12/22/24
January 06, 2007
Seattle edges Dallas in a wild, wild 4th quarter:
One of the most nail-biting fourth quarters I've ever seen! Dallas looked poised to waltz into the end zone for an easy 2 or 6 point win in the final two minutes of the game, until an incredible goal line stop by Tatupu and an improbable drop of a FG snap led to a wild finish to Saturday's football action.
posted by hincandenza to football at 10:28 PM - 75 comments
Unfreakingreal. Does anyone else think Dallas challenged the wrong call on the safety? I don't think Glenn ever had possession of the ball, as he put it on the ground before he was even touched by a defender. At least I got the call against the spread, but damn -- for the same thing to happen to Romo that happened to the Bengals in Week 16 at Denver. I hope Carrie Underwood is sleeping over at his place tonight.
posted by wfrazerjr at 10:34 PM on January 06, 2007
That was awfully strange, and extremely entertaining. Pretty much the perfect way to wrap up the 'Boys season. Actually, I'm glad it's over. Finally, the local radio folks will talk about the Mavs. Hell, who am I kidding? They'll continue to hem and haw about Parcells future with the team and TO's future with the team and if Romo will be able to recover from such a gaff in his first playoff game...... *le sigh*.
posted by Ufez Jones at 10:36 PM on January 06, 2007
wfrazerjr: I think they made the right challenge, even though the safety proved to be the difference maker (then again, if the Seahawks had made that two-point conversion the entire ending would have been far less dramatic). Parcells' and Co' saw the same video we did, and realized that the possession was a harder challenge to overturn (although would have left them in control of the football) than the out-of-bounds, which was a clear-cut call and reversal. Dallas could stop after the safety and still have a 5-point advantage. They did not. All and all, an amazing turn of events- if Tatupu doesn't make that stop, and the ref properly reverse the call, the Cowboys have 3 downs to eat up the entire clock before going for an easy FG (well- I guess we can't ever call a FG easy now!). And if that snap doesn't go awry, or if Romo manages to get another yard before going down, Seattle has to play come-from-behind with no timeouts and a minute remaining. It's sad to see someone get the tag of "goat", and Romo looked pretty damned crushed, because his only real mistake was not handling a snap well- and even then, he almost got a TD after recovering.
posted by hincandenza at 10:42 PM on January 06, 2007
Does anyone else think Dallas challenged the wrong call on the safety? I don't think Glenn ever had possession of the ball, as he put it on the ground before he was even touched by a defender. I think the officials review the entire play and could have made that decision if they had enough evidence. You know the Saints have to be pleased with this one. I want to see Brees vs. Seattle's secondary.
posted by bperk at 11:08 PM on January 06, 2007
My initial thought was Glenn did not catch the ball. I don't know for sure if they review the entire play. In my admittedly biased opinion, he did not have control of the ball before it touched the ground. The ground helped him gain control. Regardless, they played well enough to win. I am disappointed with the outcome and hope that Romo can put this behind him, he looked very upset on the sideline.
posted by chuck'n'duck at 11:36 PM on January 06, 2007
I was pulling for Seattle to win, but the outcome, well, I feel bad for Romo. I don't know if the rumors are true about his "anointing" going to his head, but that's a tough way to go out. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Rivers and Grossman.
posted by forrestv at 11:37 PM on January 06, 2007
Great game. (Rivers'll be fine, Grossman, not so much).
posted by rainbaby at 11:45 PM on January 06, 2007
You know the Saints have to be pleased with this one. I want to see Brees vs. Seattle's secondary For this to happen, Philly has to lose to the Giants. Or Philly has to beat the Giants, then lose to the Saints, and Seattle will have to go beat Chicago. Either way it's unlikely. As a Philly fan it's always nice to see Dallas get kicked in the head, but it has been a lot nicer watching them kick themselves in the head. Romo in the Probowl=ridiculous. Wonder if the NFL will have him be the holder? T.O. 2-26 yrds wth? Oddly enough, on the play where Glenn obviously made a 'football move" before he put the ball on the ground with his hands, if they give Seattle the TD there and not the safety and the ball back, Dallas probably wins the game.
posted by Bishop at 04:35 AM on January 07, 2007
Both Seattle or Dallas were long odds to get to the big one. The way they both ended the regular season, it wasn't even that much of a game to watch. But since I hate Dallas all I can do is laugh about it! Let's face it, the afc is probably going to win it all. But sure would like to see the saints in there at the end.
