this murder as reported by the press. I am by no means trying to trivialize Taylor's death, but I want to start addressing these matters here now.

On Monday morning, Taylor and his girlfriend, Jackie Garcia, were awakened by noises coming from inside his Miami home. Taylor grabbed a machete he keeps in his bedroom. Then someone busts through his bedroom door and fires two shots. One hits Taylor in his groin area, wounding a vital artery that resulted in a lot of blood loss. Taylor never regained consciousness.

What is suspicious about the current media reports is that why would an apparent robber or intruder enter his bedroom, knowing he was in there? Why would he immediately fire two shots instead of running out of the house? Was Taylor out of bed and at the door, swinging the machete? Was he found unconscious in bed? Isn't this peculiar behavior from a person trying to rob the home? Rarely are homeowners shot during these incidents. Usually, the intruder runs once he knows someone is home. Wasn't it obvious Taylor was home? In fact, it was widely reported during Sunday's game that Taylor stayed home and did not travel with the team for the Tampa Bay game.

Why was Taylor even in Miami?

Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said he did not know why Taylor returned to Miami during the weekend. Taylor was not required to accompany the team to Sunday's game at Tampa Bay because of a knee injury, but it was a key game for the Redskins, who are vying for a wild card spot.

Police had no description of a suspect. Police confiscated a computer from Taylor's home.

Eight days before the shooting someone tried to break into Taylor's home. Why? Police are investigating that. During that incident, someone pried open a front door, checked some drawers and a safe, and left a kitchen knife on a bed. Oddly, nothing was stolen. The New York Times reported that a lawyer close to the family said investigators were apparently exploring possible connections between the break-in and two other recent cases: the burglary of the home on Nov. 17 and a dispute between Taylor and a group of men in southern Miami-Dade County in 2005 that resulted in felony assault and battery charges against him.

I think the intruder knew Taylor.

Maybe a bit insensitive, or maybe a lot, but Michael Wilbon believes Taylor's history followed him:

I know how I feel about Taylor, and this latest news isn't surprising in the least, not to me. Whether this incident is or isn't random, Taylor grew up in a violent world, embraced it, claimed it, loved to run in it and refused to divorce himself from it. He ain't the first and won't be the last. We have no idea what happened, or if what we know now will be revised later. It's sad, yes, but hardly surprising.

There's a ton of speculation about the details of his condition and the details of the incident, but this isn't a blog and we're not going to get into wild guessing and speculating here, though we will try and responsibly discuss other points of interest surrounding the latest strange episode relating to Taylor.

Again, I'm not the least bit surprised about the Taylor episode ... why would I be considering his history, even since he joined the Redskins?

Taylor's girlfriend has declined to comment to the press. So, right now, we don't know what she saw or what she knows. Don't be surprised if some very shocking details are eventually released as a result of this investigation.

His teammates today described Taylor as a young man who turned a new leaf after his daughter was born 18 months ago. He matured and took fathership seriously. His past, which includes several arrests, was just that: the past. But did his past follow him despite his apparent character change?

UPDATE: ESPN just reported that someone cut the telephone lines to Taylor's house. If this was not a deliberate shooting, I don't know what is. The intruder from the prior break in left the knife on Taylor's pillow, ESPN also reported.

RIP: Sean Taylor, 1983-2007

2007-11-27T07:19:00.000-08:00

Sean Taylor died this morning, one day after being shot in the upper leg in an attempted robbery at his Miami home. He was 24.

The bullet damaged his femoral artery and caused major blood loss. Doctors were optimistic after it was reported that Taylor squeezed a nurse's hand. But he never gained consciousness. He leaves behind a 1-year-old daughter.

Taylor was the fifth overall pick in the 2004 draft and had an immediate impact for the Washington Redskins. He was tied for the NFC lead with 5 interceptions this year.

This surely will have a devastating effect on the Redskins who lose their best defensive player. Known for his hard hits, teammates nicknamed him "MEAST" for half-man and half beast. Taylor was an All-American at the University of Miami and was one of just four freshman who played for the 2001 championship team.

"For all of us here, we're obviously in shock," Coach Joe Gibbs had said Monday. "I know I can't put it in words."

Breaking News: Sean Taylor shot in Miami home

2007-11-26T15:04:00.001-08:00

Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor is in a coma after sustaining a gun-shot wound in the groin during what the media is reporting as an apparent robbery at his Miami home. The alleged robbery is the second time in eight days that Taylor's home has been tampered with.

Taylor is no angel, but no one deserves to be shot in his own home. Dallas Cowboys 24/7 will have a moment of silence for the rest of the evening for Taylor and his family. Let's hope he can recover to full health.

