SPORTSDAY

Posted by Dan @ 10:28 PM Thu, Nov 22, 2007

That's a very good football team.

And they're getting better.

And the Cowboys had better have their "A game" going if they intend to beat them.

Posted by c donk @ 10:45 PM Thu, Nov 22, 2007

This should be the best football game in the NFC this regular season, and hopefully will rival the Colts-Pats game a couple weeks ago. Too bad those of us who don't live in the Metroplex and don't have DirectTV can't even watch it at home. The NFL Network is ridiculous to have this hold-up with the cable companies.

Posted by TSmith @ 10:56 PM Thu, Nov 22, 2007

This game is important against the Pack. The winner is likely to get home field through out the playoffs. Neither team has anyone left on the schedule that should beat them. We have them at home and it will tell just how mature and talented this team has become.

Posted by BigDFan @ 11:47 PM Thu, Nov 22, 2007

Stop hatin on the NFL Network--it's the damn cable companies holdin up progression. They want to pass the NFL Network to you, and they have the capability. The problem is they want to charge extra (like a premium package) and the NFL Network refuses to allow them to do that. You should thank them for not giving in to the cable monopolies. I know it sucks, but direct your anger to right people. Complain to your cable provider, or better yet, trash that worthless cable and get you some DirecTv in HD. While your at it throw down for the Sunday Ticket and never miss another game.

Or you can go to a bar that is showing it and chill with group of like minded fans.

Posted by Brad in Miami @ 12:25 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

I think you mean "Peek at the Pack."

Posted by Tim MacMahon @ 12:28 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

Thanks, Brad. I always screw that word up for some reason.

Posted by Perry @ 12:37 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

Hello from Wisconsin:

I am hoping that both the Cowboys and the Packers bring their "A" games and that we have an exciting game next week.

If either team falls short of "A" game effort - they will loose.

Naturally, I would like it if the Packers win. I understand that most of you would like the Cowboys to win. So lets just see what happens.

Either way - I hope you enjoy watching Brett Favre, as he is a great class acts and player.

Posted by PackerMan @ 12:39 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

If the Pack tastes defeat in Dallas, they go back to Dallas in January and it's T.O. vs. Moss in February. If they win, the 'Boys come north, it's Tundra Time baby. Can you feel the chill?

Posted by Dan @ 1:26 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

Perry,

I don't think this is going to be the only meeting between these two teams this year.

We'll probably meet again early in '08.

Consider this game a preview of what is to come.

Posted by BigDFan @ 1:45 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

Perry, I'll give you that, Favre is a class act and one of best at the position. It is notable what GB has done with a cast of mostly unknowns.

As others have mentioned, regardless the outcome on Thursday, I believe these teams will meet again for the right to represent the NFC in Arizona.

Here's to hoping the student (Romo) rises up and defeats his master (Favre). He may be his childhood idle, but Romo would like nothing better than to succeed him.

Posted by ron mexico @ 4:30 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

If the Cowboys D can prevent 3rd down conversions like they did against the Jets (not like they didn't against the Pats), I don't think it will be close. The Cowboys will score on the "vaunted" Packers D, but can the defense get stops (and turnovers).

This is going to be the best game at Texas Stadium in a long, long time...

Posted by Mike @ 4:34 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

Favre's timing is awful when it comes to Texas Stadium. Again he's gonna have Cowboys pass rushers in his backfield screwing it all up.

Posted by Chris/Denton @ 7:41 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

Hey, a fan with class from an opposing team posted here! Actually the Packers fans have always been good people and Favre is my second favorite QB and he's been fun to watch this year.

The Packers have a LOT of receiving threats and I'm not sure our secondary matches up with them that well. I can see it now, 4 WR set with that TE that's doing so well (can't remember his name) lined up in the slot with Roy Williams having to cover him 1 on 1. Ouch. With Henry still banged up and the way Reeves plays off the ball so much Favre will have a field day with the slant and no one throws that ball better than him. I think it'll be a shoot out and come down to which teams scores last.

