This entire season, Drew Brees, Kurt Warner, and Brett Favre have been the main NFL players mentioned in the MVP argument. However, suddenly, another candidate has come into the picture.

While those three quarterbacks are all deserving MVP candidates, I believe Tony Romo deserves the MVP award.  If the MVP award is given to the player that is most valuable to his team, it would be hard to argue against Romo deserving it.

Although Romo has been statistically better than these 3 players when he has played, ironically, he has proven he is the most valuable player this season more so when he wasn't playing.

This season the Cowboys have shown that they are an elite team with Romo playing, but without him they’re mediocre at best.  

Here are the statistical comparisons of the four MVP candidates:

Tony Romo: nine games, 21 touchdowns, nine interceptions, 103.2 QB rating, 7-2 record

Drew Brees: 12 games, 24 touchdowns 14 interception, 95.9 QB rating, 6-6 record

Kurt Warner: 12 games, 24 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 99.4 QB rating, 7-5 record

Brett Favre: 12 games, 20 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 90.4 QB rating, 8-4 record

Not only does Tony Romo have the highest quarterback rating in the league, he has only three less touchdowns than both NFL league leaders in Brees and Warner in three fewer games and has a better team record when playing than all three.

There is no denying that statistically Romo has been better than all of the other three MVP candidates when he has played.

However, as I mentioned earlier, what makes Romo the most valuable player to his team this year happened when he wasn’t playing due to injury. From weeks 7-9 without him the team went 1-2 and did not score more than 14 points in all three games. Even against the Rams, the 4th worst ranked defense in the league, they couldn’t score more than 14 points. 

In every game Romo has played this season, besides the Cowboys week 11 game against Washington in his first game back from injury, the Cowboys have scored more than 14 points.

In fact, besides week 11, when he has played the Cowboys have scored more than 20 points in every game this season.

In the three games Romo was out, backup quarterback Brad Johnson played awful as he totaled two touchdowns, five interceptions, and a QB rating of 50.5.

Johnson played so bad that, third string quarterback Brooks Bollinger was put in during the second half of the third game.  Brooks Bollinger also played poorly as he had one touchdown, one interception, and a 60.2 QB rating. Even the running game felt the affect of Romo’s absence as Marion Barber in two of the three games without Romo averaged a pitiful 2.8 YPC.

After Romo was declared doubtful for the next three games, I remember watching NFL experts on ESPN say that because of the Cowboys great offensive system and Brad Johnson's experience, he would be able to run the Cowboys offense efficiently.

Fantasy experts even considered Johnson a good pickup.  Even though I have always been a big Tony Romo fan, I didn’t realize how much his absence would affect the Cowboys. I thought that while obviously Brad Johnson wouldn’t be as good as Romo, he could keep the offense afloat and keep them competitive.

However, after watching Brad Johnson at quarterback, I realized that the Cowboys offensive line and system isn’t as good as many people thought it was. The truth is Romo is what makes that offense shine.

His mobility, his ability to keep plays alive, and his intuition are the key to making this Cowboys offense one of the best. Romo has that so called “it” that can’t be taught and without him all of the great play-makers on the Cowboys become ineffective. 

Although I believe Romo is the MVP, realistically, he probably won’t get the award because he may have entered the race too late. However, regardless if he gets it or not, one thing is for sure; He is the most valuable player to his team out of any player in the NFL.

Dallas Cowboys (8-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)

Surging Cowboys face stiff test against NFL’s best defense

The Cowboys will face the NFL’s top three defenses in consecutive weeks, starting this Sunday against the absolute best in the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers have the league’s stingiest defense in total yards allowed, conceding only 238 yards per game, while the Baltimore Ravens (253.3 ypg) and New York Giants (279.1 ypg) round up the top three.

The Steelers have yet to allow 300 yards of offense this season. Dallas needs to win probably two of the next three games to keep their playoff hopes alive, but surviving the brutally physical three-game gauntlet may prove the tougher task.

Pittsburgh’s style of football hasn’t changed much over the years. They run the ball effectively on offense, then stymie their opponent’s ground game. They are sticking to their winning formula this year, despite injuries along the offensive line and at running back.

