SPORTSDAY

Posted by Sean Payton @ 4:00 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

Can someone explain to me why we're still in playoff contention while the Eagles aren't? Both the Saints & Eagles have the same record (7-8), and we just got our butts whipped by them.

Posted by JIMBO @ 4:22 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

I would'nt call 10-6 a butt whipping, and we are 13-2 the best record in the NFC.... Enough said!!!

Posted by Ken @ 4:27 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

This is disinformation. Of course TO will be ready for the first playof game. Now, will he be 100%? That's a different question and the answer is probably no. But that's true for just everyone who is still playing football in January. Meanwhile, let's hope that Terry Glenn is ready to return. Couldn't come at a better time.

To "Sean" (obvious Beagles fan): The Cowboys are in the playoffs because they are 13-2 while your Beagles are only 7-8. Also, do you remember the first time the Cowboys played your Beagles up in Philly?

Posted by eddy @ 4:31 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

That comment by "sean Payton" is meaning we the saints. Cmon guys

Posted by williamC @ 4:34 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

Guys,

Sean is asking why the Saints are still in the playoff picture and the Eagles are not.

He isn't asking about the cowboys.

So Sean, to answer your question is, I have no idea.

Posted by 666 @ 4:37 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

JUST WANTED TO JUMP ON AND WISH ALL MY FELLOW BLOGGERS AND THE DMN STAFF A MERRY CHRISTMAS

ALL YOU GUYS HAVE A GREAT ONE. WE HAVE OR NFL PRESENT ALREADY THANKS TO THE CHICAGO BEARS.

Posted by Ken @ 4:46 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

Oops, my bad. Sean is asking why the Saints are still in contention. Here is the answer:

1. If the Redskins win, they're in. Period.

2. If the Redskins lose and the Vikings win, the Vikings are in. Period.

3. If the Redskins and Vikings lose and the Saints win, my understanding is that the Saints are in because they would have the best record within the conference.

4. Finally, if the Redskins, Vikings, and Saints lose and the Eagles win, the Redskins advance again based on best record within the NFC.

So, there is no scenario where the Eagles can get in the playoffs, even though they beat the Saints and could end up with the same 8-8 record.

Posted by Bryant Gumble @ 5:38 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

Thanks, Ken for your information.

Now, the Eagles beat the Saints. Doesn't head-to-head record worth anything? If not, then why Dallas has home-field advantage over Green Bay if both finished 13-3?

Posted by jd @ 5:59 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

Head to head are only good for two teams, if there are more teams that are tied, i.e. three or more, then conference records trump.

ps: Peace every one.

Posted by s3gud @ 6:20 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

Beat me by 5 min, jd,

Skins are 8-7...6-5 in NFC...play Cowboys Sun.
Vikes are 8-7...6-6 in NFC...play the AFC Sun.
Beagles = 7-8...5-7 in NFC...play the AFC Sun.

Yep, the cheese-steaks are toast b/c they cannot
overcome that 5-7 Conf. record...worst Skins &
Vikes can do in Conf = 6-6...beats Eagles 5-7
because teams only play 12 Conf games.

That said, no loss to see Andy Reid, McNabb & Co
watching playoffs from their sofas, hahaha...
...the pre-season faves for you 'Goose' fans.

Posted by tommex @ 6:27 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

weirdest thing...post above listed under the
CAPTCHA code...can't even get credit for my own
bad BS ! Crazy code system...never seen this
variation before.

Posted by Mike @ 6:31 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

Anyone that thinks there's a chance T.O. doesn't play the divisional playoff game is snorting Comet.

Henry was back after 3 games and he's a DEFENSIVE player. Sorry, but as quickly as T.O. heals, the fact he's an offensive player, and that this will be a win-or-go-home game he absolutely will be playing.

It's not even worth discussing past this point. Unless you're really that bored and have to create something to talk about.

Posted by Tim @ 6:46 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

Hey guys I was listening to ESPN radio and a retired football coach made an interesting comment. He said in ND Julius was sent out on long passes and burned some defenses with his speed. It would be interesting to see one play Sunday like that just to put a little fear into Washington. Also don't we all hope that the Washington defense thinks they will have it easy since Dallas will not have all their weapons. Maybe over cofidence will lead to mental mistakes by them.

Posted by Tim @ 6:57 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

Ok the problem with injured ligaments is the blood supply to them is not as good as if per say you broke a bone. So that is why it takes longer to heal. Now if TO does do his hyperberic chamber he is increasing the oxygen to the tissue to speed repair. We do that for diabetics and burn patients. So theoretically he could heal much faster by using his chamber. Before you say anything I am a medical professional with nine years of schooling on the human body.

