Those that know me can testify to the fact that I'm about as bleedin' blue of a Cowboy fan that Dallas has ever seen. Still, I'm not comfortable with what I'm witnessing. We've all had moments where we're holding a rant hostage inside. You don't want to acknowledge it, you hope that in time, it proves to be simply worrying over nothing, unfounded, and simply fades away. Well, this rant is festering, and I've got to vent it out.

With 13 returning Pro-Bowlers and the addition of Adam Jones, Zack Thomas and 2 high quality 1st round picks, the Cowboys are poised, that is they are in position for great things to happen. Yet through two preseason games the Cowboys have looked bad in every aspect in one game or the other. I'm not sure which disheartened me more following the San Diego loss, Wade Phillips' nonchalant dismissal of the misadventures, or Tony Romo's giggling Not to worry, we can turn it on when it's time to attitude.

My theory is this: In the end, the teams that can "turn it on" are no match for the teams that can "turn it up".

The Cowboys don't fall into both groups. Teams progress as the season moves on. By December, the very good teams begin to separate themselves from the Pack. Ironically, this is when Dallas is no longer able to flip the ON switch, and get positive results.

Dallas starts strong and plays at a high level. By about game 12 or 13, many good teams have found their groove, found confidence, and are on a roll. The cream of the NFL crop begins to rise to the top as the playoff races tighten.

This is when Dallas slips and slides down the ladder of power. Last season they could not "turn it up" when it was time to. What was missing? I think it may have been that during those closing games, where teams are coming together as a cohesive unit and playing for their playoff lives, those teams gained an advantage on Dallas, who just laid back very soft, and in an unimpressive fashion, fell into home field advantage following some embarrassing butt-kicking losses. The response back then from Camp Cowboy? "Don't worry. We can turn it on when the playoffs start. That's when it matters anyway".

When it came time for Dallas to "turn it on", they were full of doubt and lacked anything resembling confidence. Confidence of "I know we can" was replaced by "I hope we can" and "Can we?". Teams that could "turn it up" were beating the team that once settled for "turn it on".

Whether the Cowboys can or can't turn it on should not be an issue. This team has won nothing. There are NO skins on the wall. Yes it's only preseason, yet I find the shrug it off complacency of "none of this matters" to be disturbing.

What I'm witnessing from Camp Cowboy 2008 looks eerily close to being déjà vu all over again. Now I'm not the prophet of doom. I actually believe as I stated above, that Dallas is in position to have an exceptional season. What is missing is that sense of urgency. Is it unfair to expect it from a 13-3 team? I don't think so at all. Last year's training camp was laughingly dubbed Camp Cupcake by the media. It was a term every Cowboy fan was aware of. So if last year Wade "laid back" Phillips held Camp Cupcake, what exactly is the term for training camp 2008? Camp Marshmellow. No joke!


Where's that sense of urgency? The attitude of "We're not gonna take it"? I want to see Wade Phillips kick over a table at a press conference! I want to hear him shout "This @!%$!* is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE"! I'm assuming ole Mr. warm-n-fuzzy has never seen the flip side of a table in any camp.

Yes it's preseason and yes the games are "meaningless" in the standings. I remember when Jimmy Johnson made it clear to his players that there are no meaningless games. 16 penalties for 174 yards in 2 losses should be very alarming! Is it just me? Does anyone else miss ole Jimmy grabbing a player's facemask and pulling him close, having the offenders undivided attention and yelling "That sort of bone-headed mistake can cost you your job, or at least your spot on the depth chart"?

The media in Dallas/Fort Worth is spoon fed complacency and buys into it 100%. Jerry Jones treats the media members like rock stars and pampers them on a first name basis. It's almost sickening. Once again, this team has accomplished NOTHING. There are NO skins on the wall.

Case in point - Here's the opening paragraph of Mac Engel's Fort Worth Star Telegram article, where he comes out of the gate making excuses:

"The Dallas Cowboys were gone for 25 days, stayed in three different hotels, flew on planes, rode on a train as well as in automobiles, played two teams and had just two or three days off during that time."...

Cry me a river! August isn't any harder on the Cowboys than any team in the league. Something is missing! Where's the Redemption attitude? Where's the sense of urgency? Penalties and mistakes run rampant and it's shrugged off. With all due respect to the N.Y. Giants, Dallas was also horrible in the penalties and mistakes department in that playoff loss. Dropped touchdown passes. Crayton giving up on his route that could have been a wide-open TD pass. Cowboys were penalized 11stinking times for 84 yards in that loss! That followed giving up 815 penalty yards in the regular season. No one was held accountable following that playoff loss. So we pick right up where we left off?

For the record, Dallas hasn't scored 20 or more points in a game since game 13 of last season. No one in Dallas speaks of the penalties and goofy mistakes that have haunted the Cowboys since the early December spiral into shame. It's like the crazy uncle that lives in a basement. You know he's there, we just don't speak about it. Zero accountability. But don't worry Dallas fans. Word is, it's all good, and the Cowboys can turn it on when it counts. Am I the only one concerned here?

Mention the Dallas Cowboys in any circle, and the conversation is sure to get heated. The Cowboys (and perhaps the Patriots) are the most loved and most hated team in the NFL. While Dallas has taken great strides in cleaning up the "character issues" of the '90's, there is still a false perception of thuggery and criminal behavior, where once again, as in the '90's, the inmates are running the asylum. The truth is, this misconception couldn't be farther from the truth.

Foundation Of The Modern Misconception

During the 1990's the Dallas Cowboys rivaled the soap opera show Dallas for most intense drama. The most flamboyant Cowboy of all - Michael Irvin - made J.R. Ewing look comparatively tame and innocent. There were story lines of sex, drugs, attempted murder and murder for hire allegations that made it quite embarrassing to be a Cowboy fan.

Fans saw Irvin, the Cowboys' All-Pro receiver and a married man, charged with felony drug possession. They saw a man purported to be Irvin on secretly recorded videotape, talking about buying and using drugs. They read about an extortionist who, alleging that Irvin owed him money for drugs, threatened to blow up the offices of Irvin's attorney.

And then, in the story's darkest twist, fans learned that a Dallas police officer was accused of soliciting Irvin's murder after the football star reportedly threatened the officer's girlfriend (a stripper), a potential witness against him.

There was "The White House," code among the Dallas Cowboys of the 1990's for a house nearby their practice facility where some partook in illegal activities. "We got a little place over here where we're running some #### in and out, trying to be responsible," as Nate Newton said, "and we're criticized for that, too."