posted by robi8259 at 05:49 AM on January 07, 2007
Dallas needs a coaching change. Parsells is being passed up by many younger coaches, with new ideas. Example Sean Peyten at New Orleans. Also Dallas is in need of a new defensive coach. When you lose 5 of the last six by blowouts, where is the defense?? Parsells keeps calling on his past experience to carry him. These younger coaches have new ideas. I have been a Cowboy fan for over 40 years, but now I am ready for a change. A change for new ideas. I am tired of hearing about Superman (Parsells) great coaching ability. He needs to pack it in. Nuff said.
posted by grampsw at 06:01 AM on January 07, 2007
Or maybe those younger coaches have better players?
posted by louisville_slugger at 07:36 AM on January 07, 2007
I think the officials review the entire play and could have made that decision if they had enough evidence. I'm pretty sure this is not the case 1) they specifically require you to specify what you're challenging. ie. "the cowboy's are challenging the rule on the field, that the defense has possession before going out of bounds". If they review the whole play, this point would be unnecessary 2) They don't have TIME to review the whole thing. They spend their whole time analyzing the specific play in question to make sure they get it right (which is why they ask for #1).
posted by bdaddy at 08:34 AM on January 07, 2007
Anybody else think that was a horrible decision to overturn the spot on that 3rd down play? While I think the player got a "generous" spot from the official, I certainly don't think there was any "indisputable" evidence in the replay that should have gotten them to overturn it. There was no line markings near the player nor any angle that was perpindicular to the ball, to indicate with certaintity where that ball should have been spotted, so you SHOULD have kept the original spot (by the official who was standing right there). I think these guys need to revisit what the word "indisputable" means. The fact that I am disputing it (and I'm not a cowboy's fan) certainly means that it wasn't "indisputable" right?
posted by bdaddy at 08:38 AM on January 07, 2007
Great game! As for the play that was officially ruled a safety, I think another segment of the play went overlooked. After watching the replay, it appeared to me that the ball bounced off a Seattle player's hand, instead of the ground, while the player was lying on the ground and half of his body was out of bounds. This action took place prior to the other Seattle player tossing the ball back in bounds. I know it doesn't matter now but was just wondering if anyone else saw the same thing as me. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Rivers and Grossman. As an avid Bears fan, I am scared! Which Grossman will show up?
posted by danjel at 08:45 AM on January 07, 2007
During the game, did anyone else think it was a bad sign in the second half when Parcells was lecturing Romo and neither one was making eye contact with each other? I think they don't have the kind of relationship they need for the Tuna to want to come back. One of the Dallas papers reported that Romo "cried seemingly forever" in the locker room after the game. That's a pretty weird thing to read about a Parcells team, when the guy's supposed to be the master of getting into his player's heads.
posted by rcade at 09:24 AM on January 07, 2007
Romo's press conference after the game was painful to watch. He was a mess. I think Parcells would have more influence on Romo now. His ego is rock-bottom and he is open to Parcells expert tutelage. Parcells was always worried about Romo buying into all the hype. No worries about that now. I think the officials review the entire play and could have made that decision if they had enough evidence. I'm pretty sure this is not the case I don't know where the NFL hs their replay rules. But, Jerry Markbreit, former referee, says that they review the entire replay in his column.
posted by bperk at 11:19 AM on January 07, 2007
Dallas needs a coaching change. Parsells is being passed up by many younger coaches, with new ideas. Example Sean Peyten at New Orleans. Also Dallas is in need of a new defensive coach. posted by grampsw Dallas was basically an extra point away from winning a playoff game on the road before romo's screw-up, and the defense didn't lose the game. So I'm guessing you're commenting on the season and not this game. As a Philly fan it's always nice to see Dallas get kicked in the head, but it has been a lot nicer watching them kick themselves in the head. I've never understood that type of fan attitude. I mean, I love to watch the sox beat the yankees, but I want to see them beat the yankees, not watch the yankees give it away. It takes away all the fun. It was painful to see romo after the game. I don't get a whole lot of enjoyment over something like that, even against teams I root against.
posted by justgary at 11:33 AM on January 07, 2007
Anyone who has ever played a competitive sport can feel for Romo and the misery he is going through right now. It will probably make him a stronger competitor and player in the long run, only time will tell. It is a shame that Cowboy fans are dissecting the replay call so vehemently. Romo and Parcells aren't crying over the replay calls (which the officials got CORRECT), so why are all the fans? Wah, wah wah... as Charles Barley would say "Want some cheese and crackers to go with that whine?"
