November 30, 2008 | Filed Under 2008 season | Comments Off
The characteristics of a champion are as stated keep losing teams losing, win all your home games and remember championships are won on the road. Following Dick Vermeil's model for winning makes for a hard to beat football team.
The regular season is coming to a close rather quickly and the last four games of this year will be the tale of the tape. We took a few steps in the right direction but we have to remember the old slogan "what have you done for me lately". It's not what you do in September, look over October, have a November to remember because you'll never forget December. What happens this week sets up next week, next week means nothing if you don't win PERIOD. Let's Go Boy's diamonds are made under pressure.
--Kevin Burnett
November 30, 2008 | Filed Under Dallas Cowboys, Editorial, Eli Manning, NFC East, NFL, New York Giants, Tony Romo | Comments Off
The two QB's are at the top of their games, but who is a better player?
Eli Manning is the QB of the best team in the NFL, but if Tony Romo was in his place wold he be as good as Eli? The answer is no.
Tony Romo came in to the season with the best team and the Cowboys were expected to be the top team in the NFC, but the Cowboys were not able to deal with the injuries to their stars.
The Giants played very well even though they lost Jeremy, Strahan and Osi. Eli is also the better player because Tony Romo can't put the distractions aside (Jessica Simpson).
Eli also has a Super Bowl win and Tony doesn't have a playoff win, but Tony Romo has thrown 21 TD this season where Eli only has 18. Tony Romo has throw about 200 more yards this season, but Eli is the better player.
November 30, 2008 | Filed Under Cowboys News, Player Info | Comments Off
Today I was hoping to see wins by the Giants, Packers, Chargers and Bears. So far the only team that has come thru for me is the Giants and I am still hoping the Bears can pull it off tonight.
Todd Archer breaks down the NFC Wildcard race, read here.
The only good thing that happened was the New York Giants' win against Washington that moved the Cowboys into second place in the NFC East.
But Carolina won against Green Bay at Lambeau Field, Atlanta went to San Diego and won and Tampa Bay beat New Orleans. So right now Carolina and Atlanta hold the wild-card spots.
And let's compare the final month for those two teams and the Cowboys:
Cowboys - at Pittsburgh, vs. Giants, vs. Baltimore, at Philadelphia
Carolina - vs. Tampa Bay, vs. Denver, at NY Giants, at New Orleans
Atlanta - at New Orleans, vs. Tampa Bay, at Minnesota, vs. St. Louis
And here's Tampa Bay's finish: at Carolina, at Atlanta, vs. San Diego, vs. Oakland
Clearly the Cowboys have the most difficult schedule left. And now you know why 10 wins might not be enough to get into the playoffs.
I agree with Archer. Having 10 wins probably won't get it done for the Cowboys because they have already lost four NFC games and that's the fist tie-breaker when it comes to determining the Wildcard teams.
The real thing to do is to win out and I think a 12-4 record definitely gets us the #5 seed.
And forget about the division because the Giants win today made that a near impossible.
Bring on the Steelers.
November 30, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | Comments Off
Re-Train the Negative BrainBy Dr. Randy Borum
Article first appears in Black Belt Magazine, January, 2008, pp. 48-50)
What generates the strongest feelings for you – the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat? According to brain scientists, the human brain is essentially “hard wired” to be negative. Numerous studies have shown that the electrical (neural) connections in your brain are stronger and faster when they are responding to something unpleasant than when responding to something neutral or pleasant.
Might this provide a scientific explanation for why “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop”? And why does the brain behave like that? And can we do anything about it? All very reasonable questions. Science provides some insights and possibilities.
Many scientists believe that this negativity bias comes from evolutionary adaptation. The idea is that a long time ago (roughly between twelve thousand and two million years ago) as the human species was beginning to emerge, the world was a tough and dangerous place with devastating weather events as big parts of the earth were frozen under glaciers interspersed with floods. Those humans who survived were the ones whose brains alerted and protected them from the hazards. Those would be our ancestors. That’s the theory anyway.
To be a bit more practical, the consequences of responding too slowly or insufficiently to danger are often more dramatic and hazardous than responding slowly to a neutral or positive stimulus. In a way, the negative brain is trying to protect us by prioritizing what it looks for, how it evaluates information, and how it urges us to act. It does this automatically, and often without our conscious awareness. When presented simultaneously with something negative, neutral and positive - the brain will naturally focus on the negative almost every time. This essentially means that worry is our brain’s default state and that negative emotions will “trump” the positive ones. Well, that explains a lot doesn’t it?