Remember this all came on the coat tails of Jerry Jones firing Tom Landry, one of the most revered members of the Cowboys franchise. As the story goes, Mr. Landry was playing golf in Austin when he received the news via telephone from a friend who had heard on the radio that Landry was fired and that he was replaced by University Of Miami coach Jimmy Johnson.

Personally, I struggled with the questions like "What does a city gain if it wins a Super Bowl but loses its soul? Do we forgive Irvin and forget because he catches passes and wins games?

A Change In Course

In May of 1997 Former Dallas Cowboys star Calvin Hill and his wife Janet were hired by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones as consultants for the team, which was in dire need of image reshaping. This came on the heels of when, from October 1995 to November 1996, five Cowboys players were suspended by the NFL for a total of seven times for alcohol or substance abuse.

The Hills, parents of NBA model citizen and superstar Grant Hill, agreed to be consultants after a nationwide search by Jones. Mrs. Hill was vice president of the corporate consulting firm Alexander & Associates in Washington, D.C., which she founded.

Mr. Hill, formerly a vice president for the Baltimore Orioles, was an independent consultant. Mr Hill was also a consultant to the Cleveland Browns. As a consultant with the Cleveland, he helped form a group of Cleveland Browns' players to control and eliminate drug and alcohol related problems. Mr. Hill has written several articles on sports and academia for national publications, makes appearances at university campuses and business firms, throughout the United States. He addresses several topics including the problem of drugs and alcohol and the work needed in this area, and the important relationship of sports and academia.

As consultants they devised a wide-range plan that called for hiring of additional managers and staff. It was the Hills' job to create a support system that would try to teach players how to keep their personal lives safer and saner. They created a number of programs including family assistance, drug and alcohol abuse treatment, and career counseling. Calvin was enthusiastic about the Cowboys' future a year later, when he spoke to The Hartford Courant: "When I went to Dallas, I was expecting a team full of characters....what I found was a team of character. People tend to let a couple of incidents color the perception....Fame is a microscope, and with the Cowboys, it's an electron microscope."

The Cowboys clearly needed to assist players who were dealing poorly with fame and fortune. The Hills' work with the team is part of a larger trend towards support programs in college and professional sports. "I wish I could tell each guy here to put all the money away for a couple of years until they figure out what to do with it," he said in the Hartford Courant; "The problem is, these young men are socialized a certain way ... and then they are given more money than they ever could have envisioned. They get all that money and fame too quickly, before they know how to handle it," he continued. The personal problems professional athletes face are well known to the Hills, not only because of Calvin's experiences in the NFL, but because of their son Grant's career in the NBA. Speaking of Grant's entry into professional basketball in the Dallas Morning News, Calvin remembered, "We were scared to death ... because we know what's out there."

A New Direction

The Cowboys organization, unlike every other NFL team, has the infrastructure in place to handle NFL malcontents. Calvin Hill serves in that capacity, and given Dallas' success rate with not only keeping these guys out of trouble but getting them to be productive on the field, I'd say he's doing a pretty good job. No player on the Dallas Cowboys roster has been in legal trouble, as a Dallas Cowboy. NO other team in the NFL can say that.

The image and success Calvin Hill has brought to Dallas has been tested repeatedly by Jerry Jones. Before the Hills ever came to Dallas, Jones had a penchant for taking on basket cases, beginning with the remolding of Charles Haley. After having a falling out with the 49ers head coach George Seifert and a physical confrontation with then 49ers QB Steve Young, Haley was traded to Dallas - the only team willing to take on Haley and his violent temper - in the 1992 off-season. With the Cowboys he became a model citizen and team leader while winning three more Super Bowl rings over the next four seasons in 1992, 1993, and 1995.

Calvin Hill's work had an impact on the Cowboys draft choices also. Randy Moss grew up a Cowboys fan and wanted to play for the Cowboys. The Cowboys wanted Moss, but due to many off-field incidents of their own, Jerry Jones did not feel they could draft Moss. Michael Irvin even called to apologize to Moss, because Irvin's own off-field problems were a main reason Moss was not drafted by Dallas.

Since that draft, Moss has made a history out of beating up on the Cowboys. Before he was drafted, Randy Moss had stood outside the D/FW Marriott following his pre-draft visit to the Cowboys and vowed to make every team that passed on him pay. Perhaps Jerry Jones should have listened. Jones and the Cowboys chose not to take a chance on Moss, given their success with avoiding character issue baggage. Perhaps the greatest thrill in Moss' career come from torching Dallas at every opportunity. He seems to have his best games living up to that pre-draft vow.

In 2003 the Cowboys went 10-6 with Quincy Carter as the starting quarterback and got back in the playoffs in Bill Parcells’ first year in Dallas. Carter passed for 3,305 yards with 17 touchdowns as the Cowboys advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. Carter, a 2nd round draft pick in 2001, was released by Coach Bill Parcells - for what is believed to be a failed in house drug test - under Dallas' strict code of conduct policy. Carter could not be trusted with the leadership of the team. Strike one, you're out.

NFL Crime Blotter

In February 2007 ProFootballTalk.com began tracking NFL players, coaches and team reps arrests and incidents with what is called their "Turd Watch".

Turd Watch is a device for tracking and publicizing player arrests and convictions. Though some might find the name to be unpleasant, NFL scouts, coaches, players, and agents commonly use the term "turd" in reference to guys who are, well, turds. Take a look at the results - warning - the number of incidents is shocking:

7/16/08: Broncos CB Carl Paymah is convicted of DUI and careless driving.

7/10/08: Jaguars WR Matt Jones is arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance.

7/9/08: Pats RB Kevin Faulk pleads no contest to marijuana possession.

7/7/08: Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu pleads guilty to DUI.

6/30/08: Pats DB Willie Andrews is arrested for assault with a dangerous weapon, a felony, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

6/28/08: Ravens DB Derrick Martin is arrested for possession of marijuana.

6/27/08: Bills RB Marshawn #### pleads guilty to failure to exercise due care, avoiding charges of hit-and-run.

6/24/08: Cardinals OL Brandon Keith pleads guilty to misdemeanor rioting and interference with official acts.

6/24/08: It is reported for the first time that Broncos WR Brandon Marshall was arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery on March 6.

6/24/08: It is reported for the first time that LB Jordon Dizon was arrested six days before the draft for su####ion of DUI; he was drafted by the Lions six days later.

6/23/08: Panthers WR Dwayne Jarrett pleads guilty to driving while impaired.

