I TOLD YOU MAN

Welcome to the Saturday Night Edition of 'Thursday Night Football'- and a special edition of RHINO SPIEL. This is a monster game for for both teams. For the Saints, the Cowboys are likely the last major hurdle to a perfect regular season with their remaining opponents being Tampa and Carolina. For Dallas, they must win at least 2 of their 3 remaining games in order to make the playoffs. Jobs are on the line and J.J. wants a winner (especially with the Super Bowl coming to town next year).

We're going to be following the game LIVE- round by round of this heavyweight fight. Nice!

Before we get going, let me remind you of a prediction I made on December 1st, 2009- right here on RHINO SPIEL:

"Right now it doesn’t look like the Saints can be taken down. But the next 3 contests will be at Washington (a top pass defense), at Atlanta (a scrappy bunch but less so without Turner and possibly Ryan), and back home to face Dallas. Of the 3, the Cowboys have the best hope of upsetting the Saints. Don’t laugh. Here’s why:

i. They have a top run offense. Better than anyone the Saints have faced all year. The Saints have had issues against good running teams this year (see Miami and St. Louis). If you can run you can keep the ball out of Brees’ hands. Miami had 4 rushing TDs against the Saints and dominated the 1st half of that game. When they faced the Rams, Steven Jackson had 131 yards and a TD. If I’m the Cowboys, I mix up my play calling to try and be as unpredictable on offense as possible. Modify the 2 TE set have Barber, Felix, and Choice on the field at the same time. Incorporate quick screens, and utilize the wildcat. Bring in 4 & 5 wide formations (Austin, Williams, Crayton, Hurd, Witten/Ogletree) to really challenge that defense. The Cowboys have more weapons than the Patriots.

ii. The Cowboys have a staunch run defense. Take the Saints RBs out of the equation right away. Blitz the hell out of Brees with DeMarcus, Ratliff, and Spencer. The Saints WRs are big and strong so the Boys will have to play nickel most of the time...take out Colston and Henderson. But you can’t stop everything. I like Shockey and Meacham to have a big day. But it’ll be worth the sacrifice.

I’m calling it right now- if the Cowboys can execute to perfection they will win the ballgame. As Coach Jimmy Johnson once said “Put it in 3-inch bold letters”.

Take note that both the Skins and Falcons gave the Saints a run (each game was a 3 point victory for the Saints). If the Cowboys play loose and to perfection I'm sticking to my pick.

Now enough of the pre-game chatter- LET'S GET TO IT!

FIRST HALF

-3 and out for the Saints

-Boys take over and run the ball..right thing to do. Will they take a shot?

-THEY TAKE A SHOT AND IT PAYS OFF! Miles Austin deep for a Touchdown! MILES AUSTIN IS THE BEAST OF THE NFC EAST! But let's not get too excited. The Saints have been down early before.

-Saints 2nd series: I'm curious as to why they're trying to establish the run against the Cowboys staunch D. NOT the right thing to do- play to your strengths- Brees is getting time in the pocket. Another 3 and out for the Saints.

-Patrick Crayton with a decent return. Cowboys come out running again...1st two carries go to the Barbarian. Big 3rd down coming up.

-Choice in motion...Romo hits Roy for a 15 yard gain. Any 3rd down conversion is huge for the Boys. Then a quick strike to Miles Austin for a gain of 26 yards. Why aren't the Saints giving Austin more respect?

-A run followed by a quick screen, followed by a direct snap to Choice. 1st and goal.

-Touchdown Marion Barber!! Cowboys up by 14! But let's not get crazy. THE SAINTS HAVE BEEN DOWN BEFORE.

-Saints 3rd series. They're pissed! Reggie for a big gain. But why are you running so much? Saints play-action...Anthony Spencer for a monster sack!! WOW...3rd and 20 coming up

-Saints go deep! Both players going for the ball...no flag...incomplete. Punt downed at the Cowboys 8.

- Cowboys going on a methodical drive but seeing more 3rd and longs than the first two series....this is due to the Saints clamping down on the run and mixing in some nice pressure packages.

-Cowboys going for it on 4th and 4. I do not agree with this call. You're defense is playing well, why take a chance on giving the Saints great field position? But the Cowboys get lucky on a phantom illegal contact call against the Saints. WOW

-The pressure finally gets to Romo however and the Cowboys have to punt. Saints will start from their 9 yard line.