Starting running back Willie Parker and first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall have missed a combined 15 starts this season, yet the Steelers still ground and pound the ball. They commit to the run to control the clock and to set-up their play-action passing game.

Their offensive numbers are down, but when you have by far the best defense in the league, a little offense is all they need.

 

Steel Curtain is Closed

The Steelers defense plays the most physical brand of football of any team the Cowboys have faced all year. Their smash-mouth style not only rattles quarterbacks and bruises ball carriers, the Steel Curtain defense just refuses to relent yards on the ground.

The Steelers sweep the run defense stats, ranking first in rushing yards allowed (854), first in rushing yards per game (71.2), and first in rushing yards per attempt (3.1). 

You would think a team that sells-out so wholeheartedly to stop the run would give up big plays in the air.

Unfortunately for Dallas, Pittsburgh also leads the league defensively against the pass.

Pittsburgh has only given up 2,002 passing yards all season, again, best in the NFL.

And yes, the Steelers also lead the NFL in passing yards allowed per game, allowing only 166.8 yards per contest.

Just in case you haven’t come to understand, this is the best defensive team in the league. They also lead the NFL in takeaways at 42. If the Steelers continue to lead the NFL in rush defense (71.2), pass defense (166.8) and total defense (238), they would become the first team since 1991 (Philadelphia Eagles) to lead the NFL in all three categories.

 

Offense is Chink in the Steel Armor

For all the Steelers' first-place statistical ratings on the defensive side of the ball, their offense has been average at best.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked 33 times in 12 games, which bodes well for Dallas and their 40 sack total on the year. Roethlisberger has been guilty of holding the ball too long at times, while his patchwork offensive line has failed to provide him any time on other occasions.

Roethlisberger has just one more touchdown (13) than interceptions (12), which is the most he’s thrown in a single season since the 2006 campaign, when he was fresh off head planting into a car off his motorcycle.

Roethlisberger’s quarterback rating of 80 is also the lowest of his career other then the dubious 2006 season (75.4 QB rating).

 

Sacks on the Sod

Three of the five leading sack men in the NFL will be on Heinz Field’s new sod Sunday, when Dallas visits Pittsburgh.

The Cowboy’s DeMarcus Ware leads the NFL in sacks with 15, while Pittsburgh will counter with James Harrison’s 14 and LaMarr Woodley’s 11.5.

The Steelers’ ground crew will be installing fresh sod, and the forecast is calling for snow and 30 degree temperatures. The fresh sod, wet conditions, and heavy lumbering feet of offensive lineman, could create a sack happy affair for the league’s best.

 

A December to Remember?

The Cowboys have not had a winning record in the final four games of the season, dating back to 1997, accumulating an 18-31 record.

If Dallas is going to make the playoffs, they will need to improve on that number. The last time the Cowboys had a winning final stretch of the season was 1996, the last year the Cowboys won a playoff game.

The Steelers go on the road at Baltimore and at Tennessee after hosting Dallas, so both teams need the win.

 

Injury Wheel Keeps on Turning

Romo has been practicing without the pinkie splint this week in Valley Ranch. A wet and heavy football, plus a couple of sacks, could change that, but this will be the healthiest start for Romo in over a month.

Too bad the same thing can’t be said about running back Marion Barber, who dislocated his pinkie toe. Barber has been held out of practice all week, but is expecting to play Sunday.

Ware’s MRI on his sprained knee was negative, but he has yet to practice this week as well. A healthy Ware could be a game-changer defensively for Dallas, so here’s to a speedy recovery for the 26-year-old.

Pacman Jones is expecting to return to the secondary in nickel and dime formations, as well as, get return opportunities.

 

Matchup

The Steelers are playing their fourth home game in the last five weeks.

The Cowboys have enjoyed a prolonged week following the Thanksgiving contest against Seattle.

Pittsburgh finally got the New England monkey off their back last week, when they held Matt Cassel to 169 yards passing and two interceptions. Cassel was coming off consecutive 400-plus yard passing performances before being shut down at home by the Steelers.

The Cowboys have Romo back and look like the same dominant team that started the season 3-0.