posted by urall cloolis at 12:52 PM on January 07, 2007
I agree with you justgary. I also do not like dallas, but watching Romo was painfull and sad. I would have rather seen a blowout than have it end the way it did.
posted by Norcaldiscglfr at 01:13 PM on January 07, 2007
justgary, I would prefer to see a rival defeated by their opponent but seeing them lose is better than seeing them win. Although losing due to poor performance/big mistake is pretty enjoyable.
posted by billsaysthis at 01:44 PM on January 07, 2007
It will be interesting to see how Romo bounces back from this. It would be alot easier for him if there was a game for him to play next Sunday. But he has to live with this and answer questions about this until next September. That is a long time to have something like that linger in your head for. There were alot of mistakes that cost the cowboys the game. Roy Williams inability to cover Jeremy Stevens. Witten's fumble. The Dallas coaching staff inability to exploit the weak secondary of the Seahawks. The coaches failure to try to score a touchdown in thier final drive. Romo will always be remembered as the goat but there were other factors that contributed to the loss.
posted by erkno11 at 01:50 PM on January 07, 2007
as a long-time cowboy hater,I take great pleasure in seeing them lose a game in that manner."America's Team" my ass.it's just another example of how a player has a few good games,all of a sudden he's the best thing going.Romo was overrated,and the last six games showed just that.I even hear owens dropped another crucial pass.I love it.the only thing that would be sweeter is owens not playing in the league anymore.Cry cowboys,cry.
posted by mars1 at 02:02 PM on January 07, 2007
I've never understood that type of fan attitude. I mean, I love to watch the sox beat the yankees, but I want to see them beat the yankees, not watch the yankees give it away This attitude comes from many years of dealing with die hard Cowboy fans on the Eagles message boards. It also comes from living as an Eagle fan through the 90's. That was a painful era for Eagle fans. It comes from all Eagles fans being put into the same category regardless of their individual behavior. But mainly it comes from Dallas fans such as these, these, and more of these Now I know they don't represent the majority of Cowboy fans, but they do represent the ones I deal with on a daily basis. So when you see smack talkers reduced to this, it kind of makes you feel like some of them brought it on themselves. Then there are some Dallas fans here at Spofi who just love to chime in with stuff like: What has happened to Philly sports? The fans booing Jeff Garcia's play Monday Night (particularly after a vicious hit knocked the wind out of him) are perfect examples of why your city's sports demise is pure glee to me. posted by mjkredliner at 6:19 PM CST on December 9 And: Dallas is playing above expectations, life is great. Happy cheering on second echelon sports teams, pal. posted by mjkredliner at 8:50 PM CST on December 9 You have to at least agree with the fact that statements like these may play a part in bringing on that type of fan attitude.
posted by Bishop at 02:05 PM on January 07, 2007
justgary, I would prefer to see a rival defeated by their opponent but seeing them lose is better than seeing them win. Although losing due to poor performance/big mistake is pretty enjoyable. Yeah, I get that, and got no problem with it. I guess it comes from being a sports fan first and team fan second. And there's a difference between a good game and a memorable game. Seattle blocking the extra point makes a good game, romo helping to give it away makes it a memorable one. I'd rather see praise given to the winning team than the crap romo's going to have to go through now. I don't take joy out of watching an opponent cry (o.k. with the possible exception of clemens :)
posted by justgary at 02:05 PM on January 07, 2007
I think you just figured it all out Bishop. Philly never talks shit, never sore losers. Philly fans are conservative and polite. Dallas fans are the devil. Dallas fans deserve to lose with that kind of attitude.
posted by sgtcookzane at 03:26 PM on January 07, 2007
The Cowboys shot themselves in the foot but Seattle played well enough to win the game. Congrats Seahawks fans. I don't know what Parcells will do but I do believe the Cowboys have a bright future, with or without him. We'll be fine, just fine, thanks, and will soon be adding to the record of 8 Super Bowl appearances and 5 rings. How many rings does Philly have? Heh.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 03:35 PM on January 07, 2007
How many rings does Philly have? I've never understood why this, by itself, is considered meaningful. The Cowboys have won five Super Bowls...but their last Super Bowl victory was 11 years ago. Obviously the past rings don't mean anything to what's going to happen this year.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 03:43 PM on January 07, 2007
I've never understood why this, by itself, is considered meaningful. History is meaningful. I shouldn't need to explain it any further than that.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 04:01 PM on January 07, 2007
Im wondering if there will be another cowboy accedental overdose.Or not like it was said before maybe carrie will be sleeping over there. She better be just for the suicide watch.