Posted by PaulC @ 8:02 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

It'll be interesting to see which way the aftermath of this game breaks. I suspect that one of the two teams will crash and burn the rest of the season. Will a big win leave the victor emotionally spent, having peaked DURING the season, instead of the playoffs? Or will a stinging loss deflate the victim, leaving them floundering like the Colts have seemed to do after losing to NE? I think one of those scenerios will play out. I don't see BOTH teams being able to steamroll into the playoffs.

Posted by necro @ 8:12 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

Yes indeed. This is the Game of the Year in the NFC. Winner will have an almost unstoppable remaining ride to homefield in the playoffs and for anyone traveling to Green Bay at that time of the year it's almost certain defeat. While Romos stat line read good against the Jets he will not be able to miss those touchdown throws that he did and still be able to lead Dallas to a win against the Packers. If you throw out all records and stats you get to the bottom pregame line that the Packers passing game is up there with the Pats and the Colts and the Cowboys defense doesn't match up well with an elite passing game and QB like the Packers have. We are going to need A Lot of crowd noise and our very best defensive effort to beat the Packers no matter where we play them.

Posted by David (Too Many Davids) @ 8:25 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

With Ellis, Canty, Ware, and Ratliff, Dallas can get pressure with 4 just as easily as they can with 6. Spears, Spencer and Tank are not too shabby at bringing the pressure as well so I expect that Favre will burn Dallas for a few plays but it won't be consistant enough to deliver the big drives needed to keep Dallas's offense off of the field. I wonder how well a older Favre handles the punishment he is going to receive?

The Packers may try to run and Ryan Grant has looked good but he won't be able to run on the Cowboys. Dallas has not surrendered a 100 yards to a runner all year.

Dallas on the other hand has TO who is going to require double teams and really those only work for so long before he splits the coverage. TO eats top corners for breakfast.

But lets say the Pakers go all out and can stop TO with help from the safety, then who is going to stop Witten going down the middle? At some point the safety has to decide who he is going to cover. At that point the open receiver is going to get the ball because Romo and his offensive line are going to make the play last alot longer than the DBs can cover.

And if you manage to play perfect and stop those two? Julius, Barber, Crayton, Hurd, and Austin will tear you up underneath and on the sidelines.

If nobody is open then Romo takes off and runs for the 1st. Its going to be a long day for Packers.

That being said, I expect the DMN writers to pick the Packers by a ratio of 4 to 1.

Posted by PaulC @ 8:30 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

That being said, I expect the DMN writers to pick the Packers by a ratio of 4 to 1.

Gosselin, in fact, may try and poison the Cowboys' pregame meal.

Posted by Perry @ 8:35 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

BigDFan Says:

"As others have mentioned, regardless the outcome on Thursday, I believe these teams will meet again for the right to represent the NFC in Arizona."

In general I agree with this. Major injuries
could always change that. All we can do - for
each of our teams - is hope for this. Then
cheer or cry as the season plays out.

"Here's to hoping the student (Romo) rises up and defeats his master (Favre). He may be his childhood idle, but Romo would like nothing better than to succeed him."

I also agree with this. Excellence is
measured against excellence, and the best
players want to be measured against the best;
regardless of the outcome.

I hope both bring their "A" game so that we
can see how this plays out. Of course, the
rest of the team is an important supporting
cast - and a lot depends on them as well.

In the end, neither team will have anything to be ashamed of as long as they bring their "A" game to the game and compete well. I will not try to predict a winner as I believe it could go either way.

I will also note that I appreciate the classy fans who responded to me here. We all get farther ahead by building each other up and supporting each other.

May the best team win. May the good fans of both teams get to see a great game. We all win in that case.

