Cowboys Bucked

Did anyone else notice the predictions for the Dallas Cowboys this year? "Experts" predicted the Cowboys would be simply amazing this year. Rodney Harrison (Football Night In America) said on the Dan Patrick Show that the Cowboys would be the team to beat in the NFC this year...what?

Since when did the Cowboys become an elite team? The Cowboys have won one playoff game since 1996 and Tony Romo has yet to prove, at least to me, that he is an elite quarterback (especially in the playoffs; we all remember him falling short of the endzone after dropping the hold) as many have tagged him. Has he had good numbers? Yes. Over his career as a starter, Romo has amassed 15405 yards and tossed 107 touchdowns, and two of those years he passed for over 4000 yards. But, still, the stat that is most hindering to Romo's name is his one measly playoff win.

Numbers alone, however, cannot win games. And apparently neither can Tony Romo. Romo lacks the qualities of a good leader. That is what every team needs at the quarterback position: a good leader. Romo is not that guy. Coach Wade Phillips, isn't that guy either. He's too soft at the head coach position.

The Dallas Cowboys do not possess much talent outside of DeMarcus Ware. It is undeniable that Ware is one of the best defenders in the NFL and has been for the past few years. However, they just do not have enough around him on defense. I have already addressed the offensive woes with Romo and a deflated running game. What happened to the three-headed monster they had last year with Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice? It seems that that dimension of their offense has disappeared.

The 'Boys will go up a formidable opponent this week in Matt Schaub and the Houston Texans in Houston. The road does not get any easier after that as they travel back home to face Chris "CJ2K" Johnson and the Tennessee Titans, followed by Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. We will see how many "experts" jump off the Cowboys' bandwagon if they continue to lose in these next few weeks.

Predictions for Week 3:

Chiefs over 49ers - The Chiefs are playing extremely well right now and the Niners have not lived up to expectations so far this year. However, they had a good showing against New Orleans. This will be a close one. 17-14


Patriots over Bills - This is an easy pick. Patriots trounce the Bills like many others have done and will do this season. 35-7


Saints over Falcons - After demolishing the Cardinals last week, the Falcons are issued a wake-up call against Drew Brees and the Saints. 21-10


Buccaneers over Steelers - With Charlie Batch at quarterback, the Steelers just will not have the offense. Bucs squeeze out their third consecutive win by a few field goals. 13-7


Giants over Titans The Titans struggled last week against a tough Steelers defense. No team with quarterback questions can ever be expected to do great things. Giants take this one. 27-17


Vikings over Lions - Brett Favre will finally get it going this weekend. Also expect a big week from Adrian Peterson. 20-10


Ravens over Browns - The Ravens bounce back against a likely Seneca Wallace-led Browns team. Look for Ray Rice to settle in. 21-7


Bengals over Panthers - The Bengals coming off a big win at the foot of Mike Nugent will get the offense going this weekend against the Panthers defense. Plus, Jimmy Clausen making his first career start doesn't bode well for Carolina. 28-13


Texans over Cowboys - The Texans will take advantage of playmaker Kevin Walter if Andre Johnson is forced to sit. If Johnson plays, he is still Andre Johnson. Cowboys fall...again. 17-10


Redskins over Rams - The Rams are still the Rams and Donovan McNabb should light the scoreboard up. 27-7


Eagles over Jaguars - Michael Vick will show exactly why he won the starting job with another big win. 20-10


Seahawks over Chargers - This is a stretch, but I couldn't go without picking at least one upset. With Ryan Mathews likely out this Sunday, the Seahawks may be able to shut down at least part of the Chargers offense. If they can win, it will be close. 13-10


Raiders over Cardinals - The Cardinals just will not be able to win with Derek Anderson. The Raiders will surprise and take this one to the bank. 14-7


Colts over Broncos - Peyton Manning is playing lights out so far this season. Joseph Addai should also be good to go this week and the Colts will get back on a streak after that Week 1 loss to the Texans. 35-10


Jets over Dolphins - If the Jets' offense is able to execute as well as they did last week against the Pats, they will be a force to be reckoned with. Imagine what they could do when Santonio Holmes gets back from suspension in Week 5. 24-14


Packers over Bears - Although Jay Cutler and da Bears were impressive against the Vikings, it won't be enough this week against a much better Packers team. Look for Aaron Rodgers and the Packer offense to put points on the board and lots of them. 42-28

Sanuk Mystery Box

The contents of the Sanuk Mystery Box are revealed!

Song: "Pop Rocks" - Fight Fair

Predictions

Hey, all you people. Sorry, I haven't gotten the video the way I've wanted to yet, but I still need to deliver my first B+ Sports blog. My only prediction I have for the NFL season ready for you is my Super Bowl pick. I've got the Indianapolis Colts against the Green Bay Packers on February 6. Mark it down.

I will have new posts coming soon once I get on my schedule here at school and find time to post. Stay tuned!

--Bradley W. Parks