More on the NFL Network-Cable Scam

2007-11-26T08:20:00.000-08:00

After reading an e-mail from one angry Cowboys fan today, I decided I can't let this issue die without a few more comments on the situation. Here's a rundown of what the problem is: The NFL Network airs the monumental game of Dallas vs Green Bay on Thursday night. Both teams are 10-1 and fighting for home field in the playoffs.

Recently, the major two monopolistic cable companies, namely Comcast, removed the NFL Network from its lineup of basic cable. Anyone who wants it has to pay more for it. Since then, it's been a comical game of finger pointing between the NFL and the cable scum.

Let's be clear here: This is not a problem caused by the Dallas Cowboys. It is a problem surely caused by the NFL and the cable companies. Two-thirds of America will not get to see the game, and the end result is bad for the fans, of which I am one. I will have to go to some nasty, smoky bar in a town that is anti-Cowboys to watch this game.

Here is an article that gives some idea of how nasty this problem is. The NFL spent $100 million in ads to bash the cable scum for not airing the NFL Network. Money well spent? Hell No! Try diplomacy, guys. The cable companies have been some of the most stubborn, anti-consumer businesses ever on the planet. Yet, they know they are losing customers to satellite television packages. They lost me years ago.

A writer in May stated:

The NFL Network will appeal a judge's ruling that Comcast, the nation's largest cable television operator, can distribute the channel separate from its digital package.

State Supreme Court Justice Bernard J. Fried ruled earlier this month that Comcast can place the NFL Network on a less-popular niche level that has far fewer viewers than the digital level.
"The final word on this issue is most likely going to come from the appellate courts," NFL Network spokesman Seth Palansky said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "If this decision is upheld, the biggest harm will be to consumers. They will have to pay more for less."

In October 2006, the NFL sued Comcast when the cable scum decided to pull the network from its basic cable and add it to its obscure sports tier that had just 750,000 viewers. The regular tier has 7 million viewers.

But here's the rub: The NFL gets 55 cents per subscriber each month. So, when Comcast moved the channel to a tier with less viewers, the NFL loses about $3 million a month! Comcast said it didn't want to charge customers the extra money for the NFL programming they might not want in the digital tier.

When it comes down to it, maybe the NFL needs to buckle and ask for less from Comcast and the other cable giants. It's just not fair for us fans to have to deal with this kind of nonsense.

Down with the NFL Network and Cable Companies

2007-11-25T09:14:00.001-08:00

Anyone without DirecTV knows that they won't be watching the primetime Dallas-Green Bay game unless they pay extra for it. It's scandalous at best that sports fans face such a dilemma.

I have DirecTV but I also commute to my job and stay 90 miles away from my home during the weekdays as I try to sell my house in one of the worst housing markets this country has seen. So I won't be home for this game, and will most likely have to watch it at a noisy, smoky bar somewhere in Virginia, where most customers will be anti-Cowboys.

The monopoly cable companies such as Comcast used to offer this channel on their basic cable lineup. It mysteriously disappeared, and once people complained, the finger pointing started. Here is one story explaining the situation. Here is a snippet of the article:

Not surprisingly, the big cable companies blame the NFL for the eclipse while the NFL points its finger at Big Cable. In a battle where billions of dollars ultimately may be at stake, each has launched a public relations campaign claiming it alone is acting altruistically for the public good.

That's dandy. Here's a quote that made me laugh:

"We will protect our customers from having to pay for a network that we don't think all of them would necessarily want to view," said David Cohen, executive vice president of Comcast.

Mr. Cohen, I watch cable with Comcast here in Virginia. Your basic package has about 35 channels I will never watch, Mr. Cohen, including the four home-shopping networks and the knife network. Why aren't you protecting me from networks that I don't watch?

What the NFL needs to do is take the game off the NFL Network and put it on FOX prime time television, where a game of this quality belongs. I don't really care who is at fault for blocking out 74 million people. I just know it's wrong and greedy.

Dallas cruises to 34-3 win

2007-11-22T15:05:00.000-08:00

The second half was really uneventful as Dallas made attempts at long drives to waste clock time, for two field goals and a touchdown. The Jets never got any offense going and the Dallas D probably had its best game of the year. Good timing, too, with a powerful Green Bay offense coming to Dallas next Thursday.

Julius Jones had a decent game running the ball, continuing his hot Thanksgiving play. Barber had even a better game. Together, they rushed for well over 100 yards for the first time in three games.