posted by chad at 04:03 PM on January 07, 2007
What a great game. Made even better as I watched Bill Parcels walk off the field as a looser again.
posted by BlindAlvin at 04:12 PM on January 07, 2007
History is meaningful. It is, but only if you like to live in the past. Like Janet Jackson said, "What have you done for me lately?"
posted by forrestv at 04:44 PM on January 07, 2007
What forrestv said. I do understand the historical meaningfulness; I don't understand why victories that are significantly in the past are brought into a discussion of why a team might be expected to be successful today. Are any of the players who won rings in '96 still even on the team? Is any of the coaching staff still there? What would have carried over from 11 years ago that's meaningful to success today?
posted by lil_brown_bat at 05:03 PM on January 07, 2007
History is meaningful. If we're discussing violence in the Middle East. How does history explain: 1. The failure of Danny White, in spite of the history of Roger Staubach? 2. Why Troy Aikman was influenced by Roger the Doger instead of Danny White? 3. How the Patriots became winners? History doesn't mean anything when whole managerial staffs and teams and owners have come and gone.
posted by yerfatma at 05:06 PM on January 07, 2007
As a lifelong Cowboys fan and Dallas native, I'm not begrudging the fans who enjoy our suffering. We inflicted a lot of it for decades -- especially on the Iggles. I like Romo and hope he comes back, along with the Tuna, though I wish Parcells would occasionally convey that he enjoys his work even when he's losing. His sad-sack mentality harshes my melon.
posted by rcade at 05:15 PM on January 07, 2007
But mainly it comes from Dallas fans such as these, these, and more of these Every team has their obnoxious fans, so I don't find that argument very persuasive. I get that there's obnoxious cowboy fans, and as a cowboys fan you deal with clueless fans like mars who live for another team to lose. Believe me, no one's happier than when the redskins, the yankees, the crimson tide lose than I am, but some fans (I know red sox fans like this) get more enjoyment out of the team they hate losing than the team they love winning. I don't get that at all. Anyway, I've hijacked the thread. If someone lives to watch some team lose, more power to them. I don't understand why victories that are significantly in the past are brought into a discussion of why a team might be expected to be successful today. But it does explain why so many people hate the cowboys.
posted by justgary at 05:28 PM on January 07, 2007
You're missing the point on the History is meaningful thing. Given the goading that was written here, particularly from Bishop, I thought the reply was transparent. Obviously my comment wasn't as obvious as I obviously thought it to be. The rings comment is an iron clad, factual retort to anyone dancing on the Cowboys grave, although it's less effective on 49ers or Steelers fans, teams I happen to respect. To Philly fans, it's salt in the wound, a mirror held up for their fans to see they've had zero success winning championships in the modern era, compared to the cabinet-full of their most hated rivals. I would think the current Cowboy team got about as far as their play this season deserved. I'm looking forward to next season.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 05:41 PM on January 07, 2007
Does anyone ever want to pull a Romo?
posted by luther70 at 06:04 PM on January 07, 2007
I guess I see your point, Texan: it's a retort, not a rebuttal: "We aren't winning a championship this year, but unlike youse guys, at least we've won 'em." Here's hoping Romo gains some perspective and picks his head up. It's a fallacy to believe that a season comes down to a single mistake.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 06:40 PM on January 07, 2007
The problem was Romo was thinking way too much on what big prize Carrie Underwood will give him if he win the game..i still think he got some compensation and hopefully that will help him no to think that much and focus on the game instead.
posted by dsamis300 at 07:06 PM on January 07, 2007
I actually can see all points made here. I agree with you Gary as I stated previously the 90's were a hard decade for Eagle fans. Texan, I can understand why you revert back to your rings. That's a common response from any teams fans (that have won rings) to reflect back to the good times when they realize they have fallen from grace. That brings me to my point of the attitude of being glad to see your rival do bad. What you should realize is not every team has 2,3,4 5 rings to reflect on, so they reflect on the next best thing, a team that has been where they want to be doing poorly. I'm not saying it's right, I'm just saying it happens. That said...........I'd like to ask Jimmy Johnson, Dallas fans and Giants fans.....How bout them Eagles?