-Saints now start to mix up the play calling...seems to be keeping Dallas a bit confused...moving the ball nicely now...you get the sense they're waiting for that one crack in the Cowboys armour to appear.

-They find it with a nice 34 yard pass play to Colston. Saints in the Redzone. Brees is getting a lot of time to find his receivers....non-existent pass rush by the Boys' right now. However the Cowboys' D tightens up and forces a Saints field goal. 14-3 Cowboys.

-Mid-way through the 2nd Q (7:14) and the Cowboys are deep in their own end....Felix for 17 yards...Felix then Barber and the Superdome crowd is quiet...Jonathan Vilma is all over the field making plays...Saints putting huge pressure on Romo...Cowboys forced to punt

-3:55 left in the 2nd Q...Saints start deep in their own end...despite some mild pressure Brees is getting the ball out...Bush goes out with a cramp...we'll see if he checks back in....Brees is finding his receivers and the Saints are moving down the field!!

- But check that...Brees underthrows a deep ball...Jenkins int...and the Cowboys have it back with 1:53 remaining in the 2nd.

-The Saints D seems to have made all the right adjustments and the Cowboys' passing attack has gone cold. Saints will get the ball back with plenty of time on the clock....not good for Dallas. But DeMarcus gets to Brees and it's a fumble...Cowboys recover!! Cowboys tack on 3 points and will get the ball back to begin the 3rd Q. Nice half but the bad news is there is still another half to play and the Saints are the most dangerous team in the league.

SECOND HALF

-Cowboys are moving the ball down the field with a beautiful mix of run and pass...say what you want about Jason Garrett, but he's called a nice game so far

-Barber to the corner...TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS!

-Saints take over down 24-3....I must stress to you that this is still the most dangerous team in the league...no lead is safe...Cowboys have to play to the very last second to win

-The Saints come out and spit in the face of a pending upset with a nice return by Roby...let's see if they can put points on the board (they need it)...Saints will start their 1st drive in the 3rd Q from the Cowboys' 36 yard line...

-OH!! Devery Henderson drops an easy TD...Anthony Spencer is on fire for the Cowboys....Saints are going backwards here...Saints to punt

-6:03 left in the 3rd Q...Cowboys take over....Austin cracks 1,000 yards receiving on the season...11 TDs so far...WOW...Cowboys move it to mid-field and will punt it back to the Saints.

-Saints take over with 0:38 leff in the 3rd Q...moving down the field with quick passes and max protection..finally getting the ball to his big WRs...the Saints are going no-huddle....TOUCHDOWN SAINTS (Mike Bell).

-Cowboys let a 40 yard return by Felix Jones go to waste and have to punt the ball away...oh oh

-Saints go on the attack and sprint down the field to score..TOUCHDOWN SAINTS (Lance Moore)...oh oh Cowboys...better watch out!

-But the Cowboys are playing too well on offense...Romo is converting on 3rd downs and Austin is abusing the Saints secondary...Dallas moving down the field seemingly at will...4 mins left in the 4th Q...Barber will a monster 1st down...3:55 left to play...Dallas on the 4 yard line...at TD will put the Saints to bed...Cowboys seem content to run and not take a shot at the endzone...but wait a minute..Nick Folk hits the cross bar! The FG is no good...you've got to be kidding me. Wow...Nick Folk may have just lost his job.

-2 mins left in the 4th....no timeouts...Saints can tie with a TD...Dallas is bringing the pressure...the Saints are going hurry up...inching down the field...0:54 to play...incomplete to Lance Moore....0:38 to play...the Saints are resilient...Brees deep to Meachem is incomplete...0:26 to go...pins and needles in the Superdome...Brees complete to Henderson down to the Cowboy's 42...0:18 to play...Spencer takes down Brees but his arm was going forward...ruled no fumble...0:12 to play....BREES IS SACKED BY DEMARCUS WARE AND THE BALL COMES LOOSE...RECOVERED BY JAY RATLIFF...IT IS OVER!..COWBOYS WIN- COWBOYS WIN-COWBOYS WIN!!

wow

DON'T THINK YOU'RE PAID ENOUGH?

We agree! But here’s where we add insult to injury.

