SPORTSDAY

Posted by marcus w @ 12:50 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

It's funny how "Me"-Shawn Johnson has forgotten the fact that he was once the most HATED receiver in the league!!

Posted by PMS @ 12:55 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

The "Cult of the Bill" is a pretty amazing thing.

Posted by Khalil Naim @ 12:59 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Keyshawn is Bill's mouth Piece. Bill doesn't say anything controversial in the show, but Keyshawn does it for him and Bill smiles and chuckles the whole time.

Posted by Ryan in DC @ 1:00 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Uhhhhh, I seem to remember a certain post on this blog that was in reference to there "NOT" being an anti-Cowboy bias in the media.

Well I would just like to use Me-Shawn and Tubby Tuna as a prime examples. Funny how two guys who actually had strong ties to the organization are even part of this. And nobody out there can tell me they are not being overly critical of this team.

Did Parcells have a hand in the foundation, yes. But so did Jerry Jones. And I'd also like to point out that Parcells was in Dallas 4 full years. We're not talking about a coach who didn't have enough time.

But in a strange way I'm really enjoying this. Just provides more fodder to strengthen the team. Time to circle the wagons.

Posted by mike @ 1:01 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Parcells and Johnson both sucked in Dallas

Posted by LG @ 1:05 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

It is amazing that a good (at best) WR like Meshawn would make those kind of statements.Guess it's the pot-stirring the mediots always try to do.Bill's team? Please. Bill who?

Posted by Jeff L @ 1:08 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

For Keyshawn to criticize any receiver for being selfish, not a team player, disruptive, etc, etc, is laughable.

I've become numb to Keyshawn, Tom Jackson and others looking down their noses at T.O. as if he's some sort of evil being, waiting for the inevitable temper tantrum, etc. OJ cut two people's heads off (allegedly) and doesn't received as much criticism as Owens.

As far as the whole Parcells/Phillips angle, I understand that Keyshawn has close ties with Parcells, and that's fine. If he wants to give Bill credit for building this team, that's fine too. But he crossed WAY over the line when he compared Phillips to Barry Switzer (few weeks ago). The simple facts are that Phillips came in and has IMPROVED on what Parcells started. That's hard for some to accept.

Posted by Matt @ 1:10 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

I'm sure TO will get roasted by the ESPN crew for this. But he's right. Tuna did have a hand in "buying the groceries", but Wade is the right coach to create gourmet cuisine out of those groceries.

Posted by Jeff @ 1:11 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

TO is completely right about his comments but to give keyshawn some credit he was one of the premier possesion receivers in the game, a first overall pick type of talent? NO, but still a very good receiver, Keyshawn is definitely a mouthpiece for Parcells who is too much of a girl to say anything controversial, he built a great team but obviously could not coach it properly, this would be a good 9-4 or 10-3 team under parcells but wade has been able to make it a great 12-1 team

Posted by Mark @ 1:12 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Put yourself in Parcells' and Johnson's shoes. Parcells has to be killing himself about retiring. Keyshawn has to be killing himself about being cut for T.O.

The team is off to its best start ever and neither one of them is around to enjoy, or benefit from it.

I will be honest, I doubt the Cowboys would be 12-1 with Parcells as coach. We might be 10-3, or something, but it is a forgone conclusion that T.O. would't be used as he is now, and that there would be more drama then last year.

Are Parcells and Johnson jealous? A little. They are only human. Just my opinion, but this is the same team as last year, minus Terry Glenn and we are like night and day compared to last year. That is enough to make anyone scratch his head, even Parcells.

Posted by Will @ 1:16 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

I am not the biggest fan in the world of T.O., but this year he has not given any indication that he is not being a good team mate. I do get the sense that ESPN and the media (local included) are looking for the smallest thing so ping T.O. on. I have no issue with his comments back to Keyshawn and Big Bill. I will give Parcells credit for contstructing the team with the players, but I will give Wade Phillips credit for getting the most out of these players.

Posted by Mike In Plano @ 1:20 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Forget 10-3.....this team would be more like 8-5 if the overrated Tuna was still sparing it up around these parts. Look at how many players have performed better under Phillips than they ever did for Parcells (T.O., Ellis, Newman, Burnett, Gurode, Flozell, Brady James, etc....) Also, there's no way Romo would be enjoying the season he's having if Parcells was still here dumping all his doom and gloom on Romo. They wouldn't have Nick Folk either. Parcells made it clear he would never draft a kicker. Parcells didn't want T.O.....but he had to have Bobby Carpenter and Marcus Spears. That tells me everything I need to know about Big Bill. Him leaving is what's known as addition by subtraction. Good riddance !!