6/22/08: Titans DE Jevon Kearse is arrested for DUI.

6/21/08: Giants DB Geoffrey Pope is detained for questioning regarding potential felony battery charges. (On June 23, Pope was cleared of all charges.)

6/18/08: Cardinals RB J.J. Arrington is arrested for disorderly conduct.

6/15/08: Falcons S Daren Stone is arrested for DUI.

6/13/08: Titans WR Brandon Jones is arrested for misdemeanor possession of an unlawful firearm.

6/7/08: Bears RB Cedric Benson is arrested for DUI.

5/30/08: Jaguars S Gerald Sensabaugh is arrested for reckless driving; he was doing wheelies on a motorcycle.

5/24/08: 49ers LB Ezra Butler is arrested for DUI and possession of marijuana.

5/20/08: Saints DE Charles Grant is indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter and misdemeanor fighting.

5/10/08: Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu is arrested for su####ion of DUI.

5/3/08: Falcons LB Michael Boley is arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery.

5/3/08: Bears RB Cedric Benson is arrested for boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors.

4/27/08: Patriots OL Nick Kaczur is arrested for illegal prescription of painkillers.

4/27/08: The Cardinals draft OT Brandon Keith with three pending misdemeanors – disorderly conduct, rioting, and interfering with officials.

4/27/08: The Titans draft LB Stanford Keglar with three pending misdemeanors — battery, false informing, and disorderly conduct.

4/27/08: The Eagles draft CB Jack Ikegwuonu with a pending misdemeanor (criminal trespass) and a pending felony (residential burglary).

4/27/08: The Bengals draft DT Jason Shirley despite three pending misdemeanors — hit-and-run, driving under the influence, and driving with a blood-alcohol content of .08 percent or higher.

4/26/08: The Chargers draft LB DeJuan Tribble despite a pending misdemeanor charge of assault and battery and a pending felony charge of assault and battery with a deadly weapon.

4/26/08: The Lions draft OT Gosder Cherilus despite a pending misdemeanor charge of assault and battery and a pending felony charge of assault and battery with a deadly weapon.

4/26/08: Lions S Kalvin Pearson is arrested for felony aggravated battery of a female, felony domestic battery by strangulation, and misdemeanor obstruction or opposing of an officer.

4/21/08: Seahawks DT Rocky Bernard is arrested for investigation of domestic violence assault, a misdemeanor.

4/20/08: Colts RB Kenton Keith is arrested on four misdemeanors — public intoxication, disorderly conduct, resisting law enforcement, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

4/13/08: 49ers CB Donald Strickland has been arrested for misdemeanor public intoxication and misdemeanor resisting arrest.

4/11/08: Dolphins FB Regan Mauia is arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery.

4/9/08: Eagles DT Mike Patterson is found guilty of careless driving: likely to endanger a person.

4/3/08: Browns CB Kenny Wright is arrested and charged with unlawful restraint, evading arrest and fleeing, and possession of marijuana.

4/3/08: Bengals WR Chris Henry is arrested for assault and criminal damaging.

3/28/08: Giants LB Antonio Pierce pleads guilty to animal neglect.

3/19/08: Steelers WR Cedrick Wilson is arrested for simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct.

3/16/08: Texans WR Jacoby Jones is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

3/15/08: Titans RB Lendale White is cited for destruction of property, disobedience to a lawful order, and interference and resisting.

3/12/08: Packers LB Nick Barnett pleads no contest to misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

3/11/08: Titans assistant coach Chuck Cecil pleads guilty to reckless driving.

3/11/08: Panthers WR Dwayne Jarrett is arrested for misdemeanor driving while impaired.

3/8/08: Steelers LB James Harrison is arrested for misdemeanor assault and criminal mischief.

3/1/08: Browns CB Kenny Wright is charged with possession of marijuana.

3/1/08: Broncos DT Marcus Thomas is arrested for felony cocaine possession.

2/24/08: Vikings LT Bryant McKinnie is arrested for felony aggravated battery, misdemeanor disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest without violence.

2/22/08: Patriots RB Kevin Faulk is charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession.

2/19/08: Raiders CB Fabian Washington is arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery.

2/19/08: Broncos RB Andre Hall is arrested for driving on a revoked license, a misdemeanor.

2/17/08: Texans WR Jerome Mathis is arrested for choking his pregnant girlfriend, a misdemeanor.

2/16/08: Eagles DT Mike Patterson is arrested and charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession, driving while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and careless driving: likely to endager a person.

2/15/08: Bills WR Roscoe Parrish is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

2/15/08: Titans CB Pacman Jones pleads guilty to felony obstruction of a police officer.

2/5/08: Pats DB Willie Andrews is arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, a felony.

2/1/08: Dolphins linebacker Matt Roth is charged with misdemeanor public intoxication.

2/1/08: Giants defensive end Adrian Awasom is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

1/22/08: Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder is charged with misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident.

1/15/08: Jaguars defensive end Brett Hawkins is arrested for DUI.

1/11/08: Broncos tight end Daniel Graham is arrested for misdemeanor harassment.

12/29/07: Ravens safety Gerome Sapp is charged with misdemeanor assault.

12/28/07: Jaguars offensive lineman Stocker McDougle is arrested and charged with felony battery on a person over the age of 65 and misdemeanor touch-strike battery.

12/28/07: Seahawks radio analyst Warren Moon is arrested for su####ion of misdemeanor DUI and driving on a suspended license.

12/25/07: Dolphins assistant coach Mike Dumas is arrested for simple battery.

12/26/07: Vikings defensive end Darrion Scott is arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

12/13/07: Vikings safety Dwight Smith is arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana and obstructing traffic.

12/8/07: Broncos punter Todd Sauerbrun is cited for misdemeanor assault.

12/6/07: Bucs assistant coach Dwayne Stukes is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

12/1/07: Broncos QB Darrell Hackney is arrested for su####ion of misdemeanor DUI.

11/29/07: Texans OL Chester Pitts is charged with felony evading of police.

11/19/07: Bucs LB Cato June is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

11/3/07: Jaguars OL Richard Collier is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

11/3/07: Jaguars LB Justin Durant is charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest without violence.

10/23/07: Rams OL Claude Terrell is arrested for misdemeanor assault.

10/22/07: Broncos WR Brandon Marshall is arrested for su####ion of DUI.

10/16/07: Rams TE Dominique Byrd pleads no contest to DUI charges.

10/15/07: Bills DE Anthony Hargove pleads guilty to disorderly conduct charges.