Posted by Terik @ 9:42 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

Perry,

I must say i am very impressed by you right now. We NEVER find another teams Fans come in here and speak the way you have.....and as you said May the Best team Win.... ( Of course hopefully the Cowboys ) ....Perry, thanks for being a Standup Fan....!!!!!

Posted by Perry @ 10:18 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

Thanks Terik:

I do know how depressing it can be - and really hate the forums where the mudrakers take over.

So, what is the meaning of "Sportsmanship"?

Why don't more people lead by example?

What is it like to compete at a high level - and not win. What is it to compete and realize that you just don't have it to reach the top? Does that mean the person or the team is a looser - or does it mean that they have achieved something that many people never have. If only that the person really tried to win... and achived their best.

What if you don't have the athletic ability to be competitive at a high level... what do you do. Do you settle for the local softball league or somethink like it... or do you find a way to be really competitive.

One of my volunteer activities is as an official (25 years or so now) and I have worked "events" from a local to international level (I have judged two world championships and one Olympics; not to mention many "world cup" events and other international events). Many people do not understand that being a high level official is also a compitition. Being able to see what happens in a split second and making the right call on the situation. Not so easy - but I am proud that I can do it and am recognized in my sport as being at the level I am.

Have I made mistakes: Yes. Those were painful lessons and I have focused on never making those mistakes again. The competitors deserve no less. Some football games that I watch my heart bleads for the ref's involved. I know what they do and how they feel as well - even if I am not fully up on the rules for football.

But, the lessons learned over the decades has taught me what it means, at least to me, to be a sportsman. I would hope that others can see some of the same meanings.

My heart bleads Badger Red and Packer Green and Gold as far as football is concerned. That does not mean that the other teams are bad teams or that the other fans are bad fans. I can relish excellent play by any athlete in any sport - and if that is what beats my team. Then that is the fairness of what sports is all about - and the loss for my team is not that painfull.

Having had the oportunity to judge the best in the world in one sport (and have dinner with them); and meet many other top athletes of other sports from all over the world - what I want most is for both teams to really play their best (oh, and the refs to have a good game too).

I will cheer on any truely great play.

May the best team win. It is the only way I can really think about the event and call myself a sportsman.

Posted by JDA @ 10:43 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

Either the Boys defense plays or this game will go to the Pack.....no other way to say it!!

Posted by will @ 11:04 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

From a diehard Cheesehead.

This should be a good game but wiht KGB and Woodson down it will be very to for the GBP to pull this one off. We will put a ton of points on the board but it will be to to stop tr and to in my opinion.

Since Jerry Jones and I are each owners do you think he would show a little professional courtesy and drop some tickets on me.

Will

Posted by Dan @ 11:47 AM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

Regardless of the injury to the Packers' defense, so long as Favre goes out there and keeps putting up points, it's going to be a long afternoon.

Favre and co have the ability to make a game of it regardless of the success or lack of success of the Packers' defense.

I think each quarterback will throw an interception, not necessarily from a miscalculation, but from a desire to "make a play," or "let their receiver make a play." And that will result in turnovers.

I think each defense will get several stops.

And when the offense gets the ball back, it will be imperative to get the ball in the end zone.

Another key will be finishing drives with touchdowns, not just points. Holding the other team to a field goal might count as "a stop" for this game. Like what we saw with the Patriots.

This game will be the most closely scrutinized game since some of the seasonal matchups against San Fran, back in the '80s and '90s.

Posted by Tom T @ 12:11 PM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

Perry and Terick, why don't you two just make love and get it over with.

Posted by Terik @ 2:11 PM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

Tom T,

Make sure you spell my name right before you Try and throw an Insult my way ok....... and Letting someone know that there an alright person doesnt Mean anything close to what you have said....Must be a Little Fantasy you have in your head i guess but its ok...... Just Live in your Mind and Maybe Just maybe your Fantasy will Come True...!!!!

Posted by David (Too Many Davids) @ 2:32 PM Fri, Nov 23, 2007

I agree Tom T. Perry and Terick need to get a room.