posted by Bishop at 07:47 PM on January 07, 2007
No one mentioned that Romo tried to "fix" his fumble by picking up the ball and trying to run it in for a TD. I give him credit for the quick thinking, even though it didn't work. I can only imagine how bad he feels, I would not be in his shoes for the world. I am glad Seattle won, but they will have to play better than what they did if they want to beat the Bears. justgary, I dislike Dallas intensely and rejoice everytime they lose, especially last night! My reason is the label "America's Team". I don't know how they came to be called that, (I have heard because they sell the most team merchandise?!) but I think it is a slap in the face of all the other teams in the league. Also a slap in the face to fans of the other teams. And to the Eagle fans: I am glad they won today, but they will have to play better also if they want to advance all the way!
posted by steelergirl at 09:16 PM on January 07, 2007
Here's hoping Romo gains some perspective and picks his head up. It's a fallacy to believe that a season comes down to a single mistake. The boy's got a lot to learn, and here's hoping making the mistake will help his education. If he doesn't come back from this he's clearly not NFL material and has just as clearly made me believe there is no Santa Claus.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 09:25 PM on January 07, 2007
steelergirl, Bob Ryan of NFL Films gave the Cowboys that name in 1979. The team had nothing to do with the origin of the nickname, which is hated by many a Cowboy fan, this one included.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 09:34 PM on January 07, 2007
The boy's got a lot to learn, and here's hoping making the mistake will help his education. If he doesn't come back from this he's clearly not NFL material I think he's gonna be alright. I too am looking forward to next year. First time in a long time. It'll be nice going into a season with a decent qb. They weren't going anywhere with bledsoe.
posted by justgary at 11:15 PM on January 07, 2007
The failure of Danny White Danny's failure was to go to 3 straight NFC Championship games- and lose, which would be considered the highlight of many an NFL franchise. Not to mention, he was a star at Arizona State, and a fair punter and backup QB to Staubach. Career numbers, 1761 of 2950, 155 touchdowns vs 132 int's, 21,959 yds, and is ranked 27th in career passer rating. People have gotten into the HOF with worse numbers. But it does explain why so many people hate the Cowboys. Success breeds contempt, as every NY Yankee fan well knows. The Amazing Thing Is, is that although the Cowboys have not won a playoff game in over 10 years now, that they still own the NFL records for most consecutive winning seasons (20), and most seasons with 10 wins (24). The team also has the most post season appearances (27), has played in the most post -season games (54), most NFC Championship games (14), most Super Bowl appearances (8), is tied with SF and Pittsburgh for having the most Super Bowl wins with 5, and is matched only by New England as being a team to win 3 Super Bowls in 4 years. Bishop, at least you didn't bring race into this, and for that I commend you. I wish the Eagles well, as I like Andy Reid (who got a job approval rating of only 15 % in a Philly radio station poll this year), I like Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook (A Son of Texas), and I am very glad to see Jeff Garcia playing well, I feel he has been underrated throuhout his career. But aside from the incident of the Philly fans booing Jeff Garcia earlier this season, I despise the fans of your city for the grief they have given (in no particular order) Mike Schmidt, Wilt Chamberlain, Ron Jaworski, Charles Barkley, John Chaney, Randall Cunningham etc. etc., not to mention the booing of Michael Irvin as he was removed from the artificial surface of the shithole known as 'The Vet' with what turned out to be a career ending injury, and Bounty Bowl games 1 and 2. That said, I guess Philly fans and Cowboys fans do have 1 thing alike, A realization that Terrell Owens is pure poison.
posted by mjkredliner at 06:25 AM on January 08, 2007
I despise the fans of your city for the grief they have given (in no particular order) Mike Schmidt, Wilt Chamberlain, Ron Jaworski, Charles Barkley, John Chaney, Randall Cunningham etc. etc., not to mention the booing of Michael Irvin as he was removed from the artificial surface of the shithole known as 'The Vet' with what turned out to be a career ending injury, and Bounty Bowl games 1 and 2. And don't forget, they booed Santa Clause and pelted him with snowballs.
posted by louisville_slugger at 06:30 AM on January 08, 2007
As an Eagles fan, I'm always happy to see Dallas lose, though I do have to admit I kinda feel sorry for Romo. It will be interesting to see what happens to Owens next season. I can't imagine the Cowboys would want him back. They'd be just as good without him. As for Andy Reid, he refused to run the ball until McNabb got hurt. Now they run the ball and the Eagles rattle off six straight wins. If he'd run earlier in the season the Eagles would more than likely have had a first round bye. Andy Reid the coach has plenty of room for improvement. Andy Reid the GM is outstanding. Having several friends at the Monday night game, I repeat: More Eagles fans were booing the lack of a roughing the passer call than were booing Garcia. But network hacks are idiots and never let the facts get in the way of a cliche. It's time to get over Philadelphia being the only city where fans have done stupid things. I mean seriously, let it go. As for Texan and the "rings" retort, it hurts just like it's supposed to.