Find below just a few of the 2009 NFL Player Salaries that should be donated to charity so that we can feed starving children around the world and rebuild eco-systems in 3rd world countries:

-Roscoe Parrish, Bills, 1 rec, 25 ReYds- $4,261,720

-Jason Taylor, Dolphins, 31 Tks, 6Sacks- $10,025,385

-Shawn Springs, Redskins, 31 Tks, 0 Ints- $7,483,333

-Chris McAlister, Saints, 4 Tks, 0 Ints- $10,907,082

-Jamal Lewis, Browns, 500 RuYds, 0 TDs- $6,500,000

-Willie Parker, Steelers, 259 RuYds, 0 TDs- $4,092,300

-Nathan Vasher, Bears, 12 Tks, 1 Int- $5,216,666

-Bernard Berrian, Vikings, 47 rec, 485 ReYds, 4 TDs- $9,538,333

-Bob Sanders, Colts, 3 Tks, 1 Int- $8,743,332

-Justin Gage, Titans, 22 rec, 302 ReYds, 1 TD- $3,131,720

-John Abraham, Falcons, 32 Tks, 3.5 Sacks- $8,506,720

-Jake Delhomme, Panthers, 2015 PaYds, 8 TDs, 18 Ints- $10,956,666

-Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers, 586 RuYds, 3 TDs- $4,137,250

-JaMarcus Russell, Raiders, 1138 PaYds, 2 TDs- $4,854,865

-Marc Bulger, Rams, 1469 PaYds, 5 TDs- $9,005,760

-Nate Clements, 49ers, 35 Tks, 1 Int- $5,550,000

-Deion Branch, Seahawks, 32 rec, 279 PaYds- $6,760,000

Total Raised: $119,671,132

The amount the NFL actually donates to charities each year: $10,000,000

Things that make you say ‘Hmmmmmm...’

10 THINGS...

1. The D&G Playoff Pool returns 01.09.10. Don’t miss out! Public Enemy #1? Obsessions a.k.a. Cologne Boy.

2. I think the Eagles are hitting their stride at the right time. Good teams play their best football in December. They are now first in the NFC East and own the #3 seed in the NFC. All they have to do is hold their own against San Francisco and Denver (both home games) and it’s a virtual lock. Forget Dallas and forget the Giants (even though one of them might still make the playoffs). The other team to watch in the NFC is the Pack. This is a dangerous team flying low under the radar right now.

3. Both the Colts and the Saints are 13-0. First time two teams have been at 13-0 in the history of the NFL...and you know what? I find myself not really caring so much.


4. Here’s someone who may lose his job at the end of the year: Gary Kubiak. For all the weapons on this team, I feel they’ve actually taken a step backwards. Their reason for living should be to beat the Colts, yet their lifetime record against them is 1-13 (or something like that). Pathetic. It may be a stretch, but don’t be surprised.

5. Speaking of coaching vacancies...here are the teams you can expect will be joining Buffalo on the hunt for a new coach in 2010:
-Dallas
-Washington
-Oakland
-Carolina
-Cleveland

6. This week’s Brilliant Idea: Mangini thinking of moving Cribbs to RB. Ok, I know he’s a phenomenal athlete. But he is not a RB...and do you really want to risk his health with only 3 games left in the season? Dude, you’re fired!

7. Looks like ABT may be giving DaCosta and the Patroose the stiff arm for 2nd place in the D&G Fantasy Pool. A while ago I’d predicted that Patroose wouldn’t even finish in the money. I may have to eat crow on that, but there are still 3 weeks left. PROVE ME WRONG PATROOSE!

8. D&G: Glad you left them on the bench-
-Frank Gore (33pts)
-DeSean Jackson (40pts)
-Andre Johnson (43pts)
-Brandon Marshall (42pts)
-Dallas Clark (24pts)
-Willis McGahee (24pts)

9. TonyNFL: Glad you left them on the bench-
-Frank Gore (27pts)
-Adrian Peterson (33pts)
-Donovan McNabb (42pts)
-Ryan Grant (43pts)
-Willis McGahee (27pts)
-Rob Bironas (40pts)
-49er Defense ( 26pts)
-Titans Defense (25pts)

10. Yes this is the requisite comment on my beloved Dallas Cowboys. Chargers’ Linebacker Tim Dobbins was in on three tackles during the Chargers' goal line stand in the second quarter and had this to say: “I don't know what they were thinking but after the second time you gotta think, `don't run that play no more,''' Dobbins said. ``I don't know if they watched film or what. ``In our mind, we knew he wasn't blocking. We knew he had to get the ball...everybody in the stands new that...I don't know what they were thinking”. Yeah...neither do we.