Posted by Mike In Plano @ 1:21 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Forget 10-3.....this team would be more like 8-5 if the overrated Tuna was still sparing it up around these parts. Look at how many players have performed better under Phillips than they ever did for Parcells (T.O., Ellis, Newman, Burnett, Gurode, Flozell, Brady James, etc....) Also, there's no way Romo would be enjoying the season he's having if Parcells was still here dumping all his doom and gloom on Romo. They wouldn't have Nick Folk either. Parcells made it clear he would never draft a kicker. Parcells didn't want T.O.....but he had to have Bobby Carpenter and Marcus Spears. That tells me everything I need to know about Big Bill. Him leaving is what's known as addition by subtraction. Good riddance !!

Posted by S L @ 1:27 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

go ask Steve Beurlein - Keyshawn's just another USC thug. ha ha ha

He crossed the line last Sunday with his comments about coaches winning SBs with other guy's teams, and it was SO shamelessly self-serving. And it was almost creepy watching Parcells bob his head up and down in agreement. What gutless myopia. "Keyshawn, please, point out Wade's only riding my horse to the rodeo. sniff sniff." "OK, coach. You know I got your back."

geez, no one asked him to leave, ya know. NOt yet anyway. But once he'd taken this team - minus Jason Garrett, no doubt - to another 9-7 record, there would have been a serious heart to heart down the hallway with Mr. Jones and his stadium model.

BUT - big difference - they DID 'ask" Keyshawn to leave. and let's face it, they're both mad about it. Keyshawn didn't want to go, didn't want to give up his seat on that bus for that player, and Parcells didn't want that player period.

so wow - look who's the real winner here - the GM. And ya know, I think that is what gets Parcells' (and Keyshawn's) goat the most: Jerry Jones overruled them and WAS RIGHT.

Posted by BigTex84 @ 1:27 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

What did T.O. ever say for Keyshawn to go off on that rant! "Let it go...just leave it alone!" Let what go, leave what alone?!?! If you don't wanna know what T.O. thinks of Parcells, STOP ASKING HIM!!! I watched that piece and did not get anything from it that said that Parcells has NOTHING to do with this!! T.O. just said that Parcells not saying his name didn't bother him...so what!!!

Keyshawn deserves that hit...he has been a T.O. hater since day one in the season, and though he will give him props now and then, it's absurd some of the things he says!! Even Emmitt, who I like...as a player only...needs to wake up!! What is he EVER talking about?!?

Posted by Joe @ 1:29 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

I'm missing something here. What did Keshawn say that implied he was throwing T.O. under the bus and caused T.O. to defensively respond that he was a better player than Keshawn? Did Keshawn say he was better than T.O.? Did Keshawn say anything bad about the Cowboys? There must be more to this story than what is printed here, cause I don't see the big fuss. I do give Parcells some credit - he did bring in Romo and some other talent upgrades. That doesn't mean he's the prime reason we're 12-1 (he's not, by a long shot), but I also don't see that claimed in Keshawn's comments either. I didn't see the interview - maybe that's what he said. Otherwise, better get T.O. the ball more this weekend, cause he's getting a little grumpy.

Posted by No Mo Bill @ 1:29 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Love the groceries analogy! And as long as TO is ragging on someone other than current teammates or coaches, life is good!!!

Posted by S L @ 1:39 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Parcells didn't bring in Romo, Sean Payton did, because of school connections. And if he hadn't, Shanahan was going to, having been made aware of him for the same reasons.

How bad is the show now with Keyshawn, Tuna and Emmitt? BRING BACK MICHAEL IRVIN. That's how bad it is.

Posted by D Fan in TN @ 1:40 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Well Joe,

I've watched Sunday Countdown this entire year, and Keyshawn has not been too kind of T.O. (he has complemented his play, at times, but continues to attack his character). When anything goes (slightly) wrong, Keyshawn blames T.O. and calls him out. The touchdown celebration in Miami (mocking Spygate), Keyshawn went off on T.O.

He has consistently called him an "I, my, and me" guy. He has said that he should just stop talking...that he needs to let go of his "beef" with Parcells...it's been 14 weeks of it really...

