MY FANTASY

Got your attention now?

Alright...this year I've got only 2 Fantasy teams going (trying to keep the marriage intact)...

Team 1: Romo, Campbell, Quinn, Gore, McFadden, Hightower, L. Washington, L. White, Coffee, A. Johnson, R. Wayne, Welker, Driver, C. Henry, Austin, Olsen, Boss, V. Davis, Akers, Rackers, Mare, Cards, Cowboys.

Team 2: Hasselbeck, Garrard, Pennington, Gore, McFadden, Hightower, L. White, Mewelde, M. Morris, A. Johnson, D-Jack, Welker, Coles, Henry, Britt, Carlson, Boss, Bironas, Kasay, T. Davis, Weddle, Packers, Dolphins.

Let's talk about Team 1 today...

All things considered I didn't think I'd drafted too badly (certainly better than recent years). But, in this league (TonyNFL 20th Anniversary Edition, 10 teams, Standard scoring), I am taking an absolute BEATING. Why? MISMANAGEMENT THAT'S WHY!

Week One I leave Romo on the bench (300+ PaYds, 3 PaTDs). Why? Cause I wasn't sure what TB was going to bring. Their passing def was 4th in the NFL last year and it was a home game. Plus I thought the Boys would focusing more on establishing their new running game- working out the kinks.

Week Two I leave both Gore (207 RuYds, 2 RuTDs) and A-John (149 ReYds, 1 TD) on the bench. Why? No excuses here. Should have started them both plain and simple. Smooth move exlax.

Week Three:
Against my better judgement (I was thinking of Washington or White instead) I start Gore against the Vikings thinking he's my stud- have to go with him- look what happened in Week Two-and guess what? The guy sprains his ankle and gives me diddly squat. No luck with Gore this year. Yes I have Coffee...but he's a Rook...a great preseason means nothing now. He's got to show and prove before he'll be worth anything.

I'd been wrestling with who to start between Wayne and Driver all week. I knew Driver would have a good game against STL but...I'm so far behind I decide to take my chances with the better player and start Wayne. Reggie delivers (126 ReYds, 1 TD), but A-John doesn't. Should have left him on the bench and started Driver and Wayne. Who knew?

Anyway, I've got Romo going tonight. Hopefully he gives me something to feel better about.

In related news, I found a great site that sells Crystal Balls. It's http://www.crystal-balls.com/gazingballs/50mmcrystal.htm?gclid=CM_X6viylJ0CFdZM5QodWHfD7Q if you're interested. Figure I'll give it shot and see if it helps.

Yeah right.

I'm out.

Time to PONY UP

Cowboys 31, Giants 33

If you watched the game, you saw the Giants win with a last second field goal. But let me tell you something, that game was lost months ago.

Forget the story you read this morning that said that Romo is the real problem with the team and not T.O.

The problem lies within the character of the club- and that character is defined by its owner.

The focus last night should not have been on the Tower of Babel; instead it should have been focused on winning the game. Have you heard some of the player's comments? They said it feels more like entertainment complex on steroids than a football stadium. Think I'm off base? Did you know that 30,000 people bought tickets that didn't come with a seat? Did you know that the players are paraded in front of the fans as they enter the stadium? A fish bowl would be an upgrade. One whiff of the pomp and circumstance and I knew the Boys were in for a bad night.

And yet, the Cowboys could have won this game going away. The offensive and defensive lines dominated on both sides of the ball. The O-line's push and seperation allowed the Boys to rush for a total of 251 yards and 3 touchdowns. The defensive line, despite not getting any sacks, put significant pressure on Manning all night. So why did the Cowboys lose?

Four things:

• The Secondary is soft. Newman, Jenkins, Scandrick , and Hamlin aren't getting it done. In 2 games, they've allowed 606 yards passing and 3 touchdowns. How bout them apples?


• Romo has to take better care of the ball. Last night's pick 6 and deep ball pick were just brutal momentum killers.


• The Dallas receiving core is weak. A very average crop at best. Not one of them strikes fear into the hearts of their opponents. Not one.


• Character. All Show and no Prove. I don't feel this team is playing with a sense of urgency. Instead, they're playing with a sense of entitlement. Not as brash, but similar to last year's attitude and expectations. Instead of being out there, it lurks beneath the surface like an unseen cancer.

During the summer I predicted the Boys would go 10-6 and make the playoffs. They'd surprise people with a renewed sense of purpose and a retooled offense focused on the run. But you cannot change character. Yes they're a really good running team now. And yes I actually really believe in this team. But Jerry has to change its character and the smell of the air. Take the focus away from the stadium and put it back on football.

That's all for now. We'll talk at the end of the season about firing the coach and bringing in Anquan.

Da Rhino is out!