10 THINGS...

1. I think Robert Meacham was awesome on Sunday. To me, he’s supplanted Steve Breaston as the best #3 WR in the league.

2. I’d be very afraid of the Packers right now. Their defense is ferocious, they’ve seemed to repair their O-line issues, and Aaron Rodgers is on a tear. You don’t want to face these guys wild-card weekend.

3. The Cowboys missed another great opportunity by losing to the Giants on Sunday. By my count that’s at least 3: The loss to the Giants week 1, the loss to the Broncos, and the loss to the Packers. By winning yesterday they could have effectively ended the Giant’s season, and put some fear into a Chargers team heading their way next week. As much as I love them, they’re not winners. And it goes back to what I said early in the year- that it starts at the top with the ownership and coaches. The team is laden with talent, but the attitude and culture is one of self-doubt and tentativeness- instead of the expectation of winning each and every Sunday (see the Saints). However, having said that, I say the Cowboys will put a drubbing on San Diego this Sunday.

4. I still think Anquan Boldin is a beast. Re-watch the SNF game film if you doubt me. He’s a MANANIMAL!

5. Glad you left them on the bench (D&G):
Brandon Jacobs 29 pts
Roy Williams 19 pts
Wes Welker 24 pts
Rashard Mendenhall 18 pts
Antonio Gates 23 pts
Tony Romo 45 pts
Drew Braes 43 pts
Leonard Weaver 17 pts

6. Glad you left them on the bench (TonyNFL):
Calvin Johnson 22 pts
Jerome Harrison 19 pts
Brandon Jacobs 30 pts
Eagles D 20 pts
Kevin Smith 19 pts
Knowshon Moreno 28 pts
Brandon Marshall 14 pts
Chad Henne 42 pts
Marshawn Lynch 16 pts
Santonio Holmes 19 pts
Tony Romo 54 pts
Miles Austin 15 pts
Wes Welker 16 pts

7. Three outcomes I still cannot understand:
Redskins giving up the ghost
Steelers going out like chumps
Patriots losing the momentum, lead, and game to the Dolphins

8. Wanna know how to beat the Steelers? 3 words: Pass, Pass, and Pass. They currently rank 17th against the pass having given up 2600+ yards, and 15 TDs, with only 8 picks. Other teams with 8 picks? Cleveland, Detroit, and St. Louis. The Steeler’s secondary was torched ALL DAY by Gradkowski (308 yards, 3 TDs) and his group of receivers. In fact, during the Steeler’s 4-game losing streak, Matt Cassel had 248 PaYds with 2 TDs, and Joe Flacco had 289 PaYds with 1 TD.

9. D&G: I think it’s hilarious that Cologne Boy drafted T.J. Houshmandzadeh and is actually going to win the Championship (see the commercial). Had to happen in my pool didn’t it?!

10. Tom Brady:
-3 Super Bowl Championships.
-Some say the best to ever play the QB position.
-2 sons.
-2 different women.
-Both Supermodels.
-Worth millions.
-Yeah...this guy needs to get a life.

10 THINGS...

10 THINGS....

1. A word on Chris Collingsworth: I used to rif on this guy during his playing career. I found him to be an overrated receiver on the field (yes, even at 6’5”) and an annoying personality in real life (Don’t remember? Check it out here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8HdOEStmrs)
i. Yet his career stats: 1981-1988, 417 receptions, 6,698 yards, 36 TDs, four 1000 yard seasons
ii. Are on par with Plaxico Burress’ first seven years: 2000-2006, 400 receptions, 6,366 yards, 39 TDs, three 1000 yard seasons. Not too shabby
iii. And he’s won five Sports Emmy Awards.

He sounds less of goof than when he first started and clearly knows what he’s talking about. Still don’t love the guy, but he’s grown on me a little.

2. I was laughing at the Titans after they went winless in their first 6 starts. I sarcastically predicted that they’d go on to win 10 in a row and make the playoffs. Well....five games later and the joke may end up being on me. But the magic carpet ride ends next week in Indy.