10/12/07: Redskins OL Kili Lefotu is arrested and charged with simple assault, public drunkenness, and destruction of property.

10/11/07: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport is charged with domestic violence, endangering children, and unlawful restraint, all misdemeanors.

10/9/07: Packers LB Nick Barnett is charged with two counts of disorderly conduct arising from a prior arrest for one count of disorderly conduct.

10/4/07: Bears LB Lance Briggs pleads guilty to misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident.

9/29/07: Jaguars tackle Khalif Barnes is charged with misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident.

9/25/07: Falcons quarterback Mike Vick is indicted for beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in or promoting dogfighting; both are felonies.

9/15/07: Titans assistant coach Chuck Cecil is charged with DUI, a misdemeanor.

9/5/07: Browns CB Leigh Bodden is charged with aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors.

8/27/07: Falcons QB Mike Vick pleads guilty to one count of felony conspiracy to engage in illegal gambling and dog fighting.

8/27/07: Bears LB Lance Briggs is charged with misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident.

8/23/07: Buccaneers WR David Boston is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

8/17/07: Vikings DT Fred Evans pleads guilty to two felony charges.

8/13/07: Vikings sign DT Fred Evans while he is still facing misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and trespassing, and "multiple" felony counts of resisting arrest with violence and battery on a police officer

8/6/07: Seahawks radio analyst Warren Moon pleads guilty to negligent driving.

8/5/07: Bills DE Anthony Hargrove is arrested and charged with misdemeanor harassment, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest.

7/26/07: Panthers OL Jeremy Bridges is arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault.

7/24/07: It is first reported that Dolphins WR Kelly Campbell was arrested and charged with felony marijuana possession, felony Ecstasy possession, and a misdemeanor charge of providing false information to a police officer.

7/23/07: It is first reported that Falcons CB Jimmy Williams was arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession in early June.

7/19/07: Falcons QB Michael Vick is charged with conspiracy to maintain an interstate gambling enterprise, conspiracy to sponsor animal fighting, and conspiracy to transport dogs for dog fighting.

7/14/07: Dolphins WR Chis Chambers is charged with driving while impaired, reckless driving, and speeding.

7/12/07: Jaguars OT Khalif Barnes pleads no contest to DUI charges.

7/6/07: Chargers LB Anthony Waters is charged with misdemeanor simple assault and battery.

7/5/07: Raiders DE Bryant McNeal is arrested on charges of felony fraud against a pawn broker, and misdemeanor fraudulent check writing.

6/28/07: Rams DT Claude Wroten is arrested for misdemeanor property damage.

6/26/07: It is revealed that Dolphins DT Fred Evans was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession on February 10, 2007, and later pleaded no contest to the charges.

6/22/07: Dolphins DT Fred Evans is arrested on misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and trespassing, and "multiple" felony counts of resisting arrest with violence and battery on a police officer.

6/20/07: Titans CB Pacman Jones is charged with two counts of felony coercion. (The 14 points replace the 13 points that the Titans got when police recommended that Jones be charged with two misdemeanors and one felony in connection with the Las Vegas strip club incident.)

6/17/07: Bengals RB Quincy Wilson is arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

6/17/07: Packers LB Nick Barnett is arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

6/16/07: Browns WR Mike Mason is arrested and charged with aggravated disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstructing official business, all of which are misdemeanors.

5/30/07: Dolphins LB Joey Porter pleads no contest to misdemeanor battery charges.

5/25/07: Broncos WR David Kircus has a charge of violent crime added to his existing assault charges.

5/21/07: Broncos WR David Kircus is charged with felony assault.

5/20/07: Jets CB Justin Miller is arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault.

5/18/07: Bengals LB A.J. Nicholson is arrested and charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree assault after allegedly punching a woman in the eye.

5/10/07: Steelers LB Richard Seigler is arrested and charged with three felonies relating to allegedly acting as a pimp.

5/10/07: Ravens QB Steve McNair is arrested and charged under Tennessee's "DUI owner" law, a misdemeanor.

5/5/07: Jaguars CB Ahmad Carroll is charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ecstasy, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

5/4/07: Bengals DE Frostee Rucker pleads guilty to misdemeanor charges of false imprisonment and vandalism.

5/2/07: The New Orleans Saints sign defensive tackle Water Thomas despite a pending felony charge of conspiracy to commit robbery.

5/1/07: Bears DT Tank Johnson pleads guilty of misdemeanor possession of a firearm without a valid identification card.

4/29/07: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign TE Jerramy Stevens with two misdemeanor charges pending against him.

4/29/07: The San Francisco 49ers draft CB Tarell Brown with misdemeanor weapons charges from September 2006 pending against him.

4/26/07: It is reported for the first time that Falcons QB Mike Vick was charged with misdemeanor trespassing in February 2007.

4/19/07: Vikings CB Ronyell Whitaker is arrested and charged with misdemeanor careless driving and DUI.

4/15/07: Vikings CB Cedric Griffin is arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

4/6/07: Seahawks radio analyst Warren Moon is arrested on su####ion of DUI.

4/1/07: Bucs OT Anthony Davis is arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

3/31/07: Colts DE Darrell Reid is arrested and charged with su####ion of possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, obstruction, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle.

3/30/07: Buccaneers RB Lionel Gates is arrested and charged with three felonies -- assault of a pregnant woman, burglary of an occupied dwelling, and criminal mischief of more than $1,000.

3/26/07: Broncos WR Brandon Marshall is arrested on su####ion of misdemeanor false imprisonment and domestic violence.

3/26/07: Police recommend that Titans CB Pacman Jones be charged with misdemeanor battery, misdemeanor threat to life, and felony coercion.

3/25/07: Panthers G D'Anthony Batiste is charged with carrying a concealed weapon and improper window tinting.

3/25/07: Free-agent CB Dexter Reid is arrested and charged with misdemeanor gun charges and felony marijuana charges.

3/21/07: Raiders RB Dominic Rhodes pleads guilty to reckless driving.

3/21/07: Bengals WR Chris Henry is charged with driving on a suspended license, failing to wear a seat belt, and failing to use a turn signal.

3/19/07: Jaguars S Gerald Sensabaugh is arrested and charged with speeding and carrying arms, both misdemeanors.

3/19/07: Saints LB E.J. Kuale is arrested and charged with felony weapons possession and misdemeanor marijuana possession.

3/18/07: Dolphins LB Joey Porter is charged with misdemeanor battery after allegedly punching Bengals tackle Levi Jones in the face.