Terrell Owens grabbed a late touchdown, coupled with Witten's and Barber's scores. Romo three 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Owen has scored a touchdown in six straight games. Romo tied Danny White for the all-time Cowboys touchdown record. When the season is over, Romo will have mutilated the record and will easily beat all of the Cowboys passing records in his first full year starting. Pretty amazing.

Greg Ellis had two sacks.

Dallas vs. Jets First Half synopsis

2007-11-22T13:08:00.001-08:00

Dallas has dominated the Jets so far, and the defense had a near shut out. The offense has sputtered a little bit, but overall, the Cowboys look great tonight. Marion Barber and Jason Witten have scored the offensive touchdowns. T-Newman returned an interception for a 50-yard touchdown, giving Dallas a 21-3 lead.

The Dallas D has also forced and recovered a fumble and has two sacks, coming from Chris Canty and Greg Ellis.

The Jets aren't really putting up a fight and it looks like it will be a long night for them, a week after upsetting the Steelers.

It's good to see that Dallas wasn't looking ahead to the big game next Thursday against the Packers.

We should crush the Jets...

2007-11-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

We should Crush the Jets today but I've seen wackier games, like the Buffalo matchup on Monday night this year. The Jets are coming off a big win against the third best team in the AFC, the Steelers.

But, I have to work, which really annoys me. Apparently my boss erred when she said I cannot take both Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays off. Yesterday I was told I could. Too late now. In protest, I will do nothing but blog here while at work. I should luckily get out right in time for the start of the game, but it will be close.

Dallas 38 Jets 14

Hello? Is The Cowboys Running Game There?

2007-11-19T18:16:00.000-08:00

For the last two games against the Giants and Deadskins it seems that the Dallas Cowboys running game has softened. Although the JJ-MB3 duo ran for more than 100 yards against the Eagles--113 yards exactly and one TD each--the performance was hardly stellar. What that game showed was a solid team that can spread the offense around to several different players.

But against the Giants and Deadskins, we haven't broken the 100 yard mark. The duo ran for 82 yards against the Giants for no touchdowns and just 70 yards against the Deadskins for no touchdowns.

What happened to the running game? Does Julius Jones realize he is playing for a contract? Does MB3, although he continues to be the harder, more enthusiastic runner, realize he is a free agent, too, playing for a longterm deal? Losing JJ may already be written on the wall, but is it possible we would lose both considering we have two first round draft picks in this upcoming draft?

I hope not. But I am digressing. WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR RUNNING GAME?

One thing that is obvious is both JJ and MB3 seem to bounce outside a lot. Now, that can mean the offensive line is not opening any holes for the backs. It could also mean that neither back is hitting a hole fast enough. MB3 seems to bounce outside a lot looking for a big run when if he just ran straight ahead it's a five yard gain. I see him do this a lot. JJ seems to get tackled for losses too many times, possibly the most in the league.

Another reason the running game may be slowing down is because the passing game is so hot. Romo has had two games in a row with 4 touchdowns. It's tough to start running the ball when the passing game is hitting on all cylinders. But it was also surprising to see the Cowboys, with five minutes left, start passing the ball instead of running it, and taking some clock time with it. We played an injured Deadskins team and barely got away with a win.

And finally, we saw the Deadskins pack the front line, sometimes eight strong. That certainly makes it difficult to run and forces the pass.

Just my observations, but I would love to see the running game come back, especially against the Jets and Packers.

I'd expect with the short week that we will run a lot against the Jets. Green Bay, on the other hand, might be an offensive battle fought in the air.

Dallas wins a tight one 28-23

2007-11-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

Dallas has the ball and on 1st and 10 Crayton gains 8 on a catch and run. On 2nd and 2, Romo is pressured and he throws the ball away. On 3rd and 2 Sam Hurd catches it for a first down on a slant route. On 1st down, Romo throws to Witten for 24 yards. On 1st and 10, a fake reverse to Jones gets two yards. Flo Adams gets his usual false start penalty and it's now 2nd and 13. Romo grabs another high snap and tosses another bomb to T.O. FOR A TOUCHDOWN. T.O. has three touchdowns. Dallas leads 21-13.

The Deadskins were able to drive the ball into the redzone but left with just a field goal. Dallas still leads 21-16.

Dallas has the ball again and appear to be trying to run the clock down with 8:18 left. MB3 has had three carries in a row. Finally a pass to Owens, who breaks a tackle, stays in bounds and SCORES on a 52 yard play. Terrell Owens has 4 touchdowns on the night, and ties Bob Hayes for the team record. Dallas now leads 28-16.

Washington comes right back and scored a touchdown with 3:45 left. Dallas now leads 28-23.

The Cowboys pass and it's incomplete on 1st and 10 which is just mindblowing. Why? Then, a run by MB3 is stuffed. Romo is then sacked. Punt.