Posted by Kiss my Meshawn @ 1:55 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Thanks to all of you...I have grown beyond tired of Keyshawn dumping on TO...I watched Sunday Countdown and the entire TO interview on The Sunday Conversation...I was appalled (as I have been all season) with Keyshawn's TO rants...He even had the nerve once to compare the attitudes of Moss and TO...both of whom have had troubled past relationships with teammates and coaches might I add...and he of all people...Mr. Meshawn "Throw Me the Damn Ball" Johnson...Please...I loved how Ocho Cinco put him on the run...I take the continued existence of Meshawn on ESPN as more evidence that ESPN has turned to sensationalizing rather than reporting...and Emmitt (who I loved as a Gator and Cowboy) is a like a little lap dog up there agreeing with Keyshawn or anyone else...Ed Werder asked TO how he felt when Parcells wouldn't say his name...and he made a valid point by saying he is nor was the person always bringing it up...it was the media...and Keyshawn's "Let it go" statement to TO concerning Parcells was completely ludicrous...He was asked the question...he answered it calmly and without malice...here's a statement for Keyshawn and Bill...Move on!... just as you thankfully did for the Cowboys...

Posted by T-RICH @ 1:59 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

If Keyshawn is talking about PhillIps' winning with Parcells' Players, then how did he win the Super Bowl with Jon Gruden in Tampa with Tony Dungy's players? Please don't contradict yourself Mr. Johnson. And to Mr.Owens...LET THE HATERS HATE, DON'T RESPOND TO THEM THEY ARE JUST TRYING TO STAY RELEVANT SO THAT THE ESPN EXECUTIVES DON'T FIRE THEM, LIKE THEY DID MICHAEL IRVIN!!!JUST GO OUT THERE AND PLAY YOUR GAME, BRO!!!GO COWBOYS 4 LIFE!!!

Posted by Racer-X @ 1:59 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Parcells deserves much credit for the state this team is in now, but there are two reasons they are 12-1 and a significant threat in the post-season:

a)Chemistry - No way this team would have ever had the chemistry they do now. I lump TOs team-first message, his lack of distraction, the fun they are all obviously having on as well as off the field all in together.

b)JG - I have to admit, I was scared of him coming in and messing with our top rated offense of last year, but he has sold me and theres no way BP, even if Jerry had hired JG, would ever have given him the latitude to direct the offense as he has.

Now, WP has improved the defense, but not to my expectations. I would like us to have the physical bump at the line type of game plan to pull out when facing teams like the packers or patriots. We still get torched through the air far too much for my liking and until I see these guys punch someone in the mouth, like the one game effort they gave Indy last year, I am not going to feel good about a rematch with New England.

Bill gets credit, but we would not have come close with him on top. I finally came around to that conclusion. He needs to be and would make an incredible GM. He definitely knows how to construct a talented team.

Posted by Avery210 @ 1:59 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

So glad TO responded to Keyshawn. I used to really like that guy but he's just a bitter athlete now. Says a few things good but he's mostly p'd at athletes that talk too much (even though that pretty much defined his entire career).

Can't wait to see what old man Tom Jackson has to say. I'm sure he'll toss his cane at the camera and wave his fist at this "new generation" player stuff he's been tossing out for 10 years now. Get over it.

Posted by Kid Charlemagne @ 2:10 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

This isn't like when Switzer rode Jimmy's horse to the Super Bowl. Give Paecells credit for rebulding the engine, but don't forget he abandoned the project and Wade came in installed the engine, Garrett tuned it up and handed the keys to Romo to drve it to victory.

Posted by mattyinnj @ 2:12 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

ESPN is a joke. First they get rid of "Jacked Up", quite possibly the highlight of my Sunday. Then they dump Irvin (underrated if sometimes aggravating) for Keyshawn (Irvin without the endearing smile and enthusiasm) and BP (double yawn). Also...Emmitt? Stick to Dancing with The Stars. As much as I love you and would give you a kidney if you needed one, you suck as a TV personality. And does anyone else feel like Steve Young is, was, and ever-shall-be little more than a smug prick?

Let them ALL HATE! The Pats have been using hate as inspiration all year why can't we? Made doubly worse because many of the comments are being made by former teammates. this 12-1 team is essentially the same as last year's team; TOTALLY new chemistry is what is making this team roll. Thanks for the set-up Bill but looks like Wade is getting called in to close it out.

Posted by Al @ 2:19 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

I didn't see the interview. Does anybody have a link to it?

Posted by Scott in Littleton @ 2:26 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

That's what I'm talking' about. Way to go TO. Tell it! I'm surprised we haven't heard it like this yet.

Posted by Brian @ 2:28 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

I wish T.O. wouldn't have taken the bait on this one... Everything T.O. said is correct and I think almost all Cowboys fans who follow this team closely know it. ESPN is in the entertainment business first and foremost. Giving honest analysis or accurate reporting is not always top priority in this regard. I'm sure the powers that be up in Bristol are patting Key on the back for getting T.O. to respond this morning, "now we can all tune in and listen to Key's response". What a joke.

