11/23/24
December 19, 2009
Cowboys Spoil Saints' Perfect Season: After getting out to a 24-3 lead in the second half, the Dallas Cowboys held on to defeat the New Orleans Saints 24-17 in the New Orleans Superdome. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo threw for 312 yards and no interceptions, while Saints quarterback Drew Brees had one interception and lost two fumbles.
Granted, New Orleans is a good bunch, but they've been living on borrowed time for a while now. They ran into a Dallas team that finally lived up to its capabilities and basically took care of business -- except for their kicker who evidently has some mental struggles.
If Dallas performs like they're able, they should win out, and give anybody a run for their money in the playoffs. Of course, Dallas seems to always have a big problem playing up to their abilities and may stumble once again.
posted by naturalpro at 03:01 AM on December 20, 2009
they've been living on borrowed time for a while now
Absolutely. That's why I think this loss may be the best thing for them. Forget about 16-0. Let them focus on being ready for the playoffs and the super bowl.
posted by cjets at 03:13 AM on December 20, 2009
It seemed like Brees was in danger of a sack nearly every down, ended up with 4. And on that last drive he kept throwing to the middle of the field with no TOs left. Overall, just never really looked like an undefeated team tonight.
posted by bobfoot at 04:50 AM on December 20, 2009
Clifton Brown thinks the Saints might be seeing their season slip away.
I've got news for Clifton; no undefeated team is perfect. Indy skated by NE because of a Bellichek miscue; NE needed a really great call against Baltimore to preserve their undefeated season. Any undefeated team is vulnerable and NO is no exception; what amazes me about them is their ability to rush back into a game they've been losing and (except last night) pull it out. They've trailed in the fourth quarter several times this season and just take over; they got 2 TD's last night too.
They have resilience, which I think is a good characteristic for a playoff team. This might take some of the weight of perfection off their shoulders and let them focus on the things that need to be addressed to make them even better.
posted by dfleming at 08:55 AM on December 20, 2009
Clifton Brown is the latest "Master of the Obvious." It's so like the media to look for a new trend each and every week in their never-ending effort to write a column that doesn't put everyone to sleep. The Saints play some close games and finally lose. Now he points out the problems of top-seeded teams in the playoffs? So what. It's football, and anything can happen any given week when it's a single-game elimination format. I've noticed the Colts playing some nail-biter games, too. Would they be better off losing several games throughout the season, not having home field advantage in the playoffs and, of course, not being the top seed? It makes no sense. You play to win each and every week, and on certain weeks the opponent, whoever they are, may make the plays necessary to beat you. Arizona rolls the Vikings, then gets embarrassed by San Fran? Where does that leave them? If the Saints rebound from this loss and Brees comes back next week to throw for 475 yards and 5 touchdowns, will that be a sign their season is "slipping away?" Football is a totally unpredictable game, especially when it comes to playoff time. That's one of the many reasons for it's popularity.
posted by dyams at 10:27 AM on December 20, 2009
This is the Cowboys I thought we were getting at the beginning of the season. Monster pass rush, solid running game and Tony Romo working the occasional miracle. I thought with those attributes and that stadium they built around Telemanjaro, they'd be fighting for a No. 1 seed.
As cool as an undefeated season would be, I think the Saints are better off getting a wake up call now instead of the playoffs. They let the Cowboys score a touchdown on their first possession of each half and their offensive line made a lot of rookie mistakes in protection.
posted by rcade at 10:36 AM on December 20, 2009
So is anyone betting Dallas' kicker gets to keep his job? That was a pretty epic choke.
posted by fabulon7 at 10:37 AM on December 20, 2009
No kidding. I couldn't believe some of Folk's practice kicks before the game -- they looked like a magnet was pushing them wide. He reminds me of a golfer who develops the yips and can't make a putt any more.
posted by rcade at 10:52 AM on December 20, 2009
"If the Saints rebound from this loss and Brees comes back next week to throw for 475 yards and 5 touchdowns" dyams
The Saints play Tampa Bay after a long week. Would not be surprising for them to get more than 5oo yards and 6 TDs
posted by kerrycindy at 11:10 AM on December 20, 2009
There were a couple of encouraging things to Vikings fans. The Saints can be beaten in their building (which I wasn't that concerned about). The Cowboys were able to pressure Brees without having to blitz. The Vikings are good at getting pressure and sacks with the D-line, and getting Antoine Winfield back has solidified the secondary. The Cowboys were also able to run the ball.