If Barber can fight through the pain for meaningful carries, or backup Tashard Choice can step up and shoulder the load against the physical Steelers, then Romo should find Witten roaming the places vacated by the always blitzing Steelers linebackers.

Pittsburgh won’t have much success on offense against Dallas, nor will Dallas run effectively on the Steelers.

This game will come down to turnovers and special teams and whomever makes the fewest mistakes will carry the day.

 

Prediction

Dallas 19, Pittsburgh 17

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The Dallas Cowboys have one of the most talented tight ends in the game in Jason Witten.  They also have one of the most talented young tight ends in Martellus Bennett.

This year, Witten has caught 58 passes for 709 yards and three touchdowns. Bennett has caught 15 passes for 242 yards and four touchdowns. Barring trades and releases, the Cowboys are set for the next 10 years at tight end.

Bennett was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys this year in the second round with the 61st overall pick. Last year at Texas A&M, Bennett had 49 catches for 587 yards and four touchdowns.

As various Cowboys coaches have said, Bennett has the tools to be great. But it's up to him. Bennett stands 6'7" inches and weighs 253 pounds, one of the biggest pass-catchers in the National Football League.

In a win over Seattle, he caught two passes for 35 yards. In Tony Romo's first game back from injury, the Cowboys defeated division-rival Washington. In that game, Bennett caught just one pass for 25 yards, but that one pass was a touchdown strike that turned out to be crucial in a 14-10 win.

Before entering the draft, he became close with Bills tight end Kevin Everett. Last year, Everett suffered what could have been a life-threatening injury. Rumor had it he would never walk again. Everett went to the Super Bowl with Roger Goodell and even made an appearance on Oprah where he was able to walk under his own power.

"It was real touching. Me and Kevin became close through the process," Bennett said of his relationship with Everett. "When I went to Miami for my visit he was there and I've talked him ever since my high school time. I wore his jersey number in the Monroe game (9/15/07) and then in the Miami game because he played at Miami. After the Miami game we had some down time because it was a Thursday night game so I went down the hospital and as soon as I got there he started talking trash because we lost to them. Me and him have always had a good relationship."

Cowboys tight ends coach John Garrett has realized the potential Bennett brings to the team and is on him constantly during practice. During mini camp, Garrett was on the rookie hard.

He uttered advice such as: "You wanna play ball for Dallas? Show it in your play. Get a mental rep every single time, Martellus. Hey! We asked you that this morning, we expect you to know that. Buckle your chinstrap. Attention to detail, that's what you need to succeed in this league. Ball on the opposite shoulder. Turn and go, turn and go, turn and go! Plant and go! Ball in the other hand. We do not fumble. Put it in your left hand, put it in your left hand. Across the chest, just like that. There you go."

Of course, Garrett is on the rookie hard because of the talent he brings.

"Martellus has a chance to be a good player," Garrett said. "He's got all the physical attributes. It's up to him, though. He's got to work at it."

Right now, he is the backup behind Witten and ahead of Tony Curtis. His best career game thus far was in a loss against the Rams in which he caught two passes for 67 yards and scored one touchdown.

Bennett is averaging a very impressive 16.4 yards per catch and an even more impressive touchdown catch per 2.7 passes hauled in. NFL fans, lets watch this young man.

But for now, Bennett has to watch 82.

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the most talented tight ends in the game in Jason Witten.  They also have one of the most talented young tight ends in Martellus Bennett.

This year, Witten has caught 58 passes for 709 yards and three touchdowns. Bennett has caught 15 passes for 242 yards and four touchdowns. Barring trades and releases, the Cowboys are set for the next 10 years at tight end.

Bennett was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys this year in the second round with the 61st overall pick. Last year at Texas A&M, Bennett had 49 catches for 587 yards and four touchdowns.

As various Cowboys coaches have said, Bennett has the tools to be great. But it's up to him. Bennett stands 6'7" inches and weighs 253 pounds, one of the biggest pass-catchers in the National Football League.

In a win over Seattle, he caught two passes for 35 yards. In Tony Romo's first game back from injury, the Cowboys defeated division-rival Washington. In that game, Bennett caught just one pass for 25 yards, but that one pass was a touchdown strike that turned out to be crucial in a 14-10 win.