3/13/07: Free-agent TE Jerramy Stevens is arrested and charged with DUI and marijuana possession.

3/10/07: Jaguars WR Charles Sharon is arrested and charged with grand theft of a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm; both are felonies.

3/9/07: Titans CB Pacman Jones was arrested on felony obstruction charges, two misdemeanor obstruction charges, and misdemeanor marijuana possession in 2006 but failed to disclose the arrests; they were first reported in March 2007.

3/9/07: Cardinals assistant coach Richie Anderson is arrested on misdemeanor charges of solicitation of prostitution.

3/9/07: Bengals CB Deltha O'Neal pleads guilty to reckless driving.

3/9/07: Bengals CB Johnathan Joseph enters a diversion program on marijuana charges.

3/9/07: Raiders sign RB Dominic Rhodes while criminal charges are pending.

3/7/07: Rams TE Dominique Byrd is arrested for DUI.

3/6/07: Bengals LB A.J. Nicholson pleads no contest to burglary and grand theft charges.

3/5/07: Steelers CB Deshea Townsend is charged with simple assault.

2/23/07: Colts RB Dominic Rhodes is charged with a total of two misdemeanors for his February 20 DUI incident.

2/21/07: Bengals LB Odell Thurman pleads no contest to drunk driving charges.

2/20/07: Colts RB Dominic Rhodes is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

2/19/07: Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux is arrested and charged with felony animal abuse.

2/14/07: Chiefs DE Jared Allen pleads no contest to drunken driving.

2/8/07: Bears DT Tank Johnson pleads guilty to probation violation.

2/7/07: Chargers S Terrence Kiel pleads guilty to a felony and misdemeanor charge.

2/6/07: Titans DB Cortland Finnegan pleads guilty to reckless driving charges.

If you'll notice, there is ONE Team missing. One team which failed to gain the notoriety brought on by a shameful arrest or conviction. Who could that be?? Well I'll be damned, if it aint those wily, slick and crafty Dallas Cowboys. Who would have guessed it??



Last Chance Stop

Is it really any wonder that players on their last straw are eager to go to Dallas and save their career? The success stories are many, and the failure rate is almost non existent. Demetrius Underwood is the only failure, if you can call it that. To this day he still has a severe mental disorder, and played his short career while being diagnosed with a Bipolar disorder.

The finest example of success is Deion Sanders. Sanders voted the 1994 NFL Defensive Player Of The Year and recorded an interception in the 49ers 49-26 win over the Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX. After the season, Jerry Rice and Sanders publicly feuded — Rice fumed at the idea that the media felt Sanders was the missing link to the 49ers Super Bowl run and that it was not giving credit to the other 52 men in the locker room. This ultimately resulted in Sanders feeling unappreciated by the 49ers organization and he opted to leave the team.

After his public dispute with Jerry Rice, and the 49ers, and not feeling valued by the franchise, Cowboys' owner Jones brought Sanders' "Prime Time" show to Dallas.

During his time in Dallas, Sanders not only found happiness, but found himself as well as finding God.

As I stated above, the Cowboys, unlike every other NFL team, has the infrastructure in place to handle NFL malcontents. Calvin Hill serves in that capacity, and given Dallas' success rate with not only keeping these guys out of trouble but getting them to be productive on the field, I'd say he's doing a pretty good job. No player on the Dallas Cowboys roster has been in legal trouble, as a Dallas Cowboy. Can any other team in the league say that?

Police Blotter Reference Link from ProFootballTalk.com

.

Once again, in this age of steroids, trade demands, arrests, Show Me The Money, and character issues gone wild in sports, I bring to you a positive story about an athlete. It still boggles my mind that a player can get a DWI or owe a casino money, and that story is headlines all across America. Not that it isn't newsworthy, but where are the positive stories today? I guess you just have to dig a little deeper to find them.


We have grown accustomed to bad press stories like
the one where Griffin Whitman, 10 years old, got this
foul autograph from Yankees player Shelley Duncan.
Class act huh?

While scouring the web seeking information on NFC East teams, the story of Former New York Giants defensive end George Martin caught my eye. After a bit of investigating I've found he's is walking... across America to raise money for health care for the rescue workers who responded to Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001. Yes WALKING. Martin began his project in September, planning to walk from George Washington Bridge in New York to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.


8 months ago: Former New York Giants star George Martin
waves during halftime ceremonies at the Giants versus the
Green Bay Packers football game at Giants Stadium in East
Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007. Earlier Sunday,
Martin began a cross-country walk to raise money for sick
World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers.


For those fans outside of the NFC East who may be unaware, George Martin was a star defensive end and co-captain of the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants (1986). In Super Bowl XXI, he famously tackled Broncos quarterback John Elway for a safety in the end zone. During his 14 NFL seasons (1975-1988), Mr. Martin scored seven touchdowns (three on interception returns), which set a record for defensive linemen, surpassed this season by Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Jason Taylor. He is also a former president of the NFL Players Association.

Mr. Martin seeks to raise several million dollars to provide healthcare for 9/11 responders and increase awareness about the illnesses now affecting those who are suffering from lung disease, post traumatic stress disorder and other serious medical conditions stemming from their efforts at Ground Zero after the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Mr. Martin recently was named one of ABC News’ “Persons of the Year 2007” and also received a humanitarian award from the Heisman Trophy Trust in New York. He is currently walking across Arizona and will continue through , Arizona, and California, where the Journey will end in San Francisco at the Golden Gate Bridge in Spring 2008.

Averaging 20-25 miles per day on foot (a rate of about four miles per hour), Mr. Martin has already passed through portions of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. His trek began at the George Washington Bridge in New York City and will end at the Golden Gate Bridge in Spring 2008.

It's been 8 months and counting since his journey began. It looks like he just might make it. He's in Arizona now! Mr. Martin’s 3,200+ mile fundraising path across the United States can be tracked online daily via a GPS system here.

So while you're reading those stories of players demanding more, remember the man that is intent on actually giving back to a city that has supported him in the past.

George Martin is a true hero who is helping to bring much needed attention and assistance to the heroes of 9/11. I applaud him for undertaking this historic journey and thank him for devoting so much of himself to a critically important cause.

Why does he do it? His own words: “It is my honor to walk across this great nation to generate awareness about and funding for the healthcare needs of those who have fallen ill as a result of their selfless sacrifices in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. We need to do all we can as a nation to help the rescue and recovery workers of Ground Zero recover from and manage their illnesses. I encourage all Americans to support the efforts of those in Washington, DC, who seek to ensure proper medical care for those who have fallen ill as a result of 9/11, and I thank all those who are contributing to “a Journey for 9/11.”