The Deadskins get the ball back after a nice punt return into Dallas territory. Campbell on 1st and 10 throws the ball away. On 2nd and 10 the Deadskins gain another first down and they are on the Dallas 20 yard line. On 1st and 10 Campbell throws just out of reach for Moss in the endzone. Lucky. On 2nd and 10 Campbell throws behind Portis on a short sweep pass, and it's dropped. On 3rd and 10 Campbell scrambled a bit and throws right to Newman with 1:39 left in the game!!!

Dallas still can't run the clock out and has to punt it back to the Deadskins, with 34 seconds left. The Skins start at their own 30 with no time outs. On 1st and 10, an illegal contact penalty gives the Skins five yard. On 1st and 5 another flag on the field as Ware is offsides. Moss then catches a pass for 15 yards and gets out of bounds on the 50 yard line with 16 seconds left.

On 1st and 10 Campbell throws it away with 11 seconds left. Newman breaks up a pass and with 5 seconds left Campbell has no choice but to throw a bomb into the end zone. The Hail Mary is broken up and the game is over. Dallas is 9-1!

Too close of a game, but a win is a win. It's always interesting when Dallas plays Washington, ain't it?

Third Quarter: Dallas leads 14-13

2007-11-18T14:56:00.000-08:00

On the Redskins first series, Ware got his ninth sack of the year, causing a fumble that Dallas recovered. But the Cowboys were unable to take advantage of the turnover, and gave the ball right back to the Skins.

On 3rd and 15, unbelievable, the Skins get a first down on a 20 yard toss to Moss. Not good. On 2nd and 6 Betts runs for another first down. But the Cowboys were able to stop the Deadskins after several errant passes from Campbell.

Starting at their own 10 yard line Romo's pass is batted down. On 2nd and 10, Witten catches a pass for six yards. On 3rd and 4 Romo rolls to the right and finds Crayton for a first down. On 2nd and 6 Romo tries to force a pass to Witten, but it's picked off. Romo has thrown two interceptions. The Deadskins McIntosh returns it to the Dallas one yard line. But the play was reviewed and it was determined McIntosh never had control of the ball. LUCKY!!! Correction: Romo only has 1 INT still.

On 3rd and 6 after that lucky recall, Romo throws a bomb to an open Crayton, but it's underthrown. However, the DB ran into Crayton before the ball got there and it's a 51 yard pass interference call. At the Skins 22 yard line, MB3 gets a screen pass and is tackled behind the line of scrimmage. Now 3rd and 19 TERRELL OWENS IS WIDE OPEN FOR A TOUCHDOWN!!!! It was a beautiful pass from Romo. Owens didn't even run a route, unless you call straight to the end zone a "route." Someone screwed up the coverage in the secondary. Dallas leads 14-10.

The Deadskins come right back and Campbell throws a bomb to Moss, who makes an unbelievable one hand catch. On 3rd and 10 Campbell makes another damn first down with a pass to McCardell. The refs also got Ware for roughing the passer. The Deadskins just won't go away. The Deadskins are 1st and 10 at the Dallas 14 and Portis runs for no gain. On 2nd and 10 Ware has Campbell wrapped up. Refs call a intentional grounding and it's a loss of down. On 3rd and 19 the pass is incomplete in the middle. With 2 seconds left in the third quarter, the Deadskins kick a field goal and it's 14-13 Dallas.

At Halftime, Deadskins lead 10-7 with a field goal as the clock expired

2007-11-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

The Deadskins start the second quarter with the ball. On 1st and 10 Portis runs for for 6. On second and 4, Portis runs for two more. On 3rd and 2 Jacque Reeves almost makes an interception but the pass is caught by McCardell for a first. Campbell rolls out and looks to pass but he has a wide open field and runs for 12 yards. Campbell pitches put to Randell El, who appeared to be in trouble in the backfield, but he avoided it and found Cooley in the middle of the field for another first down. On 1st and 10 Betts gets two yards. On 2nd and 8 a pass goes for a few more yards even though it appeared there was a massive hold on the play not called. After consultation it looked like it was Ratliff who was held on that play. On 3rd and 3 Skins can't get. They attempt a 50 yard field goal but miss. Dallas is lucky here not to be down by 10 points.