3. Speaking of the Colts...down 0-17 and then outscore the Texans 35-10? Wow...that is sick.

4. I commented weeks ago that it may be time to reopen those ‘best QB ever’ discussions. Are you sure it’s Tom Brady? Manning and Favre would like to say a few words about that.


5. Tell me again that next year you’d still take Adrian Peterson over Chris Johnson. Really, I want to hear you say it. But before you do please take a gander at Chris’ 100+ yard rushing games so far this season:
i. Week 2 - 197 yds, 2 TDs
ii. Week 6 – 128 yds
iii. Week 8 – 228 yds, 2 TDs
iv. Week 9 – 135 yds, 2 TDs
v. Week 10 – 132 yds, 2 TDs
vi. Week 11 – 151 yds
vii. Week 12 – 154 yds, 1 TD

6. Took the kids to see Planet 51. Really bad movie. It was everything I could do to keep my eyes open. Usually they make the character similar in appearance to the actor providing the voice. Not so in this case, the main character, voiced by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, was blond haired and blue-eyed. Huh? And what was with the story? A planet of green people living in a white-picket fence; a 1950’s Americana type of world...scared of an alien invasion. Weak. What does this have to do with Football? Nothing. But had to tell someone. You guys win the prize.

7. Speaking of weak...this Thursday's NFL prime-time game featuring the Bills v. Jets is here in Toronto. Of course I’m going...but wishing the Bills were a lot better and a team like the Patriots or Saints were in town. Pay attention to the jersey count...they’ll be some Bills fans, some Jets fans, and whole lot of everything else. Toronto is a big NFL city with fans here supporting almost every team out there. I’m curious to know how the NFL feels about that. This is supposed to be the Bills’ market right?

8. This is was I stated in my last blog about the Patriots v. Saints match-up: “If the Patriots can run the ball on Monday night, they’ll beat the Saints. If not, it’ll be Drew Brees’ ascension ceremony” I think on Monday night we witnessed the inauguration of Drew Brees. A passing of the guard. You could see the resignation on the faces of the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick as they stood on the sidelines- knowing they didn’t run well enough to open up the passing lanes. Then they waived the white flag with 5:26 remaining in the 4th quarter and sent in Brian Hoyer for Brady. Ok now listen to me carefully. Right now it doesn’t look like the Saints can be taken down. But the next 3 contests will be at Washington (a top pass defense), at Atlanta (a scrappy bunch but less so without Turner and possibly Ryan), and back home to face Dallas. Of the 3, the Cowboys have the best hope of upsetting the Saints. Don’t laugh. Here’s why:

i. They have a top run offense. Better than anyone the Saints have faced all year. The Saints have had issues against good running teams this year (see Miami and St. Louis). If you can run you can keep the ball out of Brees’ hands. Miami had 4 rushing TDs against the Saints and dominated the 1st half of that game. When they faced the Rams, Steven Jackson had 131 yards and a TD. If I’m the Cowboys, I mix up my play calling to try and be as unpredictable on offense as possible. Modify the 2 TE set have Barber, Felix, and Choice on the field at the same time. Incorporate quick screens, and utilize the wildcat. Bring in 4 & 5 wide formations (Austin, Williams, Crayton, Hurd, Witten/Ogletree) to really challenge that defense. The Cowboys have more weapons than the Patriots.

ii. The Cowboys have a staunch run defense. Take the Saints RBs out of the equation right away. Blitz the hell out of Brees with DeMarcus, Ratliff, and Spencer. The Saints WRs are big and strong so the Boys will have to play nickel most of the time...take out Colston and Henderson. But you can’t stop everything. I like Shockey and Meacham to have a big day. But it’ll be worth the sacrifice. I’m calling it right now- if the Cowboys can execute to perfection they will win the ballgame. As Coach Jimmy Johnson once said “Put it in 3-inch bold letters”.

9. TonyNFL: I think that Brees has justified being drafted #1 by Johnny’s Groupies. Anyone care to debate the logic of that now?

10. TonyNFL: I think the battle for 1st place is HOT right now. Can Goose/Nick hold off a hard charging Johnny? I also think there is an interesting battle for 3rd place between Rob/Nick, Da Rhino, Gabe/Rick, and Bean Town. Only 5 weeks remain and it could come down to the very last one.

OUT.