This is another feel good story that is lacking in sports coverage. George Martin is a true hero who is actually giving back and helping to bring much needed attention and assistance to the heroes of 9/11. I applaud him for undertaking this historic journey and thank him for devoting so much of himself to a critically important cause.

When it comes to Hall Of Fame inductions, some things are a given. Montana was enshrined as a 49er, Walter Payton as a Bear, and Favre will be enshrined along with his # 4 Packers jersey.

Next comes the on-the-fence group, where players have to select which teams uniform to be enshrined with. Nick Buoniconti is a classic example. Buoniconti played in five AFL All-Star games as a Patriot and was a fan favorite. He also played in a few Pro Bowls as a Miami Dolphin, and a few Super Bowls.

At his HOF induction he stated "I also want to thank my Patriot teammates who were so great. We were a team that went on the field and we played. And the AFL was a just great time in our lives. No one had any money. Matter of fact, one time we took off from Boston, stopped off in Buffalo, and picked up the Buffalo Bills on the same plane because we were trying to save money." Then he added "But, the Patriots didn't like me enough. They decided they were going to ship me off to Miami. Now, who the hell wants to play in Miami? It's 100 degrees, 100 percent humidity and you're not supposed to play football - you're supposed to go to the beach. But, I got lucky."

Buoniconti felt unwanted by the Patriots after they traded him, but never publicly criticized the Boston organization for it. He eventually opted to enter Canton's Hall Of Fame as a Miami Dolphin, after an illustrious career.














Then there's Deion Sanders. The choice will be his alone as to whether he's inducted as a member of the Falcon, 49ers, Cowboys, Redskins or Ravens. With a personality that was made for "prime time", Sanders was arguably the very best cornerback to ever play in the league, and a fan favorite on every team where he donned a jersey. Fans in each of these cities can only hope that Sanders embraces their franchise and shows his appreciation as a representative of their team.

Which brings us to the far end of the spectrum.

I read a small, paragraph long article on a player that is pondering life after the NFL, when that day finally comes. That player is none other than Terrell Owens. Owens was snubbed by the Pro Bowl voters in 2006 for... well, for being T.O.

..... ;;;;;;; ;;;;;;; Once upon a time - loved in San
.... ... ........ . ...Francisco and hated in Dallas.

He has become a team player over the last 2 seasons with Dallas, and the voters rewarded his model citizen efforts by actually voting the gifted receiver into the 2007 Pro Bowl Class. Hating on T.O. had/has always come easy to so many NFL fans.
























... ... At least the honeymoon was sweet


A kinder, team friendly Terrell Owens has presented himself in a favorable light entering his contract year? What gives? The man that played his personal contract issues out in public air throughout his career, says that's all behind him.

"For sure, I definitely want to end my career with the Dallas Cowboys, and go into the Hall of Fame as a Dallas Cowboy," said Owens. He went on to say "I'm going to let God fight that battle for me. There was a situation where the contract didn't work out in Philly. With this, I'm going to let it play out and not try to be a distraction."






















.. .. ... ... ... ... T.O... Trying to not be a distraction



These remarks were all made promoting his upcoming Wednesday, March 14 appearance on the MyNetworkTV sitcom Under One Roof. He's been contemplating acting in his life-after-football.























Maybe he'll be the first player in NFL history
not associated with any team's jersey, as he
was caught here between his stints in
Philly and Dallas


I'm not debating whether or not he's got the HOF stats and numbers, that's not the direction I'm going. Rather - I can only see one angle here. Could he be the first HOF inductee to have a mass protest staged in front of the Hall Of Fame over choosing ANY city?

I'd like some opinions of Owen's place in NFL history as it pertains to the Hall Of Fame. I'm sure the mud, dirt and rotten tomatoes will come flying. And that's just my point. If we go with the assumption that he puts up the numbers he has in the past, for a couple of more years, he's likely to get that induction. What team/city will embrace him?




Personally... My fondest memory of T.O. was the hit George Teague put on him for attempting to dance on the Star at Texas Stadium.

As team building guru Bill Parcells always stated: In the player acquisition business, you need necessity to meet head on with opportunity. In the NFC East, the Giants set the bar high for draft standards, having had 7 of their draft picks from last Aprils draft contribute in their Super Bowl victory. They were called out on a few choices, the non-sexy ones. But in the end, needs were filled when necessity met opportunity in that April 2007 draft - head on...

For the fourth time since he bought the team, Jerry Jones and his Cowboys entered the draft with a pair of No. 1 picks. The Cowboy War Room was abuzz as Dallas made six draft picks and six trades.

With the 22nd overall pick, the Cowboys took Arkansas RB Felix Jones, the most explosive running back available to them in the draft - point blank. A breakaway threat speedster that compliments MB3's brute force. This is a lethal combination running game as Jones will supply the lightening alongside MB3's thunder, purportedly together in the backfield! I pondered slipping in a you tube video or 3, but we saw videos of Felix Jones breaking loose for the long touchdown time after time after time when he was selected.

Dallas then leap-frogged ahead of Houston, who was eying a cornerback, to land one of the best corners in the draft, South Florida CB Mike Jenkins, with the 25th overall pick.

Dallas spent this year's 2nd round draft pick on a local college player, Texas A&M TE Martellus Bennett. The Green Bay scouting director called Bennett the one first round tight end talent in the draft. A beast of a blocker, but in reality he'll be insurance and depth, playing behind Jason Witten. Dallas had traded TE Anthony Fasano a few days earlier to Miami (along with starting linebacker Akin Aoydele) in a salary cap clearing move.

After making four consecutive trades, Dallas was looking at the situation from a few days earlier where they had traded their 4th round pick to Tennessee for troubled suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones. Jerry Jones basically robbed the Titans, assuring EVERYTHING in the trade favors Dallas. The 4th round pick is returned next year should Adam Jones either not be reinstated, or slip up again and be exiled once more from the NFL.

The deal does not include any signing bonus or other forms of guaranteed money, and the deal is laden with incentive-based stipulations for payment. Among the terms of the agreement: Jones will not be paid as a top NFL cornerback until he has completed three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. As a result of the trade, Jones will forfeit $1.25 million in performance bonuses as well as $6 million in guaranteed salary payments the Titans would have been obligated to pay had Jones resumed NFL activities.