Now that you have read the bad news, perhaps no amount of good news will bring back your previously cheerful state…but I’ll try. One of the most remarkable features of the human brain is its ability to learn and adapt. You can take advantage of this knowledge to create what psychologist Martin Seligman calls “Learned Optimism” or the optimal state of experience that Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi simply calls “flow.”
We have the ability to change our own level of happiness – up or down - and to facilitate within ourselves a positive and perhaps optimal mental and emotional climate. Some scientists suggest that each of us has our own individual “set point” of happiness or positivity, and that maybe as much as half of that is genetically determined. But regardless of our natural tendencies and predispositions, nearly all psychology researchers would agree that we can change our “state” of positivity.
How do you do it? First, you need to recognize that optimism is a choice. You are going to have to take some responsibility for what you attend to, what you ruminate about and how you respond to it. It may not come naturally at first, but the more you do it, the more you will amplify those positive pathways in the brain and to mute the negative ones.
Positive psychology researchers often talk about three components of happiness. The first is to “get more pleasure out of life.” Find and appreciate what is positive and pleasurable as you go through life each day and savor it. If something delights your senses or makes you smile or laugh or feel interested – pause and pay attention to it while enjoying the pleasurable feelings that it brings. Feeling gratitude and being thankful can also foster positive feelings. The second component is to become more “engaged” in whatever you are doing. Too often when training or doing a kata, it is easy to mentally disengage and just go through the motions. Instead try to focus on and experience what you are doing without any other distraction. Don’t think too much or over-analyze, just experience what you are doing in the moment. The third component of happiness rests in finding ways to make your life feel more meaningful. Seligman suggests that you take inventory of your own strengths (such as courage, compassion, humor) and look for new ways to use them to achieve your goals or to help others.
Over the next week, consider trying (and writing down) these easy and practical steps to nudge your negative brain. Get a piece of paper for each day of the week. You don’t have to write a narrative just jot a quick note to yourself about the following five things:
• Write one blessing or thing in your life (or that happened that day) for which you are thankful.
• Write one thing you noticed during the day that brought you pleasure.
• Identify one person who you are grateful and happy to have in your life. Take a minute to think about why. Consider telling that person what you appreciate about him or her.
• Do something nice for someone, whether a friend or a stranger.
• Take one to two minutes to breathe deeply and allow all your muscles to relax. Focus only on your breathing.
You might find that being happy, positive or optimistic is hard work..at least at first. But it is well worth the effort. Mute the negative and amplify the positive.
November 30, 2008 | Filed Under AFC East, Bill Parcells, Breaking News, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, NFL | Comments Off
The Bill Parcells connection continues in Miami as the team has added another player from Tuna's tenure in Dallas. With an open roster spot due to receiver Greg Camarillo's injury, the Dolphins added former Cowboys center Al Johnson on Nov. 29.
Background
A second-team All-Big Ten selection as a senior at Wisconsin in 2002, Johnson was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round (38th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.
After working with the first-team offense during training camp, a knee injury landed Johnson on injured reserve, forcing him to miss his entire rookie season.
Johnson beat out Tyson Walter for the Cowboys' starting center job in 2004 and went on to start all but one game for Dallas during the regular season. The following season, Johnson started all 16 games for the Cowboys but split time throughout the year with Andre Gurode.
Gurode overtook Johnson for the starting center job in 2006 as Johnson started none of the 16 games in which he played. Johnson became an unrestricted free agent following the season.
On March 6, 2007, Johnson signed a four-year, $17 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. A knee injury bothered Johnson early in the season, but he went on to start 14 games for Arizona in 2007.
A knee injury nagged Johnson throughout training camp and the preseason in 2008 and the team eventually placed him on season-ending injured reserve on Sept. 6. He was released with an injury settlement on Oct. 21.
Johnson worked out for the Dolphins on Nov. 28 and was signed the following day to replace wide receiver Greg Camarillo, who was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week.
Analysis
While I and many in the Dolphins media expected practice squad receiver Anthony Armstrong to fill Camarillo's roster spot, it makes sense that the team went another direction.
Miami only dresses four receivers on game days (Ernest Wilford has been the odd man out lately), so promoting Armstrong wouldn't have much impact against St. Louis, because he's just be the fifth receiver and wouldn't dress anyway.