Posted by jim @ 2:39 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

What Key said on the Countdown show went right over T.O.'s head. Its not about themselves as players or who was a better player. Its about T.O. showing a little respect for Parcells and acknowleding that Parcells had a lot to do with the building of this team. Keys tired of T.O. biting on Ed Werder and the rest of the medias questions about his sour relationship with Parcells. And the fact that T.O. rips Parcells every chance he gets.

If you missed it all Keyshawn said was just shut up and play football and quit making yourself look like an idiot.

Posted by Ray @ 2:41 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

ESPN is like MTV. It was cool in the 80s and early 90s, but it's a joke now. They have resorted to hiring haters and illiterates. Keyshawn, Skip Bayless, Woody Paige, it's getting really old. Someone needs to start up a new sports network.

Posted by Matt @ 2:49 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

TO was responding to a direct question. He did not bring up the subject, and his response, when viewed through an objective lens, did not blast Parcells at all.

Posted by Josh50123 @ 2:53 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

I'm of the opinion that Parcells made a few good decisions regarding personnel and a few godawful decisions. No more and no less than you're average upper echelon coach. Now, considering the expectations that he brought with him and understood to be in place just by virtue of the fact that he was A) Bill Parcells and B) the Dallas Cowboys head coach, that's not something worth writing home about.

Keyshawn and others who want to credit Parcells for building this team also need to point out that he wasted three years with Testaverde and Bledsoe, while the future of the franchise sat on the bench. Romo is here because of Sean Payton's recognition of his potential, not because of Parcells scouting genius and master developmental plans.

Posted by Mark @ 3:28 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

I don't think he wasted 3 years. Romo wasn't ready. He needed that time.

I say that, maybe he didn't, but I think it benefited him waiting. Sean P recognized his potential, but potential won't get you very far. Parcells' magnum opus, if you will, was Romo. I give a lot of credit to Parcells for that, and his leaving was perfect timing for Romo.

Parcells did build this team, or at least make it better than it was before he got here. But like Chad Knaus builds Jimmy Johnson's race cars, he could never drive them like Jimmy.

Wade is to Jimmy, what Parcells'is to Knaus.

Posted by Saint Jimmy @ 3:29 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO glad that someone put Keyshawn in his place. Keyshawn is an idiot and a jerk and he really should just shut his trap and beg Pete Carroll for a job. Keyshawn really needs to look in the mirror before telling TO what he should or shouldn't do. Let's just compare shall we:

Keyshawn - Wrote a book about how he's so great that he needs to get the ball more often.
TO - Wrote a book about sharing.

Keyshawn - Has been seen getting in the faces of his head coaches about one thing or another.
TO - Has been seen getting in the faces of his position/offense coaches while leaving the head coach to do his job.

Keyshawn - Made such a mess in Tampa Bay for who knows what reasons that he got suspended by his own team.
TO - Made a mess in Philly because he wasn't being shown any love by his teamates and organization that they suspended him.

Keyshawn - Has thrown his QB's under the bus for who knows what reason and been seen yelling at them during the games.
TO - Has thrown his QB's under the bus because he was already gone and because McNabb threw him under the bus first.

I think it's easy to see that Keyshawn is just as bad, if not worse, than TO ever was. Therefore Keyshawn should take the advice of people living in glass houses.

Posted by J Martin @ 3:40 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Yeah, Keyshawn has the pulpit. He’s the broadcaster, so until TO walks on the set, Keyshawn has the advantage. And even though we can say he had the “disadvantage” of guys like Brad Johnson and Vinny Testaverde throwing to him, was Keyshawn EVER considered a game breaker? He was a 1A…a little better than a solid possession WR.

Outside of Romo (as has been noted) and TO (surely, BP wanted no part of him), BP definitely re-stocked the Cowboys personnel. That is indisputable.

However, Parcells’ game was an “execution” game and not a “reactive” game.

“Do what I tell you to do and all will be well.”

But, when his, ultimately predictable, game plans didn’t succeed, there was no variation. No fluidity. If the Cowboys lined up like so, opponents knew what to expect.

The new coaching staff is using the inherited playmaking talent (Romo, TO, Jay Witten, DeMarcus, et al) and adjusting for the others’ weaknesses (Sorry, Roy.)

In the NFL, it’s Adapt or Die and this seemed to escape Parcells.

Posted by J Martin @ 3:42 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Yeah, Keyshawn has the pulpit. He’s the broadcaster, so until TO walks on the set, Keyshawn has the advantage. And even though we can say he had the “disadvantage” of guys like Brad Johnson and Vinny Testaverde throwing to him, was Keyshawn EVER considered a game breaker? He was a 1A…a little better than a solid possession WR.