Before entering the draft, he became close with Bills tight end Kevin Everett. Last year, Everett suffered what could have been a life-threatening injury. Rumor had it he would never walk again. Everett went to the Super Bowl with Roger Goodell and even made an appearance on Oprah where he was able to walk under his own power.

"It was real touching. Me and Kevin became close through the process," Bennett said of his relationship with Everett. "When I went to Miami for my visit he was there and I've talked him ever since my high school time. I wore his jersey number in the Monroe game (9/15/07) and then in the Miami game because he played at Miami. After the Miami game we had some down time because it was a Thursday night game so I went down the hospital and as soon as I got there he started talking trash because we lost to them. Me and him have always had a good relationship."

Cowboys tight ends coach John Garrett has realized the potential Bennett brings to the team and is on him constantly during practice. During mini camp, Garrett was on the rookie hard.

He uttered advice such as: "You wanna play ball for Dallas? Show it in your play. Get a mental rep every single time, Martellus. Hey! We asked you that this morning, we expect you to know that. Buckle your chinstrap. Attention to detail, that's what you need to succeed in this league. Ball on the opposite shoulder. Turn and go, turn and go, turn and go! Plant and go! Ball in the other hand. We do not fumble. Put it in your left hand, put it in your left hand. Across the chest, just like that. There you go."

Of course, Garrett is on the rookie hard because of the talent he brings.

"Martellus has a chance to be a good player," Garrett said. "He's got all the physical attributes. It's up to him, though. He's got to work at it."

Right now, he is the backup behind Witten and ahead of Tony Curtis. His best career game thus far was in a loss against the Rams in which he caught two passes for 67 yards and scored one touchdown.

Bennett is averaging a very impressive 16.4 yards per catch and an even more impressive touchdown catch per 2.7 passes hauled in. NFL fans, lets watch this young man.

But for now, Bennett has to watch 82.

 

Both teams sit on the edge of the playoffs, and both would love this win.

The Cowboys come into this game on a hot streak, three straight since their week off. With Romo back, the smiles are back in Dallas. The problem is that they still don't have a playoff seed, and their next three opponents are a combined 28-8.

The Steelers have won four of five and have been looking very good, that one loss being a close one to the Colts. Their issue is that the Ravens are 8-4 and are only one game behind them, and their next three teams are 27-9!

Truly, both teams need this game to stay alive.

Tony Romo is on fire, with two straight 113 passing rating, 300 plus passing games. He has brought the team back to life and shown that the Cowboys aren't the Cowboys without him.

The Steelers secondary is first in the league, with Polamalu and Harrison leading the way with picks and sacks. They are a deadly threat to quarterbacks. Still, when I see these two giants battling, I know that a giant always wins big. I see a 275-yard game for Romo, but he does throw a interception.

Marion Barber is awful. With 59 yard and 34 yard games, he has been skidding without Felix Jones to back him up. He had a strong start, but he is projected to have a slow end.

The Steelers running defense is also first in the league. It's no coincidence, they are a sack threat and shut down offensive lines. There will be no holes for Barber, he won't get more than 50 yards. He gets 46 yards on 15 attempts, and no touchdowns.

Ben Roethlisberger is having a slow start, with 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He has been averaging around 200 yards per game, but hasn't really had any breakout games. Poor Ben is the only part of the Steelers who isn't feeling the winning spirit.

The Cowboys secondary is solid, giving about 200 yards per game. I feel that Ben might have some luck though, due to Santonio Holmes doing well and Hines Ward exploding also. He gets 250 yards, a few touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Steelers' running game, made up of Parker and Moore, has been the bigger part of this low key offense. Bouncing back after a week game against the Bengals, Parker exploded with 87 yards and a healthy average. Mewelde has more solid games, averaging around 50 yards lately (ignoring the negative-one yard game against San Diego).

The Cowboys' running defense lets under 90 yards per game. That's pretty good folks, and they pride themselves on big stops by players like Ward. Still, I see the combo combining for 120, 80 for Parker and 40 for Moore.