Dallas needs to score here. MB3 gets the ball and runs for four yards. On 2nd and 6 MB3 gets the pass over the middle and falls over for a first down. On 1st and 10 Barber gets the pitch out and runs hard for six yards. On 2nd and 4 Barber gets it again but cannot break enough tackles for a gain. On 3rd and 4 it's another high snap over Romo's head. Again, the ball has an uncanny bounce right into Romo's hands and he converts the pass to Witten. It's amazing how calm Romo can remain under stress. Note three bad snaps this game, two over Romo's head. On 1st and 10 Barber runs for a yard. On 2nd and 9 a pass to Witten goes for 6. On 3rd and 2 Witten catches a pass for a first down. On 1st and 10 there's a penalty on Witten for hands to the face which nulls a nice run by Barber. On 1st and 20 on the Deadskins 37 yard line Witten catches it for five yards. On 2nd and 15 there's a blitz and Romo rushes the pass into double coverage. A bad decision by Romo almost was intercepted by Fletcher. On 3rd and 15 Romo was under pressure again but he lobs a pass to T.O. who catches it for a first down and goal. Very nice play for Romo, who barely got the ball off under pressure. Springs had poor coverage on Owens.

On First and Goal Jones gets the ball for about 4 yards. On 2nd and Goal Romo throws a touchdown to Terrell Owens who is one on one with Shawn Springs. It was decent coverage but T.O. turned back and made the catch, the 123rd for his career, tying him for third with Marvin Harrison.

The Deadskins with 30 second left are driving and are now on the Dallas 40 after an 8 yard catch and run by Portis. Another 7 or so yards and the Deadskins are in field goal range. Campbell was under pressure and lobs a pass in the middle of the field where Randell El dives for a catch. The Deadskins are able to stop the clock. A 45-yard field goal attempt is good and the Deadskins regain the lead 10-7 at the break.

Summary: I think Gurode may want to practice snapping during the break. Three bad snaps did hurt Dallas. The defense adjusted well after a first-series touchdown drive by the Deadskins, who are obviously playing hard. Romo through one interception on one of those bad snaps, when it seemed Romo should have thrown the ball away. Other than that, it's another slow start for the Cowboys. Dallas has dominated the second half all season long. Expect no different.

First Quarter

2007-11-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

Dallas starts off well with a 27 yard kick off return by Miles Austin.

On 1st and 10 Witten is wide open for 12 yards and a first down. On the second play of the game Julius Jones runs through a wide hole for 13 yards. Dallas is looking great. Jones got it again and he is stuffed for two yards. On a high snap, Romo snags it and passes it to Witten for five yards. On 3rd and 3 Romo was in shotgun. It looked as if he was trying to call an audible and the ball was accidentally snapped. Luckily, it went right into Jones' hands, but he was stuffed. Nick Folk misses a 51 yard field goal.

Washington gets the ball back on their own 41. Clinton Portis runs for five yards. On second and 5 Jason Campbell runs for a first down. Washington is driving, with a pass to Chris Cooley to the Dallas 20. A play action play turned into a touchdown for Chris Cooley, and it's a strong start from Washington. It was an impressive drive and an impressive throw to Cooley. Roy Williams screwed up on this play. Washington leads 7-0.

Dallas gets the ball back and it's a hand off to MB3 for two yards, a punishing run up the middle. On 2nd and 8 Romo has all day, and throws it in the middle where there is decent protection--a near interception. On 3rd and 8 it's a sharp throw to Sam Hurd for 15 yards! On 1st and 10 Romo throws his first pass to Owens, who makes a nice catch for a first down. Tempers flared on the play with Owens and Springs after Springs pounds Owens to the ground. On 2nd and 2 a play action pass to Hoyte is complete for a first down. After some success driving the ball, there's a high snap that flies over Romo's head. He is able to get it and he throws a bomb to Owens. It's tipped by a Redskins and it looked as if Owens might be able to catch it when London Fletcher popped it and intercepted it. Another drive gone bad. Mistakes are killing the Cowboys once again. On the replay, Owens had a very good chance catching that ball, and maybe he should have.

Redskins get the ball back and on 3rd and 6 a pass goes right through the hands of Santana Moss and the drive dies. Redskins still lead 7-0 with 3:18 left in the first.

Crayton gets the punt and has a wonderful return, but it's brought back with an illegal block in the back by Bobby Carpenter. On 1st and 10 Romo rolls out on a play action pass to Witten for seven yards. On 2nd and 3 it's a quick pass to T.O. and he stretches for a first, but the chains show he is 1 inch away, which is ridiculous. On 3rd and 1 inch Romo keeps it for a first down. On 1st and 10 Jones dropped a pass. On 2nd and 10 Jones runs for three yards. On 3rd and 7 Romo throws high to Witten, and it's another stop by the Redskins defense. A great punt by McBriar and the Deadskins will start at the 4 yard line.

The first quarter ends.

Are you ready to rumble?

2007-11-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

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