A trade resulted in Dallas re-entering the 4th round and selecting Georgia Tech RB Tashard Choice. With a roster boasting 13 (well paid) Pro Bowl players, the Cowboys are preparing for the possibility of not being able to retain the services of Marion Barber III (although negotiations are in process) following the 2008 season. Tashard Choice is a 1,000+ yard rushing big bruising back cut from the same mold as Barber. Some believe this was simply taking the best player on the board.

When the 5th round selection process began, only one player remains from the Observer's Top 100 -- Boise State CB Orlando Scandrick. Scandrick (5-foot-11, 196 pounds) had helped separate himself with strong performances leading up to the draft. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.32 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine - the fourth-fastest time of any prospect - and showed good agility and leaping ability. I'd expect, from what I'm hearing out of Valley Ranch, that Roy Williams will see action in about 100 fewer plays now. In multiple receiver sets, Williams will be off the field. He's a play-maker against the run, but he's been a liability in passing downs. Those days are over.

With their 6th (and final) pick of the 2008 draft, Dallas selected Middle Tennessee State DE Erik Walden. A relentless pass rusher, Walden only started 21 games during his career with the Blue Raiders. Still, he shattered the school career record with 22.5 sacks and also set the sack-lost yardage record with minus-136 yards. His 40 tackles behind the line of scrimmage rank second in MTSU history. Most importantly, he has the frame to be a rush linebacker in Wade Phillips' 3-4 scheme.

Toss in that Felix Jones is a skilled kick returner and Pacman is an established premier punt returner, and a 13-3 Cowboys team have an opportunity to improve. The weak links last season were Julius Jones, and the defensive secondary. Quality personnel have been infused to those positions.

A receiver would have been nice, but a feeding frenzy on the top receivers left little value for the high pick with Dallas on the clock in the 2nd round. Necessity didn't meet opportunity. Everyone can be an armchair GM for these two days, even if they didn't spend millions hiring people to help make all these player evaluations and hand out advice. I'm happy being very satisfied with the way Dallas' picks were spent. The Cowboys DID get a hell of a lot better. But then, so did the Giants, Eagles and Redskins, who as of now anyway, appear to also have had very solid drafts.

DRAFT GRADE: B+

Given all of the negative headlines that we are rapidly being subjected to by some modern day athletes (on an almost daily basis), please take a moment to absorb an enlightening story that calls upon that inner child in all of us. The old school concept of playing the game for the love of the game.

This is the story of an NFL player that will someday (whether it be sooner or beit later is yet to be determined) leave behind an incredible legacy as great as the game he loves. Dan Campbell - Former tight end for Texas A&M University, Former tight end for the New York Giants, former tight end for the Dallas Cowboys and current tight end for the Detroit Lions - is a nine year veteran of the NFL. Although Dan The Man is hardly a household name, he's been a perennial blocker for several years and one of the iron men of the trenches.

2002 was his best year with the Giants. Campbell's blocking was instrumental in the career-years of both Kerry Collins and Tiki Barber (1,387 rushing yards, a career-high and the second best total in Giants history). Despite the addition of Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey, Campbell started all 16 games and caught 20 passes for 155 yards (a 7.8 yard average) and a touchdown.

After four years with the Giants, Dan joined Dallas as an unrestricted free agent. In his first of three season with the Cowboys, he appeared in 15 games with eight starts. Hauled in 20 passes for 195 yards and one touchdown. Was selected to the USA Today All-Joe team for his unselfish blocking and clutch receptions. In 2005 he was elected offensive team captain by his teammates. Selected to receive the Cowboys 2005 Ed Block Courage Award after recovering from an appendectomy (July 27) the day the team reported to training camp.

Campbell, known as one of the NFL’s premier blocking tight ends, proved his ability to stretch the field in the Lions’ offense in 2006. He is considered to be one of the most technically sound blocking tight ends in the entire league, and is continuing to grow as a pass catcher. He signed a five-year deal with Detroit March 14, 2006

So now I've painted a picture, a resume of a man who has sustained numerous injuries yet through strenuous and dedicated rehab, has remained a part of the league. Campbell is the epitome of the alpha male iron man.

Campbell has developed a bad right elbow. Most any other player would have retired from the painful injury. Not Dan. He had surgery and returned - as usual - earlier than normal. Re-injured the elbow, had a 2nd elbow surgery, and returned again, as always - early.

Understand, I've always admired Dan Campbell as one of the unsung heroes of the NFL. The man is unselfishly building a legacy as a blocker along the lines of a Daryl "Moose" Johnston or a Mack Strong.

Campbell amazed coaches, players and fans by returning to the NFL following that 2nd surgery. Have no doubt that I was in awe to hear of his return again to the Lion's training camp in 2007. The man simply refused to quit.

Then it happened AGAIN. I remember that day - September 23, 2007 when ESPN released the following report: "The Detroit Lions have placed starting tight end Dan Campbell, who sustained an elbow injury in last Sunday's overtime victory against the Minnesota Vikings, on injured reserve, ending his 2007 season."

All heroes have a weakness, Superman had kryptonite. Achilles had his heel. Campbell came to terms with his elbow being his own Achilles' heel. What I have learned now, is that before Detroit had time to put Campbell on injured reserve, back on September 23rd of '07, Campbell had already had a radical THIRD surgery, two days earlier on September 21st. An elbow specialist reattached the triceps tendon -- what was left of it, anyway.

With very little tendon left in his right elbow, following the three surgeries, Campbell's playing days were obviously over. This is where Dan's story takes a bazaar turn. Dan, facing the fact that his playing days were obviously at end, opted for something radical on that Friday in September. Dan had the surgeon reinforce his elbow with, get this, an Achilles tendon, from an actual dead body - a cadaver.

Now I don't believe you could find another person willing to go through such goulish experimental extremes to remain in the NFL - except Dan Campbell.

"I said, 'Get it fixed. I don't care what it takes,' " Campbell said. "I did have some questions about, 'Well, how does that work?' You hear about transplants, different organs or stuff like that.

Campbell caught only one pass for one yard last year before going on injured reserve. After this latest surgery, he wasn't allowed to lift weights until February 2008. He lost about 25 pounds. He has gained back about 15, putting him at about 255, where he might stay.

"I still feel strong enough and explosive enough, but I actually feel a little faster," Campbell said. "So I kind of like it. I don't know yet. I haven't decided."

Campbell hopes to be ready for training camp; failing that, he said, he definitely would be ready for the season opener Sept. 7 at Atlanta. He laughs at jokes like this: Hey, now the Lions can fudge the injury report : Campbell, questionable (Achilles).