As for Johnson, he's a good signing who has plenty of experience and ability. Johnson's a solid blocker, but doesn't possess great strength and certainly isn't a mauler. He also has some injury concerns, as his career has been littered with knee problems every season.
There is some uncertainty to the reason behind Johnson's signing. One line of thinking says he's just a backup for Samson Satele, as Andy Alleman has been seeing a lot of time at right guard of late.
However, there's another school of thought that believes Johnson is being brought in to push Satele for the starting job.
Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that the move comes on the heels of a game in which Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork spent four quarters dominating Satele.
Which side do I fall on? Right now I'd say the former. While it's impossible to know Bill Parcells' motives and Johnson certainly has the experience and ability to push for a starting center job, I'm a big fan of Satele and feel he has a ton of upside.
Struggling with quite possibly the best nose tackle in football in Wilfork does not mean Satele can't been a good center in this league.
Chris Nelson is a journalism major at Georgia State University. He operates his own Miami Dolphins blog, which can be found here.
November 30, 2008 | Filed Under Fantasy Football, Fantasy Football Advice, Fantasy Football Tips, NFL, NFL Injuries, fantasy football injuries, injuries | Comments Off
For many leagues Week 13 is the last week of the fantasy football regular season. You need your starters healthy and if not you need to at least know if they are going to go or not, right? Not much worse than watching that zero on your live scoring because you didn’t take an injured guy out. Here is a look at the fantasy football injuries of note for week 13.
Quarterback:
David Garrard, Jaguars: Garrard is listed as probable with his back but is practicing and should play on Monday Night.
Matt Schaub, Texans: Schaub is practicing and getting back into form but isn’t looked at as more than a backup this week. The Texans have named Sage Rosenfels the starter for Monday Night.
Carson Palmer, Bengals: It is pretty much time to face the facts with Palmer this season. If he is still sitting on your bench as you hope for his triumphant return, might not wanna waste the spot. He is looking at possibly coming back week 15, if at all. Let’s say you are that deep in the fantasy playoffs…do you wan tot risk his rusty self coming in then? If you are that far you likely have a QB already who has picked up the slack.
Marc Bulger, Rams: Bulger and his concussion should be playing against the Dolphins. Hopefully you have another option.
Running Back:
Steven Jackson, Rams: This week looks better than the previous with a “maybe” on whether or not Jackson will play. Watch this one close leading up to kickoff. The locals are saying he should be playing.
Clinton Portis, Redskins: Portis is expected to play in the rivalry game against the Giants. Not the best matchup but you want your studs on the field at this time in the fantasy season, right?
Reggie Bush, Saints: It appears that Reggie will make his return against the Bucs this weekend. Everything points to another missed week EXCEPT the fact that Payton says he expects him to be out there.
Willie Parker, Steelers: It appears that Speedy Willie will be playing against the Patriots. Not the best matchup for him though. Keep an eye on the situation if you need him.
Marion Barber, Cowboys (for week 14): The way things are looking right now it appears that Barber may not miss any time with his bad toe. Not the best matchup against the Steelers in their next game but the Cowboys cannot afford to be without Barber as they chase a playoff spot. Tashard Choice may be someone to go out and get if he is available in your league.
Brandon Jacobs/Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants: Both of these fellas are listed as questionable. Jacobs looks like a go after practicing the last few days. Bradshaw, not so much.
Jonathan Stewert, Panthers: He is listed as probable against the Packers but is taking a backseat to DeAngelo Williams at the moment. If you need, he should be playing.
Steve Slaton, Texans: Slaton is probable and should be a go this week. What a season from a guy they said was too small…
Selvin Young, Broncos: Still hanging on to this guy? He is practicing but it is limited. If you absolutely need him, keep an eye on the Broncos report leading up to the late game start. Not the most favorable matchup anyway against the Jets.
Jerious Norwood, Falcons: Although he is listed as questionable, it appears that Norwood should be fine to play against the Chargers.
Wide Receiver:
Plaxico Burress, Giants: If you have not heard it looks like it may be time to hang it up on Burress for the season, or try to move him for good in Dynasty leagues. The gunshot wound will keep him out but there is a side story of a prison sentence in the making…
Greg Jennings, Packers: Jennings is back in practice and is a must play for the Packers in this game against the Panthers.
Jerricho Cotchery/Laveranues Coles, Jets: Cotchery is listed as probable with a banged up shoulder but should be a go. Coles has become the Brian Westbrook of WR’s, always on the injury report, only he plays more than Westy.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals: Housh is practicing and listed as probable. You can look for him to play…probably.