posted by SummersEve at 08:11 AM on January 08, 2007
Any NFL game with a safety in it is memorable. One where there's a review to see whether it's a safety or TD more so.
posted by etagloh at 08:17 AM on January 08, 2007
Honestly, though, didn't Romo, sitting on the field after his blunder, remind Cowboys a little of Jackie Smith in Super Bowl XIII? It's probably time for Romo to get a little better handle on exactly where he is currently in his career. He enjoyed some big-time success, adulation, and fame throughout the season, but he definitely has a long way to go. Hopefully he keeps some perspective and works his ass off during the off-season.
posted by dyams at 08:44 AM on January 08, 2007
More Eagles fans were booing the lack of a roughing the passer call than were booing Garcia. But network hacks are idiots and never let the facts get in the way of a cliche. Maybe so, but the numbnuts that the camera cut to who were pretend crying and rubbing their eyes (explicitly aimed at Garcia) certainly gave another impression. I was just wondering if those idiots (whose faces were clearly captured) are mocked endlessly because of where that QB has now led them. Or if they're just too dumb to even care.
posted by bdaddy at 09:15 AM on January 08, 2007
Did anyone happen to catch Martin Gramatica's reaction to the play. If he grabs Babineaux, instead of just reaching out for him, Romo is in the end zone and the Cowboys aren't off playing golf today. I'm a Pats fan, but my heart broke for Romo--God, 2 months ago, he was the second coming of Christ down here in Big D, and now, he's a goat. Oh well, hopefully, he can get his head right for next season--sad stuff.
posted by jenny at 09:22 AM on January 08, 2007
Did anyone happen to catch Martin Gramatica's reaction to the play. If he grabs Babineaux, instead of just reaching out for him, Romo is in the end zone and the Cowboys aren't off playing golf today. Good point -- I heard about this before I saw it, and all they said was, "He blew the hold." They didn't say that he reacted instantly, scrambled, and came within an ace of a touchdown.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 09:50 AM on January 08, 2007
If he grabs Babineaux, instead of just reaching out for him, Romo is in the end zone and the Cowboys aren't off playing golf today. I came in to post exactly the same thing. If Grammatica had made more than the "Ole!" effort at making the block, I'm pretty sure Romo would have gotten at least the first down, and maybe even scored. Of course, we're talking about kickers here (and I can slag -- I used to be one). Too bad SeaBass wasn't on the field; he would have shot Babineaux.
posted by wfrazerjr at 10:02 AM on January 08, 2007
I felt like if Romo would have known Babineaux was that close to him he could have dove and maybe got the 1st down but he didn't see him coming at all. Man, that just sucked. I can't beleive this but I feel bad for a million dollar making, Carrie Underwood dating, Dallas Cowboy qurterback.
posted by tron7 at 10:22 AM on January 08, 2007
Good point -- I heard about this before I saw it, and all they said was, "He blew the hold." They didn't say that he reacted instantly, scrambled, and came within an ace of a touchdown. Actually Berhman mentioned this saying how impressive it was that his "instincts" took over for him to pick up the ball and run like he did. I shouldn't dwell too much on the fact that it's ANY football players insticts to pick up the ball and run with it when it's on the ground (I've seen 8th graders react with that same "instict" in that situation), but I'll mention the same thing Jaws did, that he should have called "Fire" which would have released the TEs to at least give him targets to throw to. That is the "instinct" that would have been impressive in that situation....just grabbing the ball and running with it is rather basic and neanderthal :-) In fact, I would call either of them impressive (even if he called "fire"), because it's not really "instincts", seeing as every team practices that botched snap FG drill at least once every practice.
posted by bdaddy at 02:10 PM on January 08, 2007
I can't believe there were 3 different people pointing out how the KICKER missed a block :-)
posted by bdaddy at 02:11 PM on January 08, 2007
What's not to believe? At that point, your function as a kicker is over -- maybe for the season, unless perhaps you learn to function as a blocker, right away quick like a bunny.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 03:10 PM on January 08, 2007
Romo was one miraculous ankle-tackle from a first down. He fell at the two, only a yard shy of giving the Cowboys another four downs. Given that, his instincts after the botched hold weren't too bad.