The Redskins' kicker got cut after his miss, but the Redskins lost their game. Since the Cowboys won, the miss didn't cost them the game and I wouldn't expect that they cut their kicker.
posted by kirkaracha at 11:11 AM on December 20, 2009
Since the Cowboys won, the miss didn't cost them the game and I wouldn't expect that they cut their kicker. kirkaracha
The Boys should not only kick the kicker out, they should bench, if not cut, Roy Williams. The young kid, Ogletree, would be better in the receiver mix. Williams had one catch for 14 yards and had his usual important drop that hit him in the hands.
posted by kerrycindy at 11:20 AM on December 20, 2009
Roy Williams has 37 receptions and 6 touchdowns this year. Kevin Ogletree is a rookie with just four receptions. It would be dumb to dump Williams, whose potential was shown by his 2006 Pro Bowl season, for an unproven rookie.
posted by rcade at 11:37 AM on December 20, 2009
I agree about Roy Williams. Even with a few better moments the past few weeks he continues to be a huge disappointment. On the Saints side, did Reggie Bush really pull up lame again last night? The guy is like a fragile piece of glass. Kim Kardashian could stay off the injury list more than that guy. As for the Vikings and a possible meeting with the Saints in the playoffs, they'd be well-advised to get their running game ready to lean upon because I can envision the Vikings season reaching a bitter end with a multiple-interception game by Favre at the Superdome.
And no, I am not suggesting the Cowboys dump Williams, just that they limit all expectations they have for him (and thank their lucky stars for Miles Austin).
posted by dyams at 11:41 AM on December 20, 2009
"Williams, whose potential was shown by his 2006 Pro Bowl season"rcade
2006? I respect your opinions, but 2006? He has done nothing since except have an agent that convinced JJ to sign a big contract. Ogletree is the one with potential. Bench Williams and let us see if Ogletree can be another Miles Austin.
I shall now duck and watch for verbal volleys.
posted by kerrycindy at 12:23 PM on December 20, 2009
The guy is like a fragile piece of glass. Kim Kardashian could stay off the injury list more than that guy
This is the attitude, in a perfect little nutshell of armchair macho, which produces the 40 year old NFL retiree who can't walk, and can't think.
posted by rumple at 12:24 PM on December 20, 2009
The Saints have most definitely been living on borrowed time, hanging on to win several of their most recent games. The Cowboys finally put together a complete "team" game (well, everyone but the kicker) and they had to hold on to win.
I think it serves as a solid wake up call for the Saints.
Jones will most definitely be trying out new kickers this week.
posted by dviking at 12:36 PM on December 20, 2009
I am not disputing that Roy Williams has underperformed his contract, Kerrycindy. But his numbers are better this season than last year, and the likelihood of Ogletree being another undrafted Miles Austin-like success is slim.
This is the attitude, in a perfect little nutshell of armchair macho, which produces the 40 year old NFL retiree who can't walk, and can't think.
Fans talk all the time about certain players being injury prone. It's a reality of the sport that some players' bodies can handle the physical toll better than others. I don't think that's the same thing as encouraging players to destroy their bodies.
The game itself produces those broken NFL retirees. Unless we're willing to accept fundamental changes to how it is played, I don't see how that improves no matter how many neurologists they put on the sidelines.
posted by rcade at 12:41 PM on December 20, 2009
Fans talk all the time about certain players being injury prone.