OK people, I pick by my evidence. So here is my reasoning.

 

The Pick: Pittsburgh: 24, Dallas: 17

The Steelers get the home game, and keep on rolling.

 

Other Picks around the League

SD:30     OAK:21             Rivers and  the Charge get a win.

CHI:24     JAC:20             A close game, I feel it.

MIN: 27    DET:14            Detroit's a train wreck.

GB:28       HOU:21           You think this is a automatic? No way!

IND:30      CIN:17            Colts are looking good.

ATL:24     NO: 21             Falcons get a HUGE win.

NYG:35     PHI:24            Giants are overpowering right now, even if Eagles are off a big win.

TEN:20     CLE:14             I haven't doubted the Titans yet.

MIA: 31     BUFF: 17         Miami sends a message, they are still here.

DEN:21     KC:20             Barely, I doubt the Broncos a lot.

NYJ:31      SF:20             Prove me wrong Football Gods.

NE:28       SEA: 10           Blow them out of the league.

ARI:21      STL:17            Here we go Arizona.

BAL:31    WAS:21            Ravens= Underrated!

CAR:28    TB:27              Very close game, I could be very wrong.

Big Ben Roethlisberger said Sunday evening after beating the Patriots that he doesn't look ahead in the schedule, so we are going to do that for him.

The Steelers have a tough schedule coming up, all but one of their opponents have winning records and two of the four are division rivals.  Of the remaining four opponents there are two of the top five defenses, one of the most explosive offenses, and one bad team whose coach only keeps his job with a miracle finish (something tells me that means beating the Steelers more than winning out).

Most of the teams in the NFL would be worried going into this stretch when more wins are needed to guarantee a playoff spot. The Steelers are not, and need not, be one of those teams.

This week we will look at the Cowboys. Tony Romo is an over-hyped quarterback who still likely has a lingering injury to his throwing hand. This will not be a good thing to have against the Steelers who will hit him hard and often. He has not done well against a consistent pass rush, and quarterbacks do not have good days when they play Pittsburgh.

The Cowboys do, however have some very talented receivers on offense. This, however did not help New England who had one of the best of all time on their team dropping balls because he was afraid to get wrecked as he landed. Terrel Owens also does not match-up well against the Steelers, with his last game against the Black and Gold coming back in 2004 when his Eagles were demolished 27-3. He did not contribute significantly to his team's three points.

The running game of the Cowboys will have to face the NFL's best defense in all major categories, allowing only 71.2 rushing yards per game.  With a running back coming off of an injury in week 13, this is not a good match-up for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys also have to come to Pittsburgh, to the cold, snow, and ice to play the Steelers in "Steeler Weather." This will make passing all the more difficult, likely resulting in either the Cowboys becoming more one-dimensional toward the run, or becoming indecisive with passes as more of them are dropped and more difficult to throw. T

his indecision will result in sacks. Sacks will cause more indecision. You can see where I am going with this.

If the Steelers defense shows up, as it does week in and week out, the Cowboys will need to be perfect if they hope to win, and in Pittsburgh in December, perfection is highly improbable, if not impossible.

The Steelers offensive line also showed signs of improving last week against an admittedly weak New England defense. If the line can remain consistent, or improve further, and the Steelers keep their running game going, it will create problems for a Dallas defense who have suffered several key injuries this year; a defense that has allowed 260 points this season, 90 more than the Steelers top ranked defense.

The Cowboys with Romo have had troubles in big games, especially those in December and into the playoffs. All four of the Cowboys' losses this years have also come when they have scored fewer than 28 points. No team has scored more than 24 points against the Steelers' defense.

This game will come down to a few key factors. 

First whether or not injured Cowboys players, including Barber, Ware, and Romo can play at their normal level.

Second: how the Cowboys react to the exotic looks and intense pass rush of the Steelers defense.

Thirdly, if the Steelers offense can continue to get back on track and perform at their top level with injuries to some of their key players including Roethlisberger, Parker, Miller, and the offensive line in general.

The Steelers will win this game 28-7.

As an interesting side note, the Steelers were able to hold the Patriots to 1-of-13 on third downs. The Patriots were, before last week, in the top ten in that category. If the Steelers' defense can have another performance near that level, the game will become very winnable.