posted by rcade at 04:41 PM on January 08, 2007
Most kickers have at some point had to attempt to tackle a return man after he's broken through the defense on a return. Obviously it usually doesn't work, but often times the kicker will fling his body at the return man, which would have probably been sufficent enough for Romo to get a touchdown or at least the first.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 05:36 PM on January 08, 2007
I'll give it up for the Seahawks, coming back to take the lead but I can't fault Romo for his effort. After watching all his actions with the botched field goal closely, I can't say he bobbled it. His hands were on it, the beginning of the placement was good, the dang thing just slipped right out of his hands. I'm not whinnin' here, but has anyone ever seen a ball that shiny used in the NFL for anything?
posted by brbcca at 05:38 PM on January 08, 2007
...but has anyone ever seen a ball that shiny used in the NFL for anything? I noticed the same thing and even the announcers mentioned that the ball used for the FG attempt was not the one they had been playing with, but I don't think it's unusual that they changed balls. Yes, that ball had a definite sheen to it but what the hell, Romo should have caught it.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 05:59 PM on January 08, 2007
but has anyone ever seen a ball that shiny used in the NFL for anything The ball did look very slick, but NFL teams can supply their own footballs. At least during the regular season visiting teams can. I assume them can during playoffs. Sidebar...I took my 14 year old son to the Cowboy-Eagles game this Christmas. Took me the entire 45 minute trip home to de-program the kid. He saw three fights, one that had us caught in the middle. Heard numerous racial slurs and swearing that would make a sailor blush. Saw public drunkeness beyond belief. (vomitting, passing out, pissing in the parking lot) Saw nudity (a rather drunk Eagles fan mooned the crowd). Saw hatred being spewed at kids. The cowboy fan in front of us yelled at a family of Eagle fans (mom, dad, two small kids)"I hope you F---ing losers die" Not saying that couldn't happen anywhere, but I don't recall that kind of behavior at Viking-Packer games. Okay, sure the drunkeness and perhaps the nudity, but not the hatred!
posted by dviking at 07:11 PM on January 08, 2007
After being a Dallas season ticket holder, I wouldn't take kids to a Philly/Dallas game. The profanity flows more freely than beer and you can always count on seeing fights in the stands.
posted by rcade at 07:21 PM on January 08, 2007
It's probably time for Romo to get a little better handle on exactly where he is currently in his career. He enjoyed some big-time success, adulation, and fame throughout the season, but he definitely has a long way to go. posted by dyams Compare Romo's line (89.6 qb ratting) with Manning (71.9), Garcia (79.1), and Hasselback (66.9), all winning quarterbacks yesterday. His is completely in line with theirs and his qb rating is higher. Romo was one play away, a play that probably won't happen again in his career, from winning a playoff game on the road at a difficult place to play against a team that was in the superbowl last year. One play away from headlines of "romo leads dallas to first playoff win in X years". He has a lot to learn of course, he's young, but he didn't lose that game with his quarterbacking skills. It's was ridiculous when people were anointing him the next aikman, but it's equally ridiculous to look at this game and acting like he wasn't good enough. He has a long way to go? Based on what? You left that part out.
posted by justgary at 08:56 PM on January 08, 2007
Bishop, at least you didn't bring race into this, and for that I commend you I would commend you for the same, but I guess I can't. Didn't mean to let you down. Here I'll throw you a bone, you secretly love Tiger Woods. There, I'm sure you consider that racist. Either way, here's to cheering on second echelon sports teams. The difference between last year and this year, last year Philly lost 11 starters, this year they only lost 2. The only thing the NFC has to look forward to next year is a healthy Mcnabb with a balanced attack, and we can't forget Jevon Kearse getting after QB's. And 1 more thing, Dawkins losing yet another step due to his age (according to the experts that is).
posted by Bishop at 12:13 AM on January 09, 2007
He has a long way to go? Based on what? You left that part out. Based on exactly what you said: He's not the Troy Aikman yet. I think Romo had a very decent year, but with all the hoopla surrounding him, everyone needs to step back and remember he's a fairly new starter in the NFL. Quite a few QBs in the past have enjoyed early success, only to find the going a lot rougher the following year. The only thing I can't remember is a young starter getting so much publicity, even outside the sporting world, as Romo. It would be a shame if he got caught up in all the outside stuff so much he forgot to dedicate himself to football.