Compare "it is unfortunate Bush is so injury prone I wonder if he has a less robust frame than most players or is just unlucky" with "a female bimbo would be less likely to be injured than Bush"
The culture of football extends to the fanbase as well and comparing injured players to fragile women is part of the problem. Granted, it is remotely possible this comment was made as a compliment to Kardsahsian's tough and exceptionally strong ligament and tendon inheritance.
posted by rumple at 12:57 PM on December 20, 2009
Compare "it is unfortunate Bush is so injury prone I wonder if he has a less robust frame than most players or is just unlucky" with "a female bimbo would be less likely to be injured than Bush"
I didn't really think about the Kardashian crack, but you're right. That is excessive machismo and should be penalized 15 yards.
posted by rcade at 01:27 PM on December 20, 2009
Yeah, rumple, and I'm the guy holding the gun to the head of Reggie Bush and making him play pro football. Great college player who can't withstand the more physical NFL game. I don't know if it's macho thinking that a "star" player play more than one consecutive game. I mentioned Kardashian because she was Bush's girlfriend until recently. I hear he was really hurt by the breakup.
posted by dyams at 01:40 PM on December 20, 2009
I don't know if it's macho thinking that a "star" player play more than one consecutive game.
Well, I think it is if you compare the "star" player to a starlet.
I agree it is unfortunate that Bush has been injury plagued, but what are you really saying? That he has a weak body? That he has a low pain threshold? That he is a sissy? That he is unlucky? That he wants to walk when he is 50? That there were healing complications? I mean, some of these things are not like the others.
When you say the "more physical NFL game" what do you mean? How was Bush hurt - what led to his injuries that specifically resulted from the "more physical" NFL game? Is the "more physical" game "too physical"?
posted by rumple at 01:56 PM on December 20, 2009
I mentioned Kardashian because she was Bush's girlfriend until recently. I hear he was really hurt by the breakup.
It's macho to compare an oft-injured male football player to a woman, implying that women are weaker and therefore insulting both the player and women as as whole. That's the problem with the statement, not who you chose.
posted by dfleming at 01:58 PM on December 20, 2009
Wow
posted by dyams at 02:31 PM on December 20, 2009
I just deleted some "go team!" crap. As the new user message states, this site is not a place to post that your team rocks, someone else's team sucks or any of that rah-rah junk.
posted by rcade at 05:31 PM on December 20, 2009
rcade, I will leave you and your site. I was just trying to move the discussion to the topic that had begun the thread, whereas it had moved on to other crap like bush and his no talent girlfriend. You could have been the slightest bit tactful instead of posting the crap in your last post. You sir can have your crap for all I care. I will not post here ever again. As dyams said, "Wow". Yes, I am insulted, and you are arrogant.
posted by kerrycindy at 07:43 PM on December 20, 2009
Yes, I am insulted, and you are arrogant.
How can you claim personal injury and insult someone in the same sentence?
I guess we can swear again.
posted by dfleming at 07:58 PM on December 20, 2009
Fuckin' A !
posted by tommybiden at 08:00 PM on December 20, 2009
I just want to clear something up. I think the word you all are looking for is "sexist" or "chauvinistic," not "macho." Being "macho" is never a bad thing, so please don't use it in this context...
Carry on with the piling on... ;)
posted by MeatSaber at 08:42 PM on December 20, 2009
rcade, I will leave you and your site.
You're leaving me?
You could have been the slightest bit tactful instead of posting the crap in your last post
I was tactful. I didn't name you and the worst I said about your deleted comments was calling them crap. They were crap.
You've showed here and in the profanity discussion that rules shouldn't apply to you but your rules should apply to others.
That's an exceptionally shitty attitude to take when joining an online community.
posted by rcade at 08:54 PM on December 20, 2009
Sometimes I think that part of Reggie Bush's problem is that he is still stunned by the amount of speed and quickness on defense that each and every NFL team has.
He sure looked like he was used to having his way at USC. He didn't always look like he was breaking a full sweat while leaving defenders in the dust. And being part of a multi-weapon big play offense, in some games, he managed to keep his uniform fairly clean.