"I'm having a good time with it," Campbell said. "The joke's going to be on everybody else when I come back playing. I'm excited."

In the age of steroids, trade demands, arrests and Show Me The Money, Dan Campbell is a quiet unsung feel good story in the making. Truly a breath of fresh air in this era of character issues gone wild.

So when you're looking over the 2008 NFL schedule, circling those must see games, be sure to circle Sunday September 7, 2008. It's the Week One match-up featuring Detroit @ Atlanta, but more importantly it's the return of Dan Campbell, and his new Achilles' elbow.

As everyone should be aware by now, the NFL 2008 season schedule is up and posted on NFL.com. Here's a look at the strength of schedule analysis based on opponents 2007 win/loss records. The Pittsburgh Steelers - who face the challenge of overcoming the toughest schedule in the NFL - will face each team in the AFC South and the NFC East, arguably the two toughest divisions in the league that total 8 teams without a losing record in 2007. Only 4 of the Steelers 16 games are against sub-.500 teams, that being the division games against the Ravens and the Bengals.

The 18 and Uh-Oh Patriots receive the NFL version of a cake walk, playing only 5 games against teams that finished 2007 with a .500 or better record. Looking at the Patriots schedule it's very possible to finish the season 14-2 with home field advantage throughout the playoffs, again.



STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE, BASED ON OPPONENTS 2007 RECORDS

Team . ... ... ... Opp. 2007 Win%
Steelers ... ... ... ... .598

Colts ... ... ... . . . ....594

Jaguars ... ... . .. ....559

Vikings ... . .. ... ... ..551

Ravens ... ... . .. ... .551

Titans ... . .. . .. ... . .551

Bengals . .. ... . . .. .547

Texans . .. ... . .. ... .547

Browns .. . . .. ... ....547

Lions .. . .. . ... .. . ...543

Bears . .. . .. . .. . .. .531

Packers . .. .. . . .. ..531

Redskins . . . .. . ...523

Cowboys . . . . . . ...523

Eagles . . . . .. .. . ...520

Giants . . . .. . .. . ....520

Rams . . . . .. .. . . ...488

49ers . . . . . . ... ... .484

Seahawks ;;;;.. ..;..477
; ;;
Buccaneers .... .. .469

Falcons .. .. .. ... .. .469

Cardinals ..... ... .. .465

Dolphins .... .. . ... .465

Panthers ... .. .. ... .465

Jets ... ... .. .. ... .... .457

Chiefs ... .... .. . ... .453

Bills ... ... ..... ... ... .449

Saints ..... ... ... ... .449

Broncos ..... ... ... .445

Raiders ..... .. . ... .438

Chargers ..... .. .. .422

Patriots ... .. ... ... .387


MidniteCowboy's Pre-Draft Predictions:

AFC DIVISION CHAMPIONS:

AFC East - New England Patriots 14-2

AFC North - Cleveland Browns 10-6

AFC South - Indianapolis Colts 11-5

AFC West - San Diego Chargers 13-3


NFC DIVISION CHAMPIONS:

NFC East - Dallas Cowboys 11-5

NFC North - Minnesota Vikings 11-5

NFC South - New Orleans Saints 9-7

NFC West - Seattle Seahawks 12-4

Rumors out of Dallas that the trade of Adam Pacman Jones to the Cowboys is close to being completed. The hold up left is how the team will settle the grievance with Pacman over financial matters. Adam Jones has said he is willing to forego money he has earned from and is owed by the Titans if the team drops its insistence he repay a similar amount of signing bonus.

Apparently, the team’s have agreed on a 3rd round pick being sent to Tennessee along with a conditional pick, believed to be a 5th rounder, if the Cowboys were to make it to the Superbowl. It also appears that Roger Goodell has given his blessing to the deal and has stated that he would re-instate Pacman as soon as Pacman and the team work out the issues over his grievance.

I'm thinking Jerry Jones may need to send his private jet to Tennessee to pick up Adam Jones, as he comes with more luggage than most airlines will allow.

Easy MoneyE - Easy Money... ... .
In the age where Spygate opportunities and security technologies are bumping heads, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin discussed the topic of gameplan secrets in the Internet age during Tuesday’s media breakfast at the NFL owners’ meeting in Florida.

Tomlin created a buzz of inquiries from reporters when he stated that he's found a Steelers 2004 Playbook for sale on eBay! Trying to smokescreen the story, Tomlin quickly tried to change the subject stating that the Cleveland Browns are the favorites in the AFC North for the upcoming season.

The reporters didn't bite or change direction of the questioning. They were wondering just how is it that something as valuable as an NFL team's playbook was taken without notice. That 2004 Pittsburgh Steelers team followed up on a dismal 6-10 season of '03 by going 15-1 in regular season and making it all the way to the AFC Championship Game where they faced... The New England Patriots. The Patriots won convincingly 41-27.

... ...

I did track down the 2004 Steelers Playbook listing on eBay. Upon investigation, it has actually been converted to a PDF file (Adobe Acrobat). A download file that's sent electronically to the winning bidder. The book/file is not copy written and is now Public Domain. Public Domain does not mean no one owns it - it means everyone owns it. Public domain comprises copyright-free works: anyone can use them in any way and for any purpose. Download it, upload it, burn it to CD, alter it, even sell it.

Anyone who is an avid eBay user can tell you that over 5,000 hits to a $10 dollar item is quite remarkable. For the last few days, the saga of the missing playbook - be it lost or stolen - has drawn the interest of newspaper editors across the country.

The story didn't end here. At least not for me. After a bit of investigating I have found numerous football playbooks from High School to NCAA, and all the way up to the NFL level. All absolutely free and available as files on the Internet. The only cost is the time invested to search and find. Scroll down in the above auction and just look at all the public domain file playbooks this guy is selling! Look at his feedback and you see he's making a killing. There are people making a living at selling what is totally free, if you know where to look. Ridiculously Easy Money!

So save your $10 bucks Steelers fans. Go to this site and download your free copy of the 2004 Pittsburgh Steelers Playbook. Perhaps you'll choose to make a buck or two on eBay with it. Once again I am sharing the website location of a public domain file. I do not claim this file to be my own property.

The internet fodder linking the troubled Adam Jones & the Dallas Cowboys refuses to die. In fact the story is growing legs and gaining credibility. Here in Dallas, the two local sports yakety-yack stations - 1310 The Ticket as well as 103.3 ESPN - are mentioning the ongoing talks involving Pacman, his agent, the Cowboys and the Titans.

... .