2nd half of season gets off to a good start.

WIth Tony Romo's return hyped up as much as it possibly could, in a very important divisional game against the Redskins (a team the Boys had already lost to) a win was a must.  And boy did they deliver.  People have been down playing the Cowboys defense as of late, maybe because of a lack of effort against the Giants, Cardinals, and Rams, but when the offense struggleded against the Skins, the defense held true.  Jay Ratliff, having a HUGE season already has 6 sacks on the year, was a force that the Redskins could not stop.  At the same token, Damarcus Ware did his usual thing collecting another sack to his yearly total of 11.  Romo threw 2 interceptions in the first half of the Redskins game, but players like Ware and Ratliff helped get us out of an early hole.  Even after the 2 interceptions, by halftime the Cowboys were losing 10 - 7.  We got a look at a healty Terrence Newman in the 2nd half, as snagged an interception - only Jason Campbell's 3rd of the season - and broke up the final 4th and 4 drive of the Redskins.  No doubt, with the team completly healthy you would figure a great run at the post-season is eminent.  This is false to alot of people who STILL thihnk the Cowboys will crash and burn.  A poll on Fox Sports asked viewers if they think Dallas will make the playoffs, and some 58% said no.  Perhaps this is due to the gruelling schedule remaining, and boy is it not a pretty one.

First is a game that the Cowboys could overlook.  Like the Cardinals, and the Rams, the 49'ers (after Mike Singletary became the coach) have played teams very hard.  Singletary is 1 - 2 as the new coach but has made a pretty lousy team look pretty good, even in the losses.  He has earned the respect from his players, and is promising nothing but sucess for the team.  Last week, againt the Rams, The 49'ers put up some 35 points in the first half.  Although the were playing the Rams, the Cowboys need to prepare for a tough home game against a revitalized San Fransisco team.  IF not careful, Cowboys fans could see their ever so confident team get run over by an under-rated team.  The record may not say much for the niners this season, but look out in 09'.  Frank Gore could put up big number against the Cowboys, as many other runningbacks have done this year.  Portis, Westbrook, Jacobs, and Jackson to name a few.  Dallas hasnt been all that great against the run this year, but with Terrence Newman back and healty the pass defense should hold San Fransisco to be a one dimensional team.  My pick: DAL 27 - SF 13

The week after San Fransisco should be another gimmie.  So much so I dont think it deserves much focus at all (although if the Cowboys choke that one away then Ill be regretting it).  The only thing I really have to say about it is that Hasselback should return as the QB by then, so our secondary might be put to through a decent test.  Also, Julius Jones might want some revenge against his former team, so look out for him.  MY pick:  DAL 30 - SEA 17

This one is going to be one of the tougher games on the schedule.  Dallas at Pittsburgh.  Alot of people are still riding the Ben Roethlisberger bandwagon after carrying the Steelers to a Superbowl a couple of years ago, but I am proud to say that I am not one of them.  To be honest with you, I think if BIG BEN plays, the Cowboys will win outright, but if he gets hurt again, before the game, and Leftwich returns, I think the Boys could be in deep trouble.  Ben has thrown interceptions galore in recent weeks, and looks more like a Chase Daniel than a Terry Bradshaw.  Sort of like the Cowboys of recent, the Steelers have been either winning games because of their defense (no suprise there) or just loosing them completly.  The Steelers got mauled by the Giants (so did the cowboys) and then got run over by the Ravens, and barely squeeked by a lousy San Diego team in therrible weather conditions (not to mention a blown call at the end of the game that left very sour taste in Las Vegas' mouth).  My point about the Steelers game is that they're weak offensivley.  VERY weak.  The ONLY thing they have going for them offensively is Willie Parker when he's healthy.  Not Hines Ward, or Big Ben, or any other nameless offensive players, but Willie Parker could be the thorn in the Cowboys side.  Mendenhal prooved to be a good pass by the Cowboys, and Felix prooved to be a great one.  I definatly look foward to his return this weeken against San Fran.  This game should be a tough to to call in favor of the Cowboys but Im going to continue to be biased and say that:  DAL 20 - PIT 17

Next is probably the most important game on the remaining schedule.  The re-match against New York.  After blowing last years playoff game against them (cough Crayton) the Giants started where they left off.  Smashing Dallas' faces in the dirt.  Mike Jenkins looked like a Rookie against the G-men a couple of weeks ago as he literally, watched Brandon JAcobs strole into the end zone with out even attempting to tackle him.  Maybe its because he was terrified that the 'should be' linebacker was running at him, full speed ahead as if he wants to be a running back.  Wait?  You're telling me that Brandon Jacobs IS a running back?  O shit no wonder why the Dallas defense watched him run by instead of making an effort.  To be honest, if I saw that man running full steam straight at me, I would fall to my knees and start repenting cause he is a BEAST.  I hate the Giants, but JAcobs is by far the best player on that team, and with him, I think it will be difficult for anyone to beat them.  As over-rated as Eli has become, as long as he has Brandon Jacobs he'll be a top rated QB for a loooooooooong time.  I would like to pick Dallas in this one, AND I dont think its a shoe-in that we will lose but:  DAL 17 - NY 24

The last two games will be tough as well.  Bal at Dal and Dal at Phi.  Im tired of typing so Im just gonna say this:  If Westbrook gets the carries he deserves, then and only then does Philly stand a chance.  Baltimore only wins if Suggs and Lewis take Romo out - which is quite possible.  here are the picks:  DAL 24 - BAL 20       DAL 17 - PHI 10

 If you havent noticed, I picked Dallas in all but one of the remaining games.  I did this because I believe Dallas will ride into the playoffs with HUGE momentum and make a run at the superbowl.  I stand by my pick from week one for the superbowl

DAL vs. NY JETS (maybe even the Dolphins)

Either way I think this season is the start of a new dynsasty.  Cowboys will win it all this year, and also when the superbowl is played in Dallas. 

By the way, did you know that the new Cowboys stadium will host the following:

1. 2010 NBA All star game
2. 2011 superbowl
3. 2014 mens basketball final four!
4. Nebraska vs Texas A&M game for the next 10 years

pretty wild stuff huh?