Posted by anthony @ 9:35 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

Hey Bryant Gumbel, if the cowboys had not beaten the packers and we ended up with the same record we would still be the one seed because we have a 10-1 conference record and they have an 8-3 record.

Posted by Austin @ 10:07 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

Not true. Two team tie...head to head is first tie breaker.

Posted by al @ 10:22 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

For the official playoff scenario info, go here:

Has current playoff information and tie-breaker rules.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/785806

Posted by RAMS FAN @ 10:23 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

ALL THIS TALK ABOUT THE COWCHUMPS IS GETTING OLD. YOU LAME FANS OUGHT TO BE WORRYING ABOUT THE DRAFT POSITIONING OF THE RAMS. THE WILL ONLY GET BETTER. OF COURSE, THEY HAVE ALREADY WON A SUPERBOWL THIS DECADE. HAVE THE COWPUKES? NO? I DIDNT THINKS SO.

SCOREBOARD RAMS!

Posted by al @ 10:24 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

For the official playoff scenario info, go here:

Has current playoff information and tie-breaker rules.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/785806

p.s. CAPTCHA Code sucks!!

Posted by Apache 61 @ 10:29 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

T.O. better be ready to play. W/out him, Tony Romo becomes Eli Manning.

Posted by Lwood @ 10:32 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

Hey Rams Fan....go crawl back in your loserville hole and get the he** off this blog! If we wanted your opinion we'd scrape it off the bottom of the scoreboard earlier this year when your lame team left Texas stadium!

BTW - How many SB's has the Lamb's won compared to Dallas?...opps...forgot you cannot count!

Posted by anthony @ 10:34 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

Austin, i meant had we not played the packers and ended up with the same record we would go based on a better conference record because we would have had the same division record, because to get the same record we would have to lost to the redskins and they would have to beat detroit. there are several other tie breakers that come in to play also depending on situation of course the cowboys do not have to worry about it because they beat the packers

Posted by fivetimes @ 11:18 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

I guess St. Louis cant afford to have a blog of their own. What a bunch of LOSERS. When you rams get a trophy caes full call me. Better yet get a coach , qb, defense , kicker, or just somebody to tell washed up holt to shut up.

Posted by TG in Phila @ 11:32 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

Linehan is the biggest fraud out there. How does this man have a job? He truly looks clueless on the sideline. Holt should have smacked him in his face on the sideline during their spat after Bulger (another joke) didn't throw to him all night. S-Jax would have looked nice on a team with talent though..

Cowboys 5 rings
Rams 1 ring

SCOREBOARD!

Posted by bill @ 11:48 PM Mon, Dec 24, 2007

The 'CAPTCHA Code' usually weeds out most of the Philly fans and all the Rams fans. I guess they get lucky on occasion and make it thru.

Posted by JJTea-time @ 1:33 AM Tue, Dec 25, 2007

Hey come read my wild eyed column about how everybody stupid 'cept me even though nothing I write ain't either windbaggy declarations or poo-poo in your old lady's new shoe. That's how we roll.

Posted by GovernorMoonbeam @ 1:47 AM Tue, Dec 25, 2007

Hey Tim, I heard Romo on the radio mention his disappointment at the lack of "journalistic integrity" last week. WAS HE TALKING ABOUT YOU???? I wonder. Hmm. You should write something really vicious, like he cooks hamsters in boiling carbolic acid! You should write that he's currently dating Chelsea Clinton. You should install a camera in duffle bag or hire a midget to climb in there and do a live spot. I'm just trying to help you.

Posted by RAMS FAN @ 1:55 AM Tue, Dec 25, 2007

RAMS SUPERBOWLS THIS DECADE 1
COWCRAPS SUPERBOWL THIS YEAR 0

SCOREBOARD RAMS, THE TRUE AMERICA'S TEAM

Posted by necro @ 7:03 AM Tue, Dec 25, 2007

A debate featuring Rams Fans versus Cowboys Fans in discussing historic franchise wins for their teams. Rams would be allowed 30 seconds, the Cowboys 5 hours. I would rather teach Rams fans how to count backwards from 100 than listen to that debate....

Posted by Chris/Denton @ 7:37 AM Tue, Dec 25, 2007

Say what you want about T.O. but the guys a competitor and there's NO way he'll sit in the Cowboys first playoff game. He wants a SB ring as much as Jerry (maybe more) and he'll be there with bells on and ready to make the highlight reels.