Even the worst NFL defenses could blow past most of the fronts he saw when he was in college.
He looks like he hasn't figured out how to deal with the lack of open space and separation available to him at the pro level.
posted by beaverboard at 09:19 PM on December 20, 2009
That's an exceptionally shitty attitude to take when joining an online community.
Especially if you claim to be a Texican. C'mon panhandle man, I know you are tougher than that.
December Tony is lookin' pretty good.
Wade outcoached Sean last night, pure and simple. And Ware proved himself, once again. There is a ray of hope, for a few days anyway.
posted by mjkredliner at 11:00 PM on December 20, 2009
He looks like he hasn't figured out how to deal with the lack of open space and separation available to him at the pro level.
Agreed. On the rare occasions he gets that separation, he's a monster. The NFL linebacker, big, strong and fast, seems to be a little much for him. He's a game changer, but in the way Devin Hester was as a return man, not the way Marshall Faulk was; occasionally providing a big play but unable to do it on a regular enough basis to be relied on.
posted by dfleming at 10:31 AM on December 21, 2009
I have posted here before so I can say Shit!!!! How 'bout them Cowboys!!! I am one person that applauds Tony Romo. He has been the punching bag for all the tv personnel to rag on and blame. Yet here he is in the month of december sporting a rating (for this month alone - 3 games) where he is over 115 for a QB Rating... something like that. I watched as he has played error free football for the entire month. Then they said he was a poor leader. I had a Romo jersey and got ragged on by of all people... Dallas Cowboys fans. I told them they are more than welcome to go back and find another Gary Hogaboom, Quincy Carter, Drew Henson, Vinny Testeverde, etc... He won 35 or his first 50 games... He has played but three years and because the media appointed him something more of a celebrity (guess that comes with dating a mega model) but who wouldn't. I certainly would go out with her...lol
My point is that though he does get too much credit for when they win, he takes way too much blame when they don't. Dropped passes by Roy Williams (WTF) and missed FG's don't help. Defense surrended the lead twice this year with less than two minutes to go after he had led them to a score.
Now, I say this because 1) he has thrown for more than 300 yards than any QB in the history of Dallas. Aikman, Roger, Danny White... etc.... 2) he plays and prepares harder than I have ever seen before since dumping the blonde bimbo..... And, the reason I point this out is because you have guys like Tony Dorsett and Aikman dogging him consistently. He is only about a 3 year starter. I guess the media made him into some bigger than life guy, so there is nowhere to go but down. But, he led his team to one of the biggest wins in recent memory.
COME ON MAN!!!!
posted by Mickster at 01:09 PM on December 21, 2009
he has thrown for more than 300 yards than any QB in the history of Dallas. Aikman, Roger, Danny White... etc....
Totally different game now than then.
posted by graymatters at 08:39 PM on December 21, 2009
According to the New York Times website:
"The Cowboys cut kicker Nick Folk and replaced him with Shaun Suisham, who played for Dallas in 2005 and 2006. Suisham was cut by Washington on Dec. 8 after missing a key kick a problem that dogged Folk, who led the league with 10 misses."
posted by Newbie Walker at 05:36 AM on December 22, 2009
Totally different game now than then.
But still, a good QB is a good QB no matter what era. Romo doesn't get the kind of love that he deserves and I believe that it's because of the way that the media has portrayed him and his personal life. Romo is having a helluva season and it should be acknowledged.
posted by BornIcon at 01:25 PM on December 22, 2009
Romo doesn't get the kind of love that he deserves and I believe that it's because of the way that the media has portrayed him and his personal life.
And that he has spit the bit every winter in his career.
posted by yerfatma at 02:29 PM on December 22, 2009
And that he has spit the bit every winter in his 3 year career.
Fixed.
posted by BornIcon at 03:11 PM on December 22, 2009
Now it's up to the Colts to remain perfect so that Shula and the rest of the Dolphins will fade away.. Hoping more for that than the Chargers winning the Super Bowl