Winning this game will put the Steelers in good position for the playoff race this year, and with Baltimore playing a difficult game against the Redskins it may provide the chance for a comfortable two game lead in the AFC North.

Offense

The Cowboys don’t need the run to pass the ball but it would greatly help against the sack leaders of the NFL. Marion Barber might be out with a injured foot. If Barber can’t play, rookie Tashard Choice will start.

Choice had consecutive 1,300 yard seasons at Georgia Tech. Barber will be missed most of all in the pass blocking. Look for the Cowboys to use a lot of  two-tight-end sets to help with the Pittsburgh linebackers.

Leonard Davis can match up against Pro-Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton. If Davis can keep Hampton from taking on double teams, the Cowboys will be able to run the ball.

Jason Witten looks to be an important part of the piece but will go against Troy Polamalu, one of the best safeties in the league. Martellus Bennett has shown Tony Romo that he is a worthy option.

Romo must extend the play just that extra second that he does so well at. Romo has only been sacked eight times on the season. If Romo can avoid the rush, he should see big things downfield.

Owens will definitely get a safety over top, so look for Roy Williams to play a larger role. He should garner single coverage most of the day and has the skill set to take advantage.

 

Defense

The Cowboys are second in sacks, only two behind Pittsburgh. DeMarcus Ware is expected to play and now leads the NFL with 15 sacks.

The Steelers have struggled with protecting Ben Roethlisberger and it has shown up in his stats. Ben has thrown 12 interceptions to only 13 touchdowns.

The Cowboys will set Ware loose on Ben. Jay Ratliff is having a season year with six sacks. Ben has been sacked 33 times this season; second worst in the league.

Mewelde Moore and Willie Parker will share the load. Parker is fast, but could blow a tire any play. Moore is a shifty runner that can catch the ball. Neither is known for pushing the pile.

The Cowboys have been playing fantastic red-zone defense. Pittsburgh lacks a goal-line back so Ben will probably be asked to punch it in the end zone.

Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes are playing well, but are seeing the ball less and less. The odd statistic is that Ben is being sacked less than he was last year.

If Ben can stay upright long enough the Cowboys are notoriously bad against the long throw. The mere seconds of space between Ware and Roethlisberger could decide the game.

 

Special Teams

Sam Paulescu has filled in admirably for injured punter Mat McBriar. Paulescu already has more downs in the 20 than McBriar.

Nick Folk has made 15 of his 17 field goal attempt and is a reliable kick from 40 and 50 yards away.

Orlando Scandrick or Isaiah Stanback will fill in as Kickoff returners. Neither one can match the speed that Felix Jones had but do an admirable job. Patrick Crayton will return punts. The most important thing is that none of them have fumbled.

DeMarcus Ware and Marion Barber both left Thursdays win against the Seahawks with injuries.

Barber had his foot stepped on. The X-ray reveled that no bones were broken. Barber’s right pinkie toe was dislocated. Look at Deion Sanders’ feet if you want to see what a dislocated toe can look like.

I speculate that Barber has a bruised foot and he might not be able to play.
This bruised foot would hurt Barber every time he slammed his foot into the ground.

Wade Phillips said he thinks Ware will practice but wasn’t sure on Barber’s status.

Ware left in he second half after he stumbled and hyper-extended his left knee. To add insult to injury, 325 lbs Walter Jones crushed Ware with a perfect gorilla splash.

Kyle Kosier started at left guard for all 16 games last season. He only managed three this year. Kosier fractured his right foot and was placed on IR after a few failed attempts to return. Kosier will undergo surgery sometime this week.

Montrae Holland and Cory Procter will fill in for Kosier.

The Bleacher Report exists because there are avid and passionate sports fans throughout the country.

I would categorize my sports enthusiasm with the majority of sports fans by saying that I root for teams to which I have an alliance or teams that caught my interest as a child.

My favorite college sports teams are anything related to the Kansas Jayhawks; since I am an alumnus.

Although I was raised in New Jersey, my favorite NFL team has always been the Denver Broncos.  As a child, I was a huge fan of Haven Moses, Floyd Little, and Otis Armstrong.  Therefore, my fanaticism was born under that premise.