Outside of Romo (as has been noted) and TO (surely, BP wanted no part of him), BP definitely re-stocked the Cowboys personnel. That is indisputable.

However, Parcells’ game was an “execution” game and not a “reactive” game.

“Do what I tell you to do and all will be well.”

But, when his, ultimately predictable, game plans didn’t succeed, there was no variation. No fluidity. If the Cowboys lined up like so, opponents knew what to expect.

The new coaching staff is using the inherited playmaking talent (Romo, TO, Jay Witten, DeMarcus, et al) and adjusting for the others’ weaknesses (Sorry, Roy.)

In the NFL, it’s Adapt or Die and this seemed to escape Parcells.

(Seriously, the SPAM code is mostly unintelligible.)

Posted by Tvats @ 3:52 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Here's my question if you really want to compare Wade and Tuna. Is this team that much different from a personnel standpoint this year than it was last year? WHo have we added? Ken Hamlin and Leonard Davis. If we can't give Wade any credit for the improvement, then are we to assume that Davis and Hamlin are the ONLY reason that we are guaranteed to win 3 more games than we did last year? Parcell's may have SHOPPED for the groceries, but Wade is cooking one hell of a feast and I always give credit to the CHEF!

Posted by Adrian @ 5:38 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

here is the video footage
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d8050c741

Posted by Red @ 5:46 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

ANYBODY here who isn't proud of T.O. for sticking up for his present coach is an idiot. He is being loyal to his coach and firing back at ESPN for the way they have treated him this year. THE WHOLE YEAR on ALL the ESPN shows they have been talking down about him, surprised he is behaving, BUT still egging him on to react. Screw ESPN seriously especially Trey Wingo's never played a down sorry behind. I'm proud of my boy TO.

Posted by will @ 6:23 PM Wed, Dec 12, 2007

ere's a couple of funny side notes to all this doe's anyone remember seeing Meshawn on the Draft brodcast doing commentary? well when the Panthers drafted Dwayne Jarrett Meshawn was like "oh great pick I can't wait till Training camp so I can school him and give him all my knowledge and the next day Carolina cut Meshawn absolute Greatness it shows how only he sees his value so high.
also the Tuna tried to get another raise last year like he did before by acting as if he didn't know if he wanted to come back and Jerry didn't bite this time so he retired. Bottom line there gonme were better thats all that needs to be said

Posted by mjfalin @ 12:10 AM Thu, Dec 13, 2007

Bill did draft a lot of the players. I say Wade gets credit butBill does also!

Posted by Bill H @ 11:01 AM Thu, Dec 13, 2007

I liked both Parcells and Keyshawn when they were with the Cowboys. But, and think a lot of the current team thinks as I do on this, I couldn't care one whit less what they say on TV nowadays. It just doesn't matter, and I've got better things to hold my interest...

Posted by JOE @ 3:31 PM Thu, Dec 13, 2007

BILL PARCELLS RECORD SPEAKS FOR ITSELF, NO MATTER WHERE HES COACHED...AND HAS 2 RINGS, YOU BAFOONS....T.O. IS A DISRESPECTFULL CHILD....RESPECT THE TUNA T.O...HE BUILT DALLAS FOR THE FUTURE, AS HES DONE IN THE PAST WITH ALL HIS TEAMS...HATS OFF TO KEYSHAWN FOR PUTTIN IT TO T.O........LONG LIVE THE TUNA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Melo @ 3:39 PM Thu, Dec 13, 2007

Its just to bad the tuna didnt use the Big Fish! and now the Big fish is swimming hes way to the super bowl! T.o. is correct

Posted by Ray HAmilton @ 3:54 PM Thu, Dec 13, 2007

Weather you accept it or not, T.O. is a Grrrreat Receiver. Now this is coming from a Redskin Fan.(for Life). The Boy talks, but the Boy backs it up. And oh yea, Me-shawn blew the catch which would have put the Panthers in the play-offs also. Yes, he also played with the Panthers.lol. So Key, do your Job, and Let it Go.

Posted by Ron @ 4:05 PM Thu, Dec 13, 2007

T.O is 1 of the best play makers.But hey Ill give the credit to success of the cowboys to 5 people Owens,Witten Romo,Philips,Jason Garrett

Posted by Jerry @ 5:59 PM Thu, Dec 13, 2007

I never liked any of these guys who always have to put themselves in the spotlight, especially after a touchdown such as Meshawn and T.O. Neither one of them can match Randy Moss' ability in catching in traffic and scoring when he has the ball,and I never liked Moss either until I got to see him play on a steady basis. SO both Meshawn and T.O.
should keep quiet about how good they think they are.