posted by dyams at 07:35 AM on January 09, 2007
I think there is something being over looked here in regards to Romo. If he plays for a different team, he doesn't make the Probowl nor does he get half the attention he was getting during the regular season. If he doesn't have Owens, Glenn and Whitten to throw to, he doesn't have nearly as good a year. Also I'll admit Dallas fans can't be blamed for having that "finally a good QB" mentality. Look what they have been through since Aikmen....ouch.
posted by Bishop at 12:21 PM on January 09, 2007
If he doesn't have Owens, Glenn and Whitten to throw to, he doesn't have nearly as good a year. Bledsoe (is he still alive?) had the same receivers and didn't do dick with them. Romo certainly shouldn't be hailed as the second coming but the boy has the tools to become a good QB. I don't think he should be in the Pro Bowl because he's not yet good enough, not because the receivers made him look better than he actually is. Hell, T.O. led the league in dropped passes, and from a Cowboy fan's perspective it seemed like every one of those drops would have gone for critical first downs or touchdowns. Trade his ass. Get someone in there who actually wants to be a member of a team.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 01:57 PM on January 09, 2007
Dyams, you said romo: definitely has a long way to go and when I asked why you said (using my statement): He's not troy aikman yet So he has a long ways to go to match sportswriter and fan expectation? That's a novel concept, but I don't think that's really his job. Romo never said he was aikman, parcell's never said he was the next aikman. He'll probably never be an aikman, but he can still be a good quarterback. He has a long way to go simply because he's a first year quarterback. Teams will adjust, and he'll have to also. But as I pointed out he did as well in his first playoff game as other quarterbacks who have been around for a long time and done quite well. We do tend to over do the praise with new players, and then over do the tearing them down, and I think that's what you're doing. There's nothing quarterback wise from yesterday's game that shows in any way he has a "long ways to go". If he doesn't have Owens, Glenn and Whitten to throw to, he doesn't have nearly as good a year. What texan said. That's a lame argument. Almost every successful quarterback will have weapons. If you give him second rate receivers he won't do as well? Name a quarterback who would. This reminds me of the argument that emmitt smith was't that great, he just had a great line.
posted by justgary at 03:04 PM on January 09, 2007
That's a lame argument. Almost every successful quarterback will have weapons. If you give him second rate receivers he won't do as well? Name a quarterback who would. Donovan McNabb. I think all arguments making Romo look average have been dismissed as "lame". I guess maybe a good example of my point would be, giving Romo James Thrash, Todd Pinkston and Freddie Mitchell, then telling him to get to the NFC championship game a couple times. It wouldn't happen.
posted by Bishop at 04:29 PM on January 09, 2007
I think all arguments making Romo look average have been dismissed as "lame". I never said romo couldn't be just an average quarterback. Hell, he could be benched next season. But in a thread about a dallas loss to seatle where he played just as well as his counterparts I'm reading that he has a long way to go. So far the only evidence I've gotten is that he isn't troy aikman and that the players around him made him look good (though they couldn't perform the same miracle on bledsoe). That's weak. I never said all arguments are lame, but I believe those are.
posted by justgary at 04:52 PM on January 09, 2007
He has a long way to go simply because he's a first year quarterback. That's my point. And I think that was what Parcells was trying to convey most of this season when talking about Romo, as he tempered all his comments and downplayed the success he enjoyed. As for the media, the main media I'm a bit shocked at is the stupid entertainment shows on TV, who seem to want to make a matinee idol out of him, especially due to his current relationship with Carrie Underwood. He's a young guy, he's the hot thing, and playing in Dallas comes into play, too. I'm sure he'll be seen at the upcoming award shows, but he needs to realize (from those who came before him) that he's only a big thing while he's starting, producing, and winning. I guess I just kind of sensed a slight mental lapse when he blew that hold on the field goal attempt that would have probably led to the Cowboys moving on in the playoffs. While a starting quarterback will never lose his (QB) job because he messes up a hold, it's just an example of little things he needs to pay attention to and perfect in his game. And I'm not saying he won't. I just hope he doesn't turn into the "Life of the Party" guy ala Jeremy Shockey when he first came into the league. He's got a big chance now, and it would be a shame if he didn't take advantage.
posted by dyams at 05:17 PM on January 09, 2007
Thanks for explaining your point further dyams.
posted by justgary at 07:47 PM on January 09, 2007
I would commend you for the same, but I guess I can't. You cant take the jerk out of Philly, but you can't take Philly out of the jerk.
posted by mjkredliner at 04:38 PM on January 10, 2007
Unbelievable is all I can say!