That being said, I believe that most people become fans under similar circumstances; therefore, it is safe to say that most sports fans are honest and true to their fanaticism as it pertains to their favorite team.

However, there is one exception to my theory.

Whenever I am in mixed company and the topic of sport arises, I cringe as soon as I hear anyone proclaim to be either a New York Yankees fan or Dallas Cowboys fan.

The reason is simple: Anyone proclaiming to be a fan of either team is simply a 'bandwagon fan' that has been brainwashed to believe that these two franchises are 'America’s' teams.

Unless you are from the Bronx or from Dallas, what sane person would root for these self-absorbed, self-praising, and over-hyped teams?

Let’s face it, most people residing in other states (that are also fans of teams from other states) usually are true fans. 

For instance, if you see a person from Boston wearing a 49’ers jersey, then you could deduct that the person is a true fan of the 49’ers because there is no false pretense involved in the admiration of the team.

However, when you see people wearing Yankees garb or Cowboys garb in other cities, it is usually because they have inevitably hopped on the bandwagon.  They have proclaimed themselves Yankees or Cowboys fans because everyone else has done the same. 

The bandwagon has made it fashionable and chic to wear the blue star or the blue pinstripes.  Therefore, the fanaticism is born under false pretense; not from the love of the team.

Unfortunately, the only proof to support my theory is my younger sister, a few friends, and the countless 'out-of-towners' I encounter while playing poker in Atlantic City. 

You know the routine of these bandwagon fans.  They all proudly don their Cowboys or Yankees gear and boastfully tout how great these squads have been.  

However, if you ask any of the aforementioned why they love the Cowboys or Yankees, the closest thing you will get to an answer is a blank stare.  The stare will always be followed by: “Uh...because I’ve always liked them!”

Now, I am not saying that all fans of these franchises are frauds.  I am simply stating the majority of the fans that root for these teams do so because of what the franchises’ popularity represents to the nation as opposed to whether or not they truly like the team.

The next thing you’ll begin hearing from these bandwagon fans is how much they like 'Madrid Real.'  However, it won’t be because they really care for soccer, it will be because of the popularity of 'Madrid Real.'

Bandwagon Fans: you gotta’ love em’!

Embattled Cowboys DB Adam "Pacman" Jones will make his first appearance in a Cowboys' uniform since October 12th after being suspended for assaulting a team-provided security official.

Reports out of Valley Ranch, TX indicate that Jones will return punts this week as the Cowboys travel to Pittsburgh to take on a red-hot Steelers team.

This, will undoubtedly be the last of his chances.  Another slip and we'll never see Jones in any NFL jersey again.  Would anyone miss him? Not I.

The NFL has over the past 10 years continued to allow thugs and convicts the great privilege of taking the field Sundays.  No consideration is given to their moral/ethical make-up, not to mention pre-existing criminal records. 

A breif look at Jones' criminal past:

February 2005-Jones is arrested and charged with criminal assault and felony vandalism following an altercation at a nightclub.

July 2005-Jones, after being invited to the Nashville Sports Council Kickoff Luncheon, went off on a verbal tirade after being told he would have to wait while the valet gathered his vehicle. He did not tip the valet.

October 2005-The state of West Virginia files a petition against Jones after he does not contact his probation officer for over 90 days.  He also fails to report his arrests.  Punishment? Additional 90 days probation.

March 2006-In Fayetteville, GA, Jones is charged with possession of Marijuana.  He later boasts that he knows how to circumvent the NFL's drug tests.

August 2006-Jones is arrested for disorderly conduct and public intoxication after he is asked to leave a Murfreesboro nightclub numerous times.  He claims a female patron stole his wallet.  She claims he spit on her.  Given probation and ordered to stay away from the club.

October 2006-Jones is issued a citation for misdemeanor assault after he allegedly spit in the face of a female Tennessee State University student at a Nashville nightclub.