I like Wade's mentality about playing to win and finishing strong although I do hope they are able to get a lead and rest some of the starters after the first half. To me, Colombo and Newman have been playing hurt and I'd like to see them get some rest and time to heal although not having Newman would hurt since S. Moss is a serious deep threat. Those young tackles the Cowboys drafted looked pretty good in the preseason and would be great to see how they play not to mention it would seem important since the Cowboys have to make a decision on re-signing Flozell.

Henry seems almost back to a 100% and could probably use more playing time to "knock off the rust" although I would hope he wouldn't have to play the entire game an risk re-injuring his ankle.

I'm not sure Crayton has been completely healthy the last few weeks and he could probably use some down time and would like to see Hurd, Austin and Stanbeck get significant playing time. Call me crazy but I'd also like to see Tyson Thompson reactivated for this game and get some carries. I know the Cowboys are down on him a bit but I thought he injured his ankle/leg in that last preseason game and it affected his KO returns afterwards but thought he looked really good running the ball prior to that.

All I want for Christmas is a SB win! Merry Christmas to all you guys.

Posted by vacowboys fan @ 7:57 AM Tue, Dec 25, 2007

Ok the joke is up Rams Fan. The Rams don't have any fans so I know you're fake.

Posted by Tim @ 8:09 AM Tue, Dec 25, 2007

Would Owens, Romo, Witten or Barber have played more than a half versus the Redskins, even if T.O. was 100%? We dodged a bullet if he's back for the divisional round. Fans are delusional if they think we're going to Arizona without Owens. On another matter, I think it must suck to be a fan of the Browns, Vikings or Saints today.

Posted by James @ 8:26 AM Tue, Dec 25, 2007

Santa....all I want for Christmas is a 30+ point victory over the Patriots in the upcoming Super Bowl with Romo/TO as MVP, and Brady with a broken leg. And for icing on the cake, have Breer leave with his head up his.....

Signed,

Your favorite Cowboy Fan.

Posted by boys999 @ 10:48 AM Tue, Dec 25, 2007

I wish we had a coach that looks a little bit like an athlete. Wade is disgusting to look at. How could anyone with any self respect let himself get that bad? He is the poster boy for Redneck Magazine!

Posted by Seds @ 11:43 AM Tue, Dec 25, 2007

Dallas should treat the Washington game like it was preseason, play starters for a quarter so they get some work, then rest them. If Redskins get off to fast start then pull starters after 1 or 2 series. If 'Skins make playoffs because they beat our second string players, so what?

Posted by BlueZone @ 11:52 AM Tue, Dec 25, 2007

Game Plan Suggestions:
Rest injured Terrell "Big-Bird" Owens, Jay Ratliff (knee), Terence Newman (foot), and Andre Gurode (knee). Activate: Isaiah Stanback.
The Redskins proved they can shut the running game down, so don't even bother.
1st half:
Tony "Shotgun-Jedi" Romo plays solely from the shotgun (less chance of injury).
Terry Glenn, Patrick Crayton, Sam Hurd and Miles Austin start in a 4 or 5 receiver set.
Julius Jones gets zero running plays, but instead uses his speed to go downfield for passes.
Jason "Moose-II" Witten and Marion "Barbarian" Barber stay in to block (less chance of injury).
2nd half:
Lets see if Brad Johnson can pass (he looked terrible in preseason). If he still can't, it's time to bring up Richard Bartel from the practice squad.
If Roy Williams hasn't already been ejected from the game, sit him down. No reason to let the skins back in the game via penalty.

I'm sure a lot of other ideas are out there other than rest everyone and just lay down.

Anyone seen the scouting reports for the Hawaiian safety MELEKA LIKIMAKA ?

Posted by herson @ 12:03 PM Tue, Dec 25, 2007

Well folks it looks like the Parcells will be a nightmare come this off season. His revenge for the organization for talking crap about him when he left. Looks like Jeff Ireland, Tony Sparano, Keith Davis, Flozell Adams and prolly Patrick Crayton will be leaving for MIA. Damn you Parcells. They better give us the number 1 pick.

Posted by Bill H @ 12:33 PM Tue, Dec 25, 2007

I concur with what BlueZone suggested. Except maybe the part about not letting Barber run the ball.

Posted by PMS @ 12:50 PM Tue, Dec 25, 2007

Cowboys are 7.5 point dogs in this game. That'll stick in Wade's craw at the Ranch this week.

If Dallas loses this game, the pundits will point to the 2/2 December record as another Cowboys collapse.

