This week marked the end for my Dallas Cowboys and even though there can be an air of disappointment surrounding the loss, I am very proud of this team. Many, including myself, predicted a 5-6 win season and a woeful defense. I did see however in pre-season that this defense was not as terrible as advertised and I slowly began to change my win totals to as much as 10. In the end they reached 12 wins and made it to the divisional round before falling just short of a rematch with Seattle and an improbable NFC Championship appearance. I will touch on a couple points here.
First that was a catch and it should have stood, BUT according to the letter of the law they made the right call. It is a completely confusing rule and should be addressed this off-season. That brings me to my second point: This loss was not based off that call but rather Dallas’ lack of ability to get to a hurt Aaron Rodgers and stop them in the 2nd half. The protected defense finally got exposed this time as the offense failed to control the game the 2nd half. It felt the opposite of the previous week when Dallas had no control and yet somehow won. Now that the season is over let’s address 2 questions: The coaching staff and two of the big three. First one was answered earlier this week as Jerry extended contracts to Jason Garrett, Rod Marinelli, and Scott Linehan while losing Bill Callahan to the Washington Redskins. I love this move and feel like this staff has a great hold on this team. Having that sowed up I will ask: who do you keep — Dez Bryant or DeMarco Murray? Here is my view on this — There are 20 DeMarco Murray’s and I love his play, but there is only one Dez Bryant. Sign him now Jerry…The Dallas Mavericks
have been playing great all year yet they struggle against the top teams in the west. If Dallas want to make any noise this post season they must come together and start winning against the top 8 teams. These last few weeks have also felt like pre-season again with the acquisition of Rajon Rondo. I believe this team will get it together and be competitive, but I am not sure about ending the season with a title. Speaking of titles, the San Antonio Spurs finally feel like they are losing a step. I am not doubting this team one bit, but they need to find a rhythm fast or they will left wondering what’s next. I love Pop and have always had a great respect for his ability, but for the time being I see it backfiring on him at the moment. They will be fine, but this is finally (jinx) looking like the end of an era. Backfiring may be how the Houston Rockets feel right now after acquiring Josh Smith off of waivers. This team feels bulky and needs to shed some (star)weight. I felt they were a more legitimate contender pre-Smith and will be curious to see if they can figure it out….The Dallas Stars. The most frustrating team in hockey. They can not figure it out and until they find consistent defensive play and a goalie who can stop the simplest of shots, they will not contend for a Stanley Cup. In Jim Nill they trust, so figure it out and get or recall the key players that wins Championships. For example: why send down Jokipakka? The defense was playing exceptionally and I saw young talent leading the way. He, along with Klingberg, brought an infusion of youth and a spark. Tyler Seguin must be frustrated along the many other talented scorers on their front lines…Big XII (told ya I wouldn’t forget them) Basketball is THE best conference this year and it is not even close. 7 teams are in the top 25 and they have dominated out of conference. March Madness should be special for the conference this year, well unless they do what every big and dominating conference does every year and fall apart. As they delve deeper into conference play, it should be exciting to watch.
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Justin Neely
Just a dude with a voice talking sports. Husband, Father and a 116 lifestyle. Don't mess with Texas
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