February 2007-Although some facts are unclear, and no charges were brought against him, Jones was involved in a fight in a Las Vegas strip club.  It is reported that he threw upwards of $81,000 into the air.  Altercation ensues, leaving one man paralyzed and two more wounded.  The club owner reports watching Jones beat a strippers head into the wall whilst threatening to kill club employees.

January 2008-An employee at "The Body Tap" strip club in Georgia reports that Jones punched her in the eye.  She says he leaned over the bar and sucker punched her.

October 2008-Jones is involved in an alcohol-fueled fight with his team appointed security guard. Roger Goodell suspends Jones indefinitely, marking the second time in his career this has happened.

The above timeline doesnt include his pre-existing criminal record which includes numerous altercations, one of which he was sentenced to a year in prison for.  The sentence was later reduced because he's a fantastic football player.

Also not included is his recent stretch at an inpatient alcohol treatment facility, from which he was released two weeks ago.

Adam Jones is without a doubt the personification of everything that is wrong with the NFL.  With Commissioner Goodel's claims for a "zero-tolerance" policy on any player misconduct, it sure seems that Jones has been given preferential treatment.

Jerry Jones, Cowboys owner has a reputation as being the owner to go to if you're in need of a second chance.  Tank Johnson and Michael Irvin being the most prominent players Jerry Jones has given second chances in the NFL.

Now I ask you, is what Michael Vick did any worse than the laundry list of offenses (against human beings I might add) above?

I honestly can not believe that we will see this man in a NFL uniform yet again.  The only saving grace would be that he inevitably will be arrested again and Goodell will have no recourse but to ban him from the NFL permanently.

Also check out the Top 10 NFL Head Coaching Vacancies for 2009.

 

10. Mike Heimerdinger, Offensive Coordinator, Tennessee Titans

Heimerdinger has a solid reputation for his abilities on the offensive side of the ball. He's worked under Mike Shanahan twice, helping develop Jay Cutler at quarterback. The Titans' offense ranks sixth in rushing yards and seventh in points scored in the league.

 

9. Jim Caldwell, Associate Head Coach and Quarterbacks Coach, Indianapolis Colts

Caldwell coached in the college ranks for 20 years and was head coach for eight at Wake Forest. He's helped develop quarterbacks and passing games in the NFL.

 

8. Bill Cowher, Former Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

Cowher sets an aggressive tone with his teams. He has a Super Bowl championship under his belt, two AFC championships, and was named AP Coach of the Year in 1992. Cowher is best with a veteran team.

 

7. Mike Martz, Offensive Coordinator, San Francisco 49ers

His accomplishments speak for themselves. The former Rams head coach is a great offensive mind. What seems to limit Martz is a reputation for not meshing well with others.

 

6. Ron Rivera, Defensive Coordinator, San Diego Chargers

The Bears defense fell off in 2007 with Rivera's departure. He helped lead one of the most dominant defenses while defensive coordinator in Chicago. He has a solid background from his days in Philadelphia.

 

5. Jim Schwartz, Defensive Coordinator, Tennessee Titans

Schwartz has learned under Jeff Fisher and Bill Belichick. The Titan's impressive start this year is primarily due to a resurgent defensive unit that has lost many players in recent offseasons due to salary cap restrictions.

 

4. Rex Ryan, Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Baltimore Ravens

Ryan has helped lead one of the best defensive units in nine seasons with the Ravens. In his three seasons as coordinator, Ryan's defense has ranked among the top six in the league each year. Baltimore was No. 1 in the NFL in 2006, surrendering the fewest points.

 

3. Josh McDaniels, Offensive Coordinator, New England Patriots

What McDaniels has been able to achieve this season without Tom Brady is remarkable. He's learned under one of the best in the business in Belichick. He's considered a good evaluator of talent.

 

2. Jason Garrett, Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have one of the league's most dangerous offensive units. Garrett is the type of coach that's perfect for a team looking to rebuild and develop young players. He's unproven, however—this is only his second season as coordinator.

 

1. Steve Spagnuolo, Defensive Coordinator, New York Giants

Spagnuolo is the architect of a defense that applied relentless pressure on the Patriots' record-setting offense in Super Bowl XVII. He's turned around a defensive unit that ranked 25th in the league before his arrival, now ranked No. 3 overall in the NFL.