Roddy White, Falcons: Ignore the Questionable listing. White is practicing without limitations. This buy has turned out to be a stud this season and your lineup should not be without him this week.
Eddie Royal, Broncos: He is listed as questionable but it is expected to play. Keep an eye out for him between now and his kickoff if you need him.
Derrick Mason/Mark Clayton, Ravens: Mason is again on the injury report but now listed as probable. They have the Bengals this week…Clayton is questionable but expected to play.
Tight End:
Kellen Winslow, Browns: He is listed as questionable with his shoulder but is expected to play.
Zach Miller, Raiders: MIller and his groin are listed as questionable and has been limited in practice. With that said, he is expected to play. If you can’t keep an eye on him and have someone else you are thinking about you may want to do that. If Miller does go it is a good matchup for him.
***On Monday stop by The Hazean to see what the damage was over the weekend.
November 29, 2008 | Filed Under Adam Jones, Dallas Cowboys, NFL | Comments Off
The most troubled player in the NFL finds himself on Roger Goodell's bad side yet again. Adam "Pacman" Jones has been suspended by the NFL for the umpteenth time, less than a week after returning to practice with the Dallas Cowboys.
Jones and his entourage were allegedly involved in a locker room squabble on Thanksgiving Day after the Cowboys' 34-9 throttling of the Seattle Seahawks.
But the real hard-hitting action happened after the game when Jones and his entourage skipped at least five people to get to the front of the food line.
While innocent bystanders gasped and cried, Jones pushed his way to the front, and ripped the biggest drumstick from the turkey. Players and reporters waiting in line stood dumbfounded as his bodyguards carried trays of sweet potato pie and macaroni and cheese to their table.
When warned that the biggest drumstick was reserved for head coach Wade Phillips, Jones allegedly scowled, took a menacing bite of the well-cooked poultry, and spit it at the feet of the Jonas Brothers.
Plans for Jones' return have been placed on hold while the NFL investigates the allegations against Adam Jones.
"We will be reviewing the tapes and speaking with witnesses before coming to a conclusion on Jones' future," wrote Roger Goodell in a statement released early Saturday morning.
"[Jones] understands that he is on a very short leash. We would like to fully understand all of the facts before making a life-changing decision on his future with the NFL...We may have to look into scaring him straight like MTV used to do."
This incident would be added to a long list of problems Jones has had since entering the NFL. As fans grow weary with his antics, the fact that he is exceptionally talented continues to afford him more opportunities.
Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, with frequently updated Jets' and NFL news and opinions, and a premier fan community. He is also the Community Leader for the New York Jets on Bleacher Report.
November 28, 2008 | Filed Under Cowboys News, Player Info | Comments Off
Rocket and Big Nate talk about the big win over the Seahawks...
The road ahead is tough, but if this team can get through it with at least three wins and earn a playoff berth I see a good run in the playoffs.
November 28, 2008 | Filed Under CP Staff Articles | Comments Off
THE NEW SHERIFF
TAKING OVER?
{ *THE 4.9 UPGRADE* }
By Shark
CP Mock Draft Team Member, Outside-the-Box Theorist
With the injury bug proving Marion Barber weak, isn't it now time to give a durable back the position? This isn't the first time Barber has proven his weakness, so isn't it time Dallas went a new direction while the season still has hope. It's clear MB3 is in a class he never belonged. I see many years of injures ahead and failed seasons following. That's why it's time to move Tashard Choice into the backfield and trade Barber this offseason. The guy above is clearly the better back because Barber just isn't caliber!
Injury Plagued Player
*THE BUST*
2008 BEST 3.9
What will his trade value bring if we tape him, shoot him with dope and use him sparingly the rest of the season, hiding his weakness?
November 28, 2008 | Filed Under DeMarcus Ware, Marion Barber, News, injuries | Comments Off
Cowboys nation spent Friday nervous as can be about the MRI results that were coming back on running back Marion Barber and linebacker DeMarcus Ware. But, in both cases there is good news. The results of both MRI’s were negative, meaning there was nothing serious about either injury. An MRI test on Ware’s hyper-extended left knee showed no ligament damage Friday. An MRI on Barber’s right fifth toe, which was dislocated, revealed no fracture. Both will be listed as day-to-day as they and the team gets ready for next Sunday’s showdown with the Steelers.
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