Rest some folks, and play to win with the rest. The 'Skins ain't all that great. This is almost a set-up/trap game for them.

Posted by MikeInUkraine @ 3:30 AM Wed, Dec 26, 2007

My personal opinion in regards to how to approach this upcoming game against the redskins:

It'd be a waste of time to play Terry Glenn if it isn't Tony Romo throwing the passes. Thy need to work on the chemistry and timing.

Julius Jones should get 30 carries like Parcells gave him three games in a row his rookie season. If that doesn't get him kick started nothing will. It would really really be sweet if he could some how get back to the form he was in a few years ago. To do this I would give MB3 half of the full back snaps.

I'd give both Adams and Columbo the next couple weeks off and start the two rookies or one rookie and McQuisten at OT. A lot of people might question the sanity of that since I also suggested keeping Romo active to develop chemistry with Glenn but I also said they should give Julius the ball 30 times. There shouldn't be a high risk for Tony handing off to the RB for most of the game.

Rest T Newman and activate (and play) Alan Ball
Rest Crayton and activate (play) Stanback
Give Courtney Brown some playing time at FS

I think it would be sweet to win the game but if all these moves jeapordize that I don't think its that important. It might also mean we face the winner of the redskin Tmapa game instead of the Vikings with their defensive tackles and Drian Peterson. If those guys get hot they can be a real spoiler whereas playing the redskins twice in 2 weeks presents a lot less risky prospect of an upset

Posted by BlueZone @ 6:45 AM Wed, Dec 26, 2007

MikeInUkraine,

The Redskins shut down the league's No. 1 rushing team, the Vikings and held RB Adrian Peterson to 27 yards.

The Cowboys are a passing team and their running game is non-existent until the forth quarter. After establishing the pass, you can hand off to Barber and he will look for an opening and maybe find a hole for a few yards.
Instead of looking for an opening, Julius Jones closes his eyes and runs straight into the defense and falls down.

Yeh, run Julius 30 times that will work.

Posted by Kingdaddy @ 8:07 AM Wed, Dec 26, 2007

Cowboys fans - I just bought tickets to the NFC Championship in Texas Stadium to take my dad to see the game. Does anyone have any idea how the NFL determines whether the game will be played on Saturday or Sunday? Also, how they determine if it will be an early or late game?

I also rented a Trailblazer and bought a BLUE parking pass so we can do a little tailgating before the game. Go Cowboys!

Posted by Tim Burns @ 9:46 AM Wed, Dec 26, 2007

Both NFC and AFC Chapionship games are on Sunday, January 20th. No times have been decided about any of the postseason games yet. It'll be interesting if Dallas/Green Bay and New England/Indy make it that far. These things are ratings driven & the late game is the "marquee" matchup. Let's quit counting chickens for now though. It's bad luck.

ps. Please make the freakin' CAPTCHA Code work or TAKE IT OUT! IT SELDOM WORKS ANYWAY AND IT'S A HUGE PAIN IN MY ASS!

Posted by Tim Burns @ 9:49 AM Wed, Dec 26, 2007

I was wrong. Playoff times have been announced:

Saturday, Jan. 5
Game Time(ET) TV
Wild Card (AFC or NFC) 4:30 p.m. NBC
Wild Card (AFC or NFC) 8:00 p.m. NBC
Sunday, Jan. 6
Game Time(ET) TV
Wild Card (AFC or NFC) 1:00 p.m. CBS or FOX
Wild Card (AFC or NFC) 4:30 p.m. CBS or FOX
Saturday, Jan. 12
Game Time(ET) TV
NFC Divisional 4:30 p.m. FOX
AFC Divisional 8:00 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Jan. 13
Game Time(ET) TV
AFC or NFC Divisional 1:00 p.m. CBS or FOX
AFC or NFC Divisional 4:30 p.m. CBS or FOX
Sunday, Jan. 20
Game Time(ET) TV
AFC Championship 3:00 p.m. CBS
NFC Championship 6:30 p.m. FOX
Sunday, Feb. 3
Game Time(ET) TV
Super Bowl 6:18 p.m. FOX

Posted by Kingdaddy @ 10:00 AM Wed, Dec 26, 2007

Thanks Tim!

Posted by MikeInUkraine @ 2:47 PM Wed, Dec 26, 2007

Blue Zone,

I thought I said it doesn't matter to me if they won or lost. I prefer the opportunity is used to try to get Jones untracked. It would be a long shot but not impossible witha radically different approach. If it worked it would give the payoff teams something else to think about while also playing in away that would be less ikely of getting the QB or any other offensive players (except Julius) hurt.